JP2023096559A - refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator comprising a storage container capable of being detachably attached, and easily changing a mounting position in a storage.SOLUTION: A refrigerator comprises: a shelf 30A installed in a storage chamber (refrigeration chamber) 7; a storage container 50 detachably attached to the lower side of the shelf 30A; a rear side engagement mechanism 60 that engages the rear region of the storage container 50 with the shelf 30A or an inner wall 7A of the storage chamber (refrigeration chamber) 7; and a front attachment/detachment mechanism 70 for detachably engaging the front region of the storage container 50 with the shelf 30A, where a lateral length of the storage container 50 is shorter than a lateral length of the shelf 30A, and a lateral mounting position of the storage container 50 can be changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a detachable container inside a storage compartment.

Refrigerators are known that have a detachable storage container in a storage compartment. Among them, a refrigerator has been proposed in which a removable storage container is housed in a drawer-type support frame having a front door (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, a notch is provided in the upper part of the side wall of the storage container in order to avoid interference with the upper portion when the container is attached or detached. As a result, the storage capacity of the storage container can be increased.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-52809

However, the installation position of the storage container described in Patent Document 1 is fixed in the drawer-type support frame, and the installation position of the storage container cannot be changed inside the storage chamber. Therefore, it is not possible to change the housing position of the storage container to a position suitable for the purpose of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator equipped with a storage container that is detachable and whose mounting position within the storage compartment can be easily changed.

The refrigerator of the present invention is
a shelf installed in the storage room;
a storage container detachably attached to the lower side of the shelf;
a rear engagement mechanism for engaging the rear region of the storage container with an inner wall of the shelf or the storage chamber;
a front attachment/detachment mechanism for detachably engaging the front region of the storage container with the shelf;
with
The horizontal length of the container is shorter than the horizontal length of the shelf, and the mounting position of the container in the horizontal direction can be changed.

According to the present invention, the rear engagement mechanism engages the rear region of the container with the inner wall of the shelf or storage compartment, and the front release mechanism engages the front region of the container with the shelf. allows the storage container to be attached to the underside of the shelf. In particular, the user can easily attach and detach the storage container by operating the front attachment/detachment mechanism from the front side. Furthermore, the horizontal length of the storage container is shorter than the horizontal length of the shelf, and the user can easily change the horizontal mounting position of the storage container by operating the front attachment/detachment mechanism.

As a result, it is possible to provide a refrigerator that is detachable and has a storage container that can be easily changed in its mounting position within the storage compartment.

Moreover, in the refrigerator of the present invention,
an air outlet through which the gas flowing in the cooling channel flows into the storage chamber is arranged below the shelf;
An entrance opening through which gas flows is provided on one side of the storage container near the blowout port and upward on the rear side,
It is characterized in that an outlet side opening is provided in the lower front side of the other side surface of the storage container, through which the gas that has flowed in the storage container flows out.

According to the present invention, the outlet through which the gas flows into the storage chamber from the cooling channel is arranged on the lower side of the shelf, and the entry side opening is located on the upper rear side close to the outlet on one side of the storage container. is arranged, the gas that has flowed in from the outlet can be taken into the storage container as it is. On the other hand, since the outlet side opening is provided on the lower front side of the other side surface, the gas that has flowed into the storage container flows through substantially the entire area in the storage container and flows out from the outlet side opening. As a result, the items stored in the storage container can be effectively cooled.

Moreover, in the refrigerator of the present invention,
A laterally extending rib is formed along the entry side opening and the exit side opening of the storage container.

According to the present invention, when guide ribs extending in the lateral direction are formed along the entrance side opening and the exit side opening of the outer surface of the storage container, the gas flowing into the storage container and the gas flowing out from the storage container are controlled. can guide the flow of gas to achieve efficient gas flow. Furthermore, when laterally extending air-path blocking prevention ribs are formed along the entrance-side opening and the exit-side opening of the inner surface of the storage container, the entrance-side opening and the exit-side opening in the storage container are formed. Even if stored items are present in the vicinity of the container, the air passage blockage prevention ribs can block the gas flow in the storage container from being blocked by the stored items at the entry side opening and the exit side opening. .

Moreover, in the refrigerator of the present invention,
A sensor that detects whether the storage container is attached in proximity to a cold air outlet,
It is characterized in that, when it is determined based on the information from the sensor that the storage container is attached close to the cool air outlet, control is performed to strengthen the cooling of the storage chamber.

According to the present invention, when it is determined that the storage container is attached close to the cold air outlet, control is performed to strengthen the cooling of the storage chamber, so that the stored items in the storage container can be cooled more effectively. be able to.

Moreover, in the refrigerator of the present invention,
a cooling flow path having a plurality of outlets at different positions in the height direction through which the gas that has passed through the evaporator flows and the gas that has passed through the evaporator flows into the storage chamber;
A cooling channel adjustment mechanism that operates such that, when the storage container is attached near the air outlet, the cooling channel downstream of the air outlet provided in the area where the storage container is attached narrows. Prepare.

According to the present invention, when the container is attached close to the outlet, the cooling channel adjustment mechanism narrows the cooling channel downstream of the outlet provided in the area where the container is attached. works like As a result, more gas can be supplied to the area where the storage container is attached, so that the stored items in the storage container can be cooled more effectively.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a refrigerator provided with the storage container which can be attached or detached and whose attachment position in a storage compartment can be changed easily can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is side sectional drawing which shows typically the refrigerator which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic side view of a storage container according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted under a shelf installed in a refrigerating compartment; FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing the periphery of the entry-side opening shown in FIG. 2A; FIG. Fig. 10 is a side view schematically showing a storage container according to one embodiment of the present invention attached under a shelf installed in a refrigerating compartment, viewed from the other side; 2D is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing the periphery of the delivery side opening shown in FIG. 2C; FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the attachment position of the storage container in the refrigerating compartment. Fig. 10 is a plan view schematically showing another example of the mounting position of the storage container in the refrigerating compartment; 1 is a diagram illustrating a control system for refrigerator cooling according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a cooling channel adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a state in which the channels are not narrowed; FIG. 5B is a side view showing the arrow AA in FIG. 5A; FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the cooling channel adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a state in which the channels are narrowed; FIG. 5D is a side view showing the arrow BB in FIG. 5C.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The refrigerator described below is for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and unless there is a specific description, the present invention is not limited to the following. In each drawing, members having the same function may be given the same reference numerals. The sizes and positional relationships of members shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. In the drawings, when the refrigerator is placed on a horizontal floor surface and the user faces the door, arrows indicate up and down, front and back, and left and right, respectively. In the drawing, the flow of gas in the chamber is schematically indicated by dotted arrows.

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view schematically showing a refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. First, an outline of a refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

A refrigerator 1 has a housing 2 and includes an upper door 3 and a lower door 4 rotatably attached to the front portion of the housing 2 when placed on a horizontal floor surface. Inside the housing 2, a freezer compartment 6 and a refrigerator compartment 7 are arranged as storage compartments. A heat insulating material is arranged between the inner surface of the housing 2 and the outer surfaces of the freezer compartment 6 and the refrigerator compartment 7 .

<Cooling channel>
As shown in FIG. 1, behind the freezer compartment 6 and the refrigerator compartment 7, there is a cooling channel 10 composed of a lower cooling channel 10A and an upper cooling channel 10B partitioned by partition members 11A and 11B, respectively. is provided. An evaporator 24 is arranged in the cooling channel 10 (more specifically, the lower cooling channel 10A). Evaporator 24 constitutes a part of the cooling circuit of refrigerator 1 .

The cooling circuit includes a compressor 21 , a condenser 22 , a capillary tube, and an evaporator 24 . The components of the cooling circuit are fluidly connected by piping in the order described above, and the evaporator 24 is cooled by the refrigerant circulating in the cooling circuit. The rotation speed of the compressor 21 is variable, and when the rotation speed of the compressor 21 increases, more refrigerant circulates and the cooling of the evaporator 24 can be strengthened.

A fan 12 is arranged above the evaporator 24 in the cooling channel 10 . The fan 12 allows the gas in the refrigerator to flow, and the gas that has been cooled by passing through the fins of the evaporator 24 can be supplied from the cooling channel 10 to the freezer compartment 6 and the refrigerator compartment 7. . The rotation speed of the fan 12 is also variable, and when the rotation speed of the fan 12 increases, the flow rate of the gas supplied to the freezer compartment 6 and the refrigerator compartment 7 can be increased.

A freezer compartment damper 13 is arranged in the upper opening of the lower partition plate 11A. When the freezer compartment damper 13 is open, the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 flows from the lower cooling flow path 10A to the freezer compartment 6 . On the other hand, when the freezer compartment damper 13 is closed, the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 does not flow from the lower cooling flow path 10A to the freezer compartment 6 . FIG. 1 shows a state in which the freezer compartment damper 13 is closed.

When the fan 12 is in operation and the freezer compartment damper 13 is open, the gas that has flowed into the freezer compartment 6 from the lower cooling flow path 10A circulates in the freezer compartment 6, and flows under the lower partition member 11A. , returns to the entry side of the evaporator 24 of the lower cooling flow path 10A. This causes the gas to pass through the evaporator 24 again and be cooled, repeating a similar flow cycle. This is called a freezer compartment cooling cycle. While the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 in the freezer compartment cooling cycle circulates through the freezer compartment 6 , it can cool the stored items in the freezer compartment 6 .

However, the switching of whether to flow the gas into the freezer compartment 6 is not limited to the use of the freezer compartment damper 13 . For example, a shielding device having a movable fan cover that covers the outside of the fan 12 can be used. When the fan cover is open, the gas discharged from the fan 12 flows into the freezing chamber 6, and when the fan cover is closed, the gas discharged from the fan 12 is prevented from flowing into the freezing chamber 6. be able to.

Furthermore, a refrigerator compartment damper 14 is arranged between the lower cooling channel 10A and the upper cooling channel 10B. When the refrigerator compartment damper 14 is open, the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 flows from the lower cooling channel 10A to the upper cooling channel 10B. Furthermore, the gas that has flowed into the upper cooling flow path 10B flows into the refrigerating chamber 7 from the upper cooling flow path 10B via first to third outlets 16A to 16C provided at a plurality of height positions. In this embodiment, the partition member 11B is composed of a front plate and left and right side plates, and has a U-shape when viewed from above (see, for example, FIG. 5A). The width dimension of the front plate of the partition member 11B is smaller than the width dimension of the refrigerating compartment 7, and is arranged at the center position in the horizontal direction. Each of the first to third outlets 16A to 16C has an opening provided on the front plate for blowing gas forward and openings provided on both side plates for blowing gas laterally. On the other hand, when the refrigerator compartment damper 14 is closed, the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 does not flow from the lower cooling channel 10A to the upper cooling channel 10B. In FIG. 1, the refrigerating compartment damper 14 is shown in an open state, and the flow of gas at that time is schematically shown by dotted arrows.

When the fan 12 is in operation and the refrigerating chamber damper 14 is open, the gas that has flowed into the refrigerating chamber 7 from the upper cooling flow path 10B through the first to third outlets 16A to 16C is discharged into the refrigerating chamber 7. It circulates inside the refrigerator compartment 7 and flows into the inlet 15A of the return channel 15 opened on the lower side of the refrigerator compartment 7 .

The return channel 15 is a channel through which the gas that has circulated in the refrigerator compartment 7 flows into the lower side of the lower cooling channel 10A without flowing through the inside of the freezer compartment 6 . The return channel 15 is arranged to be separated from the cooling channel 10 . The gas that has flowed into the refrigerator compartment 7 from the upper cooling channel 10B and circulated in the refrigerator compartment 7 flows into the return channel 15 from the inlet 15A. The inflowing gas then flows through the return channel 15 , flows into the lower side of the lower cooling channel 10 A from the lower outlet 15 B, and returns to the inlet side of the evaporator 24 . This causes the gas to pass through the evaporator 24 again and be cooled, repeating a similar flow cycle. This is called the cold room cooling cycle. During the refrigeration compartment cooling cycle, the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 is circulating through the refrigeration compartment 7, allowing the contents of the freezer compartment 6 to be cooled.

In the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 7 is provided with two shelves 30A and 30B. The first outlet 16A and the second outlet 16B open just below the shelves 30A and 30B, and the third outlet 16C opens above the refrigerator compartment 7. As shown in FIG. As described above, each of the outlets 16A, 16B, and 16C has openings in three directions: front, left, and right. A storage container 50 is attached to the lower side of the shelf 30A positioned immediately above the first blowout port 16A. More specifically, the entrance opening 54 of the storage container 50 for introducing gas into the storage container 50 is arranged to face the opening for blowing the gas to the right side of the first blowout port 16A. The rear engaging mechanism 60 engages the rear region of the storage container 50 with the shelf 30A, and the front attachment/detachment mechanism 70 detachably engages the front region of the storage container 50 with the shelf 30A. Thereby, the storage container 50 is attached so as to be detachably suspended from the shelf 30A. Via the first outlet 16A, the gas flows into the refrigerating chamber 7 and also into the storage container 50, flows through the storage container 50, and then flows out of the storage container 50. - 特許庁Thereby, the stored items in the storage container 50 can be cooled.

In FIG. 1, as an example, the storage container 50 is detachably attached to the lower shelf 30A. It may be attached in a state, or it may be attached to a shelf in the freezer compartment 6 in a detachable state. That is, the storage container 50 may be attached to the lower side of the shelf installed in any area of the storage compartment of the refrigerator 1 . This storage container 50 will be described later in detail.

A machine room 40 is arranged in the rear and lower part of the housing 2, and a compressor 21, a condenser 22, an evaporating dish (not shown) and the like are arranged. A cooling channel adjustment mechanism 80 for changing the channel area of the upper cooling channel 10B is installed immediately above the first outlet 16A of the upper cooling channel 10B. The cooling channel adjustment mechanism 80 will also be described in detail later.

(storage container)
FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing a storage container 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted under a shelf 30A installed in a refrigerator compartment 7, viewed from one side 50A. It is a diagram. FIG. 2A corresponds to an enlarged view showing the periphery of the storage container in FIG. FIG. 2B is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing the periphery of the entry-side opening 54 shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of a storage container 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted under a shelf 30A installed in the refrigerator compartment 7, viewed from the other side 50B. It is a diagram. FIG. 2D is a perspective view schematically showing an enlarged periphery of the output side opening 56 shown in FIG. 2C. FIG. 2A is a view of one side surface (left side surface) 50A of the container 50 viewed from the right side of the partition member 11B of the refrigerator 1. FIG.

The storage container 50 is a substantially rectangular housing with an open top, and the upper opening is covered with a lid 52 . However, the shape of the storage container 50 is not limited to a rectangle, and any other shape can be adopted. In principle, storage items are put in and taken out of the storage container 50 by removing the lid 52 from the storage container 50 outside the refrigerator 1 . After finishing taking in and out of stored items, the lid 52 is attached to the storage container 50.例文帳に追加Then, using the rear engagement mechanism 60 located on the rear side of the storage container 50 and the front side attachment/detachment mechanism 70 located on the front side of the storage container 50, the storage container 50 with the lid 52 attached thereto is moved under the shelf 30A. It can be attached detachably on the side.

<Rear side engagement mechanism>
A shelf 30A of the refrigerator 1 is attached by a shelf support 32 attached to the inner wall 7A of the refrigerator compartment 7. As shown in FIG. The shelf supports 32 are attached to the rear inner wall 7A (see FIG. 2A) and both inner walls of the refrigerator compartment 7. As shown in FIG. The shelf support 32 is provided with a recessed shelf holding portion 34 into which the end of the shelf 30A is inserted. Therefore, the shelf 30A is supported by the shelf support 32 in three directions except for the front side, and is fixed to the inner wall (7A, etc.) of the refrigerator compartment 7 with sufficient strength.

A recessed receiving portion 64 is formed on the lower side of the shelf holding portion 34 of the shelf support 32 . A mounting portion 62 is formed at the rear end of the storage container 50 so as to extend rearward. The rear engagement mechanism 60 is composed of a mounting portion 62 and a receiving portion 64 . The mounting portions 62 may be provided continuously across the rear end of the storage container 50 in the lateral direction, or may be provided with a plurality of mounting portions 62 having a predetermined width at predetermined positions in the lateral direction. obtain. In order to attach the storage container 50 to the lower side of the shelf 30A, first, the mounting portion 62 formed at the rear end of the storage container 50 is placed on the upper surface of the receiving portion 64 . Thereby, the rear region of the container 50 and the shelf 30</b>A can be engaged via the shelf support 32 .

The front side of the receiving portion 64 is formed so as to bulge slightly upward from the surface that receives the placing portion 62 so as to prevent the placed placing portion 62 from coming off the receiving portion 64 . However, when attaching and detaching, the mounting portion 62 can be easily removed from the receiving portion 64 by slightly lifting the storage container 50 and lifting the mounting portion 62 above the front side of the receiving portion 64 . Since the shelf support 32 is attached to the inner wall 7A of the refrigerating compartment 7, it can be expressed as engaging the rear region of the container 50 with the inner wall 7A of the refrigerating compartment 7. FIG.

In this embodiment, the shelf holding portion 34 that holds the shelf 30A and the receiving portion 64 that engages with the storage container 50 are formed on the same member (the shelf support 32), but the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, the shelf holding portion 34 and the receiving portion 64 may be formed of separate members. In that case, the member having the receiving portion 64 may be attached directly to the inner wall 7A separately from the member having the shelf support 32. Also, the member having the receiving portion 64 may be attached directly to the shelf 30A supported by the shelf support 32. As shown in FIG. In either case, it can be said that the rear engaging mechanism 60 engages the rear area of the storage container 50 with the shelf 30A or the inner wall 7A of the storage compartment (refrigerating compartment) 7 . Further, there may be a form in which the shelf 30A is placed on a shelf support formed on the inner surface of the housing 2 (that is, the inner wall 7A of the refrigerator compartment 7).

The storage container 50, the lid 52, and the mounting portion 62 and the shelf support 32 (receiving portion 64) that constitute the rear engaging mechanism 60 are preferably made of a resin material that is lightweight and low in manufacturing cost. However, it is not limited to this, and a metal material or the like may be used at least partly.

<Front attachment/detachment mechanism>
A rotation base 72 is attached above the front side of the storage container 50, and a snap arm 74 is rotatably attached to the rotation base 72. As shown in FIG. A front attachment/detachment mechanism 70 is configured by the rotation base 72 and the snap arm 74 . At least one front attachment/detachment mechanism 70 composed of a rotation base 72 and a snap arm 74 is provided on the front side of the container 50 . However, in consideration of stability, it is preferable to provide a plurality of them (for example, one each on the left and right) in the lateral direction on the front side of the storage container 50 .

Snap arm 74 is resilient and can be rotated to snap fit with the top surface of shelf 30A, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 2A. Snap fit is a method of fixing in a detachable state by fitting using the elasticity of the material. The rotation base 72 and the snap arm 74 that constitute the front attachment/detachment mechanism 70 are preferably made of a resin material.

<How to put on and take off the storage container>
In order to attach the storage container 50 to the lower side of the shelf 30A, the storage container 50 is pushed to the rear of the lower side of the first shelf 30A, and the placing portion 62 formed at the rear end of the storage container 50 is moved into the refrigerator compartment. 7 is placed on the upper surface of the receiving portion 64 of the shelf support 32 attached to the inner wall 7A of 7. The front snap arm 74 is then rotated to snap fit onto shelf 30A, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2A. As a result, the storage container 50 is fixed at the front and rear sides, and is detachably attached so as to be suspended from the lower side of the shelf 30A.

To remove a storage container 50 attached to the underside of shelf 30A, the front snap arm 74 is rotated and removed from shelf 30A, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2A. After that, by pulling the storage container 50 toward the front and slightly upward, the mounting portion 62 placed on the receiving portion 64 on the rear side can be removed from the receiving portion 64 . Furthermore, by pulling out the storage container 50 forward, the storage container 50 can be easily taken out of the refrigerator 1 .

<Moving the position of the storage container>
FIG. 3A is a plan view schematically showing an example of the mounting position of the container 50 inside the refrigerator compartment 7. FIG. FIG. 3B is a plan view schematically showing another example of the mounting position of the storage container 50 in the refrigerator compartment 7. As shown in FIG. Next, referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the case of operating the front attachment/detachment mechanism 70 to change the mounting position of the storage container 50 will be described. A perspective view showing an enlarged area of the guide ribs 52, 54A and the detection rib 54B is shown in the lower left of FIG. 3A.
figure

The horizontal length (that is, the width dimension) of the storage container 50 is formed shorter than the horizontal length of the shelf 30A. Particularly in this embodiment, the horizontal length (that is, the width dimension) of the storage container 50 is formed shorter than the horizontal length of the region of the refrigerating chamber 7 on the right side of the partition member 11B. As a result, in the region on the right side of the partition member 11B of the refrigerating chamber 7, the installation position of the storage container 50 can be moved laterally. A specific horizontal length of the storage container 50 is appropriately determined based on the required storage capacity of the storage container 50, the horizontal length of the area on the right side of the partition member 11B of the refrigerator compartment 7, and the like. . 3A shows the case where the storage container 50 is attached to the right region of the refrigerator compartment 7, and FIG. 3B shows the case where the storage container 50 is attached near the central partition member 11B.

For example, when changing the mounting position of the storage container 50 from the position shown in FIG. 3A to the position shown in FIG. 3B, the following procedure can be performed. By pulling the upper side of the snap arm 74 of the front attachment/detachment mechanism 70 forward from the state shown in FIG. 3A, the snap-fitted snap arm 74 can be removed from the shelf 30A. In this state, the front region of the storage container 50 is supported by hand, and while the rear mounting portion 62 of the storage container 50 is placed on the receiving portion 64, the storage container 50 is slid leftward as shown in FIG. 3B. Can be moved to position. The snap arm 74 is then rotated again to snap fit the snap arm 74 onto the shelf 30A. With such a procedure, the installation position of the storage container 50 can be easily changed from the position shown in FIG. 3A to the position shown in FIG. 3B.

If there are items to be stored in the lower area of the shelf 30A of the refrigerator compartment 7 and the storage container 50 cannot be slid sideways, the storage container 50 is removed from the refrigerator 1 once as described above. 3B, and then reinstall the storage container 50 in the position shown in FIG. 3B.

In the present embodiment, the front attachment/detachment mechanism 70 is configured by snap fitting, but it is not limited to this. For example, a clamp pin having a projection and a hole into which the clamp pin is inserted having a recess corresponding to the projection are provided, and the clamp pin and the hole are engaged and disengaged by rotating the clamp pin. It is also possible to use an attachment/detachment mechanism. Furthermore, any other known simple attachment/detachment mechanism can be employed.

<Entry side opening, exit side opening>
Returning to the description with reference to FIGS. 2A to 4D, one side surface (here, the left side surface) 50A of the storage container 50 is provided with an inlet opening 54 through which gas flows in the upper rear side. An exit opening 56 through which the gas flowing inside the storage container 50 flows out is provided at the lower front side of the other side surface (here, the right side surface) 50B of the storage container 50 .

As shown in FIG. 2B, laterally extending guide ribs 54A are formed on the outer surface 50A of the storage container 50 along the inlet opening 54. As shown in FIG. Further, the lid 52 is also formed with guide ribs 52A extending in the lateral direction. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the storage container 50 is attached close to the right side of the partition member 11B, the opening surrounded by the guide ribs 52A and 54A is close to the right opening of the first outlet 16A. arranged to face each other. The position of the entry-side opening 54 in the storage container 50 is determined corresponding to the position of the first outlet 16A so that the arrangement described above can be realized.

As a result, the cool air discharged from the right opening of the first blowout port 16A can be taken directly into the storage container 50 . In particular, the guide ribs 52A and 54A can guide the flow of gas from the first blowout port 16A so that the gas can flow into the storage container 50 efficiently. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, even when the inlet opening 54 is separated from the first blowout port 16A, the gas flowing out of the first blowout port 16A is guided by the guide ribs 52A and 54A. Therefore, the gas can efficiently flow into the storage container 50 .

Furthermore, in the case shown in FIG. 3A, even if there is a stored item on the left side of the storage container 50, the space surrounded by the guide ribs 52A and 54A is open at the rear, so the entry side opening 54 is completely closed. It can prevent clogging. As a result, the items stored in the storage container 50 can be reliably cooled.

In addition, the entry side opening 54 and the exit side opening 56 are arranged substantially diagonally in both a plan view and a side view of the storage container 50 . As a result, the gas that has flowed into the storage container 50 through the entrance opening 54 flows through substantially the entire area inside the storage container 50 and flows out from the exit opening 56 . As a result, the items stored in the storage container 50 can be effectively cooled.

As shown in FIG. 2D, the outlet opening 56 is slit to prevent small objects from entering the container 50 . Along the exit side opening 56 on the inner surface of the storage container 50, a rib 56A for preventing air passage blockage is formed extending in the horizontal direction. Even if a stored object exists in the vicinity of the output side opening 56 in the storage container 50, the air path blockage preventing rib 56A blocks the output side opening 56 with the stored object, thereby preventing the flow of gas in the storage container 50. blockage can be blocked. Similarly, along the inlet opening 54 on the inner surface of the storage container 50, a laterally extending air-path blocking prevention rib may be formed. As a result, even if a stored object exists in the vicinity of the inlet opening 54 in the storage container 50 , the air passage blockage prevention ribs block the entrance opening 54 with the stored objects, thereby preventing the flow of gas in the storage container 50 . blockage can be blocked. Further, along the outlet opening 56 of the outer surface 50B of the storage container 50, a laterally extending guide rib may be provided to guide the gas flow. Thereby, the flow of the gas flowing out of the storage container 50 can be guided.

In this embodiment, the entrance opening 54 is provided on the upper left side of the storage container 50 and the exit opening 56 is provided on the lower right side of the storage container 50, but this is not restrictive. Conversely, it is also possible that the entrance opening is provided on the upper right side of the storage container 50 and the exit opening is provided on the lower left side of the storage container 50 . In that case, in FIGS. 3A and 3B, it is suitable to dispose the storage container 50 on the left side of the first blowout port 16A. As described above, the storage container 50 is provided not only under the shelves 30A and 30B provided in the refrigerating chamber 7, but also in any region in the storage chamber including the underside of the shelf provided in the freezing chamber 6. can be installed under the shelf

As described above, the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment includes the shelf 30A installed in the storage room (refrigerating room) 7, the storage container 50 detachably attached to the lower side of the shelf 30A, and the storage container A rear engaging mechanism 60 for engaging the rear region of the storage container 50 with the shelf 30A or the inner wall 7A of the storage room (refrigerating room) 7, and the front region of the storage container 50 and the shelf 30A in a detachable state. and a front attachment/detachment mechanism 70 to be engaged. The horizontal length of the storage container 50 is shorter than the horizontal length of the shelf 30A, so that the horizontal mounting position of the storage container 50 can be changed.

According to this embodiment, the rear engaging mechanism 60 engages the rear region of the container 50 with the shelf 30A or the inner wall 7A of the storage compartment (refrigerating chamber) 7, and the front attachment/detachment mechanism 70 engages the container. By engaging the front region of 50 with shelf 30A, storage container 50 can be attached to the underside of shelf 30A. In particular, the user can easily attach and detach the storage container 50 by operating the front attachment/detachment mechanism 70 from the front side. Furthermore, the horizontal length of the storage container 50 is shorter than the horizontal length of the shelf, and the user can easily change the horizontal mounting position of the storage container 50 by operating the front attachment/detachment mechanism 70 .

As a result, it is possible to provide a refrigerator provided with a storage container 50 that is detachable and whose mounting position within the storage compartment (refrigerating compartment) 7 can be easily changed.

In the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment, the (first) outlet 16A through which the gas flowing in the (upper) cooling channel 10B flows into the storage compartment (refrigerating compartment) 7 is arranged below the shelf 30A. An entrance opening 54 through which the gas flows is provided on the upper rear side close to the (first) blowout port 16A on one side surface 50A of the storage container 50, and on the lower front side of the other side surface 50B of the storage container 50. , an outlet opening 56 is provided through which the gas that has flowed through the storage container 50 flows out.

A (first) outlet 16A through which gas flows from the (upper) cooling channel 10B into the storage chamber (refrigerating chamber) 7 is arranged below the shelf 30A, Since the entry-side opening 54 is arranged on the upper rear side close to the (first) blow-out port 16A, the gas flowing in from the (first) blow-out port 16A can be directly taken into the storage container 50. . On the other hand, since the output side opening 56 is provided on the lower front side of the other side surface 50B, the gas that has flowed into the storage container 50 flows through substantially the entire area inside the storage container 50 and flows out from the output side opening 56 . As a result, the items stored in the storage container 50 can be effectively cooled.

In addition, in the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment, laterally extending ribs 52A, 54A, 56A, etc. are formed along the entrance-side opening 54 and the exit-side opening 56 of the storage container 50 . When laterally extending guide ribs 52A, 54A and the like are formed along the entry side opening 54 and the exit side opening 56 of the outer surface of the storage container 50, the gas flowing into the storage container 50 and the Efficient gas flow can be achieved by guiding the flow of outflowing gas. Furthermore, when laterally extending air passage blocking prevention ribs 56A and the like are formed along the entrance side opening 54 and the exit side opening 56 of the inner surface of the storage container 50, the entrance inside the storage container 50 is Even if there are items to be stored near the side opening 54 or the exit side opening 56, the entrance side opening 54 or the exit side opening 56 is blocked with the items by the ribs 56A or the like for preventing air passage blockage, and the inside of the storage container 50 is prevented. blockage of gas flow.

(Cooling control based on storage container)
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control system for refrigerator cooling according to one embodiment of the present invention. Next, cooling control of the refrigerator 1 based on the container 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, a detection rib 54B with a built-in magnet 92 is formed at the left end of the guide rib 54A of the storage container 50. As shown in FIG. On the other hand, a proximity sensor 90 is attached near the opening on the right side of the first outlet 16A on the refrigerator 1 side. As shown in FIG. 3B, when the storage container 50 is attached close to the first outlet 16A, the opening surrounded by the guide ribs 52A and 54A is close to and faces the right end opening of the first outlet 16A. are arranged to In this embodiment, the proximity sensor 90 senses the magnetic force of the magnet 92 and transmits a signal when the storage container 50 is attached so as to be close to the outlet 16A. However, the magnets 92 can be placed in other areas of the container 50 as well. In that case, by attaching the proximity sensor 90 to a position corresponding to the new installation position of the magnet 92, it is possible to appropriately detect that the storage container 50 is attached to a position near the first outlet 16A.

As the proximity sensor 90 according to the present embodiment, a magnetic proximity sensor is used in which the magnetic force of the magnet 92 operates the reed piece of the switch to turn on the reed switch. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an inductive proximity sensor that detects metal, or a capacitive proximity sensor that detects a change in capacitance occurring between the detection body and the sensor can also be used. In addition, limit switches that switch on with physical contact can also be used.

As shown in FIG. 4, a control unit 100 forming part of the refrigerator control system is electrically connected to a proximity sensor 90 to receive detection data (signals). Detected data (signals) are received from the proximity sensor 90 when the storage container 50 is attached near the first outlet 16A.

The control unit 100 can also transmit control signals to control the operation of the compressor 21 and the fan 12 . The rotation speed of the compressor 21 is variable, and the controller 100 can change the rotation speed of the compressor 21 . When the cooling of the freezer compartment 6 or the refrigerator compartment 7 is strengthened, the controller 100 controls the compressor 21 to operate at a higher rotation speed. Similarly, the rotation speed of the fan 12 is variable, and the controller 100 can change the rotation speed of the fan 12 . When strengthening cooling of the freezer compartment 6 or the refrigerator compartment 7, the control part 100 controls the fan 12 to operate at a higher rotation speed.

In addition, the control unit 100 can control opening and closing by transmitting control signals to the freezer compartment damper 13 and the refrigerator compartment damper 14 . By operating the compressor 21 and the fan 12 and performing control to open the freezer compartment damper 13 , the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 can be supplied to the freezer compartment 6 to cool the freezer compartment 6 . Similarly, by operating the compressor 21 and the fan 12 and performing control to open the refrigerator compartment damper 14 , the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 can be supplied to the refrigerator compartment 7 to cool the refrigerator compartment 7 .

In this embodiment, the storage container 50 is attached close to the first blowout port 16A so that the opening surrounded by the guide ribs 52A and 54A closely faces the opening at the right end of the first blowout port 16A. At this time, based on the information from the (proximity) sensor 90 , the control unit 100 performs control to strengthen the cooling of the refrigerator compartment 7 . As a result, a large amount of low-temperature gas can flow into the storage container 50, so that the stored items in the storage container 50 can be rapidly cooled. As described above, the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment includes the (proximity) sensor 90 that detects whether or not the storage container 50 is attached in proximity to the cool air outlet. Based on the information, when it is determined that the storage container 50 is attached close to the cold air outlet 16A, control is performed to strengthen the cooling of the storage compartment (refrigerating compartment) 7 . As a result, the items stored in the storage container 50 can be cooled more effectively.

(Cooling channel adjustment mechanism)
FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of a cooling channel adjustment mechanism 80 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a state in which the channels are not narrowed. FIG. 5B is a side view showing arrow AA in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram of the cooling channel adjustment mechanism 80 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a state in which the channels are narrowed. FIG. 5D is a side view showing arrows BB in FIG. 5C. 5A-5D, a description of a cooling channel adjustment mechanism 80 according to one embodiment of the present invention will now be provided.

As described below, the cooling channel adjustment mechanism 80 according to this embodiment is composed of wings 82 , moving members 84 and extension springs 86 . A rotating base 82A is attached to the upper cooling flow path 10B immediately above the position of the first outlet 16A, and wings 82 are rotatably attached to the rotating base 82A. As shown in FIGS. 5B and 5D (not shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C), a tension spring 86 is attached to each wing 82 . One end of the tension spring 86 is attached to the wing 82, and the other end of the tension spring 86 is attached to the upper partition member 11B that forms the upper cooling channel 10B. As a result, when nothing is in contact with the wings 82, the wings 82 are oriented substantially vertically due to the biasing force of the tension springs 86, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this case, the upper cooling channel 10B is not narrowed.

A moving member 84 having a cam surface 84A is arranged on the right lateral side of the wing 82 . The moving member 84 is laterally movable. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 5A, when the storage container 50 is attached near the first blowout port 16A, the detection rib 54B attached to the left end of the guide rib 54A comes into contact with the moving member 84, causing the moving member 84 to move. to the left. As a result, the cam surface 84A of the moving member 84 comes into contact with the wing 82 and pushes the wing 82. As shown in FIG. A downward force is applied to the tip side of the wing 82 by the cam surface 84A of the moving member 84 that moves to the left. Therefore, the tip of the wing 82 rotates downward against the biasing force of the tension spring 86 . When the storage container 50 is attached to a position near the first outlet 16A, the wings 82 are inclined as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D. In this case, the upper cooling channel 10B is narrowed.

As a result, the gas that passes through the evaporator 24 and flows through the upper cooling flow path 10B is less likely to flow above the first outlet 16A. Therefore, a larger flow rate of gas can be supplied into the storage container 50 from the first blowout port 16A. When the storage container 50 is removed from the vicinity of the first blowout port 16A, the biasing force of the tension spring 86 causes the wings 82 to return to the substantially vertical direction as shown in FIGS. is pushed, the moving member 84 also returns to the right position.

The cooling channel adjustment mechanism 80 can also use compression springs or torsion springs instead of the tension springs 86 to bias the wings 82 . Further, the wing 82 can be rotated by using another mechanism using gears or the like instead of the moving member 84 having the cam surface 84A.

Furthermore, the wings 82 can also be rotated by an actuator such as a motor. In that case, it is also possible to use the proximity sensor 90 described above. Based on the information from the proximity sensor 90, when it is determined that the storage container 50 is attached close to the first outlet 16A, the controller 100 controls the actuator so that the upper cooling flow path 10B narrows. wing 82 can also be rotated.

As described above, in the refrigerator 1 according to the present embodiment, the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 flows, and the gas flows into the storage compartment (refrigerating compartment) 7 through the plurality of outlets 16A to 16C provided in the region where the storage container 50 is attached when the storage container 50 is attached near the (first) outlet 16A (first) A cooling channel adjustment mechanism 80 is provided that operates to narrow the cooling channel 10B on the downstream side (upper side) of the outlet 16A.

In the present embodiment, when the storage container 50 is attached close to the (first) outlet 16A, the cooling channel adjustment mechanism 80 is provided in the area where the storage container 50 is attached (the first ) The cooling flow path 10B on the downstream side (upper side) of the air outlet 16A is narrowed. As a result, more gas can be supplied to the area where the storage container 50 is attached, so that the stored items in the storage container 50 can be cooled more effectively.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the outlet 16A has openings in the three directions of the front side, the left side, and the right side was exemplified, but it is not limited to this. For example, the cooling channel may be separated from the refrigerating compartment by a flat plate-shaped partition plate that extends to the full width of the refrigerating compartment, and the air outlet may have only an opening on the front side. Even in that case, the storage container is arranged near the blowout port, and the space on the entrance side surrounded by the guide ribs of the storage container is arranged close to the opening on the front side of the blowout port so as to face it. Similar effects can be obtained.

Although embodiments and implementations of the present invention have been described, the disclosure may vary in details of construction, combinations of elements in the embodiments, implementations, changes in order, etc. It can be implemented without departing from the scope and spirit.

1 refrigerator 2 housing 3 upper door 4 lower door 6 freezer compartment 7 refrigerator compartment 7A inner wall 10 cooling channel 10A lower cooling channel 10B upper cooling channel 11A lower partitioning member 11B upper partitioning member 12 fan 13 freezer compartment damper 14 Cold room damper 15 Return channel 15A Inlet 15B Outlet 16A First outlet 16B Second outlet 16C Third outlet 21 Compressor 22 Condenser 24 Evaporator 30 Shelf 32 Shelf support 34 Shelf holder 40 Machine room 50 storage container 50A one side 50B the other side 52 lid 52A guide rib 54 entry side opening 54A guide rib 54B detection rib 56 exit side opening 56A rib 60 for preventing air passage blockage 60 rear engagement mechanism 62 placement section 64 receiving section 70 Front side attachment/detachment mechanism 72 Rotation base 74 Snap arm 80 Cooling channel adjustment mechanism 82 Wing 82A Rotation base 84 Moving member 84A Cam surface 86 Extension spring 90 Proximity sensor 92 Magnet 100 Control unit

Claims (5)

a shelf installed in the storage room;
a storage container detachably attached to the lower side of the shelf;
a rear engagement mechanism for engaging the rear region of the storage container with an inner wall of the shelf or the storage chamber;
a front attachment/detachment mechanism for detachably engaging the front region of the storage container with the shelf;
with
A refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal length of said storage container is shorter than the horizontal length of said shelf, and the horizontal mounting position of said storage container can be changed. an air outlet through which the gas flowing in the cooling channel flows into the storage chamber is arranged below the shelf;
An entrance opening through which gas flows is provided on one side of the storage container near the blowout port and upward on the rear side,
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein an exit side opening is provided in the lower front side of the other side surface of the storage container, through which the gas that has flowed in the storage container flows out. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein laterally extending ribs are formed along said entrance side opening and said exit side opening of said container. A sensor that detects whether the storage container is attached in proximity to a cold air outlet,
4. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when it is determined that the storage container is attached close to a cold air outlet based on the information from the sensor, control is performed to strengthen the cooling of the storage chamber. or the refrigerator according to item 1. a cooling channel having a plurality of outlets at different positions in the height direction through which the gas that has passed through the evaporator flows, and through which the gas flows into the storage chamber;
Cooling channel adjustment that operates such that when the storage container is attached close to the outlet, the cooling channel on the downstream side of the outlet provided in the area where the storage container is attached narrows. 5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a mechanism.

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