Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is provided which limits the spacing of door storage housings arranged along the up-down direction from each other, and does not pinch a user's finger or hand during a moving operation. The refrigerator of an embodiment is provided with: a refrigerator main body including a storage compartment; a door which is capable of closing the storage compartment in an openable and closable manner; and a plurality of door storage housings arranged along the up-down direction on the inner side of the door. At least one of the plurality of door storage housings has a lifting platform. The lifting platform has: a locking member which locks with respect to the door; a locking release mechanism which releases the locking of the locking member with respect to the door; a lifting platform main body which is capable of moving in the up-down direction along a rail portion provided to the door; and a spacing limiting stopper which protrudes toward another door storage housing arranged along the up-down direction and is capable of abutting against the other door storage housing. The spacing limiting stopper is formed integrally with the lifting platform main body.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-146827 filed on September 1, 2020 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-207690 filed on December 15, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to refrigerators. Background Technology

[0003] It is known that a door storage housing is installed on the door of the storage compartment in a refrigerator. Preferably, the vertical arrangement of the door storage housing can be easily changed so that the door storage housing can accommodate various storage items.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator having a lower storage shelf (door storage housing) and an upper storage shelf that can move vertically along a track portion of the inner door panel. A stop mechanism protruding toward the lower storage shelf is provided on the lower end side of the upper storage shelf, and is configured such that when the upper storage shelf moves downward, the stop mechanism contacts the upper end side of the lower storage shelf, thereby restricting excessive movement of the upper storage shelf.

[0005] Patent document 2 discloses a refrigerator having a bottom door container (door storage housing) and multiple door containers that can move vertically along a track.

[0006] As in Patent Documents 1 and 2, in the case of a configuration that allows the door storage housing to move up and down, the narrow spacing between the upper and lower door storage housings may trap the user's fingers or hand during the movement operation.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-243357

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-185628 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that limits the spacing between the door storage shells arranged in the vertical direction so as not to pinch the user's fingers or hands during operation.

[0010] The refrigerator of this embodiment includes: a refrigerator body including a storage compartment; a door capable of opening and closing the storage compartment; and a plurality of door storage housings arranged vertically on the inner side of the door. At least one of the plurality of door storage housings has a lifting platform body. The lifting platform has: a locking member that locks against the door; a locking release mechanism that releases the locking member from locking against the door; a lifting platform body capable of moving vertically along a track provided on the door; and a spacing limiting stop protruding toward other door storage housings arranged vertically and capable of abutting against other door storage housings. The spacing limiting stop is integrally formed with the lifting platform body.

[0011] According to this configuration, a refrigerator can be provided that limits the spacing between the door storage housings arranged in the vertical direction, so as not to pinch the user's fingers or hands during operation. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the refrigerator of the first embodiment, and a front view showing the state with the French door open.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the left-side refrigerator door in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the inner surface components of the left-side refrigerator door in the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the door storage housing according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the door storage housing according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the locking release mechanism in the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the locking release mechanism in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the bottom side of the lifting platform body of the door storage housing according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the refrigerator of the second embodiment, and a front view showing the state with the French door open.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the left side of the refrigerator door in the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the inner surface components of the left side of the refrigerator compartment door in the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the door storage housing according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the door storage housing according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 14 This is a bottom view showing the configuration of the lifting platform body of the second embodiment when viewed from the +Z direction side.

[0026] Figure 15 This is a side view showing the lifting platform body of the second embodiment viewed from the -X direction.

[0027] Figure 16 This is a side view showing the lifting platform body of the second embodiment as viewed from the +X direction.

[0028] Figure 17 This is a perspective view showing the bottom side of the lifting platform body of the door storage housing in the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the locking release mechanism and the lower cover in the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 19 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the bottom side of the lifting platform body in the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 20 This is a side view showing how the spacing between the upper door storage housing and the middle door storage housing in the second embodiment is limited by a spacing limiting stop.

[0032] Figure 21 This is a side view showing a modified example of the lifting platform body (interval restriction stop) of the second embodiment.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] 1: Refrigerator; 5: Refrigerator body; 11: Door; 12: Refrigerator door; 13: Refrigerator door; 27: Refrigerator compartment (storage compartment); 53a: Inner surface; 56: Door storage housing; 57: Housing body; 58c: First wall section; 58cA: Interval limiting stop; 58d: Second side wall section (second wall section); 64: Track section; 67: Lifting platform; 73: Locking component; 80: Locking release mechanism; L: Length. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, the refrigerator according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be labeled with the same reference numerals. For example, sometimes components having mutually symmetrical shapes will be labeled with the same reference numerals. And sometimes, repeated descriptions of these components will be omitted.

[0036] In this instruction manual, unless otherwise specified, the directions of up, down, left, and right are defined based on the view of the refrigerator from the front of the user. Furthermore, the side closest to the user standing in front of the refrigerator is defined as "front," and the side furthest away is defined as "rear." "Wide direction" in this instruction manual refers to the left-right direction as defined above. "Depth direction" in this instruction manual refers to the front-back direction as defined above. "Up-down direction" refers to the height of the refrigerator.

[0037] In the diagram, the arrows indicate the following directions: +X is the right direction, -X is the left direction, +Y is the back direction, -Y is the front direction, +Z is the up direction, and -Z is the down direction.

[0038] In the description of the components included in the refrigerator door of the embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the configuration is described based on the closed state. For example, in the case of describing a rotating door, unless otherwise specified, even in the open state, the directions fixed to the door are described in the ±X and ±Y directions as described above.

[0039] [First Implementation]

[0040] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the refrigerator of the first embodiment, and is a front view showing the door open. Hereinafter, [the following will describe...] Figure 1 The overall configuration of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment shown will be described. However, the refrigerator 1 does not need to have all the configurations described below, and some configurations may be omitted appropriately.

[0041] Refrigerator 1, for example, has a cabinet 10, a pair of refrigerator doors 12 and 13, and multiple doors 11.

[0042] The enclosure 10 includes, for example, an inner enclosure, an outer enclosure, and insulation material.

[0043] The inner casing, for example, is made of synthetic resin and has a recessed shape in several locations, running from the front to the rear. These recesses form multiple refrigerated compartments (storage compartments) 27. Figure 1 In the example shown, the multiple refrigerator compartments 27 include refrigerator compartment 27A, vegetable compartment 27B, upper freezer compartment 27C, lower freezer compartment 27D, and ice-making compartment 27E. Refrigerator compartment 27A, vegetable compartment 27B, upper freezer compartment 27C, and lower freezer compartment 27D are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. Ice-making compartment 27E is located to the left of upper freezer compartment 27C.

[0044] The cabinet 10 has an opening on the front side of each refrigerator compartment 27 for taking out or putting in food relative to each refrigerator compartment 27.

[0045] The outer casing is a cuboid shape forming the outer surface of the casing 10 on three sides, excluding the front side. The outer casing is made of, for example, metal or a composite material of metal and resin.

[0046] The insulation material, such as polyurethane foam, is filled between the inner and outer boxes. Thus, the box 10 has thermal insulation properties.

[0047] Within the cabinet 10, various components that together form the refrigerator body 5 are arranged between the inner and outer cabinets. Examples of components forming the refrigerator body 5 include a cooling unit that generates cold air, a flow path forming component that forms a flow path that circulates cold air between each refrigerator compartment 27 and the cooling unit, a cooling fan that delivers cold air to each refrigerator compartment 27 through the flow path, and a control board that controls the operation of the cooling unit and the cooling fan.

[0048] The temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 27A is maintained at a temperature lower than that of the vegetable compartment 27B and higher than that of the upper freezer compartment 27C and the lower freezer compartment 27D. The interior of the refrigerator compartment 27A includes, for example, shelves for partitioning the compartment and containers for quenching. The entire surface of the refrigerator compartment 27A is covered by refrigerator doors 12 and 13 that can be opened and closed from the left and right.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the left and right refrigerator compartment doors 12 and 13 are designed for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 27A. The left and right refrigerator compartment doors 12 and 13 have different widths. When viewed from the front of the refrigerator 1, the left refrigerator compartment door 12 is narrower than the right refrigerator compartment door 13.

[0050] The refrigerator door 12 is connected to the left end of the cabinet 10 in the -X direction via a pair of hinges 32 respectively located at the upper and lower ends on the left side. The refrigerator door 13 is connected to the right end of the cabinet 10 in the +X direction via a pair of hinges 33 respectively located at the upper and lower ends on the right side in the +X direction. This pair of refrigerator doors 12 and 13 can rotate in the horizontal plane around the rotation axis of the hinges 32 and 33 extending in the vertical direction (Z direction), and are rotating double doors that open by rotating to the left and right respectively. By placing their hands on the grooves 8 located at the lower ends of each refrigerator door 12 and 13 and pulling them towards the front, the user can make the refrigerator doors 12 and 13 rotate and open to the left and right.

[0051] Multiple doors 11 are provided for opening and closing the vegetable compartment 27B, the upper freezer compartment 27C, the lower freezer compartment 27D, and the ice-making compartment 27E. The vegetable compartment door 11B, the upper freezer compartment door 11C, the lower freezer compartment door 11D, and the ice-making compartment door 11E cover the front surfaces of the vegetable compartment 27B, the upper freezer compartment 27C, the lower freezer compartment 27D, and the ice-making compartment 27E, respectively.

[0052] The temperature inside the vegetable compartment 27B is maintained at a higher temperature than that of the refrigerator compartment 27A. Inside the vegetable compartment 27B, for example, there are vegetable compartment containers for storing vegetables and other storage items, as well as guide rails for moving the vegetable compartment containers along the depth direction (Y direction).

[0053] The front surface of the vegetable compartment 27B is covered by a drawer-type vegetable compartment door 11B that can be opened and closed.

[0054] Insulation material is provided inside the vegetable compartment door 11B. A gasket is provided on the outer edge of the inner surface side of the vegetable compartment door 11B, which abuts against the front surface of the inner box that forms the opening of the front surface of the vegetable compartment 27B.

[0055] When the vegetable room door 11B is closed, the opening of the vegetable room 27B is insulated and sealed.

[0056] A vegetable compartment container is connected to the inner surface of the vegetable compartment door 11B. The vegetable compartment door 11B can move along the guide rail on which the vegetable compartment container is placed, together with the vegetable compartment container, in the depth direction.

[0057] The temperatures inside the upper freezer compartment 27C, the lower freezer compartment 27D, and the ice-making compartment 27E are maintained at temperatures suitable for freezing stored items. Inside the upper freezer compartment 27C, the lower freezer compartment 27D, and the ice-making compartment 27E, there are, for example, small freezer compartments, freezer containers for storing frozen items, and guide rails for moving the freezer containers along the depth direction.

[0058] The front surfaces of the upper freezer compartment 27C, the lower freezer compartment 27D, and the ice maker compartment 27E are covered by drawer-type upper freezer door 11C, lower freezer door 11D, and ice maker compartment door 11E, which can be opened and closed.

[0059] Insulation material is provided inside the upper freezer door 11C, the lower freezer door 11D, and the ice-making door 11E. Gaskets are provided on the outer edges of the inner surfaces of the upper freezer door 11C, the lower freezer door 11D, and the ice-making door 11E, respectively, to abut against the front surfaces of the inner compartments that form the openings of the front surfaces of the upper freezer door 27C, the lower freezer door 27D, and the ice-making door 27E.

[0060] When the upper freezer door 11C, the lower freezer door 11D, and the ice maker door 11E are closed, the openings of the upper freezer 27C, the lower freezer 27D, and the ice maker 27E are insulated and sealed.

[0061] Freezer containers are connected to the inner surfaces of the upper freezer door 11C, the lower freezer door 11D, and the ice-making door 11E. The upper freezer door 11C and the lower freezer door 11D can move along the guide rails that hold the freezer containers in the depth direction.

[0062] The above-described configuration of each cold storage compartment 27 and each door 11 is just one example and is not limited to the above example.

[0063] Figure 1 The left and right refrigerator doors 12 and 13 shown have a surface facing the user when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 1 when closed, and an inner surface on the refrigerator compartment 27A side. Multiple door storage housings 56 and 54 are provided on the inner side of each of the refrigerator doors 12 and 13. In this embodiment, three door storage housings 56 are arranged in the vertical direction of each refrigerator door 12, and three door storage housings 54 are arranged in the vertical direction of each refrigerator door 13; each refrigerator door 12 and 13 has a three-layer structure.

[0064] The door storage housings 56 of the refrigerator door 12 in this embodiment are asymmetrical in the horizontal direction (X direction) because a portion of them is cut off to prevent interference between the rotation trajectory of the refrigerator door 12 and its surroundings when the refrigerator door 12 is rotated around each hinge 32 to open and close. Each door storage housing 56 has a cutout 3 on one side in the horizontal direction, which is the side opposite to the user when the door rotates. For example, the cutout 3 is formed by cutting off a rectangular corner when the door storage housing 56 is viewed from above (+Z direction). When the refrigerator door 12 is closed, the cutouts 3 of each door storage housing 56 in the refrigerator door 12 are opposite to each door storage housing 54 in the refrigerator door 13 in the horizontal direction.

[0065] In this embodiment, a door storage housing 56 with a cutout 3 is provided only on the left side of the refrigerator door 12, but a door storage housing 54 with a cutout 3 may also be provided on the right side of the refrigerator door 13.

[0066] On the inside of the refrigerator door 13 on the right side, from top to bottom, there are an upper door storage housing 54A, a middle door storage housing 54B, and a lower door storage housing 54C. These three door storage housings 54A, 54B, and 54C are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, and can be detachably installed relative to the inner surface of the refrigerator door 13, or fixed relative to the inner surface of the refrigerator door 13.

[0067] Inside the left-side refrigerator door 12, there are a lower door storage housing 56C located at the bottom of the refrigerator door 12, a middle door storage housing 56B located above the lower door storage housing 56C, and an upper door storage housing 56A located above the middle door storage housing 56B and at the top of the refrigerator door 12. These three door storage housings 56A, 56B, and 56C are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction.

[0068] The upper door housing 56A and the middle door housing 56B are mounted so that they can move vertically relative to the inner surface of the refrigerator door 12. The lower door housing 56C can be detachably mounted relative to the inner surface of the refrigerator door 12, or it can be fixed relative to the inner surface of the refrigerator door 12.

[0069] Thus, in the refrigerator door 12 of this embodiment, the vertical arrangement positions of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B can be changed in multiple stages within their respective movement ranges. The movement distance and movement range of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are set such that their relative arrangement positions during movement can be adapted to the height of the stored items.

[0070] In the case of French door refrigerators, since the widths of the refrigerator doors 12 and 13 are different, the widths of the door storage housings 56 and 54 respectively located on the refrigerator doors 12 and 13 are also different. The door storage housing 56 located on the narrower refrigerator door 12 is smaller than the door storage housing 54 located on the wider refrigerator door 13. Therefore, the number and weight of items that can be stored are less than those of the door storage housing 54, making it difficult to increase its weight. Therefore, in this embodiment, the door storage housing 56 located on the narrower refrigerator door 12 is designed to be able to move up and down.

[0071] (Refrigerator door)

[0072] Next, the detailed structure of the refrigerator door will be explained.

[0073] because Figure 1 The left and right refrigerator doors 12 and 13 shown have the same basic structure, so the following description will focus on the left refrigerator door 12.

[0074] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the refrigerator door 12 on the left side in the first embodiment.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerator door 12 includes, for example, an outer contour component 50A and a gasket 55A. Figure 3The outer contour member 50A is formed in a box shape. The term "box shape" as used in this specification also includes a flattened box shape. The outer contour member 50A may have, for example, a frame 51A, a surface plate 52A, and an inner surface member 53.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the frame 51A is formed into a rectangular frame with a specified width.

[0077] The frame 51A includes an upper component 51a, a lower component 51b, and side components 51c and 51d. When the refrigerator door 12 is closed, the upper component 51a is a plate-shaped part extending along both the width and depth directions, forming the upper surface of the refrigerator door 12. Similarly, the lower component 51b is a plate-shaped part extending along both the width and depth directions, forming the lower surface of the refrigerator door 12. Furthermore, the side components 51c and 51d are plate-shaped parts extending along both the vertical and depth directions, forming the left and right sides of the refrigerator door 12, respectively. By combining these upper component 51a, lower component 51b, and side components 51c and 51d, a rectangular frame 51A is formed. The frame 51A is, for example, made of synthetic resin.

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, a recessed groove 8 is formed on the lower part 51b of the refrigerator door 12, which is recessed upwards (in the +Z direction). The groove 8 is formed on the side near the refrigerator door 13 when the refrigerator door 12 is closed. The groove 8 is a part that the user can grip when the refrigerator door 12 is opened.

[0079] Additionally, a recessed groove 8 is formed on the lower part 51b of the refrigerator door 13, which is recessed upwards. The groove 8 is formed on the side near the refrigerator door 12 when the refrigerator door 13 is closed.

[0080] Surface panels 52A are installed to close the opening on the front side of the frame 51A and are located at the front end of the refrigerator door 12. Surface panels 52A are rectangular plate members that form the front surface of the refrigerator door 12 along the frame 51A. Surface panels 52A are, for example, glass plates. However, surface panels 52A are not limited to glass plates and may also be formed of synthetic resin or other materials.

[0081] The surface panel 52A can be a flat plate or a curved plate. The following explanation uses the example of the surface panel 52A being a flat plate.

[0082] The inner surface component 53 is mounted to the frame 51A from the opposite side of the surface panel 52A, and is located on the inner surface side of the refrigerator door 12. The inner surface component 53 is a rectangular plate component along the frame 51A. The inner surface component 53 is, for example, made of synthetic resin.

[0083] The inner surface component 53 has a planar inner surface 53a facing the refrigerator compartment 27A side when the refrigerator door 12 is closed relative to the cabinet 10, and a rib 61 protruding from the outer periphery of the inner surface 53a toward the refrigerator compartment 27A side.

[0084] Rib 61 is mainly designed to prevent cold air in the refrigerator compartment 27A from escaping through the gap between the refrigerator door 12 and the cabinet 10.

[0085] In addition, in this specification, "rib" is a name for ease of explanation and broadly means a portion that protrudes rearward from the inner surface component 53, and is not limited to a portion of a specific shape or function.

[0086] Although not specifically illustrated, foamed insulation material is filled between the inner surface component 53 and the surface plate 52A, as well as inside the convex shape of the rib 61.

[0087] Gasket 55A is provided to seal the refrigerator compartment 27A so that when the refrigerator compartment door 12 is closed, the cold air inside the refrigerator compartment 27A will not leak to the outside from between the refrigerator compartment door 12 and the aforementioned cabinet 10.

[0088] The gasket 55A is annular, surrounding the outer periphery of the frame 51A, and is mounted on the inner surface component 53. The mounting method of the gasket 55A is not particularly limited. For example, the gasket 55A can also be mounted by the interlocking of a mounting protrusion provided on the gasket 55A and a mounting recess provided on the inner surface component 53.

[0089] (Composition of internal surface components)

[0090] Here, the detailed structure of the inner surface component 53 will be described.

[0091] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the inner surface component 53.

[0092] like Figure 3 As shown, the ribs 61 provided on the inner surface component 53 of the refrigerator door 12 include, for example, annular ribs that are smaller than the outer shape of the frame 51A. The term "annular" as used in this specification is not limited to a completely continuous circumference, but also includes cases where there are cuts or other interruptions.

[0093] Examples of the annular rib group 61 include an upper rib 61F extending in the horizontal direction along the upper member 51a, a lower rib 61G extending in the horizontal direction along the lower member 51b, a side rib 61C extending in the vertical direction along one side member 51c in the width direction, and a side rib 61D extending in the vertical direction along the other side member 51d in the width direction. The horizontal lengths of the upper rib 61F and the lower rib 61G are equal. The vertical lengths of the side ribs 61C and 61D are equal.

[0094] The side ribs 61C, 61D and the lower rib 61G protrude more towards the refrigerator compartment 27A than the upper rib 61F. For example, the amount of protrusion of the side ribs 61C, 61D and the lower rib 61G is more than half that of the upper rib 61F.

[0095] like Figure 3 As shown, a pair of side ribs 61C and 61D protrude from the ends of both sides of the inner surface 53a in the X direction of the width direction toward the side (rear) of the refrigerator compartment 27A in the +Y direction. The pair of side ribs 61C and 61D extend from the upper rib 61F along the vertical direction to the position of the lower rib 61G.

[0096] The lateral rib 61D is formed by a first front end portion 61a and a second front end portion 61b with locally different protrusion amounts in the vertical direction and different protrusion heights in the +Y direction, and a step portion 61c formed between them to form the front end side of the rib.

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, the side surfaces S1 and S2 of the side ribs 61C and 61D that are opposite each other in the transverse direction are planes that are substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 53a of the inner surface component 53. The side surface S1 of the side rib 61C is a surface facing the -X direction and is opposite to the other side rib 61D.

[0098] The side surface S2 of the side rib 61D is a face facing the +X direction, opposite to the side rib 61C of the other side.

[0099] Side surfaces S1 and S2 each have an inclined surface Sa at their respective lower ends. The inclined surfaces Sa provided on side surfaces S1 and S2 are inclined in a direction that approaches each other as they tend to descend, and the thickness of the lower ends of the side ribs 61C and 61D increases.

[0100] A step portion 53c, a track portion 64, and a locking protrusion 65 are respectively provided on the sides S1 and S2 of the side ribs 61C and 61D. The step portion 53c and the track portion 64 extend in the vertical direction, and the locking protrusion 65 is spaced apart from the step portion 53c and the track portion 64 and is located below them.

[0101] The stepped portion 53c of the side rib 61C on one side protrudes from the side S1 toward the side rib 61D on the other side in the -X direction.

[0102] The step portion 53c is located on the side rib 61D on the other side. Figure 2 The lateral rib 61C protrudes from the side S2 towards one side in the +X direction.

[0103] The end face 53cy in the X direction of each step portion 53c provided on the side ribs 61C and 61D is approximately parallel to the side surfaces S1 and S2. The protrusion height of each step portion 53c from the side surfaces S1 and S2 in the X direction is not particularly limited. For example, the protrusion height of each step portion 53c from the side surfaces S1 and S2 in the X direction may slightly exceed the protrusion height of the track portion 64 described later in the X direction. In this case, the end face in the X direction of the step portion 53c is close to the side surface in the X direction of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B described later, and can function as a guide surface in the transverse width direction of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0104] like Figure 3 As shown, the track portion 64 extends vertically and horizontally parallel to the end face 53cy of the step portion 53c, with a gap in the Y direction between it and the end face 53cy. A gap G1 is formed between the upper end of the track portion 64 and the lower surface 61g of the upper rib 61F.

[0105] The upper end of the step 53c and the lower surface 61g of the upper rib 61F ( Figure 2 (Connection). The lower end of the step portion 53c is in the same position as the lower end of the track portion 64, which will be described later.

[0106] The track portions 64, which are respectively provided on the side ribs 61C and 61D, are formed with the same configuration.

[0107] like Figure 3 As shown, the track portion 64 provided on the side rib 61C is a protrusion that protrudes vertically from the side surface S1 of the side rib 61C in the -X direction, and is generally elongated and linear in the vertical direction. Figure 3 As shown, the track portion 64 provided on the side rib 61D is a protrusion that protrudes vertically from the side S2 of the side rib 61D in the +X direction and extends in a slender and linear manner along the vertical direction.

[0108] When the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B (described later) move in the vertical direction, the pair of track sections 64 on the left and right sides guide the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B in the vertical direction while restricting their position in the depth direction (Y direction).

[0109] like Figure 3As shown, the track portion 64 extends parallel to the end face 53cy of the step portion 53c in the depth direction, with a gap between them. The upper end of each track portion 64 does not reach either of the upper ends of the side ribs 61C and 61D, but is located at a position that moves downward from the upper ends of the side ribs 61C and 61D.

[0110] The lower end of the track section 64 extends to a position approximately the same as that of the step section 53c.

[0111] The track section 64 has a first track section 64a and a second track section 64b.

[0112] The first track section 64a guides the vertical movement of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B (described later) and imposes multi-level restrictions on the vertical movement positions of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0113] The first track section 64a has a first guide 64c, a second guide 64d, multiple locking plates 64e, an upper end plate 64g, a lower end plate 64k, and multiple inclined ribs 64fa.

[0114] The first guide member 64c forms a side surface in the Y direction of the track portion 64. The first guide member 64c is a flat plate that protrudes from each side surface in the X direction and extends in the vertical direction. The first guide member 64c extends to the second track portion 64b.

[0115] The second guide member 64d forms a side surface in the +Y direction of the track portion 64. The second guide member 64d is a flat plate that protrudes from the side surface in the -X direction and extends along the vertical direction. The second guide member 64d is parallel to the first guide member 64c. The second guide member 64d extends to the second track portion 64b in the same manner as the first guide member 64c.

[0116] The front ends of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d are located on the same plane orthogonal to the depth direction.

[0117] The multiple locking plates 64e in the track section 64 are plate-shaped, extending along the depth direction (Y direction) between the first guide member 64c and the second guide member 64d and protruding vertically from the side S. The multiple locking plates 64e are arranged vertically separated from each other from the lower ends of the first guide member 64c and the second guide member 64d to the upper end of the first track section 64a. The vertical spacing of each locking plate 64e may not be constant, but... Figure 3 The example shown is constant.

[0118] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, each locking plate 64e is configured with 17.

[0119] The front end of each locking plate 64e in the protruding direction is on the same plane as the front ends of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d located on both sides of the width direction of each locking plate 64e.

[0120] The upper end plate 64g is a plate-shaped structure that extends along the depth direction between the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d and protrudes vertically from the side S. The upper end plate 64g is located above the plurality of locking plates 64e, and moves upward from the uppermost locking plate 64e at a distance approximately equal to the distance between each locking plate 64e.

[0121] The lower end plate 64k is a plate-shaped structure that extends along the depth direction (Y direction) between the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d and protrudes vertically from the side S. The lower end plate 64k is located below the lowermost locking plate 64e and moves downward from the lowermost locking plate 64e at a distance wider than the spacing between the locking plates 64e.

[0122] Multiple inclined ribs 64fa are provided on the lower surface of each locking plate 64e (excluding the lower end plate 64k) and the lower surface of the upper end plate 64g. A pair of inclined ribs 64fa are provided on the lower surface of each locking plate 64e and the lower surface of the upper end plate 64g, and are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction. Furthermore, each inclined rib 64fa is also spaced apart from the first guide member 64c and the second guide member 64d in the depth direction.

[0123] The inclined ribs 64fa are plate-shaped and extend parallel to the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d. When viewed from the Y direction, each inclined rib 64fa is a triangular shape that gradually slopes towards the side S as it moves downward from the front end of each protruding side in the X direction of each locking plate 64e and the upper end plate 64g.

[0124] The lower end of each inclined rib 64fa is located at the middle of the above-mentioned spacing.

[0125] In this embodiment, there are two inclined ribs 64fa provided on the same lower surface, but there is no particular limitation as long as there is one or more inclined ribs 64fa provided on the same lower surface in the depth direction.

[0126] With this configuration, on the inner side of the first track portion 64a, a plurality of protrusions are arranged vertically at approximately equal intervals from the lower side toward the upper side. The plurality of protrusions are formed by an inclined surface 64j generated by the inclined rib 64fa, the front end face of the locking plate 64e, and a locking surface 64i formed on the upper surface of the locking plate 64e and extending horizontally. Opposing recesses are formed between each protrusion protruding from the side S in the X direction. Therefore, a serrated uneven structure with the inclined surface 64j facing downwards is formed on the inner side of the first track portion 64a.

[0127] The first locking portion 70, described later, engages with the concave-convex structure of the track portion 64. That is, the first locking portion 70 engages with each locking surface 64i side of the plurality of locking plates 64e.

[0128] The inclined surfaces 64j of the multiple inclined ribs 64fa become inclined, protruding towards the center of the door as they move upwards. When the door housing 56 rises, the first locking part 70, described later, moves along the inclined surfaces 64j of the inclined ribs 64fa and is pressed inwards in the horizontal direction.

[0129] The locking surface 64i of the locking plate 64e only needs to be able to lock the locking member 73 described later, and can be a flat surface or a curved surface. The contact form of the part of the locking surface 64i where the locking member 73 is locked can be any of the following as long as it can lock the locking member 73: surface contact, line contact, and point contact.

[0130] The inclined surface of the inclined rib 64fa can be either a plane or a curved surface, as long as it allows the locking component 73 to slide. The contact configuration of the portion of the locking component 73 that allows it to slide can be any of surface contact, line contact, or point contact, as long as it allows the locking component 73 to slide.

[0131] The second track section 64b has the upper ends of the first guide member 64c and the second guide member 64d in the first track section 64a and the intermediate rib 64h located between these upper ends.

[0132] The intermediate rib 64h is a flat plate parallel to the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d.

[0133] The vertical length of the intermediate rib 64h is equal to the length from the upper end plate 64g to the upper ends of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d. The lower end of the intermediate rib 64h is connected to the upper surface of the upper end plate 64g. The protrusion height of the intermediate rib 64h is equal to the protrusion height of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d.

[0134] There are no special restrictions as long as the number of intermediate ribs (64h) is one or more. Figure 3 In the example shown, there is one intermediate rib 64h.

[0135] The side surfaces of the side ribs 61C and 61D protrude in the X direction toward the opposite side rib in the transverse width direction, forming linear protrusions extending in the vertical direction. The front end face of the protruding side of the second track section 64b and the plane orthogonal to the transverse width direction are on the same plane.

[0136] A groove g1 extending in the vertical direction is formed between the end face 53cy of the track section 64 and the step section 53c.

[0137] A descent position limiting part 53d is provided between the lower end of the track part 64 and the step part 53c. The descent position limiting part 53d is provided to limit the descent position of the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0138] The shape of the descending position limiting part 53d is not particularly limited as long as it can limit the descending position of the middle door storage housing 56B by protruding vertically from the side S into the groove g1. Figure 3 In the example shown, the descending position limiting part 53d connects the first guide 64c of the track part 64 to the end face 53cy of the step part 53c, and closes the groove g1 from below.

[0139] The vertical positioning of the descent position limiting part 53d is an appropriate position corresponding to the maximum descent position of the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0140] A pair of inclined ribs 64fb are provided on the lower surface of the descending position limiting part 53d. This pair of inclined ribs 64fb is larger than the inclined ribs 64fa mentioned above, and also serves to reinforce the descending position limiting part 53d.

[0141] The locking protrusion 65 is for fixed or removable locking. Figure 2 The lower door storage housing 56C shown is provided with this feature. The shape of the locking protrusion 65 is not particularly limited as long as it can detachably lock the lower door storage housing 56C.

[0142] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the locking protrusion 65, viewed from the X direction, is approximately rectangular in shape, elongated in the vertical direction. The locking protrusion 65 has the same width in the depth direction as the track portion 64, and is positioned directly below the track portion 64 at a predetermined interval. A gap G2 is formed between the lower end of the track portion 64 and the upper end of the locking protrusion 65.

[0143] like Figure 3 As shown, the locking protrusion 65 in the side rib 61C is formed on the inclined surface Sa at the lower end of the side surface S1, protruding in the -X direction. The locking protrusion 65 in the side rib 61D is formed on the inclined surface Sa at the lower end of the side surface S2, protruding in the +X direction.

[0144] The front face of the protruding side of each locking protrusion 65 is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0145] The lower rib 61G connects the lower ends of the side ribs 61C and 61D to each other. The lower rib 61G has an upper surface 61f that slopes downward toward the side of the refrigerator compartment 27A.

[0146] (Door storage casing)

[0147] Next, the structure of the door storage housing will be explained.

[0148] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B of the three door storage housings 56 provided in the refrigerator door 12 can move in the vertical direction respectively along the opposing track portions 64 between the side ribs 61C and 61D.

[0149] The width, depth, and clearance of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B may differ from each other. However, in this embodiment, the upper door storage housings 56A and 56B have the same shape. The example of the upper door storage housing 56A will be used for explanation. The explanation of the upper door storage housing 56A also applies to the middle door storage housing 56B, except for the different placement locations.

[0150] The lower door storage housing 56C can be installed in the space located below the middle door storage housing 56B and sandwiched between the side ribs 61C and 61D.

[0151] The lower door storage housing 56C is secured by a latch. Figure 3 The locking protrusion 65, described later, can be detachably mounted on the lower rib 61G. However, the lower door storage housing 56C is fixed in the vertical direction during installation.

[0152] (Upper door storage housing and middle door storage housing)

[0153] Figure 4 This is an exploded view showing the structure of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the door storage housings 56A and 56B.

[0154] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are box-shaped containers that open upwards as a whole. Both the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B have a housing body 57 and a lifting platform 67. The upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B have a left-right asymmetrical shape in the horizontal direction.

[0155] The main body 57 houses the stored items within the refrigerator compartment 27A. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the housing body 57 is a box-shaped container that opens upwards and is detachably mounted on the lifting platform 67.

[0156] The lifting platform 67 detachably supports the housing body 57, and while supporting the housing body 57, it can move vertically along the track portions 64 between the side ribs 61C and 61D. The vertical position of the lifting platform 67 is fixed by locking any one of the multiple locking plates 64e on each track portion 64.

[0157] like Figure 4 As shown, the housing body 57 has a bottom portion 57a, a wall portion 57b, a first wall portion 57c, a pair of first side wall portions 57f, a cut-out wall portion 57x, a pair of second side wall portions 57d, and a pair of stepped portions 57e.

[0158] The bottom surface 57a is a horizontally arranged flat plate. The width of the bottom surface 57a in the lateral direction is narrower on the -Y side than on the +Y side than approximately the center in the depth direction.

[0159] The wall portion 57b extends from the outer edge of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the +Y direction towards the +Z and -Z directions. However, the wall portion 57b extending in the -Z direction is long enough to cover the bottom plate portion of the lifting platform 67 described later in the -Y direction.

[0160] The first wall portion 57c is located on the opposite side to the wall portion 57b in the depth direction of the shell body 57. The first wall portion 57c extends from the outer edge end in the -Y direction of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the +Z direction. The first wall portion 57c is a flat plate orthogonal to the depth direction.

[0161] The first sidewall portion 57f is the periphery of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the +X and -X directions, extending from a wide portion on the +Y direction side of the bottom portion 57a ​​towards the +Z and -Z directions. However, the first sidewall portion 57f extending towards the -Z direction has a length that covers the base plate portion of the lifting platform 67 (described later) from the +X direction. The +Y direction end of the first sidewall portion 57f located on the -X direction side of the bottom portion 57a ​​is connected to the wall portion 57b. The first sidewall portion 57f is planar and parallel to the depth direction.

[0162] The width of the first sidewall portion 57f on the +X direction side of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the depth direction (Y direction) is narrower than that of the first sidewall portion 57f on the -X direction side, and the end in the +Y direction is connected to the cut wall portion 57x.

[0163] The cut wall portion 57x is the periphery of the bottom portion 57a ​​on the +X direction side, extending from a wide portion in the +Y direction towards the +Z and -Z directions. However, the length of the cut wall portion 57x extending in the -Z direction is such that it covers the bottom plate portion of the lifting platform 67, which will be described later, from the +X direction.

[0164] When viewed from above, the cut wall portion 57x is inclined toward the wall portion 57b in the +X direction as it moves from the first side wall portion 57f toward the +Y direction, thus obliquely connecting the first side wall portion 57f and the wall portion 57b on the +X direction side. The cut wall portion 57x is inclined relative to both the depth direction and the transverse width direction.

[0165] The second sidewall portion 57d is the periphery of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the +X and -X directions, extending from the narrow portion on the -Y direction side of the bottom portion 57a ​​towards the +Z direction. Each second sidewall portion 57d is a flat plate orthogonal to the transverse width direction.

[0166] The end of each second side wall portion 57d in the -Y direction is connected to both ends of the first wall portion 57c in the transverse width direction. The second side wall portion 57d is a flat plate parallel to the depth direction.

[0167] Each stepped portion 57e extends in the +Z direction from its end edge formed in the transverse width direction by the narrowing width of the bottom portion 57a. Each stepped portion 57e is a flat plate orthogonal to the depth direction. The transverse width end of the stepped portion 57e is connected to the -Y direction end of the first side wall portion 57f and the +Y direction end of the second side wall portion 57d, which are located above the wall portion 57b.

[0168] At the upper end of each second side wall portion 57d and each step portion 57e, a flange portion 57g extending outward in the transverse direction toward the outer side of the shell body 57 is formed.

[0169] A locking protrusion 57h is formed on the lower surface side of each flange portion 57g. The locking protrusion 57h protrudes outward from each second side wall portion 57d and extends from the flange portion 57g in the -Z direction. The locking protrusion 57h is used to position the housing body 57 in the depth direction when it is installed on the lifting platform 67.

[0170] In this embodiment, the locking protrusion 57h is formed when the upper door storage housing 56A is installed, in relation to... Figure 3 The track portions 64 are shown in opposite positions in the lateral direction. However, the protrusion height of the locking protrusions 57h protruding from the second side wall portion 57d is such that the distance between each locking protrusion 57h in the lateral direction is narrower than the lateral spacing between the track portions 64 of the side ribs 61C and 61D. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the track portions 64 and the locking protrusions 57h coming into contact during the installation of the upper door housing 56A and during vertical movement.

[0171] A flange portion 57j extending in the -Y direction is formed at the upper end of the first wall portion 57c. The height and thickness of the flange portion 57j are the same as those of the flange portion 57g.

[0172] On the flange portion 57j, a protrusion 57i extending along the transverse width direction protrudes in the +Z direction.

[0173] The housing body 57 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The housing body 57 can be formed of a transparent material, a translucent material, or an opaque material. It is more preferable that the interior of the housing body 57 is visible from the outside when it is made of a transparent or translucent material. The portion formed of the translucent or opaque material can also cover the lifting platform 67 (described later) from above or from the outside. In this case, the aesthetics of the upper door storage housing 56A are improved because the lifting platform 67 is difficult to see from above or from the outside.

[0174] The housing body 57 can also have an opaque or semi-transparent coloring layer, pattern, etc., formed on the surface of a molded transparent material. In this case, the parts with the opaque or semi-transparent coloring layer or pattern are difficult to see from the outside, thus improving the aesthetics of the upper door storage housing 56A.

[0175] (Lifting platform)

[0176] like Figure 4 As shown, the lifting platform 67 has all the components of the upper door storage housing 56A except for the housing body 57.

[0177] For example, the lifting platform 67 includes a lifting platform body 58, an operating component 59, a lower cover 60, and a first locking part 70. The shape of the lifting platform 67 viewed from above in the +Z direction is asymmetrical in the horizontal direction.

[0178] The lifting platform body 58 has a bottom part 58a, a first wall part 58c extending from the outer periphery of the bottom part 58a in the +Z direction and a pair of second side wall parts (second wall parts) 58d, a front end plate part 58b, a pair of side plate parts 58f extending from the outer periphery of the bottom part 58a in the -Z direction, and a cut plate part 58x.

[0179] The bottom part 58a forms part of the base plate of the lifting platform 67, and is a flat plate with a size and shape that allows the bottom part 57a of the housing body 57 to coincide with the upper surface.

[0180] The edge in the +Y direction of the bottom part 58a has the same shape as the edge in the bottom part 57a. The edge of the periphery in the +X and -X directions of the bottom part 58a, and the edge of the wide portion on the +Y direction side (hereinafter referred to as the wide portion edge) has the same shape as the edge in the bottom part 57a.

[0181] The narrow portion of the bottom surface 58a in the +X and -X directions, and on the -Y direction side (hereinafter referred to as the narrow portion edge), has a shape that expands slightly outward compared to the same edge in the bottom surface 57a. The edge in the -Y direction of the bottom surface 58a has a shape that expands slightly outward compared to the same edge in the bottom surface 57a.

[0182] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the shape of the bottom surface 58a viewed from above in the +Z direction is asymmetrical in the horizontal direction.

[0183] The first wall portion 58c is located on the outer edge of the bottom portion 58a in the -Y direction, forming the side plate portion of the lifting platform 67.

[0184] A pair of second sidewall portions (second wall portions) 58d are provided on the outer edges of both sides of the bottom portion 58a in the transverse direction.

[0185] The front end plate 58b extends from the edge of the bottom portion 58a in the +Y direction toward the -Z direction. The length of the front end plate 58b is the length that is hidden inside the wall portion 57b protruding in the -Z direction of the housing body 57 when the housing body 57 is installed.

[0186] The side plate portion 58f extends in the -Z direction from the end edge of each wide portion in the bottom portion 58a. The length of the side plate portion 58f is the length that is hidden inside the second side wall portion 57d of the housing body 57 when the housing body 57 is installed.

[0187] The cut-out plate portion 58x extends in the -Z direction from the end edge between the front end plate portion 58b and the side plate portion 58f in the periphery of the bottom portion 58a. The cut-out plate portion 58x is inclined towards the +X direction as it tends towards the +Y direction, obliquely connecting the side plate portion 58f and the front end plate portion 58b. The length of the cut-out plate portion 58x is the length that is hidden inside the second side wall portion 57d of the housing body 57 when the housing body 57 is installed.

[0188] Thus, in this embodiment, a side plate portion extending in the +Z direction is not formed on the outer periphery of the bottom portion 58a along the outer edge of the wall portion 57b, the cut-out wall portion 57x, and the pair of first side wall portions 57f of the housing body 57. That is, when the housing body 57 is installed on the lifting platform body 58, when viewed from the horizontal direction, a side plate portion that overlaps with the wall portion 57b, the cut-out wall portion 57x, and the pair of first side wall portions 57f is not formed.

[0189] The second sidewall portion 58d is the periphery in the +X and -X directions of the bottom portion 58a, extending from the end edge closer to the -Y direction than each width end edge in the +Z and -Z directions.

[0190] The height of each second side wall portion 58d in the +Z direction from the bottom portion 58a is equal to the height of the main body 57 of the housing from the lower surface of the bottom portion 57a ​​to the lower surface of the flange portion 57g.

[0191] The height of each second side wall portion 58d in the -Z direction is equal to the height of each side plate portion 58f.

[0192] A groove 58j with an upward opening is formed at the upper end of each of the second sidewall portions 58d. Each locking protrusion 57h of the housing body 57 can enter from above in the groove 58j and engage with the locking protrusion 57h in the front-rear direction.

[0193] like Figure 4 As shown, a locking protrusion 58A and a guide portion 58B are respectively provided on the second side wall portion 58d on both sides. Hereinafter, the locking protrusion 58A and the guide portion 58B provided on the second side wall portion 58d in the -X direction will be used as an example for explanation.

[0194] The locking protrusion 58A protrudes outward in the X direction from the second sidewall portion 58d. The locking protrusion 58A has a width in the depth direction that allows it to be inserted into the gap between the inner surface 53a of the aforementioned inner surface member 53 and each track portion 64. The locking protrusion 58A has a plate-like portion 58Aa extending in the vertical direction, and a plurality of protrusions 58Ab protruding from the +Y direction surface of the plate-like portion 58Aa in the +Y direction and extending in the horizontal width direction.

[0195] The multiple protrusions 58Ab are provided to reduce the contact area with the track section 64.

[0196] In each of the plurality of protrusions 58Ab, the cross section orthogonal to the transverse width direction is, for example, a semicircle protruding in the +Y direction.

[0197] The guide portion 58B protrudes outward in the X direction from the second side wall portion 58d. A gap is formed in the vertical direction between the guide portion 58B and the locking protrusion 58A, through which the track portion 64 can be inserted.

[0198] The guide portion 58B has a plate-shaped portion 58Ba extending in the vertical direction and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 58Bb reinforcing the plate-shaped portion 58Ba from the +Y direction side.

[0199] The first wall portion 58c extends from the end edge in the -Y direction of the bottom portion 58a in the +Z direction. The height of the second side wall portion 58d in the +Z direction is the same as that of each second side wall portion 58d, and is equal to the height from the lower surface of the bottom portion 57a ​​of the housing body 57 to the lower surface of the flange portion 57j.

[0200] According to this configuration, when the housing body 57 is installed, each second side wall portion 58d is opposite to each step portion 57e and each second side wall portion 57d from the outside.

[0201] When the housing body 57 is placed on the lifting platform 67, each of the second side wall portions 57d of the housing body 57 is inserted between each of the second side wall portions 58d. Each of the step portions 57e of the housing body 57 is opposite to each of the step portions 58e of the lifting platform body 58 located in the +Y direction of each of the second side wall portions 58d.

[0202] The portion of the upper door storage housing 56A that is closer to the -Y direction side than each step portion 57e is inserted into Figure 3 The side ribs 61C and 61D are shown. Therefore, in the upper door storage housing 56A, the side ribs 61C and 61D protrude in the +Y direction from the side of each step portion 57e in the +Y direction.

[0203] No side plate portion overlapping with the housing body 57 is formed above the wide end edge of the bottom portion 58a in the lifting platform body 58. Therefore, when at least the wall portion 57b, the cut-out wall portion 57x, and each of the first side wall portions 57f in the housing body 57 are formed of transparent or translucent material, the contents stored inside the housing body 57 can be seen horizontally through these wall portions 57b, the cut-out wall portion 57x, and each of the first side wall portions 57f.

[0204] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the lifting platform body 58 of this embodiment has a pair of spacing limiting stops 58cA, which limit the spacing between the lifting platform body 58 and other adjacent door storage housings 56 in the vertical direction.

[0205] A pair of spacing limit stops 58cA protrude toward other door storage housings 56 located below them, and can abut against the upper end of other door storage housings 56 on the lower side from the upper side.

[0206] In this embodiment, each interval limiting stop 58cA is provided on the first wall portion 58c of the lifting platform body 58 and extends along the vertical direction. This pair of interval limiting stops 58cA is spaced apart in the horizontal direction of the first wall portion 58c.

[0207] The spacing limiting stop 58cA protrudes downward from the lower end of the first wall portion 58c. The portion of the spacing limiting stop 58cA above the center in its vertical length extends along the outer surface of the first wall portion 58c in the +Z direction, and the portion below the center protrudes in the -Z direction from the lower end of the first wall portion 58c.

[0208] The length L of the Z-direction length of the interval limiting stop 58cA that protrudes in the -Z direction from the lower end of the first wall portion 58c, i.e., the bottom plate portion 60a of the lower cover 60. Figure 5 The length is preferably greater than or equal to the thickness of an adult's finger. In this embodiment, the length L of the spacing limiting stop 58cA is, for example, in the range of 25mm to 30mm.

[0209] like Figure 5 As shown, the spacing limiting stop 58cA is, for example, a hollow prism shape, with one side open in its cross-sectional shape intersecting the length direction. Specifically, the spacing limiting stop 58cA has a first surface 58c1 connected to the outer surface of the first wall portion 58c, and a pair of second surfaces 58c2 located on both sides of the first surface in the width direction and perpendicular to the first surface 58c1. A groove 58c3 is provided on the inner side surrounded by the first surface 58c1 and the pair of second surfaces 58c2. The cross-sectional shape of the groove 58c3 intersecting the vertical direction is the same concave shape in the vertical direction.

[0210] A pair of spacing limiting stops 58cA are integrally formed with the lifting platform body 58, for example, during the injection molding of the lifting platform 67. This ensures the strength of the spacing limiting stops 58cA and reduces the number of parts and assembly steps.

[0211] The spacer limiting stop 58cA is integrally formed with the first wall portion 58c, protruding from the outer surface of the first wall portion 58c towards the -Y direction side and the inner surface member 53 side. Each end edge of the pair of second surfaces 58c2 of the spacer limiting stop 58cA on the -Y side faces the inner surface 53a of the inner surface member 53 of the refrigerator door 12 and can contact the inner surface 53a. The spacer limiting stop 58cA can be in constant contact with the inner surface 53a of the inner surface member 53, or it can be slightly separated.

[0212] Such a spacing limit stop 58cA abuts against the inner surface 53a of the inner surface component 53 of the refrigerator compartment door 12, thereby preventing the refrigerator compartment 27 side (+Y direction side) of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B from tilting downward (-Z direction) due to the weight of the contents stored in the housing body 57.

[0213] The shape of the spacing limiting stop 58cA is not limited to the shape described above. For example, it may consist only of a plate-shaped first surface, or it may not have a groove. In addition, the shape is not limited to a prism shape; it may also be a cylindrical shape, or various other shapes.

[0214] The number of interval limiting stops 58cA is not limited to two; it can be one or more. The number can also be set according to the shape and size of the interval limiting stops 58cA.

[0215] The position of the spacing limiting stop 58cA is not limited to the above-mentioned position. It can be provided at the center of the first wall portion 58c in the horizontal direction, or it can be provided on the outer surface of each of the second side wall portions 58d located on both sides of the first wall portion 58c.

[0216] In this embodiment, the lifting platform 67 including the interval limiting stop 58cA is formed by injection molding. Therefore, it is not necessary to install the interval limiting stop 58cA as a separate component on the lifting platform body 58. The interval limiting stop 58cA can be integrally formed on the lifting platform body 58, thereby reducing the number of components and reducing labor time.

[0217] Each locking protrusion 57h in the housing body 57 engages with each groove 58j on the side of the lifting platform body 58.

[0218] The housing body 57 is mounted on the bottom portion 58a, each of the second side wall portions 58d, and the first wall portion 58c of the lifting platform body 58. The housing body 57 is clamped between each of the second side wall portions 58d, thereby being positioned in the transverse direction. Each locking protrusion 57h of the housing body 57 engages with each groove 58j, thereby positioning the housing body 57 relative to the lifting platform body 58 in the Y direction.

[0219] (Internal structure of the base plate of the lifting platform)

[0220] Next, the internal structure of the base plate of the lifting platform 67 and the structure of the lower surface of the lifting platform body 58 will be described together.

[0221] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the locking release mechanism 80. Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view showing the structure of the locking release mechanism 80, and is viewed from the +Z direction side. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional view showing the structure of the bottom side of the main body 58 of the lifting platform.

[0222] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, a locking release mechanism 80 is provided on the bottom plate of the lifting platform 67.

[0223] The locking release mechanism 80 moves the first locking part 70 to a non-locking position where it cannot lock with the locking plate 64e of the track part 64, so that the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B can move in the vertical direction.

[0224] The locking release mechanism 80 is located on the main body of the lifting platform 58 ( Figure 4 ) and lower cover 60 ( Figure 7 Between them, there are operating components 59 and force-applying components 77.

[0225] First, the structure of the lower surface side of the bottom part 58a of the lifting platform body 58 will be described.

[0226] On the lower surface of the bottom part 58a, the first guide 58n, the locking part 58p, the second guide 58t, the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M, and the fixing bosses 58q and 58s protrude in the -Z direction. The amount of protrusion of each of the first guide 58n, the locking part 58p, the second guide 58t, the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M, and the fixing bosses 58q and 58s is smaller than the amount of protrusion in the -Z direction on the outer peripheral side of the bottom part 58a.

[0227] The first guide member 58n is a wall-like body that guides the movement of the operating member 59 (described later) in the depth direction. The shape of the first guide member 58n is not particularly limited as long as it can guide the operating member 59 along the depth direction.

[0228] The first guide portion 58n has four guide grooves 58k extending along the depth direction. Each guide groove 58k opens in the -Z direction. The number of guide grooves 58k is only one or more, and is not limited to four. The first guide portion 58n is provided at intervals in the lateral width direction.

[0229] The 58p locking part is for supply Figure 7 The force-applying member 77 shown has a protrusion that engages at its +Y direction end (second end 77b). The engaging portion 58p has a recess that allows insertion into the second end 77b of the force-applying member 77 from the +Y direction. The shape of the engaging portion 58p is not particularly limited as long as it can engage the second end 77b of the force-applying member 77.

[0230] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the locking portions 58p are respectively disposed between the guide grooves 58k1 and 58k2 that are adjacent in the transverse width direction. The position of each locking portion 58p in the depth direction is approximately the same as the end of each guide groove 58k in the +Y direction.

[0231] The second guide portion 58t is a frame-shaped protrusion that guides the first locking portion 70 to move in the lateral direction. Figure 8 In the example shown, the second guide portion 58t has two walls 58t1 that clamp the first locking portion 70 in the depth direction. Each wall 58t1 is connected to the inner surface of the second side wall portion 58d of the lifting platform body 58.

[0232] In the second side wall portion 58d, between each wall 58t1 that serves as the second guide 58t, a guide hole portion 58u is provided for the locking member 73 of the first locking portion 70.

[0233] The locking member 73 of the first locking part 70 exits from the guide hole 58u ( Figure 6 , Figure 8 It protrudes outwards and can move forward and backward in the horizontal direction.

[0234] Such a second guide 58t and guide hole 58u are located on both sides of the horizontal width direction of the bottom part 58a.

[0235] 58M Vibration Absorber Support Figure 7 The vibration-absorbing material 78 is shown. The shape of the vibration-absorbing material support 58M is not particularly limited as long as it can maintain the vibration-absorbing material 78. Figure 8 In the example shown, the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M has a flat, protruding plate parallel to the transverse width direction. A retaining groove 58v, recessed in the +Z direction, is formed at the protruding end (-Z direction) of the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M. The retaining groove 58v is a groove for inserting and mounting the vibration-absorbing material 78.

[0236] There are no specific restrictions on the placement or number of vibration-absorbing material supports (58M). Figure 7 In the example shown, the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M is located at the center of the transverse width of the bottom portion 58a. The position of the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M in the depth direction is approximately the same as the end of each guide groove 58k in the +Y direction.

[0237] The vibration-absorbing material 78 is provided to reduce the impact noise generated by the impact of the operating component 59 acting on the lifting platform body 58 when the operating component 59 moves. For example, the vibration-absorbing material 78 is formed of an elastomer with shock-absorbing properties.

[0238] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the vibration-absorbing material 78 has a head 78a that can be deformed by an impact force from the operating member 59, and a mounting portion 78b that is inserted into a retaining groove 58v mounted on the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M. The mounting portion 78b clamps the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M between itself and the head 78a.

[0239] The fixing bosses 58q and 58s are provided for fixing the lower cover 60 to the lifting platform body 58 by screws. The fixing bosses 58q and 58s are cylindrical protrusions with a height sufficient to fix the lower surface of the lower cover 60 to be aligned with the lower end of the front end plate portion 58b of the lifting platform body 58. Figure 8 ). A screw 76 is formed at the center of the fixing bosses 58q and 58s. Figure 7 ) Screw-in fixing hole.

[0240] The fixing boss 58q is set on the -Y direction side of the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M, opposite to the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M.

[0241] The fixing bosses 58s are respectively provided at the positions opposite to each second guide 58t on the -Y direction side.

[0242] (Operating components)

[0243] The operating component 59 is movable in the depth direction (Y direction) and clamped between the lifting platform body 58 and the lower cover 60 described later.

[0244] The operating component 59 includes an operating part 59a, a force-applying component bracket 59b, a guide rib 59c, and a pressing component 59d.

[0245] The operating section 59a is a frame-like structure extending in the horizontal direction, configured to face the front end plate 58b of the lifting platform body 58. A groove 59h is provided on the lower surface of the operating section 59a for the user's fingertips to enter from below. Figure 6 ).

[0246] The force-applying component bracket 59b is a frame that holds the force-applying component 77 that applies force to the operating component 59 in the -Y direction. The force-applying component bracket 59b is a rectangular frame with a length in the moving direction (Y direction) of the operating part 59a, and has a locking part 59i for locking the force-applying component 77 and a guide shaft 59j extending from the locking part 59i toward the operating part 59a.

[0247] The force-applying component 77 held in the force-applying component bracket 59b is, for example, a compression coil spring.

[0248] The force-applying component 77 is inserted into the guide shaft 59j, with one end locked to the locking part 59i and the other end locked to the locking part 58p on the side of the lifting platform body 58. Thus, as... Figure 6 As shown, the force-applying component 77 is disposed between the operating component 59 and the lifting platform body 58, and applies force to the operating component 59 in the -Y direction relative to the lifting platform body 58.

[0249] The pair of guide ribs 59c are protrusions extending along the moving direction (Y direction) of the operating part 59a. Each guide rib 59c is spaced apart from the other in the transverse direction (X direction) and is located on the outer side of each force-applying component bracket 59b in the X direction.

[0250] A pair of guide ribs 59k are protrusions that extend parallel to guide ribs 59c and along the moving direction (Y direction) of the operating part 59a. Each guide rib 59k is arranged with a spacing narrower than that of guide ribs 59c and is located inside the force-applying component bracket 59b in the X direction.

[0251] These guide ribs 59c and 59k are inserted into guide grooves 58k formed on the back side of the lifting platform body 58, and can move along the depth direction along each guide groove 58k.

[0252] Multiple such guide ribs 59c and 59k are provided in the transverse direction and are interconnected via multiple plates 59m located between them.

[0253] The following, such as Figure 6 As shown, the position where the operating part 59 moves to its maximum extent in the -Y direction due to the force applied by the force-applying part 77 is called the locking position. Although not shown, the position where the operating part 59a moves to its maximum extent in the +Y direction due to the user's operation is called the locking release position.

[0254] The distance traveled in the depth direction from the locking position to the locking release position (hereinafter referred to as the travel distance) is shorter at the locking position than the length of the guide rib 59k inserted into each guide slot 58k (hereinafter referred to as the insertion length). Therefore, even if the operating member 59 moves to the locking release position, the guide rib 59k as a whole will not be pulled out of each guide slot 58k.

[0255] like Figure 7 As shown, a pressing member 59d is provided on the -X direction side of the guide rib 59c. Similarly, a pressing member 59d is provided on the +X direction side of the guide rib 59c. Each pressing member 59d is connected to the guide ribs 59c and 59k, respectively.

[0256] The pressing member 59d moves the first locking part 70 (described later) in a direction that intersects the moving direction of the operating member 59, according to the amount of movement of the operating member 59 in the depth direction.

[0257] The pressing member 59d has a flat plate portion 59g parallel to the guide rib 59k and a protrusion portion 59e protruding outward from the flat plate portion 59g.

[0258] When viewed from the +Z direction, the protrusion 59e is a mountain-shaped portion with a top 59f in the protruding direction. The top 59f can be a plane parallel to the flat portion 59g, or it can be a curved surface that appears as a convex arc when viewed from the +Z direction. Figure 7 In the example shown, the protrusion 59e, viewed from the +Z direction, is an isosceles triangle, and the top 59f is a convex arc-shaped curved surface.

[0259] The width of the protrusion 59e in the depth direction is approximately twice the travel distance of the operating component 59.

[0260] Protrusion 59e is located Figure 8 The second guide 58t of the main body 58 of the lifting platform shown is inside.

[0261] In the operating member 59 of this embodiment, the operating part 59a, the force-applying member bracket 59b, the guide rib 59c, and the pressing member 59d are integrally formed. Therefore, since the snake-like movement and rotation of the operating member 59 in the horizontal plane are suppressed, the operating member 59 can move linearly along the depth direction.

[0262] (Lower cover)

[0263] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the lower cover 60 is a box-shaped structure that covers the lower surface of the lifting platform body 58 when the operating components 59, force-applying components 77, vibration-absorbing materials 78, and first locking parts 70 are installed on it. The lower cover 60, together with the lifting platform body 58, forms the shape of the base plate of the lifting platform 67. The lower cover 60 has an asymmetrical shape in the horizontal direction.

[0264] The shape of the base plate 60a viewed from the Y direction is roughly the same as the bottom part 58a of the lifting platform body 58, except that it has a through groove 60h at the end in the +Y direction into which the operating part 59a can be inserted.

[0265] like Figure 7 As shown, the lower cover 60 has a bottom plate portion 60a, first side plate portions 60e and 60f extending from the outer edge of the bottom plate portion 60a in the +Z direction, a cut-out wall portion 60x, a pair of second side plate portions 60b and 60c, and a flat plate portion 60g.

[0266] The base plate 60a is provided with threaded fixing bosses 60d and 60f, which have through holes into which screws 76 for fixing to the lifting platform body 58 are inserted. Figure 6 As shown, the back side of the threaded fixing bosses 60d and 60f is recessed in the +Z direction so that the screw head of screw 76 does not protrude.

[0267] The bottom plate 60a, except for the through groove 60h, forms the bottom surface of the lifting platform 67.

[0268] The first side plate portions 60e and 60f and the cut-out wall portion 60x are provided along the periphery of the wide portion side in the +Y direction of the base plate portion 60a. The second side plate portions 60b and 60c are provided along the periphery of the narrow portion side in the -Y direction of the base plate portion 60a.

[0269] The first side plate portion 60e is provided from the end edge on the +X side in the lateral width direction of the width portion to a portion of the end edge on the +Y side.

[0270] The first side plate portion 60f and the cut wall portion 60x are provided at the end edge on the -X side in the transverse width direction of the aforementioned wide portion. The cut wall portion 60x is inclined towards the +X direction side as it moves from the first side plate portion 60f toward the +Y direction when viewed from above, and is inclined from the first side plate portion 60f to the through groove 60h.

[0271] The second side plate portions 60b and 60c are respectively provided at both ends of the narrow portion in the -Y direction of the base plate portion 60a in the transverse width direction.

[0272] The flat plate portion 60g is a flat plate orthogonal to the depth direction. The flat plate portions 60g are respectively disposed on both sides of the base plate portion 60a in the transverse width direction. The flat plate portion 60g located on the -X direction side connects the second side plate portion 60b and the first side plate portion 60e, and the flat plate portion 60g located on the +X direction side connects the second side plate portion 60b and the first side plate portion 60f.

[0273] When the lower cover 60 is installed relative to the lifting platform body 58, the first side plate portions 60e, 60f, the cut-out wall portion 60x, the second side plate portions 60b, 60c, and the flat plate portion 60g (hereinafter referred to as the side peripheral wall) constituting the peripheral wall of the lower cover 60 are inserted into the inner side of the lower end side peripheral wall of the lifting platform body 58.

[0274] The lower cover 60 is threadedly fixed in the lower part of the lifting platform body 58. Specifically, a plurality of screws 76 inserted into the threaded fixing bosses 60d, 60e, and 60f engage with the fixing bosses 58q and 58s, thereby fixing the lower cover 60 to the lifting platform body 58.

[0275] The bottom plate portion 60a of the lower cover 60 is arranged parallel to the bottom portion 58a with a certain gap. Therefore, the position of each component held by the bottom plate portion 60a and the bottom portion 58a is restricted in the vertical direction. This suppresses vertical displacement of the components held by the bottom plate portion 60a and the bottom portion 58a. For example, the bottom plate portion 60a can suppress vertical vibration of the force-applying component support 59b, the force-applying component 77 within the force-applying component support 59b, and the guide rib 59c. As a result, the movement of the operating component 59 in the depth direction becomes smooth.

[0276] (First stop section)

[0277] Next, the first locking part 70 will be explained.

[0278] As described above, the first locking portion 70 is provided at both ends of the lifting platform 67 in the horizontal direction. Hereinafter, an example of the first locking portion 70 provided on the +X direction side will be described.

[0279] like Figure 7As shown, the first locking part 70 includes a first bracket 71, a locking member 73, a force-applying member (not shown), and a second bracket 75.

[0280] The first support 71 is a cuboid box that opens in the +X direction.

[0281] The locking component 73 is inserted into the first bracket 71.

[0282] The force-applying component is positioned between the locking component 73, which is inserted into the first bracket 71 in the first locking portion 70, and the second bracket 75, which will be described later, and applies force to the locking component 73 in the +X direction. A compression coil spring can be used as the force-applying component.

[0283] The second bracket 75 is fixed to the +X end of the first bracket 71, forming the +X end of the first locking part 70.

[0284] The second support 75 has a protrusion 75a and a connecting portion 75f. When viewed from the +Z direction, the protrusion 75a has a mountain-shaped form with a top 75b in the protruding direction. The top 75b can be a flat surface or a curved surface that is convex arc-shaped when viewed from the +Z direction.

[0285] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the mountain-shaped protrusion 75a is an isosceles triangle, and the top 75b is a convex arc-shaped curved surface.

[0286] There are no particular limitations on the inclination of the protrusion 75a, as long as it is greater than or equal to the inclination of the protrusion 59e. Figure 7 In the example shown, the inclination of the protrusion 75a is approximately equal to the inclination of the protrusion 59e described above.

[0287] The connecting portion 75f is a sheet-like part that protrudes from both ends of the protrusion 75a in the depth direction in the +X direction.

[0288] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first locking part 70 in the assembled state houses the force-applying component and the locking component 73 in the internal space formed by the connection of the first bracket 71 and the second bracket 75. A portion of the locking component 73 protrudes from the inside of the first bracket 71 in the +X direction. The position where the locking component 73 protrudes the most in the +X direction is called the locking position of the first locking part 70.

[0289] The locking member 73 of the first locking part 70, which is in the locking position, passes through the guide hole 58u of the lifting platform body 58. Figure 6 It extends outward to the second side wall portion 58d.

[0290] In this embodiment, the force-applying member 77 and the locking member 73 are arranged side by side on a substantially coaxial plane, and the locking member 73, which protrudes from the first bracket 71, is inserted into the interior of the force-applying member 77. Therefore, the force-applying member 77, the locking member 73, the first bracket 71, and the force-applying member 77 are arranged on a substantially coaxial plane.

[0291] Here, the operation of the first locking part 70 and the operating part 59 will be explained.

[0292] As described above, at the locking position of the first locking portion 70, the positions of the first bracket 71 and the second bracket 75 in the lateral direction are fixed. Conversely, the locking member 73 is subjected to force by the force-applying member inside the first bracket 71 and the second bracket 75, but can move in the +X direction. Therefore, when the front end of the locking member 73 in the +X direction is pressed in the -X direction with a force greater than the force of the force-applying member, the locking member 73 moves in the -X direction, allowing its front end to be pulled into the interior of the guide hole portion 58u.

[0293] When the operating component 59 is pulled by the user in the +Y direction and moved to the lock release position... Figure 7 Each pressing component 59d shown moves in the +Y direction against the force generated by the force-applying component 77.

[0294] When each pressing component 59d moves in the +Y direction, the first locking part 70, which is force-applied by the force-applied component 77, moves toward the pressing component 59d.

[0295] If the pressing part 59d is from Figure 8 When the opening of the second guide portion 58t shown retracts, each of the first locking portions 70 moves simultaneously toward the flat plate portion 59g, and the top 75b abuts against the flat plate portion 59g. Thus, in this embodiment, the locking member 73 protruding from the first bracket 71 also moves parallel in the -X direction, thereby being pulled into the inside of the guide hole portion 58u. That is, the locking member 73 retracts into the inside of the guide hole portion 58u while being forced outward in the lateral direction by the force-applying member.

[0296] Thus, when the operating member 59 moves to the locking release position, the first locking part 70 moves, resulting in a state where the front ends of each locking member 73 do not protrude from the guide hole part 58u. In this state, the locking members 73 of each first locking part 70 cannot lock with the locking plate 64e of the track part 64 (unlocked position).

[0297] When the user removes their hand from the operating part 59a, the operating member 59 moves in the -Y direction due to the force exerted by the force-applying member 77. Therefore, the operating member 59 and each of the first locking parts 70 return to their respective locking positions. At this time, the operating member 59, which has moved under the force of the force-applying member 77, does not collide with any component of the lifting platform body 58, but instead comes into contact with the vibration-absorbing material 78. The kinetic energy of the operating member 59 is absorbed by the vibration-absorbing material 78, and the operating member 59 stops at the locking position. Therefore, the impact noise generated by the impact of the operating member 59 can be reduced.

[0298] A certain degree of impact force is transmitted to the lifting platform body 58 through the vibration-absorbing material 78. In this embodiment, the lifting platform body 58 is subjected to external force through the extension and retraction of the force-applying member 77 and the impact of the operating member 59. Fixing bosses 58s and 58q are provided at positions opposite to the locking portions 58p and the retaining grooves 58v in the direction of the external force. Therefore, by using the fixing bosses 58s and 58q to thread-fix the lower cover 60, a reinforced structure that effectively resists external forces can be obtained. As a result, even if external forces such as impact forces are transmitted to the lifting platform body 58 to a certain extent, vibration can be suppressed, thus providing a stable operating feel.

[0299] In this embodiment, the locking member 73 protrudes outward from the guide hole portion 58u at its locking position, and is retracted to the inside of the guide hole portion 58u by an external force acting on the locking member 73. Similarly, when the operating member 59 moves to the locking release position, the first locking part 70 moves horizontally to the non-locking position.

[0300] Next, the locking mechanism for the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B when installed into the refrigerator door 12 will be explained.

[0301] like Figure 2 As shown, the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are respectively disposed on... Figure 3 The locking plates 64e at predetermined positions in the vertical direction of the pair of track sections 64 shown are respectively installed by locking from the top.

[0302] like Figure 6 As shown, when the operating member 59 disposed on the bottom surface of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B is in the locking position, the main body 73a of the locking member 73 protrudes outward in the Y direction through the guide hole 58u of the second side wall portion 58d. The main body 73a is locked from the top to the locking plate 64e at a predetermined position.

[0303] The locking protrusions 58A and guides 58B in the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B clamp the track portion 64. Under the gravity of each door storage housing 56A and 56B, the lower surface of the front end side of the locking member 73 is pressed against the locking surface 64i of the locking plate 64e.

[0304] The interval limiting stop members 58cA in the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are pressed against the inner surface 53a of the inner surface member 53 in the refrigerator door 12 by the gravity of each door storage housing 56A, 56B.

[0305] Since the center of gravity of the upper door storage housing 56A is located on the side of the refrigerator compartment 27 (+Y direction) closer than the track section 64, the upper end of the locking protrusion 58A presses the second track section 64b toward the refrigerator compartment 27.

[0306] During installation, the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B must not be pulled out toward the refrigerator compartment 27 to suppress descent in the -Z direction.

[0307] In this embodiment, by performing the operations described below, the user can move the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B in the up and down directions, respectively.

[0308] (Move upwards: Push up)

[0309] To move the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B upwards, an upward pushing operation is performed.

[0310] The upward pushing operation is an operation in which the user applies an upward force to the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B, causing it to move in the +Z direction. The user can apply force to any position of the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B, but when the user touches the lower surface of the lifting platform 67 and pushes the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B upward, an upward force can be applied near the locking position of the first locking part 70, thus enabling smoother operation.

[0311] When the lower surface of the lifting platform 67 is pushed up, for example, compared to the case of holding and lifting the upper end of the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B, it is easier to apply force, and even short users can easily move the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B upward.

[0312] In the locking structure of this embodiment, since there is no component that locks the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B from above, the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B can rise along the track section 64 when the user applies an upward force to the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0313] If the locking member 73 rises to the position of the closest locking plate 64e on the track 64, the locking member 73 abuts against the locking plate 64e. Through the horizontal component of the reaction from the locking plate 64e, the locking member 73 is pressed inward and can pass over the abutting locking plate 64e.

[0314] When the locking component 73 reaches the upper recess of the abutting locking plate 64e, the reaction force from the track portion 64 that pressed the locking component 73 in disappears, and therefore the locking component 73 protrudes outward from the guide hole portion 58u of the lifting platform body 58. At this time, if the user releases their hand and stops the upward pushing operation, the locking component 73 is locked from above against the passing locking plate 64e.

[0315] By pushing upwards, the user can move the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B upwards, causing them to engage with the upper locking plate 64e. This allows the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B to be engaged with any locking plate 64e located vertically opposite to each other in the horizontal direction.

[0316] During the upward pushing operation, while the upper door storage housing 56A can be locked at the uppermost position, it cannot be lowered. Therefore, for example, even if the hand is released before reaching above the upper locking plate 64e, the locking member 73 can reliably lock onto the nearest lower locking plate 64e. Thus, during the upward pushing operation, the upper door storage housing 56A can be prevented from falling.

[0317] (Move down: Unblock operation)

[0318] The locking release operation is an operation that forcibly releases the locking component 73 from the track portion 64 in the vertical direction.

[0319] In this operation, the user operates the operating component 59 to move it to the locked-out position. For example, the user uses their hand to clamp the lower end of the operating part 59a and the front end plate 58b of the lifting platform body 58 in the depth direction, thereby moving the operating component 59 in the +Y direction.

[0320] In this embodiment, when the operating part 59a is closest to the front end plate part 58b, the operating member 59 moves to the locking release position.

[0321] At the released position, each locking component 73 is pulled into the inner side of the second side wall portion 58d of the lifting platform body 58, thus releasing the locking component 73 relative to the track portion 64.

[0322] When the user releases their grip on the lower end of the operating unit 59a and the front end plate 58b of the lifting platform body 58 at the destination, the locking member 73 protrudes outward from the second side wall 58d due to the force applied by the force-applying member 77. Therefore, the locking member 73 protrudes into the upper recess of the nearest lower locking plate 64e. By releasing the user's hand in this state, the locking member 73 locks onto the nearest lower locking plate 64e at the destination.

[0323] Through this locking and releasing operation, the user can move the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B downwards, causing them to lock onto the lower locking plate 64e. This allows the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B to be locked onto either of the locking plates 64e, which are positioned vertically and horizontally opposite each other in a pair of track sections 64.

[0324] In this way, as long as the user is within the movable range of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B, the user can move the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B freely in the vertical direction, respectively.

[0325] According to this embodiment, the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B can be moved by the user with a simple one-handed operation from the front of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B, whether it is a push-up operation or a locking release operation.

[0326] Here, the movable range of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B will be described.

[0327] In this embodiment, the uppermost position of the upper door storage housing 56A is limited by the position of the upper end plate 64g of the track section 64. The position where the uppermost locking plate 64e, located directly below the upper end plate 64g of the track section 64, is locked is the upper limit of the upward movement of the upper door storage housing 56A.

[0328] On the other hand, the lowest position of the upper door storage housing 56A is limited by a pair of spaced-out stoppers 58cA on the side of the upper door storage housing 56A. That is, when the upper door storage housing 56A is lowered, each spaced-out stopper 58cA abuts against the upper end of the middle door storage housing 56B located directly below, thereby limiting further downward movement. Therefore, the lower limit position of the upper door storage housing 56A varies depending on the position of the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0329] In this way, the downward movement of the upper door storage housing 56A is restricted by a pair of spacer stops 58cA, preventing it from getting too close to the middle door storage housing 56B located directly below. By employing a configuration in which a predetermined gap is formed between the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B by the spacer stops 58cA, when the upper door storage housing 56A is lowered, it can be prevented from getting too close to the middle door storage housing 56B due to the weight of the stored items. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the user's hand or fingers getting caught between the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B. The size of the gap formed between the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B can be varied according to the vertical length of the spacer stops 58cA in the upper door storage housing 56A.

[0330] The movement range of the middle door storage housing 56B in this embodiment is set, for example, by the position of the upper door storage housing 56A and the descent position limiting part 53d.

[0331] The uppermost position of the middle door storage housing 56B varies depending on the position of the upper door storage housing 56A. That is, when the middle door storage housing 56B is raised, its upper end abuts against the gap-limiting stop 58cA on the side of the upper door storage housing 56A, thereby limiting further upward movement.

[0332] On the other hand, the lowest position of the middle door storage housing 56B is where the lower end of the locking protrusion 58A is locked from above by the descending position limiting part 53d. In this embodiment, the middle door storage housing 56B has the same shape as the upper door storage housing 56A and can be interchanged with respect to the refrigerator door 12. Therefore, a pair of spacing limiting stops 58cA are also present in the middle door storage housing 56B, but they do not abut against the lower door storage housing 56C when moved to the lowest position. That is, when the locking protrusion 58A in the middle door storage housing 56B is located at the lowest position of the lower position limiting part 53d, the vertical distance between the middle door storage housing 56B and the lower door storage housing 56C is the same as or larger than the distance between the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B when they are in the closest position, with the distance limiting stop 58cA of the upper door storage housing 56A abutting against the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0333] Thus, in the middle door storage housing 56B, downward movement is restricted not by a pair of spaced-apart stoppers 58cA, but by a downward position limiting portion 53d, preventing excessive proximity to the lower door storage housing 56C located directly below. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the user's hand or fingers getting caught between the middle door storage housing 56B and the lower door storage housing 56C. The size of the gap formed between the middle door storage housing 56B and the lower door storage housing 56C can be changed according to the position of the downward position limiting portion 53d in the vertical direction.

[0334] In addition, the middle door storage housing 56B also has a spacing restriction stop 58cA, which prevents the refrigerator compartment 27 side of the middle door storage housing 56B from tilting downwards due to the weight of the stored items.

[0335] As explained above, the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment can provide a refrigerator 1 in which, when the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are moved to any position in the up and down direction, the user's fingers or hands will not be pinched between adjacent door storage housings 56 in the up and down direction by limiting the distance between the door storage housings 56 arranged in the up and down direction.

[0336] While one embodiment of the invention has been described, it is provided as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiment can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the technical solution and its equivalents.

[0337] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are replaced relative to the refrigerator door 12, these upper door storage housings 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are formed with the same shape. However, in the case where the door storage housings 56A and 56B cannot be disassembled relative to the track portion 64, they can also be formed with different shapes. For example, since the distance between the middle door storage housing 56B and the lower door storage housing 56C is limited by the descending position limiting portion 53d, the distance limiting stop 58cA may not be provided on the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0338] Furthermore, if the spacing between the vertically arranged door storage housings 56 can be limited to a predetermined spacing, the position, quantity, shape, etc. of the spacing restriction stop 58cA can be appropriately changed.

[0339] Alternatively, for example, the spacing restriction stop 58cA may be provided such that the upper end of the first wall portion 58c of each lifting platform body 58 in the middle door storage housing 56B and the lower door storage housing 56C protrudes upward, thereby restricting the spacing between the body and the other door storage housing 56 located directly above it.

[0340] Alternatively, the spacing limiting stop 58cA may not be provided in the upper door storage housing 56A, but only in the middle door storage housing 56B. In this case, it is preferable that the spacing limiting stop 58cA protrudes from the upper end of each of the second side wall portions 58d in the middle door storage housing 56B toward the upper door storage housing 56A.

[0341] In addition, in this embodiment, the spacing limiting stop 58cA is provided on the first wall portion 58c side of the lifting platform body 58 of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B, but it is not limited to this. The spacing limiting stop 58cA may also be provided on each of the second side wall portions 58d on both sides of the transverse width of each housing.

[0342] For example, a spacer-limiting stop 58cA may be provided on the second sidewall portion 58d of both the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B. In this case, for example, as... Figure 4 As shown by the dotted line, it can also be configured such that the locking protrusion 58A provided on the outer surface of the second side wall portion 58d has a spaced limiting stop 58cA continuously extending therefrom.

[0343] Alternatively, the spacer limiting stop 58cA may be provided not only on the first wall portion 58c or only on the second side wall portion 58d of the door housing 56, but on both the first wall portion 58c and the second side wall portion 58d. In this case, the protruding directions of the spacer limiting stop 58cA provided on the first wall portion 58c and the second side wall portion 58d may be the same or different.

[0344] Furthermore, when a spacing limiting stop 58cA is provided on the second side wall portion 58d, it is preferable that the end face of the spacing limiting stop 58cA on the -Y side is in contact with the end face 53cy of the inner surface 53a or the step portion 53c of the inner surface member 53. This prevents the weight of the stored items inside the door storage housing 56 from pressing against the end face 53cy of the inner surface 53a or the step portion 53c, thus preventing the refrigerator compartment 27A side of the door storage housing 56 from tilting downwards.

[0345] Thus, by providing a gap-limiting stop 58cA in at least one of the first wall portion 58c and the second side wall portion 58d, the gap between the space and other door storage housings 56 can be limited.

[0346] In addition, the gap limiting stop 58cA provided on the second side wall portion 58d extends along each side S1, S2 toward the inner side of the pair of ribs 61C, 61D. The gap limiting stop 58cA is hidden inside the side wall ribs 61C, 61D, so it can become inconspicuous.

[0347] For example, the partition limiting stop 58cA may also have a buffer material on its front end (upper or lower end) side in the vertical direction, which is used to mitigate the impact when it comes into contact with other door housings. In this case, the partition limiting stop 58cA preferably has a flat surface on its front end side in the vertical direction. This facilitates the installation of the buffer material and allows it to be securely fixed, thus preventing the buffer material from detaching from the partition limiting stop 58cA.

[0348] Alternatively, for example, the interval limiting stop 58cA can be provided on the lower cover 60.

[0349] In this case, it is preferable to provide a spacing limiting stop 58cA from the bottom plate portion 60a of the lower cover 60 toward the other door storage housing 56 located directly below. By providing the spacing limiting stop 58cA on the lower cover 60, in case of damage, only the lower cover 60 needs to be replaced, thus simplifying the replacement operation.

[0350] Alternatively, for example, to ensure further strength of the gap-limiting stop 58cA, it can also be solid in shape.

[0351] According to at least one embodiment described above, a refrigerator is provided, comprising a refrigerator body including a storage compartment, a door capable of opening and closing the storage compartment, and a plurality of door storage housings arranged vertically on the inner side of the door, wherein at least one of the plurality of door storage housings has a lifting platform. The lifting platform includes: a locking member that locks against the door; a locking release mechanism that releases the locking member from locking against the door; a lifting platform body capable of moving vertically along a track provided on the door; and a spacing limiting stop protruding toward the other door storage housings arranged vertically and capable of abutting against the other door storage housings. Since the spacing limiting stop is integrally formed with the lifting platform body, a refrigerator can be provided that limits the spacing between the door storage housings arranged vertically, preventing the user's fingers or hands from being pinched during operation.

[0352] [Second Implementation]

[0353] [refrigerator]

[0354] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the refrigerator 1 according to the second embodiment, and is a front view showing the state with the French door open. Hereinafter, [the following will describe...] Figure 9 The overall configuration of the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment shown will be described. However, the refrigerator 1 does not need to have all the configurations described below, and some configurations may be omitted appropriately.

[0355] Refrigerator 1, for example, has a cabinet 10, a pair of refrigerator doors 12 and 13, and multiple doors 11. Refrigerator 1 is a French door type refrigerator with two refrigerator doors 12 and 13.

[0356] The enclosure 10 includes, for example, an inner enclosure, an outer enclosure, and insulation material.

[0357] The inner casing, for example, is made of synthetic resin and has a recessed shape in several locations, running from the front to the rear. These recesses form multiple refrigerated compartments (storage compartments) 27. Figure 9 In the example shown, the multiple refrigerator compartments 27 include refrigerator compartment 27A, vegetable compartment 27B, upper freezer compartment 27C, lower freezer compartment 27D, and ice-making compartment 27E. Refrigerator compartment 27A, vegetable compartment 27B, upper freezer compartment 27C, and lower freezer compartment 27D are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. Ice-making compartment 27E is located to the left of upper freezer compartment 27C.

[0358] The cabinet 10 has an opening on the front side of each refrigerator compartment 27 for taking out or putting in food relative to each refrigerator compartment 27.

[0359] The outer casing is a cuboid shape forming the outer surface of the casing 10 on three sides, excluding the front side. The outer casing is made of, for example, metal or a composite material of metal and resin.

[0360] The insulation material, such as polyurethane foam, is filled between the inner and outer boxes. Thus, the box 10 has thermal insulation properties.

[0361] Within the cabinet 10, various components that together form the main body of the refrigerator are arranged between the inner and outer cabinets. Examples of components forming the main body of the refrigerator include a cooling unit that generates cold air, a flow path forming component that forms a flow path that circulates cold air between each refrigerator compartment 27 and the cooling unit, a cooling fan that delivers cold air to each refrigerator compartment 27 through the flow path, and a control board that controls the operation of the cooling unit and the cooling fan.

[0362] The temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 27A is maintained at a temperature lower than that of the vegetable compartment 27B and higher than that of the upper freezer compartment 27C and the lower freezer compartment 27D. The interior of the refrigerator compartment 27A includes, for example, shelves for partitioning the compartment and containers for quenching. The entire surface of the refrigerator compartment 27A is covered by refrigerator doors 12 and 13 that can be opened and closed from the left and right.

[0363] like Figure 9 As shown, the left and right refrigerator doors 12 and 13 are designed for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 27A. The left and right refrigerator doors 12 and 13 have different widths. Viewed from the front of the refrigerator 1, the width r of the left refrigerator door (first refrigerator door) 12 is... L The width r of the refrigerator door 13 on the right side R Narrow (r) L <r R ).

[0364] The refrigerator door 12 is connected to the left end of the cabinet 10 in the -X direction via a pair of hinges 32 respectively located at the upper and lower ends on the left side. The refrigerator door 13 is connected to the right end of the cabinet 10 in the +X direction via a pair of hinges 33 respectively located at the upper and lower ends on the right side in the +X direction. This pair of refrigerator doors 12 and 13 are rotatable about the axes of rotation O of the hinges 32 and 33 extending in the vertical direction (Z direction). L O R It is a double-leaf rotating door that opens by rotating to the left and right sides, with the center rotating in the horizontal plane. The refrigerator door 12 is connected to the rotation axes O of the hinges 32. L The refrigerator door 13 opens by rotating to the left from the center, with each axis of rotation of the hinge 33 being O. R It opens by rotating to the right from the center.

[0365] Users can open the refrigerator doors 12 and 13 to the left and right by placing their hands on the grooves 8 located at the lower end of each refrigerator door 12 and 13 and pulling them towards the front.

[0366] Multiple doors 11 are provided for opening and closing the vegetable compartment 27B, the upper freezer compartment 27C, the lower freezer compartment 27D, and the ice-making compartment 27E. The vegetable compartment door 11B, the upper freezer compartment door 11C, the lower freezer compartment door 11D, and the ice-making compartment door 11E respectively cover the front surface of the vegetable compartment 27B, the upper freezer compartment 27C, the lower freezer compartment 27D, and the ice-making compartment 27E.

[0367] The temperature inside the vegetable compartment 27B is maintained at a higher temperature than that of the refrigerator compartment 27A. Inside the vegetable compartment 27B, for example, there are vegetable compartment containers for storing vegetables and other storage items, as well as guide rails for moving the vegetable compartment containers along the depth direction (Y direction).

[0368] The front surface of the vegetable compartment 27B is covered by a drawer-type vegetable compartment door 11B that can be opened and closed.

[0369] Insulation material is provided inside the vegetable compartment door 11B. A gasket is provided on the outer edge of the inner surface side of the vegetable compartment door 11B, which abuts against the front surface of the inner box that forms the opening of the front surface of the vegetable compartment 27B.

[0370] When the vegetable room door 11B is closed, the opening of the vegetable room 27B is insulated and sealed.

[0371] A vegetable compartment container is connected to the inner surface of the vegetable compartment door 11B. The vegetable compartment door 11B can move along the depth direction together with the vegetable compartment container along the guide rail on which the vegetable compartment container is placed.

[0372] The temperatures inside the upper freezer compartment 27C, the lower freezer compartment 27D, and the ice-making compartment 27E are maintained at temperatures sufficient to freeze the stored items. Inside the upper freezer compartment 27C, the lower freezer compartment 27D, and the ice-making compartment 27E, for example, small freezer compartments, freezer containers for storing frozen items, and guide rails for moving the freezer containers along the depth direction are provided.

[0373] The front surfaces of the upper freezer compartment 27C, the lower freezer compartment 27D, and the ice maker compartment 27E are covered by drawer-type upper freezer door 11C, lower freezer door 11D, and ice maker compartment door 11E, which can be opened and closed.

[0374] Insulation material is provided inside the upper freezer door 11C, the lower freezer door 11D, and the ice-making door 11E. Gaskets are provided on the outer edges of the inner surfaces of the upper freezer door 11C, the lower freezer door 11D, and the ice-making door 11E, respectively, to abut against the front surfaces of the inner compartments that form the openings of the front surfaces of the upper freezer door 27C, the lower freezer door 27D, and the ice-making door 27E.

[0375] If the upper freezer door 11C, the lower freezer door 11D, and the ice maker door 11E are closed, the openings of the upper freezer 27C, the lower freezer 27D, and the ice maker 27E are insulated and sealed.

[0376] Freezer containers are connected to the inner surfaces of the upper freezer door 11C, the lower freezer door 11D, and the ice-making door 11E. The upper freezer door 11C and the lower freezer door 11D can move along the guide rails that hold the freezer containers in the depth direction.

[0377] The above-mentioned configuration of each cold storage compartment 27 and each door 11 is an example, and is not limited to the above example.

[0378] Figure 9 The left and right refrigerator doors 12 and 13 shown have a surface facing the user when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 1 when closed, and an inner surface on the refrigerator compartment 27A side.

[0379] On the inner surface of the refrigerator door 12, three door storage housings 56A, 56B, and 56C are arranged vertically. On the inner surface of the refrigerator door 13, three door storage housings 54A, 56B, and 56C are arranged vertically.

[0380] Each door storage housing 56A-56C of the refrigerator door 12 in this embodiment is located about the rotation axis O of each hinge 32. L When the refrigerator door 12 rotates to open and close around the center, a portion is cut off to avoid interference between the rotation trajectory of the refrigerator door 12 and the surrounding area, resulting in an asymmetrical shape in the horizontal (X) direction.

[0381] Each door storage housing 56A-56C has a cutout 3 on one side in the horizontal direction, which is the side opposite to the user when the door rotates. For example, the cutout 3 is formed by cutting off a rectangular corner when the door storage housing 56A-56C is viewed from above (+Z direction). When the refrigerator door 12 is closed, the cutout 3 of each door storage housing 56 in the refrigerator door 12 is opposite to each door storage housing 54A-54C in the refrigerator door 13 in the horizontal direction.

[0382] In this embodiment, door storage housings 56A to 56C with cutouts 3 are provided only on the left side of the refrigerator door 12, but door storage housings 54A to 54C with cutouts 3 may also be provided on the right side of the refrigerator door 13.

[0383] On the inside of the refrigerator door 13 on the right side, from top to bottom, there are an upper door storage housing 54A, a middle door storage housing 54B, and a lower door storage housing 54C. These three door storage housings 54A, 54B, and 54C are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, and can be detachably installed relative to the inner surface of the refrigerator door 13, or fixed relative to the inner surface of the refrigerator door 13.

[0384] Inside the left-side refrigerator door 12, there are a lower door storage housing 56C located at the bottom of the refrigerator door 12, a middle door storage housing 56B located above the lower door storage housing 56C, and an upper door storage housing 56A located above the middle door storage housing 56B and at the top of the refrigerator door 12. These three door storage housings 56A, 56B, and 56C are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction.

[0385] The upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are installed in a manner that allows them to be detached from the inner surface of the refrigerator door 12 and to move vertically. The lower door storage housing 56C can be detachably installed relative to the inner surface of the refrigerator door 12, or it can be fixed relative to the inner surface of the refrigerator door 12.

[0386] Thus, in the refrigerator door 12 of this embodiment, the vertical arrangement positions of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B can be changed in multiple stages within their respective movement ranges. The movement distance and movement range of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are set such that their relative arrangement positions during movement can be adapted to the height of the stored items.

[0387] In the case of French door refrigerators, since the width dimensions of the refrigerator doors 12 and 13 are different, the width dimensions of the door storage housings 56A-56C and 54A-54C respectively located on the refrigerator doors 12 and 13 are also different. Because the size of the door storage housing 56 located on the narrower refrigerator door 12 side is smaller than the size of the door storage housings 54A-54C located on the wider refrigerator door 13 side, the number and weight of items that can be stored are also less than those in the door storage housings 54A-54C, making it difficult to increase weight. Therefore, in this embodiment, the door storage housings 56A-56C located on the narrower refrigerator door 12 side are configured to be able to move vertically.

[0388] [Refrigerator door]

[0389] Next, the detailed structure of the refrigerator compartment doors 12 and 13 will be explained.

[0390] like Figure 9 As shown, the refrigerator door 12 on the left side includes, for example, an outer contour member 50A and a gasket 55A. The outer contour member 50A is box-shaped. The term "box-shaped" as used in this specification also includes a flat box shape. The outer contour member 50A includes, for example, a frame 51A, a surface panel 52A, and an inner surface member 53A.

[0391] The refrigerator door 13 includes, for example, an outer contour member 50B and a gasket 55B. The outer contour member 50A is box-shaped. The outer contour member 50B includes, for example, a frame 51B, a surface panel 52B, and an inner surface member 53B.

[0392] The following description focuses on the left-hand refrigerator door 12.

[0393] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the left side of the refrigerator door 12 in the second embodiment.

[0394] like Figure 10 As shown, the refrigerator door 12 includes, for example, an outer contour component 50A and a gasket 55A. Figure 11The outer contour member 50A is formed in a box shape. The term "box shape" as used in this specification also includes a flattened box shape. The outer contour member 50A may have, for example, a frame 51A, a surface plate 52A, and an inner surface member 53A.

[0395] like Figure 10 As shown, the frame 51A is formed into a rectangular frame with a specified width.

[0396] The frame 51A includes an upper component 51a, a lower component 51b, and side components 51c and 51d. When the refrigerator door 12 is closed, the upper component 51a is a plate-shaped part extending along both the width and depth directions, forming the upper surface of the refrigerator door 12. Similarly, the lower component 51b is a plate-shaped part extending along both the width and depth directions, forming the lower surface of the refrigerator door 12. Furthermore, the side components 51c and 51d are plate-shaped parts extending along both the vertical and depth directions, forming the left and right sides of the refrigerator door 12, respectively. By combining these upper component 51a, lower component 51b, and side components 51c and 51d, a rectangular frame 51A is formed. The frame 51A is, for example, made of synthetic resin.

[0397] like Figure 10 As shown, a recessed groove 8 is formed on the lower part 51b of the refrigerator door 12, which is recessed upwards (in the +Z direction). The groove 8 is formed on the side near the refrigerator door 13 when the refrigerator door 12 is closed. The groove 8 is the part that the user holds when the refrigerator door 12 is opened.

[0398] Additionally, a recessed groove 8 is formed on the lower part 51b of the refrigerator door 13, which is recessed upwards. The groove 8 is formed on the side near the refrigerator door 12 when the refrigerator door 13 is closed.

[0399] Surface panels 52A are installed to close the opening on the front side of the frame 51A and are located at the front end of the refrigerator door 12. Surface panels 52A are rectangular plate members that form the front surface of the refrigerator door 12 along the frame 51A. Surface panels 52A are, for example, glass plates. However, surface panels 52A are not limited to glass plates and may also be formed of synthetic resin or other materials.

[0400] The surface panel 52A can be a flat plate or a curved plate. The following explanation uses the example of the surface panel 52A being a flat plate.

[0401] The inner surface component 53A is mounted to the frame 51A from the side opposite to the surface panel 52A, and is located on the inner surface side of the refrigerator door 12. The inner surface component 53A is a rectangular plate component along the frame 51A. The inner surface component 53A is, for example, made of synthetic resin.

[0402] The inner surface component 53A has a planar inner surface 53a facing the refrigerator compartment 27A when the refrigerator door 12 is closed relative to the cabinet 10, and a pair of ribs 61 protruding from the outer periphery on both sides of the inner surface 53a in the width direction toward the refrigerator compartment 27A.

[0403] Rib 61 is mainly designed to prevent cold air in the refrigerator compartment 27A from escaping through the gap between the refrigerator door 12 and the cabinet 10.

[0404] In addition, in this specification, "rib" is a name for ease of explanation and broadly means a portion that protrudes rearward from the inner surface part 53A, and is not limited to a part of a specific shape or function.

[0405] Although not specifically illustrated, foamed insulation material is filled between the inner surface component 53A and the surface plate 52A, as well as inside the convex shape of the rib 61.

[0406] Gasket 55A is provided to seal the refrigerator compartment 27A so that when the refrigerator compartment door 12 is closed, the cold air inside the refrigerator compartment 27A will not leak to the outside from between the refrigerator compartment door 12 and the aforementioned cabinet 10.

[0407] The gasket 55A is annularly mounted to the inner surface component 53A, surrounding the outer periphery of the frame 51A. The mounting method of the gasket 55A is not particularly limited. For example, the gasket 55A can also be mounted by engaging a protrusion provided on the gasket 55A with a recess provided on the inner surface component 53A.

[0408] [Composition of inner surface components]

[0409] Here, the detailed structure of the inner surface component 53A will be described.

[0410] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the detailed structure of the inner surface component 53A of the left-side refrigerator compartment door 12.

[0411] like Figure 11 As shown, the ribs 61 provided on the inner surface component 53A of the refrigerator door 12 include, for example, annular ribs that are smaller than the outer shape of the frame 51A. The term "annular" as used in this specification is not limited to a completely continuous circumference, but also includes cases where there are cuts or other interruptions.

[0412] Examples of the annular rib group 61 include an upper rib 61F extending in the horizontal direction along the upper member 51a, a lower rib 61G extending in the horizontal direction along the lower member 51b, a side rib 61C extending in the vertical direction along one side member 51c in the width direction, and a side rib 61D extending in the vertical direction along the other side member 51d in the width direction. The upper rib 61F and lower rib 61G are equal in length in the horizontal direction. The side ribs 61C and 61D are equal in length in the vertical direction.

[0413] The side ribs 61C, 61D and the lower rib 61G protrude more towards the refrigerator compartment 27A than the upper rib 61F. For example, the amount of protrusion of the side ribs 61C, 61D and the lower rib 61G is more than half that of the upper rib 61F.

[0414] like Figure 11 As shown, a pair of side ribs 61C and 61D protrude from the ends of both sides of the inner surface 53a in the X direction of the width direction toward the side (rear) of the refrigerator compartment 27A in the +Y direction. The pair of side ribs 61C and 61D extend from the upper rib 61F along the vertical direction to the position of the lower rib 61G.

[0415] The lateral rib 61D is formed by a first front end portion 61a and a second front end portion 61b with locally different protrusion amounts in the vertical direction and different protrusion heights in the +Y direction, and a step portion 61c formed between them to form the front end side of the rib.

[0416] like Figure 11 As shown, the side surfaces S1 and S2 of the side ribs 61C and 61D, which are opposite each other in the transverse direction, are planes that are substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 53a of the inner surface component 53A. Side surface S1 of side rib 61C faces the -X direction and is opposite to the other side rib 61D. Side surface S2 of side rib 61D faces the +X direction and is opposite to the other side rib 61C.

[0417] Side surfaces S1 and S2 each have an inclined surface Sa at their respective lower ends. The inclined surfaces Sa provided on side surfaces S1 and S2 are inclined in a direction that approaches each other as they tend to descend, and the thickness of the lower ends of the side ribs 61C and 61D increases.

[0418] A step portion 53c, a track portion 64, and a locking protrusion 65 are respectively provided on the sides S1 and S2 of the side ribs 61C and 61D. The step portion 53c and the track portion 64 extend in the vertical direction, and the locking protrusion 65 is spaced apart from the step portion 53c and the track portion 64 and is located below them.

[0419] The stepped portion 53c of one side rib 61C protrudes from side S1 toward the other side rib 61D in the -X direction and extends vertically. The stepped portion 53c of the other side rib 61D protrudes from side S2 toward one side rib 61C in the +X direction and extends vertically. The end face 53cx of each stepped portion 53c of the side ribs 61C and 61D facing the ±X direction is substantially parallel to the sides S1 and S2. Furthermore, the end face 53cy of each stepped portion 53c facing the +Y direction is substantially parallel to the inner surface 53a.

[0420] The protrusion height of each step portion 53c from the sides S1 and S2 in the X direction is not particularly limited. For example, the protrusion height of each step portion 53c from the sides S1 and S2 in the X direction may slightly exceed the protrusion height of the track portion 64 in the X direction, which will be described later. In this case, the X-direction end face of the step portion 53c is close to the X-direction side of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B, which will be described later, and can function as a guide surface in the lateral width direction of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0421] like Figure 11 As shown, the track portion 64 extends vertically parallel to the end face 53cy of the stepped portion 53c, with a gap in the Y direction between them. The upper end of the track portion 64 is adjacent to the lower surface 61g of the upper rib 61F. Figure 10 A gap G1 is formed between them.

[0422] The upper end of the stepped portion 53c is connected to the lower surface 61g of the upper rib 61F. The lower end of the stepped portion 53c is in the same position as the lower end of the track portion 64, which will be described later.

[0423] The track portions 64, respectively located on the side ribs 61C and 61D, are formed with identical configurations. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the track portion 64 provided on the side rib 61C is a protrusion that protrudes vertically from the side surface S1 of the side rib 61C in the -X direction, and is generally elongated and linear in the vertical direction. Figure 11 As shown, the track portion 64 provided on the side rib 61D is a protrusion that protrudes vertically from the side S2 of the side rib 61D in the +X direction and extends in a slender and linear manner in the vertical direction.

[0424] When the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B (described later) move in the vertical direction, the pair of track sections 64 on both sides of the horizontal width guide the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B in the vertical direction while restricting their position in the depth direction (Y direction).

[0425] like Figure 11As shown, the track portion 64 extends parallel to the end face 53cy of the step portion 53c in the depth direction, with a gap between it and the end face 53cy. The upper end of each track portion 64 does not reach either of the upper ends of the side ribs 61C and 61D, but is located at a position that moves downward from the upper ends of the side ribs 61C and 61D.

[0426] The lower end of the track section 64 extends to a position approximately the same as that of the step section 53c.

[0427] The track section 64 has a first track section 64a and a second track section 64b.

[0428] The first track section 64a guides the vertical movement of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B (described later), and restricts the vertical movement of these upper door storage housings 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B in multiple stages.

[0429] The first track section 64a has a first guide 64c, a second guide 64d, multiple locking plates 64e, an upper end plate 64g, a lower end plate 64k, and multiple inclined ribs 64fa.

[0430] The first guide member 64c forms a side surface in the Y direction of the track portion 64. The first guide member 64c is a flat plate that protrudes from each side surface S1, S2 in the X direction and extends along the vertical direction. The first guide member 64c extends to the second track portion 64b.

[0431] The second guide member 64d forms a side surface in the +Y direction of the track portion 64. The second guide member 64d is a flat plate that protrudes from the side surface in the -X direction and extends along the vertical direction. The second guide member 64d is parallel to the first guide member 64c. The second guide member 64d extends to the second track portion 64b in the same manner as the first guide member 64c.

[0432] The front ends of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d are located on the same plane orthogonal to the depth direction.

[0433] The multiple locking plates 64e in the track section 64 are plate-shaped, extending along the depth direction (Y direction) between the first guide member 64c and the second guide member 64d, and protruding vertically from the sides S1 and S2. The multiple locking plates 64e are arranged vertically separated from each other in the vertical direction from the lower ends of the first guide member 64c and the second guide member 64d to the upper end of the first track section 64a. The vertical spacing of each locking plate 64e may not be constant, but... Figure 11 The example shown is constant.

[0434] exist Figure 11 In the example shown, each locking plate 64e is configured with 17.

[0435] The front end of each locking plate 64e in the protruding direction is on the same plane as the front ends of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d located on both sides of the width direction of each locking plate 64e.

[0436] The upper end plate 64g is a plate-shaped structure that extends along the depth direction (Y direction) between the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d and protrudes vertically from the side S. The upper end plate 64g is located above the plurality of locking plates 64e and moves upward from the uppermost locking plate 64e at a distance approximately equal to the distance between each locking plate 64e.

[0437] The lower end plate 64k is a plate-shaped structure that extends along the depth direction (Y direction) between the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d and protrudes vertically from the sides S1 and S2. The lower end plate 64k is located below the lowermost locking plate 64e and moves downward from the lowermost locking plate 64e at a distance wider than the spacing between the locking plates 64e.

[0438] Multiple inclined ribs 64fa are provided on the lower surface of each locking plate 64e (excluding the lower end plate 64k) and the lower surface of the upper end plate 64g. A pair of inclined ribs 64fa are provided on the lower surface of each locking plate 64e and the lower surface of the upper end plate 64g, and are spaced apart from each other in the depth direction. Furthermore, each inclined rib 64fa is also spaced apart from the first guide member 64c and the second guide member 64d in the depth direction.

[0439] The inclined ribs 64fa are plate-shaped and parallel to the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d. When viewed from the Y direction, each inclined rib 64fa is a triangular shape that gradually slopes towards the sides S1 and S2 as the front ends of each protruding side in the X direction of each locking plate 64e and the upper end plate 64g tend downward.

[0440] The lower end of each inclined rib 64fa is located at the middle of the above-mentioned spacing.

[0441] In this embodiment, there are two inclined ribs 64fa provided on the same lower surface, but there is no particular limitation as long as there is one or more inclined ribs 64fa provided on the same lower surface in the depth direction.

[0442] With this configuration, on the inner side of the first track portion 64a, a plurality of protrusions 64m are arranged vertically at approximately equal intervals from the lower side toward the upper side. The plurality of protrusions are formed by an inclined surface 64j generated by the inclined rib 64fa, the front end face of the locking plate 64e, and a locking surface 64i formed on the upper surface of the locking plate 64e and extending horizontally. Opposing recesses 64n are formed between each protrusion 64m protruding in the X direction from the sides S1 and S2. Therefore, a serrated uneven structure with the inclined surface 64j facing downwards is formed on the inner side of the first track portion 64a.

[0443] The first locking portion 70, described later, engages with the concave-convex structure of the track portion 64. That is, the first locking portion 70 engages with each locking surface 64i side of the plurality of locking plates 64e.

[0444] The inclined surfaces 64j of the multiple inclined ribs 64fa become inclined, protruding towards the center of the door as they move upwards. When the door housings 56A and 56B rise, the first locking part 70, described later, moves along the inclined surfaces 64j of the inclined ribs 64fa and is pressed inwards in the horizontal direction.

[0445] The locking surface 64i of the locking plate 64e can be either flat or curved, as long as it can lock with the locking member 73 described later. The contact form of the part of the locking surface 64i where the locking member 73 locks can be any of the following as long as it can lock the locking member 73: surface contact, line contact, and point contact.

[0446] The inclined surface of the inclined rib 64fa can be a plane or a curved surface, as long as the locking member 73 described later can slide. The contact mode of the sliding part of the locking member 73 among the multiple inclined surfaces can be any of the following, namely surface contact, line contact and point contact, as long as the locking member 73 can slide.

[0447] The second track portion 64b exists on the first track portion 64a, and has the upper ends of the first guide member 64c and the second guide member 64d in the first track portion 64a, and the intermediate rib 64h located between these upper ends.

[0448] The intermediate rib 64h is a flat plate parallel to the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d. The vertical length of the intermediate rib 64h is equal to the length from the upper end plate 64g to the upper ends of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d. The lower end of the intermediate rib 64h is connected to the upper surface of the upper end plate 64g. The protrusion height of the intermediate rib 64h is equal to the protrusion height of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d.

[0449] There are no special restrictions as long as the number of intermediate ribs (64h) is 1 or more. Figure 11In the example shown, there is one intermediate rib 64h.

[0450] The side surfaces S1 and S2 of each of the side ribs 61C and 61D protrude in the X direction toward the opposite side rib in the transverse width direction, forming linear protrusions extending in the vertical direction. The front end face of the protruding side of the second track section 64b and the plane orthogonal to the transverse width direction are located on the same plane.

[0451] On each side rib 61C, 61D, between the end face 53cy of the track portion 64 and the step portion 53c, stop insertion grooves g1 and g2 extending in the vertical direction are formed respectively.

[0452] For the rotation axis O located at the refrigerator door 12 L The stop insert groove g1 formed on the side rib 61D has a constant width along the vertical direction of the track portion 64. On the other hand, the stop insert groove g2 formed on the side rib 61C has a locally narrower width due to the presence of the protrusion P. The stop insert groove g2 has a narrowest portion g21 between the protrusion P and the track portion 64 in the depth direction.

[0453] A descent position limiting part 53d is provided between the lower end of the track part 64 and the step part 53c. The descent position limiting part 53d is provided to limit the descent position of the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0454] The shape of the descending position limiting part 53d is not particularly limited as long as it can limit the descending position of the middle door storage housing 56B by protruding into the stop insertion slot g1. Figure 11 In the example shown, the descent position limiting part 53d connects the first guide 64c of the track part 64 to the end face 53cy of the step part 53c, and closes the stop insertion groove g1 from below.

[0455] The vertical positioning of the descending position limiting part 53d is an appropriate position corresponding to the lowest position of the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0456] A pair of inclined ribs 64fb are provided on the lower surface of the descending position limiting part 53d. This pair of inclined ribs 64fb is larger than the aforementioned inclined rib 64fa and also serves to reinforce the descending position limiting part 53d.

[0457] The locking protrusion 65 is for fixed or removable locking. Figure 10 The lower door storage housing 56C shown is provided with this feature. The shape of the locking protrusion 65 is not particularly limited as long as it can detachably lock the lower door storage housing 56C.

[0458] exist Figure 11In the example shown, each locking protrusion 65, located at the lower end of each side rib 61C, 61D, is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from the X direction, extending vertically. The locking protrusion 65 has the same width in the depth direction as the track portion 64, and is positioned directly below the track portion 64, extending downwards from it. A gap G2 is formed between the lower end of the track portion 64 and the upper end of the locking protrusion 65.

[0459] like Figure 11 As shown, a locking protrusion 65 provided on the side rib 61C is formed on the lower end side of the side rib S1 and protrudes in the -X direction. A locking protrusion 65 provided on the side rib 61D is formed on the lower end side of the side rib S2 and protrudes in the +X direction.

[0460] The front face of the protruding side of each locking protrusion 65 is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0461] The lower rib 61G connects the lower ends of the side ribs 61C and 61D to each other. The lower rib 61G has an upper surface 61f that slopes downward toward the side of the refrigerator compartment 27A.

[0462] <Door storage casing>

[0463] Next, the structure of the door storage housing will be explained.

[0464] like Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 As shown, the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B of the three door storage housings 56 provided in the refrigerator door 12 can move in the vertical direction respectively along a pair of opposing track portions 64 between the side ribs 61C and 61D.

[0465] The width, depth, and depth of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B may be different from each other, but in this embodiment, the upper door storage housings 56A and 56B have the same shape.

[0466] The lower door storage housing 56C can be installed in the space located directly below the middle door storage housing 56B and sandwiched between the side ribs 61C and 61D.

[0467] The lower door storage housing 56C is secured by a latch. Figure 11 A pair of locking protrusions 65 are shown, which can be detachably mounted on the lower rib 61G. However, the lower door storage housing 56C is fixed in the vertical direction during installation.

[0468] (Upper door storage housing and middle door storage housing)

[0469] Here, we will use the upper door storage housing 56A as an example for explanation. The explanation of the upper door storage housing 56A also applies to the middle door storage housing 56B, except for the different installation locations.

[0470] Figure 12 This is an exploded view showing the structure of the door storage housings 56A and 56B. Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the door storage housings 56A and 56B. Figure 14 This is a bottom view showing the configuration of the main body of the lifting platform when viewed from the +Z direction.

[0471] like Figure 12 As shown, the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are box-shaped containers that open upwards as a whole. The upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B each have a housing body 57 and a lifting platform 67. The upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B have an asymmetrical shape in the horizontal direction.

[0472] The main body 57 houses the stored items within the refrigerator compartment 27A. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the main body 57 is a box-shaped container that opens upwards and can be detachably mounted on... Figure 13 On the lifting platform 67 shown.

[0473] The lifting platform 67 detachably supports the housing body 57, and while supporting the housing body 57, it can move vertically along the track portions 64 between the side ribs 61C and 61D. The vertical position of the lifting platform 67 is fixed by any one of the multiple locking plates 64e that are locked to the track portions 64.

[0474] (Main body of the casing)

[0475] like Figure 12 As shown, the housing body 57 has a bottom portion 57a, a front side wall portion 57b located at the front end of the bottom portion 57a, a rear side wall portion 57c located at the rear end of the bottom portion 57a, a cut-out wall portion 57k located on the side edge of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the +X direction, a second wall portion 57m and a second wall portion 57dR, a first wall portion 57f and a first wall portion 57dL located on the side edge of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the -X direction, and a pair of second flat plate portions 57R and 57eL.

[0476] The bottom portion 57a ​​is a horizontally arranged flat plate. The width of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the transverse width direction (X direction) is narrower on the -Y side than on the +Y side than approximately the center in the depth direction (Y direction).

[0477] The rear sidewall portion 57c is located on the opposite side to the front sidewall portion 57b in the depth direction of the housing body 57. The rear sidewall portion 57c extends from the outer edge end in the -Y direction of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the +Z direction. The front sidewall portion 57b extends from the outer edge in the +Y direction of the bottom portion 57a ​​in both the +Z and -Z directions.

[0478] The first wall portion 57dL is the outer edge end in the -X direction of the bottom portion 57a, extending from a narrow section in the -Y direction of the bottom portion 57a ​​towards the +Z direction. The first wall portion 57dL stands vertically relative to the bottom portion 57a ​​and is a flat plate parallel to the depth direction (Y direction).

[0479] The first wall portion 57f is the outer edge end in the -X direction of the bottom portion 57a, and extends from the wide portion on the +Y direction side of the bottom portion 57a ​​in both the +Z and -Z directions. The -Y direction side of the first wall portion 57f is connected to the first wall portion 57dL via the first flat plate portion 57eL.

[0480] The first wall portion 57dL stands vertically relative to the bottom portion 57a ​​and is a flat plate parallel to the depth direction (Y direction). The first wall portion 57f stands vertically relative to the bottom portion 57a ​​and is a flat plate along the depth direction (Y direction), and is slightly inclined inward in the transverse width direction.

[0481] The first flat plate portion 57eL extends in the +Z direction from an end edge formed in the transverse width direction (X direction) by means of the narrowed width of the bottom portion 57a, and stands vertically relative to the bottom portion 57a. The first flat plate portion 57eL is flat and parallel to the transverse width direction. The first flat plate portion 57eL is connected to the first wall portion 57f and the first wall portion 57dL, which are located at different positions in the transverse width direction.

[0482] The second wall portion 57dR is the outer edge portion in the +X direction of the bottom portion 57a, extending from a narrow portion in the -Y direction of the bottom portion 57a ​​towards the +Z direction.

[0483] The second wall portion 57m is the outer edge end of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the +X direction, extending from the wide portion on the +Y direction side of the bottom portion 57a ​​in both the +Z and -Z directions. The second wall portion 57m is connected to the second wall portion 57dR via the second flat plate portion 57eR. The second wall portion 57m is flat along the depth direction (Y direction) and slightly inclined inward in the transverse width direction.

[0484] The second plate portion 57eR extends in the +Z direction from the end edge formed in the transverse width direction (X direction) by means of the narrowed width of the bottom portion 57a, and stands vertically relative to the bottom portion 57a. The first plate portion 57eL is a plate shape parallel to the transverse width direction. The second plate portion 57eR is connected to the second wall portions 57m and 57dR, which are located at different positions in the transverse width direction.

[0485] The cut wall portion 57k is the outer edge of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the +X direction, extending from the inclined edge on the +Y direction side towards the +Z and -Z directions respectively. The cut wall portion 57k is located on the +Y direction side of the second wall portion 57m and is connected to the second wall portion 57m. The cut wall portion 57k is a flat plate inclined with respect to both the width direction (X direction) and the depth direction (Y direction), and its inclination angle with respect to the depth direction is larger than that of the second wall portion 57m.

[0486] Specifically, when viewed from above (in the +Z direction), the cut wall portion 57k tilts towards the front side wall portion 57b in the -X direction as it moves from the second wall portion 57m towards the +Y direction, thus obliquely connecting the second wall portion 57m and the front side wall portion 57b. The connection point between the cut wall portion 57k and the front side wall portion 57b is located in the transverse width direction closer to the -X direction than the position of the second wall portion 57dR.

[0487] As described above, the housing body 57 has a portion 57w extending from the bottom portion 57a ​​in the +Z direction in the first wall portion 57f, the second wall portion 57m, the cut-out wall portion 57k, and the front side wall portion 57b, and a portion 57s extending from the bottom portion 57a ​​in the -Z direction, wherein the portion 57s extending in the -Z direction is the length to which it covers the outside of the bottom plate portion 58Bd of the lifting platform 67 described later.

[0488] The second plate portion 57eR extends in the +Z direction from an end edge formed in the transverse width direction (X direction) by means of the narrowed width of the bottom portion 57a. The second plate portion 57eR stands vertically relative to the bottom portion 57a ​​and is a plate shape parallel to the transverse width direction. The second plate portion 57eR is connected to the second wall portions 57dR and 57m, which are located at different positions in the transverse width direction.

[0489] This forms the outer peripheral wall of the shell body 57.

[0490] The housing body 57 is configured to have a flange on the upper end side.

[0491] A flange portion 57gR is formed at the upper end of the second wall portion 57dR and the second flat plate portion 57eR. The flange portion 57gR extends outward (in the +X direction) of the housing body 57 in the transverse width direction.

[0492] A locking protrusion 57J is formed on the lower surface of the flange portion 57gR. The locking protrusion 57J protrudes outward (in the +X direction) from the second wall portion 57dR and extends downward (in the -Z direction) from the flange portion 57gR. The locking protrusion 57J is used to position the housing body 57 in the depth direction when it is installed onto the lifting platform 67.

[0493] A flange portion 57gL extending outward (in the -X direction) of the housing body 57 in the transverse direction is formed at the upper end of the first wall portion 57dL and the first flat plate portion 57eL.

[0494] A locking protrusion 57J is formed on the lower surface side of the flange portion 57gL. The locking protrusion 57J protrudes outward (in the +X direction) from the first wall portion 57dL and extends downward (in the -Z direction) from the flange portion 57gR.

[0495] In this embodiment, a pair of locking protrusions 57J on the housing body 57, located in the lateral direction, are formed when the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are installed. Figure 11 The track portions 64 are shown in opposite positions in the lateral direction. However, the protrusion height of each locking protrusion 57J is such that the distance between the pair of locking protrusions 57J in the lateral direction (X direction) is slightly narrower than the lateral spacing between the track portions 64 provided on the side ribs 61C and 61D. Therefore, during the installation of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B, and during vertical movement, each locking protrusion 57J will not contact the pair of track portions 64 in the lateral direction.

[0496] A flange portion 57gL is formed at the upper end of the rear side wall portion 57c, extending outward (in the -Y direction) toward the outer side of the housing body 57. The height and thickness of the flange portion 57gL are the same as those of the flange portion 57gR.

[0497] In the flange portion 57g, a protrusion 57i extending along the transverse width direction protrudes upward (in the +Z direction).

[0498] The housing body 57 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The housing body 57 can be formed of a transparent material, a translucent material, or an opaque material. It is preferable that the interior of the housing body 57 is visible from the outside when it is made of a transparent or translucent material. The housing body 57 may also be partially formed of a transparent material and partially formed of a translucent or opaque material. The portion formed of the translucent or opaque material may also cover the lifting platform 67 (described later) from above or from the outside. In this case, the lifting platform 67 is less visible from above or from the outside, thus improving the aesthetics of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0499] Furthermore, the housing body 57 can also have an opaque or semi-transparent coloring layer, pattern, etc., formed on the surface of a molded transparent material. In this case, the parts with the opaque or semi-transparent coloring layer or pattern are difficult to see from the outside, thus improving the aesthetics of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0500] (Lifting platform)

[0501] Figure 15 This is a side view of the lifting platform body 58 viewed from the -X direction. Figure 16 This is a side view of the lifting platform from the +X direction. (Refer to appropriate references.) Figures 12-14 Please provide an explanation.

[0502] like Figure 12 As shown, the lifting platform 67, in addition to the main body 57, has all the components of the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0503] The lifting platform 67 includes, for example, a lifting platform body 58, a locking release mechanism 80, a lower cover 60, and a first locking part 70. The shape of the lifting platform 67 in the top view (+Z direction) is the same as that of the housing body 57, and is asymmetrical in the horizontal direction (X direction).

[0504] [Lifting Platform Body]

[0505] like Figure 12 , Figure 15 as well as Figure 16 As shown, the lifting platform body 58 has a bottom part 58a, a peripheral wall part 58Ae extending from the outer periphery of the bottom part 58a in the +Z and -Z directions, and a base plate part 58Bd extending from the outer periphery of the bottom part 58a in the -Z direction.

[0506] The bottom portion 58a forms the bottom of the lifting platform body 58. The bottom portion 58a is a horizontally positioned flat plate that can overlap the size and shape of the bottom portion 57a ​​of the housing body 57 on the upper surface. The shape of the bottom portion 58a is formed to be approximately the same as that of the bottom portion 57a ​​of the housing body 57. Regarding the width of the bottom portion 58a in the lateral direction (X direction), it is narrower on the -Y direction side than on the +Y direction side, approximately at the center in the depth direction (Y direction). Figure 14 As shown, the shape of the bottom surface 58a viewed from below in the -Z direction is asymmetrical in the horizontal (X) direction.

[0507] The peripheral wall portion 58Ae constitutes the peripheral wall of the lifting platform body 58. The peripheral wall portion 58Ae has a rear side wall portion 58c, a second wall portion 58dR, a first wall portion 58dL, and a pair of flat plate portions 58eL and 58eR extending from the outer periphery of the bottom portion 58a in the +Z and -Z directions.

[0508] The rear sidewall portion 58c is located behind the bottom portion 58a (in the Y direction) and extends from the outer peripheral end of the bottom portion 58a in the -Y direction direction towards the +Z direction. The rear sidewall portion 58c constitutes the side plate portion of the lifting platform 67. A first wall portion 58dL and a second wall portion 58dR extending forward (in the +Y direction) from each end are connected to both sides of the rear sidewall portion 58c in the lateral width direction.

[0509] The first wall portion 58dL is the outer peripheral end of the bottom portion 58a in the -X direction, extending from a narrow section on the -Y direction side of the bottom portion 58a towards the +Z direction. The first wall portion 58dL stands vertically relative to the bottom portion 58a and is a flat plate parallel to the depth direction (Y direction).

[0510] The first flat plate portion 58eL is connected to the first wall portion 58dL in the +Y direction and is flat in shape parallel to the transverse width direction. The first flat plate portion 58eL extends from the end edge formed in the transverse width direction through the narrowed width of the bottom portion 58a in the +Z direction and stands vertically relative to the bottom portion 57a.

[0511] The second wall portion 58dR is the outer peripheral end of the bottom portion 58a in the +X direction, extending from a narrow section on the -Y direction side of the bottom portion 58a towards the +Z direction. The second wall portion 58dR stands vertically relative to the bottom portion 58a and is a flat plate parallel to the depth direction (Y direction).

[0512] The second flat plate portion 58eR is connected to the second wall portion 58dR on the -Y direction side and is flat in shape parallel to the transverse width direction. The second flat plate portion 58eR extends from the end edge formed in the transverse width direction through the narrowed width of the bottom portion 58a in the +Z direction and stands vertically relative to the bottom portion 57a.

[0513] Grooves 58j with upward openings are formed at the upper ends of the first wall portion 58dL and the second wall portion 58dR, respectively. A pair of locking protrusions 57J provided on both sides of the housing body 57 in the lateral direction can enter the pair of grooves 58j from above, so that each locking protrusion 57J engages with the pair of grooves 58j in the front-back direction.

[0514] The height of the rear side wall portion 58c, the first wall portion 58dL, the first plate portion 58eL, the second wall portion 58dR, and the second plate portion 58eR of the peripheral wall constituting the lifting platform body 58 in the +Z direction from the bottom portion 58a is equal to the height from the lower surface of the bottom portion 57a ​​of the housing body 57 to the lower surface of the flange portion 57gR of the housing body 57.

[0515] The peripheral wall portion 58Ae has a portion 58h extending in the +Z direction from the bottom portion 58a and a portion 58i extending in the -Z direction from the bottom portion 58a.

[0516] The rear sidewall portion 58c extends from the end edge in the -Y direction of the bottom portion 58a in the +Z direction. The height of the rear sidewall portion 58c in the +Z direction is the same as that of the second wall portion 58dR and the first wall portion 58dL, and is equal to the height from the lower surface of the bottom portion 57a ​​of the housing body 57 to the lower surface of the flange portion 57gR.

[0517] The base plate portion 58Bd has a front end plate portion 58b, a first plate portion 58f, a second plate portion 58m, and a cut-out plate portion 58x extending from the outer periphery of the base portion 58a in the -Z direction.

[0518] The front end plate 58b extends downward (in the -Z direction) from the +Y direction end edge of the bottom portion 58a. The first plate portion 58f is the outer edge end in the -X direction of the bottom portion 58a, extending in the -Z direction from the wide portion on the +Y direction side of the bottom portion 58a. The second plate portion 58m is the outer edge end in the +X direction of the bottom portion 58a, extending in the -Z direction from the wide portion on the +Y direction side of the bottom portion 58a.

[0519] The cut-out plate portion 58x extends in the -Z direction from the end edge between the front end plate portion 58b and the second plate portion 58m at the outer peripheral end of the bottom portion 58a. The cut-out plate portion 58x tilts towards the -X direction as it tends towards the +Y direction, obliquely connecting the second plate portion 58m and the front end plate portion 58b. The cut-out plate portion 58x is parallel to the aforementioned cut-out wall portion 57k of the housing body 57.

[0520] The length in the -Z direction of the front end plate portion 58b, the first plate portion 58f, the second plate portion 58m, and the cut-out plate portion 58x of the base plate portion 58Bd constituting the lifting platform body 58 is the length inside the portion 57s extending in the -Z direction from the bottom surface portion 57a ​​among the first wall portion 57f, the second wall portion 57m, the cut-out wall portion 57k, and the front side wall portion 57b of the housing body 57 when the housing body 57 is installed. That is, it is configured such that when viewed from the front (+Y direction), the base plate portion 58Bd of the lifting platform body 58 is not visible from the lower end side of the housing body 57.

[0521] The lifting platform body 58 with this configuration does not form a side plate portion extending in the +Z direction at the outer edge portion of the outer peripheral end of the housing body 57 that faces the front end plate portion 58b, the first plate portion 58f, the second plate portion 58m, and the cut-out plate portion 58x. That is, when the housing body 57 is installed and viewed from the horizontal direction, the lifting platform body 58 does not form a side plate portion that overlaps with the front side wall portion 57b, the cut-out wall portion 57k, the first wall portion 57f, and the second wall portion 57m of the housing body 57.

[0522] Therefore, when at least the front sidewall 57b, the cut-out wall 57k, and each of the first wall portions 57f in the housing body 57 are formed of transparent or translucent material, the contents stored inside the housing body 57 can be seen horizontally through these front sidewall 57b, cut-out wall 57k, and each of the first wall portions 57f.

[0523] like Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, a pair of locking protrusions 58ER and 58EL and a pair of guide portions 58F are formed on both sides of the lifting platform body 58 in the horizontal direction of this embodiment.

[0524] like Figure 15 As shown, a locking protrusion 58EL and a guide portion 58F are formed in the first wall portion 58dL. The locking protrusion 58EL and the guide portion 58F protrude outward from the first wall portion 58dL in the -X direction and extend along the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0525] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown, a locking protrusion 58ER and a guide portion 58F are formed in the second wall portion 58dR. The locking protrusion 58ER and the guide portion 58F protrude outward from the second wall portion 58dR in the +X direction and extend along the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0526] like Figure 15 As shown, the locking protrusion 58EL and the guide portion 58F provided on the first wall portion 58dL are spaced apart in the depth direction with the track portion 64 on the side of the side rib 61D sandwiched between the two sides from the depth direction, so that the lifting platform body 58 can move along the track portion 64 in the vertical direction.

[0527] In addition, such as Figure 16 As shown, the locking protrusion 58ER and the guide portion 58F provided on the second wall portion 58dR are spaced apart in the depth direction with the side rib 61C side of the track portion 64 sandwiched between the two sides in the depth direction, so that the lifting platform body 58 can move along the track portion 64 in the vertical direction.

[0528] The spacing between the locking protrusion 58EL in the first wall portion 58dL and the guide portion 58F is equal to the spacing between the locking protrusion 58ER in the second wall portion 58dR and the guide portion 58F, which corresponds to the width of the track portion 64 in the depth direction.

[0529] The locking protrusion 58EL of the first wall portion 58dL is inserted into the stop insertion groove g1 on the inner side (-Y direction side) of the track portion 64 formed on the side of the side rib 61D. Figure 11 It can move vertically within the stop insertion slot g1.

[0530] The locking protrusion 58ER of the second wall portion 58dR is inserted into the stop insertion groove g2 on the inner side (-Y direction side) of the track portion 64 formed on the side of the side rib 61C. Figure 11 Within the stop insert groove g2, it can move in the vertical direction.

[0531] The height of these locking protrusions 58EL and 58ER in the X direction is preferably equal to or slightly less than the depth of the stop insertion slots g1 and g2 in the X direction. Thus, the locking protrusions 58EL and 58ER are fully inserted into the stop insertion slots g1 and g2.

[0532] In this embodiment, the width of the stop insertion groove g2 on the side of the side rib 61C is locally different in the vertical direction. Therefore, the width W2 in the depth direction of the locking protrusion 58ER inserted into the stop insertion groove g2 is... Figure 16 The width W1 in the depth direction of the locking protrusion 58EL inserted into the stop insertion slot g1 is greater than that of the stop protrusion 58EL inserted into the stop insertion slot g1. Figure 15 Narrow is the width of the portion g21 that is the minimum width that can be inserted into the stop insert slot g2.

[0533] The locking protrusion 58EL of the first wall portion 58dL is a hollow prism shape, with one side (-X side) open in a cross-sectional shape intersecting the length direction. Specifically, the locking protrusion 58EL has: a pair of plate-shaped portions 58Aa extending vertically relative to the first wall portion 58dL in the vertical direction and spaced apart in the depth direction; a plurality of reinforcing ribs 58Bb perpendicular to the pair of plate-shaped portions 58Aa; and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 58Bc parallel to the pair of plate-shaped portions 58EL and disposed between them. The plate-shaped portion 58Aa on the +Y side of the locking protrusion 58EL is opposite to the first guide member 64c of the track portion 64 on the side of the side rib 61D.

[0534] On the locking protrusion 58EL, on the surface of the plate-shaped portion 58Aa opposite to the first guide member 64c of the track portion 64, a plurality of protrusions 58r are formed protruding in the +Y direction and extending along the transverse width direction of the surface. These plurality of protrusions 58r are provided to reduce the contact area with the track portion 64 (first guide member 64c). In each of the plurality of protrusions 58r, the cross section orthogonal to the transverse width direction is, for example, a semicircle protruding in the +Y direction.

[0535] The vertical length h2 of the locking protrusion 58EL extending along the Z direction from its upper end face 58aL to its lower end face 58bL is greater than the height H of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae of the lifting platform body 58 in the Z direction. The upper end face 58aL of the locking protrusion 58EL protrudes slightly in the +Z direction from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae, while the lower end face 58bL protrudes more significantly in the -Z direction from the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae.

[0536] The upper end face 58aL and lower end face 58bL of the locking protrusion 58EL are rectangular when viewed from the Z direction, and are planes perpendicular to the length direction.

[0537] The width of the locking protrusion 58ER in the depth direction of the second wall portion 58dR is smaller than the width of the locking protrusion 58EL in the depth direction of the first wall portion 58dL. In the cross-sectional shape intersecting the length direction, the -X side and the -Y side are open respectively. Specifically, the locking protrusion 58ER has: a plate-shaped portion 58Aa that is perpendicular to the second wall portion 58dR and extends in the vertical direction; a protruding strip portion 58Ad that is located inside the plate-shaped portion 58Aa (in the -Y direction) and spaced apart from the plate-shaped portion 58Aa; a plurality of reinforcing ribs 58Bb that are perpendicular to the plate-shaped portions 58Aa and the protruding strip portions 58Ad; and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 58Bc that are parallel to the plate-shaped portions 58Aa and the protruding strip portions 58Ad and disposed between them. The plate-shaped portion 58Aa located on the +Y side of the locking protrusion 58ER is opposite to the first guide member 64c of the track portion 64 on the side of the side rib 61C.

[0538] like Figure 13 As shown, the protrusion of the strip portion 58Ad relative to the second wall portion 58dR in the +X direction is smaller than that of the plate-shaped portion 58Aa. The upper end face 58aR and the lower end face 58bR of the locking protrusion 58ER are surfaces perpendicular to the length direction, and are trapezoidal when viewed from the Z direction.

[0539] In the locking protrusion 58ER, on the surface of the plate-shaped portion 58Aa opposite to the first guide member 64c of the track portion 64, a plurality of protrusions 58r are also formed that protrude from the surface in the +Y direction and extend along the transverse width direction of the surface.

[0540] The vertical length h2 of the locking protrusion 58ER from its upper end face 58aR to its lower end face 58bR in the Z direction is equal to the vertical length h2 of the locking protrusion 58EL, and greater than the height H of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae of the lifting platform body 58 in the Z direction. The upper end face 58aL of the locking protrusion 58EL protrudes slightly in the +Z direction from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae, and the lower end face 58bL protrudes more significantly in the -Z direction from the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae. In the horizontal plane intersecting the Z direction, the upper end face 58aR of the locking protrusion 58ER coincides with the upper end face 58aL of the locking protrusion 58EL, and the lower end face 58bR of the locking protrusion 58ER coincides with the upper end face 58aR of the locking protrusion 58EL.

[0541] The portions of these locking protrusions 58EL and 58ER that protrude in the -Z direction from the peripheral wall portion 58Ae function as the gap-limiting stops 58Ac described later, which limit the vertical gap between the stops and the middle door housing 56B. The downward (-Z direction) extension length h1 of each gap-limiting stop 58Ac is preferably greater than the thickness of an adult's finger. In this embodiment, the extension length h1 of the gap-limiting stops 58Ac is, for example, in the range of 25 mm to 30 mm.

[0542] In this embodiment, such as Figure 15 as well as Figure 16 As shown, the vertical length h2 of the locking protrusions 58EL and 58ER is as follows: Figure 20 As shown, the vertical distance (hereinafter referred to as the gap distance L) is greater than the vertical distance between the position where the protrusion 57i of the upper door storage housing 56A abuts against the lower surface 61g of the upper rib 61F and the upper end of the track section 64.

[0543] A pair of guide portions 58F have a pair of plate-shaped portions 58Ba extending in the vertical direction and spaced apart in the depth direction, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 58Bb connecting the pair of plate-shaped portions 58Ba for reinforcement. The plate-shaped portion 58Ba located on the -Y side of the guide portion 58F is opposite to the second guide portion 64d of the track portion 64.

[0544] A plurality of protrusions 58r are formed on the surface of the plate-shaped portion 58Ba opposite to the second guide member 64d, protruding in the -Y direction and extending along the transverse width direction of the surface. These plurality of protrusions 58r are provided to reduce the contact area with the track portion 64 (the second guide member 64d). In each of the plurality of protrusions 58r, the cross section orthogonal to the transverse width direction is, for example, a semicircle protruding in the +Y direction.

[0545] When the housing body 57 is placed on such a lifting platform 67, the second wall portion 57dR and the first wall portion 57dL of the housing body 57 are inserted between the second wall portion 58dR and the first wall portion 58dL of the lifting platform body 58. The second wall portion 57dR, the first wall portion 57dL, and the rear side wall portion 57c of the housing body 57 are opposite to the peripheral wall portion 58Ae of the lifting platform body 58.

[0546] The housing body 57 is placed on the bottom part 58a between the second wall portion 58dR and the first wall portion 58dL of the lifting platform body 58, thereby being positioned relative to the lifting platform body 58 in the horizontal direction.

[0547] A pair of locking protrusions 57J in the housing body 57 engage with a pair of grooves 58j on the side of the lifting platform body 58. Each locking protrusion 57J of the housing body 57 engages with each groove 58j on the side of the lifting platform body 58, thereby positioning the housing body 57 relative to the lifting platform body 58 in the depth direction.

[0548] With the housing body 57 installed on the lifting platform body 58, the upper door storage housing 56A, on the side of the flat plate portion 57eR, 57eL in the -Y direction, and the lifting platform 67, on the side of the flat plate portion 58eR, 58eL in the -Y direction, are inserted into... Figure 11 The side ribs 61C and 61D are shown. Therefore, in the upper door storage housing 56A, the side ribs 61C and 61D protrude in the +Y direction from the side of each flat plate portion 57eR and 57eL.

[0549] Here, the interval limiting stop in the main body 58 of the lifting platform is described in detail.

[0550] like Figure 12 as well as Figure 13 As shown, the upper door storage housing 56A of this embodiment has a pair of spacing limiting stops 58Ac, which limit the vertical spacing between the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B. Furthermore, the lifting platform body 58 of the middle door storage housing 56B, which has the same configuration as the upper door storage housing 56A, also has spacing limiting stops 58Ac.

[0551] As described above, the pair of spacing limiting stops 58Ac are formed by a portion of a pair of locking protrusions 58ER, 58EL provided on both sides of the horizontal width of the lifting platform body 58. The pair of spacing limiting stops 58Ac in the upper door storage housing 56A protrudes toward the middle door storage housing 56B located directly below, and can abut against the middle door storage housing 56B from the upper side.

[0552] Specifically, when the upper door storage housing 56A descends, each of the interval limiting stops 58Ac of the upper door storage housing 56A abuts against the upper end surfaces 58aL and 58aR of each of the locking protrusions 58ER and 58EL in the middle door storage housing 56B. The upper end surfaces 58aL and 58aR of the locking protrusions 58ER and 58EL in the middle door storage housing 56B become "stop receiving surfaces" that can abut against the interval limiting stops 58Ac of the upper door storage housing 56A. Hereinafter, the upper end surfaces 58aR and 58aL of the locking protrusions 58ER and 58EL are sometimes referred to as the stop receiving surfaces 58aR and 58aL.

[0553] A pair of locking protrusions 58EL and 58ER are respectively inserted into the stop insertion slots g1 and g2 formed on the inner side (-Y direction side) of each track section 64. Figure 11 Thus, when the upper door storage housing 56A is viewed from the +Y direction, a pair of locking protrusions 58ER and 58EL are hidden in the stop insert slots g1 and g2, making them difficult for the user to see.

[0554] Furthermore, the stop insertion groove g1 is formed with a width slightly larger in the depth direction than the width of the locking protrusion EL in the depth direction. Therefore, the locking protrusion EL is inserted into the stop insertion groove g1 with approximately no gap in the depth direction. As a result, the locking protrusion EL abuts against the inner wall of the stop insertion groove g1 facing the Y direction, which can prevent the refrigerator compartment 27 (+Y direction) of the upper door housing housing 56A from tilting downward (-Z direction) due to the weight of the contents stored in the housing body 57.

[0555] The vertical length of each interval limiting stop 58Ac in the locking protrusions 58ER and 58EL, i.e., the protrusion height of the upper end face 58aL, 58aR side and the lower end face 58bL, 58bR side relative to the peripheral wall portion 58Ae, can be appropriately changed. In this embodiment, compared with the upper end face 58aL, 58aR side of the locking protrusions 58ER and 58EL, the lower end face 58bR, 58bR side protrudes more downward from the peripheral wall portion 58Ae of the lifting platform body 58 to function as the interval limiting stop 58Ac. However, it is also possible to configure it so that the upper end face 58aL, 58aR side protrudes more from the peripheral wall portion 58Ae to function as the interval limiting stop 58Ac. Since it is sufficient to limit the vertical spacing between the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B so that fingers will not get caught between them, spacing limiting stops 58Ac can also be provided on the upper side, lower side, or both sides of the lifting platform body 58.

[0556] The shapes of the locking protrusions 58ER and 58EL (interval limiting stop 58Ac) are not limited to the shapes described above and can be modified appropriately. The shape is also not limited to a prism shape; it can be a cylindrical shape or other various shapes.

[0557] In this embodiment, the lifting platform 67 including the interval limiting stop 58Ac is formed by injection molding. Therefore, it is not necessary to install the interval limiting stop 58Ac as a separate component on the lifting platform body 58. The interval limiting stop 58Ac can be integrally formed relative to the lifting platform body 58, thereby reducing the number of components and the time required.

[0558] [Block Removal Agency]

[0559] Figure 18 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the locking release mechanism 80 and the lower cover. Figure 19 It is a three-dimensional view showing the bottom side of the lifting platform body 58, and is viewed from the -Z direction side.

[0560] like Figure 18 as well as Figure 19 As shown, a locking release mechanism 80 is provided on the bottom plate of the lifting platform 67.

[0561] The locking release mechanism 80 can move the first locking part 70 to a non-locking position where it cannot lock with the locking plate 64e of the track part 64, so that the upper door storage housing 56A can move in the vertical direction.

[0562] like Figure 12 As shown, the locking release mechanism 80 is located between the lifting platform body 58 and the lower cover 60, and has an operating component 59 and a pair of force-applying components 77. Figure 17 ).

[0563] First, the structure of the lower surface side of the bottom part 58a of the lifting platform body 58 will be described.

[0564] On the lower surface of the bottom portion 58a, the first guide 58n, the locking portion 58p, the second guide 58t, the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M, and the fixing bosses 58q and 58s protrude in the -Z direction. The protrusion of each of the first guide 58n, the locking portion 58p, the second guide 58t, the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M, and the fixing bosses 58q and 58s is less than the protrusion in the -Z direction on the outer peripheral side of the bottom portion 58a (the height of the bottom plate portion 58Bd).

[0565] The first guide member 58n is a wall-like body that guides the movement of the operating member 59 (described later) in the depth direction. The shape of the first guide member 58n is not particularly limited as long as it can guide the operating member 59 along the depth direction.

[0566] The first guide portion 58n has four guide grooves 58k extending along the depth direction. Each guide groove 58k opens in the -Z direction. The number of guide grooves 58k is not limited to four, as long as there is one or more. The first guide portion 58n is located at intervals in the lateral width direction.

[0567] The 58p locking part is for supply Figure 18 The force-applying member 77 shown has a protrusion that engages at its +Y direction end (second end 77b). The engaging portion 58p has a recess that allows insertion into the second end 77b of the force-applying member 77 from the +Y direction. The shape of the engaging portion 58p is not particularly limited as long as it can engage the second end 77b of the force-applying member 77.

[0568] exist Figure 19 In the example shown, the locking portions 58p are respectively disposed between the guide grooves 58k1 and 58k2 that are adjacent in the transverse width direction. The position of each locking portion 58p in the depth direction is approximately the same as the end of each guide groove 58k in the +Y direction.

[0569] The second guide portion 58t is a frame-shaped protrusion that guides the first locking portion 70 to move in the lateral direction. Figure 19 In the example shown, the second guide portion 58t has two walls 58t1 that clamp the first locking portion 70 in the depth direction. Each wall 58t1 is in contact with the inner surface of the second wall portion 58dR and the first wall portion 58dL of the lifting platform body 58, respectively.

[0570] In the portion between each of the wall bodies 58t1 that serve as the second guide member 58t in the second wall portion 58dR and the first wall portion 58dL, a guide hole portion 58u is provided for the locking member 73 of the first locking portion 70. The locking member 73 of the first locking portion 70 exits from the guide hole portion 58u. Figure 17 , Figure 19 It protrudes outwards and can move forward and backward in the horizontal direction.

[0571] Thus, the second guide 58t and the guide hole 58u are respectively formed on both sides of the bottom part 58a in the horizontal direction.

[0572] 58M Vibration Absorber Support Figure 18 The vibration-absorbing material 78 is shown. The shape of the vibration-absorbing material support 58M is not particularly limited as long as it can maintain the vibration-absorbing material 78. Figure 19 In the example shown, the vibration-absorbing material support 58M has a flat plate-shaped protrusion parallel to the transverse width direction. A retaining groove 58v, recessed in the +Z direction, is formed at the protruding end (-Z direction) of the vibration-absorbing material support 58M. The retaining groove 58v is a groove for inserting the vibration-absorbing material 78.

[0573] There are no specific restrictions on the placement or number of vibration-absorbing material supports (58M). Figure 18 In the example shown, the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M is located at the center of the transverse width of the bottom portion 58a. The position of the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M in the depth direction is approximately the same as the end of each guide groove 58k in the +Y direction.

[0574] The vibration-absorbing material 78 is provided to reduce the impact noise generated by the impact of the operating component 59 acting on the lifting platform body 58 when the operating component 59 moves. For example, the vibration-absorbing material 78 is formed of an elastomer with shock-absorbing properties.

[0575] exist Figure 18 In the example shown, the vibration-absorbing material 78 has a head 78a that can be deformed by an impact force from the operating member 59, and a mounting portion 78b that is inserted into a retaining groove 58v that is mounted in the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M. The mounting portion 78b clamps the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M between itself and the head 78a.

[0576] Figure 19 The fixing bosses 58q and 58s shown are for securing the screw 76. Figure 18 The lower cover 60 shown is fixed to the lifting platform body 58. The fixing bosses 58q and 58s are cylindrical protrusions with a height that allows the lower surface of the lower cover 60 to be fixed at the same position as the lower end of the front end plate portion 58b of the lifting platform body 58. A fixing hole for screwing into the screw 76 is formed in the center of the fixing bosses 58q and 58s.

[0577] The fixing boss 58q is set on the -Y direction side of the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M, opposite to the vibration-absorbing material bracket 58M.

[0578] The fixing bosses 58s are respectively provided at the positions opposite to each second guide 58t on the -Y direction side.

[0579] (Operating components)

[0580] The operating component 59 is clamped between the lifting platform body 58 and the lower cover 60, which will be described later, in a manner that allows it to move along the depth direction (Y direction).

[0581] The operating component 59 has an operating part 59a, a pair of force-applying component supports 59b, a pair of guide ribs 59c, and a pair of pressing components 59d.

[0582] like Figure 17 As shown, the operating section 59a is a frame-like structure extending in the horizontal direction and is configured to face the front end plate 58b of the lifting platform body 58. A groove 59h is provided on the lower surface of the operating section 59a for the user's fingertips to enter from below.

[0583] The force-applying component bracket 59b is a frame that holds the force-applying component 77, which applies force to the operating component 59 in the -Y direction. The force-applying component bracket 59b is a rectangular frame with a length in the moving direction (Y direction) of the operating part 59a, and has a locking portion 59i that locks the end of the force-applying component 77 in the -Y direction, and a guide shaft 59j extending from the locking portion 59i toward the operating part 59a. Figure 18 ).

[0584] The force-applying component 77, held in the force-applying component bracket 59b, is, for example, a compression coil spring. The force-applying component 77 is inserted into the aforementioned guide shaft 59j, with one end locked to the locking portion 59i and the other end locked to the locking portion 58p on the side of the lifting platform body 58. Figure 19 Therefore, as Figure 17 As shown, the force-applying component 77 is disposed between the operating component 59 and the lifting platform body 58, and applies force to the operating component 59 in the -Y direction relative to the lifting platform body 58.

[0585] The pair of guide ribs 59c are protrusions extending along the moving direction (Y direction) of the operating part 59a. Each guide rib 59c is spaced apart from the other in the transverse direction (X direction) and is located on the outer side of each force-applying component bracket 59b in the X direction.

[0586] A pair of guide ribs 59k are parallel to a pair of guide ribs 59c and are disposed between them, and are protrusions extending along the moving direction (Y direction) of the operating part 59a. The pair of guide ribs 59k are spaced apart by a narrower interval than the pair of guide ribs 59c, and are located on the inner side of each force-applying component bracket 59b in the X direction.

[0587] These guide ribs 59c and 59k are inserted into... Figure 19 Within a pair of guide grooves 58k formed on the back side of the lifting platform body 58 shown, it is possible to move along each guide groove 58k in the depth direction.

[0588] Multiple such guide ribs 59c and 59k are provided in the transverse direction and are interconnected via multiple plates 59m located between them.

[0589] The following, such as Figure 17 As shown, the position where the operating part 59 moves to its maximum extent in the -Y direction due to the force exerted by the pair of force-applying parts 77 is called the locking position. Although not shown, the position where the operating part 59a moves to its maximum extent in the +Y direction due to the user's operation is called the locking release position.

[0590] The distance traveled in the depth direction from the locked position to the unlocked position (hereinafter referred to as the travel distance) is shorter at the locked position than the length of the guide rib 59k inserted into each guide slot 58k (hereinafter referred to as the insertion length). Therefore, even if the operating member 59 moves to the unlocked position, the guide rib 59k as a whole will not be pulled out of each guide slot 58k.

[0591] like Figure 18 As shown, a pressing member 59d is provided in the guide rib 59c on the -X direction side, with its closest point to the -X direction. Similarly, a pressing member 59d is provided in the guide rib 59c on the +X direction side, with its closest point to the +X direction. Each pressing member 59d is connected to the guide rib 59c.

[0592] The pressing member 59d moves the first locking part 70 (described later) in a direction that intersects the moving direction of the operating member 59, according to the amount of movement of the operating member 59 in the depth direction.

[0593] The pressing member 59d has a flat plate portion 59g parallel to the guide rib 59k and a protrusion portion 59e protruding outward from the flat plate portion 59g.

[0594] When viewed from the +Z direction, the protrusion 59e is a mountain-shaped portion with a top 59f in the protruding direction. The top 59f can be a plane parallel to the flat portion 59g, or it can be a curved surface that appears as a convex arc when viewed from the +Z direction. Figure 18 In the example shown, the protrusion 59e, viewed from the +Z direction, is an isosceles triangle, and the top 59f is a convex arc-shaped curved surface.

[0595] The width of the protrusion 59e in the depth direction is approximately twice the travel distance of the operating component 59.

[0596] Protrusion 59e is located Figure 17 The second guide 58t of the main body 58 of the lifting platform shown is inside.

[0597] In the operating member 59 of this embodiment, the operating part 59a, the force-applying member bracket 59b, the guide rib 59c, and the pressing member 59d are integrally formed. Therefore, since the snake-like movement and rotation of the operating member 59 in the horizontal plane are suppressed, the operating member 59 can move linearly along the depth direction.

[0598] [Lower Cover]

[0599] like Figure 17 as well as Figure 18As shown, with the operating components 59, force-applying components 77, vibration-absorbing materials 78, and first locking parts 70 installed on the lifting platform body 58, the lower cover 60 covers the lower surface of the lifting platform body 58 and forms a box shape. The lower cover 60, together with the lifting platform body 58, forms the bottom shape of the lifting platform 67. The lower cover 60 has an asymmetrical shape in the horizontal direction.

[0600] The shape of the base plate 60a, viewed from the Y direction, is similar to that of the bottom part 58a of the lifting platform body 58, except that it has a through groove 60h at the end in the +Y direction for inserting the operating part 59a. Figure 19 They are roughly the same.

[0601] like Figure 18 As shown, the lower cover 60 has a base plate portion 60a and a peripheral wall portion 60B extending from the outer periphery of the base plate portion 60a in the +Z direction. The peripheral wall portion 60B has: a rear side plate portion 60c located at the outer edge of the base plate portion 60a in the -Y direction; a second plate portion 60bR and a first side plate portion 60bL located on the narrow portion of the base plate portion 60a in the -Y direction on both sides of the width direction of the rear side plate portion 60c; a pair of flat plate portions 60g extending outward in the X direction from each end of the second plate portions 60bR and 60bL on the +Y direction side; a first plate portion 60eL and a second plate portion 60eR located on the wide portion of the base plate portion 60a in the +Y direction; a corner portion 60s located on the +Y direction side of the first plate portion 60eL; and a cut-out wall portion 60x located on the +Y direction side of the second plate portion 60eR. The cut wall portion 60x tilts towards the -X direction as it moves from the side of the second plate portion 60eR toward the +Y direction side.

[0602] A threaded fixing boss 60d is provided in the base plate 60a, which has a through hole for a screw 76 for fixing to the lifting platform body 58. Figure 17 As shown, the rear surface of the threaded fixing protrusion 60d is recessed laterally in the +Z direction, so that the screw head of screw 76 does not protrude.

[0603] In addition to the through groove 60h, the bottom plate 60a forms the bottom surface of the lifting platform 67.

[0604] The first plate portion 60eL, the second plate portion 60eR, and the cut-out wall portion 60x are provided along the periphery of the wide portion on the +Y direction side of the base plate portion 60a. The second plate portions 60bR and 60bL are provided along the periphery of the narrow portion on the -Y direction side of the base plate portion 60a.

[0605] When the lower cover 60 is installed relative to the lifting platform body 58, the peripheral wall portion 60B constituting the peripheral wall of the lower cover 60 is inserted into the inner side of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae of the lifting platform body 58.

[0606] The lower cover 60 is threadedly fixed in the lower part of the lifting platform body 58. Specifically, a plurality of screws 76, which are inserted into the threaded fixing boss 60d of the lower cover 60, engage with the fixing bosses 58q and 58s of the lifting platform body 58, thereby fixing the lower cover 60 to the lifting platform body 58.

[0607] The bottom plate portion 60a of the lower cover 60 is arranged parallel to the bottom surface portion 58a with a certain gap. This suppresses vertical displacement of components held by the bottom plate portion 60a of the lower cover 60 and the bottom surface portion 58a of the lifting platform body 58. For example, the bottom plate portion 60a can suppress vertical vibration of the operating member 59 and the pair of force-applying members 77. As a result, the depth movement of the operating member 59 becomes smooth.

[0608] [First Stop Section]

[0609] The first locking part 70 is respectively provided at both ends of the lifting platform 67 in the horizontal direction.

[0610] The following description uses the first locking part 70 configured on the +X direction side as an example.

[0611] like Figure 18 As shown, the first locking part 70 includes a first bracket 71, a locking member 73, a force-applying member (not shown), and a second bracket 75.

[0612] The first support 71 is a cuboid box that opens in the +X direction.

[0613] The locking component 73 is inserted into the first bracket 71.

[0614] A force-applying component is positioned in the first locking part 70 and inserted between the locking component 73 of the first bracket 71 and the second bracket 75 (described later), applying force to the locking component 73 in the +X direction. A compression coil spring can be used as the force-applying component.

[0615] The second bracket 75 is fixed to the +X direction end of the first bracket 71, forming the +X direction end of the first locking part 70.

[0616] The second support 75 has a protrusion 75a and a connecting portion 75f. When viewed from the +Z direction, the protrusion 75a has a mountain-shaped form with a top 75b in the protruding direction. The top 75b can be a flat surface or a curved surface that appears as a convex arc when viewed from the +Z direction.

[0617] exist Figure 18 In the example shown, the mountain-shaped protrusion 75a is an isosceles triangle, and the top 75b is a convex arc-shaped curved surface.

[0618] There are no particular limitations on the inclination of the protrusion 75a, as long as it is greater than or equal to the inclination of the protrusion 59e. Figure 10 In the example shown, the inclination of the protrusion 75a is approximately the same as that of the protrusion 59e described above.

[0619] The connecting portion 75f is a sheet-like part that protrudes in the +X direction from both ends of the protrusion 75a in the Y direction in the depth direction.

[0620] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the first locking part 70 in the assembled state houses a spring (not shown) and a locking member 73 within the internal space formed by the connection of the first bracket 71 and the second bracket 75. A portion of the locking member 73 protrudes from the inside of the first bracket 71 in the +X direction. Figure 18 The position where the locking member 73 protrudes the most in the +X direction is called the locking position of the first locking part 70.

[0621] The locking member 73 of the first locking part 70, located in the locking position, passes through the guide hole 58u of the lifting platform body 58. Figure 18 It extends to the outside of the main body 58 of the lifting platform.

[0622] In this embodiment, the spring (not shown) and the locking member 73 are arranged side by side on a substantially coaxial plane, with the locking member 73 protruding from the first bracket 71 inserted into the interior of the spring. Therefore, the locking member 73, the first bracket 71, and the spring are arranged on a substantially coaxial plane.

[0623] Here, the operation of the first locking part 70 and the operating part 59 will be explained.

[0624] As described above, at the locking position of the first locking portion 70, the positions of the first bracket 71 and the second bracket 75 in the lateral direction are fixed. In contrast, the locking member 73 is spring-loaded inside the first bracket 71 and the second bracket 75, but can move in the +X direction. Therefore, when the front end of the locking member 73 in the +X direction is pressed in the -X direction with a force greater than the spring force, the locking member 73 moves in the -X direction, allowing its front end to be pulled into the guide hole portion 58u.

[0625] When the user pulls the operating component 59 in the +Y direction, causing the operating component 59 to move to the lock release position... Figure 18 The pair of pressing parts 59d shown moves in the +Y direction against the force of the pair of force-applying parts 77.

[0626] When each pressing component 59d moves in the +Y direction, the first locking part 70, which is subjected to force by the force-applying component 77, moves toward the pressing component 59d.

[0627] If the pressing part 59d is from Figure 17 When the opening of the second guide member 58t shown retracts, each of the first locking portions 70 moves simultaneously toward the flat plate portion 59g, and the top 75b abuts against the flat plate portion 59g. Thus, in this embodiment, the locking member 73 protruding from the first bracket 71 also moves parallel in the -X direction, thereby being pulled into the inside of the guide hole portion 58u. That is, the locking member 73 retracts into the inside of the guide hole portion 58u while being forced outward in the lateral direction by the spring.

[0628] Thus, when the operating member 59 moves to the locking release position, the first locking part 70 moves, resulting in a state where the front ends of each locking member 73 do not protrude from the guide hole part 58u. In this state, the locking members 73 of each first locking part 70 cannot be locked onto the locking plate 64e of the track part 64 (unlocked position).

[0629] When the user removes their hand from the operating part 59a, the operating member 59 moves in the -Y direction due to the force exerted by the force-applying member 77, thus returning the operating member 59 and each of the first locking parts 70 to their respective locking positions. At this time, the operating member 59, which has moved under the force exerted by the force from the force-applying member 77, does not collide with any component of the lifting platform body 58, but instead comes into contact with the vibration-absorbing material 78. The kinetic energy of the operating member 59 is absorbed by the vibration-absorbing material 78, and the operating member 59 stops in the locking position. Therefore, the impact noise generated by the impact of the operating member 59 can be reduced.

[0630] A certain degree of impact force is transmitted to the lifting platform body 58 through the vibration-absorbing material 78. In this embodiment, the lifting platform body 58 is subjected to external force through the extension and retraction of the force-applying member 77 and the impact of the operating member 59. Fixing bosses 58s and 58q are provided at positions opposite to the locking portions 58p and the retaining grooves 58v in the direction of the external force. Therefore, by using the fixing bosses 58s and 58q to thread-fix the lower cover 60, a reinforced structure that effectively resists external forces can be obtained. As a result, even if external forces such as impact forces are transmitted to the lifting platform body 58 to a certain extent, vibration can be suppressed, thus providing a stable operating feel.

[0631] In this embodiment, the locking member 73 protrudes outward from the guide hole portion 58u at its locking position, and is retracted to the inside of the guide hole portion 58u by an external force acting on the locking member 73. Similarly, when the operating member 59 moves to the locking release position, the first locking portion 70 moves parallel to the entire body and moves to the non-locking position.

[0632] Next, the locking mechanism for the upper door storage housing 56A when it is installed into the refrigerator door 12 will be explained. The upper door storage housing 56A is used as an example for explanation, but the same applies to the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0633] like Figure 10 As shown, the upper door storage housing 56A is positioned relative to the respective disposed on... Figure 11 The locking plate 64e at a predetermined position among the multiple locking plates 64e in the vertical direction of the pair of track sections 64 shown is locked from the top and installed at a predetermined position in the track section 64.

[0634] like Figure 14 As shown, when the operating member 59 disposed on the bottom side of the upper door storage housing 56A is in the locked position, the main body portion 73a of each locking member 73 protrudes outward in the Y direction of the lifting platform body 58 through a pair of guide holes 58u provided on both sides of the lifting platform body 58 in the width direction. The main body portion 73a of the locking member 73 is locked from above to the locking plate 64e at a predetermined position in the track portion 64. Due to the gravity of the upper door storage housing 56A, the lower surface of the front end side of each locking member 73 is pressed against the locking surface 64i of the predetermined locking plate 64e in the track portion 64.

[0635] The locking protrusion 58EL on the -X direction side of the horizontal width of the lifting platform body 58 is inserted into the stop insertion groove g1 on the -Y direction side of the track section 64 in the side rib 61D, so that it clamps the track section 64 together with the guide section 58F in the depth direction.

[0636] The locking protrusion 58ER on the +X direction side of the horizontal width of the lifting platform body 58 is inserted into the stop insertion groove g2 on the -Y direction side of the track part 64 in the side rib 61C, so that it clamps the track part 64 together with the guide part 58F in the depth direction.

[0637] Since the center of gravity of the upper door storage housing 56A is located closer to the refrigerator compartment 27 (+Y direction) than the track section 64, the upper part of the plate-shaped portion 58Aa on the +Y direction side of the locking protrusions 58ER and 58EL presses the second track section 64b towards the refrigerator compartment 27 (+Y direction), and the lower part of the plate-shaped portion 58Aa on the -Y direction side presses 53ct ( Figure 11 Press towards the inner surface 53a (-Y direction).

[0638] The upper door storage housing 56A installed on the track section 64 cannot be pulled out towards the refrigerator compartment 27, thus inhibiting descent in the -Z direction.

[0639] In this embodiment, by performing the operations described below, the user can move the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B in the vertical direction, respectively.

[0640] (Move upwards: Push up)

[0641] To move the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B upwards, an upward pushing operation is performed.

[0642] The upward pushing operation is an operation in which the user applies an upward force to the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B, causing it to move in the +Z direction. The user can apply force to any position of the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B, but when the user touches the lower surface of the lifting platform 67 and pushes the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B upward, an upward force can be applied near the locking position of the first locking part 70, thus enabling smoother operation.

[0643] When the lower surface of the lifting platform 67 is pushed up, for example, compared to the case of holding and lifting the upper end of the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B, it is easier to apply force, and even short users can easily move the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B upward.

[0644] In the locking structure of this embodiment, since there is no component that locks the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B from above, the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B can rise along the track section 64 when the user applies an upward force to the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0645] If the locking member 73 rises to the position of the closest locking plate 64e on the track 64, the locking member 73 abuts against the locking plate 64e, and the horizontal component of the reaction from the locking plate 64e presses the locking member 73 inward, allowing it to pass over the abutting locking plate 64e.

[0646] When the locking member 73 passes over the abutting locking plate 64e and reaches its upper side, the reaction force from the track section 64 that pressed the locking member 73 in disappears, so the locking member 73 protrudes outward from the guide hole section 58u of the lifting platform body 58. At this time, if the user releases his hand and stops the upward pushing operation, the locking member 73 is locked from above by the passed locking plate 64e.

[0647] By pushing upwards, the user can move the upper door storage housing 56A or the middle door storage housing 56B upwards, causing them to engage with the upper locking plate 64e. This allows the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B to be engaged with any locking plate 64e located vertically opposite to each other in the horizontal direction.

[0648] During the upward pushing operation, while the upper door storage housing 56A can be locked at the uppermost position, it cannot be lowered. Therefore, for example, even if the hand is released before reaching above the upper locking plate 64e, the locking member 73 can reliably lock onto the nearest lower locking plate 64e. Thus, during the upward pushing operation, the upper door storage housing 56A can be prevented from falling.

[0649] (Move down: Unblock operation)

[0650] The locking release operation is an operation that forcibly releases the locking component 73 from the track portion 64 in the vertical direction.

[0651] In this operation, the user operates the operating component 59 to move it to the lock-out position. For example, the user uses their hand to grip the lower end of the operating part 59a and the front end plate 58b of the lifting platform body 58 in the depth direction, thereby moving the operating component 59 in the +Y direction. In this embodiment, the operating component 59 moves to the lock-out position when the operating part 59a is closest to the front end plate 58b.

[0652] At the release position, a pair of locking components 73 are pulled into the inside of the lifting platform body 58, so that the locking of each locking component 73 relative to the pair of track sections 64 is released simultaneously.

[0653] When the user releases their grip on the lower end of the operating unit 59a and the front plate 58b of the lifting platform body 58 at the destination, the locking member 73 protrudes outward from the second wall portion 58dR due to the force applied by the force-applying member 77. Therefore, the locking member 73 protrudes into the upper recess of the nearest lower locking plate 64e. By releasing the user's hand in this state, the locking member 73 locks onto the nearest lower locking plate 64e at the destination.

[0654] Through this locking and releasing operation, the user can move the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B downwards, causing them to lock relative to the lower locking plate 64e. This allows the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B to lock relative to any locking plate 64e of a pair of horizontally opposed track sections 64 at the same vertical position.

[0655] In this way, as long as the user is within the movable range of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B, the user can move the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B freely in the up and down directions respectively.

[0656] According to this embodiment, the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B can be moved by the user with a simple one-handed operation from the front of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B, whether it is a push-up operation or a locking release operation.

[0657] Here, the movable range of the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B will be described.

[0658] Figure 20 This is a side view showing that the spacing between the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B, which are arranged vertically, is limited by the spacing limiting stop 58Ac.

[0659] In this embodiment, the upper limit position of the upper door storage housing 56A is limited by the upper end plate 64g of the track section 64. The position where the upper door storage housing 56A is locked relative to the uppermost locking plate 64e located directly below the upper end plate 64g of the track section 64 becomes the upper limit at which it can move upward.

[0660] The lower limit position of the upper door storage housing 56A is limited by a pair of spaced-out limiting stops 58Ac on the side of the upper door storage housing 56A. That is, when the upper door storage housing 56A is lowered, each spaced-out limiting stop 58Ac abuts against the upper end surfaces (stop receiving surfaces 58aR, 58aL) of the locking protrusions 58ER, 58EL of the middle door storage housing 56B located directly below, thereby limiting its further downward movement. Therefore, the lower limit position of the upper door storage housing 56A varies depending on the position of the middle door storage housing 56B.

[0661] On the other hand, the movement range of the middle door storage housing 56B in this embodiment is set, for example, by the position of the upper door storage housing 56A and the lowering position limiting part 53d.

[0662] The upper limit position of the middle door storage housing 56B varies depending on the position of the upper door storage housing 56A. That is, when the middle door storage housing 56B is raised, the upper end surfaces (stop receiving surfaces 58aR, 58aL) of a pair of locking protrusions 58ER, 58EL of the middle door storage housing 56B abut against the lower end surfaces 58bL, 58bR of a pair of locking protrusions 58EL, 58ER (spaced-limiting stop 58Ac) of the upper door storage housing 56A, which are located in a predetermined position, thereby restricting its further upward movement.

[0663] The lowest position of the middle door storage housing 56B is when the lower ends of the locking protrusions 58ER and 58EL are locked from above into the descending position limiting part 53d. When the locking protrusions 58ER and 58EL in the middle door storage housing 56B are in the lowest position locked into the descending position limiting parts 53d located on the lower end side of the pair of track parts 64, the vertical distance between the middle door storage housing 56B and the lower door storage housing 56C is the same as or larger than the distance when the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are in the closest position when the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are in contact with the distance limiting stop 58Ac of the upper door storage housing 56A.

[0664] In this way, the middle door storage housing 56B is restricted from moving further downward by the descending position limiting part 53d.

[0665] In addition, in the middle door storage housing 56B, a pair of locking protrusions 58EL and 58ER (each interval restriction stop 58Ac) provided on both sides of the horizontal width direction of the lifting platform body 58 are also inserted into the stop insertion slots g1 and g2 located on the -Y direction side of the track section 64 and become hidden.

[0666] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 20 As shown, the vertical length h2 of the locking protrusions 58EL and 58ER is... Figure 15 as well as Figure 16 The distance in the vertical direction of the gap G1 between the point where the protrusion 57i of the upper door storage housing 56A abuts against the lower surface 61g of the upper rib 61F after it has risen and the upper end of the track section 64 (hereinafter referred to as the gap distance L) is greater than the distance in the vertical direction of the gap G1 between the point where the upper door storage housing 56A, after rising, abuts against the lower surface 61g of the upper rib 61F. Therefore, the upper door storage housing 56A, which is placed on the lifting platform 67, cannot pass through the gap G1 in the +Y direction. According to this configuration, even if the upward pushing operation is forceful, it is possible to prevent the upper door storage housing 56A from detaching from the track section 64.

[0667] On the other hand, if only the lifting platform 67 exists with the main body 57 removed, the lifting platform 67 can be tilted to pass through the gap G1. Therefore, when installing the upper door storage housing 56A, installation can be performed by first installing only the lifting platform 67 on each track section 64.

[0668] In this embodiment, the upper door storage housing 56A restricts downward movement by abutting against the stop receiving surfaces 58aR and 58aL of the middle door storage housing 56B with a pair of spacer limiting stops 58Ac, thus limiting the distance between it and the middle door storage housing 56B located directly below. As a result, a predetermined gap U is formed between the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B, preventing the upper door storage housing 56A from excessively approaching the middle door storage housing 56B due to the weight of the stored items when the upper door storage housing 56A is lowered. This also prevents the user's hand or fingers from being trapped between the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B. The size of the gap U formed between the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B can be adjusted by changing the vertical extension length h1 of the spacer limiting stops 58Ac in the upper door storage housing 56A. Figure 17 (Make appropriate changes)

[0669] In fact, such as Figure 15 , Figure 16 as well as Figure 20 As shown, the gap U is the length h4 obtained by adding the extension length h1 of each interval limiting stop 58Ac in the locking protrusions 58EL and 58ER of the upper door housing 56A (the length from the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae to the lower end face 58bL and 58bR of the locking protrusions EL and ER) to the protrusion length h0 of the upper end side of the locking protrusions 58EL and 58ER of the middle door housing 56B (the length from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae to the upper end face, i.e., the stop receiving surface 58aR and 58aL of each interval limiting stop 58Ac in the locking protrusions EL and ER).

[0670] Furthermore, since the pair of locking protrusions 58EL and 58ER (each interval limiting stop 58Ac) in the upper door storage housing 56A and the middle door storage housing 56B are respectively inserted into the stop insertion slots g1 and g2 on the -Y direction side of the track section 64, they are hidden inside each track section 64 when viewed from the +Y direction side. Therefore, since the interval limiting stop 58Ac is difficult for the user to see, the design is improved.

[0671] In addition, to prevent the various partition restriction stops 58Ac on the upper door storage housing 56A side from becoming obstacles when taking out or storing items stored in the middle door storage housing 56B, it is possible to prevent the items being taken out or put in, the user's hands, etc. from coming into contact with the partition restriction stops 58Ac.

[0672] Furthermore, the upper end surfaces (stop receiving surfaces 58aR, 58aL) of the locking protrusions 58EL and 58ER on the upper door storage housing 56A side abut against the middle door storage housing 56B. Therefore, since the upper door storage housing 56A side's interval limiting stops 58Ac do not directly abut against the upper ends of the housing body 57 of the middle door storage housing 56B and the peripheral wall portion 58Ae of the lifting platform body 58, damage or injury to the housing body 57 and the lifting platform body 58 can be prevented.

[0673] Furthermore, the stop contact surfaces 58aR and 58aL protrude in the +Z direction from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae of the housing body 57 and the lifting platform body 58. Therefore, the impact when the stop 58Ac collides with the stop contact surfaces 58aR and 58aL is difficult to be transmitted to the peripheral wall portion 58Ae of the housing body 57 and the lifting platform body 58, which can further prevent damage to the peripheral wall portion 58Ae of the housing body 57 and the lifting platform body 58.

[0674] Furthermore, by using a pair of spaced-spaced limiting stops 58Ac, both the anti-pinch finger and lower limit position restrictions can be achieved. Therefore, it is not necessary to set protrusions separately to achieve their respective functions, which can reduce protrusions and eliminate parts that would become obstacles during user use.

[0675] The above description illustrates one embodiment of the present invention, but it is provided as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiment can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the technical solution and its equivalents.

[0676] As long as the configuration is such that the spacing between the vertically arranged storage housings 56A and 56B is limited to a predetermined spacing and is located on the inside (-Y direction side) of the track section 64, the number, shape, etc. of the spacing limiting stop 58Ac can be appropriately changed.

[0677] Figure 21 This is a side view showing a modified example of the lifting platform body (interval restriction stop 58Ac).

[0678] For example, such as Figure 21 As shown, it can also be configured to have interval limiting stops 58Ac that protrude in the vertical direction toward the lifting platform body 58 in the middle door housing 56B.

[0679] Alternatively, the locking protrusions 58EL and 58ER can be configured to extend outward in the Z direction from the upper and lower ends of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae in the lifting platform body 58, respectively. The portion protruding upward from the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae functions as an upper-side gap-limiting stop 58Ac, and the portion protruding downward from the lower end of the peripheral wall portion 58Ae functions as a lower-side gap-limiting stop 58Ac, thereby limiting the gap between the vertically arranged door storage housings 56A and 56B.

[0680] For example, the spacing limit stop 58Ac may also have a buffer material on its front end (upper or lower end) side in the vertical direction, which is used to mitigate the impact when it comes into contact with other door housings.

[0681] Alternatively, the interval limiting stop 58Ac may be installed on the lower cover 60 instead of the lifting platform body 58. By installing the interval limiting stop 58Ac on the lower cover 60, in the event of damage to the interval limiting stop 58Ac, only the lower cover 60 needs to be replaced, thus simplifying the replacement operation and reducing costs.

[0682] Alternatively, for example, to ensure further strength of the gap-limiting stop 58Ac, it may also be formed into a solid shape.

[0683] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the technical solution and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator body including a storage compartment; a door capable of opening and closing the storage compartment; and a plurality of door storage housings arranged vertically on the inner side of the door, wherein... At least one of the plurality of door storage housings has a lifting platform. The lifting platform has: A locking component, which locks relative to the door; A locking release mechanism releases the locking component from the door. The lifting platform body is capable of moving vertically along a track provided on the door; and The spacing limiting stop protrudes toward other door storage housings arranged along the vertical direction and is capable of abutting against other door storage housings. The interval limiting stop is integrally formed with the main body of the lifting platform.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The interval limiting stop is located in the depth direction at least on either the first wall portion or the second wall portion, the first wall portion being located on the side of the lifting platform body opposite to the storage chamber side, and the second wall portion being located at the end of the lifting platform body in the lateral direction.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least the uppermost of the plurality of door storage housings has the locking member, the locking release mechanism, and the spacing limiting stop on its bottom side. The spacing restriction stop protrudes toward the other door storage housings on the lower side.

4. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A pair of doors with different widths are rotatably mounted on both sides of the refrigerator body in the horizontal direction. At least one of the plurality of door storage housings disposed on the narrow side of the first door is configured to be movable up and down.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The vertical length of the interval limiting stop is greater than or equal to the thickness of an adult's finger.

6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The interval limiting stop is disposed in a stop insertion slot, which is formed inside the track portion in the door and extends parallel to the track portion.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein, The door has an inner surface facing the storage compartment side when the door is closed relative to the refrigerator body, and a pair of ribs protruding from the outer periphery on both sides of the inner surface in the width direction toward the storage compartment side. The rib is provided with the track portion and the stop insertion groove formed on the side of the track portion closer to the inner surface.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The spacing limiting stop of the door storage housing can abut against the stop receiving surface disposed on the other side of the door storage housing.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, The stop member's receiving surface is located on the lifting platform.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, The door storage housing includes a housing body and a lifting platform that supports the housing body. The receiving surface of the stop protrudes further into the spacing limiting stop disposed on other door storage housings than the housing body.

11. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The receiving surface of the stop is integrally formed with the spacing limiting stop.

12. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, A descent position limiting part is provided in the track section, which limits the descent position of the door storage housing having the lifting platform. The interval limiting stop can abut against the descending position limiting part.

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