Refrigerator

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator capable of further increasing the interior volume of a case using a space that has been used as a mechanical chamber in the past. The refrigerator (1) includes: an insulated case body (50); a mechanical chamber (30) provided on the back surface side of the insulated case body (50); and a storage space (for example, a rear storage chamber (14) in a freezing chamber) located on the side of the mechanical chamber (30) in the left-right direction. A partition (42) and an insulating material (52) are provided between the mechanical chamber (30) and the storage space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a refrigerator with a mechanical compartment. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, research has been conducted on increasing the internal volume of refrigerators. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator comprising a freezer compartment 63 located on one side of the lower part of the refrigerator body in a left-right direction, an ice-making compartment 64 located on the other side, a compressor 75 located behind the ice-making compartment 64, and a cooler 76 located behind the freezer compartment 63, with the compressor 75 and cooler 76 arranged side by side in a left-right direction. This improves the installation efficiency of the cooling components and increases volumetric efficiency.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-289551 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention

[0007] In a refrigerator, an insulated cabinet is installed to insulate the storage space from its surroundings. A mechanical compartment, housing the compressor and other components that form the refrigeration cycle, is located on the lower back side of this insulated cabinet. To increase the refrigerator's internal volume, it's considered to reduce the mechanical compartment's volume by placing it closer to one side (left or right), using the other side as the interior space. In this case, an insulated wall is needed to separate the mechanical compartment from the interior space.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can further increase the internal volume by reliably forming an insulating wall between the adjacent mechanical compartment and the storage space in the left-right direction, utilizing the space that was previously used as the mechanical compartment.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] A refrigerator according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an insulated cabinet; a machine compartment disposed on the rear side of the insulated cabinet; and a storage space located to the left and right of the machine compartment. In this refrigerator, an insulating material and a partition are provided between the machine compartment and the storage space.

[0011] Beneficial effects

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, storage spaces can be formed to the left and right sides of the machine compartment. This allows for a further increase in the refrigerator's internal volume by utilizing space previously used as a machine compartment. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the configuration of the front part of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of the rear section of the insulated cabinet of the refrigerator.

[0015] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 The top view of the lower part of the rear of the insulated enclosure shown.

[0016] Figure 4 It means Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the AA line section of the insulated box.

[0017] Figure 5 It indicates composition Figure 2 The diagram shows a perspective view of the bottom components of the insulated enclosure.

[0018] Figure 6 It means Figure 5 The diagram shows a perspective view of the outer surface of the bottom component.

[0019] Figure 7 It indicates composition Figure 5 A perspective view of the second plate component that forms the bottom component.

[0020] Figure 8 It indicates composition Figure 5 A perspective view of the first plate component that forms the bottom component.

[0021] Figure 9 It indicates composition Figure 5 A perspective view of the partition that forms the bottom component.

[0022] Figure 10 Observing from another direction Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the separator shown.

[0023] Figure 11 It means Figure 5 The top view of the bottom surface of the component shown is the inner side (insulation material side).

[0024] Figure 12 It means Figure 11 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the BB line portion of the bottom component.

[0025] Figure 13 It means Figure 5The top view shown is of the inside of the back (insulation material side) of the bottom component.

[0026] Figure 14 It means Figure 13 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the CC line portion of the bottom component.

[0027] Figure 15 It is an enlarged representation Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the interior (DD line section) of the rear left side of the insulated enclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same parts. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.

[0029] <First Implementation Method>

[0030] (The overall structure of a refrigerator)

[0031] First, the overall structure of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 The image shows the exterior of refrigerator 1 viewed from the front.

[0032] The refrigerator 1 is mainly composed of an insulated cabinet 50. The storage space of the refrigerator 1 is formed by the insulated cabinet 50. The storage space formed by the insulated cabinet 50 is divided into a refrigerator compartment, which is the upper storage space, and a freezer compartment, which is the lower storage space, by a partition (not shown). The partition extends horizontally at approximately the center in the vertical direction.

[0033] Thus, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment has a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment as storage spaces. The refrigerator compartment is located on the upper side of the refrigerator 1. The freezer compartment is located on the lower side of the refrigerator 1.

[0034] The refrigerator compartment is equipped with split-leaf refrigerator doors 11a and 11b. The freezer compartment is equipped with split-leaf freezer doors 12a and 12b.

[0035] As described above, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment is divided into an upper section and a lower section, and is provided with a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. However, the arrangement of each storage compartment is not limited to this. Furthermore, the configuration of the doors provided in each storage compartment is not limited to the above.

[0036] In this embodiment, the surface with the door is referred to as the front or front surface of the refrigerator. Furthermore, based on the front surface, and considering the positions of the refrigerator 1 when it is normally positioned, each surface of the refrigerator 1 is designated as the top surface, side surface, back surface, and bottom surface. Additionally, when the refrigerator 1 is placed on the mounting surface, the left-right direction (the horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction) when viewing the refrigerator 1 from the front is referred to as the left-right direction of the refrigerator 1 (or the insulated cabinet 50, etc.). Furthermore, when the refrigerator 1 is placed on the mounting surface, the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction orthogonal to the left-right direction) of the refrigerator 1 is referred to as the vertical direction of the refrigerator 1 (or the insulated cabinet 50, etc.).

[0037] A refrigeration cycle is installed inside refrigerator 1. The refrigeration cycle is initiated by compressor 31 (see reference 31) via refrigerant pipes (refrigerant flow path) that supply refrigerant. Figure 2 It is composed of a condenser (not shown), an expander (not shown), and a cooler (not shown).

[0038] Furthermore, a control unit (not shown) is provided inside the refrigerator 1. This control unit controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle. That is, the compressor 31 is driven by the control unit, thereby starting the operation of the refrigeration cycle, and the refrigerant circulates within the cycle. The compressor 31 is disposed in the mechanical compartment 30 located in the lower rear part of the refrigerator 1 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0039] (Composition of the insulated enclosure)

[0040] In refrigerator 1, an insulated cabinet 50 is provided as an insulated structure to insulate each storage space from the surrounding heat. Figure 2 This indicates the appearance of the insulated enclosure 50 as viewed from the rear side. Figure 3 This indicates the appearance of the lower part of the rear side of the insulated enclosure 50. Figure 3 The image shows the insulated enclosure 50 with the support member 63 on the left side (right side when viewed from the front) removed, as viewed from the back. Figure 4 This indicates the internal structure of the lower part of the insulated enclosure 50. Figure 4 It is equivalent to Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the insulated enclosure 50 along line AA. Figure 4 The illustration of the compressor 31 and other components located in the machine room 30 is omitted.

[0041] The insulated enclosure 50 mainly consists of an outer casing 60, an inner casing 70, and insulation material 52.

[0042] The outer casing 60 forms the outer surface of the insulated enclosure 50. The outer casing 60 is mainly composed of an upper surface 60a, a side surface 60b, a rear surface 60c, a bottom component 40, and a bottom surface 60d (see reference). Figure 2The inner casing 70 forms the inner surface of the insulated casing 50. The inner casing 70 is mainly composed of an upper surface (not shown), a side surface 70b, a rear surface 70c, and a bottom surface 70d (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0043] The insulation material 52 is disposed in the space between the outer casing 60 and the inner casing 70. The insulation material 52 may be composed of, for example, vacuum insulation material and foamed insulation material. Vacuum insulation material is a sheet or plate-like insulation material. Vacuum insulation material may be disposed, for example, on the sides, top surface, bottom surface, and back surface of the refrigerator 1. Foamed insulation material may be formed, for example, from polyurethane foam (also known as rigid polyurethane foam).

[0044] The rear section of the insulated enclosure 50 is mainly composed of the rear section 60c (also known as the back panel) of the outer casing 60. For example... Figure 2 As shown, a control board mounting section 62 is provided above the rear side portion 60c of the outer casing 60. A control board is disposed on the control board mounting section 62, and the control board is equipped with a control unit for controlling the operation of the refrigeration cycle, etc.

[0045] A machine compartment 30 is located on the lower part of the rear side of the insulated housing 50. A compressor 31 and the like are housed within the machine compartment 30. The machine compartment 30 is located on the outside of the insulated housing 50. This is because the temperature inside the machine compartment 30 rises due to the operation of the compressor 31.

[0046] In this embodiment, the machine room 30 is located on the lower left side of the rear of the insulated housing 50 when viewed from the front. Figure 2 (The middle is the right side). Additionally, the storage room (in this embodiment, the rear storage room 14) is located to the left and right of the machine room 30 (in this embodiment, the right side of the machine room 30 when viewed from the front). For example... Figure 4 As shown, a heat insulation material 52 and a partition 42 are provided between the machine room 30 and the rear storage room 14.

[0047] In this way, the machine compartment 30 and the storage space such as the rear storage compartment 14 are separated by the heat-insulating cabinet 50. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat generated in the machine compartment 30 from flowing into the storage space of the refrigerator 1.

[0048] The machine room 30 is mainly divided by a base plate 41 on which the compressor 31 and the like are installed, and a bottom component 40 that forms the bottom part 60d of the outer casing 60.

[0049] In addition, metal support members 63, 63 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower rear side of the heat insulation box 50. That is, one of the two support members 63, 63 is located at the lower rear corner of the right side side portion 60b of the heat insulation box 50, and the other is located at the lower rear corner of the left side side portion 60b of the heat insulation box 50.

[0050] The bottom component 40 is supported by the left and right side portions 60b, 60b of the outer casing 60, the lower end 61 of the back panel of the outer casing 60, the left and right side support members 63, 63, and the bottom plate 41. Thus, the lower rear profile of the refrigerator 1, including the machine compartment 30, is formed by the side portions 60b of the outer casing 60, the bottom plate 41, and the bottom component 40. The bottom component 40 is constructed by assembling multiple components.

[0051] (The composition of the lower part of the storage space)

[0052] Next, a more detailed description of the storage space of refrigerator 1 will be provided. The storage space of refrigerator 1 is divided into upper and lower spaces by a partition. The upper space is the refrigerator compartment, and the lower space is the freezer compartment. The freezer compartment, located on the lower side of the storage space, is divided into a left storage compartment 13a and a right storage compartment 13b by a freezer compartment partition 56 extending vertically from approximately the center of the space in the left-right direction (see reference). Figure 4 The left storage compartment 13a is opened and closed through the left freezer door 12a, and the right storage compartment 13b is opened and closed through the right freezer door 12b.

[0053] Multiple storage boxes are provided in the freezer compartment. Each storage box is configured to slide in the front-to-back direction. In addition, each storage box is configured to be detachable from the refrigerator 1.

[0054] As described above, a rear storage compartment 14 is provided in the freezer compartment, located to the left or right of the machine compartment 30. In this embodiment, the rear storage compartment 14 is formed by extending the lower part of the right storage compartment 13b rearward.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the right storage compartment 13b, which has a rear storage compartment 14, occupies the entire area of ​​the refrigerator 1 in the front-to-back direction (depth direction), excluding the area occupied by the insulation material 52. On the other hand, the left storage compartment 13a, which does not have a rear storage compartment 14, has a machine compartment 30 arranged behind it, and its length (depth) in the front-to-back direction is smaller than that of the right storage compartment 13b. In order to contrast with the rear storage compartment 14 adjacent in the left-to-right direction, the space with a smaller depth than the rear storage compartment 14 is referred to as the second storage compartment 15.

[0056] In a typical refrigerator, the mechanical compartment occupies approximately the entire left-right area at the lower rear of the refrigerator. In contrast, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, viewed from the front, the mechanical compartment 30 is located on the lower left side of the rear of the insulated cabinet 50 (the right side when viewed from the rear), occupying only about half of the left-right area of ​​the insulated cabinet 50 (see reference). Figure 4 Furthermore, a rear storage compartment 14 is provided in the remaining area at the lower rear of the insulated enclosure 50 (see reference). Figure 4 ).

[0057] In this way, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the space that was previously used as a machine room is used as a storage space. As a result, the internal volume of the refrigerator 1 can be increased.

[0058] (The composition of the bottom components)

[0059] Next, a more detailed description of the bottom component 40 will be provided. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 This indicates the overall structure of the bottom component 40. Figure 5 This refers to the inner surface side of the bottom component 40 (the side that contacts the thermal insulation material 52). Figure 6 This refers to the outer surface side of the bottom component 40.

[0060] The bottom component 40 is composed of multiple components. Specifically, the bottom component 40 is mainly composed of a separator 42, a first plate component 43, and a second plate component 44. Figure 7 This shows the appearance of the second plate component 44. Figure 7 The middle part indicates the inner surface side of the second plate component 44 (the side in contact with the heat insulation material 52). Figure 8 This indicates the appearance of the first plate component 43. Figure 8 The middle part indicates the inner surface side of the first plate component 43 (the side in contact with the heat insulation material 52). Figure 9 and Figure 10 The image shows the appearance of the separator 42. Figure 9 The text indicates the inner surface side of the separator 42 (the side in contact with the thermal insulation material 52). Figure 10 In the middle, it indicates the outer surface side of the partition 42 (machine chamber 30 side).

[0061] A bottom component 40, comprising a first plate component 43, a second plate component 44, and a partition 42, is disposed on the rear side of the heat-insulating housing 50, forming the overall shape of the lower rear portion of the heat-insulating housing 50. Specifically, the bottom component 40 forms the wall dividing the machine room 30, a portion of the rear of the heat-insulating housing 50, and the bottom of the heat-insulating housing 50.

[0062] Divider 42 separates the machine room 30 from the storage space (specifically, the rear storage room 14) (see reference). Figure 4 The separator 42 mainly comprises a separator body 45, a metal plate 46, a first auxiliary plate 47a, a second auxiliary plate 47b, and a reinforcing component 65 (see reference). Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 ).

[0063] The separator 45 is, for example, a resin component formed by molding resin material into a predetermined shape. However, the material of the separator 45 is not limited to resin. In other embodiments, the separator 45 may also be formed of a metallic material.

[0064] The partition body 45 has a first groove 45a into which the end of the first plate member 43 (specifically, the first connecting end 43c) is inserted, and a second groove 45b into which the end of the second plate member 44 (specifically, the first connecting end 44c) is inserted. The first groove 45a is provided along the end of the side of the partition body 45 facing the machine chamber 30. The second groove 45b is provided along the end of the side of the partition body 45 facing the heat insulation material 52.

[0065] A screw hole 42a for screw insertion is provided at the upper end of the partition body 45. This screw hole 42a is located at the same level as the hole 61a formed at the lower end 61 of the back plate of the outer casing 60 (see reference). Figure 3 The corresponding position. When installing the bottom component 40 onto the heat insulation box 50, the hole 61a formed at the lower end 61 of the outer box 60 is aligned with the screw hole 42a provided in the partition 42, and a fixing screw is inserted through the hole 61a.

[0066] Therefore, the bottom component 40 can be fixed to the back side 60c of the outer casing 60. In addition, the partition 42 located approximately at the center in the left-right direction of the bottom component 40 is fixed in a state aligned with the back side 60c of the outer casing 60, thereby suppressing the deformation of the shape of the bottom component 40 that may occur during the formation of the foamed insulation material.

[0067] Metal plate 46, first auxiliary plate 47a, and second auxiliary plate 47b are formed of plate-shaped metal material (i.e., metal plate). Metal plate 46 is arranged to cover the main surface of the partition body 45 on the side of the machine chamber 30. By arranging metal plate 46 on the surface of the partition 42 on the side of the machine chamber 30, the thermal conductivity of the wall of the machine chamber 30 can be improved. First auxiliary plate 47a and second auxiliary plate 47b are arranged to cover part of the surface of the partition body 45 on the side of the heat insulation material 52. By providing these metal plates, the heat resistance and strength of the partition 42 can be improved.

[0068] The reinforcing member 65 is a generally rectangular parallelepiped-shaped structure. The reinforcing member 65 is, for example, formed of a resin material such as expanded polystyrene. Figure 9 As shown, the reinforcing member 65 is configured to protrude from the main surface of the insulating material 52 side of the separating body 45.

[0069] The first plate component 43 is connected to the partition 42, forming the front surface of the machine compartment 30. The first plate component 43 separates the machine compartment 30 from the storage space (specifically, the second storage compartment 15) (see reference). Figure 4 The first plate component 43 is formed, for example, by shaping a plate-shaped component such as a metal plate into a predetermined shape. The first plate component 43 has a main face 43a, a first connecting end 43c, a second connecting end 43d, and an upper end 43e, etc.

[0070] The main surface portion 43a forms the wall surface of the front surface side of the machine room 30.

[0071] The first connecting end 43c is the end that connects to the separator 42. The first connecting end 43c is inserted into the first groove 45a of the separator 42. Thus, the separator 42 is connected to the first plate member 43.

[0072] The second connecting end 43d is the end that connects to the second plate member 44. The second connecting end 43d is arranged to overlap with the second connecting end 44d of the second plate member 44. Furthermore, the second connecting end 43d of the first plate member 43 and the second connecting end 44d of the second plate member 44 are fastened by fastening members, thereby connecting the first plate member 43 and the second plate member 44.

[0073] The upper end portion 43e forms part of the upper end of the bottom component 40. The upper end portion 43e is fixed to the lower end portion 61 of the back panel of the outer casing 60.

[0074] The second plate component 44 is connected to the separator 42 and the first plate component 43, forming the rear and bottom portions of the insulated box 50. The second plate component 44 separates the storage space (specifically, the left storage chamber 13a and the right storage chamber 13b) from the outside of the box (see reference). Figure 4 The second plate component 44 is formed, for example, by shaping a plate-shaped component such as a metal plate into a predetermined shape. The second plate component 44 has a bottom part 44a, a back part 44b, a first connecting end 44c, a second connecting end 44d, and an upper end 44e, etc.

[0075] The bottom portion 44a forms the bottom portion of the heat insulation box 50. A base plate 41 is disposed on the lower surface of the bottom portion 44a. The back portion 44b forms the lower part of the back portion of the heat insulation box 50.

[0076] The first connecting end 44c is the end that connects to the separator 42. The first connecting end 44c is inserted into the second groove 45b of the separator 42. Thus, the separator 42 is connected to the second plate component 44.

[0077] The second connecting end 44d is the end that connects to the first plate member 43. The second connecting end 44d is arranged to overlap with the second connecting end 43d of the first plate member 43. The second connecting end 43d of the first plate member 43 and the second connecting end 44d of the second plate member 44 are fastened by fastening members, thereby connecting the first plate member 43 and the second plate member 44.

[0078] The upper end portion 44e forms part of the upper end of the bottom component 40. The upper end portion 44e is fixed to the lower end portion 61 of the back panel of the outer casing 60.

[0079] By connecting the partition 42, the first plate member 43, and the second plate member 44, which have the configuration described above, to each other, it is possible to obtain... Figure 5 The bottom component 40 is shown.

[0080] The bottom component 40 forms the front and central side portions of the machine compartment 30. The other side portion of the machine compartment 30 is formed by the side portion 60b of the outer casing 60. The bottom surface of the machine compartment 30 is formed by the bottom plate 41 disposed below the bottom component 40.

[0081] (Regarding the connection between the separator and each plate component)

[0082] Next, a more detailed description will be given of the connection between the separator 42 and the first plate component 43 and the second plate component 44. Figure 12 and Figure 14 The shape of the ends of the first plate member 44 and the second plate member 44 embedded in the respective grooves 45a and 45b provided on the separator 42.

[0083] Figure 12 It means Figure 11 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the BB line portion of the bottom surface of the bottom component 40. Figure 14 It means Figure 13 The cross-sectional view shown is of the CC line portion of the back side of the bottom component 40. Figure 12 This indicates the shape of the ends of the plate components 43 and 44 in the grooves 45a and 45b below the front side of the insert separator 42. Figure 14 This indicates the shape of the ends of the plate components 43 and 44 in the grooves 45a and 45b above the rear side of the insert separator 42.

[0084] like Figure 12 As shown, on the front side below the partition 42, the first connecting end 43c of the first plate member 43 inserted into the first groove 45a of the partition 42 and the first connecting end 44c of the second plate member 44 inserted into the second groove 45b are arranged in a position that is substantially on the same plane (i.e., they are located on the same plane).

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 14As shown, above the rear side of the separator 42, the first connecting end 43c of the first plate member 43 inserted into the first groove 45a of the separator 42 and the first connecting end 44c of the second plate member 44 inserted into the second groove 45b are also arranged in a position that is substantially the same plane (i.e., they are located on the same plane).

[0086] By configuring the connection between the partition 42 and the first plate member 43 and the second plate member 44 as described above, the forces applied from the first plate member 43 to the partition 42 and the forces applied from the second plate member 44 to the partition 42 can cancel each other out. This prevents the partition 42 from rotating or moving in the left or right direction due to the forces applied from the first plate member 43 and the second plate member 44 to the partition 42, and suppresses deformation of the bottom component 40 that may occur during the assembly of the insulation box 50.

[0087] Furthermore, a resin plate (specifically, an inner resin plate 48a and an outer resin plate 48b) is installed at the connection between the second connecting end 43d of the first plate component 43 and the second connecting end 44d of the second plate component 44. This resin plate is used to suppress leakage of the foamed insulation material. The inner resin plate 48a is arranged to cover the inner side (insulation material 52 side) of the overlapping portion of the second connecting end 43d and the second connecting end 44d (see reference). Figure 5 The outer resin plate 48b is configured to cover the outer side (outer side of the box) of the overlapping portion of the second connecting end 43d and the second connecting end 44d (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0088] (Regarding the reinforcing components of the bottom structure)

[0089] Next, the configuration for suppressing deformation of the bottom component 40 will be explained. During the formation of foamed insulation material inside the insulation housing 50, for example, the bottom component 40 is susceptible to deformation due to factors such as gases generated from the chemical reaction of the insulation material and pressure generated from the filling of the foamed insulation material. Specifically, since the mounting positions of the partition 42 and the first plate component 43 (first groove 45a) and the second plate component 44 (second groove 45b) are set at different left and right positions, there is a possibility of movement when an uneven force is applied to the partition 42. For example, it is considered that when a force is applied in the left-right direction above the front side of the partition 42, the partition 42 may... Figure 12 , Figure 14 The connection between the first plate component 43 and the second plate component 44 shown is used as a fulcrum for rotation and other movements. As a result, the foamed insulation material may leak from the gap created between the separator 42 and the first plate component 43 or the second plate component 44.

[0090] Therefore, in order to maintain the shape of the bottom component 40, reinforcing components such as reinforcing component 65 and second reinforcing component 66 are provided on the bottom component 40.

[0091] The reinforcing component 65 is, for example, a structure of a predetermined shape formed from a resin material such as expanded polystyrene. Figure 4 As shown, the reinforcing member 65 is arranged inside the insulation material 52 in a manner that bridges the partition 42 and the rear part 70c of the inner box 70.

[0092] By providing the reinforcing member 65, deformation of the bottom component 40 can be suppressed. For example, by providing the reinforcing member 65 on the side of the insulating material 52 of the partition member 42, movement of the partition member 42 can be suppressed when the material forming the insulating material 52, i.e., the foamed insulating material, is used.

[0093] The reinforcing member 65 is preferably disposed above the front side of the partition 42, and furthermore, it is preferably disposed below the front side of the partition 42 (i.e., Figure 11 The position of the BB line) and the upper rear side of the separator 42 (i.e., Figure 13 The position between the CC line and the position of the partition (preferably, at approximately equidistant from both). Therefore, when foamed insulation material is formed within the insulation housing 50, even if the partition 42 generates a force in the lateral direction, it can prevent the partition 42 from moving. That is, the lower front side and upper rear side of the partition 42 are connected by... Figure 12 , Figure 14 The connection between the first plate component 43 and the second plate component 44 prevents movement in the left and right directions. The structure above the front side of the partition 42, through which the first plate component 43 is inserted into the first groove 45a of the partition 42, and the reinforcing component 65, also prevent left and right movement. Therefore, since left and right movement is prevented at at least three locations within the surface of the partition 42, movement of the partition 42 due to forces perpendicular to its surface can be reliably prevented, thus preventing leakage of the foamed insulation material.

[0094] The second reinforcing member 66 is mounted on the end of the rear portion 44b of the second plate member 44 (the end opposite to the machine room 30) (see reference). Figure 6 In this embodiment, the second reinforcing member 66 is positioned below the left end of the heat insulation box 50 when viewed from the rear (right end when viewed from the front) (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0095] Figure 15 Indicates and Figure 3 The DD line portion is composed of a considerable portion of the cross-section. Figure 3 The diagram of support component 63 is omitted, but it is shown in the image. Figure 15 The diagram shows support component 63.

[0096] The second reinforcing member 66 is formed, for example, from a plate-shaped member with a certain degree of rigidity, such as a metal plate. The second reinforcing member 66 has a shape in which the plate-shaped member is bent into a roughly right angle. The second reinforcing member 66 has a first facet 66a and a second facet 66b that is substantially perpendicular to the first facet 66a. Not limited to the above configuration, for example, a rib shape may protrude from the back surface portion 44b of the second plate member 44 as the second facet 66 of the second reinforcing member 66.

[0097] The first surface portion 66a is fixed to the back surface portion 44b of the second plate member 44. The second surface portion 66b is fixed to the support member 63. By providing such a second reinforcing member 66, movement of the second plate member 44 toward the machine room 30 side is prevented via the support member 63. As a result, during assembly of the bottom component 40, assembly to the outer casing 60, etc., movement of the partition member 42 due to the offset configuration of the second plate member 44 toward the machine room 30 side can be reliably prevented, and leakage of the foamed insulation material can be prevented. In addition, when the foamed insulation material is formed, the outer casing 60 is usually covered by the foaming mold, and the second plate member 44 hardly moves away from the machine room 30.

[0098] In this way, by providing the reinforcing member 65 and the second reinforcing member 66, the shape of the bottom component 40 as a whole can be maintained, and leakage of the foamed insulation material can be prevented.

[0099] Furthermore, the first plate component 43 may also be provided with a structure that restricts movement in the left and right directions. In this case, it is preferable to provide a structure for restricting movement towards the front and upper side of the first plate component 43. As a result, during the assembly of the bottom component 40, when assembling it into the outer casing 60, etc., the movement of the partition 42 caused by the first plate component 43 being offset towards the rear storage compartment 14 can be reliably prevented, and leakage of the foamed insulation material can be prevented. The movement restriction structure of the first plate component 43 may be a structure in which a downwardly protruding protrusion is provided on a component disposed above the machine compartment 30 and fits into a groove or hole provided on the first plate component 43. For example, the protrusion may also be provided in the inner casing 70 disposed above the machine compartment 30, or a discharge pipe that leads into the machine compartment through a hole provided in the inner casing 70 may be used.

[0100] (Summary of the first implementation method)

[0101] As described above, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes: an insulated cabinet 50; a machine compartment 30 disposed on the rear side of the insulated cabinet 50; and a storage space located to the left and right of the machine compartment 30 (specifically, a rear storage compartment 14 in the freezer compartment). An insulating material 52 and a partition 42 are disposed between the machine compartment 30 and the storage space.

[0102] In conventional refrigerators, the mechanical compartment is located on the rear side of the insulated cabinet, covering the entire area in the left-right direction. In contrast, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, storage space is provided next to the mechanical compartment 30 located on the rear side of the insulated cabinet 50 in the left-right direction. Specifically, a rear storage compartment 14 is provided behind the right-side storage compartment 13b in the freezer compartment.

[0103] In this way, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the space that was previously used as a machine room is used as a storage space. As a result, the internal volume of the refrigerator 1 can be increased.

[0104] Furthermore, a partition 42 and heat insulation material 52 are provided between the machine room 30 and the rear storage room 14. This improves the heat insulation between the machine room 30 and the rear storage room 14.

[0105] In this embodiment, the lower part of the rear side of the insulated enclosure 50, which includes a machine room 30 and a rear storage room 14, is formed by a bottom component 40. The bottom component 40 is mainly composed of a partition 42, a first plate component 43, and a second plate component 44. The first plate component 43 is connected to the partition 42 to form the front surface of the machine room 30. The second plate component 44 is connected to the partition 42 and the first plate component 43 to form the rear side of the insulated enclosure 50.

[0106] In this way, by combining multiple components, the bottom component 40 can be formed, for example, to form Figure 6 The shape is asymmetrical, as shown. Therefore, it is relatively easy to form the shape of the insulated box 50, which is arranged adjacent to the rear side machine room 30 and the storage space (e.g., the rear storage room 14).

[0107] <Second Implementation Method>

[0108] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, the main body of the separator 42 is formed of a resin separator body 45. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the separator 42 is formed of a metal material. This improves the rigidity of the separator 42. Regarding the shape of the separator 42, the same shape as the separator body 45 in the first embodiment can be used.

[0109] In this embodiment, the metal plates 46, the first auxiliary plate 47a, and the second auxiliary plate 47b may not be provided.

[0110] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, in the case of a metal partition 42, the connecting portions of the first groove 45a and the second groove 45b, etc., to each plate member 43 and 44 can also be formed from components different from the main body of the partition 42. When the connecting portions are separate from the main body of the partition 42, the connecting portions are preferably formed from a material that is easier to mold, such as resin.

[0111] For configurations other than those described above, the same configuration as the first embodiment can be applied.

[0112] <Third Implementation Method>

[0113] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, as a configuration for connecting the first plate member 43 and the second plate member 44, a first groove 45a and a second groove 45b are provided in the separator 42.

[0114] In contrast, in the third embodiment, a first groove 45a is provided on the first plate member 43, and a second groove 45b is provided on the second plate member 44. Then, the end of the partition member 42 on the machine chamber 30 side is inserted into the first groove 45a of the first plate member 43. Additionally, the end of the partition member 42 on the heat insulation material 52 side is inserted into the second groove 45b of the second plate member 44.

[0115] For configurations other than those described above, the same configuration as the first embodiment can be applied.

[0116] (Summarize)

[0117] A refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an insulated cabinet (e.g., insulated cabinet 50); a machine compartment (e.g., machine compartment 30) disposed on the rear side of the insulated cabinet; and a storage space (e.g., rear storage compartment 14) located to the left or right of the machine compartment. An insulating material (e.g., insulating material 52) and a separator (e.g., separator 42) are disposed between the machine compartment and the storage space.

[0118] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) of one aspect of the present invention described above, it may also be configured such that a first plate component (e.g., first plate component 43) and a second plate component (e.g., second plate component 44) are provided on the rear side of the insulated cabinet (e.g., insulated cabinet 50), the first plate component is connected to the partition (e.g., partition 42) and forms the front part of the machine compartment (e.g., machine compartment 30), and the second plate component is connected to the partition and the first plate component and forms the rear part of the insulated cabinet.

[0119] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) of one aspect of the present invention described above, it may also be configured such that the partition (e.g., partition 42) has a first groove (e.g., first groove 45a) for inserting the end (e.g., first connecting end 43c) of the first plate member (e.g., first plate member 43) and a second groove (e.g., second groove 45b) for inserting the end (e.g., first connecting end 44c) of the second plate member (e.g., second plate member 44).

[0120] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) of one aspect of the present invention described above, the end of the first plate member (e.g., first plate member 43) inserted into the first slot (e.g., first slot 45a) and the end of the second plate member (e.g., second plate member 44) inserted into the second slot (e.g., second slot 45b) (e.g., first connecting end 44c) are arranged in a position that is substantially on the same plane.

[0121] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) of one aspect of the present invention described above, it may also be configured such that a reinforcing member (e.g., reinforcing member 65) is provided inside the heat insulation material (e.g., heat insulation material 52) adjacent to the partition (e.g., partition 42) to suppress the positional displacement of the partition.

[0122] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) of one aspect of the present invention described above, a second reinforcing member (e.g., second reinforcing member 66) for suppressing positional displacement of the second plate member may also be provided at the end of the second plate member (e.g., second plate member 44) on the storage space side in the left-right direction.

[0123] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) of one aspect of the present invention described above, the divider (e.g., divider 42) may also be configured to have a resin component (e.g., divider body 45) and a metal plate (e.g., metal plate 46, first auxiliary plate 47a and second auxiliary plate 47b, etc.).

[0124] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) of one aspect of the present invention described above, the partition (e.g., partition 42) may also be fixed to the back part (e.g., the lower end 61 of the back part 60c) of the insulated box (e.g., insulated box 50).

[0125] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined not by the foregoing description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and equivalent meaning of the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the different embodiments described in this specification are also included within the scope of this invention.

[0126] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0127] 1: Refrigerator

[0128] 30: Machine Room

[0129] 31: Compressor

[0130] 40: Bottom Components

[0131] 41: Base Plate

[0132] 42: Spacer

[0133] 43: First plate component

[0134] 43c: (First connecting end of the first plate component)

[0135] 44: Second plate component

[0136] 44c: (First connecting end of the second plate component)

[0137] 45: Separator (resin component)

[0138] 45a: First groove section

[0139] 45b: Second groove

[0140] 46: Metal plate (metal sheet)

[0141] 47a: First auxiliary plate (metal plate)

[0142] 47b: Second auxiliary plate (metal plate)

[0143] 50: Insulated enclosure

[0144] 52: Thermal insulation materials

[0145] 65: Reinforced components

[0146] 66: Second reinforcing component

Claims

1. A refrigerator, characterized in that, It includes: Insulated enclosure; The machine room is located on the rear side of the insulated enclosure; as well as Storage space, located to the left and right of the machine room. Insulation material and a partition are provided between the machine room and the storage space. The following are provided on the rear side of the heat insulation box: A first plate component, which is connected to the partition and forms the front of the machine compartment; and The second plate component is connected to the partition and forms the rear portion of the storage space side of the insulated box. The separator is provided with a first groove and a second groove. The first groove is for the end of the first plate component to be inserted, and the second groove is for the end of the second plate component to be inserted. At least a portion of the first groove and the second groove are disposed at different positions on the left and right sides. A reinforcing member is provided between the wall opposite the partition and the partition in the wall constituting the storage space.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one pair of the front end of the first plate member inserted into the first slot and the front end of the second plate member inserted into the second slot, and the rear end of the first plate member inserted into the first slot and the rear end of the second plate member inserted into the second slot, are arranged in a position that is substantially in the same plane.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second reinforcing member is provided at the end of the second plate component on the storage space side in the left-right direction. The second reinforcing member is used to suppress the positional displacement of the second plate component.

4. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The separator has a resin component and a metal plate.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The separator is fixed to the back of the heat-insulating box.

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