Refrigerator

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator capable of further increasing the interior volume of the cabinet using a space that has been used as a device chamber in the past. The refrigerator (1) includes a heat-insulating cabinet (50) that forms a storage space, and a device chamber (30) provided at the lower portion of the back surface of the heat-insulating cabinet (50). The storage space in the refrigerator (1) has a storage chamber (rear storage chamber 14) located beside the device chamber (30) in the left-right direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One aspect of the present invention relates to a refrigerator having an equipment compartment. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, research has focused 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 problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] To provide insulation from the surrounding environment, an insulated cabinet is installed in the refrigerator to cover the outer perimeter of the storage space. An equipment compartment is located below the rear side of the insulated cabinet, where the compressor and other components that form the refrigeration cycle are housed. To increase the internal volume of the refrigerator, it is considered to reduce the volume of the equipment compartment by placing it closer to one side in the left-right direction, thus using the other side in the left-right direction as the internal space.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can further increase the internal volume by utilizing space that has been previously used as an equipment room.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] A refrigerator according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an insulated cabinet forming a storage space; and an equipment compartment disposed on the lower rear side of the insulated cabinet, the storage space having a storage compartment located to the left or right of the equipment compartment.

[0011] Invention Effects

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

[0013] Figure 1 This is a plan view showing the configuration of the front face of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the interior of the refrigerator.

[0015] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows a plan view of the rear section of the insulated cabinet of the refrigerator.

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the BB line section of the insulated enclosure.

[0017] Figure 5 It means from Figure 2 The diagram shows the refrigerator with the storage boxes in the freezer compartment removed.

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator along line AA.

[0019] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the lower right side of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The various embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same components. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.

[0021] <First Implementation>

[0022] (The overall structure of a refrigerator)

[0023] First, the overall structure of the refrigerator 10 according to the first embodiment will be explained. Figure 1 The image shows the appearance of refrigerator 1 as viewed from the front. Figure 2 The interior of refrigerator 1 is shown. Figure 2 Indicates will Figure 1 The refrigerator 1 shown is in the state after the doors, shelves, and storage boxes in the refrigerator compartment 11 have been removed.

[0024] 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 11, which is the upper storage space, and a freezer compartment 12, which is the lower storage space, by a horizontally extending partition 55 located approximately in the center of the vertical direction.

[0025] Thus, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment has a refrigerator compartment 11 and a freezer compartment 12 as storage space. The refrigerator compartment 11 is located on the upper side of the refrigerator 1. The freezer compartment 12 is located on the lower side of the refrigerator 1.

[0026] The refrigerator compartment 11 is provided with left and right split-opening refrigerator doors 11a and 11b. The freezer compartment 12 is provided with left and right split-opening freezer doors 12a and 12b.

[0027] As described above, the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment is divided into an upper section and a lower section, and is provided with a refrigerator compartment 11 and a freezer compartment 12. However, the arrangement of each storage compartment is not limited to this. Furthermore, the doors of each storage compartment are not limited to the above configuration.

[0028] 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 the position of the refrigerator 1 when it is normally installed, 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 installation 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 installation surface, the vertical direction (the vertical direction orthogonal to the left-right direction) of the refrigerator 1 (or the insulated cabinet 50, etc.) is referred to as the vertical direction of the refrigerator 1 (or the vertical direction of the insulated cabinet 50, etc.).

[0029] A refrigeration cycle is installed inside the refrigerator 1. The refrigeration cycle is connected to the compressor 31 (see reference) via refrigerant pipes (refrigerant channels) through which the refrigerant flows. Figure 3 ), condenser (not shown), expander (not shown), and cooler (see reference). Figure 6 It consists of 32.

[0030] Additionally, a control unit (not shown) is located inside the refrigerator 1. This control unit controls the operation of the refrigeration cycle. That is, the control unit starts the refrigeration cycle by driving the compressor 31, and the refrigerant circulates within the cycle. The compressor 31 is located in the equipment compartment 30 located at the lower rear of the refrigerator 1 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0031] Cooler 32 is disposed in the cooling chamber 35 located on the rear side of refrigerator 1 (see reference). Figure 6 In addition to the cooler 32, the cooling chamber 35 also includes a cooling fan and a defrost heater. The cooling fan is installed to circulate air between the cooling chamber 35 and each storage space.

[0032] (Composition of the insulated enclosure)

[0033] In refrigerator 1, an insulated box 50 is provided as an insulation structure to insulate each storage space from the surrounding heat. Figure 3 This indicates the appearance of the insulated enclosure 50 as viewed from the rear side. Figure 4 This indicates the internal structure of the lower part of the insulated enclosure 50. Figure 4 It is equivalent to Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the BB line portion of the insulated box 50 shown.

[0034] The insulated enclosure 50 mainly includes an outer box 60, an inner box 70, and insulation material 52.

[0035] The outer casing 60 forms the outer surface of the insulated box 50. The outer casing 60 is mainly composed of an upper surface 60a, a side surface 60b, a back surface 60c, a bottom component 40, and a bottom surface 60d. The inner casing 70 forms the inner surface of the insulated box 50. The inner casing 70 is mainly composed of an upper surface 70a, a side surface 70b, a back surface 70c, and a bottom surface 70d.

[0036] The insulation material 52 is disposed in the space between the outer casing 60 and the inner casing 70. The insulation material 52 is, for example, composed of vacuum insulation material and foamed insulation material. Vacuum insulation material is a sheet-like or plate-like insulation material. Vacuum insulation material is, for example, disposed on the sides, top surface, bottom surface, and back surface of the refrigerator 1. Foamed insulation material can be, for example, formed of polyurethane foam (also known as rigid polyurethane foam).

[0037] 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 3 As shown, a control board mounting section 62 is provided above the rear side portion 60c of the outer casing 60. A control board equipped with a control unit for controlling the operation of the refrigeration cycle is disposed on the control board mounting section 62.

[0038] An equipment chamber 30 is located on the lower part of the rear side of the insulated enclosure 50. A compressor 31 and the like are housed within the equipment chamber 30. The equipment chamber 30 is located on the outside of the insulated enclosure 50. This is because the temperature inside the equipment chamber 30 rises due to the operation of the compressor 31.

[0039] In this embodiment, the equipment chamber 30 is located on the lower left side of the rear side of the insulated enclosure 50 when viewed from the front. Figure 3 and Figure 4 (The middle is on the right). Furthermore, the storage room (in this embodiment, the rear storage room 14) is located to the left and right of the equipment room 30 (in this embodiment, to the right of the equipment room 30 when viewed from the front). For example... Figure 4 As shown, heat insulation material 52 is installed between the equipment room 30 and the rear storage room 14.

[0040] In this way, the storage space of the freezer compartment 12 and the equipment compartment 30 are separated from the refrigerator compartment 30 by the insulated cabinet 50. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat generated in the equipment compartment 30 from flowing into the storage space of the refrigerator 1.

[0041] The equipment room 30 is mainly divided into a base plate 41 for housing compressors 31, and a bottom component 40 that forms the bottom part 60d of the outer casing 60 together with the base plate 41.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 support components 63, 63, and the bottom plate 41. The lower rear part of the refrigerator 1, including the equipment compartment 30, is formed by the side portions 60b of the outer casing 60, the bottom plate 41, and the bottom component 40.

[0044] The bottom component 40 is constructed by combining multiple components. For example, the bottom structural component 40 may be formed from a first plate component 43, a second plate component 44, and a separator 42. The first plate component 43 and the second plate component 44 are formed, for example, by molding metal plates into a predetermined shape. The separator 42 is formed, for example, by molding resin into a predetermined shape.

[0045] (The composition of a freezer compartment)

[0046] Next, a more detailed description of the structure of the freezer compartment 12 inside refrigerator 1 will be provided. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the freezer compartment 12 is located below the storage space divided by the partition 55. The freezer compartment 12 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. The left storage compartment 13a opens and closes via a left-side freezer door 12a, and the right storage compartment 13b opens and closes via a right-side freezer door 12b.

[0047] Multiple storage boxes are arranged in the freezer compartment 12. For example, in the left storage compartment 13a, a first storage box 21a, a third storage box 21c, and a fifth storage box 21e are arranged sequentially from the top. In the right storage compartment 13b, a second storage box 21b, a fourth storage box 21d, and a sixth storage box 21f are arranged sequentially from the top. Alternatively, an ice maker and ice storage boxes may be used instead of the first storage box 21a.

[0048] Each storage box is configured to slide in the front-to-back direction. Additionally, each storage box is designed to be removable from the refrigerator 1.

[0049] Figure 5 This indicates the configuration of the freezer compartment 12 with each storage box removed. Figure 6 This indicates the internal structure of the right-side storage compartment 13b of the freezer compartment 12. Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-section of the portion along line AA of refrigerator 1. Figure 7 This indicates the internal structure of the lower part of the right-side storage compartment 13b of the freezer compartment 12. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a cross-section of the CC line portion of refrigerator 1.

[0050] The inner wall of the freezer compartment 12 is formed by the lower surface of the partition 55, the side portions 70b on both sides of the inner box 70, the bottom portion 70d of the inner box 70, and the back portion 70c of the inner box. Additionally, as... Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the inner wall of the rear side of the freezer compartment 12 is formed by a rear portion 71 that separates it from the cooling compartment 35. The cooling compartment 35, which is equipped with a cooler 32 and the like, is located on the rear side of the rear portion 71 (see reference). Figure 6 That is, the cooling chamber 35 is formed in the space between the rear part 70c of the inner box 70 and the rear part 71 of the freezer chamber 12.

[0051] Side rails 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d are provided on the side portion 70b of the inner box 70 forming the inner wall of the freezer compartment 12. These side rails 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d slidably support the upper and middle storage boxes. In addition, on the side of the freezer compartment partition 56, side rails 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d with shapes symmetrical to the side rails 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d are provided at positions opposite to the side rails 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d provided on the side portion 70b.

[0052] The first storage box 21a is slidably supported in the front-to-back direction by two opposing side rails 22a and 22a. The second storage box 21b is slidably supported in the front-to-back direction by two opposing side rails 22b and 22b. The third storage box 21c is slidably supported in the front-to-back direction by two opposing side rails 22c and 22c. The fourth storage box 21d is slidably supported in the front-to-back direction by two opposing side rails 22d and 22d (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0053] In addition, bottom surfaces 23e and 23e, and bottom surfaces 23f and 23f, which slidably support the storage box on the bottom surface 70d of the inner box 70 forming the inner wall of the freezer compartment 12, are provided.

[0054] The fifth storage box 21e is supported by two bottom tracks 23e and 23e arranged in a generally parallel position, allowing it to slide in the front-back direction. Similarly, the sixth storage box 21f is supported by two bottom tracks 23f and 23f arranged in a generally parallel position, allowing it to slide in the front-back direction (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0055] Thus, the bottommost storage boxes 21e and 21f within the freezer compartment 12 are supported by bottom tracks 23e and 23f provided on the bottom surface of the freezer compartment 12. This allows for the storage of heavier items to be stored in boxes 21e and 21f compared to other storage boxes. Furthermore, by using bottom tracks 23f instead of side tracks to support the storage box 21f, which is slidably positioned within the rear storage compartment 14, the lateral movement of cold air flowing below the storage box 21f can be suppressed. Therefore, the intrusion of cold air into the rear storage compartment 14 through the bottom of the storage box 21f can be prevented.

[0056] The rear portion 71 of the freezer compartment 12 is provided with multiple nozzles for discharging cold air cooled in the cooling compartment 35 into the freezer compartment 12, and multiple return ports for returning cold air passing through the freezer compartment 12 to the cooling compartment 35. In addition, the rear portion 71 is provided with eaves-shaped ribs 28a and 28b.

[0057] In this embodiment, the multiple nozzles consist of a first nozzle 25a, a second nozzle 25b, a third nozzle 25c, a fourth nozzle 25d, a fifth nozzle 25e, and a sixth nozzle 25f.

[0058] The first spray outlet 25a is located on the upper left side of the freezer compartment 12, and the second spray outlet 25b is located on the upper right side of the freezer compartment 12. The third spray outlet 25c is located on the middle left side of the freezer compartment 12, and the fourth spray outlet 25d is located on the middle right side of the freezer compartment 12. The fifth spray outlet 25e is located on the lower left side of the freezer compartment 12, and the sixth spray outlet 25f is located on the lower right side of the freezer compartment 12.

[0059] The cold air ejected from the first nozzle 25a is primarily supplied above the first storage box 21a. The cold air ejected from the second nozzle 25b is primarily supplied above the second storage box 21b. The cold air ejected from the third nozzle 25c is primarily supplied above the third storage box 21c. The cold air ejected from the fourth nozzle 25d is primarily supplied above the fourth storage box 21d. The cold air ejected from the fifth nozzle 25e is primarily supplied above the fifth storage box 21e. The cold air ejected from the sixth nozzle 25f is primarily supplied above the sixth storage box 21f.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multiple return ports are composed of a first return port 26e and a second return port 26f. The first return port 26e and the second return port 26f are positioned at approximately the same height as the fifth outlet 25e and the sixth outlet 25f located on the lower layer of the freezer compartment 12. Figure 5 As shown, the first return port 26e is disposed between the fifth outlet 25e and the freezer compartment partition 56. Furthermore, the second return port 26f is disposed between the sixth outlet 25f and the freezer compartment partition 56. Thus, each return port 26e and 26f within the freezer compartment 12 is located approximately at the center in the left-right direction within the freezer compartment 12.

[0061] Furthermore, ribs 28a and 28b located on the rear surface 71 guide condensation formed on the surface of the rear surface 71 downwards in a predetermined direction. Rib 28a is positioned above the freezer compartment 12 and slopes downwards from the right storage compartment 13b to the left storage compartment 13a. Rib 28b is positioned below rib 28a and slopes downwards from the right storage compartment 13b to the left storage compartment 13a.

[0062] (Regarding the rear storage compartment inside the freezer)

[0063] Next, the shape of the storage space within the freezer compartment 12 will be described. As described above, a rear storage compartment 14 is provided in the freezer compartment 12, located to the left or right of the equipment compartment 30. In this embodiment, the rear storage compartment 14 is formed by extending the lower layer of the right-side storage compartment 13b rearward.

[0064] like Figure 4 As shown, the lower portion of the right storage compartment 13b, which has a rear storage compartment 14, occupies the entire front-to-back (depth-to-depth) area of ​​the refrigerator 1, excluding the area occupied by the insulation material 52. On the other hand, the lower portion of the left storage compartment 13a, which does not have a rear storage compartment 14, has an equipment room 30 arranged behind it, and its front-to-back length (depth) is smaller than that of the right storage compartment 13b. In order to compare with the rear storage compartment 14 adjacent in the left-to-right direction, the storage compartment located in this space with a smaller depth than the rear storage compartment 14 is referred to as the second storage compartment 15.

[0065] In a typical refrigerator, the equipment 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 equipment 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 3 Furthermore, a rear storage compartment 14 is provided in the remaining area at the lower rear of the insulated enclosure 50.

[0066] Thus, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the space that was previously used as an equipment room is used as a storage space. As a result, the internal volume of the refrigerator 1 can be increased.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, the rear storage compartment 14 is located below the cooler 32. Furthermore, the rear storage compartment 14 is located further rearward than the cold air outlet (e.g., the sixth outlet 25f) and the cold air return outlet (e.g., the second return outlet 26f).

[0068] Therefore, the structure makes it difficult for cold air circulating in the freezer compartment 12 to flow into the rear storage compartment 14. Consequently, airflow is less likely to occur within the rear storage compartment 14, reducing temperature fluctuations within the space. This improves the cold-retention performance of the rear storage compartment 14. Furthermore, the airflow generated by the cooling fan is less likely to reach the items stored in the rear storage compartment 14. Therefore, drying of the items stored in the rear storage compartment 14 is prevented. That is, compared to heat exchange caused by the flow of cold air, the items stored in the rear storage compartment 14 are cooled primarily through the transfer of heat from the surrounding environment. This prevents outside air entering the storage compartment when the freezer door is opened from being transported by the cooling fan, thereby changing the temperature of the items and causing them to dry out due to moisture loss from the cold air. Therefore, the rear storage compartment 14 can be designed as a storage compartment suitable for long-term preservation of frozen foods and the like.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cold air return port is arranged adjacent to the rear storage compartment 14, so that cold air can more easily flow into the second storage compartment 15, which has a smaller depth than the rear storage compartment 14. Specifically, the size of the first return port 26e, located in the smaller-depth second storage compartment 15, is larger than the size of the second return port 26f, located in the rear storage compartment 14. In this embodiment, the lateral length L1 of the first return port 26e is larger than the lateral length L2 of the second return port 26f (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0070] Based on this configuration, it is possible to discharge from each outlet. The cold air flows into the freezer compartment 12, and more of the cold air in the freezer compartment 12 returns to the cooling compartment 35 from the first return port 26e side. Therefore, compared to the rear storage compartment 14, it is easier for cold air to flow into the second storage compartment 15. Consequently, air circulation is difficult to occur in the rear storage compartment 14, making it a structure where temperature and humidity are less prone to change compared to other storage spaces.

[0071] The second return port 26f can also be located horizontally between the freezer compartment partition 56 and the bottom track 23f (see reference). Figure 5Therefore, the cold air flowing into the lower part of the sixth storage box 21f is blocked by the bottom track 23f and does not easily circulate laterally, making it difficult to stay on the second return port 26f. Thus, the amount of cold air flowing into the lower part of the sixth storage box 21f can be reduced, thereby suppressing the intrusion of cold air into the rear storage chamber 14.

[0072] The sixth storage box 21f can also be divided into a rear portion located within the rear storage chamber 14 when the sixth storage box 21f is stored in the right storage chamber 13b, and a front portion located further forward. For example, ribs can be provided on the inner wall of the sixth storage box 21f at the boundary between the front and rear portions. This makes it easier for the user to intentionally choose the rear storage chamber 14 to store items. Furthermore, even if the sixth storage box 21f is moved in the front-back direction using these ribs, the items stored in the sixth storage box 21f are not easily moved, preventing items stored in the rear storage chamber 14 from moving to the front portion.

[0073] Additionally, the ribs 28a and 28b located on the rear section 71 slope downwards from the right storage compartment 13b to the left storage compartment 13a, thereby allowing water to flow from each outlet. The cold air flowing into the freezer compartment 12 is directed downwards towards the left storage compartment 13a, which has a second storage compartment 15.

[0074] Additionally, since the rear portion of the sixth storage box 21f is located within the rear storage compartment 14, therefore... Figure 6 As shown, the rear portion 71 of the freezer compartment 12 is located above the rear portion of the sixth storage box 21f. Therefore, if condensation occurs on the surface of the rear portion 71, the condensation may fall into the interior of the sixth storage box 21f, which is located directly below the rear portion 71.

[0075] Therefore, by tilting the ribs 28a and 28b provided on the rear portion 71 downwards towards the side opposite to the right storage compartment 13b where the rear storage compartment 14 is located (i.e., the left storage compartment 13a), water droplets such as condensation generated on the rear portion 71 can be guided towards the second storage compartment 15. The fifth storage box 21e, disposed in the shallower second storage compartment 15, and... Figure 6 Similarly, the fourth storage box 21d shown is located on the front side of the configuration position of the rear part 71. Therefore, the condensate guided downward along the ribs 28a and 28b does not fall into the fifth storage box 21e, but flows down the inner wall of the freezer compartment 12 to the bottom part 70d.

[0076] (Summary of the first implementation method)

[0077] As described above, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes an insulated cabinet 50 forming storage spaces (e.g., a refrigerator compartment 11 and a freezer compartment 12) and an equipment compartment 30 disposed at the lower rear of the insulated cabinet 50. The freezer compartment 12 of this refrigerator 1 has a rear storage compartment 14 located to the left or right of the equipment compartment 30 (see reference 14). Figure 4 ).

[0078] In conventional refrigerators, the space at the lower rear of the insulated cabinet, spanning the entire left-right direction, is called the equipment compartment 30. In contrast, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, a rear storage compartment 14 is provided in the space at the lower rear of the insulated cabinet, located to the left and right of the equipment compartment 30.

[0079] Thus, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the space that was previously used as an equipment room is used as a storage space. As a result, the internal volume of the refrigerator 1 can be increased.

[0080] <Second Implementation>

[0081] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the freezer compartment 12 differs from that of the first embodiment. For other than these components, the same configuration as in the first embodiment can be applied.

[0082] In the freezer compartment 12 of the refrigerator 1 in the second embodiment, there is no freezer compartment divider 56 that separates the freezer compartment into a left-side space and a right-side space. The freezer compartment 12 can also be divided into, for example, an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section by multiple storage boxes and divider shelves.

[0083] Similar to the first embodiment, in the freezer compartment 12 of the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, a rear storage compartment 14 is provided on the right rear side when viewed from the front. The equipment compartment 30 is located to the left and right of the rear storage compartment 14. Storage boxes of suitable size can also be installed in this rear storage compartment 14.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the lower part of the freezer compartment 12 has different depths on the left, right, and upper sides. Therefore, when a storage box is placed in the lower part of the freezer compartment 12, the shape of the rear part of the storage box is preferably different in depth on the left and right sides, so as to fit the shape of the rear storage compartment 14 and the second storage compartment 15.

[0085] Similar to the first embodiment, the rear side 71 of the freezer chamber 12 is provided with a plurality of outlets for discharging cold air cooled in the cooling chamber 35 into the freezer chamber 12; and a plurality of return outlets for returning the cold air passing through the freezer chamber 12 to the cooling chamber 35.

[0086] As described in the first embodiment, the temperature and humidity in the rear storage chamber 14 are less prone to change compared to other storage spaces. Therefore, the storage boxes arranged in the rear storage chamber 14 can be suitable for use as storage boxes for long-term preservation.

[0087] The structure of the freezer compartment 12 described above is preferably applicable when the door of the freezer compartment 12 is a door that can be opened and closed from either the left or right end, or a pull-out door, etc.

[0088] <Third Implementation Method>

[0089] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the structure of the storage box disposed in the rear storage compartment 14 differs from that in the first embodiment. For other than these components, the same configuration as in the first embodiment can be applied.

[0090] Similar to the first embodiment, the freezer compartment 12 of the refrigerator 1 in this embodiment is provided with a freezer compartment partition 56. Thus, the freezer compartment 12 is divided into a left storage compartment 13a and a right storage compartment 13b. A rear storage compartment 14 is provided behind the right storage compartment 13b. The equipment compartment 30 is located to the left and right of the rear storage compartment 14. Behind the left storage compartment 13a is a second storage compartment 15, which has a smaller depth than the rear storage compartment 14.

[0091] Multiple storage boxes are arranged in the freezer compartment 12. For example, in the left storage compartment 13a, a first storage box 21a, a third storage box 21c, and a fifth storage box 21e are arranged sequentially from the top. In the right storage compartment 13b, a second storage box 21b, a fourth storage box 21d, and a sixth storage box 21f are arranged sequentially from the top. The first storage box 21a, the second storage box 21b, the third storage box 21c, the fourth storage box 21d, and the fifth storage box 21e can be configured with the same structure as in the first embodiment.

[0092] The sixth storage box 21f is divided into a front box and a rear box. The rear box is located in the rear storage compartment 14, suitable for the size and shape of the space. The front box is located on the front side of the rear box.

[0093] The front and rear boxes can move independently in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, when retrieving items from the front box of the sixth storage box 21f, the user can retrieve the items by pulling out only the front box. Conversely, when retrieving items from the rear box of the sixth storage box 21f, the user must first pull out the front box and then pull out the rear box.

[0094] By arranging the sixth storage box 21f in the above-described structure, when the front box is pulled out, the rear box located in the rear storage chamber 14 can remain inside the rear storage chamber 14 without moving forward. Therefore, the interior of the rear box located in the rear storage chamber 14 can be configured to have less fluctuating temperature and humidity compared to other storage spaces.

[0095] (Summarize)

[0096] A refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an insulated cabinet (e.g., insulated cabinet 50) forming a storage space; and an equipment compartment (e.g., equipment compartment 30) disposed at the lower rear of the insulated cabinet. The storage space (e.g., freezer compartment 12) has a storage compartment (e.g., rear storage compartment 14) located to the left and right of the equipment compartment.

[0097] The refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) according to one aspect of the present invention may also include a cooler (e.g., cooler 32) disposed on the rear side of the storage space, and the storage compartment (e.g., rear storage compartment 14) is located below the cooler.

[0098] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) according to one aspect of the present invention, a cooling chamber (e.g., cooling chamber 35) in which the cooler (e.g., cooler 32) is disposed may be provided on the rear side of the storage space (e.g., freezer compartment 12). An outlet (e.g., first outlet 25a, second outlet 25b, third outlet 25c, fourth outlet 25d, fifth outlet 25e, and sixth outlet 25f, etc.) for discharging cold air from the cooling chamber into the storage space and a return port (e.g., first return port 26e, second return port 26f, etc.) for returning cold air from the storage space to the cooling chamber may be provided on the rear part (e.g., rear storage compartment 14). Furthermore, the storage compartment (e.g., rear storage compartment 14) may be located further rearward than the outlet and the return port.

[0099] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) according to one aspect of the present invention, a second storage room (e.g., second storage room 15) with a smaller depth than the storage room (e.g., rear storage room 14) may also be provided in the storage space (e.g., freezer compartment 12).

[0100] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) according to one aspect of the present invention, a second storage compartment (e.g., second storage compartment 15) with a depth smaller than the storage compartment (e.g., rear storage compartment 14) may be provided in the storage space (e.g., freezer compartment 12), and the return port (e.g., first return port 26e) disposed in the second storage compartment is larger than the return port (e.g., second return port 26f) disposed in the storage compartment.

[0101] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) according to one aspect of the present invention, ribs (e.g., ribs 28a and 28b) may also be provided on the back side (e.g., back side 71) of the storage space (e.g., freezer compartment 12) to guide water droplets generated in the storage compartment toward the second storage compartment (e.g., second storage compartment 15).

[0102] The refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) according to one aspect of the present invention may also include a storage box (e.g., a sixth storage box 21f) disposed in the storage compartment (e.g., rear storage compartment 14), and a track (e.g., bottom track 23f) is provided on the bottom surface of the storage compartment to allow the storage box to slide in the front-back direction.

[0103] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the scope of the claims, not by the foregoing description, and includes all modifications within the scope and equivalent meaning of the claims. Furthermore, structures obtained by combining the structures of different embodiments described in this specification are also included within the scope of this invention.

[0104] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0105] 1: Refrigerator

[0106] 11: Refrigerated compartment (storage space)

[0107] 12: Freezer (Storage Space)

[0108] 21f: Sixth storage box (storage box)

[0109] 23f: Bottom track

[0110] 25a~f: Discharge outlet

[0111] 26e: First return port (return port configured in the second storage compartment)

[0112] 26f: Second return port (return port located in the storage room)

[0113] 28a: Rib

[0114] 28b: Rib

[0115] 30: Equipment Room

[0116] 31: Compressor

[0117] 32: Cooler

[0118] 35: Cooling Chamber

[0119] 50: Insulated enclosure

Claims

1. A refrigerator characterized by comprising: A refrigerator having: a heat-insulated cabinet forming a storage space; an equipment chamber provided at a lower portion of a back surface of the heat-insulated cabinet; and a cooling chamber provided at a back surface side of the storage space and having a cooler provided therein, the storage space has a left storage chamber and a right storage chamber divided in a left-right direction within the storage space, the equipment chamber is provided at a back of either one of the left storage chamber and the right storage chamber, the other one of the left storage chamber and the right storage chamber has a back storage chamber located at an adjacent side overlapping the equipment chamber in the left-right direction, the back storage chamber is located below the cooler with at least a portion thereof overlapping the cooler in a vertical direction.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: a discharge port discharging cool air within the cooling chamber to the storage space and a return port returning cool air within the left storage chamber and the right storage chamber to the cooling chamber are provided at back surface portions of the left storage chamber and the right storage chamber, respectively, the back storage chamber is located at a position further back than the discharge port and the return port.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the other one of the left storage chamber and the right storage chamber is provided with a second storage chamber having a smaller depth than the back storage chamber.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the other one of the left storage chamber and the right storage chamber is provided with a second storage chamber having a smaller depth than the back storage chamber, the return port provided at the second storage chamber is larger than the return port provided at the back storage chamber.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein a rib guiding water droplets generated within the storage chamber to the second storage chamber side is provided at a back surface portion of the storage chamber.

6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, a storage box is further provided at the storage chamber, a track enabling the storage box to slide in a front-rear direction is provided on a bottom surface of the storage chamber.

Images