Refrigeration appliance with engaging partition

Abstract

A refrigeration appliance includes a housing (120) defining a food preservation compartment (118) and a freezer compartment (116) within the housing (120), the food preservation compartment (118) and the freezer compartment (116) being separated from each other by a partition (200); a drawer (204) slidably mounted within the food preservation compartment (118), whereby the drawer (204) is movable along a travel path between a retracted position and an extended position; and a mating edge (220) coupled to the partition (200), the mating edge (220) being movable relative to the partition (200) between a sealed position and an open position, wherein in the sealed position the mating edge (220) is located within the travel path of the drawer (204), and in the open position the mating edge (220) is located outside the travel path of the drawer (204), thereby forming an effective sealing engagement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to refrigeration appliances, and more specifically, to refrigeration appliances having features for sealing one or more refrigeration compartments therein while minimizing encroachment on the one or more refrigeration compartments or the storage volume within the refrigeration compartments. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigeration appliances typically include a cabinet that defines a refrigerated compartment for receiving and storing food. One or more insulated, airtight doors are provided for selectively closing the refrigerated food storage compartment. Consumers generally prefer refrigerated compartments where the food stored inside can be easily seen and accessed.

[0003] Sealing doors typically engage sealingly with corresponding surfaces of the cabinet. However, providing these corresponding surfaces can lead to an increase in the thickness of the partitions in refrigeration appliances to provide sufficient surface area for sealing. This increased thickness comes at the cost of reduced storage volume within the cabinet.

[0004] Therefore, refrigeration appliances with features for sealing with the door body and increased storage capacity would be useful. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the description which follows, or will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, a refrigeration appliance is provided. The refrigeration appliance defines a vertical, lateral, and transverse direction. The vertical, lateral, and transverse directions are perpendicular to each other. The refrigeration appliance also includes a housing that extends vertically from top to bottom. The housing also extends laterally from left to right. The housing defines a food preservation compartment and a freezer compartment. The food preservation compartment and the freezer compartment are separated from each other by a partition. The refrigeration appliance also includes a drawer slidably mounted within the food preservation compartment, such that the drawer can move along a travel path between a retracted position and an extended position. An engaging edge is coupled to the partition. The engaging edge is movable relative to the partition between a sealed position and an open position, in which the engaging edge is located within the travel path of the drawer, and in the open position, the engaging edge is located outside the travel path of the drawer.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a refrigeration appliance is provided. The refrigeration appliance defines a vertical, lateral, and transverse direction. The vertical, lateral, and transverse directions are perpendicular to each other. The refrigeration appliance also includes a housing extending vertically from top to bottom. The housing also extends laterally from left to right. The housing defines a food preservation compartment and a freezer compartment. The food preservation compartment and the freezer compartment are separated from each other by a partition. The refrigeration appliance also includes a door movably mounted to the housing, thereby allowing the door to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the door sealably closes at least a portion of one of the food preservation compartment and the freezer compartment, and in the open position, allows access to that one of the food preservation compartment and the freezer compartment. A seal is mounted to the door. A mating edge is engaged with the partition. The mating edge includes a support surface. The mating edge is movable relative to the partition between a sealed position and an open position, wherein when the mating edge is in the sealed position and the door is in the closed position, the seal mounted to the door sealably engages the support surface of the mating edge.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become more readily understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the specification sets forth a complete disclosure of the invention for those skilled in the art, which enables them to implement the invention, including the preferred embodiments thereof.

[0010] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary refrigeration appliance according to one or more embodiments of this subject is provided.

[0011] Figure 2 Provided Figure 1 A view of the refrigeration appliance, with both the left and right doors in the open position.

[0012] Figure 3 Provided Figure 1 A sectional view of the right side of a refrigeration appliance.

[0013] Figure 4 Schematic diagrams of exemplary drawers and shelves for refrigeration appliances according to one or more exemplary embodiments of this subject are provided.

[0014] Figure 5 Provided Figure 4 A view of the drawers and shelves, with the drawers in the extended position.

[0015] Figure 6Schematic diagrams of exemplary drawers and shelves for refrigeration appliances according to one or more other exemplary embodiments of this subject are provided.

[0016] Figure 7 Provided Figure 6 A view of the drawers and shelves, with the drawers in the extended position.

[0017] Figure 8 Schematic diagrams of exemplary drawers and shelves for refrigeration appliances according to one or more other exemplary embodiments of this subject are provided.

[0018] Figure 9 Provided Figure 8 A view of the drawers and shelves, with the drawers in the extended position.

[0019] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the joint edge of a refrigeration appliance according to one or more exemplary embodiments of this subject is provided.

[0020] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the joint edge of a refrigeration appliance is provided according to one or more other exemplary embodiments of this subject matter. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Referring now to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is given by way of explanation and does not constitute a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope or spirit. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment, thereby producing yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is desired that the invention cover such modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0022] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and these terms are not intended to indicate the location or importance of individual components. Terms such as “inner” and “outer” refer to the relative directions of the interior and exterior of the refrigeration appliance, and particularly the food storage compartment defined therein. For example, “inner” or “towards” refers to a direction toward the interior of the refrigeration appliance. Terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” or “bottom” are used in reference to the perspective of a user entering the refrigeration appliance. For example, a user stands in front of the refrigerator to open the door and reaches into the food storage compartment to access the items inside.

[0023] As used herein, approximate terms such as “generally,” “approximately,” or “approximately” include values ​​that are within ten percent larger or smaller than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include values ​​that are within ten degrees larger or smaller than the stated angle or direction; for example, “generally vertical” includes an angle of up to ten degrees with respect to the vertical V in any direction, such as clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary refrigeration appliance 100 according to one or more embodiments of this subject is provided, wherein doors 126, 128 (described in more detail below) are in various positions. The refrigeration appliance 100 defines a vertical V, a lateral L, and a transverse T, all directions being perpendicular to each other. (As shown in...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, the refrigeration appliance 100 includes a housing or enclosure 120 that extends vertically V between a top 101 and a bottom 102, laterally L between a left side 104 and a right side 106, and transversely T between a front 108 and a rear 110. The enclosure 120 defines a refrigerated compartment 118 for receiving food for storage. Figure 2 As used herein, the chamber can be “cooled” because it can be operated at temperatures below room temperature (e.g., less than about seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit (75℉)).

[0025] As in Figure 2 As can be seen, the refrigeration compartment 118 extends vertically along a V-shape between the top 101 and bottom 102 of the housing 120, and laterally along a L-shape between the left side 104 and right side 106 of the housing 120. The refrigeration compartment 118 also extends laterally along a T-shape between the front 134 and rear 136. Figure 3 The front 134 of the refrigeration compartment 118 defines an opening 138 for receiving food.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cooling compartment 118 may be, for example, Figures 1 to 3 The food preservation compartment 118 is shown. In this embodiment, a second refrigeration compartment (e.g., a separate freezer compartment 116) may be located within the housing 120. For example, the refrigeration appliance 100 may include the freezer compartment 116 located below the food preservation compartment 118, such as... Figures 1 to 3 Example.

[0027] For example, Figure 2As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various storage components can be installed within the refrigeration compartment 118 to facilitate the storage of food therein. Specifically, the storage components may include various combinations of boxes 202, drawers 204, and shelves 206 installed within one or both of the refrigeration compartment 118 and / or the variable temperature compartments 300 and 302. Figure 1 Box 202, drawer 204, and shelf 206 are configured to receive food (e.g., beverages or / or solid food) and can assist in organizing such food.

[0028] Refrigerator doors 126 and 128 are rotatably mounted (e.g., hinged) to the edge of housing 120 for selective access to the refrigeration compartment 118 within housing 120. Refrigerator doors 126 and 128 may be mounted to housing 120 at or near the front 134 of the refrigeration compartment 118, such that doors 126 and 128 are in the closed position (…). Figure 1 ) and opening position ( Figure 2 The doors 126 and 128 rotate between each other. In the closed position, the doors cooperate to seal the refrigeration compartment 118. Additionally, one or more seals 160 and other sealing devices may be provided. Figure 3 To enhance the seal between doors 126 and 128 and the cabinet 120. In the open position, doors 126 and 128 allow access to the refrigeration compartment 118. In embodiments with a separate freezer compartment 116, the freezer compartment 116 may be spaced apart from the food preservation compartment 118 along a vertical V. For example, as illustrated, the freezer compartment 116 may be located below or above the food preservation compartment 118, for example, in a top-mounted configuration. The freezer door 130 may be arranged adjacent to, for example, below, the refrigerator doors 126 and 128 for selective access to the freezer compartment 116. The freezer door 130 may be coupled to a freezer drawer 132 that is slidably mounted within the freezer compartment 116. Figure 3 The freezer door 130 may also be provided with one or more seals 160 to enhance the seal between the freezer door 130 and the cabinet 120. Doors 126 and 128 may be generally mirror images of each other; for example, the overall shape and dimensions of each door 126 or 128 may be the same as the other door 126 or 128, but with internal variations, such as the dispenser recess 150 described below. Furthermore, although not specifically shown, doors 126 and 128 may be rotated independently, such that, for example, the right door 126 may be in the open position while the left door 128 is in the closed position, or vice versa.

[0029] As in Figure 1As can be seen, the refrigeration appliance 100 also includes a dispensing assembly 140 for dispensing liquid water or ice. The dispensing assembly 140 includes a dispenser 142 disposed on or mounted to the exterior of the refrigeration appliance 100, for example, disposed on one of doors 126 and 128, such as the left door 128 in the exemplary embodiment shown. The dispenser 142 includes a discharge port 144 for obtaining ice and liquid water. For example, ice may be stored in an ice box 162 in one of doors 126 or 128. Figure 2 In the diagram, an actuation mechanism 146, shown as a paddle, is mounted below the discharge port 144 to operate the dispenser 142. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, any suitable actuation mechanism can be used to operate the dispenser 142. For example, the dispenser 142 may include a sensor (such as an ultrasonic sensor) or a button instead of a paddle. A user interface panel 148 is provided to control operating modes. For example, the user interface panel 148 includes multiple user inputs (unlabeled), such as a water dispensing button and an ice dispensing button, which are used to select a desired operating mode, such as crushed ice or non-crushed ice.

[0030] The discharge port 144 and the actuation mechanism 146 are external parts of the dispenser 142 and are mounted in the dispenser recess 150. The dispenser recess 150 is located on the outside of one of the refrigerator doors 126 and 128 (e.g., the left door 128 as in the exemplary embodiment), at a predetermined height that allows the user to access ice or water, and enables the user to access ice without bending over or opening the doors 126 and 128. In the exemplary embodiment, the dispenser recess 150 is located at approximately chest level with the user.

[0031] Refrigerator door 126, 128 Figure 1 The middle section is shown in the closed position. One of the refrigerator door bodies (e.g., the right door body 126 in the example) may optionally include a housing 121. Figure 3 The housing includes a heat insulation wall 125. Figure 3 ) and thermal insulation partition 304, for example Figure 1 For example, the insulating partition is disposed within the housing 121. The housing 121 and the partition 304 define a first variable-temperature chamber 300 and a second variable-temperature chamber 302. A door, such as a right door 126, may also include a front panel 127 rotatably mounted to the housing 121 to selectively seal or allow access to the first variable-temperature chamber 300 and the second variable-temperature chamber 302. For example, Figure 1 As shown, when the door 126 is in the closed position, the front panel 127 allows access to the variable temperature compartments 300 and 302. The variable temperature compartments 300 and 302 can be selectively operated at various temperatures.

[0032] In various embodiments, the food preservation compartment 118 can operate in a temperature range above the freezing point of water and below room temperature (e.g., between approximately 33 degrees Fahrenheit (33°F) and approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit (60°F)). And, by way of example, the freezer compartment 116 can operate in a temperature range including below the freezing point of water (e.g., less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit (32°F), such as between approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit (30°F) and approximately 0 degrees Fahrenheit (0°F)). For example, the temperature of the food preservation compartment 118 could be approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit (40°F) or approximately 45 degrees Fahrenheit (45°F), while the temperature of the freezer compartment 116 could be approximately 15 degrees Fahrenheit (15°F) or approximately 25 degrees Fahrenheit (25°F). In various embodiments, an insulating partition or partition 200 may be provided within the housing 120, for example, between the food preservation compartment 118 and the freezer compartment 116. Figure 3 The partition 200 can separate different chambers. The partition 200 can be a horizontal partition, for example, the partition 200 can extend along a plane perpendicular to the vertical V (e.g., a plane defined by the lateral L and the transverse T). The heat-insulating partition 200 can allow or enhance the operation of the food preservation compartment 118 and the freezer compartment 116 at different temperatures.

[0033] The variable temperature compartments 300 and 302 can selectively operate as food preservation compartments or freezers, for example, within one of a first temperature range and a second temperature range. For example, the first variable temperature compartment 300 and the second variable temperature compartment 302 can operate as food preservation compartments, wherein compartments 300 and 302 each provide an internal temperature within one or more of the aforementioned food preservation storage temperature ranges, for example, temperatures above the freezing point of water and below room temperature, such as temperatures between approximately 33 degrees Fahrenheit (33°F) and approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit (60°F). The variable temperature compartments 300 and 302 can also selectively operate to provide internal temperatures below the freezing point of water, for example, temperatures between approximately 30 degrees Fahrenheit (30°F) and approximately 0 degrees Fahrenheit (0°F), as described above.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the individual chambers or portions can be cooled by a hermetically sealed refrigeration system, such that, for example, the first variable temperature chamber 300 and the second variable temperature chamber 302 can operate at or near the aforementioned temperatures by supplying cooling air from the hermetically sealed system. Those skilled in the art understand the structure and function of such a hermetically sealed system, and for the sake of brevity and clarity, it will not be described in further detail herein.

[0035] It should be understood that the benefits of this invention are applicable to other types and styles of refrigeration appliances, such as top-mounted refrigeration appliances, side-by-side refrigeration appliances, or stand-alone refrigeration or freezing appliances only. Therefore, the descriptions set forth herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit in any way to any particular construction, such as to any particular refrigeration compartment construction. Thus, the descriptions herein of, for example, through-door distributors, door-in-door constructions with variable temperature compartments 300 and 302, and other features are by way of example only. Using the teachings disclosed herein, those skilled in the art will understand that this invention can be used with any other style or type of refrigeration appliance.

[0036] Now refer to the specific details. Figure 3 The mating edge 220 can be connected to the partition 200. For example... Figure 3 For example, the engagement edge 220 may include a support surface that provides a sealing engagement with at least one of the door bodies 126, 128, and / or 130 when the respective door bodies are in the closed position. For instance, the engagement edge 220 may sealably engage one or more seals 160 on the corresponding door body. Similarly, as in... Figure 3 As can be seen, when drawer 204 is in the retracted position, one drawer 204 can be located within a refrigerated compartment (e.g., food preservation compartment 118) behind the joining edge 220. Therefore, as will be described in more detail below, compared to a construction where the partition 200 is individually sealed with the joint seal 160, the joining edge 220 allows for a relatively larger drawer 204 located behind it, for example, deeper along the vertical V. This is because such a construction would require more space than... Figure 3 The illustrated partition 200 is a thicker partition (e.g., thicker along the vertical V), which results in a reduction in the volume of the food preservation compartment 118 and the volume of the drawer 204 adjacent to the partition.

[0037] To provide access to drawer 204 and / or its contents (such as food stored within drawer 204), the engagement edge 220 can be movable relative to partition 200. For example, drawer 204 can be slidably mounted within food compartment 118, allowing drawer 204 to move along a path of travel (e.g., typically along the transverse T) between a retracted position and an extended position. Thus, the engagement edge 220 can be in a sealed position relative to partition 200 (e.g., as...). Figure 3 ) and opening position ( Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 9The joint edge 220 can move between the drawer and the door 204 when the joint edge 220 is in the sealed position. When the joint edge 220 is in the sealed position and the doors 126, 128, and / or 130 are in the closed position, the seals 160 attached to the doors 126, 128, and / or 130 can sealably engage the support surface 224 of the joint edge 220. Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 As illustrated and described in more detail below, when the engagement edge 220 is in the open position, the engagement edge 220 is outside the travel path of the drawer 204. The engagement edge 220 can be coupled to the partition 200 by a biasing element 222, and the biasing element 222 can bias the engagement edge 220 to a sealed position. The biasing element 222 can be designed and / or configured to provide minimal resistance to the movement of the drawer 204 along its travel path, such that the pull required to move the drawer 204 forward past the engagement edge 220 is minimized or within acceptable limits. For example, in an embodiment where the biasing element 222 is an example spring described below, the spring constant can be selected such that the pull required to move the drawer 204 forward past the engagement edge 220 is minimized or within acceptable limits.

[0038] In some implementations, for example, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 For example, the biasing element 222 may be a helical spring and may be oriented along the vertical V. In these embodiments, when the engagement edge 220 is in the open position, the helical spring 222 (an embodiment of the biasing element 222) may be compressed downward along the vertical V, for example, as... Figure 5 Example. Drawer 204 in Figure 4 The example shown is in the retracted position. Drawer 204 can be moved along... Figure 4 The retracted position and the extended position (such as...) are shown in the examples. Figure 5 The movement of the travel path between the example extension positions. It should be recognized that... Figure 5 The extended position shown is merely an example and can be a partially extended position, for example, drawer 204 can also slide along the travel path (e.g., forward along the transverse T) to a fully extended position (not shown).

[0039] As in Figure 4 and Figure 5As can be seen, drawer 204 may include a front surface 205, and engagement edge 220 may include a rear surface 226. For example, engagement edge 220 may include: a first support (e.g., a vertical support) extending generally along a vertical V and defining a support surface 224; and a second support (e.g., an inclined support) extending at an inclined angle relative to the vertical support and defining the rear surface 226. In some embodiments, for example, as... Figures 4 to 9 For example, the supports of the joining edge 220 may meet at the upper corner of the joining edge 220 and jointly define that upper corner. As the drawer 204 travels forward along the travel path (e.g., as...), Figure 5 Example of arrow 1000, from the indentation position ( Figure 4 Towards or toward the extended position (e.g.) Figure 5 During travel, the front surface 205 of drawer 204 engages with the rear surface 226 of engagement edge 220. As drawer 204 continues to travel along the travel path toward the extended position (e.g., forward along the transverse T), engagement edge 220 moves downward along the vertical V, for example as... Figure 5 Example of arrow 1002. Thus, the engaging edge 220 moves to the open position (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 5 (Example) In this position, the coil spring 222 is compressed, and the engagement edge 220 is outside the travel path of the drawer 204, allowing the drawer 204 to continue sliding outward from the food compartment 118. In some embodiments, the front surface 205 of the drawer 204 may include features for improved engagement with the engagement edge 220 (e.g., smoother and / or more gentle), such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 The chamfer shown in the example.

[0040] In some implementations, for example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 For example, the biasing element 222 may be a coil spring and may be oriented generally along the lateral T. In these embodiments, when the front surface 205 of the drawer 204 moves from the retracted position ( Figure 6 Move to the extended position ( Figure 7 When supported on the rear surface 226 of the engagement edge 220, both the drawer 204 and the engagement edge 220 move forward along the travel path, for example... Figure 7 The arrow 1000 indicates this. (As in...) Figure 7 As can be seen, when the engagement edge 220 is in the open position, the biasing element 222 (e.g., a laterally oriented helical spring) is thus in a tensioned state. Additionally, as exemplified in the case where the engagement edge 220 is in the open position... Figure 7As can be seen, the engagement edge 220 is at least partially outside the travel path of the drawer 204 because, at the fully extended position of the drawer 204, at least a portion of the engagement edge 220 (e.g., at least the first support and the upper support surface 224) is in front of the drawer 204; for example, the first support of the engagement edge 220 is closer to the front of the refrigeration appliance 100 than the foremost portion of the travel path of the drawer 204. Similarly... Figure 6 and Figure 7 For example, in some implementations, the front surface 205 of drawer 204 may include rounded corners to provide a better (e.g., smoother and / or gentler) engagement with the engagement edge 220.

[0041] Now go to Figure 8 and Figure 9 In some exemplary embodiments, the engagement edge 220 may be connected to the partition 200 by a torsion spring, wherein the torsion spring is an embodiment of the biasing element 222. In this embodiment, the engagement edge 220 may, for example, be in a sealed position generally around the lateral L. Figure 8 ) and opening position ( Figure 9 Rotate between, such as along Figure 9 The rotation path indicated by the middle arrow 1004 rotates. In some embodiments, the second support of the engagement edge 220 may be a tapered inclined support (e.g., Figure 8 and Figure 9 (Example) to achieve a better (e.g., smoother and / or gentler) engagement between the front surface 205 of drawer 204 and the rear surface 226 of engagement edge 220. Additionally, when engagement edge 220 is in the open position, the tapered shape of the inclined support of engagement edge 220 can provide improved clearance between edge 220 and biasing element 222 and / or drawer 204.

[0042] In various embodiments, the mating edge 220 can be at least partially thermally insulated. For example, as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 For example, the joint edge 220 may include thermal insulation material 228 in a portion of the joint edge 220. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 10 For example, the second pillar with the engagement edge 220 defining the rear surface 226 can be curved, such as... Figure 10 The example is a composite bend. In other exemplary embodiments, such as... Figure 11 For example, the second post of the joining edge 220 may be spaced apart from the first post of the joining edge 220, such that the first and second posts do not meet at the upper corner as described above, but rather their respective ends meet at the corresponding ends of the horizontal top of the joining edge 220, as shown. Figure 11 Example.

[0043] As described above, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment, thereby producing yet another embodiment. For example, Figure 10 and Figure 11 The example joint edge 220 can be accessed via Figures 4 to 9 Any of the exemplary biasing elements described are connected to the partition 200. As another example, Figure 4 and Figure 5 The chamfered front corner of the illustrated drawer 204 can be provided in another exemplary embodiment, wherein the engaging edge 220 utilizes a transverse coil spring (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 6 and Figure 7 (in the middle) or torsion spring (e.g., as Figure 8 and Figure 9 (Middle) etc. are connected to the partition 200.

[0044] This written description discloses the invention using examples (including preferred embodiments) and enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any of the included methods). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that may be conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other examples are expected to fall within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that are not distinct from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially distinct from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A refrigeration appliance, characterized in that, The refrigeration appliance is defined vertically, laterally, and laterally, wherein the vertical, lateral, and lateral directions are perpendicular to each other, and the refrigeration appliance includes: The cabinet extends vertically from top to bottom and also extends laterally from left to right, defining a food preservation compartment and a freezer compartment, which are separated from each other by partitions. A drawer, slidably mounted within the food preservation compartment, thereby allowing the drawer to move along a path between a retracted position and an extended position; and A mating edge is attached to the partition and is movable relative to the partition between a sealed position and an open position. In the sealed position, the mating edge is located within the travel path of the drawer, and in the open position, the mating edge is located outside the travel path of the drawer. The refrigeration appliance further includes: a food preservation door rotatably mounted to the housing, wherein the food preservation door rotates between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position the food preservation door seals at least a portion of the food preservation compartment, and in the open position allows access to the food preservation compartment; and a seal mounted to the food preservation door, wherein the engagement edge includes a support surface, and wherein, when the food preservation door is in the closed position, the seal mounted to the food preservation door sealably engages the support surface of the engagement edge.

2. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition is horizontal and extends along a plane defined by the lateral and transverse directions.

3. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The partition is heat-insulating.

4. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The joint edge is connected to the partition by a helical spring.

5. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The helical spring is oriented along the vertical direction, wherein when the engagement edge is in the open position, the helical spring is compressed downward along the vertical direction.

6. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The helical spring is oriented along the lateral direction, wherein when the engagement edge is in the open position, the helical spring is under tension along the lateral direction.

7. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The engagement edge is connected to the partition by a torsion spring, and the engagement edge is configured to rotate between the sealed position and the open position.

8. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drawer includes a front surface, which is configured to engage the rear surface of the engagement edge when the drawer moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

9. A refrigeration appliance, characterized in that, The refrigeration appliance is defined vertically, laterally, and laterally, wherein the vertical, lateral, and lateral directions are perpendicular to each other, and the refrigeration appliance includes: The cabinet extends vertically from top to bottom and also extends laterally from left to right, defining a food preservation compartment and a freezer compartment, which are separated from each other by partitions. A door body is movably mounted to the housing, thereby allowing the door body to move between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the door body seals at least a portion of one of the food preservation compartment and the freezer compartment, while the open position allows access to one of the food preservation compartment and the freezer compartment. A seal, which is installed on the door; and A joining edge, which is connected to the partition, the joining edge including a support surface, the joining edge being movable relative to the partition between a sealed position and an open position, wherein when the joining edge is in the sealed position and the door is in the closed position, the seal installed to the door sealably engages the support surface of the joining edge; It also includes a drawer slidably mounted in the food preservation compartment, whereby the drawer can move along a path of travel between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the engaging edge is in the path of travel of the drawer when the engaging edge is in the sealed position, and wherein the engaging edge is outside the path of travel of the drawer when the engaging edge is in the open position.

10. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, The partition is horizontal and extends along a plane defined by the lateral and transverse directions.

11. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, The partition is heat-insulating.

12. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mating edge is connected to the partition via a biasing element configured to bias the mating edge to the sealing position.

13. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The biasing element is a helical spring oriented along the vertical direction, wherein when the engagement edge is in the open position, the helical spring is compressed downward along the vertical direction.

14. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The biasing element is a helical spring oriented along the lateral direction, wherein the helical spring is under tension along the lateral direction when the engagement edge is in the open position.

15. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that, The biasing element is a torsion spring, and the engagement edge is configured to rotate between the sealed position and the open position.

16. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, The gate is a food preservation gate.

17. The refrigeration appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, The door is a freezer door.

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