Refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention provides a refrigerator with a detachable storage container, wherein the installation position of the storage container in the storage chamber can be easily changed. The refrigerator comprises a shelf (30A) arranged in the storage chamber (7), a storage container (50) detachably installed on the lower side of the shelf (30A), a rear side engaging mechanism (60) for engaging the rear area of the storage container (50) with the shelf (30A) or the inner wall (7A) of the storage chamber (7), and a front side disassembly mechanism (70) for engaging the front area of the storage container (50) with the shelf (30A) in a detachable state. The transverse length of the storage container (50) is shorter than that of the shelf (30A), and the transverse installation position of the storage container (50) can be changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a refrigerator with a detachable storage container arranged in a storage chamber. Background Art

[0002] Refrigerators with removable storage containers within their storage compartments are known. One proposed refrigerator features a drawer-like support frame with a front door that accommodates removable storage containers (see, for example, Patent Document 1 - Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-52809). In the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, a notch is provided in the upper portion of the sidewall of the storage container to prevent interference with the upper portion during installation and removal. This increases the storage capacity of the storage container.

[0003] However, the storage container described in Patent Document 1 is positioned in a drawer-type support frame, and the position of the storage container cannot be changed in the storage room. Therefore, the storage position of the storage container cannot be changed to a suitable position according to the purpose when used. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator provided with a detachable storage container, the installation position of which in a storage chamber can be easily changed.

[0005] Solutions for solving problems

[0006] The refrigerator of the present invention comprises:

[0007] a shelf disposed within the storage room;

[0008] a storage container detachably mounted on the lower side of the shelf;

[0009] a rear engaging mechanism for engaging a rear area of the storage container with the shelf or an inner wall of the storage chamber;

[0010] The front disassembly mechanism enables the front area of the storage container to be engaged with the shelf in a detachable state.

[0011] The transverse length of the storage container is shorter than the transverse length of the shelf, so that the transverse installation position of the storage container can be changed.

[0012] With the present invention, the rear area of the storage container engages with a shelf or the inner wall of a storage compartment via a rear engagement mechanism, and the front area of the storage container engages with the shelf via a front detachment mechanism, thereby enabling the storage container to be mounted on the underside of the shelf. In particular, the user can easily attach and detach the storage container by operating the front detachment mechanism from the near front. Furthermore, if the lateral length of the storage container is shorter than that of the shelf, the user can easily change the lateral mounting position of the storage container by operating the front detachment mechanism.

[0013] Thus, a refrigerator provided with a detachable storage container can be provided, and the installation position of the storage container in the storage chamber can be easily changed.

[0014] In addition, in the refrigerator of the present invention, the air outlet for the gas flowing in the cooling air passage to flow into the storage chamber is arranged on the lower side of the shelf.

[0015] An inlet opening for air flow is provided on the upper rear side of one side of the storage container close to the air outlet.

[0016] An outlet opening for allowing gas flowing through the storage container to flow out is provided at a lower front side of the other side surface of the storage container.

[0017] With this invention, the air outlet for air flowing from the cooling air duct into the storage compartment is located on the underside of the shelf. An inlet opening is located on the upper rear side of one side of the storage container, near the air outlet. This allows air flowing in from the air outlet to be directed directly into the storage container. Furthermore, because the outlet opening is located on the lower front side of the other side, air flowing into the storage container flows over substantially the entire interior of the container before exiting through the outlet opening. This effectively cools items stored within the container.

[0018] Furthermore, in the refrigerator of the present invention, ribs extending in the transverse direction are formed along the inlet-side opening and the outlet-side opening of the storage container.

[0019] According to the present invention, when laterally extending guide ribs are formed along the inlet and outlet openings on the outer surface of the storage container, the flow of gas flowing into and out of the storage container can be guided, achieving efficient gas flow. Furthermore, when laterally extending wind-blocking ribs are formed along the inlet and outlet openings on the inner surface of the storage container, even if there are stored objects near the inlet and outlet openings of the storage container, the wind-blocking ribs can prevent the inlet and outlet openings from being blocked by the objects, thereby preventing the flow of gas within the storage container from being blocked.

[0020] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is provided with a sensor for detecting whether the storage container is close to the air outlet of the cold air.

[0021] When it is determined based on the information from the sensor that the storage container is installed close to a cold air outlet, control is performed to strengthen the cooling of the storage compartment.

[0022] According to the present invention, when it is determined that the storage container is installed close to the air outlet of cold air, control is performed to strengthen the cooling of the storage room, so that the stored items in the storage container can be cooled more effectively.

[0023] In addition, in the refrigerator of the present invention,

[0024] A cooling air duct is provided for allowing the gas that has passed through the evaporator to flow, and the cooling air duct has a plurality of air outlets at different positions in the height direction for allowing the gas that has passed through the evaporator to flow into the storage chamber.

[0025] A cooling air passage adjustment mechanism is provided, which operates when the storage container is installed near the air outlet to narrow the cooling air passage downstream of the air outlet provided in the area where the storage container is installed.

[0026] With the present invention, when a storage container is installed near an air outlet, the cooling air duct adjustment mechanism operates to narrow the cooling air duct downstream of the air outlet in the area where the storage container is installed. This allows more air to be supplied to the area where the storage container is installed, thereby more effectively cooling the items stored in the storage container.

[0027] According to the present invention, a refrigerator provided with a detachable storage container can be provided, and the installation position of the storage container in the storage chamber can be easily changed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 It is a side sectional view schematically showing a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2A The figure schematically shows a storage container according to one embodiment of the present invention installed under a shelf provided in a refrigerator compartment, and is a side view seen from one side.

[0030] Figure 2B is enlarged and schematically shown Figure 2A A perspective view of the surrounding area of the inlet-side opening is shown.

[0031] Figure 2C This figure schematically shows a storage container according to one embodiment of the present invention installed under a shelf provided in a refrigerator compartment, and is a side view seen from another side.

[0032] Figure 2D is enlarged and schematically shown Figure 2C A perspective view of the surrounding area of the outlet-side opening is shown.

[0033] Figure 3A This is a plan view schematically showing an embodiment of the installation position of the storage container in the refrigerator compartment.

[0034] Figure 3B This is a plan view schematically showing another embodiment of the installation position of the storage container in the refrigerator compartment.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing a control system related to cooling of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5A This is a diagram schematically showing a cooling air duct adjustment mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a state where the air duct is not narrowed.

[0037] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A Cross-sectional view along line A-A.

[0038] Figure 5C This is a diagram schematically showing a cooling air duct adjustment mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a state in which the air duct is narrowed.

[0039] Figure 5D It shows Figure 5C Cross-sectional view along line BB. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0041] The refrigerator described below is a refrigerator for concretizing the technical ideas of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, the present invention is not limited to the following content. In the drawings, components with the same functions are marked with the same reference numerals. For the purpose of clarity, the size, positional relationship, etc. of the components shown in the drawings are sometimes exaggerated. In the drawings, the refrigerator is placed on a horizontal ground, and arrows are used to indicate up and down, front and back, and left and right when the user faces the door. The same applies to the following descriptions. In the drawings, the flow of gas in the refrigerator is schematically shown with dotted arrows.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a side sectional view schematically showing a refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 An overview of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0043] Refrigerator 1 includes a housing 2, and includes an upper door 3 and a lower door 4 rotatably mounted to the front portion of housing 2 when placed on a horizontal surface. A freezer compartment 6 and a refrigerator compartment 7 are arranged within housing 2 as storage compartments. Insulating material is provided between the inner surface of housing 2 and the outer surfaces of freezer compartment 6 and refrigerator compartment 7.

[0044] <Cooling air duct>

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, a cooling air duct 10 is provided behind the freezer compartment 6 and the refrigerator compartment 7. This cooling air duct 10 comprises a lower cooling air duct 10A and an upper cooling air duct 10B, wherein the lower cooling air duct 10A and the upper cooling air duct 10B are respectively partitioned by partition members 11A and 11B. An evaporator 24 is disposed in the cooling air duct 10 (specifically, the lower cooling air duct 10A). The evaporator 24 forms part of the cooling circuit of the refrigerator 1.

[0046] The cooling circuit includes a compressor 21, a condenser 22, a capillary tube, and an evaporator 24. The components of the cooling circuit are fluidically connected by piping in the order described above. As the refrigerant circulates within the cooling circuit, the evaporator 24 is cooled. The speed of the compressor 21 is variable. Higher speeds allow more refrigerant to circulate, enhancing cooling of the evaporator 24.

[0047] A fan 12 is disposed above the evaporator 24 within the cooling air duct 10. The fan 12 allows the air within the refrigerator to flow, and the air cooled by passing between the fans of the evaporator 24 can be supplied from the cooling air duct 10 to the freezer compartment 6 and the refrigerator compartment 7. The speed of the fan 12 is also variable, and increasing the speed of the fan 12 increases the flow rate of the air supplied to the freezer compartment 6 and the refrigerator compartment 7.

[0048] The freezer compartment damper 13 is disposed at the opening on the upper side of the lower partition plate 11A. When the freezer compartment damper 13 is open, the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 flows from the lower cooling air passage 10A to the freezer compartment 6. On the other hand, when the freezer compartment damper 13 is closed, the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 does not flow from the lower cooling air passage 10A to the freezer compartment 6. Figure 1 , the state where the freezer compartment damper 13 is closed is shown.

[0049] When fan 12 is running and freezer damper 13 is open, gas flowing into freezer compartment 6 from lower cooling air duct 10A circulates within freezer compartment 6 and returns through the opening below lower partition member 11A to the inlet side of evaporator 24 of lower cooling air duct 10A. This gas then passes through evaporator 24 again, being cooled, and the same flow cycle repeats. This is called the freezer cooling cycle. During the freezer cooling cycle, gas that has passed through evaporator 24 and circulates within freezer compartment 6 cools the stored items within freezer compartment 6.

[0050] However, switching whether or not to allow gas to flow into the freezer compartment 6 is not limited to the case where the freezer compartment damper 13 is used. For example, a shielding device having a movable fan cover that covers the outside of the fan 12 may also be used. When the fan cover is open, the gas exhausted from the fan 12 can flow into the freezer compartment 6, and when the fan cover is closed, the gas exhausted from the fan 12 can be prevented from flowing into the freezer compartment 6.

[0051] Furthermore, a refrigerator compartment damper 14 is provided between the lower cooling air duct 10A and the upper cooling air duct 10B. When the refrigerator compartment damper 14 is open, the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 flows from the lower cooling air duct 10A to the upper cooling air duct 10B. Furthermore, the gas that has flowed into the upper cooling air duct 10B flows from the upper cooling air duct 10B into the refrigerator compartment 7 via the first to third air outlets 16A to 16C provided at a plurality of height positions. In the present embodiment, the partition member 11B is composed of a front plate and side plates on the left and right sides, and has a U-shaped shape when viewed from the top (see, for example, Figure 5A ). The width dimension of the front plate of the partition member 11B is smaller than the width dimension of the refrigerating chamber 7 and is arranged in the center in the horizontal direction. The first air outlet 16A to the third air outlet 16C respectively have an opening provided in the front plate to lead the gas to the front side and an opening provided in the side plates on both sides to lead the gas to the lateral side. On the other hand, when the refrigerating chamber damper 14 is closed, the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 will not flow from the lower cooling air duct 10A to the upper cooling air duct 10B. Figure 1 , the state in which the refrigerator compartment damper 14 is open is shown, and the flow of gas at this time is schematically shown by dotted arrows.

[0052] When the fan 12 is running and the refrigerator compartment damper 14 is open, the gas flowing into the refrigerator compartment 7 from the upper cooling air duct 10B through the first to third air outlets 16A to 16C circulates in the refrigerator compartment 7 and flows into the inlet 15A of the return air duct 15 opened at the lower side of the refrigerator compartment 7.

[0053] The return air duct 15 is an air duct for the gas that has circulated in the refrigerator compartment 7 to flow into the lower side of the lower cooling air duct 10A instead of flowing in the freezer compartment 6. The return air duct 15 is separated from the cooling air duct 10. The gas that flows into the refrigerator compartment 7 from the upper cooling air duct 10B and circulates in the refrigerator compartment 7 flows into the return air duct 15 from the inlet 15A. Then, the inflowing gas flows in the return air duct 15, flows into the lower side of the lower cooling air duct 10A from the lower outlet 15B, and returns to the inlet side of the evaporator 24. As a result, the gas passes through the evaporator 24 again and is cooled, repeating the same flow cycle. This is called a refrigerator compartment cooling cycle. While the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 in the refrigerator compartment cooling cycle circulates in the refrigerator compartment 7, it can cool the stored items in the freezer compartment 6.

[0054] In the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, two shelves 30A and 30B are provided in the refrigerating chamber 7. The first air outlet 16A and the second air outlet 16B open near the bottom of the shelves 30A and 30B, and the third air outlet 16C opens at the top of the refrigerating chamber 7. As described above, all the air outlets 16A, 16B, and 16C have openings in the front, left, and right directions. A storage container 50 is mounted on the bottom side of the shelf 30A located near the top of the first air outlet 16A. More specifically, the inlet-side opening 54 of the storage container 50 for introducing gas into the storage container 50 is arranged to be opposite to the opening for drawing gas to the right of the first air outlet 16A. The rear area of the storage container 50 is engaged with the shelf 30A by the rear-side engaging mechanism 60, and the front area of the storage container 50 is engaged with the shelf 30A in a detachable state by the front-side disassembly mechanism 70. Thus, storage container 50 is detachably mounted on shelf 30A. Air flows into refrigerator compartment 7 through first air outlet 16A and also into storage container 50. After flowing through storage container 50, air flows out of storage container 50. Thus, the items stored in storage container 50 can be cooled.

[0055] exist Figure 1 As an example, the storage container 50 is shown as being detachably mounted on the lower shelf 30A. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may be detachably mounted on the upper shelf 30B or on a shelf within the freezer compartment 6. In other words, the storage container 50 may be mounted on the lower side of a shelf provided in any area of the storage compartment of the refrigerator 1. The storage container 50 will be described in detail later.

[0056] A machine compartment 40 is located at the rear and lower portion of the housing 2, housing the compressor 21, condenser 22, and evaporating dish (not shown). Furthermore, a cooling air duct adjustment mechanism 80 is located just above the first air outlet 16A of the upper cooling air duct 10B to adjust the air duct area of the upper cooling air duct 10B. The cooling air duct adjustment mechanism 80 will be described in detail later.

[0057] (Storage container)

[0058] Figure 2A The diagram schematically shows a storage container 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention mounted below a shelf 30A provided in a refrigerator compartment 7 , and is a side view as viewed from one side surface 50A. Figure 2A Equivalent to enlarged view Figure 1 A diagram of the storage container. Figure 2B is enlarged and schematically shown Figure 2A A perspective view of the surrounding area of the inlet-side opening 54 is shown. Figure 2C 1 is a diagram schematically showing storage container 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted below shelf 30A provided in refrigerator compartment 7 , and is a side view viewed from another side surface 50B. Figure 2D is enlarged and schematically shown Figure 2C A perspective view of the surrounding area of the outlet-side opening 56 is shown. Figure 2A This is a diagram of one side surface (left side surface) 50A of the storage container 50 as viewed from a position on the right side of the partition member 11B of the refrigerator 1 .

[0059] The storage container 50 is a roughly rectangular shell with an opening on the top, and the opening on the upper side is covered by a lid 52. However, the shape of the storage container 50 is not limited to a rectangle, and any other shape can be adopted. In principle, the storage items in the storage container 50 are taken out and placed outside the refrigerator 1 by removing the lid 52 from the storage container 50. After the storage items are taken out and placed, the lid 52 is installed in the storage container 50. In addition, using the rear side engaging mechanism 60 located on the rear side of the storage container 50 and the front side disassembly mechanism 70 located on the front side of the storage container 50, the storage container 50 with the lid 52 installed can be installed in a detachable state on the lower side of the shelf 30A.

[0060] <Rear side engagement mechanism>

[0061] The shelf 30A of the refrigerator 1 is installed by the shelf support 32 installed on the inner wall 7A of the refrigerator compartment 7. The shelf support 32 is installed on the inner wall 7A of the rear side of the refrigerator compartment 7 (see Figure 2A ) and the inner walls on both sides. A concave shelf retaining portion 34 is provided on the shelf support 32, and the end of the shelf 30A is inserted into the shelf retaining portion 34. Thus, the shelf 30A is supported by the shelf support 32 in three directions except the front side, and is fixed to the inner wall (7A, etc.) of the refrigerator compartment 7 with sufficient strength.

[0062] A concave receiving portion 64 is formed on the lower side of the shelf holding portion 34 of the shelf support 32. In addition, a loading portion 62 is formed extending rearward from the rear end of the storage container 50. The rear side engaging mechanism 60 is composed of the loading portion 62 and the receiving portion 64. The loading portion 62 can be continuously provided in the entire lateral direction of the rear end of the storage container 50, or a plurality of loading portions 62 of a specified width can be provided at specified lateral positions. In order to install the storage container 50 on the lower side of the shelf 30A, first, the loading portion 62 formed at the rear end of the storage container 50 is placed on the upper surface of the receiving portion 64. Thus, the area on the rear side of the storage container 50 can be engaged with the shelf 30A via the shelf support 32.

[0063] The front side of the receiving portion 64 is formed to bulge slightly upward from the surface that receives the placement portion 62, thereby preventing the placement portion 62 from being removed from the receiving portion 64. However, during removal, the placement portion 62 can be easily removed from the receiving portion 64 by slightly lifting the storage container 50 to a position above the front side of the receiving portion 64. Since the shelf support 32 is attached to the inner wall 7A of the refrigerator compartment 7, it can also be expressed as a region on the rear side of the storage container 50 engaging with the inner wall 7A of the refrigerator compartment 7.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the shelf holding portion 34 that holds the shelf 30A and the receiving portion 64 that engages with the storage container 50 are formed in the same component (shelf support 32), but are not limited to this. For example, the shelf holding portion 34 and the receiving portion 64 may be formed by separate components. In this case, the component having the receiving portion 64 and the component having the shelf support 32 are directly mounted on the inner wall 7A respectively. In addition, the component having the receiving portion 64 may be directly mounted on the shelf 30A supported by the shelf support 32. In either case, it can be expressed as the area on the rear side of the storage container 50 being engaged with the shelf 30A or the inner wall 7A of the storage chamber (refrigeration chamber) 7 by the rear side engaging mechanism 60. In addition, the shelf 30A may be placed on a shelf receiving member formed on the inner surface of the housing 2 (i.e., the inner wall 7A of the refrigeration chamber 7).

[0065] The storage container 50, lid 52, placement portion 62 constituting the rear engaging mechanism 60, and shelf support 32 (receiving portion 64) are preferably formed of a lightweight and low-cost resin material. However, this is not limiting and metal materials may be used at least in part.

[0066] <Front side disassembly mechanism>

[0067] A rotating base 72 is mounted above the front side of the storage container 50, and a snap arm 74 is rotatably mounted on the rotating base 72. The rotating base 72 and the snap arm 74 constitute the front side assembly and disassembly mechanism 70. At least one front side assembly and disassembly mechanism 70, comprising the rotating base 72 and the snap arm 74, is provided on the front side of the storage container 50. However, for stability reasons, it is preferable to provide multiple assemblies (e.g., one on each side) laterally on the front side of the storage container 50.

[0068] The buckle arm 74 has elasticity, such as Figure 2A By rotating the snap arm 74 as indicated by the arrow, it can snap into engagement with the upper surface of the shelf 30A. Snap-fitting refers to a method of securing a device in a detachable state by utilizing the elasticity of the material. The rotating base 72 and snap arm 74 that comprise the front attachment / detachment mechanism 70 are preferably formed of a resin material.

[0069] <How to install and remove the storage container>

[0070] In order to install the storage container 50 on the lower side of the shelf 30A, the storage container 50 is pushed to the rear of the lower side of the first shelf 30A, and the placement portion 62 formed at the rear end of the storage container 50 is placed on the upper surface of the receiving portion 64 of the shelf support 32 installed on the inner wall 7A of the refrigerator compartment 7. Figure 2A As shown by the arrow, the front snap arm 74 is rotated to engage with the shelf 30A. Thus, the front and rear sides of the storage container 50 are fixed and are installed on the lower side of the shelf 30A in a detachable state.

[0071] In order to remove the storage container 50 installed on the lower side of the shelf 30A, Figure 2A As shown by the arrow, the front latch arm 74 is rotated to remove it from the shelf 30A. Thereafter, by pulling the storage container 50 slightly forward and upward, the placement portion 62, which is placed on the receiving portion 64 at the rear, can be removed from the receiving portion 64. Furthermore, by pulling the storage container 50 forward, the storage container 50 can be easily removed from the refrigerator 1.

[0072] <Moving the Storage Container>

[0073] Figure 3A It is a plan view schematically showing one embodiment of the installation position of storage container 50 in refrigerator compartment 7. Figure 3B Schematically shows another embodiment of the installation position of the storage container 50 in the refrigerator compartment 7. Figure 3A 、 3B , showing the situation of operating the front side disassembly mechanism 70 to change the installation position of the storage container 50. Figure 3AThe lower left side of FIG. 1 shows a perspective view showing an enlarged area of the guide ribs 52 and 54A and the detection rib 54B.

[0074] The lateral length (i.e., width dimension) of the storage container 50 is formed to be shorter than the lateral length of the shelf 30A. In the present embodiment, in particular, the lateral length (i.e., width dimension) of the storage container 50 is formed to be shorter than the lateral length of the area to the right of the partition member 11B of the refrigerator compartment 7. Thus, the setting position of the storage container 50 can be moved laterally in the area to the right of the partition member 11B of the refrigerator compartment 7. The specific lateral length of the storage container 50 is appropriately determined based on the required storage capacity of the storage container 50, the lateral length of the area to the right of the partition member 11B of the refrigerator compartment 7, and the like. Figure 3A In FIG. 5 , the storage container 50 is shown to be installed in the area on the right side of the refrigerator compartment 7. Figure 3B , a state in which the storage container 50 is attached near the central partition member 11B is shown.

[0075] When the installation position of the storage container 50 is changed from Figure 3A The position shown is changed to Figure 3B In the case of the position shown, it can be executed in the following order. Figure 3A In the state shown, the upper side of the snap arm 74 of the front mounting and dismounting mechanism 70 is pulled forward, thereby enabling the snap-fitted snap arm 74 to be removed from the shelf 30A. In this state, the front area of the storage container 50 can be supported by hand, and the rear side loading portion 62 of the storage container 50 is kept loaded on the receiving portion 64, and the storage container 50 is slid to the left to move to the Figure 3B Then, the snap arm 74 is rotated again so that the snap arm 74 is snap-fitted with the shelf 30A. By this sequence, the setting position of the storage container 50 can be easily changed from Figure 3A The position shown is changed to Figure 3B Position shown.

[0076] If there are items to be stored in the area below the shelf 30A of the refrigerator compartment 7 and the storage container 50 cannot be slid laterally, as described above, the storage container 50 can be temporarily taken out of the refrigerator 1 and then reinstalled. Figure 3B Position shown.

[0077] In this embodiment, the front-side attachment and detachment mechanism 70 utilizes a snap-fit mechanism, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a detachment mechanism may be employed that includes a clamping pin having a convex portion and a hole having a concave portion corresponding to the convex portion for insertion of the clamping pin, with the clamping pin engaged and disengaged with the hole by rotating the clamping pin. Furthermore, any other known simple detachment mechanism may be employed.

[0078] <Inlet side opening, outlet side opening>

[0079] Return to See Figures 2A to 4 D, an inlet opening 54 for gas inflow is provided on the upper rear side of one side (here, the left side) 50A of the storage container 50. An outlet opening 56 for gas flowing through the storage container 50 is provided on the lower front side of the other side (here, the right side) 50B of the storage container 50.

[0080] like Figure 2B As shown, a guide rib 54A extending in the transverse direction is formed on the outer surface 50A of the storage container 50 along the inlet side opening 54. In addition, a guide rib 52A extending in the transverse direction is also formed on the cover 52. Figure 3B As shown, when storage container 50 is installed near the right side of partition member 11B, the opening surrounded by guide ribs 52A and 54A is arranged to be close to and opposite the opening on the right side of first air outlet 16A. The position of inlet-side opening 54 in storage container 50 is determined to correspond to the position of first air outlet 16A so as to achieve the above-mentioned arrangement.

[0081] Thus, the cold air discharged from the opening on the right side of the first air outlet 16A can be directly taken into the storage container 50. In particular, the guide ribs 52A and 54A can guide the flow of the air from the first air outlet 16A, and the air can be effectively flowed into the storage container 50. Figure 3A As shown, even when the inlet-side opening 54 is spaced apart from the first air outlet 16A, the guide ribs 52A and 54A can guide the gas flowing out of the first air outlet 16A, allowing the gas to efficiently flow into the storage container 50 .

[0082] In addition, Figure 3A In the illustrated embodiment, even if there are items stored on the left side of the storage container 50, the rear opening of the space surrounded by the guide ribs 52A and 54A prevents the inlet opening 54 from being completely blocked.

[0083] Furthermore, inlet opening 54 and outlet opening 56 are arranged substantially diagonally, whether viewed from above or from the side. This allows gas flowing into storage container 50 through inlet opening 54 to flow through substantially the entire interior of storage container 50 and out through outlet opening 56. This effectively cools the contents of storage container 50.

[0084] like Figure 2DAs shown, a slit is provided at the outlet opening 56 to prevent small items from entering the storage container 50. Laterally extending wind-blocking ribs 56A are formed along the inner surface of the storage container 50 to block the outlet opening 56. Even if there are items stored near the outlet opening 56 in the storage container 50, the wind-blocking ribs 56A prevent the outlet opening 56 from becoming clogged with the items and thereby blocking the flow of gas within the storage container 50. Similarly, laterally extending wind-blocking ribs can be formed along the inlet opening 54 on the inner surface of the storage container 50. Thus, even if there are items stored near the inlet opening 54 in the storage container 50, the wind-blocking ribs prevent the inlet opening 54 from becoming clogged with the items and thereby blocking the flow of gas within the storage container 50. Furthermore, laterally extending guide ribs can be provided along the outlet opening 56 on the outer surface 50B of the storage container 50 to guide the flow of gas. This can guide the flow of the gas flowing out of the storage container 50 .

[0085] In this embodiment, the inlet opening 54 is provided on the upper left side of the storage container 50, and the outlet opening 56 is provided on the lower right side of the storage container 50, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Conversely, the inlet opening may be provided on the upper right side of the storage container 50, and the outlet opening may be provided on the lower left side of the storage container 50. In this case, Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B In the embodiment, the storage container 50 is preferably arranged on the left side of the first air outlet 16A. As described above, the storage container 50 can be installed not only under the shelves 30A and 30B provided in the refrigerator compartment 7, but also under any shelf provided in the storage compartment, including the lower side of the shelf provided in the freezer compartment 6.

[0086] As described above, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes: a shelf 30A disposed within the storage compartment (refrigeration compartment) 7; a storage container 50 detachably mounted below the shelf 30A; a rear engaging mechanism 60 that engages the rear area of the storage container 50 with the shelf 30A or the inner wall 7A of the storage compartment (refrigeration compartment) 7; and a front detaching mechanism 70 that detachably engages the front area of the storage container 50 with the shelf 30A. Furthermore, the lateral length of the storage container 50 is shorter than that of the shelf 30A, enabling the lateral mounting position of the storage container 50 to be changed.

[0087] In this embodiment, the rear area of the storage container 50 is engaged with the shelf 30A or the inner wall 7A of the storage chamber (refrigerator) 7 via the rear engaging mechanism 60, and the front area of the storage container 50 is engaged with the shelf 30A via the front disassembly mechanism 70, thereby enabling the storage container 50 to be installed below the shelf 30A. In particular, the user can easily operate the front disassembly mechanism 70 from the near front side to easily install and remove the storage container 50. Furthermore, the lateral length of the storage container 50 is shorter than the lateral length of the shelf, and the user can easily change the lateral installation position of the storage container 50 by operating the front disassembly mechanism 70.

[0088] Thus, it is possible to provide a refrigerator provided with the detachable storage container 50 , in which the installation position of the storage container in the storage compartment (refrigeration compartment) 7 can be easily changed.

[0089] In addition, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the (first) air outlet 16A for the gas flowing in the (upper side) cooling air duct 10B to flow into the storage chamber (refrigeration chamber) 7 is arranged on the lower side of the shelf 30A, and an inlet side opening 54 for the gas to flow in is provided above the rear side of one side surface 50A of the storage container 50 close to the (first) air outlet 16A, and an outlet side opening 56 for the gas flowing through the storage container 50 to flow out is provided below the front side of the other side surface 50B of the storage container 50.

[0090] (First) air outlet 16A, through which air flows from (upper) cooling air duct 10B into storage compartment (refrigerator) 7, is located below shelf 30A. An inlet-side opening 54 is located above and behind one side surface 50A of storage container 50, near (first) air outlet 16A. This allows air flowing in from (first) air outlet 16A to be directly introduced into storage container 50. Meanwhile, outlet-side opening 56 is located below and at the front of the other side surface 50B. Therefore, air flowing into storage container 50 flows over substantially the entire interior of storage container 50 and exits through outlet-side opening 56. This allows items stored within storage container 50 to be effectively cooled.

[0091] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, ribs 52A, 54A, 56A, etc. extending laterally are formed along the inlet opening 54 and outlet opening 56 of the storage container 50. Forming the guide ribs 52A, 54A, etc. extending laterally along the inlet opening 54 and outlet opening 56 on the outer surface of the storage container 50 guides the flow of gas flowing into and out of the storage container 50, achieving efficient gas flow. Furthermore, forming the windbreak ribs 56A, etc. extending laterally along the inlet opening 54 and outlet opening 56 on the inner surface of the storage container 50 prevents the inlet opening 54 and outlet opening 56 from being blocked by the stored items, thereby preventing the flow of gas within the storage container 50 from being blocked.

[0092] (Cooling control based on storage container)

[0093] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing a control system related to cooling of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B and Figure 4 , cooling control of the refrigerator 1 based on the storage container 50 is described.

[0094] like Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B As shown, a detection rib 54B having a built-in magnet 92 is formed at the left end of the guide rib 54A of the storage container 50. On the other hand, a proximity sensor 90 is installed near the opening on the right side of the first air outlet 16A on the refrigerator 1 side. Figure 3B As shown, when the storage container 50 is installed close to the first air outlet 16A, the opening surrounded by the guide ribs 52A and 54A is close to and opposite to the opening at the right end of the first air outlet 16A. In this embodiment, when the storage container 50 is installed close to the air outlet 16A, the proximity sensor 90 senses the magnetic force of the magnet 92 and sends a signal. However, the magnet 92 can also be set in other areas of the storage container 50. In this case, by installing the proximity sensor 90 at a position corresponding to the setting position of the new magnet 92, it is possible to appropriately detect the position where the storage container 50 is installed near the first air outlet 16A.

[0095] The proximity sensor 90 of this embodiment uses a magnetic proximity sensor that activates the reed of a switch by the magnetic force of a magnet 92, thereby closing the reed switch. However, the proximity sensor is not limited to this. An inductive proximity sensor that detects metal or a capacitive proximity sensor that detects changes in capacitance between a detection object and the sensor may also be used. Furthermore, a limit switch that activates a switch by physical contact may also be used.

[0096] like Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 100 constituting part of the refrigerator control system is electrically connected to the proximity sensor 90 and receives detection data (signals). When the storage container 50 is installed near the first air outlet 16A, the detection data (signals) are received from the proximity sensor 90.

[0097] Furthermore, the control unit 100 can send control signals to control the operation of the compressor 21 and the fan 12. The speed of the compressor 21 is variable, and the control unit 100 can change the speed of the compressor 21. To intensify the cooling of the freezer compartment 6 or the refrigerator compartment 7, the control unit 100 controls the compressor 21 to operate at a higher speed. Similarly, the speed of the fan 12 is variable, and the control unit 100 can change the speed of the fan 12. To intensify the cooling of the freezer compartment 6 or the refrigerator compartment 7, the control unit 100 controls the fan 12 to operate at a higher speed.

[0098] Furthermore, the control unit 100 can send control signals to the freezer damper 13 and the refrigerator damper 14 to control their opening and closing. By operating the compressor 21 and the fan 12 to control the freezer damper 13 to open, the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 can be supplied to the freezer compartment 6, thereby cooling the freezer compartment 6. Similarly, by operating the compressor 21 and the fan 12 to control the refrigerator damper 14 to open, the gas that has passed through the evaporator 24 can be supplied to the refrigerator compartment 7, thereby cooling the refrigerator compartment 7.

[0099] In this embodiment, when storage container 50 is installed near first air outlet 16A so that the opening surrounded by guide ribs 52A and 54A is close to and opposite the opening at the right end of first air outlet 16A, control unit 100 controls the refrigerator compartment 7 to increase cooling based on information from proximity sensor 90. This allows a greater amount of low-temperature gas to flow into storage container 50, thereby rapidly cooling items within storage container 50. As described above, refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes proximity sensor 90 for detecting whether storage container 50 is installed near a cold air outlet. Based on information from proximity sensor 90, control controls the refrigerator compartment 7 to increase cooling based on information from proximity sensor 90. This allows items within storage container 50 to be cooled more effectively.

[0100] (Cooling air duct adjustment mechanism)

[0101] Figure 5A 1 is a diagram schematically showing a cooling air duct adjustment mechanism 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a state where the air duct is not narrowed. Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A Side view of the vehicle viewed in the direction A-A. Figure 5C 1 is a diagram schematically showing a cooling air duct adjustment mechanism 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a state in which the air duct is narrowed. Figure 5D It shows Figure 5C Next, see the side view of B-B. 5A to 5D , a cooling air duct adjustment mechanism 80 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0102] As shown below, the cooling air duct adjustment mechanism 80 of this embodiment is composed of blades 82, a moving member 84, and a tension spring 86. In the upper cooling air duct 10B, a rotating base 82A is installed near the upper side of the first air outlet 16A, and the blades 82 are rotatably installed on the rotating base 82A. Figure 5B 、 Figure 5D As shown (in Figure 5A 、 Figure 5C (not shown in the figure), a tension spring 86 is installed on the blade 82. One end of the tension spring 86 is installed on the blade 82, and the other end of the tension spring 86 is installed on the upper side partition member 11B forming the upper side cooling air duct 10B. Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B As shown, the blades 82 are oriented in a substantially vertical direction by the biasing force of the tension spring 86. In this case, the upper cooling air duct 10B is not narrowed.

[0103] A moving member 84 having a cam surface 84A is disposed on the right lateral side of the blade 82. The moving member 84 can move in the lateral direction. Figure 5A As shown by the arrow, when the storage container 50 is to be installed near the first air outlet 16A, the detection rib 54B installed at the left end of the guide rib 54A contacts the movable part 84, pushing the movable part 84 to the left. As a result, the cam surface 84A of the movable part 84 abuts against the blade 82, pushing the blade 82. The cam surface 84A of the movable part 84 moving to the left applies a downward force to the top end side of the blade 82. Therefore, the top end of the blade 82 overcomes the force of the tension spring 86 and rotates downward. When the storage container 50 is installed in a position near the first air outlet 16A, the blade 82 is as shown in FIG. Figure 5C 、 5D In this case, the upper cooling air duct 10B is narrowed.

[0104] As a result, the gas that passes through the evaporator 24 and flows in the upper cooling air passage 10B is less likely to flow toward the upper side of the first air outlet 16A. Therefore, a larger flow rate of gas can be supplied from the first air outlet 16A into the storage container 50. When the storage container 50 is removed from the vicinity of the first air outlet 16A, the blade 82 is moved to the upper side by the force of the tension spring 86. Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B The cam surface 84A is pushed by the blade 82 and the moving member 84 also returns to the right side position.

[0105] The cooling air duct adjustment mechanism 80 may use a compression spring or a torsion spring to bias the blade 82 instead of the tension spring 86. Alternatively, the blade 82 may be rotated using another mechanism such as a gear instead of the moving member 84 having the cam surface 84A.

[0106] Furthermore, the blades 82 can also be rotated using an actuator such as a motor. In this case, the proximity sensor 90 described above can also be used. When the control unit 100 determines, based on information from the proximity sensor 90, that the storage container 50 is installed close to the first air outlet 16A, it can control the actuator to rotate the blades 82 so that the upper cooling air passage 10B is narrowed.

[0107] As described above, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment is provided with an (upper side) cooling air duct 10B, which is for the flow of gas that has passed through the evaporator 24, and has a plurality of air outlets 16A to 16C at different positions in the height direction for the gas to flow into the storage chamber (refrigerator chamber) 7, and is provided with a cooling air duct adjustment mechanism 80. When the storage container 50 is installed near the (first) air outlet 16A, the cooling air duct adjustment mechanism 80 is actuated to narrow the (upper side) cooling air duct 10B on the downstream side of the (first) air outlet 16A provided in the area where the storage container 50 is installed.

[0108] In this embodiment, when storage container 50 is installed near (first) air outlet 16A, cooling air duct adjustment mechanism 80 operates to narrow cooling air duct 10B downstream (upper) of (first) air outlet 16A provided in the area where storage container 50 is installed. This allows more air to be supplied to the area where storage container 50 is installed, thereby more effectively cooling the contents within storage container 50.

[0109] The above embodiment illustrates an example where air outlet 16A opens in three directions: the front, left, and right. However, this is not limiting. For example, the cooling air duct may be separated from the refrigerator compartment by a flat partition extending across the entire width of the refrigerator compartment, with the air outlet opening only on the front. Even in this case, the same functional effects can be achieved by placing a storage container near the air outlet, with the space on the container's inlet side, surrounded by guide ribs, positioned adjacent to the front opening of the air outlet.

[0110] Although the embodiments and implementation forms of the present invention have been described, the disclosed contents may be changed in the details of the structure, and the combination of elements in the embodiments and implementation forms, changes in the order, etc. may be implemented without departing from the scope and concept of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a shelf disposed within the storage room; a storage container detachably mounted on the lower side of the shelf; a rear engaging mechanism for engaging a rear area of the storage container with the shelf or an inner wall of the storage chamber; and a front disassembly mechanism for engaging the front area of the storage container with the shelf in a detachable state; The transverse length of the storage container is shorter than the transverse length of the shelf, so that the transverse installation position of the storage container can be changed; A sensor is installed to detect whether the storage container is close to the air outlet of the cold air. When it is determined based on the information from the sensor that the storage container is installed close to a cold air outlet, control is performed to strengthen the cooling of the storage compartment.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The air outlet for the gas flowing in the cooling air duct to flow into the storage chamber is arranged on the lower side of the shelf. An inlet opening for air flow is provided on the upper rear side of one side of the storage container close to the air outlet. An outlet opening for allowing gas flowing through the storage container to flow out is provided at a lower front side of the other side surface of the storage container.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that Ribs extending in a transverse direction are formed along the inlet-side opening and the outlet-side opening of the storage container.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein A cooling air duct is provided, through which the gas having passed through the evaporator flows, and which has a plurality of air outlets at different positions in the height direction for the gas to flow into the storage chamber. A cooling air duct adjustment mechanism is provided, which operates to narrow the cooling air duct downstream of the air duct provided in the area where the storage container is installed when the storage container is installed close to the air outlet.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The shelf is installed through a shelf support installed on the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment, the shelf support is provided with a concave shelf holding portion, the end of the shelf is inserted into the shelf holding portion, a concave receiving portion is formed on the lower side of the shelf holding portion of the shelf support, and a loading portion is formed extending rearward at the rear end of the storage container, and the loading portion is placed on the upper surface of the receiving portion.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that The front side of the receiving portion is formed to bulge slightly upward from the surface that receives the placement portion.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that The shelf support includes a shelf holding portion for holding the shelf and a receiving portion for engaging with the storage container.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein The front disassembly mechanism includes a rotating base installed above the front side of the storage container and a snap arm installed on the rotating base so as to be freely rotatable. The snap arm can be rotated to snap fit with the upper surface of the shelf.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that A guide rib extending laterally is formed along the inlet side opening of the storage container, a detection rib with a built-in magnet is formed at the left end of the guide rib, and a proximity sensor is installed near the opening on the right side of the air outlet. When the storage container is installed close to the air outlet, the opening surrounded by the guide rib is close to and opposite to the opening at the right end of the air outlet.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that The cooling air duct adjustment mechanism includes blades and a tension spring. The rotating base is installed near the upper side of the air outlet. The blades are installed on the rotating base so as to be freely rotatable. The tension spring is installed on the blades. Through the force of the tension spring, the blades are oriented in a roughly vertical direction, and the upper cooling air duct becomes a non-narrowing state. When the storage container is installed near the air outlet, the blades become inclined, and the upper cooling air duct becomes a narrowed state.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that A moving component with a cam surface is arranged on the right lateral side of the blade, and the moving component can move in the lateral direction. When the storage container is to be installed near the air outlet, the detection rib installed at the left end of the guide rib contacts the moving component, pushing the moving component to the left, and the cam surface of the moving component abuts against the blade, pushing the blade. The cam surface of the moving component moving to the left applies a downward force to the top end side of the blade, and the top end of the blade overcomes the force of the tension spring and rotates downward.

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