refrigerator

Abstract

This disclosure provides a refrigerator equipped with a partition member that ensures sufficient strength to support the door while maintaining thermal insulation, and that facilitates increasing the capacity of the storage compartment. [Solution] The refrigerator in this disclosure comprises an insulated box body, a partition member that divides the inside of the insulated box body to form upper and lower storage compartments, and a door provided according to the storage compartments and supported on the insulated box body so as to be openable and closable, wherein the partition member is provided with an insulation material storage space for storing insulation material, the front of the partition member is supported by a hinge for the door and a reinforcing member that protrudes into the insulation material storage space, the insulation material storage space is provided with a mounting surface on which vacuum insulation material is placed, the vacuum insulation material is placed on the mounting surface in a position within the insulation material storage space that is on the side of the mounting surface closer to the reinforcing member and extends outwards from the reinforcing member closer to the mounting surface, and the insulation material storage space is filled with foamed insulation material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for partitioning the inside of a refrigerator by a partition member insulated by a vacuum heat insulating material and a foam heat insulating material.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a partition member that can easily increase the capacity of a storage chamber while ensuring the strength to support a door and ensuring heat insulation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The refrigerator according to the present disclosure includes a heat-insulating box body with an open front, a partition member that partitions the inside of the heat-insulating box body to form storage chambers vertically, and a door provided according to the storage chamber and supported by the heat-insulating box body so as to be openable and closable. The partition member is provided with a heat-insulating material storage space for storing a heat-insulating material. At the front of the partition member, a hinge of the door is supported, and a reinforcing member protruding into the heat-insulating material storage space is supported. The heat-insulating material storage space is provided with a placement surface on which a vacuum heat-insulating material is placed. The vacuum heat-insulating material is placed on the placement surface in a state of protruding from a position on the side of the reinforcing member with respect to the placement surface to a position on the side of the placement surface with respect to the reinforcing member within the heat-insulating material storage space. The heat-insulating material storage space is filled with a foam heat-insulating material.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] The refrigerator described in this disclosure can provide a refrigerator equipped with a partition member that ensures insulation, provides sufficient strength to support the door, and easily increases the capacity of the storage compartment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1, seen from the front. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1, seen from the rear. [Figure 3] Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Front view of the main parts of a refrigerator, with the door in Embodiment 1 omitted. [Figure 5] Perspective view of the VV line section in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Perspective view of the lower partition plate of the partition member in Embodiment 1, viewed from above. [Figure 7] Perspective view of the lower partition plate of the partition member in Embodiment 1, viewed from below. [Figure 8] Perspective view of the lower partition plate of the partition member in Embodiment 1, viewed from the lower left through the front partition plate. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the fan and duct cover installed. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 4 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, a technology was known for partitioning the inside of a refrigerator using partition members insulated with vacuum insulation material and foam insulation material. It is known that in order to increase the capacity of the refrigerator, it is desirable for the partition members to be thin, and therefore it is desirable to reduce the amount of foam insulation material used. However, the inventors discovered that when a door is supported by the partition member, it is necessary to ensure the strength of the partition member, and therefore the use of foam insulation material is indispensable. To solve this problem, the subject matter of this disclosure was established. Therefore, this disclosure provides a refrigerator equipped with a partition member that ensures thermal insulation, provides sufficient strength to support the door, and facilitates increasing the capacity of the storage compartment.

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, some unnecessarily detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

[0011] [1-1. Structure] [1-1-1. Refrigerator configuration] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the refrigerator 1 in Embodiment 1, taken from the front. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator 1 in Embodiment 1, taken from the rear. Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 in Embodiment 1. In the description of this specification, when referring to the front, back, left, and right of the refrigerator 1, it is used based on the user who takes out the stored items from the refrigerator 1. That is, it is described that the front side for the user corresponds to the front side of the refrigerator 1, and the back side for the user corresponds to the back side of the refrigerator 1. Also, it is described that the right side for the user corresponds to the right side of the refrigerator 1, and the left side for the user corresponds to the left side of the refrigerator 1. In addition, when indicating the front surface of the refrigerator 1, it may also be referred to as the front. Also, when indicating the rear surface of the refrigerator 1, it may also be referred to as the back. On the drawing, the front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower directions of the refrigerator 1 are shown as the directions of the arrows FR, RE, LE, RI, UP, and DO, respectively.

[0012] In FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerator 1 has a heat-insulating box body 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the heat-insulating box body 2 mainly consists of an outer box (housing) 3 made of a steel plate, an inner box 4 formed of a resin such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), and a foamed heat-insulating material 5 such as rigid urethane foam filled and foamed in the space between the outer box 3 and the inner box 4.

[0013] The heat-insulating box body 2 is insulated from the surroundings and is divided into a plurality of storage compartments. A refrigerating compartment 6 is provided at the uppermost part of the heat-insulating box body 2. Below the refrigerating compartment 6, a switching compartment 7 and an ice-making compartment (not shown) are provided side by side horizontally. The switching compartment 7 and the ice-making compartment are partitioned by a heat-insulating wall on the left and right. Below the switching compartment 7 and the ice-making compartment, a freezing compartment 9 is provided. Below the freezing compartment 9, that is, at the lowermost part of the heat-insulating box body 2, a vegetable compartment 10 is provided.

[0014] The temperature inside the refrigerating compartment 6 is usually set to 1°C to 5°C. The temperature inside the switching compartment 7 is set to -18°C to 5°C, and it can be switched from the freezing temperature range to the refrigerating temperature range. The temperature inside the freezing compartment 9 is usually set to -22°C to -15°C, but for the improvement of the freezing storage state, it may be set to a low temperature such as -30°C or -25°C. The vegetable compartment 10 is set at a temperature of 2°C to 7°C, which is the same as or slightly higher than that of the refrigerator compartment 6.

[0015] At the front opening of the refrigerator compartment 6, a pair of left and right hinged refrigerator compartment doors 11 and 12 (see Fig. 1) are provided so as to be openable and closable. The left refrigerator compartment door 11 is rotatably supported at its left end by a hinge 11a (see Fig. 1) extending in the vertical direction. The right refrigerator compartment door 12 (see Fig. 1) is rotatably supported at its right end by a hinge 12a (see Fig. 1) extending in the vertical direction. When the refrigerator compartment doors 11 and 12 are closed, a gasket seals the space between the refrigerator compartment doors 11 and 12 and the front opening of the refrigerator compartment 6.

[0016] At the front openings of the switching compartment 7 and the ice making compartment, a drawer-type switching compartment door 13 and a drawer-type ice making compartment door 14 (see Fig. 1) are provided. When the switching compartment door 13 is closed, a gasket seals the space between the switching compartment door 13 and the front opening of the switching compartment 7. When the ice making compartment door 14 is closed, a gasket seals the space between the ice making compartment door 14 and the front opening of the ice making compartment. When the switching compartment door 13 is pulled forward, a switching compartment container portion 15 (see Fig. 3) with an open top accommodated in the switching compartment 7 is pulled out together with the switching compartment door 13.

[0017] At the front opening of the freezer compartment 9, a drawer-type freezer compartment door 16 is provided. When the freezer compartment door 16 is closed, a gasket seals the space between the freezer compartment door 16 and the front opening of the freezer compartment 9. Inside the freezer compartment 9, an upper freezer compartment container portion 17 and a lower freezer compartment container portion 18 with open tops are provided in two upper and lower stages. The upper freezer compartment container portion 17 is arranged in a state of being placed on the peripheral edge of the open top of the lower freezer compartment container portion 18. The upper freezer compartment container portion 17 and the lower freezer compartment container portion 18 are configured to be pulled out in conjunction with the forward pulling operation of the freezer compartment door 16.

[0018] Also, at the front opening of the lowermost vegetable compartment 10, a drawer-type vegetable compartment door 19 is provided. When the vegetable compartment door 19 is closed, a gasket seals the space between the vegetable compartment door 19 and the front opening of the vegetable compartment 10. The vegetable compartment 10 is equipped with a vegetable compartment container section 20 with an open top. The vegetable compartment container section 20 is designed to be pulled out in conjunction with the pulling-out operation of the vegetable compartment door 19.

[0019] Behind the freezer compartment 9 is a cooling chamber 23 that generates cold air. Inside the cooling chamber 23 is a cooler (evaporator) 24 that constitutes the refrigeration cycle. At the upper rear of the refrigerator compartment 6 is a compressor 25 that also constitutes the refrigeration cycle. The compressor 25, the condenser, the expansion mechanism, and the cooler 24 are connected by refrigerant piping, forming a refrigeration cycle. The system is configured to discharge refrigerant from the compressor 25 and circulate it through the refrigeration cycle, cooling the refrigerant to a predetermined temperature, exchanging heat with the air inside the cooler 24 and the cooling chamber 23, and generating cold air inside the cooling chamber 23.

[0020] A blower fan 26 is provided in the space above the cooler 24. By operating the blower fan 26, the air that has undergone heat exchange in the cooler 24 is blown to the refrigerator compartment 6, the switching compartment 7, the ice maker compartment, the freezer compartment 9, and the vegetable compartment 10. At this time, the amount of cold air blown is adjusted and controlled to cool each compartment to a predetermined temperature.

[0021] [1-1-2. Inner box configuration] As shown in Figure 3, the inner box 4 is formed in the shape of a container that is recessed at the rear. An opening 4a for loading and unloading stored items is formed on the front of the inner box 4. Specifically, the inner box 4 has a roughly rectangular back portion 41, and stepped top portion 42, bottom portion 43, left side portion 44, and right side portion 45 (not shown in Figure 3) extending forward from the upper, lower, left, and right ends of the back portion 41, respectively. The opening 4a is formed by the enclosed shape of the stepped top portion 42, bottom portion 43, left side portion 44, and right side portion 45 (see Figure 4).

[0022] Partition members 48 and 49 are placed inside the inner box 4 as appropriate. The partition members 48 and 49 create a storage compartment 6, a switching compartment 7, an ice-making compartment 8 (see Figure 4), a freezer compartment 9, a vegetable compartment 10, and so on inside the inner box 4.

[0023] A stepped top surface 42 of the inner box 4 has a machine room 42d at its rear, which is recessed in a stepped shape. More specifically, the stepped top surface 42 has a top surface 42a extending in the front-rear direction, a vertical wall surface (vertical wall) 42b extending downward from the rear end of the top surface 42a, and a stepped surface (stepped section) 42c extending rearward from the lower end of the vertical wall surface 42b. The recessed shape of the vertical wall surface 42b and the stepped surface 42c, and the space enclosed by the outer box 3, constitute the machine room 42d where the compressor 25 and other equipment are located (see Figure 3).

[0024] In accordance with the shape of the stepped top surface 42, the left side portion 44 and the right side portion 45 (see Figure 4) of the inner box 4 have an L-shaped cutout at the rear upper end. Also, the rear portion 41 (see Figure 3) is shorter in the vertical direction than the left side portion 44 and the right side portion 45.

[0025] [1-1-3. Outer box composition] As shown in Figure 3, the inner box 4 is covered by the outer box 3. The outer box 3 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open front. The outer box 3 has a rear panel 31, a top cover 32, a bottom panel 33, a left side panel 34 (see Figure 1), and a right side panel 35 (see Figure 2), positioned opposite the rear portion 41, stepped top portion 42, bottom portion 43, left side portion 44, and right side portion 45 of the inner box 4, respectively.

[0026] In detail, the outer box 3 has a bottom panel 33 positioned below the inner box 4. A rectangular left side panel 34 extending upward is connected to the left side of the bottom panel 33. A rectangular right side panel 35 extending upward is connected to the right side of the bottom panel 33. The side panels 34 and 35 have, for example, flange-shaped connecting edges on their outer circumference that are folded inward in the left-right direction. Fasteners such as bolts are passed through these connecting edges to fix and connect the side panels 34 and 35 to surrounding panels, etc.

[0027] A rectangular rear panel 31 (see Figure 2) extending vertically is supported between the rear end of the left side panel 34 and the rear end of the right side panel 35. The rear panel 31 extends downward from a position above the stepped surface portion 42c of the inner box 4 to the vertical center of the vegetable compartment 10 (see Figures 2 to 4).

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, injection ports (foamed insulation injection ports) 31a that penetrate in the thickness direction are formed at the four corners of the back panel 31. The injection ports 31a are round holes.

[0029] Below the rear panel 31, a rectangular lower rear panel 37 (see Figures 2 and 3) extending in the left-right direction is supported. The lower rear panel 37 covers the inner box 4 from the rear at a position corresponding to the height of the bottom of the vegetable compartment 10. The lower rear panel 37 is connected to the left side panel 34 and the right side panel 35. The top cover 32 is supported above the rear panel 31, the left side panel 34, and the right side panel 35.

[0030] [1-1-4. Configuration of partition members] Figure 4 is a front view of the main parts of the refrigerator 1 in Embodiment 1, with the door omitted from the illustration. Figure 4 shows the peripheral area of ​​the partition member 48. The partition member 48 has heat insulating properties. The partition member 48 partitions the inside of the inner box 4, forming a storage compartment inside the inner box 4. In this embodiment, the partition member 48 is shaped like a horizontal H when viewed from the front. The partition member 48 is positioned at a predetermined height in the inner box 4. The partition member 48 is connected to the rear part 41, the left side part 44, and the right side part 45 of the inner box 4. The partition member 48 allows the inside of the inner box 4 to be partitioned into an upper refrigerator compartment 6, a switching compartment 7 and ice-making compartment 8 below the refrigerator compartment 6, and a freezer compartment 9 below the switching compartment 7 and ice-making compartment 8.

[0031] The partition member 48 of this embodiment includes a front partition plate 50 having thickness in the front-rear direction, and a pair of upper and lower partition plates 51 and lower partition plate (bottom surface) 52 (see Figure 5) extending rearward from the upper part of the front partition plate 50.

[0032] In detail, the front partition plate 50 has an upper frame portion 50a extending in the left-right direction, a connecting frame portion 50b extending downward from slightly to the left of the left-right center of the upper frame portion 50a, and a lower frame portion 50c supported at the lower end of the connecting frame portion 50b and extending in the left-right direction. A pair of left and right lower hinges 80 are provided on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 50a.

[0033] [1-1-4. Detailed configuration of partition members] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the VV line cross-section in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 5, the upper partition plate 51 is supported on the upper frame portion 50a. The upper partition plate 51 is a resin molded product. For example, the upper partition plate 51 is made of PP (polypropylene). The upper partition plate 51 is plate-shaped and extends rearward from the upper end of the upper frame portion 50a. The upper surface of the upper partition plate 51 is formed to be flat overall. Below the upper partition plate 51, a lower partition plate 52 is supported at a distance from the upper partition plate 51.

[0034] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the lower partition plate 52 of the partition member 48 in Embodiment 1, viewed from above. The lower partition plate 52 is a resin molded product. The lower partition plate 52 is made of, for example, PP. The lower partition plate 52 has a mounting surface 61 formed on its lower surface, which is recessed upward. In other words, the lower partition plate 52 has a mounting surface 61 that protrudes upward in a pedestal-like manner relative to its surroundings. The upper surface of the mounting surface 61 is formed flat. In this embodiment, the mounting surface 61 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0035] To the left of the mounting surface 61, a flat surface 62 is formed with a predetermined width gap relative to the mounting surface 61. The upper surface of the flat surface 62 is formed flat at the same height as the mounting surface 61. In this embodiment, the flat surface 62 is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the front-rear direction. The rear of the flat surface 62 is shorter than that of the mounting surface 61. To the left of the flat surface 62, a flat surface 63 is formed with a predetermined width gap relative to the flat surface 62. The upper surface of the flat surface 63 is formed flat at the same height as the flat surface 62. In this embodiment, the flat surface 63 is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the front-rear direction. The rear of the flat surface 63 is shorter than that of the flat surface 62. The mounting surface 61 is located directly above the ice-making chamber 8 (see Figure 4). The flat surface 63 is located directly above the switching chamber 7 (see Figure 4). The flat surface 62 is located directly above the connecting frame 50b between the ice-making chamber 8 and the switching chamber 7 (see Figure 4).

[0036] In front of the mounting surface 61 and the flat surfaces 62 and 63, a recess 64 is formed that is recessed downward relative to the upper surfaces of the mounting surface 61, the flat surfaces 62 and 63. Multiple ribs 65 and 66 that protrude upward are formed in the recess 64. Of these, one rib 65 extends in the left-right direction. The other rib 66 extends in the front-rear direction, intersecting the rib 65, and multiple ribs are formed. The ribs 65 and 66 are lower in height than the mounting surface 61 (see Figure 10).

[0037] Multiple positioning ribs 60e, 60f, and 60g are formed around the mounting surface 61 and the flat surfaces 62 and 63. In detail, a rear positioning rib 60e is formed behind the mounting surface 61, extending in the left-right direction. The rear positioning rib 60e extends along the rear end of the mounting surface 61. Therefore, the rear positioning rib 60e is located in front of the air passage opening 60b.

[0038] Furthermore, a front positioning rib 60f extending in the left-right direction is formed in front of the mounting surface 61. The front positioning rib 60f is formed at a position spaced forward from the mounting surface 61. In this embodiment, the front positioning rib 60f is formed in the center of the recess 64 in the front-rear direction. In addition, a left positioning rib 60g extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the front left side of the flat surface 63. Each positioning rib 60e, 60f, and 60g is higher than the mounting surface 61, the flat surfaces 62 and 63.

[0039] The mounting surface 61 has a groove-shaped wiring accommodating section (wiring path) 61a that extends from the rear end toward the center of the mounting surface 61. The wiring accommodating section 61a is recessed downward relative to the upper surface of the mounting surface 61. At the tip of the wiring accommodating section 61a, a wiring passage opening 61a1 is formed that penetrates in the thickness direction.

[0040] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the lower partition plate 52 of the partition member 48 in Embodiment 1, viewed from below. The lower partition plate 52 has irregularities according to the various shapes of the upper surface, such as the mounting surface 61. On the lower surface of the lower partition plate 52, front and rear ribs 67a are formed around the wiring passage opening 61a1, projecting downwards and extending in the front-rear direction. The front and rear ribs 67a have portions that are inclined so as to intersect with the wiring housing section 61a when viewed from below. In addition, front and rear ribs 67b and 67c are formed to the left and right of the front and rear ribs 67a at predetermined intervals. The front and rear ribs 67b and 67c project downwards and extend in the front-rear direction. The space between the left and right front and rear ribs 67b and 67c constitutes the fan housing section 67.

[0041] On the left-right outer sides of the fan housing 67, that is, on the left-right outer sides of the front and rear ribs 67b and 67c, front and rear ribs 68 extending in the front-rear direction are formed. Multiple front and rear ribs 68 are formed at intervals in the left-right direction. Between adjacent front and rear ribs 67b, 67c, and 68, left and right ribs (reinforcement ribs) 69 are formed, projecting downwards and extending in the left-right direction. Multiple left and right ribs 69 are formed at intervals in the front-rear direction. Notches 69a are formed on the upper side of the left and right ribs 69. In other words, the left and right ribs 69 are formed in a roughly inverted U shape when viewed from the front.

[0042] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the lower partition plate 52 of the partition member 48 in Embodiment 1, seen from the lower left across the front partition plate 50. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the fan 70 and duct cover 75 attached to the structure shown in Figure 8. The fan housing 67 houses the fan 70 (see Figure 9). The fan 70 is installed so that its rotation axis 70a (see Figure 9) is aligned vertically. Wiring 71 (see Figure 6) is connected to the fan motor (not shown) of the fan 70.

[0043] The wiring 71 extends from a control board (not shown). The wiring 71 is housed in a wiring housing 61a. The wiring 71 is housed in the wiring housing 61a in a state where it is embedded below the upper surface of the mounting surface 61. The wiring 71 is guided downward through a wiring passage 61a1 and connected to a fan (functional component) 70 (see Figure 9).

[0044] As shown in Figure 9, the fan 70 is covered by a duct cover 75. The duct cover 75 is fixed to the fan housing 67 via a fixing member (not shown). A circular fan opening 75a is formed in the duct cover 75. The fan opening 75a is formed on the surface of the duct cover 75 where the rotation axis 70a of the fan 70 is perpendicular. The duct cover 75 constitutes a duct that connects the rear duct opening 60a and the fan opening 75a. Cool air flows between the rear duct opening 60a and the fan opening 75a by the fan 70.

[0045] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 4. A pair of left and right lower hinges (hinge) 80 are supported on the upper frame portion 50a of the front partition plate 50. In this embodiment, the pair of left and right lower hinges 80 are formed symmetrically. Therefore, the following description will focus on the right lower hinge 80.

[0046] The lower hinge 80 has a hinge stay portion 81 that is roughly L-shaped when viewed in cross-sectional view from the side (see Figure 10). That is, the hinge stay portion 81 has a base portion 81a fixed to the front surface of the upper frame portion 50a of the front partition plate 50, and an extension portion 81b extending forward from the upper end of the base portion 81a. The extension portion 81b supports a hinge 82 that supports the right-side refrigerator door 12. The hinge 82 extends in the same straight line as the upper hinge 12a of the right-side refrigerator door 12.

[0047] The base portion 81a is fixed by bolts 83 extending in the front-rear direction. A pair of bolts 83 are provided, one on the left and one on the right. The bolts 83 pass through the upper frame portion 50a of the front partition plate 50 and are fastened to a gusset (reinforcement member) 84 located on the back of the upper frame portion 50a. The gusset 84 extends in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, the gusset 84 is formed in a roughly U-shape when viewed in cross-sectional view from the side (see Figure 10). In detail, the gusset 84 has a base portion 84a extending in the vertical direction, and upper portions 84b and lower portions 84c extending from the upper and lower ends of the base portion 84a, respectively. The upper portions 84b and lower portions 84c protrude to the rear. The gap between the upper portions 84b and lower portions 84c forms a gap into which the foamed insulation material 5 can be filled. In other words, the upper part 84b and the lower part 84c are formed with a predetermined space for foamed insulation left between them.

[0048] A vacuum insulation material 90 is placed on the mounting surface 61 of the lower partition plate 52. The vacuum insulation material 90 consists of a core material in which glass wool or the like is arranged in a plate shape, and a pair of metal sheets that wrap around the core material from both sides. The metal sheets are, for example, aluminum. The portion of the core material wrapped in the metal sheets is vacuum-sealed to form a vacuum insulation material 90 with a flat appearance. The vacuum insulation material 90 is formed to extend beyond the mounting surface 61. That is, the vacuum insulation material 90 is formed to be as large as possible. The vacuum insulation material 90 can be positioned on the mounting surface 61 while abutting against the positioning ribs 60e to 60g. In this embodiment, the vacuum insulation material 90 is placed on the mounting surface 61, the flat surfaces 62 and 63. The left and right ends of the vacuum insulation material 90 can be positioned on the mounting surface 61, the flat surfaces 62 and 63. The vacuum insulation material 90 is attached to the mounting surface 61, the flat surfaces 62 and 63 via adhesive. The adhesive can be, for example, hot melt, double-sided tape, or glue. At this time, the wiring 71 is housed in the wiring housing section 61a with the wiring embedded inside. Therefore, the vacuum insulation material 90 maintains a flat plate shape and is easily attached to the upper surface of the mounting surface 61 in close contact.

[0049] The vacuum insulation material 90 can be positioned by contacting the front positioning rib 60f. Therefore, the vacuum insulation material 90 is located on the gusset 84 side of the mounting surface 61, and protrudes beyond the gusset 84 towards the mounting surface 61. Specifically, the front end 90a of the vacuum insulation material 90 (see Figure 10) is located behind the upper part 84b and lower part 84c of the gusset 84 in the front-rear direction, and in front of the mounting surface 61. The vacuum insulation material 90 is located above the bottom surface of the recess 64, with a space between them. The amount that the vacuum insulation material 90 protrudes from the mounting surface 61 makes it easier to secure the creepage distance λ from the ice-making compartment 8 to the refrigerator compartment 6.

[0050] The vacuum insulation material 90 can be positioned by contacting the rear positioning rib 60e. This prevents the vacuum insulation material 90 from entering the air passage opening 60b through which cold air flows by the blower fan 26 and from covering the air passage opening 60b. Thus, the rear positioning rib 60e makes it easier to assemble the vacuum insulation material 90 while preventing obstruction of the cold air passage so as not to affect the cooling performance.

[0051] Here, the enclosed shape between the front partition plate 50, the upper partition plate 51, and the lower partition plate 52 constitutes the insulation material storage space S. When the foamed insulation material 5 is filled into the insulation material storage space S, the gap between the upper partition plate 51 and the vacuum insulation material 90, and the area around the front end of the vacuum insulation material 90 are filled with the foamed insulation material 5 (shown as a dot pattern in Figure 10). That is, around the front end 90a of the vacuum insulation material 90, the foamed insulation material 5 is filled in the upper, front, and lower parts.

[0052] Furthermore, around the gusset 84, foam insulation material 5 is filled around the upper part 84b and the lower part 84c. Thus, the area around the upper frame portion 50a of the front partition plate 50 is reinforced by the foam insulation material 5. In this way, the areas that are prone to being subjected to load by the pair of left and right lower hinges 80 that rotatably support the refrigerator doors 11 and 12 are reinforced with foam insulation material 5.

[0053] [1-2. Operation, etc.] Next, the operation of the refrigerator 1 in Embodiment 1 will be described. In this embodiment, the compressor 25 is driven to circulate the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle, and the cooler 24 exchanges heat with the internal air of the cooling chamber 23 to generate cold air. Then, by driving the blower fan 26, the air that has exchanged heat in the cooler 24 is blown through the cold air duct to the refrigerator compartment 6, the switching compartment 7, the ice making compartment 8, the freezer compartment 9, and the vegetable compartment 10. At this time, the refrigerator 1 adjusts and controls the amount of cold air being blown to cool each compartment to a predetermined temperature.

[0054] In this embodiment, the vacuum insulation material 90 efficiently ensures thermal insulation, allowing the thickness of the partition member 48 to be reduced, while the foamed insulation material 5 ensures thermal insulation and strength. Therefore, the capacity of the refrigerator compartment 6 can be increased, and the hinges 82 of the refrigerator compartment doors 11 and 12 can be supported by the partition member 48.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the partition member 48 separates the refrigeration temperature zone from the freezing temperature zone, and notches 69a are formed in the left and right ribs 69 below the lower partition plate 52 that faces the freezing temperature zone. Therefore, for example, when the ice-making compartment door 14 is opened, even if air enters the ice-making compartment 8 from the outside, the left and right ribs 69 prevent the airflow inside the ice-making compartment 8 from becoming stagnant.

[0056] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 comprises an insulated box body 2 with an open front, a partition member 48 that divides the inside of the insulated box body 2 to form a refrigerator compartment 6, a switching compartment 7, and an ice-making compartment 8 as storage compartments in the upper and lower sections, and refrigerator doors 11 and 12 that are provided according to the refrigerator compartment 6 and are supported by the insulated box body 2 so as to be openable and closable, wherein the partition member 48 is provided with an insulation material storage space S in which foam insulation material 5 and vacuum insulation material 90 as insulation materials are stored, and the partition member 48 At the front, the lower hinges 80 of the refrigerator doors 11 and 12 are supported, as well as a gusset 84 that protrudes into the interior of the insulation storage space S. The insulation storage space S is provided with a mounting surface 61 on which the vacuum insulation material 90 is placed. The vacuum insulation material 90 is placed on the mounting surface 61 in a position that is closer to the gusset 84 than the mounting surface 61, but extends beyond the gusset 84 to the mounting surface 61. The insulation storage space S is filled with foamed insulation material 5.

[0057] With this configuration, the vacuum insulation material 90 protrudes from the mounting surface 61, making it easier to increase the creepage distance λ of the vacuum insulation material 90, while the foamed insulation material 5 is filled into the insulation material storage space S. As a result, the creepage distance λ of the vacuum insulation material 90 is easily increased, making it easier to reduce the thickness of the partition member 48. Therefore, it is easier to increase the capacity of the refrigerator compartment 6 partitioned by the partition member 48. In addition, since the foamed insulation material 5 is filled around the gusset 84, it is easier to ensure the strength around the gusset 84 that supports the refrigerator compartment doors 11 and 12 with the foamed insulation material 5. Thus, it is possible to provide a refrigerator 1 equipped with a partition member 48 that ensures insulation, ensures the strength to support the refrigerator compartment doors 11 and 12, and makes it easy to increase the capacity of the refrigerator compartment 6.

[0058] As in this embodiment, the lower partition plate 52 may have left and right ribs 69 that protrude downward and extend in the left-right direction, and the left and right ribs 69 may have notches 69a that are cut out upward. This configuration makes it easier to reduce the thickness of the lower partition plate 52 by using the left and right ribs 69 while minimizing obstruction of airflow. As a result, air entering from the outside is prevented from accumulating between the left and right ribs 69 and being cooled below freezing point, thus preventing moisture in the air from solidifying on the left and right ribs 69.

[0059] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, multiple left and right ribs 69 may be formed with spacing in the front-rear direction. This configuration makes it easier to reduce the thickness of the lower partition plate 52 by using the left and right ribs 69, and also allows for greater benefit from the effect of the notches 69a which make it less likely to obstruct the airflow.

[0060] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the mounting surface 61 may be provided with a downwardly recessed wiring housing portion 61a, the wiring 71 may be housed in the wiring housing portion 61a, and the vacuum insulation material 90 may be placed on the mounting surface 61 with the wiring 71 covered. This configuration makes it possible to support the wiring 71 on the partition member 48 while minimizing the gap between the vacuum insulation material 90 and the wiring 71. Therefore, it is possible to support the wiring 71 on the partition member 48 while minimizing the impairment of the insulation properties of the partition member 48.

[0061] (Other embodiments) Embodiment 1 has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted.

[0062] In Embodiment 1, a configuration was described in which the upper partition plate 51 and the lower partition plate 52 separate the refrigeration temperature zone and the freezing temperature zone. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and any configuration that separates any temperature zone is also acceptable. For example, the vegetable compartment temperature zone and the freezing temperature zone may be separated.

[0063] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0064] (Technical 1) A refrigerator comprising: an insulated box body with an open front; a partition member that divides the inside of the insulated box body to form upper and lower storage compartments; and a door provided according to the storage compartments and supported on the insulated box body so as to be openable and closable, wherein the partition member is provided with an insulation material storage space for storing insulation material; the front of the partition member is supported by a hinge for the door and a reinforcing member that protrudes into the insulation material storage space; the insulation material storage space is provided with a mounting surface on which vacuum insulation material is placed; the vacuum insulation material is placed on the mounting surface within the insulation material storage space in such a state that it protrudes to a position on the reinforcing member side of the mounting surface and to a position on the mounting surface side of the reinforcing member; and the insulation material storage space is filled with foamed insulation material. With this configuration, the vacuum insulation material extends beyond the mounting surface, making it easier to increase the creepage distance of the vacuum insulation material, while the insulation storage space is filled with foamed insulation material. As a result, the creepage distance of the vacuum insulation material is easily increased, making it easier to reduce the thickness of the partition members. Therefore, it is easier to increase the capacity of the storage compartment. In addition, since foamed insulation material is filled around the reinforcing members, it is easier to ensure the strength around the reinforcing members that support the door with the foamed insulation material. Thus, it is possible to provide a refrigerator equipped with partition members that ensure insulation, ensure the strength to support the door, and easily increase the capacity of the storage compartment.

[0065] (Technology 2) The refrigerator according to Technology 1, wherein a reinforcing rib is formed on the lower surface of the partition member, protruding downward and extending in the left-right direction, and the reinforcing rib has a notch cut out upward. This configuration makes it easier to reduce the thickness of the lower surface of the partition member by using reinforcing ribs, while minimizing obstruction of airflow. As a result, air entering from the outside is less likely to accumulate between the reinforcing ribs and be cooled below freezing point, thus preventing moisture in the air from solidifying on the reinforcing ribs.

[0066] (Technical 3) The refrigerator according to Technical 2, wherein the reinforcing ribs are formed in multiple locations with spacing in the front-rear direction. This configuration makes it easier to reduce the thickness of the lower surface of the partition member by using reinforcing ribs, and also allows for greater benefit from the effect of notching which makes it less likely to obstruct airflow.

[0067] (Technical 4) A refrigerator according to any one of Technical 1 to 3, wherein the aforementioned mounting surface is provided with a downwardly recessed wiring path, wiring is housed in the wiring path, and the vacuum insulation material is placed on the aforementioned mounting surface with the wiring covered. This configuration makes it possible to support the wiring on the partition member while minimizing gaps between the vacuum insulation material and the wiring. Therefore, it is possible to support the wiring on the partition member while minimizing the loss of the partition member's thermal insulation properties. [Industrial applicability]

[0068] As described above, the refrigerator according to this disclosure is suitably usable in a refrigerator having a partition member that supports the door. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1. Refrigerator 2. Insulated box 3. Outer box 4 Inner box 4a aperture 5. Foamed insulation material (insulation material) 6. Refrigerated room (storage room) 7. Switching Room (Storage Room) 8. Ice-making room (storage room) 9. Freezer (storage room) 10. Vegetable compartment (storage room) 11. Refrigerator door (door) 11a Hinge 12 Refrigerator door (door) 12a Hinge 13 Switchable Room Door 14 Ice maker door 15 Switching chamber container section 16 Freezer door 17 Upper freezer compartment container section 18 Lower freezer compartment container section 19. Vegetable compartment door 20. Vegetable compartment container section 23 Cooling room 24 Cooler 25 Compressor 26. Blower fan 31 Rear panel 31a Inlet 32 Top cover 33 Bottom panel 34 Side Panels 35 Side Panels 37. Lower rear panel 41 Back part 42 Step top section 42a Top section 42b Standing wall section 42c Step surface part 42d Machine room 43 Bottom part 44 Left side side 45 Right side section 48 Partition Member 49 Partition Member 50 partition plates 50a Upper frame part 50b Connection frame section 50c Lower frame part 51 Upper partition plate 52 Lower partition plate (bottom section) 60a Rear duct opening 60b Air duct opening 60e Rear positioning rib 60f Front positioning rib 60g Left-side positioning rib 61 Mounting surface 61a Wiring housing section (wiring route) 61a1 Wiring passage port 62 Flat surface 63 Flat surface 64 recess 65 Rib 66 Ribs 67 Fan Accommodation 67a Front and rear ribs 67b Front and rear ribs 67c front and rear ribs 68 Front and rear ribs 69 Left and right ribs (reinforcement ribs) 70 Fans 70a Rotating shaft 71 Wiring 75 Duct cover 75a Fan opening 80 Lower hinge (hinge) 81 Hinge stay section 81a base 81b Extension 82 Hinge 83 volts 84. Gusset (reinforcement member) 84a base 84b Upper part 84c lower part 90 Vacuum insulation material (insulation material) 90a front end S Insulation storage space λ Creepage distance

Claims

1. An insulated box with an open front, A partition member that divides the inside of the aforementioned insulated box to form storage compartments above and below, A door is provided in accordance with the storage room and is supported by the insulated box body so as to be openable and closable, A refrigerator equipped with, The partition member is provided with an insulation material storage space in which insulation material is stored. The front of the partition member supports the hinge of the door and also supports a reinforcing member that protrudes into the interior of the insulation storage space. The aforementioned insulation material storage space is provided with a mounting surface on which the vacuum insulation material is placed. The vacuum insulation material is placed on the aforementioned mounting surface within the insulation material storage space, in a position closer to the reinforcing member than the aforementioned mounting surface, and extending beyond the reinforcing member to the aforementioned mounting surface. The aforementioned insulation storage space is filled with foamed insulation material. refrigerator.

2. The lower surface of the partition member is formed with reinforcing ribs that protrude downward and extend in the left-right direction. The reinforcing rib has a notch formed on its upper side. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. Multiple reinforcing ribs are formed at intervals in the front-to-back direction. The refrigerator according to claim 2.

4. The mounting surface is provided with a downwardly recessed wiring path. The aforementioned wiring path houses the wiring, The vacuum insulation material is placed on the mounting surface, covering the wiring. A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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