refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that allows users to easily understand the storage limits of the storage compartment and promotes appropriate storage. [Solution] The refrigerator comprises a refrigerator body with a storage compartment, a cooling means for cooling the air sent into the storage compartment, a first case that is movable back and forth between the inside and outside of the storage compartment and has an open top, and a second case that can be positioned at any position within the first case. The second case comprises a main body with an open top and a handle that protrudes upward from the upper end of the main body and has an opening into which a person's fingers can be inserted. The storage compartment has a predetermined storage limit, which is the upper limit of the upper position of the items stored in the storage compartment. The distance from the lower end of the main body of the second case to the upper end of the handle is equal to the distance from the bottom surface of the first case to the storage limit.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] In a refrigerator, there is known one provided with a storage chamber case that is provided in a pull-out state in the refrigerator and has an opening at the upper part, and a small-item storage case that has an opening at the upper part and is stored in the storage chamber case (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] Alternatively, the refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises a refrigerator body having a storage chamber formed therein, a cooling means for cooling air sent into the storage chamber, a first case that is movable back and forth between the inside and outside of the storage chamber and has an open top, and a second case that can be placed inside the first case, wherein the second case comprises a main body portion with an open top and a hook portion that can be hooked onto the edge of the first case, the storage chamber has a predetermined storage limit which is the upper limit of the upper end position of the items stored inside the storage chamber, and when the second case is installed inside the first case by hooking the hook portion onto the edge of the first case, the upper end of the main body portion is located at the storage limit.

[0008] Alternatively, the refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises a refrigerator body having a storage chamber formed therein, a cooling means for cooling air sent into the storage chamber, a case that is movable back and forth between the inside and outside of the storage chamber and has an open top, and a partition structure that can be positioned at any position inside the case, wherein the partition structure comprises a flat base portion, a first partition portion projecting upward from one end of the base portion, a second partition portion projecting upward from the base portion and having a changeable distance from the first partition portion, and a leg portion provided below the one end of the base portion, wherein the storage chamber has a predetermined storage limit which is the upper limit of the upper end position of the items stored inside the storage chamber, and the distance from the lower end of the leg portion of the partition structure to the upper end of the first partition portion is equal to the distance from the bottom surface inside the case to the storage limit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The refrigerator described herein has the effect of allowing users to easily understand the storage limits for proper use of the storage compartment, thereby promoting the proper storage of items within the storage compartment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic rear view showing the configuration of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the refrigerator storage case according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the configuration of the storage case for the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is a schematic side view showing the configuration of a modified example of the freezer compartment of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a modified example of the freezer compartment of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is a schematic rear view showing the configuration of a modified example of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of another example of a refrigerator storage case according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of another example of a refrigerator storage case according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of another example of a refrigerator storage case according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of another example of a refrigerator storage case according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of another example of a refrigerator storage case according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of the partition structure of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 15] It is a top view showing the configuration of the partition structure of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2. <C [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the partition structure of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 17] It is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the partition structure of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 18] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing the configuration of the partition structure of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 19] It is a perspective view showing an example of the interval fixing means of the partition structure of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 20] It is a bottom view showing an example of the interval fixing means of the partition structure of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view showing an example of the interval fixing means of the partition structure of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 22] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing an example of the interval fixing means of the partition structure of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 23] It is a perspective view showing the configuration of another example of the partition structure of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] <C The embodiments for carrying out the refrigerator according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. In the following description, for convenience, the positional relationship of each structure may be expressed based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure, any combination of the embodiments, deformation of any component of each embodiment, or omission of any component of each embodiment is possible. <C

[0012] Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a refrigerator. Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Figure 3 is a schematic rear view showing the configuration of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the storage case of the refrigerator. Figure 5 is a front view showing the configuration of the storage case of the refrigerator. Figure 6 is a schematic side view showing a modified configuration of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified configuration of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Figure 8 is a schematic rear view showing a modified configuration of the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. Figures 9 to 13 are perspective views showing the configuration of another example of a storage case for the refrigerator.

[0013] Please note that the dimensions and shapes of the components in each diagram may differ from those of the actual components. Also, the positional relationships between the components (e.g., vertical relationships) are, in principle, those of the refrigerator when it is installed in a usable state.

[0014] The refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment has an insulated box body 10 as shown in Figure 1. The insulated box body 10 has an open front to form a storage space inside. The insulated box body 10 has an outer box, an inner box, and an insulating material. The outer box is made of steel. The inner box is made of resin. The inner box is placed inside the outer box. The insulating material is, for example, foamed urethane, vacuum insulating material, etc., and is filled and placed in the space between the outer box and the inner box. The storage space formed inside the insulated box body 10 of the refrigerator body is divided into multiple storage compartments for storing and preserving food by one or more partition members.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the refrigerator body of refrigerator 1 is equipped with multiple storage compartments, such as a refrigerator compartment 2, a switching compartment 3, an ice-making compartment (not shown), a vegetable compartment 4, and a freezer compartment 5. These storage compartments are arranged in a four-tiered vertical configuration within the insulated box 10.

[0016] The refrigerator compartment 2 is located at the top of the insulated box 10. The switching compartment 3 is located on one side below the refrigerator compartment 2. The temperature range of the switching compartment 3 can be selected and switched to one of several temperature ranges. The temperature ranges that can be selected for the switching compartment 3 are, for example, the freezing temperature range (e.g., around -18°C), the refrigeration temperature range (e.g., around 3°C), the chilled temperature range (e.g., around 0°C), and the soft freezing temperature range (e.g., around -7°C). The ice making compartment is located adjacent to the side of the switching compartment 3 and in parallel with it, that is, on the other side below the refrigerator compartment 2.

[0017] The vegetable compartment 4 is located below the switching compartment 3 and the ice-making compartment. The vegetable compartment 4 is a storage compartment mainly for storing vegetables, fruits, etc. The freezer compartment 5 is located at the bottom, below the vegetable compartment 4. The freezer compartment 5 is a storage compartment mainly used for freezing items for relatively long periods of time.

[0018] An opening formed on the front of the refrigerator compartment 2 is provided with a rotating refrigerator door 2a that opens and closes the opening. Here, the refrigerator door 2a is a double-hinged type (French door type) and consists of a right door and a left door. An operation panel 21 is provided on the outer surface of the refrigerator door 2a (for example, the left door) on the front of the refrigerator 1.

[0019] Each storage compartment other than the refrigerator compartment 2 (the convertible compartment 3, the ice maker, the vegetable compartment 4, and the freezer compartment 5) is opened and closed by a pull-out door. These pull-out doors can be opened and closed in the depth direction (front-to-back direction) of the refrigerator 1 by sliding a frame fixed to the door along rails formed horizontally on the left and right inner walls of each storage compartment. In addition, the convertible compartment 3 and the vegetable compartment 4 are each equipped with a pull-out storage case for the convertible compartment 3a and the vegetable compartment 4a, which can store food and other items inside.

[0020] In the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment, a freezer storage case 30 is provided in the freezer compartment 5. The freezer storage case 30 has a bottomed box shape with an open top. The freezer storage case 30 is supported by the frame (not shown) of the freezer door 5a. When the closed freezer door 5a is pulled forward, the freezer storage case 30 moves forward together with the freezer door 5a and is pulled out of the freezer compartment 5. Conversely, when the open freezer door 5a is pushed backward, the freezer storage case 30 moves backward together with the freezer door 5a and is stored inside the freezer compartment 5. The freezer storage case 30 configured in this way is an example of a first case that is provided so as to be movable back and forth between the inside and outside of the freezer compartment 5, which is a storage compartment.

[0021] Refrigerator 1 is equipped with a refrigeration cycle circuit that cools the air supplied to each storage compartment. The refrigeration cycle circuit consists of a compressor 8, a condenser (not shown), a throttle device (not shown), and a cooler 9, etc. The compressor 8 compresses and discharges the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle circuit. The condenser condenses the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 8. The throttle device expands the refrigerant that has flowed out of the condenser. The cooler 9 cools the air supplied to each storage compartment with the refrigerant expanded by the throttle device. The compressor 8 is located, for example, at the bottom of the rear side of refrigerator 1.

[0022] Refrigerator 1 has an air passage 6 for supplying air cooled by the refrigeration cycle circuit to each storage compartment. This air passage 6 is mainly located on the rear side of the refrigerator 1. The refrigeration cycle circuit's cooler 9 is installed within this air passage 6. A blower fan 7 is also installed within the air passage 6 to send the air cooled by the cooler 9 to each storage compartment.

[0023] When the blower fan 7 operates, the air cooled by the cooler 9 (cold air) is sent through the air passage 6 to the freezer compartment 5, the switching compartment 3, the ice maker compartment, and the refrigerator compartment 2, cooling these storage compartments. The vegetable compartment 4 is cooled by introducing the return cold air from the refrigerator compartment 2 into the vegetable compartment 4 via the refrigerator compartment return air passage. The cold air that has cooled the vegetable compartment 4 is returned to the air passage 6 where the cooler 9 is located through the vegetable compartment return air passage (these return air passages are not shown). It is then cooled again by the cooler 9, and the cold air circulates throughout the refrigerator 1.

[0024] A damper (not shown) is provided at an intermediate point in the airflow path 6 leading to each storage chamber. Each damper opens and closes the section of the airflow path 6 that leads to each storage chamber. By changing the open / closed state of the dampers, the amount of cold air supplied to each storage chamber can be adjusted. The temperature of the cold air can also be adjusted by controlling the operation of the compressor 8. The refrigeration cycle circuit consisting of the compressor 8 and cooler 9, the blower fan 7, the airflow path 6, and the dampers, as described above, constitute a cooling means for cooling the air sent into the storage chambers.

[0025] The refrigerator 1 is equipped with a control device 20. The control device 20 is located on the upper part of the rear side of the insulated casing 10 of the refrigerator 1, as shown in Figure 1. The control device 20 is equipped with a control circuit and the like for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1. Each function of the control device 20 is realized by this control circuit.

[0026] The control circuit of the control device 20 includes, for example, a processor and memory (not shown). The control device 20 controls the refrigerator 1 by executing pre-set processes through the execution of a program stored in memory by the processor.

[0027] A processor is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. Memory includes, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, or magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, minidiscs, and DVDs.

[0028] Furthermore, the control circuit of the control device 20 may be formed as dedicated hardware, for example. A part of the control circuit of the control device 20 may be formed as dedicated hardware, and the control circuit may be equipped with a processor and memory. Examples of a control circuit that is formed as dedicated hardware include a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof.

[0029] In the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment, a storage limit is predetermined for the storage compartment. The storage limit is the upper limit of the upper end position of the items stored in the storage compartment. For example, the storage limit is set to the upper limit of the upper end position of the items stored in the storage compartment so that the storage compartment can be properly cooled by the cooling means described above. Alternatively, for example, the storage limit may be set to the upper limit of the upper end position of the items stored in the storage compartment so that the storage compartment can be properly opened and closed. Examples of storage limits will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 3. These figures show an example where the storage compartment is a freezer compartment 5.

[0030] A cold air outlet 5b is formed at the back of the freezer compartment 5. The cold air outlet 5b is connected to the air passage 6. Cold air is blown out from the cold air outlet 5b, cooling the inside of the freezer compartment 5. If the contents stored in the freezer compartment 5 are in contact with the cold air outlet 5b, the smooth diffusion of the cold air blown out from the cold air outlet 5b within the freezer compartment 5 may be obstructed by the contents, potentially hindering proper cooling of the freezer compartment 5 by the cooling means. Therefore, it is advisable to set the storage limit below the lower end of the cold air outlet 5b. In this example, the height of the lower end of the cold air outlet 5b is set as the minimum storage limit.

[0031] Furthermore, if the items stored in the freezer compartment 5 hit the upper wall of the freezer compartment 5, it may hinder the proper opening and closing of the freezer compartment 5, and consequently, improper cooling of the freezer compartment 5 due to insufficient sealing, etc. Therefore, the storage limit should be set to a height no higher than the upper wall of the freezer compartment 5. In this example, the height of the upper wall of the freezer compartment 5 is set as the maximum storage limit. The storage limit of the freezer compartment 5 should then be set appropriately between this minimum and maximum value.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the upper rear portion of the freezer storage case 30, which overlaps with the cold air outlet 5b in a front view, is cut out. This prevents the rear portion of the freezer storage case 30 from overlapping the cold air outlet 5b, thereby preventing the freezer storage case 30 from obstructing the smooth diffusion of the cold air blown out from the cold air outlet 5b.

[0033] The refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a storage case 100. The storage case 100 is an example of a second case that can be placed at any position within the first case, the freezer storage case 30. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the storage case 100 is equipped with a main body 101 and a handle 102. The main body 101 is a bottomed box shape with an open top. The handle 102 is provided protruding upward from the upper end of the main body 101. The handle 102 has an opening 103 into which a person's fingers can be inserted. The distance H from the lower end of the main body 101 of the second case, the storage case 100, to the upper end of the handle 102 is equal to the distance from the bottom surface of the first case, the freezer storage case 30, to the storage limit of the freezer compartment 5. Therefore, when the storage case 100 is placed inside the freezer storage case 30, the upper end of the handle portion 102 of the storage case 100 is positioned precisely at the upper limit of the storage capacity of the freezer compartment 5.

[0034] With the refrigerator 1 configured as described above, the user can easily grasp the storage limit of the storage compartment, that is, the storage limit for proper use of the storage compartment, by using the upper end of the handle portion 102 of the organizer case 100 placed inside the freezer compartment storage case 30 as a guide. Therefore, by using the upper end of the handle portion 102 of the organizer case 100 as a guide when storing items, it is possible to prevent the storage compartment from being hindered by the stored items due to overfilling. Furthermore, by supporting the user in effectively utilizing the space inside the storage compartment up to the storage limit, it is possible to promote proper storage of items inside the storage compartment and improve the storage efficiency of the refrigerator 1.

[0035] Next, a modified example of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In this modified example, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, the freezer compartment 5, which is the storage compartment, is provided with two freezer compartment storage cases 30: a lower freezer compartment storage case 31 and an upper freezer compartment storage case 32. Each of the lower freezer compartment storage case 31 and the upper freezer compartment storage case 32 is a bottomed box shape with an open top. The lower freezer compartment storage case 31 is supported by the frame (not shown) of the freezer compartment door 5a. The upper freezer compartment storage case 32 is placed on top of the lower freezer compartment storage case 31.

[0036] When the closed freezer door 5a is pulled forward, both the lower freezer storage case 31 and the upper freezer storage case 32 move forward together with the freezer door 5a and are pulled out of the freezer compartment 5. Conversely, when the open freezer door 5a is pushed backward, both the lower freezer storage case 31 and the upper freezer storage case 32 move backward together with the freezer door 5a and are stored inside the freezer compartment 5. Furthermore, if only the upper freezer storage case 32 is slid backward while the freezer door 5a is pulled out, only the lower freezer storage case 31 is pulled out. In this state, it is easy to put items in and take them out of the lower freezer storage case 31. Both the lower freezer storage case 31 and the upper freezer storage case 32, configured in this way, are first cases that are provided to be movable back and forth both inside and outside the freezer compartment 5, which is a storage room.

[0037] In this modified configuration, the storage compartment, the freezer compartment 5, has pre-set storage limits corresponding to the lower storage case 31 and the upper storage case 32. A first storage limit is set as the storage limit for items stored in the lower storage case 31. The first storage limit is the upper limit of the upper end position of items stored in the lower storage case 31. For example, the height of the lower end of the cold air outlet 5b is set as the first storage limit. In this way, proper cooling of the freezer compartment 5 by the cooling means is not hindered by the items stored in the lower storage case 31.

[0038] Furthermore, a second storage limit is set as the maximum storage limit for items stored in the upper storage case 32 of the freezer compartment. The second storage limit is the upper limit of the upper edge position of items stored in the upper storage case 32 of the freezer compartment. For example, the height of the upper wall of the freezer compartment 5 is set as the second storage limit. In this way, the opening and closing of the freezer compartment 5 is not obstructed by items stored in the upper storage case 32 of the freezer compartment.

[0039] In this modified example, there are two possible configurations for the storage case 100: one that corresponds to the lower freezer storage case 31 and another that corresponds to the upper freezer storage case 32. When the storage case 100 corresponds to the lower freezer storage case 31, the second case, the storage case 100, is a second case that can be placed at any position within the first case, the lower freezer storage case 31. The distance H from the lower end of the main body 101 of the second case, the storage case 100, to the upper end of the handle 102 is equal to the distance from the bottom surface of the first case, the lower freezer storage case 31, to the first storage limit of the freezer compartment 5. Therefore, when the storage case 100 is placed inside the lower freezer storage case 31, the upper end of the handle 102 of the storage case 100 is located at the first storage limit of the freezer compartment 5.

[0040] Furthermore, if the storage case 100 corresponds to the upper storage case 32 of the freezer compartment, the second case, the storage case 100, is a second case that can be placed at any position within the first case, the upper storage case 32 of the freezer compartment. The distance H from the lower end of the main body 101 of the second case, the storage case 100, to the upper end of the handle 102 is equal to the distance from the bottom surface of the first case, the upper storage case 32 of the freezer compartment, to the second storage limit of the freezer compartment 5. Therefore, when the storage case 100 is placed inside the upper storage case 32 of the freezer compartment, the upper end of the handle 102 of the storage case 100 is located at the second storage limit of the freezer compartment 5.

[0041] Furthermore, if the distance from the bottom surface of the lower freezer storage case 31 to the first storage limit is equal to the distance from the bottom surface of the upper freezer storage case 32 to the second storage limit, the same storage case 100 can be used to accommodate both the lower freezer storage case 31 and the upper freezer storage case 32. In this case, when the storage case 100 is placed in the lower freezer storage case 31, the upper end of the handle portion 102 of the storage case 100 is positioned at the first storage limit of the freezer compartment 5. Then, when the same storage case 100 is placed in the upper freezer storage case 32, the upper end of the handle portion 102 of the storage case 100 is positioned at the second storage limit of the freezer compartment 5.

[0042] With the above modifications, the user can easily determine the maximum storage capacity of either or both of the lower freezer compartment storage case 31 and the upper freezer compartment storage case 32 by using the upper end of the handle portion 102 of the storage case 100 as a guide. Therefore, by using the upper end of the handle portion 102 of the storage case 100 as a guide when storing items, it is possible to prevent the storage compartment from being hindered by the stored items due to overfilling. In addition, it is possible to help the user effectively utilize the space in the storage compartment up to the storage capacity, thereby improving the storage efficiency of the refrigerator 1.

[0043] Furthermore, the external shape of the main body 101 of the storage case 100, from the bottom to the side wall, should be the same as the shape of the inside of the freezer storage case 30, from the bottom to the side wall. In the illustrated example, the external shape of the main body 101 from the bottom to the side wall is R-shaped. Also, the shape of the inside of the freezer storage case 30 from the bottom to the side wall is R-shaped with the same radius of curvature as the R-shaped external shape of the main body 101 from the bottom to the side wall. Note that the external shape of the main body 101 from the bottom to the side wall is not limited to R-shaped; for example, it may be chamfered. By doing so, the storage case 100 can be installed attached to the edge of the freezer storage case 30, and the waste of the internal volume of the freezer storage case 30 can be suppressed.

[0044] Furthermore, the position of the handle portion 102 of the storage case 100 on the main body portion 101 may be changed. The handle portion 102 of the storage case 100 may be detachable from the main body portion 101. Moreover, the position to which the detached handle portion 102 is attached to the main body portion 101 may be changed. However, in this case, even if the position of the handle portion 102 on the main body portion 101 is changed, the distance H from the lower end of the main body portion 101 to the upper end of the handle portion 102 will remain equal to the distance from the bottom surface of the freezer storage case 30 to the upper limit of the freezer compartment 5. That is, the handle portion 102 can change its position relative to the main body portion 101 while maintaining the distance from the lower end of the main body portion 101 to the upper end of the handle portion 102. For example, it is conceivable that the handle portion 102 can be slid along the upper end of the main body portion 101. In this way, the user can adjust the position of the handle portion 102 according to the position and orientation in which the storage case 100 is used, thereby improving convenience.

[0045] Part or all of the storage case 100 may be made of a transparent material that transmits visible light. This allows the user to easily see the contents stored inside the storage case 100.

[0046] Next, several alternative examples of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment will be described. First, the first alternative example will be described with reference to Figure 9. As shown in the figure, in this first alternative example, the storage case 100 is equipped with a hook portion 104. The hook portion 104 can be hooked onto the edge of the freezer compartment storage case 30. In the illustrated example, the hook portion 104 is detachably attached to the main body portion 101 of the storage case 100. By hooking the hook portion 104 onto the edge of the freezer compartment storage case 30, particularly the upper freezer compartment storage case 32, the storage case 100 can be installed inside the upper freezer compartment storage case 32.

[0047] Furthermore, when the storage case 100 is installed inside the storage case 32 by hooking the hook portion 104 onto the edge of the upper storage case 32 of the freezer compartment, the shape and size of the main body 101 and the hook portion 104 of the storage case 100, as well as the attachment position of the hook portion 104 to the main body 101, are adjusted so that the upper end of the storage case 100 is located at the upper storage limit of the freezer compartment 5 (the second storage limit mentioned above).

[0048] Even in this first alternative example, the user can easily determine the maximum storage capacity of the freezer compartment 5 by the upper end of the main body 101 of the storage case 100. Therefore, by using the upper end of the storage case 100 as a guide when storing items, it is possible to prevent the storage compartment from being hindered by the stored items due to overfilling. In addition, it is possible to support the user in effectively utilizing the space in the storage compartment up to the maximum storage capacity, thereby improving the storage efficiency of the refrigerator 1.

[0049] Next, a second alternative example will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. As shown in the figures, in this second alternative example, the storage case 100 comprises a bottom portion 111, a first side wall portion 112, a second side wall portion 113, a third side wall portion 114, and a fourth side wall portion 115. The bottom portion 111 is rectangular, that is, it has two long sides and two short sides. The first side wall portion 112 and the second side wall portion 113 are connected to the long sides of the rectangle of the bottom portion 111, respectively.

[0050] The length of the first side wall portion 112 in the direction perpendicular to the bottom portion 111 is longer than the length of the second side wall portion 113 in the direction perpendicular to the bottom portion 111. In other words, when the storage case 100 is standing upright with the bottom portion 111 facing downwards, the distance from the lower end of the bottom portion 111 to the upper end of the first side wall portion 112 is longer than the distance from the lower end of the bottom portion 111 to the upper end of the second side wall portion 113.

[0051] The third side wall portion 114 and the fourth side wall portion 115 are connected to the shorter side of the rectangle of the base portion 111, the first side wall portion 112, and the second side wall portion 113, respectively. The third side wall portion 114 and the fourth side wall portion 115 have a trapezoidal shape such that the length in the direction perpendicular to the base portion 111 gradually increases from the side of the second side wall portion 113 to the side of the first side wall portion 112.

[0052] When the storage case 100 is placed upright with the bottom portion 111 facing downwards, the distance from the lower end of the bottom portion 111 to the upper end of the first side wall portion 112 is equal to the distance from the bottom of the freezer storage case 30 to the storage limit of the freezer compartment 5. Therefore, when the storage case 100 is placed upright in the freezer storage case 30 with the bottom portion 111 facing downwards, the upper end of the first side wall portion 112 of the storage case 100 is located at the storage limit of the freezer compartment 5. As a result, the user can easily determine the storage limit of the freezer compartment 5 by the upper end of the first side wall portion 112 of the storage case 100. Therefore, by using the upper end of the storage case 100 as a guide for storing items, it is possible to prevent the storage compartment from being hindered by the stored items due to overfilling. In addition, it is possible to support the user in effectively utilizing the space in the storage compartment up to the storage limit, thereby improving the storage efficiency of the refrigerator 1.

[0053] Furthermore, when the storage case 100 is laid down with the first side wall portion 112 facing downwards, the height of the storage case 100 is lower compared to when it is placed upright with the bottom portion 111 facing downwards. In the freezer compartment 5, which has a relatively high internal height, storing the storage case 100 with contents inside in an upright position makes it easy to put in and take out the contents, and also allows for effective use of the internal space. When thawing the contents, the storage case 100 can be laid down after being removed from the freezer compartment 5, allowing the contents inside the storage case 100 to be moved to a storage compartment with a lower internal height, such as the chiller compartment or the convertible compartment 3 in the refrigerator compartment 2, for thawing.

[0054] Furthermore, in the configuration examples shown in Figures 10 and 11, multiple holes are formed in the first side wall 112. This improves convenience, especially when the storage case 100 is used upright, as the contents of the storage case 100 can be seen through the holes in the first side wall 112. In this case, the design can also be improved by making the size and position of the multiple holes in the first side wall 112 random, as shown in the illustrated example.

[0055] Figures 12 and 13 show a modified version of a second alternative example of the storage case 100. In the configuration examples shown in these figures, the shapes of the third side wall 114 and the fourth side wall 115 are changed from trapezoidal to rectangular. In addition, the multiple holes formed in the first side wall 112 are arranged in a regular, slit-like manner. Furthermore, a partition 116 is added to the third side wall 114. The partition 116 can be attached to any position on the third side wall 114. Alternatively, the partition 116 may be attached to the fourth side wall 115.

[0056] Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 23. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a refrigerator partition structure. Figure 15 is a top view showing the configuration of a refrigerator partition structure. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a refrigerator partition structure. Figure 17 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a refrigerator partition structure. Figure 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing the configuration of a refrigerator partition structure. Figures 19 and 21 are perspective views showing examples of spacing fixing means for a refrigerator partition structure. Figure 20 is a bottom view showing an example of spacing fixing means for a refrigerator partition structure. Figure 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing an example of spacing fixing means for a refrigerator partition structure. Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another example of a refrigerator partition structure.

[0057] Embodiment 2, described here, is a configuration of Embodiment 1 described above, but with a partition structure instead of, or in addition to, the storage case. Below, the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2 will be described, focusing on the differences from Embodiment 1. Configurations that are not described are basically the same as those in Embodiment 1. In the following description, configurations that are the same as or corresponding to those in Embodiment 1 will, in principle, be denoted by the same reference numerals used in the description of Embodiment 1.

[0058] The refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment includes a partition structure 200. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the partition structure 200 includes a base portion 210, a first partition portion 220, and a second partition portion 230. The base portion 210 is flat. The first partition portion 220 is provided projecting upward from one end of the base portion 210. In the configuration example described here, the base portion 210 and the first partition portion 220 are integrally molded and have an L-shape when viewed from the front as a whole. The second partition portion 230 is provided projecting upward from the intermediate portion between the aforementioned one end and the other end of the base portion 210.

[0059] The first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230 are each flat. The first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230 are arranged parallel to each other. The partition structure 200 can store items with items sandwiched between the first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230. The second partition section 230 is provided so as to be movable on the base section 210 in a direction perpendicular to the first partition section 220. This allows the distance between the second partition section 230 and the first partition section 220 to be changed. Therefore, the distance between the first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230 can be changed according to the amount and thickness of the items to be stored sandwiched between them.

[0060] In the configuration example described here, as shown in Figures 14 to 17, a pair of elongated groove-shaped guide holes 211 are formed in the base portion 210. These guide holes 211 extend in a direction perpendicular to the first partition portion 220. Furthermore, this pair of guide holes 211 are arranged in parallel. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, a projection 231 is provided at the lower end of the second partition portion 230. The projection 231 has a shape that is thick at the tip and narrows in the middle. In a part of the guide hole 211, specifically at the end of the first partition portion 220 in the illustrated example, the hole is larger. At this point, the entire projection 231, including its tip, can pass through the guide hole 211. On the other hand, the width of the hole in other parts of the guide hole 211 is matched to the narrowed middle portion of the projection 231, and the tip of the projection 231 cannot pass through. Therefore, the second partition 230 can be moved along the guide hole 211 without detaching from the base 210.

[0061] The partition structure 200 is further provided with legs 212. The legs 212 are provided on the underside of one end of the base 210, that is, on the underside of the first partition 220. As shown in Figure 18, the legs 212 widen as they move away from the base 210, that is, as they go downwards. The angle θ in Figure 18 is, for example, between 10° and 45°. By providing such legs 212, the partition structure 200 can be made to stand stably on its own.

[0062] The distance from the lower end of the leg portion 212 of the partition structure 200 to the upper end of the first partition portion 220 is equal to the distance from the bottom surface inside the freezer storage case 30 to the aforementioned storage limit of the freezer compartment 5. Therefore, when the partition structure 200 is placed inside the freezer storage case 30, the upper end of the first partition portion 220 of the partition structure 200 is positioned precisely at the storage limit of the freezer compartment 5.

[0063] Furthermore, the user can easily grasp the storage limit of the storage compartment, that is, the storage limit for proper use of the storage compartment, by the upper end of the first partition portion 220 of the partition structure 200 placed inside the freezer storage case 30. Therefore, by storing items up to the upper end of the first partition portion 220 of the partition structure 200, the user can prevent the storage compartment from being hindered by the stored items due to overfilling. In addition, by supporting the user in effectively utilizing the space inside the storage compartment up to the storage limit, the proper storage of items inside the storage compartment can be promoted, and the storage efficiency of the refrigerator 1 can be improved. Thus, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved even with a refrigerator configured as described above.

[0064] The partition structure 200 may further include spacing fixing means capable of fixing the distance between the first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230. Several examples of spacing fixing means will be described with reference to Figures 19 to 22. As a first example of spacing fixing means, a magnet 214 may be provided on the base section 210, as shown in Figure 19. In this case, the second partition section 230 is also provided with a magnet that attracts the magnet 214 of the base section 210. In this way, the second partition section 230 can be fixed at the position of the magnet 214 of the base section 210. Therefore, when stored items are placed between the first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230, it is possible to prevent the distance between the first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230 from being unintentionally changed.

[0065] Alternatively, as a second example of a spacing fixing means, as shown in Figure 20, a recess 213 may be formed on the back surface of the base portion 210 into which the tip of the projection 231 of the second partition portion 230 fits. By fitting the tip of the projection 231 into the recess 213, unintended movement of the second partition portion 230 can be suppressed. Furthermore, as a third example of a spacing fixing means, the second partition portion 230 and the base portion 210 may be clamped together using a clip 240 as shown in Figures 21 and 22, thereby suppressing displacement of the second partition portion 230 relative to the base portion 210.

[0066] The partition structure 200, particularly the first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230, may be made of a transparent material that transmits visible light, in whole or in part. This allows the user to easily see the items stored between the first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230 of the partition structure 200.

[0067] Next, with reference to Figure 23, another example of the partition structure 200 according to this embodiment will be described. In the example configuration shown in the figure, the partition structure 200 comprises a first partition section 220 and a second partition section 230. The first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230 are connected at one end. The connection between the first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230 is bendable. By changing the angle between the first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230, the inside of the freezer storage case 30 can be partitioned with the partition structure 200 according to the storage state, etc.

[0068] The distance from the lower end to the upper end of the first partition section 220 and the distance from the lower end to the upper end of the second partition section 230 are equal to the distance from the bottom surface inside the freezer storage case 30 to the aforementioned storage limit of the freezer compartment 5. Therefore, when the partition structure 200 is placed inside the freezer storage case 30, the upper ends of the first partition section 220 and the second partition section 230 of the partition structure 200 are positioned precisely at the storage limit of the freezer compartment 5. Thus, even with such a partition structure 200, the user can easily grasp the storage limit of the storage compartment, that is, the storage limit for properly using the storage compartment. This makes it possible to promote the proper storage of items inside the storage compartment.

[0069] In this disclosure, the embodiments may be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Examples of various embodiments of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix. (Note 1) A refrigerator body with a storage compartment formed therein, A cooling means for cooling the air supplied to the storage chamber, A first case is provided that is movable back and forth between the inside and outside of the storage chamber, and has an open top. The first case comprises a second case which can be positioned at any location within the first case, The first two cases are, The main body has an open top, The main body portion is provided with a handle portion that protrudes upward from the upper end and has an opening into which a person's fingers can be inserted, The aforementioned storage chamber has a predetermined storage limit, which is the upper limit of the upper position of the items stored inside the storage chamber. A refrigerator in which the distance from the lower end of the main body of the second case to the upper end of the handle is equal to the distance from the bottom surface of the first case to the upper limit of storage space. (Note 2) The refrigerator according to Appendix 1, wherein the handle portion is capable of changing its position relative to the main body while maintaining the distance from the lower end of the main body to the upper end of the handle portion. (Note 3) The refrigerator as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the external shape of the second case from the bottom surface to the side wall of the main body is the same as the shape of the first case from the bottom surface to the side wall. (Note 4) A refrigerator body with a storage compartment formed therein, A cooling means for cooling the air supplied to the storage chamber, A first case is provided that is movable back and forth between the inside and outside of the storage chamber, and has an open top. A second case that can be placed inside the first case is provided, The first case is, The main body has an open top, The first case is equipped with a hook portion that can be hooked onto the edge, The aforementioned storage chamber has a predetermined storage limit, which is the upper limit of the upper position of the items stored inside the storage chamber. A refrigerator in which the second case is placed inside the first case by hooking the aforementioned hooking part onto the edge of the first case, and the upper end of the main body is located at the upper limit of the storage space. (Note 5) The second case described above is a refrigerator, part or all of which is made of transparent material, as described in any one of the items in Appendix 1 to Appendix 4. (Note 6) A refrigerator body with a storage compartment formed therein, A cooling means for cooling the air supplied to the storage chamber, A case is provided that is movable back and forth between the inside and outside of the storage chamber, and has an open top. The case comprises a partition structure that can be placed at any position within the case, The aforementioned partition structure is A flat base section, A first partition portion is provided projecting upward from one end of the base portion, A second partition portion is provided, which protrudes upward from the base portion and whose distance from the first partition portion can be changed. The base portion comprises a leg portion provided on the lower side of one end of the base portion, The aforementioned storage chamber has a predetermined storage limit, which is the upper limit of the upper position of the items stored inside the storage chamber. A refrigerator in which the distance from the lower end of the legs of the partition structure to the upper end of the first partition is equal to the distance from the bottom surface inside the case to the upper limit of storage. (Note 7) The refrigerator described in Appendix 6, wherein part or all of the first partition and the second partition are made of a transparent material. (Note 8) The refrigerator according to Appendix 6 or Appendix 7, wherein the partition structure further comprises spacing fixing means capable of fixing the distance between the first partition and the second partition. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1. Refrigerator 2. Refrigerator compartment 2a Refrigerator door 3. Switching Room 3a Switching chamber storage case 4. Vegetable compartment 4a Vegetable compartment storage case 5. Freezer 5a Freezer door 5b Cold air outlet 6 Wind path 7. Blower fan 8 Compressor 9 Cooler 10 Insulated box 20 Control device 30 Freezer Storage Cases 31 Storage case for the bottom of the freezer 32 Freezer compartment top storage case 100 Storage Cases 101 Main body 102 Handle section 103 Aperture 104 Hook part 111 Bottom part 112 First side wall section 113 Second side wall section 114 Third side wall section 115 Fourth side wall section 116 dividers 200 partition structure 210 Base 211 Guide hole 212 Legs 213 Recess 214 Magnets 220 First partition section 230 Second partition section 231 Protrusion 240 clips

Claims

1. A refrigerator body with a storage compartment formed therein, A cooling means for cooling the air supplied to the storage chamber, A first case is provided that is movable back and forth between the inside and outside of the storage chamber and has an open top, The first case comprises a second case which can be placed at any position within the first case, The two cases mentioned above are: The main body has an open top, The main body portion is provided with a handle portion that protrudes upward from the upper end and has an opening into which a person's fingers can be inserted, The aforementioned storage chamber has a predetermined storage limit, which is the upper limit of the upper position of the items stored inside the storage chamber. A refrigerator in which the distance from the lower end of the main body of the second case to the upper end of the handle is equal to the distance from the bottom surface of the first case to the upper limit of storage space.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the handle portion is capable of changing its position relative to the main body while maintaining the distance from the lower end of the main body to the upper end of the handle portion.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the external shape of the second case from the bottom surface to the side wall of the main body is the same as the shape of the first case from the bottom surface to the side wall.

4. A refrigerator body with a storage compartment formed therein, A cooling means for cooling the air supplied to the storage chamber, A first case is provided that is movable back and forth between the inside and outside of the storage chamber and has an open top, A second case that can be placed inside the first case is provided, The two cases mentioned above are: The main body has an open top, The first case comprises a hook portion that can be hooked onto the edge, The aforementioned storage chamber has a predetermined storage limit, which is the upper limit of the upper position of the items stored inside the storage chamber. A refrigerator in which the second case is placed inside the first case by hooking the aforementioned hooking part onto the edge of the first case, and the upper end of the main body is located at the upper limit of the storage space.

5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein part or all of the second case is made of a transparent material.

6. A refrigerator body with a storage compartment formed therein, A cooling means for cooling the air supplied to the storage chamber, A case is provided that is movable back and forth between the inside and outside of the storage chamber, and has an open top. The case comprises a partition structure that can be placed at any position within the case, The aforementioned partition structure is A flat base section, A first partition portion is provided projecting upward from one end of the base portion, A second partition portion is provided, which protrudes upward from the base portion and whose distance from the first partition portion can be changed. The base portion comprises a leg portion provided on the lower side of one end of the base portion, The aforementioned storage chamber has a predetermined storage limit, which is the upper limit of the upper position of the items stored inside the storage chamber. A refrigerator in which the distance from the lower end of the leg portion of the partition structure to the upper end of the first partition portion is equal to the distance from the bottom surface inside the case to the upper limit of storage.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein part or all of the first partition and the second partition are made of a transparent material.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the partition structure further comprises spacing fixing means capable of fixing the distance between the first partition and the second partition.

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