refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that effectively increases storage capacity without making the user feel cramped. [Solution] The refrigerator of the present invention comprises: an insulated box body having an opening at the front and having a fixed partition; a first drawer door that can be moved back and forth to open and close a part of the opening; a container supported behind the first drawer door; a second drawer door that can be moved back and forth to open and close another part or the remainder of the opening and is adjacent to the upper or lower side of the first drawer door; and a movable partition disposed in the insulated box body that can be displaced between a sealed position and a retracted position relative to the fixed partition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] A partition member is provided at the front opening between the storage chambers adjacent above and below the refrigerator. However, this partition member creates a dead space inside the cabinet and limits the storage volume. Therefore, a refrigerator with a devised configuration of the partition member has been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1, a refrigerator is disclosed in which the partition member is composed of a fixed partition member and a movable partition member, and in the closed state of the door, the movable partition member is brought into contact with the fixed partition member to be sealed, and in the open state of the door, the movable partition member is operated to move away from the fixed partition member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the movable partition member is provided on the door, there is a possibility of giving a feeling of oppression to the user when the door is in the open state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the aforementioned problems, for example, the configuration described in the claims is adopted. The refrigerator of the present invention includes a plurality of means for solving the aforementioned problems, but to give one example, it comprises an insulated box body having an opening at the front and having a fixed partition, a first drawer door that can be moved back and forth so as to be able to open and close a part of the opening, a container supported behind the first drawer door, a second drawer door that can be moved back and forth so as to be able to open and close another part or the remainder of the opening and is adjacent to the upper or lower side of the first drawer door, and a movable partition disposed in the insulated box body that can be displaced to a sealed position and a retracted position relative to the fixed partition. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A front view of the refrigerator according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3A] A side view (door open) showing the door upper link system, which is the first example of a power transmission mechanism for retraction. [Figure 3B] A side view showing the door upper link system, which is the first example of a power transmission mechanism for retraction (door closing operation in progress). [Figure 3C] A side view showing the door upper link system, which is the first example of a power transmission mechanism for retraction (door closed). [Figure 4A] A side view (door open) showing a second example of a power transmission mechanism for retraction, which is a door lower link system. [Figure 4B] A side view showing a second example of a power transmission mechanism for retraction, the door lower link system (during door closing operation). [Figure 4C] A side view showing a second example of a power transmission mechanism for retraction, the door lower link system (door closed). [Figure 5A] A side view (door open) showing the internal link system, a third example of a power transmission mechanism for retraction. [Figure 5B] A side view showing the internal link system, a third example of a power transmission mechanism for retraction (during door closing operation). [Figure 5C] A side view (with the door closed) showing the internal link system, which is a third example of a power transmission mechanism for retraction. [Figure 6A]Side view (door closed state) showing the wire method which is the first example of the power transmission mechanism for retraction. [Figure 6B] Side view (door open state) showing the wire method which is the first example of the power transmission mechanism for retraction. [Figure 7A] Side view (door closed state) showing the telescopic rod method which is the second example of the power transmission mechanism for retraction. [Figure 7B] Side view (door open state) showing the telescopic rod method which is the second example of the power transmission mechanism for retraction. [Figure 8A] Side view (door closed state) showing the four-bar link method which is the third example of the power transmission mechanism for retraction. [Figure 8B] Side view (door open state) showing the four-bar link method which is the third example of the power transmission mechanism for retraction. [Figure 9] Conceptual diagram explaining the problems in Example 2. [Figure 10A] Side view (door closed state) showing the basic configuration of the fixed partition and the movable partition according to the modified example of Example 2. [Figure 10B] Side view (during door opening operation) showing the basic configuration of the fixed partition and the movable partition according to the modified example of Example 2. [Figure 10C] Side view (door open state) showing the basic configuration of the fixed partition and the movable partition according to the modified example of Example 2. [Figure 11A] Diagram (perspective view) showing the state when the movable partition according to the modified example of Example 2 is in the sealing position. [Figure 11B] Diagram (front view) showing the state when the movable partition according to the modified example of Example 2 is in the sealing position. [Figure 11C] Diagram (side view) showing the state when the movable partition according to the modified example of Example 2 is in the sealing position. [Figure 12A] Diagram (perspective view) showing the state when the movable partition according to the modified example of Example 2 is in the retracted position. [Figure 12B] Diagram (front view) showing the state when the movable partition according to the modified example of Example 2 is in the retracted position. [Figure 12C] Diagram (side view) showing the state when the movable partition according to the modified example of Example 2 is in the retracted position. [Figure 13]Perspective view showing the configuration of the evacuation power transmission mechanism in the modification of Example 2. [Figure 14A] Side view showing the operation of the evacuation power transmission mechanism according to the modification of Example 2 (closed state of the lower freezer compartment and upper container). [Figure 14B] Side view showing the operation of the evacuation power transmission mechanism according to the modification of Example 2 (during the opening operation of the lower freezer compartment and upper container). [Figure 14C] Side view showing the operation of the evacuation power transmission mechanism according to the modification of Example 2 (open state of the lower freezer compartment and upper container). [Figure 15A] Side view showing the positional relationship when the second rack inside the storage is moved forward by a gear. [Figure 15B] Side view showing the positional relationship when the second rack inside the storage is returned backward by a tension spring. [Figure 16A] Vertical cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the fixed partition and the movable partition when the lower freezer compartment door is slightly open. [Figure 16B] Vertical cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the fixed partition and the movable partition when the lower freezer compartment door is closed. [Figure 17] Enlarged view of the portion indicated by the broken line X in FIG. 16B. [Figure 18] Front view showing the configuration of the fixed partition and the movable partition according to Example 3. [Figure 19] Front view showing the configuration of the fixed partition and the movable partition according to Modification 1 of Example 3. [Figure 20] Vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the movable partition according to Modification 2 of Example 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In this specification, the left and right directions mean the left and right when the user views the refrigerator from the front.

[0008] <Overall Configuration of the Refrigerator> First, the overall configuration of the refrigerator according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view of the refrigerator according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view AA of Figure 1.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 has storage compartments in the following order from top to bottom: a refrigerator compartment 2, ice-making compartments 3 and an upper freezer compartment 4 located on the left and right sides, a lower freezer compartment 5, and a vegetable compartment 6. Each compartment has an insulated door at its front opening to open and close these openings. The arrangement of each storage compartment is not limited to this.

[0010] The insulated door consists of a rotating refrigerator compartment door 2a, 2b that rotates around a hinge (not shown), a pull-out ice maker compartment door 3a, an upper freezer compartment door 4a, a lower freezer compartment door 5a, and a vegetable compartment door 6a.

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the insulated casing of the refrigerator 1 comprises an outer casing made of steel plate and an inner casing 8 made of synthetic resin. Foamed insulation material 9, such as rigid polyurethane foam, is provided in the space formed by the outer casing and the inner casing 8 to insulate each storage compartment inside the insulated casing from the outside. The outer casing consists of a top panel 7a, left and right side panels (not shown), a back panel 7d, and a bottom panel 7e. For example, the top panel 7a and the side panels are formed integrally by bending, while the back panel 7d and bottom panel 7e are attached later and fixed to the top panel 7a and side panels to form a single unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the refrigerator compartment 2, the ice-making compartment 3, and the upper freezer compartment 4 are separated by an insulating partition wall 12, and the lower freezer compartment 5 and the vegetable compartment 6 are separated by an insulating partition wall 13. In addition, the front sides of each storage compartment, the ice-making compartment 3, the upper freezer compartment 4, and the lower freezer compartment 5, are provided with an insulating partition wall 14 to prevent air circulation between the inside and outside of the compartment through the gap between the bottom surface of the ice-making compartment door 3a and the upper surface of the upper freezer compartment door 4a, and an insulating partition wall 15 (see Figure 1) to prevent air circulation between the inside and outside of the compartment through the gap between the right side of the ice-making compartment door 3a and the left side of the upper freezer compartment door 4a. Furthermore, an insulating partition wall 16 (see Figure 1) is rotatably attached to the inside of the right end of the refrigerator compartment door 2a to prevent air circulation between the inside and outside of the compartment through the gap between the doors 2a and 2b when the refrigerator compartment doors 2a and 2b are closed (see Figure 1).

[0013] The ice-making compartment 3 houses an ice-making container 30 that is pulled out together with the ice-making compartment door 3a, and the upper freezer compartment 4 houses an upper freezer compartment container 40 that is pulled out together with the upper freezer compartment door 4a. The lower freezer compartment 5 houses a lower freezer compartment middle container 52 and a lower freezer compartment lower container 53 that are pulled out together with the lower freezer compartment door 5a, and the vegetable compartment 6 houses a vegetable compartment upper container 61 and a vegetable compartment lower container 62 that are pulled out together with the vegetable compartment door 6a. The lower freezer compartment upper container 51, which is installed above the lower freezer compartment 5, is supported by a guide rail (not shown) molded into the inner box 8, and is designed to remain inside the compartment when the lower freezer compartment door 5a is pulled out, rather than being pulled out together with the lower freezer compartment door 5a.

[0014] Furthermore, the refrigerator 1 is equipped with coolers for cooling each storage compartment to a predetermined temperature range. In this embodiment, a first cooler 10a is provided for cooling the refrigerator compartment 2, and a second cooler 10b is provided for cooling the ice-making compartment 3, the upper freezer compartment 4, the lower freezer compartment 5, and the vegetable compartment 6, but the number of coolers and the storage compartments to be cooled are not limited to these. A compressor 11 for compressing the refrigerant, a heat dissipation means (condenser and heat dissipation pipe, not shown) for dissipating heat from the refrigerant sent from the compressor 11, a pressure reducing means (capillary tube, not shown) for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant sent from the heat dissipation means, and a cooler (evaporator) for which the refrigerant sent from the pressure reducing means evaporates and cools the air are connected to constitute a refrigeration cycle.

[0015] <Configuration of the insulated partition wall 14> Behind the insulated partition wall 14, there was a dead space where food could not be stored because the insulated partition wall 14 acted as an obstacle. Therefore, in this embodiment, the insulated partition wall 14 is divided into a fixed partition and a movable partition, and the height dimension of the fixed partition is reduced. The following will be explained in detail mainly using Examples 1 to 3. [Examples]

[0016] Example 1 will be described based on Figures 3A-5C. In Example 1, a movable partition is placed on the upper inside of the lower freezer compartment door 5a.

[0017] In Example 1, the movable partition has an upward-facing surface and is biased upward by an elastic force such as a compression spring. Therefore, when the lower freezer door 5a is closed, it contacts the fixed partition and seals the space inside the lower freezer compartment 5. However, if the movable partition moves horizontally while maintaining the same vertical position as when the lower freezer door 5a is closed, the movable partition will rub against the fixed partition as it moves horizontally, creating resistance during the opening and closing of the door, which may worsen operability for the user. If the resistance during the opening and closing of the door is reduced, the airtightness of the lower freezer compartment 5 will decrease.

[0018] Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the movable partition is moved in two actions to different vertical directions during the opening and closing operation of the lower freezer door 5a. Specifically, when closing the lower freezer door 5a, the movable partition is retracted downward as it approaches the fixed partition, and just before closing, the movable partition is returned upward to come into contact with the fixed partition. On the other hand, when opening the lower freezer door 5a, the movable partition is first retracted downward immediately after closing, and then returned upward as it moves away from the fixed partition.

[0019] The power to move the movable partition downward to retract it is generated by the relative displacement between the lower freezer door 5a and the inside of the freezer compartment when the user opens and closes the lower freezer door 5a, and this power is transmitted to the movable partition. Several variations are possible for transmitting the power for retraction to the movable partition, so three examples of typical power transmission mechanisms for retraction are described below.

[0020] <Door top link system> Figures 3A-3C are side views showing the first example of a retraction power transmission mechanism, which is a door upper link system. Figure 3A shows the door in the open state, Figure 3B shows the door in the middle of closing, and Figure 3C shows the door in the closed state.

[0021] The movable partition 54a is attached to the upper inner surface of the lower freezer compartment door 5a via a compression spring 55 and is biased upward by the elastic force of the compression spring 55. One end of the link mechanism 56a is supported by the movable partition 54a, and the other end of the link mechanism 56a extends rearward and has a sliding contact part 57 such as a roller at its tip. The movable partition 54a has the full width spanning from the left end to the right end of the lower freezer compartment door 5a, and the compression spring 55 and link mechanism 56a are provided only at the left and right ends.

[0022] On the other hand, a fixed partition 80a is installed on the inside of the refrigerator, that is, at the lower front end of the ice-making compartment 3 and the upper freezer compartment 4, and at the upper front end of the lower freezer compartment 5. Furthermore, below the fixed partition 80a, on the right and left sides of the inner box 8 that partitions the lower freezer compartment 5, an inside guide 81a is provided. Since the sliding contact portion 57 of the link mechanism 56a moves up and down while contacting the inside guide 81a, it is desirable to form inclined surfaces on the front and rear upper surfaces of the inside guide 81a.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3A, when the door is open, the sliding contact portion 57 of the link mechanism 56a does not come into contact with the interior guide 81a, so basically no force from the link mechanism 56a acts on the movable partition 54a. Therefore, the upper surface of the movable partition 54a protrudes higher than the upper end of the lower freezer door 5a and the lower end of the fixed partition 80a due to the elastic force of the compression spring 55.

[0024] Next, as shown in Figure 3B, when the lower freezer door 5a is closed to a predetermined position (where the movable partition 54a is close to the fixed partition 80a), the sliding contact portion 57 on the other end of the link mechanism 56a comes into contact with the front of the interior guide 81a and rides up. As a result, one end of the link mechanism 56a descends, and the movable partition 54a moves downward against the elastic force of the compression spring 55. Therefore, the upward-facing surface material on the movable partition 54a can be retracted from the fixed partition 80a while maintaining its position.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3C, when the door is closed, the sliding contact portion 57 on the other end of the link mechanism 56a passes over the upper surface of the interior guide 81a and descends to the rear of the interior guide 81a. As a result, one end of the link mechanism 56a rises, and the movable partition 54a moves upward accordingly. Therefore, the upward-facing surface material on the movable partition 54a can be pressed against the fixed partition 80a while maintaining its orientation. At this time, the movable partition 54a is sealed by the elastic force of the compression spring 55, so the inside of the lower freezer compartment 5 can be reliably sealed regardless of the user's operating force when closing the door. In addition, the series of movements just before the lower freezer compartment door 5a closes acts as a door closer function utilizing the elastic force of the compression spring 55.

[0026] Furthermore, when opening the door, the movement is the opposite of what was described above. Because the elastic force of the compression spring 55 acts in the vertical direction, the force required when the user pulls out the closed lower freezer door 5a is relatively small, resulting in high operability.

[0027] <Door bottom link system> Figures 4A-4C are side views showing a second example of a retraction power transmission mechanism, which is a door lower link system. Figure 4A shows the door in the open position, Figure 4B shows the door in the middle of closing, and Figure 4C shows the door in the closed position.

[0028] The movable partition 54b is attached to the upper inside of the lower freezer door 5a via a compression spring 55, similar to the upper door link system described above, and is biased upward by the elastic force of the compression spring 55. Also, similar to the upper door link system described above, one end of the link mechanism 56b is supported by the movable partition 54b, and the other end of the link mechanism 56b is equipped with a sliding contact part 57 such as a roller at its tip. However, in this system, unlike the upper door link system described above, the link mechanism 56b is provided at the bottom of the lower freezer door 5a. Specifically, one end of the link mechanism 56b is supported by the inner plate of the lower freezer door 5a, and the other end of the link mechanism 56b is supported by the frame 50 of the lower freezer door 5a. The frame 50 extends rearward from the inner plate of the lower freezer door 5a and slides against a rail (not shown) on the inside of the compartment. The frame 50 supports the aforementioned lower freezer compartment lower container 53, and since food is stored in this container, the link mechanism 56b is difficult for users to see and prevents users from touching it.

[0029] On the other hand, the fixed partition 80a is installed in the same position as in the door upper link system described above. However, unlike the door upper link system described above, in this system, the interior guide 81b is provided on the left and right sides of the lower part of the lower freezer compartment 5. The shape of the interior guide 81b is the same as in the door upper link system described above.

[0030] The movements during closing and opening are the same as those of the door upper link system described above, so we will omit the explanation.

[0031] <Internal Link System> Figures 5A-5C are side views showing a third example of a power transmission mechanism for retraction, which is an internal link system. Figure 5A shows the door in the open position, Figure 5B shows the door in the middle of closing, and Figure 5C shows the door in the closed position.

[0032] The movable partition 54c is attached to the upper inner surface of the lower freezer door 5a via a compression spring 55, as in the aforementioned methods, and is biased upward by the elastic force of the compression spring 55. However, in this method, the movable partition is not supported by a link mechanism. In addition, in this method, a magnetic member 58 such as a magnet is placed on the rear side surface of the movable partition 54c. Furthermore, in this method, a door-side guide 59 is provided on the upper front side of the frame 50 of the lower freezer door 5a. Since the sliding contact portion 84 of the link mechanism 82a, described later, contacts the door-side guide 59 as it moves up and down, it is desirable to form inclined surfaces on the upper front and rear sides of the door-side guide 59.

[0033] On the other hand, the fixed partition 80a is installed in the same position as in each of the aforementioned methods. However, in this method, as mentioned above, a door-side guide 59 is provided, so an interior-side guide is not provided. In addition, in this method, a link mechanism 82a is provided on the left and right sides of the lower freezer compartment 5.

[0034] One end (front) of the link mechanism in this system is supported on the left and right sides of the lower freezer compartment 5 in a state where it can move vertically, and a magnetic member 83 such as a magnet is placed on its upper front side, and a sliding contact part 84 such as a roller is placed on its lower front end. Note that the magnetic member 58 placed on the movable partition 54c and the magnetic member 83 placed on the link mechanism 82a do not both need to be magnets; if one is a magnet, the other may be an iron plate or something similar. The other end (rear) of the link mechanism 82a in this system is fixed to the left and right sides of the lower freezer compartment 5.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5A, when the door is open, the sliding contact portion 84 of the link mechanism 82a is not in contact with the door-side guide 59, and the magnetic member 83 of the link mechanism 82a is in a low position. At this time, there is almost no magnetic attraction force between the magnetic member 83 of the link mechanism 82a and the magnetic member 58 of the movable partition 54c, so the upper surface of the movable partition 54c protrudes higher than the upper end of the lower freezer door 5a and the lower end of the fixed partition 80a due to the elastic force of the compression spring 55.

[0036] Next, as shown in Figure 5B, when the lower freezer door 5a is closed to a predetermined position (where the movable partition 54c is close to the fixed partition 80a), the rear side of the door-side guide 59 comes into contact with the sliding contact portion 84 of the link mechanism 82a, causing the sliding contact portion 84 of the link mechanism 82a to ride up onto the upper surface of the door-side guide 59. As a result, the magnetic member 83 of the link mechanism 82a rises and approaches the magnetic member 58 of the movable partition 54c, causing the movable partition 54c to move downward against the elastic force of the compression spring 55 due to magnetic attraction. Consequently, the upward-facing surface material on the movable partition 54c is able to retract from the fixed partition 80a while maintaining its orientation.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5C, when the door is closed, the sliding contact portion 84 of the link mechanism 82a passes over the upper surface of the door-side guide 59 and descends to the front of the door-side guide 59. As a result, the magnetic member 83 of the link mechanism 82a descends and separates from the magnetic member 58 of the movable partition 54c, thus weakening the magnetic attraction force. Consequently, the elastic force of the compression spring 55 becomes dominant, and the movable partition 54c moves upward. Therefore, the upward-facing surface material on the movable partition 54c can be pressed against the fixed partition 80a while maintaining its orientation.

[0038] Furthermore, when opening the door, the movement is the opposite of what was described above. Unlike the methods described above, in this system the link mechanism 82a is located on the inside of the storage compartment, making it less visible to the user. In addition, the load on the lower freezer door 5a is small, and the user's operating force is reduced when opening and closing the door.

[0039] <Effects of Example 1> The main effects common to the aforementioned different power transmission mechanisms for retraction are explained below. First, because the height dimension of the fixed partition 80a installed on the inside of the freezer can be reduced, it is possible to substantially increase the volume of food that can be stored in the container supported by the lower freezer door 5a. Also, unlike the insulating partition wall 16 which seals while rotating, the movable partition seals against the fixed partition 80a while moving vertically upward, which not only makes it easier to align parts and reduces production variations, but also reduces the resistance when the user opens and closes the lower freezer door 5a. Furthermore, because the movable partition is sealed by the elastic force of the compression spring 55, the inside of the lower freezer 5 can be reliably sealed regardless of the user's operating force when closing the door. [Examples]

[0040] Example 2 will be explained with reference to Figures 6A-8B. In Example 2, a movable partition is placed on the inside of the freezer compartment. The movable partition in Example 2 is rotatably connected to the fixed partition. When the lower freezer door 5a is closed, the movable partition in Example 2 is positioned below the fixed partition (sealing position) to seal the lower freezer compartment 5, and when the lower freezer door 5a is open, it is retracted behind the fixed partition (retracted position) so as not to obstruct the loading and unloading of food.

[0041] In Embodiment 2, a torsion spring is built into the rotation axis of the movable partition, and the elastic force of the torsion spring biases the movable partition in a direction that positions it below the fixed partition. When the lower freezer door 5a is open, power is applied to the movable partition in a rearward and upward direction to retract it behind the fixed partition, against the elastic force of the torsion spring. The power to retract the movable partition is generated as in Embodiment 1 by the relative displacement between the lower freezer door 5a and the inside of the compartment when the user opens and closes the lower freezer door 5a, and is transmitted to the movable partition. Several variations are possible for transmitting the power for retraction to the movable partition, so three examples of representative power transmission mechanisms for retraction will be described below.

[0042] <Wire system> Figures 6A and 6B are side views showing a wire-type, which is a first example of a retraction power transmission mechanism, with Figure 6A showing the door in the closed position and Figure 6B showing the door in the open position.

[0043] The fixed partition 80b is attached to the inside of the refrigerator, similar to Embodiment 1, that is, to the lower front end of the ice-making compartment 3 and the upper freezer compartment 4, and to the upper front end of the lower freezer compartment 5. The movable partition 85 is supported by the fixed partition 80b so that it can rotate about the axis of rotation in the left-right direction. Furthermore, as described above, a torsion spring (not shown) is provided between the movable partition 85 and the fixed partition 80b, and in Figures 6A and 6B, the movable partition 85 is biased clockwise about the axis of rotation.

[0044] Furthermore, one end of the wire 86 is connected to the movable partition 85 at a point away from the axis of rotation. The other end of the wire 86 is redirected via a plurality of pulleys 87 (three in Figures 6A and 6B) pivotally supported on the inside of the storage compartment, and connected to one end of a link mechanism 82b located on the inside of the storage compartment. Note that any string-like member other than the wire 86 may be used, as long as one end is connected to the movable partition 85 and the other end is connected to the link mechanism 82b, and tension acts on it when it is taut due to the displacement of the link mechanism 82b. Examples of string-like members include strings and belts in addition to wires, and there can be more than one of them.

[0045] The rotation axis of the link mechanism 82b is supported inside the refrigerator (on the left and right sides of the inner box 8 of the lower freezer compartment 5), and a sliding contact part 84 such as a roller is provided at the other end of the link mechanism 82b, which contacts the upper surface of the frame 50 of the lower freezer compartment door 5a. The upper surface of the frame 50 is higher at the rear than at the front. The fixed partition 80b and the movable partition 85 have the full width spanning from the left end to the right end of the lower freezer compartment door 5a, and the wire 86, pulley 87, link mechanism 82b and sliding contact part 84 are provided only at the left and right ends. This system has the advantage of a low risk of freezing because it requires relatively few movable connection points.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6A, when the door is closed, the sliding contact portion 84 at the other end of the link mechanism 82b abuts against the lower front portion of the upper surface of the frame 50 of the lower freezer door 5a and is positioned rearward with respect to the rotation axis of the link mechanism 82b. Therefore, one end of the link mechanism 82b is positioned forward with respect to the rotation axis of the link mechanism 82b, and the wire 86 is in a slack state. At this time, the movable partition 85 is positioned below the fixed partition 80b due to the elastic force of the torsion spring and the weight of the movable partition 85, and the space between the upper surface of the movable partition 85 and the lower surface of the fixed partition 80b, and the space between the front of the movable partition 85 and the back of the lower freezer door 5a are sealed.

[0047] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6B, when the door is open, the sliding contact portion 84 at the other end of the link mechanism 82b rides up and contacts the higher rear portion of the upper surface of the frame 50 of the lower freezer door 5a, and is positioned forward of the rotation axis of the link mechanism 82b. Therefore, one end of the link mechanism 82b is positioned rearward of the rotation axis of the link mechanism 82b, and the wire 86 is taut. At this time, the movable partition 85 is positioned behind and above the fixed partition 80b, and is retracted, due to the tension of the wire 86 acting on it, against the elastic force of the torsion spring and the weight of the movable partition 85. Furthermore, by inclining the boundary portions of the front and rear sides of the upper surface of the frame 50 of the lower freezer door 5a, the resistance force generated at the sliding contact portion 84 at the other end of the link mechanism 82b during opening and closing of the door can be reduced, thus reducing the operating force required by the user during opening and closing operations.

[0048] <Telescopic rod system> Figures 7A and 7B are side views showing a second example of a retractable power transmission mechanism, which is a telescopic rod system, with Figure 7A showing the door in the closed position and Figure 7B showing the door in the open position.

[0049] The fixed partition 80b is installed on the inside of the storage compartment, similar to the wire system described above. The movable partition 85 is also supported by the fixed partition 80b via a torsion spring, allowing it to rotate on a pivot point in the left-right direction, similar to the wire system described above.

[0050] In this system, unlike the wire system described above, one end of the telescopic rod 88 is connected to the movable partition 85 at a point away from the axis of rotation. The other end of the telescopic rod 88 is connected to one end of the link mechanism 82c located inside the storage compartment. The telescopic rod 88 is rotatably supported at one end by the movable partition 85 and rotatably supported at the other end by the link mechanism 82c, and the section between the two ends is extendable and retractable.

[0051] The rotating shaft of the link mechanism 82c is supported inside the storage compartment, similar to the wire system described above. A sliding contact part 84, such as a roller, is provided at the other end of the link mechanism 82c and contacts the upper surface of the frame 50 of the lower freezer compartment door 5a. Similar to the wire system described above, the upper surface of the frame 50 is higher at the rear than at the front, and the boundary between the front and rear is inclined. This system has the advantage of not using wires, thus reducing the risk of wire detachment or breakage.

[0052] As shown in Figure 7A, when the door is closed, the sliding contact portion 84 at the other end of the link mechanism 82c abuts against the lower front portion of the upper surface of the frame 50 of the lower freezer door 5a, and is located near or behind the rotation axis of the link mechanism 82c. Therefore, one end of the link mechanism 82c is located near or in front of the rotation axis of the link mechanism 82c, and the telescopic rod 88 is retracted. At this time, the movable partition 85 is positioned below the fixed partition 80b due to the elastic force of the torsion spring, the weight of the movable partition 85, and the force acting forward from the telescopic rod 88, and the space between the upper surface of the movable partition 85 and the lower surface of the fixed partition 80b, and the space between the front of the movable partition 85 and the back of the lower freezer door 5a are sealed.

[0053] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7B, when the door is open, the sliding contact portion 84 at the other end of the link mechanism 82c rides up over the inclination of the upper surface of the frame 50 of the lower freezer door 5a and contacts the higher part, and is positioned forward of the rotation axis of the link mechanism 82c. Therefore, one end of the link mechanism 82c is positioned rearward of the rotation axis of the link mechanism 82c, and the telescopic rod 88 is extended. At this time, the movable partition 85 is pulled backward by a force from the telescopic rod 88, and therefore, against the elastic force of the torsion spring and the weight of the movable partition 85, it is positioned behind and above the fixed partition 80b, and is in a retracted state.

[0054] <4-section linking method> Figures 8A and 8B are side views showing a third example of a retraction power transmission mechanism, a four-bar linkage system, with Figure 8A showing the door in the closed position and Figure 8B showing the door in the open position.

[0055] The fixed partition 80b is installed on the inside of the storage compartment, as in the aforementioned methods. The movable partition 85 is also supported by the fixed partition 80b via a torsion spring, allowing it to rotate on a pivot point in the left-right direction, as in the aforementioned methods.

[0056] Unlike the aforementioned methods, in this system, one end of a four-bar link 89 is connected to the movable partition 85 at a point away from the axis of rotation. The four-bar link 89 has four axes of rotation: the first axis of rotation is pivotally supported by the movable partition 85, the second axis of rotation is movable in the front-rear and up-down directions, the third axis of rotation is pivotally supported inside the chamber, and the fourth axis of rotation is provided with a sliding contact part 84 such as a roller. The upper surface of the frame 50 is higher at the rear than at the front, as in the aforementioned methods, and the boundary between the front and rear is inclined. This method also has the advantage of having a low risk of wire detachment or breakage because it does not use wires.

[0057] As shown in Figure 8A, when the door is closed, the sliding contact portion 84 at the other end of the four-bar link 89 abuts against the lower front portion of the upper surface of the frame 50 of the lower freezer door 5a, and the first pivot axis at one end of the four-bar link 89 is displaced forward and downward. At this time, the movable partition 85 is positioned below the fixed partition 80b due to the elastic force of the torsion spring, the weight of the movable partition 85, and the force acting forward and downward from the four-bar link 89, and the space between the upper surface of the movable partition 85 and the lower surface of the fixed partition 80b, and the space between the front of the movable partition 85 and the back of the lower freezer door 5a are sealed.

[0058] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8B, when the door is open, the sliding contact portion 84 at the other end of the four-bar link 89 rides up over the inclination of the upper surface of the frame 50 of the lower freezer door 5a and contacts the higher part, and the first pivot axis at one end of the four-bar link 89 is displaced rearward. At this time, the movable partition 85 is pulled rearward by a force acting from the four-bar link 89, and therefore, against the elastic force of the torsion spring and the weight of the movable partition 85, it is positioned behind and above the fixed partition 80b and retracts.

[0059] <Effects of Example 2> In Example 2, unlike Example 1, there is no movable partition at the top of the lower freezer door 5a. Therefore, when the user opens the lower freezer door 5a, it does not create a feeling of confinement, and it is also possible to prevent the user from touching the movable partition. Furthermore, in Example 2, as in Example 1, a force biasing the movable partition 85 towards the sealed position is constantly applied by elastic force. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in the retraction power transmission mechanism, the sealed state of the lower freezer 5 can be maintained, and cooling failure is avoided. Moreover, unlike Example 1, in Example 2, in addition to elastic force, gravity of the movable partition 85 itself can also be used as a force biasing it towards the sealed position, thus further improving reliability.

[0060] <Challenges in Example 2> Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the problems in Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, the movable partition is rotatably connected to the fixed partition 800a on one axis. Therefore, if the front-to-back dimension of the fixed partition 800a is long, the dimension of the sealing surface of the movable partition 850a also becomes long. As a result, as shown in Figure 9, even when the movable partition 850a rotates clockwise and is in a retracted state, a part of the movable partition 850a protrudes downward. Consequently, the height of food that can be stored in the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment supported by the lower freezer compartment door 5a is reduced, and the volume of the lower freezer compartment 5 is substantially reduced.

[0061] <Modified Example 2> The modified version of Example 2 solves the aforementioned problems of Example 2, allowing the movable partition to rotate while sliding relative to the fixed partition, with the upward-facing surface maintaining its orientation, thereby increasing the actual storage volume of the lower freezer compartment 5. The details of the modified version of Example 2 will be described below with reference to Figures 10A-15B.

[0062] <<Configuration of fixed and movable partitions in a modified example of Example 2>> Figures 10A-10C are side views showing the basic configuration of the fixed and movable partitions according to a modified example of Embodiment 2. Figure 10A shows the door in the closed state, Figure 10B shows the door in the middle of opening, and Figure 10C shows the door in the open state. The movable partition 850 according to the modified example of Embodiment 2 is slidably and rotatably connected to the fixed partition 800. The power to slide and rotate the movable partition 850 is generated by the relative displacement between the lower freezer door 5a and the inside of the freezer compartment when the user opens and closes the lower freezer door 5a, and is transmitted to the movable partition 850, as in Embodiment 2. A detailed explanation follows below.

[0063] First, the fixed partition 800 has a slider portion 801 on its rear side, and a guide groove 802 extending in the front-rear direction is formed inside the slider portion 801. On the other hand, the movable partition 850 has a projection 851 on its rear side, and the pins (shafts) at the lower ends of two connecting members 820 are supported by the projection 851, aligned in the front-rear direction. The pins at the upper ends of the two connecting members 820 are inserted into the guide groove 802, aligned in the front-rear direction, and can slide integrally in the front-rear direction. The two connecting members 820 form a parallel link because the distance between the upper end pins is kept the same as the distance between the lower end pins.

[0064] Furthermore, a compression spring 803 is positioned between the pin at the upper end of the rear connecting member 820 and the rear end of the guide groove 802. As a result, the pins at the upper ends of the two connecting members 820 are biased forward by the elastic force of the compression spring 803. The fixed partition body and the movable partition body have the full width spanning from the left end to the right end of the lower freezer door 5a, but the slider portion 801 of the fixed partition 800, the protruding portion 851 of the movable partition 850, and the connecting member 820 are provided only at the left and right ends.

[0065] As shown in Figure 10A, when the door is closed, gravity acts on the movable partition 850 vertically downward due to its own weight, but no power is transmitted to pull it backward by the retraction power transmission mechanism. On the other hand, the pin at the upper end of the rear connecting member 820 is biased forward by the elastic force of the compression spring 803. As a result, the pin at the upper end of the front connecting member 820 reaches the front end of the guide groove 802, and the pin at the lower end of the front connecting member 820 also reaches its forward limit position. Therefore, the movable partition 850 is positioned below the fixed partition 800, and the space between the upper surface of the movable partition 850 and the lower surface of the fixed partition 800, and the space between the front of the movable partition 850 and the back of the lower freezer door 5a are sealed.

[0066] Next, as shown in Figure 10B, when the lower freezer door 5a is opened slightly, the movable partition 850 is subjected to a pulling force by the retraction power transmission mechanism. As a result, the pin at the lower end of the connecting member 820 moves backward along with the movable partition 850, and the pin at the upper end of the connecting member 820 also moves backward against the elastic force of the compression spring 803. The movable partition 850 also moves upward as it moves backward. At this time, the pin at the lower end of the connecting member 820 also moves upward, but the pin at the upper end of the connecting member 820 cannot move upward and remains in a position forward relative to the lower pin. In other words, a parallel link consisting of the two connecting members 820 rotates. The elastic force of the compression spring 803 that biases the upper pin forward assists this rotational movement, improving the operability when the door is opened by the user.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10C, when the door is open, the movable partition 850 reaches its rear limit position due to the power transmitted from the retraction power transmission mechanism and retracts into the space (recess) formed behind the fixed partition body and behind the slider part 801. At this time, the movable partition 850 also reaches its upper limit position, and the parallel link rotates to its limit. As a result, the height of the lower surface of the movable partition 850 approaches the height of the lower surface of the fixed partition 800, making it less likely to obstruct the loading and unloading of food.

[0068] Next, we will describe the specific configurations of the fixed partition and the movable partition according to a modified example of Example 2.

[0069] Figures 11A-11C show the state when the movable partition according to a modified example of Embodiment 2 is in the sealed position, with Figure 11A being a perspective view, Figure 11B a front view, and Figure 11C a side view. When the lower freezer door 5a is closed, the movable partition 850 is located below the fixed partition 800, as shown in Figure 11C. At this time, as shown in Figure 11A, the movable partition 850 is not present in the space behind the fixed partition 800, and as shown in Figure 11B when viewed from the front, it can be seen that the space below the fixed partition 800 is blocked.

[0070] Figures 12A-12C show the state of the movable partition in the modified example of Embodiment 2 when it is in the retracted position, with Figure 12A being a perspective view, Figure 12B a front view, and Figure 12C a side view. When the lower freezer door 5a is open, the movable partition 850 is stored in the space behind the fixed partition 800, as shown in Figures 12A and 12C. At this time, as can be seen from the front in Figure 12B, the space below the fixed partition 800 is not blocked and is hidden behind the fixed partition 800.

[0071] <<Power transmission mechanism for retraction in a modified example of Example 2>> A modification of Example 2 involves, when the lower freezer door 5a is open, the power generated by the relative displacement between the upper container 51 and the inside of the lower freezer when the user moves the upper container 51 in the front-to-back direction is transmitted to the movable partition, thereby retracting the movable partition. Since the upper container 51 and the movable partition 850 are at similar heights, there is an advantage in being able to miniaturize the power transmission mechanism.

[0072] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the retraction power transmission mechanism in a modified example of Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 13, the retraction power transmission mechanism according to this modified example mainly consists of a base 831, an inner rack (inner rack 1 832, inner rack 2 833), a regulating part 834, a connecting member 835, a tension spring 836, a gear 840, and a door-side rack 51a.

[0073] The base 831 is a plate-shaped member provided on the left and right sides of the inner box 8 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction, and has grooves formed in the front-rear direction that penetrate vertically. The first rack on the inside of the storage compartment is fixed to the base 831 and has teeth formed facing downward. The second rack on the inside of the storage compartment is slidable in the front-rear direction relative to the lower surface of the base 831 and has teeth formed facing downward. The storage compartment rack is divided into the first rack 832 on the inside of the storage compartment, which is located at the front and has multiple teeth, and the second rack 833 on the inside of the storage compartment, which is located at the rear and has one tooth. A guide formed on the upper part of the second rack 833 on the inside of the storage compartment is inserted into the groove of the base 831. The regulating part 834 slides along the upper surface of the base 831 together with the guide so that the guide of the second rack 833 on the inside of the storage compartment does not come out of the groove of the base 831.

[0074] The connecting member 835 connects the front end of the first rack 832 on the interior side to the protruding portion 851 of the movable partition 850, thereby transmitting power to the movable partition 850. The tension spring 836 is positioned on the upper surface of the base 831 and biases the guide of the second rack 833 on the interior side toward the rear. The gear 840 has its rotating shaft supported on the interior side and has multiple teeth formed around it. The door-side rack 51a is provided on the upper surface of the edge of the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment and has multiple teeth formed facing upward.

[0075] Figures 14A-14C are side views showing the operation of the retraction power transmission mechanism according to a modified example of Embodiment 2. Figure 14A shows the upper container of the lower freezer compartment in the closed state, Figure 14B shows the upper container of the lower freezer compartment in the process of opening, and Figure 14C shows the upper container of the lower freezer compartment in the open state.

[0076] As shown in Figure 14A, when the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment is fully stored in its predetermined position inside the compartment, the gear 840 is engaged with the second rack 833 inside the compartment, and the first rack 832 inside the compartment is positioned forward. As a result, the first rack 832 inside the compartment moves the movable partition 850 forward via the connecting member 835, sealing the compartment with the upper surface of the movable partition 850 facing the lower surface of the fixed partition 800. In addition, when the lower freezer compartment door 5a is closed, the front surface of the movable partition 850 and the back surface of the lower freezer compartment door 5a seal the compartment.

[0077] Next, as shown in Figure 14B, when the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment is pulled forward slightly, the door-side rack 51a moves forward while engaging with the gear 840. Then, the gear 840 moves the second rack 833 on the interior side backward, and then rotates while engaging with the first rack 832 on the interior side, moving the first rack 832 on the interior side backward. As a result, the first rack 832 on the interior side moves the movable partition 850 backward via the connecting member 835.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14C, when the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment is pulled forward beyond a certain point, the first rack 832 on the inside of the compartment moves backward to its limit position, so the movable partition 850 is stored in the space behind the fixed partition 800. At this time, the gear 840 is no longer engaged with the door-side rack 51a, so even if the lower freezer compartment door 5a moves further forward, the upper edge of the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment only rubs against the gear 840, and the gear 840 does not rotate. Therefore, the gear 840 does not move the first rack 832 on the inside of the compartment further backward. Also, even if the user releases their hand from the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment in this state, the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment will not move backward, and the movable partition 850 will also remain retracted without moving forward.

[0079] Here, it is assumed that the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment may be completely removed from the inside to the outside of the compartment by the user. In this case, when returning the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment to the compartment, the positional relationship between the door-side rack 51a of the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment and the gear 840 may have changed from before removal. If so, the movable partition 850 may become sealed against the fixed partition 800 while moving the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment backward. In this case, it is possible that the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment may not be able to be completely stored inside the compartment, or that the structure of the retraction power transmission mechanism may be damaged. However, in this modified example, the gear 840 rotates freely, so power is not transmitted to the movable partition 850. The reason will be explained below using Figures 15A and 15B.

[0080] Figure 15A is a side view showing the positional relationship when the second rack on the interior side is moved forward by the gear. When the gear 840 meshes with the door-side rack 51a and rotates counterclockwise in Figure 15A, the second rack on the interior side 833 moves forward against the elastic force of the tension spring 836. Figure 15A shows that the front side of the first tooth 841 of the gear 840 is pressing against the rear side of the second rack on the interior side 833.

[0081] Figure 15B is a side view showing the positional relationship when the second rack on the interior side is returned to the rear by the tension spring. When the gear 840 rotates further counterclockwise, the second rack 833 on the interior side is released from the pressure from the first tooth 841. At this time, the elastic force of the tension spring 836 acts on the second rack 833 on the interior side, so the second rack 833 on the interior side moves backward until it contacts the next second tooth 842. Figure 15B shows that the front side of the second tooth 842 of the gear 840 is pressing against the rear side of the second rack 833 on the interior side. After that, the second rack 833 on the interior side moves forward again, resisting the elastic force of the tension spring 836. As this operation is repeated thereafter, the gear 840 rotates freely, so even if the upper container 51 of the lower freezer compartment moves further backward together with the door side rack 51a, power is not transmitted to the movable partition 850, preventing damage to the structure. [Examples]

[0082] Example 3 will be described with reference to Figures 16A-18. Similar to Example 1, Example 3 has a movable partition located on the upper inside of the lower freezer door 5a, but unlike Example 1, the movable partition is formed from an expandable member with a magnetic element.

[0083] Figure 16A is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the fixed partition and the movable partition when the lower freezer door is slightly open. Door packings 500 (second expandable members) that expand and contract in the front-to-back direction are provided on the four sides (top, bottom, left, and right) surrounding the inner edge of the lower freezer door 5a. Furthermore, a first fixed partition 510 is provided on the upper inner edge of the lower freezer door 5a, behind the door packing 500. The upper surface of the first fixed partition 510 has upwardly extending protrusions at its front and rear ends, and the front protrusion 511 and rear protrusion 512 form a recess. A partition packing 520 (first expandable member) is fixed as a movable partition in the recess on the upper surface of the first fixed partition 510. Furthermore, a first magnetic member 521, such as a magnet, is embedded in the partition packing 520. However, as shown in Figure 16A, when the lower freezer door 5a is open, the magnetic attraction force is almost nonexistent, so the partition packing 520 does not deform (stretch).

[0084] Meanwhile, door gaskets 300 and 400 (third expansion members) are provided on all four sides (top, bottom, left, and right) surrounding the inner edges of the ice-making compartment door 3a and the upper freezer compartment door 4a. A second fixed partition 810 is also provided on the inside of the compartment. Furthermore, a second magnetic member 811, such as an iron plate or magnet, is placed on the lower surface of the second fixed partition 810. The ice-making compartment and the upper freezer compartment are sealed when the rear surfaces of the door gaskets 300 and 400 of each door abut against the front surface of the second fixed partition 810.

[0085] Figure 16B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the fixed partition and the movable partition when the lower freezer door is closed. When the first magnetic member 521 and the second magnetic member 811 are in a position to face each other, the first magnetic member 521 is attracted to the second magnetic member 811 by magnetic force, the partition packing 520 extends, and the upper surface of the partition packing 520 comes into contact with the second magnetic member 811 and is sealed.

[0086] Figure 17 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the dashed line X in Figure 16B. As shown in Figure 17, the upper surface of the partition packing 520 has a front fin portion 522 extending upward on the front side and a rear fin portion 523 extending upward on the rear side. When the lower freezer door 5a is closed, the front and rear of the lower end of the second fixed partition 810 are covered by the front fin portion 522 and the rear fin portion 523, thereby suppressing cold air leakage. In addition, the distance B between the rear fin portion 523 and the second fixed partition 810 is greater than the height dimension C of the rear fin portion 523, so that when the lower freezer door 5a is closed, the rear fin portion 523 does not get pinched between the second fixed partition 810 and the rear fin portion 523 while tilted forward.

[0087] Here, the upper end of the front projection 511 of the first fixed partition 510 is higher than the upper end of the partition packing 520 (including the front fin portion 522) in its extended state, making the partition packing 520 difficult for the user to see. On the other hand, the upper end of the rear projection 512 of the first fixed partition 510 is higher than the sealing surface between the partition packing 520 (movable partition) and the second fixed partition 810, so the cold air inside the refrigerator (inside the lower freezer compartment 5) is less likely to directly hit the partition packing, thus suppressing condensation.

[0088] Figure 18 is a front view showing the configuration of the fixed partition and movable partition according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 18, the first fixed partition 510, the second fixed partition 810, and the partition packing 520 that forms the movable partition extend in the left-right direction. The second fixed partition 810 has corners that curve downward from near the ends on both the left and right sides to the ends, and the first fixed partition 510 and the partition packing 520 also have corners that curve downward from near the ends on both the left and right sides to the ends, following the shape of the second fixed partition 810. Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 18, the first magnetic member 521 is also provided continuously in the left-right direction, following the shape of the partition packing 520 that forms the movable partition.

[0089] Here, if the first magnetic member 521 is provided across the entire width of the partition packing 520 from the left end to the right end, the magnetic sealing may be too strong, potentially worsening operability for the user. Therefore, the first magnetic member 521 may be placed only in the center of the partition packing 520 in the left-right direction, and not placed at the corners on both the left and right sides of the partition packing 520. In this case, the corners of the partition packing 520 will obtain sealing force by contacting and press-fitting with the second fixed partition 810. Therefore, the center of the partition packing 520 in the left-right direction may be formed with a normal packing, and the corners of the partition packing 520 may be formed with a material softer than the packing (for example, a polyethylene sheet) to facilitate deformation at the corners of the partition packing 520.

[0090] <Effects of Example 3> Unlike Examples 1 and 2, Example 3 does not require a retraction power transmission mechanism, thus enabling cost reduction. Furthermore, in Example 3, sealing by contact of the partition packing 520 and sealing by the magnetic force of the magnetic member are used in combination, improving the airtightness of the lower freezer compartment 5. In Example 3, a movable partition is attached to the first fixed partition 510 at the top of the lower freezer compartment door 5a, but a movable partition may also be attached to the second fixed partition 810 on the inside of the compartment. Also, if the second magnetic member 811 of the second fixed partition 810 is a magnet, the first magnetic member 521 of the first fixed partition 510 may be something other than a magnet.

[0091] <Modification 1 of Example 3> Figure 19 is a front view showing the configuration of the fixed partition and movable partition according to Modification 1 of Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 19, the second fixed partition 810 according to this modification has corners that extend downward at a uniform height from near the ends on both the left and right sides to the ends. That is, the second fixed partition 810a according to this modification has a larger width dimension of the downward-extending corner compared to the second fixed partition 810 of Embodiment 3. The rear surface of the door packing 500 of the lower freezer door 5a abuts against the front surface of the corner of the second fixed partition 810a in this modification. That is, in the center in the left-right direction, the second fixed partition 810a is sealed vertically by the magnetic force of the first magnetic member 521 arranged on the partition packing 520, and on both the left and right sides, the second fixed partition 810a is sealed in the front-rear direction by the door packing 500. According to this modification, it is possible to further suppress cold air leakage from the gaps on both the left and right sides.

[0092] <Modification 2 of Example 3> Figure 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the movable partition according to Modification 2 of Example 3, and represents the positional relationship between the fixed partition and the movable partition when the lower freezer door 5a is closed. In this modification, as shown in Figure 20, the recess formed in the first fixed partition 510 is formed at an angle so as to face diagonally backward. Therefore, the partition packing 520a in this modification is fixed to the first fixed partition 510 with its expansion and contraction direction tilted backward. As a result, even if a horizontal force is applied to the partition packing 520a when the lower freezer door 5a is opened, the load on the partition packing 520a is less compared to the case where the expansion and contraction direction of the partition packing 520a is vertical, and deterioration of the partition packing 520a can be suppressed.

[0093] [Other examples] The above are examples, but the present invention is not limited to the examples described above and includes various modifications. For example, in the examples described above, the lower part of the insulating partition wall 14 facing the lower freezer compartment 5 was made into a movable partition, but the upper part facing the ice-making compartment 3 and the upper freezer compartment 4 may also be made into a movable partition. In this case, the mechanism corresponding to the retractable power transmission mechanism of Examples 1-2 described above is provided in the ice-making compartment 3 and the upper freezer compartment 4, and the member corresponding to the first expandable member of Example 3 described above is provided in the ice-making compartment door 3a and the upper freezer compartment door 4a.

[0094] Furthermore, the insulating partition wall 14 may be composed of a movable partition facing the lower freezer compartment 5 (first movable partition) and a movable partition facing the ice-making compartment 3 and the upper freezer compartment 4 (second movable partition). In this case, when the lower freezer compartment door 5a is closed and the ice-making compartment door 3a and the upper freezer compartment door 4a are open, it is desirable to position the first movable partition higher than when both the lower freezer compartment door 5a and the ice-making compartment door 3a and the upper freezer compartment door 4a are closed. By making the elastic force of the compression spring of the first movable partition relatively strong, it is possible to improve the airtightness between the first movable partition and the second movable partition. Note that a similar effect can be obtained by making the elastic force of the compression spring of the second movable partition relatively strong. Specifically, when the ice-making compartment door 3a and the upper freezer compartment door 4a are closed and the lower freezer compartment door 5a is open, the same effect can be obtained by positioning the second movable partition lower than when the ice-making compartment door 3a, the upper freezer compartment door 4a, and the lower freezer compartment door 5a are all closed.

[0095] This invention encompasses the following technical concepts. [Note 1-1] An insulated box having an opening at the front, A first drawer door that can move back and forth to open and close a portion of the aforementioned opening, The remaining part or portion of the opening is movable back and forth so as to be able to be opened and closed, and a second drawer door adjacent to the upper or lower side of the first drawer door, A first movable partition is provided on the first drawer door and has a surface material that faces the second drawer door when the first drawer door is closed, The device comprises a first elastic body that deforms in accordance with the forward and backward movement of the first drawer door and displaces the first movable partition in the vertical direction, The first elastic body biases the first movable partition in the vertical direction toward the side where the second drawer door is located when the first drawer door is closed. [Appendix 1-2] In Appendix 1-1, The refrigerator wherein the first movable partition, when the first drawer door is closed, is displaced in the vertical direction away from the second drawer door, and then displaced towards it. [Appendix 1-3] In Appendix 1-2, The power to displace the first movable partition toward the second drawer door is generated by the relative displacement between the first drawer door and the insulated box body of the refrigerator. [Appendix 1-4] In Appendix 1-2, The first movable partition is a refrigerator in which the surface material facing the second drawer door side is displaced while maintaining its position. [Appendix 1-5] In Appendix 1-1, A refrigerator in which, when the first drawer door is closed, the first movable partition seals against the fixed partition arranged in the insulated box. [Appendix 1-6] In Appendix 1-1, A second movable partition is provided on the second drawer door and has a surface material that faces the first drawer door when the second drawer door is closed, The device comprises a second elastic body that deforms in accordance with the forward and backward movement of the second drawer door, causing the second movable partition to displace in the vertical direction, The second elastic body biases the second movable partition in the vertical direction toward the side where the first drawer door is located when the second drawer door is closed. [Appendix 1-7] In Appendix 1-6, When the first drawer door is closed and the second drawer door is open, the first movable partition is positioned closer to the second movable partition than when both the first and second drawer doors are closed. [Note 2-1] An insulated box having an opening at the front, A first drawer door that can move back and forth to open and close a portion of the aforementioned opening, The remaining part or portion of the opening is movable back and forth so as to be able to be opened and closed, and a second drawer door adjacent to the upper or lower side of the first drawer door, A first expandable member, which is fixed to the second drawer door side of the first drawer door, has a shape that extends in the left-right direction and expands and contracts in the vertical direction, A refrigerator comprising a first magnetic member disposed on the first expandable member and moving upward or downward by magnetic attraction. [Note 2-2] In Appendix 2-1, The first magnetic member generates a magnetic attraction force with respect to the second magnetic member. The second magnetic member is located in the second fixed partition of the heat-insulating box, or on the side of the second drawer door that faces the first drawer door, of the refrigerator. [Appendix 2-3] In Appendix 2-1, The first expandable member has a front fin portion extending upward from the front and a rear fin portion extending upward from the rear, A refrigerator in which the distance between the second fixed partition of the insulated box body and the front fin portion is greater than the height dimension of the rear fin portion. [Appendix 2-4] In Appendix 2-1, The first drawer door is provided with a first fixed partition, which is located in a recess formed by a front projection extending upward from the front and a rear projection extending upward from the rear, and the first expandable member is fixed to this recess. A refrigerator in which the upper end of the front protrusion of the first fixed partition is located higher than the upper end of the first expandable member in its extended state. [Appendix 2-5] In Appendix 2-1, The first drawer door is provided with a first fixed partition, which is located in a recess formed by a front projection extending upward from the front and a rear projection extending upward from the rear, and the first expandable member is fixed to this recess. The upper end of the rear protrusion of the first fixed partition is located higher than the sealing surface of the second fixed partition and the first expandable member provided in the insulated box, in the refrigerator. [Appendix 2-6] In Appendix 2-1, A refrigerator in which the left and right ends of the first expandable member are not fitted with the first magnetic member and are made of a softer material compared to the other parts. [Appendix 2-7] In Appendix 2-1, The first drawer door is surrounded by a second expandable member that expands and contracts in the front-to-back direction, A refrigerator in which the second expandable member seals the second fixed partition in the front-to-back direction relative to the second fixed partition at the left-to-right ends of the insulated box body. [Appendix 2-8] In Appendix 2-1, The first drawer door is provided with a first fixed partition, the first expandable member being fixed in a recess formed on its upper surface, A refrigerator in which the recess has an inclination toward the rear, and the first telescopic member is arranged in a state tilted toward the rear. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1...Refrigerator, 2...Refrigerator compartment, 2a...Refrigerator compartment door, 3...Ice maker compartment, 3a...Ice maker compartment door, 4...Upper freezer compartment, 4a...Upper freezer compartment door, 5...Lower freezer compartment, 5a...Lower freezer compartment door, 6...Vegetable compartment, 6a...Vegetable compartment door, 7a...Top panel, 7d...Back panel, 7e...Bottom panel, 8...Inner box, 9...Foam insulation material, 10a...First cooler, 10b...Second cooler, 11...Compressor, 12,13,14,15,16...Insulated partition wall, 30...Ice maker compartment container, 4 0...Upper freezer compartment container, 50...Frame, 51...Upper container in the lower freezer compartment, 51a...Door side rack, 52...Middle container in the lower freezer compartment, 53...Lower container in the lower freezer compartment, 54a, 54b, 54c...Movable partition, 55...Compression spring, 56a, 56b...Link mechanism, 57...Sliding contact part, 58...Magnetic member, 59...Door side guide, 61...Upper container in the vegetable compartment, 62...Lower container in the vegetable compartment, 80a, 80b...Fixed partition, 81a, 81b...Inside of the compartment Guide, 82a, 82b, 82c…Link mechanism, 83…Magnetic member, 84…Sliding contact part, 85…Movable partition, 86…Wire, 87…Pulley, 88…Telescopic rod, 89…4-bar link, 300, 400, 500…Door packing, 510…First fixed partition, 511…Front protrusion, 512…Rear protrusion, 520, 520a…Partition packing, 521…First magnetic member, 522…Front fin part, 523…Rear fin part, 800, 800a...Fixed partition, 801...Slider part, 802...Guide groove, 803...Compression spring, 810, 810a...Second fixed partition, 811...Second magnetic member, 820...Connecting member, 831...Base, 832...First rack inside the chamber, 833...Second rack inside the chamber, 834...Restricting part, 835...Connecting member, 836...Tension spring, 840...Gear, 841...First tooth, 842...Second tooth, 850, 850a...Movable partition, 851...Protruding part

Claims

1. An insulated box body having an opening at the front and fixed partitions, A first drawer door that can move back and forth to open and close a portion of the aforementioned opening, A container supported behind the first drawer door, The remaining part or portion of the opening is movable back and forth so as to be able to be opened and closed, and a second drawer door adjacent to the upper or lower side of the first drawer door, A refrigerator comprising a movable partition disposed within the insulated box body, which is displaced relative to the fixed partition to a sealed position and a retracted position.

2. In claim 1, The refrigerator has an elastic body that is rotatably supported relative to the fixed partition and biases toward the sealing position.

3. In claim 1, The power to displace the movable partition toward the retracted position is generated by the relative displacement between the first drawer door or the container and the insulated box, which constitutes a refrigerator.

4. In claim 3, The aforementioned movable partition is a refrigerator in which the surface material facing the second drawer door maintains its position while sliding and rotating relative to the fixed partition.

5. In claim 4, The aforementioned fixed partition has a slider portion with a guide groove formed inside that extends in the front-rear direction. The aforementioned power is the force that pulls the movable partition backward. A link mechanism connecting the guide groove and the movable partition, A refrigerator comprising an elastic body disposed in the guide groove and biasing the link mechanism forward.

6. In claim 3, The aforementioned retraction power transmission mechanism that transmits power is The aforementioned insulated box body includes an interior rack that is slidable in the front-to-back direction, A connecting member that connects the rack inside the storage area and the movable partition, The rotating shaft is supported by the insulated box body, and a gear meshes with the rack inside the box, A refrigerator comprising a door-side rack arranged in the container and meshing with the gear.

7. In claim 6, The aforementioned interior rack comprises an interior first rack located at the front and an interior second rack located at the rear. The aforementioned retraction power transmission mechanism is a refrigerator equipped with a tension spring that biases the second rack on the inside of the refrigerator compartment to the rear.

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