Cooling warehouse

Abstract

To provide a cooling cabinet that can be installed in a narrower installation space while ensuring an appropriate internal capacity. [Solution] The cooling cabinet A1 comprises a housing 1 and a door 2 that closes the opening of the housing 1, and cools the items inside the housing 1. The first height H1, which is the height of the housing 1, is 1350 mm or more and 1850 mm or less. The first width W1, which is the width of the housing 1, is 270 mm or more and 330 mm or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] As a storage for cooling articles stored inside, a refrigerator is widely used. Refrigerators include refrigerators for refrigerating articles, freezers for freezing articles, etc. In addition, refrigerators include those having refrigerating and freezing functions. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional refrigerator. The refrigerator disclosed in the document adopts a dimensional relationship in which the height is 2.5 times or more the width, considering installation in, for example, an apartment in the center of a large city.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to cope with various housing situations, it is required to secure an appropriate capacity inside the storage while installing it in a narrower installation space.

[0005] The present invention has been conceived under the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a refrigerator capable of securing an appropriate capacity inside the storage while installing it in a narrower installation space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] <00000​

[0007] A cooling cabinet provided by a second aspect of the present invention comprises a housing and a door that closes an opening in the housing, for cooling articles inside the housing, wherein the first height, which is the height of the housing, is 1560 mm or more and 1850 mm or less, and the first width, which is the width of the housing, is 330 mm or more and 380 mm or less.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing has a plurality of support legs that support the housing and are spaced apart in the width direction, wherein the protrusion length of the support legs from the housing in the width direction is 50 mm or less.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second height, which is the height of the center of gravity, is 550 mm or less.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the present invention comprises a compressor, a cooler that cools the inside of the housing by circulating a refrigerant from the compressor, and a weight supported by the housing, wherein the housing has a housing section for housing the compressor, and the weight is housed in the housing section.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weight is located at the bottom of the housing.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weight is located on one of the pair of sides of the housing.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side portion on which the weight is located is the side portion of the pair of side portions that is opposite to the side portion on which the door is attached.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weight is formed in a frame shape and has an opening.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the weight has an elongated shape with the width direction as the longitudinal direction.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of the weights are provided, and the weights are detachable from the bottom portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cooler that can appropriately secure the capacity inside the warehouse while being installed in a narrower installation location.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a cooler according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a front view showing a cooler according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a plan view showing a cooler according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a bottom view showing a cooler according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a side view showing a cooler according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a rear view showing a cooler according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view showing a cooler according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Showing the weight in a first modification of a cooler according to a second embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a plan view and (b) is a partial perspective view. [Figure 10] It is a partial perspective view showing a cooler according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a partial perspective view showing a cooler according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12](a) to (c) are front views showing modified examples of the weight for the cooling cabinet according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0021] The terms "First," "Second," etc., used in this disclosure are for identification purposes only and are not intended to assign any order to the objects.

[0022] [First Embodiment] Figures 1 to 7 show a cooler according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The cooler A1 of this embodiment comprises a housing 1, a door 2, a compressor 3, a cooler 4, and a plurality of support legs 5. The cooler according to the present invention is a storage unit for cooling articles inside the housing 1. The cooler according to the present invention includes refrigerators for refrigerating articles, freezers for freezing articles, and so on. Furthermore, if the cooler according to the present invention is a refrigerator, it includes those that have both refrigeration and freezing functions. The cooler A1 of this embodiment is, for example, a freezer.

[0023] In these diagrams, the z-direction corresponds to the vertical direction. In the following explanation, one direction in the z-direction may be referred to as "up" and the other as "down." The x-direction and y-direction are directions along the horizontal plane. The x-direction corresponds to the width direction of the present invention, and one direction may be referred to as "left" and the other as "right." One direction in the y-direction may be referred to as "front" and the other as "back."

[0024] The enclosure 1 houses the items to be cooled. The specific configuration of the enclosure 1 is not limited in any way, and as shown in Figures 1 to 7, it may have, for example, a top 11, a bottom 12, two side parts 13, and a back part 14.

[0025] The top portion 11 is located above in the z direction and, in the illustrated example, is a flat surface facing upward in the z direction. The bottom portion 12 is located below in the z direction and, in the illustrated example, is composed of one or more plate-like members that close the inside of the housing 1 from below in the z direction. The two side portions 13 are located to the left and right in the x direction and, in the illustrated example, are each flat surfaces. The back portion 14 is located behind in the y direction and, in the illustrated example, is composed of one or more plate-like members that close the inside of the housing 1 from behind in the y direction. The housing 1 is open to the front in the y direction, and items are loaded and unloaded from the front in the y direction. The housing 1 has appropriate insulating material (not shown) to enhance the internal heat insulation effect.

[0026] The internal structure of the enclosure 1 is not limited in any way. As shown in Figure 7, the enclosure 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of internal shelves 15 and a plurality of internal cases 16. The plurality of internal shelves 15 are arranged in the z direction. Articles to be cooled can be placed on each internal shelf 15. The plurality of internal cases 16 are arranged in the z direction. Each internal case 16 is slidable in the y direction and can accommodate articles to be cooled.

[0027] Furthermore, the housing 1 has a storage section 141. The storage section 141 is located below the housing 1 in the z direction and, in the illustrated example, opens to the rear in the y direction, towards the back 14. The lower part of the storage section 141 in the z direction is closed off by the bottom 12.

[0028] Door 2 is attached to the front portion of the housing 1 in the y-direction so as to be able to open and close. Door 2 has a closed state that closes the opening of the housing 1 and an open state that opens the housing 1 to allow items to be placed in and out of the housing 1. The mounting structure of door 2 to the housing 1 is not limited in any way. Door 2 may be attached to the housing 1 via a hinge, for example. Also, unlike this embodiment, there may be a configuration that includes multiple doors 2. Any of the doors 2 may be an integral structure with the internal case 16. That is, there may be a structure in which the internal case 16 is pulled out when door 2 is pulled forward in the y-direction.

[0029] The compressor 3 and the cooler 4 are examples of a cooling mechanism for cooling the inside of the enclosure 1. The cooling mechanism of the cooler according to the present invention is not limited in any way.

[0030] Compressor 3 is for circulating the refrigerant. Compressor 3 may have, for example, an electric motor (not shown) as a drive source. Compressor 3 is connected to a refrigerant pipe (not shown) that leads to the cooler 4. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, compressor 3 is housed in the housing 141. When viewed from the rear in the y direction, compressor 3 is visible externally.

[0031] Cooler 4 is supplied with refrigerant through internal pipes by compressor 3. The refrigerant supplied from compressor 3 dissipates heat to the outside in a condenser (not shown), for example, and absorbs heat in cooler 4. For example, the cool air obtained by the heat absorbed by the refrigerant in cooler 4 is sent into the housing 1 by a cooling fan (not shown). This cools the inside of housing 1. Cooler 4 is located between the internal space of housing 1 where the goods are stored and the rear section 14. Cooler 4 is located above compressor 3 in the z direction.

[0032] Multiple support legs 5 support the housing 1 and are fixed to the bottom 12. The number of support legs 5 is not limited in any way, and in this embodiment there are four. The multiple support legs 5 include two support legs 5 that are separated in the x direction. In this embodiment, the four support legs 5 include two support legs 5 that are positioned in front and two support legs 5 that are positioned in the y direction.

[0033] Next, the dimensional relationships in cooling chamber A1 will be explained below.

[0034] First, as shown in Figures 2 and 5-7, the height of the enclosure 1 in the z direction is defined as the first height H1. As shown in Figures 2-4 and 6, the width of the enclosure 1 in the x direction is defined as the first width W1. In this embodiment, the first width W1 is 300 mm and the first height H1 is 1416 mm, but it is preferable that the first width W1 is 270 mm or more and 330 mm or less, and the first height H1 is 1350 mm or more and 1850 mm or less. The ratio of the first width W1 to the first height H1 is defined as R1. In this embodiment, the first ratio R1 is 21%, but it is preferable that the first ratio R1 is 15% or more and 24% or less. Also, the depth dimension of the cooling chamber A1 in the y direction is 550 mm or more and 570 mm or less.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 6, the pitch in the x-direction of two support legs 5 that are located apart in the x-direction is defined as the second width W2. For example, if the support leg 5 has a circular tip mounting portion and an axis portion for attachment to the bottom portion 12, the distance in the x-direction between the centers of the axis portions of the two support legs 5 is the second width W2. In this embodiment, the second width W2 is 270 mm, but it is preferable that the second width W2 is 240 mm or more and 295 mm or less. The ratio of the second width W2 to the first height H1 is defined as the second ratio R2. In this embodiment, the second ratio R2 is 19%, but it is preferable that the second ratio R2 is 13% or more and 22% or less.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 6, the protrusion length S of the support leg 5 protruding in the x-direction from the side portion 13 of the housing 1 is 20 mm in this embodiment, but the protrusion length S is preferably 50 mm or less. Also, the third width W3, which is the outer dimension of the two support legs 5 in the x-direction, is 330 mm in this embodiment, but the third width W3 is preferably 300 mm or more and 430 mm or less.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 5-7, the height in the z-direction of the center of gravity of the cooling chamber A1 (the circle partially filled in black and white in each figure) is defined as the second height H2. A preferred value for the second height H2 is 550 mm or less. The ratio of the second height H2 to the first width W1 is defined as the third ratio R3. In this embodiment, the third ratio R3 is 210% or less.

[0038] Next, I will explain the function of cooler A1.

[0039] According to this embodiment, firstly, by setting the first height H1 to 1350 mm or more and 1850 mm or less, the cooling cabinet A1 can be made to a size suitable for installation in, for example, an apartment building in the city center. Secondly, by setting the first width W1 to 270 mm or more and 330 mm or less, the cooling cabinet A1 can be installed in a narrower installation space while ensuring an appropriate internal capacity. Furthermore, if the first width W1 is 270 mm or more, it is possible to secure a larger internal dimension in the x-direction of the internal case 16, increasing the variety of frozen foods that can be stored flat (horizontally). In particular, many common frozen foods can be stored flat (horizontally) with these dimensions.

[0040] Cooling cabinet A1 has a dimensional ratio suitable for placement in residences such as apartments, as its first ratio R1 is between 15% and 24%. If the first height H1 is less than 1350mm, or if the first width W1 is less than 270mm, it becomes difficult to secure sufficient internal capacity. On the other hand, if the first height H1 is greater than 1850mm, it becomes too tall for installation in a typical residence, impairing usability. Furthermore, if the first height H1 is greater than 1850mm, there will be many buildings such as houses that cannot accommodate a cooling cabinet of that size.

[0041] Furthermore, because the second width is between 240 mm and 295 mm, the cooling cabinet A1, which is suitable for installation in narrow spaces, can be properly supported by multiple support legs 5. Because the protruding length S of the support legs 5 is 50 mm or less, the multiple support legs 5 can more reliably prevent the cooling cabinet A1 from tipping over, while avoiding the multiple support legs 5 from protruding excessively in the x direction without exceeding the heat dissipation space required to be secured on the side 13 of the cooling cabinet A1.

[0042] By having a second height H2 of 550 mm or less, the tipping of the cooling cabinet A1 can be suppressed. For example, even if the cooling cabinet A1 is tilted in the x-direction at an angle of about 10° or 15° relative to the z-direction, it can be expected that it will not tip over in an obvious manner.

[0043] Furthermore, a preferred numerical range for the first height H1 and first width W1 is a range where the first height H1 is 1560 mm or more and 1850 mm or less, and the first width W1 is 330 mm or more and 380 mm or less. A specific example is a configuration in which the first height H1 is 1592 mm and the first width W1 is 356 mm.

[0044] A first width (W1) of 330mm or more allows for a narrower width compared to typical coolers, while reducing the possibility of tipping over and increasing the internal capacity. A first width (W1) of 380mm or less makes it suitable for installation in narrow spaces such as apartments in urban areas.

[0045] When aiming for high capacity while maintaining a narrow width, it is desirable for the first height H1 to be greater than 1560 mm. On the other hand, if the first height H1 is greater than 1850 mm, there is a concern that the usability as a cooling cabinet will be compromised and that there will be difficulties in delivery.

[0046] Figures 8 and 9 show other embodiments or modifications of the present invention. In these figures, elements identical or similar to those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the configurations of each part in each modification and each embodiment can be appropriately combined with each other to the extent that no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0047] [Second Embodiment] Figure 8 shows a cooler cabinet according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Cooler cabinet A2 of this embodiment differs from cooler cabinet A1 described above in that it further includes a weight 6.

[0048] The weight 6 is supported, for example, by the housing 1, and in this embodiment, it is housed together with the compressor 3 in the housing section 141. Furthermore, the weight 6 is positioned at the bottom 12. The weight 6 is located below the center of gravity of the compressor 3 in the z direction.

[0049] The specific composition of the weight 6 is not limited in any way. The weight 6 may be a component made of, for example, metal. Alternatively, the weight 6 may be an evaporation dish. The evaporation dish is for receiving moisture generated when frost attached to the cooler 4 melts.

[0050] This embodiment also allows the cooling cabinet A2 to be installed in a narrower installation space while still ensuring adequate internal capacity. Furthermore, by equipping the cooling cabinet A2 with a weight 6, the height of the center of gravity, the second height H2, can be lowered. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the cooling cabinet A2 from tipping over. The weight 6 is placed in the housing section 141 together with the heavy compressor 3 and is located at the bottom 12, which allows the center of gravity to be lowered more effectively.

[0051] [Second Embodiment, First Modification] Figure 9 shows a first modified example of the cooler A2. As shown in Figure 9(a), in the cooler A21 of this modified example, the weight 6 has an elongated shape with the x-direction as its longitudinal direction. In the illustrated example, the weight 6 has two holes 61. The two holes 61 are spaced apart in the x-direction and each penetrates the weight 6 in the z-direction.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9(b), the weight 6 is detachable from the housing 1 (bottom 12). As a specific example of configuration, the cooler A21 has two support rods 65. The two support rods 65 are attached, for example, to the bottom 12. The two support rods 65 are spaced apart in the x direction and each stands upright along the z direction. The diameter of the support rods 65 is smaller than the inner diameter of the holes 61. By inserting the two support rods 65 through the two holes 61, the weight 6 is detachable from the two support rods 65.

[0053] This embodiment also allows the cooler A21 to be installed in a narrower installation space while ensuring an appropriate internal capacity. Furthermore, because the weight 6 has an elongated shape with the x-direction as its longitudinal direction, it is possible to suppress the center of gravity of the cooler A21 from being biased to either the x-direction or the other. In addition, because the weight 6 is detachable from the housing 1 (bottom 12), it is possible to provide an appropriate number of weights 6 depending on the overall weight and shape of the cooler A21.

[0054] [Third Embodiment] Figures 10 and 11 show a cooling cabinet according to a third embodiment of the present invention. These figures are perspective views of the housing section 141 viewed obliquely from the rear in the y-direction. For ease of understanding, the rear section 14 and the compressor 3 are omitted in Figures 10 and 11, and the partition wall 17, which will be described later, is omitted in Figure 11.

[0055] In this embodiment, the pair of side sections 13 of the housing 1 are distinguished as side sections 13A and 13B. Side sections 13A and 13B are separated from each other in the x-direction. A door 2 is attached to the front of side section 13A in the y-direction. A door 2 is not attached to side section 13B, and when the door 2 is in the closed position, it comes into contact with side section 13B.

[0056] The enclosure 1 has a partition wall 17. The partition wall 17 separates the space where multiple internal shelves 15 and multiple internal cases 16 are arranged from the storage section 141.

[0057] In this embodiment, the weight 6 may be positioned in either side 13A or side 13B of the housing section 141, and in the illustrated example, it is positioned in side 13B. Furthermore, the upper surface in the z direction and the front surface in the y direction of the weight 6 are in contact with the partition wall 17. Thus, the weight 6 also has the function of supporting the partition wall 17.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the weight 6 is frame-shaped and has an opening 67. The opening 67 penetrates the weight 6 in the x-direction. The material of the weight 6 is not limited in any way, and metal is one example. The weight of the weight 6 is preferably 1.5 kg or more from the viewpoint of being able to adjust the center of gravity of the cooler A3, and preferably 3 kg or less from the viewpoint of suppressing an increase in the weight of the cooler A3.

[0059] The specific shape of weight 6 is not limited in any way; in the figure, weight 6 is rectangular overall when viewed in the x-direction, for example, it is square.

[0060] Figure 12 shows modified examples of weight 6. The weight 6 shown in Figure 12 (a) is trapezoidal when viewed in the x-direction. The weight 6 shown in Figure 12 (b) is triangular when viewed in the x-direction. The weight 6 shown in Figure 12 (c) is rectangular when viewed in the x-direction.

[0061] This embodiment also allows the cooling cabinet A3 to be installed in a narrower installation space while still ensuring adequate internal capacity. Furthermore, since the weight 6 is positioned on either side 13A or 13B, the weight 6 can be used as a structural member.

[0062] If the weight 6 is placed on the side 13B opposite to the side 13A to which the door 2 is attached, the weight balance in the x-direction of the cooler A3 can be made more uniform.

[0063] The weight 6 is frame-shaped when viewed in the x-direction and has an opening 67. This allows the opening 67 to be used as a passage for, for example, piping connected to the cooler 4.

[0064] As can be seen from the weight 6 shown in Figure 11 and the modified weight 6 shown in Figures 12(a) to (c), the specific shape of the weight 6 is not limited in any way.

[0065] The cooling cabinet according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The specific configuration of each part of the cooling cabinet according to the present invention can be modified in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] A1,A2,A21,A3: Refrigerator 1: Cabinet 2: Door 3: Compressor 4:Cooler 5: Support leg 6: Weight 11: Heavenly Division 12: Bottom 13, 13A, 13B: Side view 14: Back 15: Interior shelves 16: Interior case 17: Bulkhead 61: Hole 65: Support rod 67 :Aperture 141: Containment Unit H1: First height H2: Second height R1: First ratio R2: 2nd ratio R3: 3rd ratio S: Projection length W1: 1st width W2: 2nd width W3: 3rd width

Claims

1. The casing and A door that closes the opening of the aforementioned housing, A cooling cabinet equipped with a cooling system for cooling articles inside the enclosure, The first height, which is the height of the aforementioned housing, is 1350 mm or more and 1850 mm or less. A cooling cabinet in which the first width, which is the width of the enclosure, is 270 mm or more and 330 mm or less.

2. The casing and A door that closes the opening of the aforementioned housing, A cooling cabinet equipped with a cooling system for cooling articles inside the enclosure, The first height, which is the height of the aforementioned housing, is 1560 mm or more and 1850 mm or less. A cooling cabinet in which the first width, which is the width of the enclosure, is 330 mm or more and 380 mm or less.

3. The housing has a plurality of support legs that support it and are located apart in the width direction, The cooling cabinet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the support leg protruding from the housing in the width direction is 50 mm or less.

4. The cooling cabinet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second height, which is the height of the center of gravity, is 550 mm or less.

5. Compressor and A cooler that cools the inside of the housing by circulating a refrigerant by the compressor, The housing comprises a weight supported by the housing, The housing has a housing section for housing the compressor, The cooler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weight is housed in the housing section.

6. The cooler according to claim 5, wherein the weight is located at the bottom of the housing.

7. The cooler according to claim 5, wherein the weight is located on one of the pair of sides of the housing.

8. The cooler cabinet according to claim 7, wherein the side portion on which the weight is placed is the side portion of the pair of side portions opposite to the side portion on which the door is attached.

9. The weight is formed in a frame shape and has an opening, as described in claim 7.

10. The cooler according to claim 6, wherein the weight has an elongated shape with the width direction as the longitudinal direction.

11. Equipped with multiple aforementioned weights, The cooler according to claim 10, wherein the weight is detachable from the bottom.

Images