refrigerator

Abstract

This disclosure provides a refrigerator that can improve design aesthetics and ensure safety. [Solution] The refrigerator in this disclosure is a refrigerator having a plurality of doors located at least vertically and arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, wherein each door comprises a door body and a panel member covering the surface of the door body, the door body is provided with a support member for supporting the panel member, the support member is provided at least on the lower edge of the door located at the top and the upper edge of the door located at the bottom, and the panel member is provided with a projection member that engages with the support member.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator in which the refrigerator door body has a front surface formed of an iron door panel, and a door decorative panel fixing fitting is fixed to a lower door cap forming the lower surface by screws. When attaching the door decorative panel body to the refrigerator door body, a protrusion is inserted into a protrusion insertion hole, the door decorative panel is placed on the door decorative panel fixing fitting, and a permanent magnet is attached to the door panel, so that the refrigerator door body and the door decorative panel body are integrated by magnetic force.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a refrigerator that can improve the design property and ensure safety.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The refrigerator in the present disclosure is a refrigerator including a plurality of doors that are at least vertically positioned and arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction, the door including a door body and a panel member covering the surface of the door body, a support member for supporting the panel member being provided on the door body, the support member being provided at at least the lower edge of the door positioned at the upper part or the upper edge of the door positioned at the lower part, and a protruding member for engaging with the support member being provided on the panel member.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the refrigerator in this disclosure, by engaging the projection of the panel member with the support member, the door located at the top can receive the load of the panel member at its lower edge, and the door located at the bottom can receive the load of the panel member at its upper edge. Therefore, safety can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Front view of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Perspective view showing the right refrigerator door in Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view from the front, showing the right refrigerator door in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Exploded perspective view from the rear, showing the right refrigerator door in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 2 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view along the CC line in Figure 2 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view along line DD in Figure 2 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the EE line in Figure 2 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 10] Perspective view showing the switching room door in Embodiment 1 [Figure 11] Enlarged view showing the door handle portion of the switching room door in Embodiment 1 [Figure 12] Exploded perspective view from the front, showing the switching chamber door in Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] Exploded perspective view from the rear, showing the switching chamber door in Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of the FF line in Figure 10 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view along the GG line in Figure 10 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 16]Cross-sectional view taken along line H-H of FIG. 10 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 10 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 18] Cross-sectional view taken along line J-J of FIG. 10 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 19] Perspective view showing the state where the panel member of the right refrigerator door has fallen in Embodiment 1 [Figure 20] Cross-sectional view taken along line K-K of FIG. 19 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 21] Cross-sectional view taken along line L-L of FIG. 19 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 22] Cross-sectional view taken along line M-M of FIG. 19 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 23] Perspective view showing the state where the panel member of the switching room door has fallen in Embodiment 1 [Figure 24] Cross-sectional view taken along line N-N of FIG. 23 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 25] Cross-sectional view taken along line O-O of FIG. 23 in Embodiment 1 [Figure 26] Cross-sectional view taken along line P-P of FIG. 23 in Embodiment 1

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] (Findings etc. on which the present disclosure is based) When attaching the door decorative panel to the refrigerator door body, the inventors had a technology where the protrusion was inserted into the protrusion insertion hole, the door decorative panel was placed on the door decorative panel fixing bracket, and the door decorative panel was fixed by magnetic force. However, in the conventional technology, since the structure is such that the door decorative panel is placed on the fixing bracket, the fixing bracket is visible from the outside, and there is a problem that the design property deteriorates. Also, since the door decorative panel is positioned by fitting the fitting protrusion to the door side and fixed by magnetic force, there is a risk that the door decorative panel may fall if the door decorative panel receives a load, and the inventors found that there is room for improvement in terms of safety. In order to solve this problem, the inventors have arrived at the subject matter of the present disclosure. This disclosure provides a refrigerator that can improve design aesthetics and ensure safety.

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

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings. [1-1. Structure] [1-1-1. Refrigerator configuration] Figure 1 is a front view of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1. In this specification, when referring to the front and rear, left and right, and refrigerator 1, Figures 1 and 2 are used as reference. That is, the left and right sides of Figure 1 are assumed to correspond to the left and right sides of refrigerator 1. The front of refrigerator 1 may also be referred to as the front, and the rear of refrigerator 1 may also be referred to as the back.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the refrigerator 1 has a box-shaped casing 10 with an open front. The front of the casing 10 is provided with a rotating right refrigerator compartment door 11 and a left refrigerator compartment door 12, both located at the top. The front lower part of the enclosure 10 is provided with a rotating freezer door 13 located on the right side and a pull-out type switching door 14 located on the left side. A predetermined gap 15 is formed between the lower ends of the right refrigerator compartment door 11 and the left refrigerator compartment door 12, and the upper ends of the freezer compartment door 13 and the switchable compartment door 14.

[0012] In this embodiment, the upper part of the housing 10 is a refrigerator compartment, and the lower part of the housing 10 is a freezer compartment and a convertible compartment that can be used as a freezer compartment, a partial freezer compartment, or a refrigerator compartment. However, the compartments can be arranged in any way, or they may be composed of other compartments, such as a vegetable compartment.

[0013] [1-1-2. Door Configuration] Next, I will explain the door configuration. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the right refrigerator door in Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the right refrigerator door in Embodiment 1, seen from the front. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the right refrigerator door in Embodiment 1, seen from the rear. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 1 along line AA in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 1 along line BB in Figure 2. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 1 along line CC in Figure 2. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 1 along line DD in Figure 2. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 1 along line EE in Figure 2.

[0014] In the following explanation, since the right refrigerator compartment door 11 and the left refrigerator compartment door 12, located at the top, have similar configurations, the explanation will use the right refrigerator compartment door 11 as an example. Similarly, since the switchable compartment door 14 and the freezer compartment door 13, located at the bottom, have similar configurations, the explanation will use the switchable compartment door 14 as an example. First, let me explain the right refrigerator door 11. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the right refrigerator door 11 is equipped with a door body 20. The door body 20 comprises a door frame 21, an outer panel 22, an inner panel 23, an upper cap member 24 covering the upper end surface of the door frame 21, a lower cap member 25 covering the lower end surface of the door frame 21, and a hinge 26 attached to the housing 10.

[0015] A panel member 40 is attached to the front side of the door body 20. The outer shape of the panel member 40 is formed in the same way as the outer shape of the door body 20. A vacuum insulation material 27 is provided on the inner surface of the outer panel 22, and foam insulation material 28 is filled between the outer panel 22 and the inner panel 23 (see Figure 5). A door handle recess 29 is formed on the lower surface of the lower cap member 25 for the user to open and close the right refrigerator door 11. The upper cap member 24 and the lower cap member 25 are fixed in place by foamed insulation material 28 which is filled between the outer plate 22 and the inner plate 23. The interior panel 23 has two door pockets 30 attached to it, one above the other.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, a lower support member 50 is provided on the front side of the lower cap member 25, extending upward in a roughly L-shape. As shown in Figures 3 and 6, multiple side drop prevention support members 51 and multiple side lift prevention support members 52, which protrude in a roughly L-shape, are provided alternately in the vertical direction on both front edges of the door frame 21. As shown in Figures 3, 8, and 9, a plurality of upper support members 53 are provided on the upper front end of the door frame 21, arranged in a left-right direction. Each upper support member 53 is provided with a plurality of upper fall prevention support members 54 extending upward in a roughly L-shape, and a plurality of upper lift prevention support members 55 extending upward in a roughly L-shape, arranged alternately in a left-right direction.

[0017] As shown in Figure 4, two substantially flat lower support plates 60 are attached to the lower rear edge of the panel member 40, one on each side. As shown in Figure 5, the lower support plate 60 is provided with lower fall prevention projection members 61 and lower lift prevention projection members 62 that engage with the lower support member 50, arranged alternately in the left-right direction. The lower fall prevention projection member 61 is formed in a substantially L-shape and faces downward, engaging with the upper end of the lower fall prevention support member 77 of the substantially L-shaped lower support member 50. A lower fall receiving groove 63 is formed on the lower surface side of the lower fall prevention projection member 61. The lower fall receiving groove 63 of the lower fall prevention projection member 61 is supported in contact with the upper end of the lower fall prevention support member 77 of the lower support member 50. This allows the lower fall prevention projection member 61 to receive the load applied to the panel member 40.

[0018] The lower anti-floating projection member 62 is formed in a substantially L-shape that faces downward and engages with the upper end of the lower anti-floating support member 78 of the lower support member 50. The tip of the lower anti-floating projection member 62 is a lower anti-floating piece 64. The lower anti-floating piece 64 of the lower anti-floating projection member 62 is configured to abut against the inner side of the upper end of the lower anti-floating support member 78 of the lower support member 50, thereby suppressing the panel member 40 from floating towards the front.

[0019] As shown in Figure 4, a plurality of substantially flat side support plates 65 are attached in a vertical direction to both sides of the rear surface of the panel member 40. As shown in Figure 6, the side support plate 65 is provided with side fall prevention projection members 66 that engage with a plurality of side fall prevention support members 51 that protrude in a roughly L-shape, and side lift prevention projection members 67 that engage with side lift prevention support members 52, arranged alternately in the vertical direction. The side drop prevention projection member 66 is formed in a substantially L-shape and faces downward, engaging with the upper end of the substantially L-shaped side drop prevention support member 51. A side drop receiving groove 68 is formed on the lower surface side of the side drop prevention projection member 66.

[0020] The side drop receiving groove 68 of the side drop prevention projection member 66 is positioned with a predetermined gap from the upper end of the side drop prevention support member 51. If the panel member 40 were to fall, the side drop receiving groove 68 would come into contact with the upper end of the side drop prevention support member 51, thereby allowing the side drop prevention projection member 66 to absorb the load applied to the panel member 40. Furthermore, the gap 15 between the lower ends of the right refrigerator compartment door 11 and the left refrigerator compartment door 12 and the upper ends of the freezer compartment door 13 and the switching compartment door 14 is smaller than the gap between the side drop receiving groove 68 and the upper end of the side drop prevention support member 51.

[0021] The side lift prevention projection member 67 is formed in a substantially L-shape and faces downward, engaging with the upper end of the substantially L-shaped side lift prevention support member 52. The tip of the side lift prevention projection member 67 is a side lift prevention piece 69. The side lift prevention piece 69 of the side lift prevention projection member 67 abuts against the inner side of the upper end of the side lift prevention support member 52, thereby suppressing the panel member 40 from lifting toward the front side.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, two substantially flat upper support plates 70 are attached to the upper rear edge of the panel member 40, one on each side. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the upper support plate 70 is provided with upper fall prevention projection members 71 that engage with the upper fall prevention support member 54 and upper float prevention projection members 72 that engage with the upper float prevention support member 55, arranged alternately in the left-right direction. The upper fall prevention projection member 71 is formed in a substantially L-shape and faces downward, engaging with the upper end of the substantially L-shaped upper fall prevention support member 54. An upper fall receiving groove 73 is formed on the lower surface side of the upper fall prevention projection member 71. The upper fall receiving groove 73 of the upper fall prevention projection member 71 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the upper end of the upper fall prevention support member 54. In the event that the panel member 40 falls, the upper fall receiving groove 73 will come into contact with the upper end of the upper fall prevention support member 54, thereby allowing the upper fall prevention projection member 71 to receive the load applied to the panel member 40.

[0023] The upper anti-floating projection member 72 is formed in a substantially L-shape that faces downward and engages with the upper end of the substantially L-shaped upper anti-floating support member 55. The tip of the upper anti-floating projection member 72 is an upper anti-floating piece 74. The upper anti-floating piece 74 of the upper anti-floating projection member 72 is configured to abut against the inner side of the upper end of the upper anti-floating support member 55, thereby suppressing the panel member 40 from floating towards the front. On the surfaces of the anti-float pieces of the lower anti-float projection member 62, the side anti-float projection member 67, and the upper anti-float projection member 72 that face the lower support member 50, the side anti-float support member 52, and the upper anti-float support member 55, a projection 75 is formed.

[0024] Next, we will describe the switching room door 14. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the switching room door in Embodiment 1. Figure 11 is an enlarged view showing the door handle portion of the switching room door in Embodiment 1. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the switching room door as seen from the front in Embodiment 1. Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the switching room door as seen from the rear in Embodiment 1. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 10 along the FF line in Embodiment 1. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 10 along the GG line in Embodiment 1. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 10 along the HH line in Embodiment 1. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 10 along the II line in Embodiment 1. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 10 along the JJ line in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the same reference numeral is used for parts identical to the right refrigerator door 11.

[0025] As shown in Figures 10 to 13, the switching room door 14 is equipped with a door body 20. The door body 20 comprises a door frame 21, an outer panel 22, an inner panel 23, an upper cap member 24 that covers the upper end surface of the door frame 21, and a lower cap member 25 that covers the lower end surface of the door frame 21. A panel member 40 is attached to the surface side of the door body 20. The outer shape of the panel member 40 is formed in the same way as the outer shape of the door body 20. A vacuum insulation material 27 is provided on the inner surface of the outer panel 22, and foam insulation material 28 is filled between the outer panel 22 and the inner panel 23 (see Figure 14). A door handle recess 29 is formed on the upper surface of the upper cap member 24 for the user to open and close the switching room door 14.

[0026] As shown in Figure 12, an upper support member 76 is provided on the front side of the upper cap member 24, extending upward in a roughly L-shape. On both front edges of the door frame 21, a plurality of side-fall prevention support members 51 and a plurality of side-lift prevention support members 52, which protrude in a roughly L-shape, are provided alternately in the vertical direction. At the upper front end of the lower cap member 25, a plurality of lower fall prevention support members 77 and a plurality of lower lift prevention support members 78, both extending upward in a roughly L-shape, are provided alternately in the left-right direction.

[0027] As shown in Figure 13, a substantially flat upper support plate 70 is attached to the upper rear edge of the panel member 40. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the upper support plate 70 is provided with upper fall prevention projection members 71 that engage with the upper support member 76 and upper lift prevention projection members 72 that engage with the upper support member 76, arranged alternately in the left-right direction. The upper fall prevention projection member 71 is formed in a substantially L-shape and faces downward, engaging with the upper end of the substantially L-shaped upper support member 76. An upper fall receiving groove 73 is formed on the lower surface side of the upper fall prevention projection member 71. The upper fall receiving groove 73 of the upper fall prevention projection member 71 is supported in contact with the upper end of the upper fall prevention support member 54 of the upper support member 76. This allows it to withstand the load applied to the panel member 40.

[0028] As shown in Figure 15, the upper anti-float projection member 72 is formed in a substantially L-shape that faces downward and engages with the upper end of the substantially L-shaped upper anti-float support member 55. The tip of the upper anti-float projection member 72 is an upper anti-float piece 74. The upper anti-floating piece 74 of the upper anti-floating projection member 72 is configured to abut against the inner side of the upper end of the upper anti-floating support member 55, thereby suppressing the panel member 40 from floating towards the front.

[0029] As shown in Figures 13 and 16, a plurality of substantially flat side support plates 65 are attached to both sides of the rear surface of the panel member 40, arranged vertically. On both sides of the door frame 21, side-fall prevention projection members 66 that engage with a plurality of side-fall prevention support members 51 that protrude in a roughly L-shape, and side-lift prevention projection members 67 that engage with a side-lift prevention support member 52 are provided alternately in the vertical direction. The side drop prevention projection member 66 is formed in a substantially L-shape and faces downward, engaging with the upper end of the substantially L-shaped side drop prevention support member 51. A side drop receiving groove 68 is formed on the lower surface side of the side drop prevention projection member 66.

[0030] The side drop receiving groove 68 of the side drop prevention projection member 66 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the upper end of the side drop prevention support member 51. If the panel member 40 were to fall, the side drop receiving groove 68 would come into contact with the upper end of the side drop prevention support member 51, thereby allowing the side drop prevention projection member 66 to absorb the load applied to the panel member 40.

[0031] The side lift prevention projection member 67 is formed in a substantially L-shape and faces downward, engaging with the upper end of the substantially L-shaped side lift prevention support member 52. The tip of the side lift prevention projection member 67 is a side lift prevention piece 69. The side lift prevention piece 69 of the side lift prevention projection member 67 abuts against the inner side of the upper end of the side lift prevention support member 52, thereby suppressing the panel member 40 from lifting toward the front side.

[0032] As shown in Figure 13, a substantially flat lower support plate 60 is attached to the lower rear edge of the panel member 40. As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the lower support plate 60 is provided with lower fall prevention projection members 61 that engage with the lower fall prevention support member 77 and lower float prevention projection members 62 that engage with the lower float prevention support member 78, arranged alternately in the left-right direction. The lower fall prevention projection member 61 is formed in a substantially L-shape and faces downward, engaging with the upper end of the substantially L-shaped lower fall prevention support member 77. A lower fall receiving groove 63 is formed on the lower surface side of the lower fall prevention projection member 61.

[0033] The lower drop receiving groove 63 of the lower fall prevention projection member 61 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the upper end of the lower fall prevention support member 77. If the panel member 40 were to fall, the lower drop receiving groove 63 would come into contact with the upper end of the lower fall prevention support member 77, thereby receiving the load applied to the panel member 40 by the lower fall prevention projection member 61.

[0034] As shown in Figure 17, the lower anti-floating projection member 62 is formed in a substantially L-shape that faces downward and engages with the upper end of the substantially L-shaped lower anti-floating support member 78. The tip of the lower anti-floating projection member 62 is a lower anti-floating piece 64. The lower anti-floating piece 64 of the lower anti-floating projection member 62 is configured to abut against the inner side of the upper end of the lower anti-floating support member 78, thereby suppressing the panel member 40 from floating towards the front.

[0035] On the surfaces of the anti-float pieces of the upper anti-float projection member 72, the side anti-float projection member 67, and the lower anti-float projection member 62 that face the upper anti-float support member 55, the side anti-float support member 52, and the lower anti-float support member 78, a projection 75 is formed.

[0036] [1-2. Effect] Next, the operation of Embodiment 1 will be described. First, the panel member 40 is positioned on the front side of the door body 20 of the right refrigerator door 11, and the panel member 40 is slid downward to engage the lower fall prevention projection member 61, lower float prevention projection member 62, side fall prevention projection member 66, side float prevention projection member 67, upper fall prevention projection member 71, and upper float prevention projection member 72 with the lower support member 50, side fall prevention support member 51, side lift prevention support member 52, upper fall prevention support member 54, and upper lift prevention support member 55 of the panel member 40, respectively, thereby attaching the panel member 40 to the door body 20. In this state, the lower drop receiving groove 63 of the lower fall prevention projection member 61 comes into contact with the upper end of the lower support member 50 of the door body 20, and the lower support member 50 can support the load of the panel member 40. Furthermore, since the outer shape of the panel member 40 is formed in the same way as the outer shape of the door body 20, the door body 20 is not exposed from the outside, thus improving the aesthetic appearance.

[0037] Furthermore, since the lower lift-prevention projection member 62, the side lift-prevention projection member 67, and the upper lift-prevention projection member 72 are engaged with the lower lift-prevention support member 78, the side lift-prevention support member 52, and the upper lift-prevention support member 55 of the lower support member 50, the lifting of the panel member 40 can be suppressed. In this case, since the lower lift-prevention projection member 62, the side lift-prevention projection member 67, and the upper lift-prevention projection member 72 have protrusions 75 formed on them, the lower lift-prevention projection member 62, the side lift-prevention projection member 67, and the upper lift-prevention projection member 72 can be reliably brought into contact with the upper lift-prevention support member 55, the side lift-prevention support member 52, and the lower lift-prevention support member 78.

[0038] Similarly, by positioning the panel member 40 on the front side of the door body 20 of the switching room door 14 and sliding the panel member 40 downward, the lower fall prevention support member 77, lower lifting prevention support member 78, side fall prevention support member 51, side lifting prevention support member 52, upper fall prevention support member 54, and upper lifting prevention support member 55 of the lower support member 50 of the panel member 40 engage with the lower fall prevention projection member 61, lower lifting prevention projection member 62, side fall prevention projection member 66, side lifting prevention projection member 67, upper fall prevention projection member 71, and upper lifting prevention projection member 72, respectively, and attach the panel member 40 to the door body 20. In this state, the upper drop receiving groove 73 of the upper fall prevention projection member 71 comes into contact with the upper end of the upper support member 76 of the door body 20, and the upper support member 76 can support the load of the panel member 40. Furthermore, since the outer shape of the panel member 40 is formed in the same way as the outer shape of the door body 20, the door body 20 is not exposed from the outside, thus improving the aesthetic appearance.

[0039] Furthermore, since the upper anti-floating projection member 72, the side anti-floating projection member 67, and the lower anti-floating projection member 62 are engaged with the upper anti-floating support member 55, the side anti-floating support member 52, and the lower anti-floating support member 78, the floating of the panel member 40 can be suppressed. In this case, since the upper anti-floating projection member 72, the side anti-floating projection member 67, and the lower anti-floating projection member 62 have protrusions 75 formed on them, the upper anti-floating projection member 72, the side anti-floating projection member 67, and the lower anti-floating projection member 62 can be reliably brought into contact with the upper anti-floating support member 55, the side anti-floating support member 52, and the lower anti-floating support member 78.

[0040] Next, we will describe the state in which the panel member 40 has fallen. Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the state in which the panel member 40 of the right refrigerator door has fallen in Embodiment 1. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view along the KK line in Figure 19 in Embodiment 1. Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view along the LL line in Figure 19 in Embodiment 1. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view along the MM line in Figure 19 in Embodiment 1.

[0041] As shown in Figure 19, when some force is applied and the panel member 40 falls from the door body 20, the position of the panel member 40 moves downward relative to the door body 20, so the door body 20 is exposed from the upper end of the panel member 40. In this state, the lower fall prevention projection member 61 is damaged, and the lower fall prevention projection member 61 is no longer supported by the lower fall prevention support member 77.

[0042] As shown in Figure 20, in this state, the side drop receiving groove 68 of the side drop prevention projection member 66 abuts against the upper end of the side drop prevention support member 51, thereby preventing the panel member 40 from falling any further. Furthermore, if the side fall prevention projection member 66 is also damaged, the upper fall receiving groove 73 of the upper fall prevention projection member 71 will come into contact with the upper end of the upper fall prevention support member 54, thereby preventing further falling of the panel member 40. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, the side anti-floating projection member 67 and the upper anti-floating projection member 72 also move downward, allowing them to receive the fall of the panel member 40.

[0043] Thus, in this embodiment, even if the lower fall prevention projection member 61 is damaged by some force, the side fall prevention projection member 66 can prevent the panel member 40 from falling any further. Furthermore, even if the side fall prevention projection member 66 is damaged, the upper fall prevention projection member 71 can prevent the panel member 40 from falling any further, thus providing a two-stage fall prevention mechanism for the panel member 40. Furthermore, if the lower fall prevention projection member 61 is damaged, the upper fall prevention projection member 71 may first suppress the fall of the panel member 40, and if the upper fall prevention projection member 71 is damaged, the side fall prevention projection member 66 may suppress the fall of the panel member 40.

[0044] Furthermore, the gap 15 between the lower ends of the right refrigerator door 11 and the left refrigerator door 12 and the upper ends of the freezer door 13 and the switching door 14 is smaller than the gap between the side drop receiving groove 68 and the upper end of the side drop prevention support member 51. Therefore, if the panel member 40 falls, the lower end of the panel member 40 will be positioned at the upper end of the switching door 14 or freezer door 13 located below it. As a result, the upper cap member 24 of the switching door 14 or freezer door 13 located below it will interfere with the lower end of the panel member 40, making it impossible to open the switching door 14 or freezer door 13, and allowing the user to recognize that the panel member 40 has fallen.

[0045] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the state in which the panel member 40 of the switching room door has fallen in Embodiment 1. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view along the line NN of Figure 23 in Embodiment 1. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view along the line OO of Figure 23 in Embodiment 1. Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view along the line PP of Figure 23 in Embodiment 1.

[0046] As shown in Figure 23, when some force is applied and the panel member 40 falls from the door body 20, the position of the panel member 40 moves downward relative to the door body 20, so the door body 20 is exposed from the upper end of the panel member 40. In this state, the upper fall prevention projection member 71 is damaged, and the upper fall prevention projection member 71 is no longer supported by the upper fall prevention support member 54.

[0047] As shown in Figures 24 and 26, in this state, the side drop receiving groove 68 of the side drop prevention projection member 66 comes into contact with the upper end of the side drop prevention support member 51, thereby preventing the panel member 40 from falling any further. Furthermore, if the side fall prevention projection member 66 is also damaged, the lower fall receiving groove 63 of the lower fall prevention projection member 61 will come into contact with the upper end of the lower fall prevention support member 77, thereby preventing further falling of the panel member 40. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, the side anti-floating projection member 67 and the upper anti-floating projection member 72 also move downward, allowing them to receive the fall of the panel member 40.

[0048] Thus, in this embodiment, even if the upper fall prevention projection member 71 is damaged by some force, the side fall prevention projection member 66 can prevent the panel member 40 from falling any further. Furthermore, even if the side fall prevention projection member 66 is damaged, the lower fall prevention projection member 61 can prevent the panel member 40 from falling any further, thus providing a two-stage fall prevention mechanism for the panel member 40. Furthermore, if the upper fall prevention projection member 71 is damaged, the lower fall prevention projection member 61 may first suppress the fall of the panel member 40, and if the lower fall prevention projection member 61 is damaged, the side fall prevention projection member 66 may suppress the fall of the panel member 40.

[0049] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes a plurality of doors 11, 12, 13, 14 located at least vertically and arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. Each door 11, 12, 13, 14 comprises a door body 20 and a panel member 40 that covers the surface of the door body 20. The door body 20 is provided with support members 51, 54, 77 that support the panel member 40. The support members 54, 77 are provided at least at the lower edge of the right refrigerator door 11 and the left refrigerator door 12 located at the top, or at the upper edge of the freezer door 13 and the switching door 14 located at the bottom. The panel member 40 is provided with projection members 61, 71 that engage with the support members 54, 77. As a result, by engaging the projections 61 and 71 of the panel member 40 with the support members 54 and 77, the upper doors 11 and 12 can receive the load of the panel member 40 at their lower edges, and the lower doors 13 and 14 can receive the load of the panel member 40 at their upper edges. Therefore, safety can be improved.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the refrigerator 1, the support members 51, 54, and 77 are provided on all four sides of the door body 20, and the protruding members 61, 66, and 71 are provided on all four sides of the panel member 40. This allows the panel member 40 to be supported on all four sides of the door body 20, thereby enhancing safety.

[0051] Furthermore, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes, as a support member, at least one of the fall prevention support members 51, 54, 77 that receive the load of the panel member 40 or the float prevention support members 52, 55, 78 that prevent the panel member 40 from floating, and as a projection member, at least one of the fall prevention projection members 61, 66, 71 that engage with the fall prevention support members 51, 54, 77 or the float prevention projection members 62, 67, 72 that engage with the float prevention support members 61, 67, 72. As a result, by engaging the fall prevention projection members 61, 66, 71 with the fall prevention support members 51, 54, 77, the panel member 40 can be supported by the door body 20, and by engaging the float prevention projection members 62, 67, 72 with the float prevention support members 52, 55, 78, the floatation of the panel member 40 from the door body 20 can be suppressed.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the refrigerator 1, the fall prevention support members 51, 54, and 77 are formed to protrude upward in a substantially L-shape, and the fall prevention projection members 61, 66, and 71 are provided with fall receiving grooves 63, 68, and 73 that engage with the upper ends of the fall prevention support members 51, 54, and 77. The fall prevention support members 54 and 77, which are provided on the lower edges of the right refrigerator door 11 and the left refrigerator door 12 located at the top, and the lower edges of the freezer door 13 and the switching door 14 located at the bottom, are in contact with the fall receiving grooves 63 or 73, while the other fall prevention support members 51, 54, and 77 are spaced apart from the fall receiving grooves 68, 63, or 73 with a predetermined gap. As a result, the fall prevention support members 54, 77, located on the lower edges of the right refrigerator door 11 and left refrigerator door 12 at the top, and the upper edges of the freezer door 13 and switching door 14 at the bottom, come into contact with the fall receiving grooves 63 or 73, thereby supporting the load of the panel member 40. Furthermore, since the other fall prevention support members 51, 54, 77 and the fall receiving grooves 68, 63 or 73 are spaced apart with a predetermined gap, if the panel member 40 were to fall, the other fall receiving grooves 68, 63 or 73 would come into contact with the upper ends of the other fall prevention support members 51, 54, 77, thereby preventing the panel member 40 from falling any further and enhancing safety.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the refrigerator 1, the gap 15 between the right refrigerator compartment door 11 and the left refrigerator compartment door 12 located at the top and the freezer compartment door 13 and the switching compartment door 14 located at the bottom is formed to be smaller than the gap between the fall prevention support members 51, 54, 77 and the fall receiving grooves 63, 68, 73. As a result, if the panel member 40 falls, the lower end of the panel member 40 will be positioned at the upper end of the lower freezer door 13 and the switching room door 14, preventing the lower freezer door 13 and the switching room door 14 from being opened, allowing the user to recognize that the panel member 40 has fallen.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the refrigerator 1, the float prevention support members 52, 55, and 78 are formed to protrude upward in a substantially L-shape, and the float prevention projection members 62, 67, and 72 are equipped with float prevention pieces 64, 69, and 74 that abut against the float prevention support members 52, 55, and 78. As a result, by providing anti-float pieces 64, 69, and 74 on the anti-float projection members 62, 67, and 72, and bringing the anti-float pieces 64, 69, and 74 into contact with the anti-float support members 52, 55, and 78, the floating of the panel member 40 can be suppressed.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the refrigerator 1, protrusions 75 are formed on the surfaces of the anti-floating pieces 64, 69, and 74 that face the anti-floating support members 52, 55, and 78. This allows the anti-float projections 61, 67, and 72 to reliably contact the anti-float projections 61, 67, and 72 with respect to the anti-float support members 52, 55, and 78 by forming protrusions 75 on the surfaces of the anti-float pieces 64, 69, and 74 that face the anti-float support members 52, 55, and 78.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the refrigerator 1, the outer shape of the panel member 40 is formed in the same way as the outer shape of the door body 20. As a result, by forming the outer shape of the panel member 40 in the same way as the outer shape of the door body, the door body is not exposed from the outside, and the aesthetic appearance can be improved.

[0057] (Other embodiments) Embodiment 1 has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. For example, the panel member 40 is made of a thick and heavy plate material. Specifically, it is made of aluminum plate, steel plate, glass plate, etc. Furthermore, as a means of fixing the panel member 40 to the lower fall prevention projection member 61, the lower lifting prevention projection member 62, the side fall prevention projection member 66, the side lifting prevention projection member 67, the upper fall prevention projection member 71, and the upper lifting prevention projection member, if the material of the panel member 40 is metal, double-sided tape, adhesive, welding, etc., are used. If the material of the panel member 40 is glass, double-sided tape, adhesive, etc., are used.

[0058] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0059] (Technical 1) A refrigerator having a plurality of doors located at least vertically and arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, wherein each door comprises a door body and a panel member covering the surface of the door body, the door body is provided with a support member for supporting the panel member, the support member is provided at least on the lower edge of the door located at the top or the upper edge of the door located at the bottom, and the panel member is provided with a projection member that engages with the support member. With this configuration, by engaging the projection of the panel member with the support member, the door located at the top can receive the load of the panel member at its lower edge, and the door located at the bottom can receive the load of the panel member at its upper edge. Therefore, safety can be improved.

[0060] (Technical 2) The refrigerator according to Technical 1, wherein the support members are provided on all four sides of the door body, and the projection members are provided on all four sides of the panel member. This configuration allows the panel members to be supported on all four sides of the door body, thereby enhancing safety.

[0061] (Technical 3) The refrigerator according to Technical 1 or Technical 2, wherein the support member comprises at least one of a fall prevention support member that receives the load of the panel member or a float prevention support member that prevents the panel member from floating, and the projection member comprises at least one of a fall prevention projection member that engages with the fall prevention support member or a float prevention projection member that engages with the float prevention support member. With this configuration, the panel member can be supported by the door body by engaging the fall prevention projection member with the fall prevention support member, and the panel member can be prevented from floating away from the door body by engaging the float prevention projection member with the float prevention support member.

[0062] (Technical 4) The refrigerator according to Technical 3, wherein the fall prevention support member is formed to protrude in a substantially L-shape toward upward, the fall prevention projection member has a fall receiving groove that engages with the upper end of the fall prevention support member, the fall prevention support member provided on the lower edge of the door located at the top and the upper edge of the door located at the bottom contacts the fall receiving groove, and the other fall prevention support members and the fall receiving groove are separated by a predetermined gap. In this configuration, the fall prevention support members provided on the lower edge of the door located at the top and the upper edge of the door located at the bottom come into contact with the fall receiving groove, thereby supporting the load of the panel member. Furthermore, since the other fall prevention support members and the fall receiving groove are spaced apart by a predetermined gap, if the panel member were to fall, the other fall receiving grooves would come into contact with the upper ends of the other fall prevention support members, thereby preventing the panel member from falling any further and enhancing safety.

[0063] (Technical 5) The refrigerator according to Technical 4, wherein the gap between the door located at the top and the door located at the bottom is smaller than the gap between the fall prevention support member and the fall receiving groove. With this configuration, if a panel falls, the lower end of the panel will be positioned at the upper end of the door located below it, preventing the door from being opened, and allowing the user to recognize that the panel has fallen.

[0064] (Technical 6) The refrigerator according to Technical 3, wherein the float prevention support member is formed to protrude upward in a substantially L-shape, and the float prevention projection member is provided with a float prevention piece that abuts against the float prevention support member. With this configuration, a floating prevention piece is provided on the floating prevention projection member, and by bringing the floating prevention piece into contact with the floating prevention support member, floating of the panel member can be suppressed.

[0065] (Technical 7) The refrigerator according to Technical 6, wherein a projection is formed on the surface of the anti-floating piece facing the anti-floating support member. With this configuration, by forming a protrusion on the surface of the anti-float piece that faces the anti-float support member, the anti-float projection member can be reliably brought into contact with the anti-float support member.

[0066] (Technical 8) The refrigerator according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 7, wherein the outer shape of the panel member is formed in the same way as the outer shape of the door body. With this configuration, by forming the outer shape of the panel member to be the same as the outer shape of the door body, the door body is not exposed from the outside, and the aesthetic appearance can be improved. [Industrial applicability]

[0067] As described above, this disclosure is suitably applicable as a refrigerator that can improve design aesthetics and ensure safety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. Refrigerator 10 cabinets 11 Right refrigerator door 12 Left refrigerator door 13 Freezer door 14 Switching Room Door 15 Gap 20 Door Body 21 Door frame 22 Outer panels 23 Inner plate 24 Upper cap member 25 Lower cap member 26 Hinge 27 Vacuum insulation material 28. Foamed insulation 29 Door handle recess 30 Door pockets 40 Panel components 50 Lower support member 51 Side drop prevention support member 52 Support member for preventing side lifting 53 Upper support member 54 Upper fall prevention support member 55 Upper support member for preventing lifting 60 Lower support plate 61 Lower fall prevention projection member 62 Lower anti-floating projection member 63 Lower drop receiving groove 64 Lower float prevention piece 65 Side support plate 66 Side-mounted projection member for preventing fall 67 Side-mounted projection member for preventing lifting 68 Side drop receiving groove 69 Side lift prevention piece 70 Upper support plate 71 Upper fall prevention projection member 72 Upper anti-floating projection member 73 Upper drop receiving groove 74 Upper anti-floating piece 75 Protrusion 76 Upper support member 77 Lower support member for preventing fall 78 Lower support member for preventing lifting

Claims

1. A refrigerator having at least multiple doors located vertically and arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, The door comprises a door body and a panel member that covers the surface of the door body. The door body is provided with a support member that supports the panel member, The support member is provided at least on the lower edge of the door located at the top or on the upper edge of the door located at the bottom. The panel member is provided with a projection that engages with the support member. refrigerator.

2. The support members are provided on all four sides of the door body. The aforementioned protruding members are provided on all four sides of the panel member. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. The support member comprises at least one of a fall prevention support member that receives the load of the panel member or a float prevention support member that prevents the panel member from floating. The projection member comprises at least one of a fall prevention projection member that engages with the fall prevention support member or a float prevention projection member that engages with the float prevention support member. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned fall prevention support member is formed to protrude upward in a roughly L-shape, The aforementioned fall prevention projection member is provided with a fall receiving groove that engages with the upper end of the fall prevention support member, The fall prevention support members provided on the lower edge of the door located at the top and the upper edge of the door located at the bottom are in contact with the fall receiving groove, and the other fall prevention support members and the fall receiving groove are separated by a predetermined gap. The refrigerator according to claim 3.

5. The gap between the upper door and the lower door is smaller than the gap between the fall prevention support member and the fall receiving groove. The refrigerator according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned support member for preventing floating is formed to protrude upward in a roughly L-shape, The aforementioned anti-floating projection member includes an anti-floating piece that contacts the anti-floating support member. The refrigerator according to claim 3.

7. A projection is formed on the surface of the anti-float piece facing the anti-float support member. The refrigerator according to claim 6.

8. The outer shape of the panel member is formed in the same way as the outer shape of the door body. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

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