refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention provides a refrigerator with shelves configured to make effective use of storage space. [Solution] The refrigerator 10 includes an insulated box 11, a refrigerator compartment 12 which is a storage compartment formed inside the insulated box 11, an upper shelf 30 which divides the inside of the refrigerator compartment 12 vertically, and an intermediate support 33 which extends forward from the rear part 1121 of the storage compartment in the middle part of the storage compartment in the width direction. The intermediate support 33 supports the end of the upper shelf 30 in the width direction from below.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly to a refrigerator in which a shelf is disposed inside a storage compartment.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a refrigerator equipped with shelves as described in Patent Document 1 has been known. Here, a storage compartment is formed inside a heat-insulating box of the refrigerator, and a plurality of shelves are disposed inside this storage compartment. An object to be stored such as food is placed on the upper surface of the shelf. Further, configurations for supporting the shelves inside the storage compartment are described in Patent Documents 2 to 5.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the refrigerator according to the above-described background art, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of effectively using the inside of the storage compartment.

[0005] Specifically, although the shelves are installed over the entire width of the storage compartment, the opportunity to place stored items on the entire shelf is not often, and the width of the shelf that the user actually needs may be narrower than the entire width of the shelf.

[0006] Furthermore, the shelves are arranged to divide the storage compartment vertically, for example, at 20cm intervals. This structure makes it difficult to store tall items such as plastic bottles in the storage compartment because the shelves act as obstacles. By removing the shelves from the storage compartment, it is possible to create space for storing tall items such as plastic bottles. However, removing the shelves may result in insufficient space for other food items.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a refrigerator having shelves configured to make effective use of the storage space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises an insulated box, a storage compartment formed inside the insulated box, a shelf section that partitions the inside of the storage compartment vertically, and an intermediate support section that extends forward from the rear of the storage compartment in the middle of the storage compartment in the width direction. The shelf section has an upper shelf section and a lower shelf section disposed below the upper shelf section. The upper shelf section is disposed across a portion of the storage compartment in the width direction, and the intermediate support section supports the end of the upper shelf section in the width direction from below. According to the refrigerator of the present invention, by supporting the end of the upper shelf section in the width direction from below with the intermediate support section, the width of the upper shelf section can be made shorter than the width of the refrigerator compartment. Therefore, the upper shelf section can be partially disposed in the width direction of the storage compartment, and the upper shelf section can not be disposed in the remaining portion, allowing long items such as PET bottles to be stored upright on the lower shelf section.

[0009] Furthermore, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper shelf has a first shelf that is slidable along the front-rear direction, the first shelf has a first side extending along the front-rear direction and a second side facing the first side, and the intermediate support is configured to support the first side of the first shelf from below in a slidable manner. According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the intermediate support supports the first shelf in a slidable manner in the middle part in the width direction, so that the user can easily put in and take out storage items placed on the first shelf.

[0010] Furthermore, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first lateral support portion is provided on the first side surface of the storage compartment, and the first lateral support portion is characterized in that it slidably supports the second side of the first shelf portion. According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the first shelf portion can be slidably supported by the intermediate support portion and the first lateral support portion.

[0011] Furthermore, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper shelf has a second shelf that is rotatably disposed, and the second shelf has a third side extending along the front-rear direction and a fourth side facing the third side, the third side is rotatably fixed and the fourth side is supported from below by the intermediate support. According to the refrigerator of the present invention, when storing items on the second shelf, the fourth side of the second shelf is supported by the intermediate support. On the other hand, when storing items on the second shelf, the second shelf can be rotated with the third side as the pivot point to make the second shelf upright, creating space for long items to be placed upright on the lower shelf.

[0012] Furthermore, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, a second lateral support is provided on the second side surface of the storage compartment, and the third side of the second shelf is fixed to the second lateral support so as to be rotatable within a rotational range of approximately 90 degrees. According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the second shelf can be held in a horizontal or vertical position by the second lateral support rotatably supporting the third side of the second shelf.

[0013] Furthermore, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention is further provided with a support fixing part that fixes the rear end of the intermediate support part to the insulated box body, and the support fixing part is disposed inside the thickness portion of the insulated box body. According to the refrigerator of the present invention, by distributing the support fixing part inside the thickness portion of the insulated box body, the intermediate support part can be firmly fixed by the support fixing part, and deformation of the upper shelf and the intermediate support part can be suppressed even when heavy stored items are placed on the upper shelf.

[0014] Furthermore, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the support fixing portion comprises a first support fixing portion and a second support fixing portion, wherein the first support fixing portion is disposed on the inside of the inner box constituting the storage compartment and the intermediate support portion is connected to it, and the second support fixing portion is disposed on the outside of the inner box and is connected to the first support fixing portion by a connecting member that penetrates the inner box. According to the refrigerator of the present invention, since the first support fixing portion and the second support fixing portion are fixed to the insulated box body in a manner that sandwiches the inner box, the strength of the support fixing portion and the intermediate support portion can be increased.

[0015] Furthermore, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate support portion comprises a core material and a protective member that protects the core material, and the end of the core material is connected to the support fixing portion. According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the strength of the intermediate support portion can be increased by connecting the end of the core material, which has high mechanical strength, to the support fixing portion.

[0016] Furthermore, in the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the upper shelf is positioned at the top and is also positioned partially in the width direction. According to the refrigerator of the present invention, because the upper shelf positioned at the top is positioned partially in the width direction, PET bottles and the like can be placed on the upper surface of the lower shelf in the area where the upper shelf is not positioned. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a refrigerator having a shelf configured to effectively utilize the space of the storage chamber.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] It is a perspective view of the shelf portion and its peripheral portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. [Figure 3B] It is a perspective view of the shelf portion and its peripheral portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of the shelf portion and its peripheral portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of the shelf portion and its peripheral portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below. [Figure 6A] It is a perspective view showing the first shelf portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] It is an exploded perspective view showing the first shelf portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] It is an exploded perspective view showing the first shelf portion and the intermediate support portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] It is an exploded perspective view showing the first shelf portion and the first side support portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] It is a perspective view showing the second shelf portion and the intermediate support portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] It is an exploded perspective view showing the second shelf portion and the intermediate support portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] It is a perspective view showing the intermediate support portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] It is an exploded perspective view showing the intermediate support portion of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a lateral cross-sectional view showing an intermediate support portion of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11A] This is a perspective view from above of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the first shelf section pulled forward. [Figure 11B] This is a perspective view from below of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the first shelf section pulled forward. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing the first shelf section pulled forward in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the second shelf section in an upright position in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing a second shelf section in an upright position inside the refrigerator compartment of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] Hereinafter, a refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components in principle, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, in the following description, the directions of up, down, front, back, left, and right will be used as appropriate, where left and right refers to the left and right when the refrigerator 10 is viewed from the front. Also, the left side is one of the width directions, and the right side is the other of the width directions. Furthermore, the left and right directions are synonymous with the width direction.

[0020] Figure 1 is a lateral cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the refrigerator 10.

[0021] The refrigerator 10 has an insulated box 11 and a storage compartment formed inside the insulated box 11. The storage compartment has, from top to bottom, a refrigerator compartment 12, a vegetable compartment 13, and a freezer compartment 14. The front opening of the refrigerator compartment 12 is closed by a rotating first insulated door 18, and the front opening of the vegetable compartment 13 is closed by a pull-out second insulated door 19. The front opening of the freezer compartment 14 is closed from top to bottom by a pull-out third insulated door 20 and a fourth insulated door 21.

[0022] The insulated box 11 consists of an outer box 111 made of steel plate bent into a predetermined shape, an inner box 112 made of synthetic resin plate placed inside and spaced apart from the outer box 111, and an insulating material 113 filled between the outer box 111 and the inner box 112. Foamed insulating material or the like can be used as the insulating material 113.

[0023] The refrigerator compartment 12 is a storage room with a refrigerated temperature range for storing fresh food and beverages. The vegetable compartment 13 stores vegetables and fruits and has a higher refrigerated temperature range than the refrigerator compartment 12. The freezer compartment 14 is a storage room with a freezing temperature range for storing frozen food and ice.

[0024] The interior of the refrigerator compartment 12 is divided vertically by shelves S, specifically an upper shelf 30 and a lower shelf 40. A retractable storage container (not shown here) is located at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 12. The interior of this storage container forms a chilled compartment, which is kept at a lower temperature than other areas of the refrigerator compartment 12.

[0025] A cooling chamber 115 is partitioned off at the rear of the freezer compartment 14, and an evaporator 116 is housed in the cooling chamber 115. A machine room 15 is partitioned off at the rear of the lower end of the insulated box body 11, and a compressor 22 is located in the machine room 15. The evaporator 116 and compressor 22, together with an expansion means and a condenser (not shown here), form a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle. An air duct 114 is connected above the cooling chamber 115. In the cooling chamber 115, the air cooled by the evaporator 116 is blown into the air duct 114 by the airflow of a blower (not shown here). The air cooled by the evaporator 116 is also blown into the freezer compartment 14 through an opening formed at the front of the cooling chamber 115. As a result, the refrigerator compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13 are cooled to the refrigeration temperature range, and the freezer compartment 14 is cooled to the freezing temperature range.

[0026] A defrost heater 117 is positioned inside the cooling chamber 115, below the evaporator 116. The defrost heater 117 is a heater that generates heat when electricity is applied. The defrost heater 117 generates heat when electricity is applied during the defrosting process, and the heat generated melts the frost on the evaporator 116.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the refrigerator 10.

[0028] The refrigerator compartment 12 has a rear section 1121, a first side section 1122, and a second side section 1123. The rear section 1121 is located at the back of the refrigerator compartment 12 and faces forward. The first side section 1122 is located at the right end of the refrigerator compartment 12 and is parallel to the plane including the front-to-back and up-to-down directions. The second side section 1123 is located at the left end of the refrigerator compartment 12 and is opposite to the first side section 1122.

[0029] As mentioned above, a refrigerator compartment 12 is formed inside the inner box 112. The upper shelf 30 is located at the top of the refrigerator compartment 12, and the lower shelf 40 is located below the lower shelf 40. Other shelves S located below the lower shelf 40 are not shown here.

[0030] The upper shelf section 30 has a first shelf section 31 and a second shelf section 32. The first shelf section 31 constitutes the right portion of the upper shelf section 30, and the second shelf section 32 constitutes the left portion of the upper shelf section 30.

[0031] The first shelf section 31 is arranged across a portion of the refrigerator compartment 12 in the width direction. Specifically, the first shelf section 31 is located on the right side inside the refrigerator compartment 12. The length of the first shelf section 31 in the width direction is shorter than the length of the refrigerator compartment 12 in the width direction. For example, the length of the first shelf section 31 in the width direction is about two-thirds of the length of the refrigerator compartment 12 in the width direction. The first shelf section 31 is slidable along the front-to-back direction by the user's pulling or pushing motion. The configuration for supporting the end of the first shelf section 31 in the width direction so that it can slide will be described later with reference to Figure 3A, etc.

[0032] The second shelf section 32 is an upper shelf section 30 that is rotatably mounted. The second shelf section 32 is rotatably mounted with its left side as the center of rotation. The length of the second shelf section 32 in the width direction is shorter than the length of the refrigerator compartment 12 in the width direction. For example, the length of the second shelf section 32 in the width direction is about one-third of the length of the refrigerator compartment 12 in the width direction. In the width direction, the second shelf section 32 is shorter than the first shelf section 31.

[0033] The intermediate support section 33 is a roughly rod-shaped member that extends forward from the rear part 1121 of the refrigerator compartment 12 in the width direction of the refrigerator compartment 12. The intermediate support section 33 supports the ends of the first shelf section 31 and the second shelf section 32 in the width direction from below. Specifically, the intermediate support section 33 slidably supports the left side of the first shelf section 31 and supports the right side of the second shelf section 32 from below. This support structure will be explained with reference to Figure 3A, etc. As will be described later, by supporting the ends of the first shelf section 31 and the second shelf section 32 in the width direction from below with the intermediate support section 33, the width of the first shelf section 31 and the second shelf section 32 can be made shorter than the width of the refrigerator compartment 12. Therefore, as will be described later, long items such as PET bottles can be stored upright.

[0034] Figure 3A is a perspective view of the upper shelf section 30 and its surrounding area, viewed from above. Figure 3B is a perspective view of the upper shelf section 30 and its surrounding area, viewed from below.

[0035] Referring to Figures 3A and 3B, as described above, the upper shelf section 30 includes a first shelf section 31 and a second shelf section 32.

[0036] The intermediate support section 33 supports the left end of the first shelf section 31 and the right end of the second shelf section 32 from below. The specific configuration of the intermediate support section 33, and how the intermediate support section 33 supports the first shelf section 31 and the second shelf section 32, will be described later with reference to Figures 5 and later.

[0037] The first lateral support portion 34 is a member that slidesly supports the right end of the first shelf portion 31 from below. The first lateral support portion 34 is fixed to the first side portion 1122 of the inner box 112, as shown in Figure 2.

[0038] The second lateral support portion 35 is a member that rotatably supports the left end of the second shelf portion 32. The second lateral support portion 35 is fixed to the second side portion 1123 of the inner box 112, as shown in Figure 2.

[0039] The intermediate support section 33 is positioned at the boundary between the first shelf section 31 and the second shelf section 32. The rear end of the intermediate support section 33 is fixed to the rear surface 1121 of the inner box 112, as shown in Figure 2, via a support fixing section 36. The support fixing section 36 has a first support fixing section 37 and a second support fixing section 38. The specific configuration of the support fixing section 36 will be described later with reference to Figure 4, etc.

[0040] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the upper shelf section 30 and its surrounding area, viewed from above. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the upper shelf section 30 and its surrounding area, viewed from below.

[0041] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the first shelf section 31 has a first side 311 and a second side 312. The first side 311 is the left side of the first shelf section 31 and extends along the front-to-back direction. The second side 312 is the right side of the first shelf section 31 and is the side opposite to the first side 311. The first side 311 of the first shelf section 31 is slidably placed on the upper surface of the intermediate support section 33. The second side 312 of the first shelf section 31 is slidably placed on the upper surface of the first lateral support section 34.

[0042] The second shelf section 32 has a third side 321 and a fourth side 322. The third side 321 is the left side of the second shelf section 32 and extends along the front-to-back direction. The fourth side 322 is the right side of the second shelf section 32 and is the side opposite to the third side 321. The third side 321 is rotatably fixed to the second lateral support section 35. The fourth side 322 is supported from below by the intermediate support section 33.

[0043] As mentioned above, the support fixing portion 36 has a first support fixing portion 37 and a second support fixing portion 38. The support fixing portion 36 is fixed to the rear portion 1121 of the inner box 112 shown in Figure 2. The configuration in which the support fixing portion 36 is fixed will be described later with reference to Figure 10.

[0044] The crossbar 41 is a roughly rod-shaped member installed between the front end of the intermediate support section 33 and the front end of the first lateral support section 34. The crossbar 41 is the part that supports the middle section of the first shelf section 31 in the left-right direction from below.

[0045] The first shelf section 31 and its support structure will be described with reference to Figures 6A to 7B. Figure 6A is a perspective view showing the first shelf section 31. Figure 6B is an exploded perspective view showing the first shelf section 31. Figure 7A is an exploded perspective view showing the first shelf section 31 and the intermediate support section 33. Figure 7B is an exploded perspective view showing the first shelf section 31 and the first lateral support section 34.

[0046] The configuration of the first shelf section 31 will be described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B. The first shelf section 31 includes a shelf body section 313 and a first protective section 421 that protects the side surface of the shelf body section 313.

[0047] The shelf body 313 is a rectangular, plate-shaped member. The shelf body 313 can be made of synthetic resin, glass, or the like.

[0048] First protective section 421, second protective section 422, third protective section 423, and fourth protective section 424 are fitted onto the four sides of the shelf body 313. The first to fourth protective sections 421 to 424 can be made of long, sash-like members made of synthetic resin. With this configuration, each side of the shelf body 313 can be protected.

[0049] The first protective part 421 is fitted onto the front edge of the shelf body 313 and is a member that protects the front edge of the shelf body 313. This configuration makes it easier for the user to hold the first protective part 421, and facilitates the pulling out and pushing in operations of the first shelf 31.

[0050] The second protective part 422 is fitted into the rear edge of the shelf body 313 and is a member that protects the rear edge of the shelf body 313. The second protective part 422 has a wall portion 39. The wall portion 39 is a wall-like portion that rises upward from the rear end side of the second protective part 422. When the user pulls the first shelf 31 forward, the wall portion 39 catches the stored items placed on the first shelf 31 and prevents the stored items from falling backward.

[0051] The third protective part 423 is fitted into the left side of the shelf body 313 and is a member that protects the left side of the shelf body 313. The first engaging part 43 is provided on the rear side of the third protective part 423. The first engaging part 43 is a substantially hook-shaped portion that extends downward. Specifically, when the first engaging part 43 is viewed from the front, it extends downward, and its lower end is a portion that curves outward in the width direction to the left. Two first engaging parts 43 are provided spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The first engaging part 43 engages with the first guide part 45 of the intermediate support part 33, which will be described later.

[0052] The fourth protective part 424 is fitted onto the right side of the shelf body 313 and is a member that protects the right side of the shelf body 313. A second engaging part 44 is provided on the rear side of the fourth protective part 424. The second engaging part 44 is a substantially hook-shaped portion that extends downward. Specifically, when the second engaging part 44 is viewed from the front, it extends downward, and its lower end is a portion that curves outward in the width direction to the right. Two second engaging parts 44 are provided spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The second engaging part 44 engages with the second guide part 46 of the first lateral support part 34, which will be described later.

[0053] Referring to Figure 7A, the intermediate support portion 33 has a first holding portion 47 and a first guide portion 45 formed therein.

[0054] The first retaining portion 47 is a part that partially protrudes to the right from the right side of the intermediate support portion 33. The left end of the crossbar portion 41 shown in Figure 4 is fitted into the first retaining portion 47 from above.

[0055] The first guide portion 45 is a wall-like projection extending to the right from the right side of the intermediate support portion 33. The first guide portion 45 is formed continuously from the middle to the rear end of the intermediate support portion 33. The upper surface of the first guide portion 45 is located on the same plane as the upper surface of the main body of the intermediate support portion 33.

[0056] The first engaging portion 43 of the first shelf portion 31 is fitted into the first guide portion 45. That is, the lower end of the first engaging portion 43, i.e., the portion that curves toward the left, wraps around below the first guide portion 45. With this configuration, the first side 311 of the first shelf portion 31 is slidably provided with respect to the intermediate support portion 33. With this configuration, the user can easily put in and take out stored items placed on the first shelf portion 31.

[0057] Referring to Figure 7B, the first lateral support portion 34 has a second holding portion 48 and a second guide portion 46 formed thereon.

[0058] The second retaining portion 48 is a part that partially protrudes to the left from the left side surface of the first lateral support portion 34. The right end of the crossbar portion 41 shown in Figure 4 is fitted into the second retaining portion 48 from above.

[0059] The second guide portion 46 is a wall-like projection extending to the left from the left side of the first lateral support portion 34. The second guide portion 46 is formed continuously from the middle to the rear end of the first lateral support portion 34. The upper surface of the second guide portion 46 is located on the same plane as the upper surface of the main body of the first lateral support portion 34.

[0060] The second engaging portion 44 of the first shelf portion 31 is fitted into the second guide portion 46. The lower end of the second engaging portion 44, that is, the portion that curves toward the right, wraps around below the second guide portion 46. With this configuration, the second side 312, which is the right side of the first shelf portion 31, is slidably mounted relative to the first lateral support portion 34.

[0061] Figure 8A is a perspective view showing the second shelf section 32 and the intermediate support section 33. Figure 8B is an exploded perspective view showing the second shelf section 32 and the intermediate support section 33 of the refrigerator 10.

[0062] Referring to Figure 8A, the second shelf section 32 is supported from below by the second lateral support section 35 and the intermediate support section 33. The second lateral support section 35 is fixed to the second side section 1123 of the inner box 112, as shown in Figure 2. The second shelf section 32 is made of a plate material consisting of a composite resin board or a glass plate.

[0063] Referring to Figure 8B, the left side of the second shelf section 32 is the third side 321, and the right side of the second shelf section 32 is the fourth side 322. The third side 321 of the second shelf section 32 is rotatably supported by the second lateral support section 35. This allows the second shelf section 32 to rotate within a range of approximately 90 degrees with the third side 321 as the center of rotation. The fourth side 322 of the second shelf section 32 rests on the upper surface of the intermediate support section 33. In the front-to-back direction, the third side 321 is shorter than the fourth side 322.

[0064] The protruding shaft portion 323 is a portion that protrudes in a substantially cylindrical shape from the front end of the third side 321 in the front-rear direction. The protruding shaft portion 323 is also formed at the rear end of the third side 321.

[0065] The second lateral support portion 35 is a long member made of synthetic resin that extends along the front-rear direction. A concave portion 351 is formed in the second lateral support portion 35. The concave portion 351 is a part that is partially recessed. The length of the concave portion 351 in the front-rear direction is approximately the same as the third side 321 of the second shelf portion 32. The concave portion 351 has a roughly fan-shaped cross section with a central angle of approximately 90 degrees. A shaft housing portion 352 is formed at the rear end of the concave portion 351. The shaft housing portion 352 is a part at the rear end of the concave portion 351, where the left end and lower end are recessed in a roughly cylindrical shape toward the rear. A shaft housing portion 352 is also formed at the front end of the concave portion 351. The third side 321 of the second shelf portion 32 is arranged in the concave portion 351 of the second lateral support portion 35. Furthermore, the protruding shaft portion 323 of the second shelf portion 32 is inserted into the shaft housing portion 352 of the second lateral support portion 35. With this configuration, the third side 321 of the second shelf portion 32 is rotatably supported by the second lateral support portion 35. In addition, since the concave portion 351 has a roughly fan-shaped cross section of approximately 90 degrees, the rotation range of the second shelf portion 32 is also set to range from a horizontal state to a vertical state.

[0066] Figure 9A is a perspective view showing the intermediate support section 33. Figure 9B is an exploded perspective view showing the intermediate support section 33 of the refrigerator 10.

[0067] Referring to Figure 9A, the upper surface of the intermediate support section 33 has a first upper surface section 334 and a second upper surface section 335. The first upper surface section 334 is the left portion of the upper surface of the intermediate support section 33. The second upper surface section 335 is the right portion of the upper surface of the intermediate support section 33. The fourth side 322 of the second shelf section 32 shown in Figure 4 is provided on the first upper surface section 334. The first side 311 of the first shelf section 31 shown in Figure 4 is provided on the second upper surface section 335.

[0068] The first upper surface portion 334 is positioned above the second upper surface portion 335. With this configuration, even if the first shelf portion 31 is thinner than the second shelf portion 32 (refer to Figure 3A), the upper surface of the first shelf portion 31 and the upper surface of the second shelf portion 32 can be positioned on substantially the same plane. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the formation of an unnecessary step between the first shelf portion 31 and the second shelf portion 32.

[0069] Referring to Figure 9B, the intermediate support section 33 includes a core material 331 and an upper protective member 332 and a lower protective member 333, which serve as protective members for the core material 331.

[0070] The core material 331 is made of metal or synthetic resin and is a component consisting of a hollow rectangular prism. The rear end of the core material 331 is connected to the support fixing part 36. The presence of the core material 331 in the intermediate support part 33 improves the overall strength of the intermediate support part 33, allowing it to firmly support the first shelf part 31 and the second shelf part 32 described above. Furthermore, even if a large bending stress acts on the intermediate support part 33 when the first shelf part 31 on which stored items are placed is pulled out, the core material 331 supports the intermediate support part 33, preventing deformation of the intermediate support part 33.

[0071] The housing portion 371 is a concave portion formed at the front end of the first support fixing portion 37. The housing portion 371 opens forward and upward. The size and shape of the housing portion 371 are substantially the same as the size and shape of the rear end of the core material 331. The rear end of the core material 331 is inserted into the housing portion 371. Furthermore, the rear end of the core material 331 is firmly connected to the first support fixing portion 37 by fastening means such as screws that penetrate the housing portion 371 and the core material 331 in the left-right direction.

[0072] The upper protective member 332 is a cover that covers the core material 331 from above and has an opening at the bottom. The lower protective member 333 is a cover that covers the core material 331 from below. The upper protective member 332 and the lower protective member 333 are made of synthetic resin. The core material 331, the upper protective member 332, and the lower protective member 333 are fastened together, for example, by fastening means such as screws or bolts that penetrate them in the vertical direction.

[0073] Figure 10 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the portion where the intermediate support portion 33 is installed.

[0074] The support fixing portion 36 is a connecting member that fixes the rear end of the intermediate support portion 33 to the heat-insulating box body 11.

[0075] A portion of the support fixing part 36 is disposed inside the thickness portion of the insulated box body 11. Specifically, the support fixing part 36 has a first support fixing part 37 and a second support fixing part 38.

[0076] The first support fixing part 37 is located inside the insulated box body 11, that is, on the side of the refrigerator compartment 12, and the intermediate support part 33 is connected to it.

[0077] The second support fixing part 38 is disposed on the outside of the inner box 112 and is a plate-shaped member made of a metal plate or synthetic resin plate. The second support fixing part 38 is disposed between the rear part 1121 and the outer box 111. That is, the second support fixing part 38 is embedded in the heat insulating material 113. Also, the second support fixing part 38 is in close contact with the rear surface of the rear part 1121.

[0078] The first support fixing part 37 and the second support fixing part 38 are fastened together by connecting members 50, such as screws, with the back portion 1121 sandwiched between them. By positioning the support fixing part 36 inside the thickness portion of the insulated box body 11, the intermediate support part 33 can be firmly fixed to the insulated box body 11 by the support fixing part 36. Therefore, even when heavy stored items are placed on the upper shelf part 30, deformation of the upper shelf part 30 and the intermediate support part 33 can be suppressed.

[0079] Figure 11A is a perspective view from above showing the first shelf 31 in the extended forward position. Figure 11B is a perspective view from below showing the first shelf 31 in the extended forward position. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the first shelf 31 in the extended forward position.

[0080] Referring to Figures 11A and 11B, the first shelf 31 is pulled out forward when the user grasps the front end of the first shelf 31 and pulls it forward.

[0081] Referring to Figure 11B, even when the first shelf section 31 is pulled forward, the rear first engaging section 43 engages with the first guide section 45. Similarly, the second engaging section 44 engages with the second guide section 46 of the first lateral support section 34 shown in Figure 7B. Therefore, even if heavy stored items are placed on the front side of the pulled-out first shelf section 31, the engagement of the first engaging section 43 and the second engaging section 44 prevents the first shelf section 31 from detaching from the intermediate support section 33 and the first lateral support section 34.

[0082] When the first shelf section 31 is pulled further forward, the first engaging section 43 and the second engaging section 44 on the front side come into contact with the crossbar section 41, restricting further pulling out. This allows the length of the first shelf section 31 to be defined.

[0083] Referring to Figure 12, when the first shelf 31 is pulled forward, the user can take out stored items, such as beverages or food, that are placed on the top surface of the first shelf 31. In particular, stored items placed at the back of the first shelf 31 can be easily taken out. Also, stored items can be placed on the top surface of the first shelf 31.

[0084] Subsequently, when the user pushes the first shelf 31 backward, the first shelf 31 will be in the state shown in Figure 2.

[0085] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the second shelf section 32 in an upright position. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the second shelf section 32 in an upright position inside the refrigerator compartment 12.

[0086] Referring to Figure 13, when viewing the second shelf 32 from the front, the user can rotate the second shelf 32 counterclockwise, thereby rotating it approximately 90 degrees and bringing it to an upright position.

[0087] The upright second shelf 32 is in close contact with the second side surface 1123 of the inner box 112 shown in Figure 2. In this case, a holding part may be provided to maintain the upright position of the second shelf 32. For example, a fitting structure, a magnetic attachment structure, etc., can be used as the holding part. When the second shelf 32 is held in a vertical position by a fitting structure, a concave part is provided on either the second shelf 32 or the second side surface 1123 of the inner box 112, and a convex part is provided on the other side, and the two are fitted together. When the second shelf 32 is held in a vertical position by a magnetic attachment structure, a magnet is provided on either the second shelf 32 or the second side surface 1123 of the inner box 112, and a magnetic material such as iron is provided on the other side, and the two are magnetically attached.

[0088] Referring to Figure 14, by positioning the second shelf 32 upright, the space that was previously occupied by the second shelf 32 lying horizontally can be freed up. Therefore, long items such as PET bottles can be easily stored on the upper surface of the left portion of the lower shelf 40.

[0089] At this point, when it is no longer necessary to place the stored items 49 on the upper surface of the lower shelf 40, the user rotates the second shelf 32 clockwise. By doing so, the second shelf 32 becomes horizontal as shown in Figure 2.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments described above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0091] 10 Refrigerator 11 Insulated box 111 Outer box 112 Inner box 1121 Back section 1122 First side part 1123 Second side part 113 Insulation 114 Air duct 115 Cooling room 116 Evaporator 117 Defrost heater 12 Refrigerator 13. Vegetable compartment 14 Freezer 15 Machine room 18. First insulated door 19. Second insulated door 20 Third insulated door 21. Fourth insulated door 22 Compressor 30 Upper shelf section 31. Shelf 1 311 1st side 312 Second side 313 Shelf main body 32 Second shelf section 321 Third side 322 4th side 323 Protruding shaft part 33 Intermediate support part 331 Core material 332 Upper protective member 333 Lower protective member 334 1st top section 335 2nd top section 34 First lateral support part 35 Second lateral support part 351 Concave part 352 Shaft housing 36 Support fixing part 37 1st support fixing part 371 Storage Unit 38 Second support fixing part 39 Wall 40 Lower shelf 41 Cross section 421 1st Protection Department 422 2nd Protection Department 423 Third Protection Department 424 4th Protection Department 43 First engagement part 44 Second engagement part 45. Section 1 Guide 46. ​​Section 2 Guide 47 1st holding part 48 Second holding part 49. Storage 50 Connecting Members S shelf

Claims

1. Insulated box body, A storage chamber formed inside the aforementioned insulated box, The storage room includes a shelf section that divides the interior vertically, In the width direction of the storage chamber, the intermediate support portion extends forward from the rear of the storage chamber, The shelf section comprises an upper shelf section and a lower shelf section located below the upper shelf section. The aforementioned upper shelf is arranged across a portion of the storage chamber in the width direction. The refrigerator is characterized in that the intermediate support portion supports the end portion of the upper shelf portion in the width direction from below.

2. The upper shelf section has a first shelf section that is slidable along the front-rear direction, The first shelf portion has a first side extending along the front-to-back direction and a second side facing the first side, The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate support portion is configured to support the first side of the first shelf portion in a slidable manner from below.

3. A first lateral support is provided on the first side surface of the storage chamber. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that the first lateral support portion slidably supports the second side of the first shelf portion.

4. The upper shelf section has a second shelf section that is rotatably arranged. The second shelf portion has a third side extending along the front-to-back direction and a fourth side facing the third side, The third side is rotatably fixed, The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the fourth side is supported from below by the intermediate support portion.

5. A second lateral support is provided on the second side surface of the storage chamber. The refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that the third side of the second shelf is fixed to the second lateral support so as to be rotatable within a rotational range of approximately 90 degrees.

6. The intermediate support portion is further provided with a support fixing portion for fixing the rear end of the intermediate support portion to the heat insulating box body. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the support fixing portion is disposed inside the thickness portion of the insulated box body.

7. The support and fixing portion comprises a first support and fixing portion and a second support and fixing portion. The first support fixing part is disposed inside the inner box that constitutes the storage chamber, and the intermediate support part is connected to it. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that the second support fixing portion is disposed on the outside of the inner box and is connected to the first support fixing portion by a connecting member that penetrates the inner box.

8. The aforementioned intermediate support portion comprises a core material and a protective member that protects the core material. The refrigerator according to claim 6, characterized in that the end of the core material is connected to the support fixing part.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper shelf is located at the top and is partially located in the width direction.

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