Storage containers

Abstract

To provide a storage container that can be placed inside a refrigerator and can be easily cleaned. [Solution] An upper storage container and a lower storage container 21 are retractably arranged inside the vegetable compartment of the refrigerator. The lower storage container has a partition wall 22 that rises from the bottom surface 211 of the lower storage container and holds the stored items. A gap 23 is formed between the end of the partition wall and the side surface of the lower storage container. A holding space 25 for accommodating beverage containers is formed in front of the partition wall. The bottom surface is provided with a discharge hole 26 that can be closed by a removable lid 27.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage container disposed inside a refrigerator, and more particularly to a storage container having a partition wall inside and a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] Conventional refrigerators have various storage containers inside the storage compartments in order to efficiently organize stored items such as food and beverages. In particular, in drawer-type storage compartments such as a vegetable compartment and a freezer compartment, a technique of partitioning the space using a partition plate or a partition wall is generally known in order to effectively utilize the space inside the container. Conventional storage containers have a wall portion that rises vertically from the bottom surface of the container, and this wall portion prevents stored items from falling over and prevents different types of foods from mixing. Among such storage containers, there are also those in which the user can adjust the position of the partition according to the amount and size of the stored items.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional storage containers, there is room for improvement in the dust discharge property during cleaning.

[0005] Specifically, when the storage container is used for a long time, mud, scraps of vegetables, or fine dust spilled from a food bag accumulate on the bottom surface and the four corners of the container. In the conventional structure, the partition wall often adheres closely to the bottom surface and the side surface, and during cleaning, it is necessary to remove the partition wall once and then wipe off the accumulated dust or wash the entire container. In addition, once dust accumulates, it is likely to adhere to the periphery of the partition wall, which also poses a problem in terms of hygiene.

[0006] This invention was made in view of these problems, and its purpose is to provide a storage container that can be easily cleaned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The storage container according to this embodiment of the present invention is a storage container placed inside the storage compartment of a refrigerator, and is characterized by having a partition wall that rises from the bottom surface of the storage container and holds the stored items, with a gap formed between the end of the partition wall and the side surface of the storage container. According to the storage container according to this embodiment of the present invention, by dividing the storage space with a partition wall and providing a gap on the side thereof, garbage such as vegetable scraps that have accumulated on the rear side of the partition wall can be easily scraped out from the side toward the front without removing the partition wall. This improves the ease of cleaning the four corners where garbage tends to accumulate and reduces the effort required to keep the inside of the storage container hygienic.

[0008] Furthermore, in the storage container according to the embodiment of the present invention, the partition wall is positioned on the front side of the storage container, and a holding space for accommodating bottle-shaped stored items is formed in the space in front of the partition wall. According to the storage container according to the embodiment of the present invention, frequently used bottles can be stably positioned on the front side, improving user convenience. Moreover, by providing a gap on the front side, the waste removal process can be completed at a location easily accessible to the user.

[0009] Furthermore, in the storage container according to the embodiment of the present invention, the gap has a first gap and a second gap, the first gap is formed between one end of the partition wall in the width direction and one side surface of the storage container, and the second gap is formed between the other end of the partition wall in the width direction and the other side surface of the storage container. According to the storage container according to the embodiment of the present invention, garbage accumulated on either the left or right side wall can be moved forward through the first gap or the second gap. In addition, regardless of the user's dominant hand, it becomes possible to insert fingers into the first gap or the second gap from either the left or the right and move the garbage forward.

[0010] Furthermore, in the storage container according to the embodiment of the present invention, the storage container is further provided with a discharge hole, and the discharge hole is formed by opening the bottom surface on the side in front of the partition wall. With the storage container according to the embodiment of the present invention, not only can garbage be moved within the container through the gaps, but it can also be dropped directly outside the container, for example into a trash can below, through the discharge hole, thus saving the trouble of picking up the garbage.

[0011] Furthermore, the storage container according to the embodiment of the present invention has a lid, the lid is capable of closing the discharge hole, and is configured to be detachable from the storage container. According to the storage container according to the embodiment of the present invention, when in normal use the lid closes the discharge hole at the bottom, so dust such as soil and vegetable scraps accumulated inside the container is reliably prevented from falling into the space below at unintended times, and the cleanliness of the entire inside of the refrigerator can be maintained. In addition, by making the lid itself detachable, when cleaning, the discharge hole can be instantly switched to a discharge path with only the simple action of removing the lid.

[0012] Furthermore, in the storage container according to the embodiment of the present invention, the storage container is a container for storing vegetables, and the gap is characterized in that it has a width that allows fingers to be inserted when cleaning. According to the storage container according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reliably prevent tall stored items from tipping over in the vegetable compartment, while securing a workspace that allows fingers to move smoothly without interference, thereby reducing practical stress. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the refrigerator of this invention, it is possible to provide a storage container that can be easily cleaned. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of a refrigerator equipped with a storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing a refrigerator equipped with a storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the door removed. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view showing a refrigerator equipped with a storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the storage container pulled out. [Figure 4A] This is a perspective view showing a storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] This is a perspective view showing a storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention from a different viewpoint. [Figure 5A] This is a plan view showing a storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] This is an exploded perspective view showing a storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] This is a cross-sectional view showing a storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a storage container according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, the refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. In the following description, the same members are basically denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Further, in the following description, the directions of up and down, front and back, left and right are used as appropriate, and the left and right indicate the left and right when the refrigerator 10 is viewed from the front.

[0016] In the following description, an example of the storage container described in the claims is the lower storage container 21.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the refrigerator 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 10 has a heat-insulating box body 11 and a plurality of doors. The heat-insulating box body 11 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and forms a storage chamber 13 inside. The refrigerator 10 has, in order from above, a refrigerating chamber 131, a vegetable chamber 132, and a freezing chamber 133 as the storage chamber 13. A first heat-insulating door 181 is disposed on the front surface of the refrigerating chamber 131. A second heat-insulating door 182 is disposed on the front surface of the vegetable chamber 132. A third heat-insulating door 183 is disposed on the front surface of the freezing chamber 133. The first heat-insulating door 181 is rotatably attached to the heat-insulating box body 11. The second heat-insulating door 182 and the third heat-insulating door 183 are slidably attached to the heat-insulating box body 11 in the front-rear direction.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the state of the refrigerator 10 with each door removed. As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerating chamber 131 is formed in the upper part of the heat-insulating box body 11. A plurality of shelves (not shown) are disposed inside the refrigerating chamber 131. The refrigerating chamber 131 is a storage chamber for refrigerating and storing food. The temperature inside the refrigerating chamber 131 is set in a temperature range of, for example, 3°C or more and 5°C or less. The vegetable chamber 132 is formed below the refrigerating chamber 131. An upper storage container 17 and a lower storage container 21 are disposed in the vegetable chamber 132 so as to be pullable out. The vegetable chamber 132 is a storage chamber for storing foods such as vegetables. The temperature inside the vegetable chamber 132 is set in a temperature range of, for example, 5°C or more and 8°C or less. The freezing chamber 133 is formed below the vegetable chamber 132. The freezing chamber 133 is a storage chamber for freezing and storing food. The temperature inside the freezing chamber 133 is set in a temperature range of, for example, -20°C or more and -18°C or less.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator 10 and the storage containers. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper storage container 17 and the lower storage container 21 can be pulled out from the vegetable compartment 132 respectively. The lower storage container 21 is disposed on the lower side of the upper storage container 17 in the vegetable compartment 132. The upper storage container 17 and the lower storage container 21 are supported in a slidable state by rail receivers disposed on the side surface of the vegetable compartment 132, so that they can slide along the front-rear direction. The user can take out the food stored in each container by pulling out the upper storage container 17 and the lower storage container 21 forward.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 6B, the configuration of the lower storage container 21 will be described in detail. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the lower storage container 21. FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing the lower storage container 21 from another viewpoint. FIG. 5A is a plan view showing the lower storage container 21. FIG. 5B is an exploded perspective view showing the lower storage container 21. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the lower storage container 21. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the lower storage container 21.

[0021] As described above, the lower storage container 21 is a storage container disposed inside the storage compartment 13 of the refrigerator 10. The lower storage container 21 is generally a container having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open upper portion. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lower storage container 21 has a bottom surface portion 211, a left side surface portion 212, a right side surface portion 213, a front side surface portion 214, and a rear side surface portion 215. The lower storage container 21 is made of a synthetic resin integrally formed by injection molding or the like. Also, the lower storage container 21 is for forming a vegetable compartment or the like inside it.

[0022] The partition wall 22 is positioned on the front side of the lower storage container 21 and is a wall-like portion rising from the bottom surface 211 of the storage container. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the partition wall 22 is a portion that rises upward in a wall-like manner from the front part of the bottom surface 211. The height of the partition wall 22 is set to be long enough to support the beverage container 24 stored in front of it. The front surface of the partition wall 22 is an inclined surface that slopes upward and backward. The inclined surface of the front surface of the partition wall 22 makes it easy to store and remove the beverage container 24. The rear side of the partition wall 22 is stepped in shape to provide strength to support the beverage container 24 from behind. As shown in Figure 5A, the partition wall 22 is formed continuously inside the lower storage container 21 from near the left end to near the right end. In addition, gaps 23, which will be described later, are formed at both ends of the partition wall 22.

[0023] The internal space of the lower storage container 21, specifically the portion in front of the partition wall 22, is designated as the holding space 25. The holding space 25 is a space for storing and holding beverage containers 24, such as milk cartons or PET bottles. As shown in Figure 5A, in a plan view, the holding space 25 is the space enclosed by the partition wall 22, the left side portion 212, the right side portion 213, and the front side portion 214. On the other hand, within the lower storage container 21, the space behind the partition wall 22, i.e., the space enclosed by the partition wall 22, the left side portion 212, the right side portion 213, and the rear side portion 215, is a space for storing vegetables and the like. In this embodiment, the lower storage container 21 is positioned in the middle of the insulated box body 11 in the vertical direction, as shown in Figure 2, etc. By storing beverage containers 24 in the front end of the lower storage container 21, which is positioned in the middle of the insulated box body 11, the beverage containers 24 can be stored in the front and at an intermediate height position in the refrigerator. Therefore, the user can easily remove the beverage container 24.

[0024] Referring to Figures 4A, 4B, and 5A, gaps 23 are formed at the left-right ends of the partition wall 22.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5A, the gap 23 is a space formed between the end of the partition wall 22 and the side surface of the lower storage container 21. The gap 23 has a first gap 231 and a second gap 232.

[0026] The first gap 231 is a space formed between the left end of the partition wall 22 and the left side surface 212. In other words, the left end of the partition wall 22 terminates near the left side surface 212 without connecting to it. The width of the first gap 231 in the left-right direction, that is, the distance L10 between the left end of the partition wall 22 and the inner surface of the left side surface 212, is set to, for example, 2 cm or more. This allows the user's fingers to be inserted into the first gap 231 during cleaning and moved to the waste retention space 25 via the gap 23.

[0027] The second gap 232 is a space formed between the right end of the partition wall 22 and the right side surface 213. In other words, the right end of the partition wall 22 terminates near the right side surface 213 without connecting to it. The width of the second gap 232 in the left-right direction, that is, the distance L11 between the right end of the partition wall 22 and the inner surface of the right side surface 213, is equivalent to the aforementioned L10, and is, for example, 2 cm or more. In this way, during cleaning, the user's fingers can be inserted into the second gap 232 and moved to the waste holding space 25 via the gap 23.

[0028] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, a discharge hole 26 is formed in the bottom portion 211.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5B, the discharge hole 26 is formed by opening the bottom portion 211 in a substantially circular shape in front of the partition wall 22. The discharge hole 26 is formed at the left end in front of the partition wall 22. When the refrigerator 10 is in use, the discharge hole 26 is closed by the lid portion 27.

[0030] The lid portion 27 is a component that closes the discharge hole 26. The lid portion 27 is capable of closing the discharge hole 26 and is configured to be detachably attached to the lower storage container 21. When the lid portion 27 is attached to the discharge hole 26, the upper surface of the bottom portion 211 and the upper surface of the lid portion 27 are arranged on substantially the same plane. This prevents dust from accumulating on the upper surface of the lid portion 27 and ensures the stability of the beverage container 24 stored in the holding space 25. The lid portion 27 is configured to be fitted into and released from the discharge hole 26 by rotation. For example, when viewing the lid portion 27 from above, the lid portion 27 can be fitted into the discharge hole 26 by rotating it clockwise. On the other hand, when viewing the lid portion 27 from above, the lid portion 27 can be removed from the discharge hole 26 by rotating it counterclockwise.

[0031] In the lower storage container 21 of the above configuration, vegetables and beverage containers 24 are stored when the refrigerator 10 is in operation. Specifically, referring to Figure 6A, vegetables are stored in the space behind the partition wall 22, and beverage containers 24 are stored in the space in front of the partition wall 22. The presence of the partition wall 22 prevents the vegetables stored behind the partition wall 22 from unintentionally moving into the holding space 25. The beverage containers 24 stored in the holding space 25 are supported from behind by the partition wall 22. Therefore, even if the user pulls the lower storage container 21 forward, the beverage containers 24 are prevented from tipping backward. Also, as shown in Figure 5A, although a first gap 231 and a second gap 232 are formed at both ends of the partition wall 22, the width of the first gap 231 and the second gap 232 in the left-right direction is such that a user's finger can pass through, for example, between 2 cm and 3 cm. Therefore, the inadvertent movement of vegetables stored on the rear side of the partition wall 22 inside the lower storage container 21 into the holding space 25 via the first gap 231 and the second gap 232 is suppressed.

[0032] Referring to Figure 6A, if vegetables are stored in the lower storage container 21 and the refrigerator 10 is used continuously, vegetable scraps such as onion peels and dust such as mud that was attached to the vegetables will accumulate inside the lower storage container 21, especially on the rear side of the partition wall 22. The following describes the procedure for the user to remove the dust accumulated on the rear side of the partition wall 22 from the lower storage container 21.

[0033] When cleaning, the user first pulls the lower storage container 21 forward from the vegetable compartment 132 of the insulated box 11, as shown in Figure 3. However, the removal of the lower storage container 21 may be done after the movement of dust inside the lower storage container 21 has finished. Furthermore, the movement of dust and its movement downward from the discharge hole 26 may be performed with the lower storage container 21 pulled forward without removing it from the insulated box 11.

[0034] Referring to Figure 5A, the user inserts their fingers or cleaning tools through the gap 23 formed between the end of the partition wall 22 and the side of the lower storage container 21. Specifically, the user inserts their fingers or cleaning tools through either the first gap 231 or the second gap 232. The widths of the first gap 231 and the second gap 232 are set, for example, between 2 cm and 3 cm, to ensure sufficient space for the user to insert their fingers.

[0035] Next, the user moves their inserted fingers or cleaning tool along the bottom surface 211, sweeping the dust accumulated on the rear side of the partition wall 22, i.e., in the space between the partition wall 22 and the rear side surface 215, laterally along the longitudinal direction of the partition wall 22. Figure 5A shows the path of the dust movement with dotted arrows. The swept-up dust moves through the first gap 231 or the second gap 232 to the front side of the partition wall 22, i.e., to the holding space 25.

[0036] Here, if the user is right-handed, it is easier to insert fingers primarily through the second gap 232 and sweep them out through the first gap 231 into the holding space 25. On the other hand, if the user is left-handed, it is easier to insert fingers primarily through the first gap 231 and then sweep them out through the second gap 232 into the holding space 25. In this way, by providing both the first gap 231 and the second gap 232, cleaning work can be performed smoothly regardless of the user's dominant hand.

[0037] Furthermore, if dust accumulates near the left side surface 212 on the rear side of the partition wall 22, fingers can be inserted through the first gap 231 to sweep the dust directly into the holding space 25. Similarly, if dust accumulates near the right side surface 213, fingers can be inserted through the second gap 232 to sweep the dust directly into the holding space 25. In this way, efficient cleaning becomes possible by selectively using either the first gap 231 or the second gap 232 depending on the location of dust accumulation.

[0038] Next, the user removes the lid 27 from the discharge hole 26. The lid 27 is configured to engage with and disengage from the discharge hole 26 by a rotational movement.

[0039] Removing the lid 27 opens the discharge hole 26. The user sweeps the dust collected on the holding space 25 towards the discharge hole 26. The dust is discharged through the discharge hole 26 to the lower storage container 21. By placing, for example, a trash can or dust collection container below the lower storage container 21, the discharged dust can be easily collected.

[0040] After the dust has been discharged, the user reattaches the lid 27 to the discharge hole 26. The lid 27 is inserted into the discharge hole 26 and rotated by a predetermined angle. As a result, when the lid 27 is attached to the discharge hole 26, the upper surface of the bottom surface 211 and the upper surface of the lid 27 are arranged on approximately the same plane.

[0041] The lower storage container 21 according to this embodiment provides the following effects.

[0042] By dividing the storage space with a partition wall 22 and providing a gap 23 on its side, dust and debris such as vegetable scraps that accumulate behind the partition wall 22 can be easily scraped out from the side towards the front through the gap 23. This reduces the burden of cleaning work.

[0043] Furthermore, by configuring the gap 23 with a first gap 231 and a second gap 232, dust accumulated near either the left or right side wall can be easily cleaned. In addition, regardless of the user's dominant hand, it is possible to insert fingers from either the left or right side to move the dust forward, providing a user-friendly cleaning environment for a variety of users.

[0044] Furthermore, not only can dust be moved within the lower storage container 21 through the gap 23, but it can also be directly discharged outside the container, for example into a trash can below, through the discharge hole 26. This eliminates the need to manually pick up dust or tilt the lower storage container 21 to discharge it, simplifying the cleaning process.

[0045] Furthermore, during normal use, the lid 27 blocks the discharge hole 26 of the bottom 211, which reliably prevents dust such as soil and vegetable scraps accumulated inside the lower storage container 21 from falling into the space below at unintended times. This helps maintain cleanliness throughout the refrigerator 10. In addition, by making the lid 27 detachable, the discharge hole 26 can be switched to a discharge path simply by removing the lid 27 during cleaning.

[0046] Furthermore, when the lid portion 27 is attached to the discharge hole 26, the upper surface of the bottom portion 211 and the upper surface of the lid portion 27 are arranged on substantially the same plane, thus preventing dust from accumulating on the upper surface of the lid portion 27. In addition, the stability of the beverage container 24 stored in the holding space 25 can be ensured.

[0047] Furthermore, by setting the width of the gap 23 to a width that allows the user's fingers to be inserted (e.g., 2 cm or more) while preventing stored items such as vegetables from passing through unintentionally (e.g., 3 cm or less), it is possible to reliably prevent tall stored items such as beverage containers 24 from tipping over, while also ensuring a workspace that allows for smooth movement of fingers during cleaning without interference. This achieves both the function of holding stored items and ease of cleaning, minimizing practical stress.

[0048] The above-described embodiment can be modified, for example, as follows.

[0049] In the embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the gap 23 was composed of two gaps, a first gap 231 and a second gap 232, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The gap 23 may consist of only one of the first gap 231 or the second gap 232. Even in this case, the user can insert their fingers through the gap and sweep out the dust accumulated on the rear side of the partition wall 22. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 10 Refrigerator 11 Insulated box 13 Storage Room 131 Refrigerated compartment 132 Vegetable compartment 133 Freezer 17 Upper storage container 181 First Insulated Door 182 Second insulated door 183 Third Insulated Door 21 Lower storage container 211 Bottom part 212 Left side part 213 Right side part 214 Front side part 215 Posterior side part 22 Partition Wall 23 gaps 231 1st gap 232 2nd gap 24 Beverage containers 25 Retention space 26 Discharge port 27 cover

Claims

1. A storage container placed inside the storage compartment of a refrigerator, The storage container is provided with a partition wall that rises from the bottom surface and holds the stored items, A storage container characterized in that a gap is formed between the end of the partition wall and the side surface of the storage container.

2. The partition wall is positioned on the front side inside the storage container. The storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that a holding space for accommodating the bottle-shaped storage items is formed in the space in front of the partition wall.

3. The gap has a first gap and a second gap, The first gap is formed between one end of the partition wall in the width direction and one side surface of the storage container. The storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that the second gap is formed between the other end of the partition wall in the width direction and the other side surface of the storage container.

4. The storage container further comprises a discharge hole, The storage container according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge hole is formed by opening the bottom portion on the side in front of the partition wall.

5. Having a lid, The storage container according to claim 4, characterized in that the lid can close the discharge hole and is configured to be detachably attached to the storage container.

6. The aforementioned storage container is a container for storing vegetables, The storage container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the gap has a width that allows fingers to be inserted when cleaning.

Images