refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that can improve operability at the time of a movement of a door container in a vertical direction.SOLUTION: A refrigerator according to an embodiment comprises: a pair of wall body parts protruding rearward toward a storage chamber from an inner surface member of a door; a pair of extension parts protruding from side surfaces facing each other in the pair of wall body parts respectively, and extending in a vertical direction; and a door container capable of moving in the vertical direction between the pair of wall body parts along the pair of extension parts. The door container comprises: first guide parts and second guide parts for forming gaps for allowing insertion of the extension parts between them by being arranged at an interval between them in a depth direction, and for guiding a movement in the vertical direction with respect to the extension parts; and third guide parts for forming the gaps between themselves and the first guide parts together with the second guide parts arranged in front of the first guide parts, and for guiding a vertical movement of the door container at different positions from those of the second guide parts in the vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerator. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that a door pocket (door container) is provided on the door of a storage compartment of a refrigerator. It is preferable that the vertical position of the door pocket can be easily changed so that various items can be stored in the door pocket. It is also preferable that the user can smoothly change the position of the door pocket. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-72614 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-185628 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of improving operability when a door container is moved up and down. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The refrigerator according to the embodiment has a housing including a storage compartment, and a door for opening and closing the storage compartment. The refrigerator also has a pair of wall portions that protrude rearward from an inner surface member of the door toward the storage compartment, extend in the vertical direction, and face each other with a gap in the width direction of the door, a pair of extension portions that protrude from opposing side surfaces of the pair of wall portions, respectively, and extend in the vertical direction, and a door container that is movable in the vertical direction between the pair of wall portions along the pair of extension portions. The door container is a flange portion extending outward from an upper end portion of the side wall portion;a first guide portion and a second guide portion that are spaced apart from each other in a depth direction to form a gap between them through which the extension portion can be inserted and that guide the extension portion in the up-down direction; connected to the underside of the flange portion, The door container further includes a third guide portion which, together with the second guide portion arranged forward of the first guide portion, forms the gap between itself and the first guide portion and guides the vertical movement of the door container at a different position in the vertical direction from the second guide portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a state in which the door of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment is open. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the left refrigerator compartment door in one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the inner surface member of the left refrigerator compartment door. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the door storage case. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the door storage case. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the lift table main body. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the lift table main body as viewed from the +X direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the lift table main body as viewed from the -X direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of the lower surface side (−Z side) of the bottom surface portion of the lift table main body. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the lock release mechanism and the lower cover. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the underside of the lift table main body, as viewed from the -Z direction side. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view showing the configuration of the lifting platform main body in the refrigerator of the second embodiment, and is a view of the lifting platform main body as seen from the +X direction side. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a side view showing the configuration of the lifting platform main body in the refrigerator of the third embodiment, and is a view of the lifting platform main body as seen from the +X direction side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions are denoted by the same reference numerals. For example, components having plane-symmetrical shapes may be denoted by the same reference numerals. Then, duplicated descriptions of those components may be omitted.

[0008] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, up, down, left and right are defined based on the direction in which the refrigerator is viewed from a user standing in front of the refrigerator. Additionally, the side closer to the user standing in front of the refrigerator as viewed from the refrigerator is defined as the "front," and the side furthest from the user is defined as the "rear." In this specification, the "width direction" refers to the left and right direction as defined above. In this specification, the "depth direction" refers to the front and back direction as defined above. The "up and down direction" refers to the height direction of the refrigerator.

[0009] As indicated by the arrows in the figure, the +X direction is the right direction, the -X direction is the left direction, the +Y direction is the backward direction, the -Y direction is the forward direction, the +Z direction is the upward direction, and the -Z direction is the downward direction.

[0010] In the description of the components included in the refrigerator door of the embodiment, the description will be based on the arrangement when the door is closed, unless otherwise specified. For example, when describing a revolving door, the above-mentioned ±X directions and ±Y directions will be described as directions fixed to the door even in the open state, unless otherwise specified.

[0011] First Embodiment [refrigerator] A refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a state in which the door of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment is open. The overall configuration of the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 will be described. However, the refrigerator 1 does not need to have all of the components described below, and some components may be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] The refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a housing 10, a pair of refrigerator compartment doors (doors) 12, 13, and a plurality of doors 11. The refrigerator 1 is a French door type refrigerator having two refrigerator compartment doors 12, 13. The housing 10 includes, for example, an inner box, an outer box, and a thermal insulating material. The inner box is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and has a shape recessed from the front side to the rear side at multiple places. Each recess of the inner box forms multiple refrigerator compartments (storage compartments) 27. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the multiple refrigerator compartments 27 include refrigerator compartment 27A, vegetable compartment 27B, upper freezer compartment 27C, lower freezer compartment 27D, and ice making compartment 27E. Refrigerator compartment 27A, vegetable compartment 27B, upper freezer compartment 27C, and lower freezer compartment 27D are arranged in this order from top to bottom. Ice making compartment 27E is located to the left of upper freezer compartment 27C.

[0013] The housing 10 has an opening on the front side of each refrigerating compartment 27 to allow food ingredients to be put in and taken out of each refrigerating compartment 27. The outer box has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that forms the outer surface portions on three sides excluding the front side of the housing 10. The outer box is formed, for example, from a metal or a composite material of metal and resin. The heat insulating material is, for example, a foamed heat insulating material such as urethane foam, and is filled between the inner box and the outer box, thereby providing the housing 10 with heat insulating properties.

[0014] In the housing 10, various members that form a refrigerator main body together with the housing 10 are disposed between the inner box and the outer box. Examples of members that form the refrigerator main body include a cooling unit that forms cold air, a flow path forming member that forms a flow path for circulating the cold air between each refrigerator compartment 27 and the cooling unit, a cooling fan that sends the cold air to each refrigerator compartment 27 through the flow path, and a control board that controls the operation of the cooling unit and the cooling fan.

[0015] The temperature of the refrigerator compartment 27A is maintained lower than that of the vegetable compartment 27B and higher than that of the upper freezer compartment 27C and the lower freezer compartment 27D. Inside the refrigerator compartment 27A, for example, shelves for dividing the compartment, chilled compartment containers, etc. are arranged. The entire surface of the refrigerator compartment 27A is covered by refrigerator compartment doors 12, 13 that open to the left and right and can be opened and closed.

[0016] The left and right refrigerator compartment doors 12, 13 are doors provided for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 27A, as shown in Fig. 1. The left and right refrigerator compartment doors 12, 13 have different width dimensions, and the width of the left refrigerator compartment door 12 is narrower than the width of the right refrigerator compartment door 13 when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 1.

[0017] The refrigerator compartment door 12 is connected to the left end of the housing 10 in the -X direction by, for example, a pair of hinges 32 provided at the upper and lower ends on the left side, respectively. The refrigerator compartment door 13 is connected to the right end of the housing 10 in the +X direction by, for example, a pair of hinges 33 provided at the upper and lower ends on the right side in the +X direction, respectively. The pair of refrigerator compartment doors 12, 13 are rotatable in a horizontal plane around the rotation axes OL, OR of the hinges 32, 33 extending in the up-down direction (Z direction), and are rotating double doors that rotate toward both the left and right sides to open. The refrigerator compartment door 12 rotates toward the left side to open around the rotation axis OL of the hinge 32 to open, and the refrigerator compartment door 13 rotates toward the right side to open around the rotation axis OR of the hinge 33 to open. A user can open refrigerator compartment doors 12, 13 to the left and right by hooking a hand into each groove portion 8 provided on the lower end side of each refrigerator compartment door 12, 13 and pulling it toward himself or herself.

[0018] The multiple doors 11 are provided to open and close the vegetable compartment 27B, the upper freezer compartment 27C, the lower freezer compartment 27D, and the ice making compartment 27E. The vegetable compartment door 11B, the upper freezer compartment door 11C, the lower freezer compartment door 11D, and the ice making compartment door 11E cover the front of each of the vegetable compartment 27B, the upper freezer compartment 27C, the lower freezer compartment 27D, and the ice making compartment 27E.

[0019] The temperature inside the vegetable compartment 27B is maintained higher than that inside the refrigerator compartment 27A. Inside the vegetable compartment 27B, for example, a vegetable compartment container for storing stored items such as vegetables and a guide rail for moving the vegetable compartment container in the depth direction (Y direction) are provided. The front of vegetable compartment 27B is covered by a drawer-type vegetable compartment door 11B that can be opened and closed. A heat insulating material is arranged inside vegetable compartment door 11B. A gasket is provided on the outer edge of the inner surface side of vegetable compartment door 11B, which abuts against the front surface of the inner box that forms the front opening of vegetable compartment 27B. When the vegetable compartment door 11B is closed, the opening of the vegetable compartment 27B is adiabatically closed. A vegetable compartment container is connected to the inner surface side of the vegetable compartment door 11B. The vegetable compartment door 11B is movable in the depth direction together with the vegetable compartment container along a guide rail on which the vegetable compartment container is placed.

[0020] The temperatures in upper freezing chamber 27C, lower freezing chamber 27D, and ice making chamber 27E are maintained at temperatures at which the stored items can be frozen. Inside upper freezing chamber 27C, lower freezing chamber 27D, and ice making chamber 27E, for example, a small freezing chamber, a freezing chamber container for accommodating the stored items to be frozen, and a guide rail for moving the freezing chamber container in the depth direction are provided. The front faces of upper freezer compartment 27C, lower freezer compartment 27D and ice making compartment 27E are covered by drawer-type upper freezer compartment door 11C, lower freezer compartment door 11D and ice making compartment door 11E which can be opened and closed. Heat insulating materials are arranged inside upper freezer door 11C, lower freezer door 11D, and ice making compartment door 11E. Gaskets are provided on the outer edges of the inner surfaces of upper freezer door 11C, lower freezer door 11D, and ice making compartment door 11E, respectively, to abut against the front surfaces of the inner boxes that form the front openings of upper freezer compartment 27C, lower freezer compartment 27D, and ice making compartment 27E. When upper freezer door 11C, lower freezer door 11D and ice-making compartment door 11E are closed, the openings of upper freezer compartment 27C, lower freezer compartment 27D and ice-making compartment 27E are adiabatically closed. A freezer container is connected to the inner surface of upper freezer door 11C, lower freezer door 11D, and ice-making door 11E. Upper freezer door 11C and lower freezer door 11D can move in the depth direction together with the freezer container along the guide rail on which the freezer container is placed.

[0021] The above-mentioned configurations of the refrigerator compartments 27 and the doors 11 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned examples.

[0022] The left and right refrigerator compartment doors 12, 13 shown in FIG. 1 have a surface facing the user and an inner surface on the refrigerator compartment 27A side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 1 in the closed state. Three door storage cases 56A, 56B, 56C are provided vertically aligned on the inner surface of refrigerator compartment door 12. Three door storage cases 54A, 54B, 54C are provided vertically aligned on the inner surface of refrigerator compartment door 13.

[0023] Each of the door storage cases 56A-56C provided on the refrigerator compartment door 12 of this embodiment has a cutout portion to avoid interference with the surroundings due to the rotation trajectory of the refrigerator compartment door 12 when the refrigerator compartment door 12 is rotated around the rotation axis OL of each hinge 32 to open or close, and has an asymmetric shape in the width direction (X direction).

[0024] Each of the door storage cases 56A-56C has a cutout portion 3 on one side in the width direction, which faces the user when the door is rotated. The cutout portion 3 is formed, for example, by cutting out one corner of a rectangular shape when the door storage cases 56A-56C are viewed from above (+Z direction). When the refrigerator compartment door 12 is closed, the cutout portion 3 of each of the door storage cases 56A-56C on the refrigerator compartment door 12 faces each of the door storage cases 54A-54C on the refrigerator compartment door 13 in the width direction (X direction).

[0025] In this embodiment, door storage cases 56A to 56C having a cutout portion 3 are installed only on the left refrigerator compartment door 12 side, but door storage cases 54A to 54C having a cutout portion 3 may also be installed on the right refrigerator compartment door 13 side.

[0026] An upper door storage case 54A, a middle door storage case 54B, and a lower door storage case 54C are provided, in that order from the top, on the inside of the right-side refrigerator compartment door 13. These three door storage cases 54A, 54B, 54C are arranged at predetermined intervals from one another in the vertical direction, and may be removably attached to the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment door 13 or may be fixed thereto.

[0027] Provided on the inside of the left refrigerator compartment door 12 are a lower door storage case 56C located at the lowest part of the refrigerator compartment door 12, a middle door storage case 56B located above the lower door storage case 56C, and an upper door storage case 56A located above the middle door storage case 56B and at the highest part of the refrigerator compartment door 12. These three door storage cases 56A, 56B, 56C are arranged at predetermined intervals from each other in the vertical direction.

[0028] Of these, the upper door storage case 56A and the middle door storage case 56B are attached to the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment door 12 so as to be detachable and movable in the vertical direction. The lower door storage case 56C may be removably attached to the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment door 12, or may be fixed thereto.

[0029] In this way, in the refrigerator compartment door 12 of this embodiment, the vertical positions of the upper door storage case 56A and the middle door storage case 56B can be changed in multiple stages within their respective movement ranges. The movement pitch and movement range of upper door storage case 56A and middle door storage case 56B are set so that the relative positions when they are moved can be optimized according to the height of the stored items.

[0030] In the case of the French-door refrigerator 1, the width dimensions of the refrigerator compartment doors 12 and 13 are different, so the width dimensions of the door storage cases (door containers) 56A-56C installed on one refrigerator compartment door 12 and the door storage cases 54A-54C installed on the other refrigerator compartment door 13 are also different. The door storage case 56 installed on the narrow refrigerator compartment door 12 side is smaller in size than the door storage cases 54A-54C installed on the wide refrigerator compartment door 13 side, so the number and weight of items that can be stored are smaller than those of the door storage cases 54A-54C, and it is less likely to be heavy. For this reason, in this embodiment, the door storage cases 56A-56C installed on the narrow refrigerator compartment door 12 side are structured to be vertically movable.

[0031] [1. Refrigerator door] Next, the detailed configuration of the refrigerator compartment doors 12, 13 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the left refrigerator door 12 includes, for example, an outer casing member 50A and a gasket 55A. The outer casing member 50A is formed in a box shape. In this specification, the term "box shape" also includes a flat box shape. The outer casing member 50A includes, for example, a frame body 51A, a surface panel 52A, and an inner surface member 53A.

[0032] The refrigerator compartment door 13 includes, for example, an outer casing member 50B and a gasket 55B. The outer casing member 50B is formed in a box shape. The outer casing member 50B includes, for example, a frame body 51B, a surface plate 52B, and an inner surface member 53B.

[0033] In the following description, the left refrigerator compartment door 12 will be mainly described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the left refrigerator compartment door 12 in one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer member 50A of the refrigerator compartment door 12 has the frame 51A, the surface plate 52A, and the inner surface member 53A, as described above.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the frame bodies 51A is formed in a rectangular frame shape with a predetermined width dimension. The frame body 51A includes an upper edge member 51a, a lower edge member 51b, and side edge members 51c and 51d. When the refrigerator compartment door 12 is closed, the upper edge member 51a is a plate-like member extending along the width direction and the depth direction, and forms the upper surface of the refrigerator compartment door 12. The lower edge member 51b is a plate-like member extending along the width direction and the depth direction, and forms the lower surface of the refrigerator compartment door 12. The side edge members 51c and 51d are plate-like members extending along the up-down direction and the depth direction, and form the left and right side surfaces of the refrigerator compartment door 12, respectively. The upper edge member 51a, the lower edge member 51b, and the side edge members 51c and 51d are combined with each other to form a rectangular frame body 51A. The frame body 51A is made of, for example, a synthetic resin.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, a concave groove portion 8 recessed upward (in the +Z direction) is formed in the bottom side member 51b of the refrigerator compartment door 12. The groove portion 8 is formed on the side closer to the refrigerator compartment door 13 when the refrigerator compartment door 12 is closed. The groove portion 8 is where the user places his or her hand when opening the refrigerator compartment door 12.

[0036] 1, a concave groove portion 8 recessed upward is also formed in the lower side member 51b of refrigerator compartment door 13. Groove portion 8 is formed on the side closer to refrigerator compartment door 12 when refrigerator compartment door 13 is closed.

[0037] The face plates 52A are attached so as to close the opening on the front side of the frame body 51A, and are respectively located at the front end of the refrigerator compartment door 12. The face plates 52A are rectangular plate members that fit the frame body 51A, and each form the front surface of the refrigerator compartment door 12. The face plates 52A are, for example, a glass plate. However, the face plates 52A are not limited to a glass plate, and may be made of synthetic resin or other materials. The surface plate 52A may be a flat plate or a curved plate. In the following, an example in which the surface plate 52A is a flat plate will be described.

[0038] The inner surface member 53A is attached to the frame body 51A from the side opposite to the front panel 52A, and is located on the inner surface side of the refrigerator compartment door 12. The outer shape of the inner surface member 53A is a rectangular plate member that fits along the frame body 51A. The inner surface member 53A is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The inner surface member 53A has a flat inner surface 53a facing the refrigerator chamber 27A when the refrigerator chamber door 12 is closed relative to the housing 10, and a pair of ribs 61 protruding from the outer peripheral edges on both widthwise sides of the inner surface 53a toward the refrigerator chamber 27A.

[0039] The rib 61 is provided mainly to prevent the cold air in the refrigerator compartment 27A from escaping through the gap between the refrigerator compartment door 12 and the housing 10. In this specification, the term "rib" is used for convenience of explanation and broadly refers to the part that protrudes from the inner surface member 53A towards the refrigerator chamber 27A (+Y direction) when the refrigerator chamber door 12 is closed, and is not limited to a specific shape or function.

[0040] Although not specifically shown, the space between the inner surface member 53A and the surface plate 52A and the inside of the convex shape of the rib 61 are filled with a foam insulating material.

[0041] Gasket 55A shown in FIG. 3 is provided to seal refrigerator compartment 27A so that cold air within refrigerator compartment 27A does not leak to the outside from between refrigerator compartment door 12 and casing 10 when refrigerator compartment door 12 is closed.

[0042] The gasket 55A is attached to the inner surface member 53A in a ring shape surrounding the outer periphery of the frame body 51A. There is no particular limitation on the method of attaching the gasket 55A. For example, the gasket 55A may be attached by a recessed / convex fit between an attachment protrusion provided on the gasket 55A and an attachment recess provided on the inner surface member 53A.

[0043] [1-1.Inner surface components] Here, the detailed configuration of the inner surface member 53A will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a detailed configuration of the inner surface member 53A of the left refrigerator compartment door 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the ribs 61 provided on the inner surface member 53A of the refrigerator compartment door 12 include, for example, a group of annular ribs that are slightly smaller than the outer shape of the frame body 51A. In this specification, the term "annular" is not limited to a completely continuous periphery, but also includes a case where a part of the periphery is interrupted by a notch or the like.

[0044] The annular rib group in the rib 61 includes an upper rib 61F extending in the width direction along the upper side member 51a, a lower rib 61G extending in the width direction along the lower side member 51b, a side rib (wall portion) 61C extending in the vertical direction along the side member 51c on one side in the width direction, and a side rib (wall portion) 61D extending in the vertical direction along the side member 51d on the other side in the width direction. The upper rib 61F and the lower rib 61G have the same length in the width direction. The side ribs 61C and 61D have the same length in the vertical direction.

[0045] The side ribs 61C, 61D and the lower rib 61G protrude further toward the refrigerator compartment 27A (+Y direction) than the upper rib 61F. For example, the protruding amount of the side ribs 61C, 61D and the lower rib 61G is half or more of the protruding amount of the upper rib 61F.

[0046] 3, the pair of side ribs 61C, 61D protrude in the +Y direction from both widthwise ends of the inner surface 53a in the X direction toward the refrigerator compartment 27A (rearward), and the pair of side ribs 61C, 61D extend in the vertical direction from the upper rib 61F to the position of the lower rib 61G.

[0047] The lateral rib 61D has different amounts of protrusion in the vertical direction, and the rib tip side is formed by a first tip portion 61a and a second tip portion 61b which have different protruding heights in the +Y direction, and a step portion 61c formed between them.

[0048] 3, the side surfaces S1, S2 of the side ribs 61C, 61D that face each other in the width direction are planes that are substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 53a of the inner surface member 53A. The side surface S1 of the side rib 61C faces the -X direction and faces the other side rib 61D. The side surface S2 of the side rib 61D faces the +X direction and faces one side rib 61C.

[0049] The side surfaces S1 and S2 each have an inclined surface Sa on the lower end side. The inclined surfaces Sa on the side surfaces S1 and S2 are inclined in such a direction that the inclined surfaces Sa approach each other as they go downward, and the thickness of the lower end sides of the lateral ribs 61C and 61D increases.

[0050] The side surfaces S1, S2 of the lateral ribs 61C, 61D are respectively provided with a step portion 53c, a rail portion (extension portion) 64, and a locking projection 65. The step portion 53c and the rail portion 64 extend in the vertical direction. The locking projection 65 is located below the step portion 53c and the rail portion 64 with a vertical gap therebetween.

[0051] The step 53c provided on one side rib 61C protrudes in the -X direction from the side surface S1 toward the other side rib 61D and extends in the vertical direction. The step 53c provided on the other side rib 61D protrudes in the +X direction from the side surface S2 toward the one side rib 61C and extends in the vertical direction. The end faces 53cx of the step portions 53c provided on the side ribs 61C and 61D facing each other in the X direction are approximately parallel to the side surfaces S1 and S2. The end faces 53cy of each step portion 53c facing the +Y direction are approximately parallel to the inner surface 53a. Note that in FIG. 3, only the end faces 53cx and 53cy of the rib 61C are shown, and the end faces 53cx and 53cy of the rib 61D are not shown.

[0052] The protruding height of each step 53c in the X direction from the side surfaces S1, S2 is not particularly limited. For example, the protruding height of each step 53c in the X direction from the side surfaces S1, S2 may slightly exceed the protruding height in the X direction of a rail portion 64 described later. In this case, the end surface 53cx in the X direction of the step 53c approaches the side surfaces in the X direction of the upper door storage case 56A and the middle door storage case 56B described later, and can function as a guide surface in the width direction of the upper door storage case 56A and the middle door storage case 56B.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 3, the rail portion 64 extends vertically parallel to the end face 53cy of the step portion 53c with a gap in the Y direction between the end face 53cy and the rail portion 64. A gap G1 is formed between the upper end of the rail portion 64 and the lower face 61g (Fig. 2) of the upper rib 61F. The upper end of the step portion 53c is connected to the lower face 61g (Fig. 2) of the upper rib 61F. The lower end of the step portion 53c is equal to the lower end position of the rail portion 64 described later.

[0054] The rail portions 64 provided on the side ribs 61C, 61D have the same configuration. The rail portion 64 provided on the side rib 61C is a protrusion that protrudes vertically from the side surface S1 of the side rib 61C in the -X direction and extends vertically in an elongated line as a whole, as shown in Fig. 3. The rail portion 64 provided on the side rib 61D is a protrusion that protrudes vertically from the side surface S2 of the side rib 61D in the +X direction and extends vertically in an elongated line as a whole, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0055] A pair of rail portions 64 on both sides in the width direction guide the upper door storage case 56A and the middle door storage case 56B in the vertical direction while regulating their position in the depth direction (Y direction) when the upper door storage case 56A and the middle door storage case 56B described below are moved in the vertical direction.

[0056] The upper ends of the rail portions 64 do not reach the upper ends of either of the side ribs 61C, 61D, and are located at a distance downward from the upper ends of the side ribs 61C, 61D. The lower end of the rail portion 64 extends to substantially the same position as the step portion 53c.

[0057] The rail portion 64 has a first rail portion 64a and a second rail portion 64b. The first rail portion 64a guides the vertical movement of the upper door storage case 56A and middle door storage case 56B described below, and regulates the vertical movement positions of the upper door storage case 56A and middle door storage case 56B in multiple stages. The first rail portion 64a has a first guide 64c, a second guide 64d, a plurality of locking plates 64e, an upper end plate 64g, a lower end plate 64k, and a plurality of inclined ribs 64fa.

[0058] The first guide 64c forms a side surface in the -Y direction (inner surface 53a) of the rail portion 64. The first guide 64c is a flat plate that protrudes in the -X direction from each of the side surfaces S1 and S2 and extends in the vertical direction. The first guide 64c extends upward to the second rail portion 64b.

[0059] The second guide 64d forms a side surface of the rail portion 64 in the +Y direction (toward the refrigerator compartment 27A). The second guide 64d is a flat plate that protrudes from the side surface S in the -X direction and extends in the vertical direction. The second guide 64d is parallel to the first guide 64c. Like the first guide 64c, the second guide 64d extends to the second rail portion 64b. The tips of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d in the -X direction are located on the same plane perpendicular to the depth direction.

[0060] The multiple locking plates 64e in the rail portion 64 extend in the depth direction (Y direction) between the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d, and are plate-shaped protruding vertically from the side surfaces S1 and S2 in the -X direction. The multiple locking plates 64e are provided spaced apart from each other in the up-down direction from the lower ends of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d to the upper end of the first rail portion 64a. The pitch of each locking plate 64e in the up-down direction does not have to be constant, but is constant in the example shown in FIG. 3.

[0061] In the example shown in FIG. 3, 17 locking plates 64e are provided. The tip of each locking plate 64e in the protruding direction is located on the same plane as the tips of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d located on both sides of each locking plate 64e in the width direction.

[0062] The upper end plate 64g of the rail portion 64 extends in the depth direction (Y direction) between the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d and is a plate-like shape that protrudes vertically from the side surfaces S1, S2. The upper end plate 64g is located above the multiple locking plates 64e and is spaced upward from the uppermost locking plate 64e at a pitch approximately equal to the pitch between the locking plates 64e.

[0063] The lower end plate 64k is a plate extending in the depth direction (Y direction) between the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d and protruding vertically from the side surfaces S1, S2. The lower end plate 64k is located lower than the lowest locking plate 64e and is spaced downward from the lowest locking plate 64e by an interval wider than the pitch between the locking plates 64e.

[0064] The inclined ribs 64fa are provided on the lower surface of each of the locking plates 64e except for the lower end plate 64k and on the lower surface of the upper end plate 64g. A pair of the inclined ribs 64fa is provided on the lower surface of each of the locking plates 64e and the lower surface of the upper end plate 64g, and is disposed at intervals from each other in the depth direction (Y direction). Furthermore, the inclined ribs 64fa are also disposed at intervals from the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d in the depth direction (Y direction).

[0065] The inclined rib 64fa is in the form of a plate parallel to the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d. When viewed from the Y direction, each inclined rib 64fa has a triangular shape that gradually inclines downward from the tip of each protruding side of each locking plate 64e and upper end plate 64g in the X direction toward the side surfaces S1 and S2. The lower end of each inclined rib 64fa is located at the midpoint of the pitch between the multiple locking plates 64e.

[0066] In this embodiment, the number of inclined ribs 64fa provided on the lower surface of the same locking plate 64e or upper end plate 64g is two, but the number of inclined ribs 64fa is not limited to this. For example, the number of inclined ribs 64fa provided on the lower surface of the same member in the depth direction is not particularly limited as long as it is one or more.

[0067] With this configuration, multiple protrusions 64m are arranged vertically at approximately equal intervals from the bottom to the top inside the first rail portion 64a. The multiple protrusions 64m are formed by an inclined surface 64j formed by the inclined rib 64fa, a tip surface of the locking plate 64e, and a locking surface 64i that is the upper surface of the locking plate 64e and extends horizontally.

[0068] Between each of the protruding portions 64m protruding in the X direction from the side surfaces S1 and S2, a relative recessed portion 64n is formed. Therefore, on the inside of the first rail portion 64a, a sawtooth-like uneven structure is formed in which the inclined surfaces 64j of the inclined ribs 64fa face downward.

[0069] The first locking parts 70 of the door storage cases 56A, 56B are locked to the uneven structure of the rail part 64. That is, the first locking parts 70 of the door storage cases are locked to the locking surfaces 64i of the locking plates 64e. The inclined surfaces 64j of the inclined ribs 64fa are inclined so as to protrude toward the door center as they go upward. Therefore, when the door storage cases 56A, 56B rise, the first locking parts 70 described below move along the inclined surfaces 64j of the inclined ribs 64fa and are pressed horizontally and drawn in.

[0070] The locking surface 64i of the locking plate 64e may be a flat surface or a curved surface as long as it can lock the locking member 73 described later. The contact form of the portion of the locking surface 64i where the locking member 73 locks may be any of surface contact, line contact, and point contact as long as it can lock the locking member 73. The inclined surface of the inclined rib 64fa may be a flat surface or a curved surface as long as the locking member 73 described later can slide on it. The contact form of the portion of the multiple inclined surfaces where the locking member 73 slides may be any of surface contact, line contact, and point contact as long as the locking member 73 can slide on it.

[0071] The second rail portion 64b is continuous with the upper end of the first rail portion 64a. The second rail portion 64b is composed of a third guide 64h1 that is continuous with the upper ends of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d, and an intermediate rib 64h2 that is provided between the third guide 64h1.

[0072] The third guide 64h1 and the intermediate rib 64h2 are flat plates parallel to the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d. The vertical length of the intermediate rib 64h2 is equal to the length from the upper end plate 64g to the upper end of the third guide 64h1. The lower end of the intermediate rib 64h2 is connected to the upper surface of the upper end plate 64g. The protruding height of the intermediate rib 64h2 in the -X direction is equal to the protruding height of the first guide 64c and the second guide 64d in the same direction. The number of the intermediate rib 64h2 is not particularly limited as long as it is equal to or greater than 1. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the number of the intermediate rib 64h2 is one.

[0073] In each of the side ribs 61C, 61D, stopper insertion grooves g1, g2 extending in the up-down direction are formed between the rail portion 64 and the end face 53cy of the step portion 53c. The stopper insertion groove g1 formed in the side rib 61D located on the rotation axis OL side of the refrigerator compartment door 12 has a constant groove width along the vertical direction of the rail portion 64. On the other hand, the stopper insertion groove g2 formed on the side rib 61C has a groove width that is partially narrowed due to the presence of the protrusion P. The stopper insertion groove g2 has a portion g21 where the distance between the protrusion P and the rail portion 64 is narrowest in the depth direction (Y direction).

[0074] A lowered position restricting portion 53d is provided between the lower end of the rail portion 64 and the step portion 53c. The lowered position restricting portion 53d is provided to restrict the lowered position of the middle door storage case 56B.

[0075] The shape of the lowering position restricting portion 53d is not particularly limited as long as it can restrict the lowering position of the middle door storage case 56B by protruding into the stopper insertion groove g1. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the lowering position restricting portion 53d connects the first guide 64c of the rail portion 64 and the end face 53cy of the step portion 53c in the Y direction, and closes the stopper insertion groove g1 from below.

[0076] The vertical position of the lowered position restricting portion 53d is an appropriate position according to the lowermost position of the middle door storage case 56B. A pair of inclined ribs 64fb are provided on the lower surface of the lowering position restricting portion 53d. The pair of inclined ribs 64fb are slightly larger than the inclined rib 64fa described above, and also serve to reinforce the lowering position restricting portion 53d.

[0077] The locking projection 65 is provided to fix or detachably lock the lower door storage case 56C shown in Fig. 2. The shape of the locking projection 65 is not particularly limited as long as it can detachably lock the lower door storage case 56C.

[0078] 3, each locking projection 65 provided on the lower end side of each side rib 61C, 61D has a generally rectangular shape that is long in the vertical direction when viewed from the X direction. The locking projection 65 has a width in the depth direction (Y direction) that is approximately the same as that of the rail portion 64, and is disposed directly below the rail portion 64 and spaced downward from the rail portion 64. A gap G2 is formed between the lower end of the rail portion 64 and the upper end of the locking projection 65.

[0079] 3, the locking projection 65 on the lateral rib 61C is formed on the lower end side of the side surface S1 and protrudes in the -X direction. The locking projection 65 on the lateral rib 61D is formed on the lower end side of the side surface S2 and protrudes in the +X direction. The tip surfaces of the protruding sides of the locking projections 65 are positioned on the same plane perpendicular to the depth direction.

[0080] The lower rib 61G connects the lower ends of the side ribs 61C, 61D to each other. The lower rib 61G has an upper surface 61f that slopes downward toward the refrigerating compartment 27A.

[0081] [2. Door storage case] Next, the detailed configuration of the door storage case will be described. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, of the three door storage cases 56 installed on the refrigerator compartment door 12, the upper door storage case 56A and the middle door storage case 56B are each movable in the vertical direction along a pair of opposing rail portions 64 between the side ribs 61C, 61D shown in Figure 3.

[0082] The width, depth and length of upper door storage case 56A and middle door storage case 56B may be different from each other, but in this embodiment, upper door storage cases 56A, 56B are the same shape.

[0083] The lower door storage case 56C is directly below the middle door storage case 56B and can be attached to the space between the side ribs 61C, 61D. The lower door storage case 56C can be removably positioned on the lower rib 61G by engaging with a pair of locking projections 65 shown in Fig. 3. However, the position of the lower door storage case 56C when attached is fixed in the vertical direction. In other words, the lower door storage case 56C cannot be moved vertically.

[0084] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the door storage case 56A (56B), and Fig. 5 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the door storage case 56A (56B).

[0085] In the following description, an example of upper door storage case 56A will be described. Note that the description of upper door storage case 56A also applies to middle door storage case 56B, except for the difference in the location.

[0086] 4, the upper door storage case 56A is a box-shaped container that opens upward as a whole. The upper door storage case 56A has a case body 57 and a lifting platform 67. The upper door storage case 56A has an asymmetric shape in the width direction.

[0087] Case body 57 accommodates items to be stored in refrigeration chamber 27A shown in Fig. 1. Case body 57 is a box-shaped container that opens upward as shown in Fig. 4, and is placed on lift platform 67 in a detachable manner.

[0088] The lift platform 67 detachably supports the case body 57, and is movable up and down along each rail portion 64 between the side ribs 61C, 61D while supporting the case body 57. The lift platform 67 is locked in its up and down position by engaging with one of a plurality of locking plates 64e provided on the pair of rail portions 64 shown in FIG.

[0089] (2-1. Case body) As shown in FIG. 4, the case body 57 has a bottom portion 57a, a front wall portion 57b, a rear wall portion 57c, a first wall portion 57dL, a second wall portion 57dR, a first flat plate portion 57eL, a second flat plate portion 57eR, a third wall portion 57m, and a notched wall portion 57k.

[0090] The bottom surface portion 57a ​​is a flat plate disposed horizontally. The width of the bottom surface portion 57a ​​in the horizontal width direction (X direction) is narrower on the -Y direction side than on the +Y direction side of the approximate center in the depth direction (Y direction). The -Y direction side of the bottom surface portion 57a ​​from the approximate center in the depth direction (Y direction) is referred to as the "narrow width portion," and the +Y direction side is referred to as the "wide width portion."

[0091] The front wall portion 57b extends in both the +Z and -Z directions from the outer edge of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the +Y direction.

[0092] The rear wall portion 57c is located on the opposite side to the front wall portion 57b in the depth direction of the case body 57. The rear wall portion 57c extends only in the +Z direction from the outer edge end of the bottom portion 57a ​​in the -Y direction.

[0093] The first wall portion 57dL is connected to the end portion on the -X direction side of the rear wall portion 57c. The first wall portion 57dL extends in the +Z direction from the outer edge portion in the -X direction of the "narrow width portion" of the bottom surface portion 57a. The first wall portion 57dL stands perpendicular to the bottom surface portion 57a ​​and is a flat plate parallel to the depth direction (Y direction). The first wall portion 57dL extends only in the +Z direction from the outer edge portion in the -X direction of the bottom surface portion 57a.

[0094] The second wall portion 57dR is connected to the end portion on the +X direction side of the rear wall portion 57c. The second wall portion 57dR extends in the +Z direction from the outer edge portion in the +X direction of the "narrow width portion" of the bottom surface portion 57a. The second wall portion 57dR stands perpendicular to the bottom surface portion 57a ​​and is a flat plate parallel to the depth direction (Y direction). The second wall portion 57dR extends only in the +Z direction from the outer edge portion in the +X direction of the bottom surface portion 57a.

[0095] The first flat plate portion 57eL is connected to the end of the first wall portion 57dL on the +Y direction side. The first flat plate portion 57eL is a flat plate parallel to the width direction, and is formed at an edge formed in the width direction (-X direction) by the narrowing of the bottom surface portion 57a. The first flat plate portion 57eL extends in the +Z direction from an edge formed in the width direction (-X direction) by the narrowing of the bottom surface portion 57a, and stands perpendicular to the bottom surface portion 57a. The first flat plate portion 57eL is located in the -X direction from the first wall portion 57dL.

[0096] The second flat plate portion 57eR is connected to the end portion of the first wall portion 57dL on the -Y direction side. The second flat plate portion 57eR is a flat plate parallel to the width direction, and is formed at an edge formed in the width direction (+X direction) by the narrowing of the bottom surface portion 57a. The second flat plate portion 57eR extends in the +Z direction from an edge formed in the width direction (+X direction) by the narrowing of the bottom surface portion 57a, and stands perpendicular to the bottom surface portion 57a. The second flat plate portion 57eR is located in the +X direction from the second wall portion 57dR.

[0097] The first wall portion 57f is an outer edge of the bottom surface portion 57a ​​in the -X direction, and extends in the +Z direction and the -Z direction from a "wide portion" of the bottom surface portion 57a. The -Y direction side of the first wall portion 57f is connected to the -X direction end of the first flat plate portion 57eL. The first wall portion 57f is a flat plate extending along the depth direction, and is slightly inclined inward (+X direction side) in the width direction. The +Y direction end of the first wall portion 57f is connected to the -X direction end of the front wall portion 57b.

[0098] The third wall portion 57m is an outer edge of the bottom surface portion 57a ​​in the +X direction, and extends in the +Z direction and the -Z direction from the "wide portion" of the bottom surface portion 57a. The -Y direction side of the third wall portion 57m is connected to the end of the second flat plate portion 57eR in the +X direction. The third wall portion 57m is flat in the depth direction (Y direction) and is slightly inclined inward in the width direction (-X direction side).

[0099] The cutout wall portion 57k is an outer edge portion in the +X direction of the bottom surface portion 57a, and extends in the +Z direction and the -Z direction from the inclined edge on the +Y direction side. The cutout wall portion 57k is connected to the end portion on the +Y direction side of the third wall portion 57m. The cutout wall portion 57k is inclined more inwardly in the width direction (to the -X direction side) than the third wall portion 57m. The end portion on the +Y direction side of the cutout wall portion 57k is connected to the end portion on the -X direction side of the front wall portion 57b.

[0100] Specifically, the cutout wall portion 57k is inclined toward the front wall portion 57b (-X direction) from the third wall portion 57m in the +Y direction, and connects the third wall portion 57m and the front wall portion 57b obliquely. The connection position between the cutout wall portion 57k and the front wall portion 57b is located in the -X direction further than the position of the second wall portion 57dR in the width direction.

[0101] Among the first wall portion 57f, the third wall portion 57m, the cutout wall portion 57k, and the front wall portion 57b, there is a portion 57u extending in the +Z direction from the bottom surface portion 57a, and a portion 57s extending in the -Z direction from the bottom surface portion 57a. The length of the portion 57s extending in the -Z direction is long enough to cover from the outside a bottom plate portion 58B of the lift platform 67 described later.

[0102] In this manner, the outer peripheral wall of the case body 57 is formed. The case body 57 is configured to partially have a flange on the upper end side.

[0103] A flange portion 57gR extending to the outside of the case main body 57 (+X direction) in the width direction is formed on the upper ends of the second wall portion 57dR and the second flat plate portion 57eR. A locking projection 57j is formed on the underside of the flange portion 57gR, protruding outward (in the +X direction) from the second wall portion 57dR and extending downward (in the -Z direction) from the flange portion 57gR. The locking projection 57j is used to position the case body 57 in the depth direction when the case body 57 is attached to the lifting platform 67.

[0104] Furthermore, a flange portion 57gL extending toward the outside of the case main body 57 (-X direction) in the width direction is formed on the upper ends of the first wall portion 57dL and the first flat plate portion 57eL. A locking projection 57j is formed on the lower surface side of the flange portion 57gL, protruding outward (in the +X direction) from the first wall portion 57dL and extending downward (in the -Z direction) from the flange portion 57gR.

[0105] In this embodiment, a pair of locking projections 57j provided in the width direction of the case body 57 are formed at positions facing the rail portions 64 shown in Fig. 3 in the width direction when the upper door storage case 56A is attached. However, the protruding height of each locking projection 57j is a height at which the distance between the pair of locking projections 57j in the width direction (X direction) is slightly narrower than the width direction interval between the rail portions 64 provided on the side ribs 61C, 61D shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, there is no risk of each locking projection 57j coming into contact with the pair of rail portions 64 in the width direction when the upper door storage case 56A is attached or moved up and down.

[0106] A flange portion 57h is formed at the upper end of the rear wall portion 57c, and extends outward (in the -Y direction) from the case body 57. The flange portion 57h is continuous with the flange portions 57gR and 57gL. The height and thickness of the flange portion 57h are the same as those of the flange portions 57gR and 57gL. A protrusion 57i extending in the width direction protrudes upward (in the +Z direction) from the flange portion 57h.

[0107] The case body 57 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin. The case body 57 may be made of a transparent material, or may be made of a translucent or opaque material. When the case body 57 is made of a transparent or translucent material, it is more preferable because the inside of the case body 57 can be seen from the outside. The case body 57 may be made of a transparent material in part and a translucent or opaque material in other parts. The part made of a translucent or opaque material may be a part that covers the lift platform 67 described later from above or from the outside. In this case, the lift platform 67 is difficult to see from above or from the outside, improving the aesthetic appearance of the upper door storage case 56A.

[0108] Furthermore, case body 57 may have an opaque or semi-transparent colored layer, pattern, etc. formed on the surface of a molded product made of a transparent material. In this case, the area where the opaque or semi-transparent colored layer or pattern is formed becomes difficult to see from the outside, improving the aesthetic appearance of upper-door storage case 56A.

[0109] (2-2. Lifting platform) Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the lifting platform main body 58 as seen diagonally from behind. Fig. 7 is a side view of the lifting platform main body as seen from the +X direction. Fig. 8 is a side view of the lifting platform main body as seen from the -X direction. In the following description, Figs. 1 to 5 will be referred to as appropriate.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 5, the lift platform 67 has all of the components of the upper door storage case 56A except for the case body 57. 5, the lift platform 67 includes, for example, a lift platform main body 58, an unlocking mechanism 80, a lower cover 60, and a first locking portion 70. The shape of the lift platform 67 in top view (+Z direction) is asymmetric in the width direction (X direction) like the case main body 57.

[0111] (Lifting platform body) As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the lifting platform main body 58 comprises a bottom surface portion 58a, a peripheral wall portion 58A extending in the +Z direction and the -Z direction from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion 58a, and a bottom plate portion 58B extending in the -Z direction from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion 58a.

[0112] The bottom surface portion 58a constitutes the bottom of the lift table main body 58. The bottom surface portion 58a is a flat plate that is horizontally disposed and has a size and shape that allows the bottom surface portion 57a ​​of the case main body 57 to be placed on the upper surface. The outer shape of the bottom surface portion 58a is substantially the same as the outer shape of the bottom surface portion 57a ​​of the case main body 57, and the width of the bottom surface portion 58a in the lateral width direction (X direction) is narrower on the -Y direction side than on the +Y direction side from approximately the center in the depth direction (Y direction). As shown in FIG. 6, the outer shape of the bottom surface portion 58a in a bottom view seen from the -Z direction is asymmetric in the lateral width direction (X direction).

[0113] The peripheral wall portion 58A constitutes the peripheral wall of the lifting platform main body 58. The peripheral wall portion 58A has a rear side wall portion 58c extending in the +Z direction and the -Z direction from the outer periphery of the bottom surface portion 58a, a first wall portion 58dL, a second wall portion 58dR, and a pair of flat plate portions 58eL, 58eR.

[0114] The rear wall portion 58c is located rearward (-Y direction) of the bottom surface portion 58a and extends in the +Z direction from the outer peripheral end of the bottom surface portion 58a on the -Y direction side. The rear wall portion 58c constitutes a back plate portion of the lifting platform 67. A first wall portion 58dL and a second wall portion 58dR extending forward (+Y direction) from each end portion are connected to both sides in the width direction of the rear wall portion 58c. The height of the rear wall portion 58c in the +Z direction is the same as the height of the second wall portion 58dR and the first wall portion 58dL in the +Z direction.

[0115] The first wall portion 58dL is an outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion 58a in the -X direction, and extends in the +Z direction from a narrow portion on the -Y direction side of the bottom surface portion 58a. The first wall portion 58dL is a flat plate that stands perpendicular to the bottom surface portion 58a and is parallel to the depth direction (Y direction).

[0116] The first flat plate portion 58eL is connected to the +Y side of the first wall portion 58dL and extends in the -X direction from the first wall portion 58dL. The first flat plate portion 58eL is a flat plate parallel to the width direction. The first flat plate portion 58eL extends in the vertical direction at the edge formed in the width direction by the reduced width of the bottom surface portion 58a, and stands perpendicular to the bottom surface portion 57a.

[0117] The second wall portion 58dR is an outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface portion 58a in the +X direction, and extends in the +Z direction from a narrow portion on the -Y direction side of the bottom surface portion 58a. The second wall portion 58dR is a flat plate that stands perpendicular to the bottom surface portion 58a and is parallel to the depth direction (Y direction).

[0118] The second flat plate portion 58eR is connected to the -Y side of the second wall portion 58dR and extends in the +X direction from the second wall portion 58dR. The second flat plate portion 58eR is a flat plate parallel to the width direction. The second flat plate portion 58eR extends in the vertical direction at the edge formed in the width direction by the reduced width of the bottom surface portion 58a, and stands perpendicular to the bottom surface portion 57a.

[0119] The first wall portion 58dL and the second wall portion 58dR each have a groove 58j formed at the upper end thereof, the groove 58j being open in the thickness direction and upward. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a pair of locking projections 57j provided on both sides of the case body 57 in the width direction can enter the pair of grooves 58j from above, and the locking projections 57j are fitted in the front-rear direction.

[0120] The peripheral wall portion 58A has a portion 58h extending in the +Z direction from the bottom surface portion 58a, and a portion 58i extending in the -Z direction from the bottom surface portion 58a. The height of the portion 58h of the peripheral wall portion 58A extending in the +Z direction from the bottom surface portion 58a is approximately equal to the height from the lower surface of the bottom surface portion 57a ​​of the case main body 57 to the lower surfaces of the flange portions 57gR, 57gL, and 57h of the case main body 57. The height of the portion 58i of the peripheral wall portion 58A extending in the -Z direction from the bottom surface portion 58a is a length that is hidden inside the portion 57s extending in the -Z direction from the bottom surface portion 57a ​​of the case main body 57.

[0121] A flange portion 58g (FIG. 6) is partially formed on the upper end side of the peripheral wall portion 58A. The flange portion 58g is formed across the rear wall portion 58c, the first wall portion 58dL, the second wall portion 58dR, and the pair of flat plate portions 58eL, 58eR, and the width of the flange portion 58g protruding outward varies in parts.

[0122] The bottom plate portion 58B has a front end plate portion 58b extending in the -Z direction from the outer circumferential edge of the bottom surface portion 58a, a first plate portion 58f, a second plate portion 58m, and a notched plate portion 58x.

[0123] The front end plate portion 58b extends downward (in the -Z direction) from the edge of the bottom surface portion 58a in the +Y direction. The first plate portion 58f is the outer edge of the bottom surface portion 58a in the -X direction, and extends in the -Z direction from a "wide portion" on the +Y side of the bottom surface portion 58a. The second plate portion 58m is the outer edge of the bottom surface portion 58a in the +X direction, and extends in the -Z direction from a "wide portion" on the +Y side of the bottom surface portion 58a.

[0124] The notched plate portion 58x extends in the -Z direction from the edge between the front end plate portion 58b and the second plate portion 58m on the outer circumferential edge of the bottom surface portion 58a. The notched plate portion 58x is inclined toward the front end plate portion 58b (the -X direction side) as it approaches the +Y direction, and connects the second plate portion 58m and the front end plate portion 58b obliquely. The notched plate portion 58x is parallel to the notched wall portion 57k of the case body 57.

[0125] The -Z direction length of the front end plate portion 58b, the first plate portion 58f, the second plate portion 58m and the cutout plate portion 58x which constitute the bottom plate portion 58B of the lifting platform main body 58 is such that when the case main body 57 is attached, the first wall portion 57f, the third wall portion 57m, the cutout wall portion 57k and the front wall portion 57b of the case main body 57 are hidden inside the portion 57s which extends in the -Z direction further than the bottom surface portion 57a. That is, when viewed from the front (+Y direction), the bottom plate portion 58B of the lift table main body 58 is not visible from the lower end side of the case main body 57.

[0126] The lifting platform main body 58 having such a configuration does not have a side plate portion extending in the +Z direction formed on the outer edge portion facing the front end plate portion 58b, the first plate portion 58f, the second plate portion 58m, and the notched plate portion 58x among the outer peripheral end of the case main body 57. In other words, when the case main body 57 is attached and viewed from the horizontal direction, the lifting platform main body 58 does not have a side plate portion overlapping with the front wall portion 57b, the notched wall portion 57k, the first wall portion 57f, and the third wall portion 57m of the case main body 57.

[0127] Therefore, when at least the front wall portion 57b, the cutout wall portion 57k and each of the first wall portions 57f of the case body 57 are formed from a transparent or translucent material, the items stored inside the case body 57 can be seen from the horizontal direction through the front wall portion 57b, the cutout wall portion 57k and each of the first wall portions 57f.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 6, the lift table main body 58 of this embodiment is formed with first guide portions 58ER, 58EL, a second guide portion 58F, and a third guide portion 58G on both sides in the width direction.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 7, the first wall portion 58dL is formed with a first guide portion 58EL, a second guide portion 58F, and a third guide portion 58G, all of which protrude outward from the first wall portion 58dL in the -X direction and extend in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0130] 3 to 5, the first guide portion 58EL, the second guide portion 58F and the third guide portion 58G are arranged at intervals from each other in the depth direction (Y direction) so that the lifting platform main body 58 can move up and down along the rail portion 64 while sandwiching the rail portion 64 on the lateral rib 61D side from both sides in the depth direction. That is, the first guide portion 58EL, the second guide portion 58F and the third guide portion 58G are arranged at intervals from each other in the depth direction to form a gap G5 between them that allows the rail portion 64 to be inserted therethrough.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 8, the second wall portion 58dR is formed with a first guide portion 58ER, a second guide portion 58F and a third guide portion 58G, all of which protrude outward from the second wall portion 58dR in the +X direction and extend in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0132] 3 to 5, the first guide portion 58ER, the second guide portion 58F, and the third guide portion 58G are arranged at intervals from each other in the depth direction (Y direction) so that the lifting platform main body 58 can move up and down along the rail portion 64 while sandwiching the rail portion 64 on the side rib 61C side from both sides in the depth direction. That is, the first guide portion 58ER, the second guide portion 58F, and the third guide portion 58G guide the movement of the door storage cases 56A, 56B in the up and down direction relative to the rail portion 64.

[0133] The distance between the first guide portion 58EL provided on the first wall portion 58dL shown in Figure 7 and the second guide portion 58F and the third guide portion 58G, and the distance between the first guide portion 58ER provided on the second wall portion 58dR shown in Figure 8 and the second guide portion 58F and the third guide portion 58G are equal to each other and correspond to the depth direction width of the rail portion 64.

[0134] (locking protrusion) As shown in Figure 7, the first guide portion 58EL formed on the first wall portion 58dL is inserted into a stopper insertion groove g1 (Figure 3) formed on the rear side (-Y direction side) of the rail portion 64 on the lateral rib 61D side, and is capable of moving in the vertical direction within the stopper insertion groove g1.

[0135] As shown in Figure 8, the first guide portion 58ER in the second wall portion 58dR is inserted into the stopper insertion groove g2 (Figure 3) formed on the rear side (-Y direction side) of the rail portion 64 on the lateral rib 61C side, and is capable of moving in the vertical direction within the stopper insertion groove g2.

[0136] The height in the X direction of the pair of first guide portions 58EL, 58ER is preferably equal to the depth in the X direction of the stopper insertion grooves g1, g2 or slightly smaller than the depth of the stopper insertion grooves g1, g2, so that the first guide portions 58EL, 58ER are fully inserted into the stopper insertion grooves g1, g2.

[0137] In this embodiment, the groove width of the stopper insertion groove g2 on the side of the lateral rib 61C shown in Fig. 3 varies partially in the up-down direction. Therefore, the depth direction width W2 (Fig. 8) of the first guide portion 58ER inserted into the stopper insertion groove g2 is narrower than the depth direction width W1 (Fig. 7) of the first guide portion 58EL inserted into the stopper insertion groove g1, and is a width that allows insertion into the portion g21 that is the narrowest in the stopper insertion groove g2.

[0138] 6 and 7, the first guide portion 58EL has a hollow prismatic shape and a cross-sectional shape intersecting the longitudinal direction is rectangular. One side (-X side) of the first guide portion 58EL is open. Specifically, the first guide portion 58EL has a pair of plate-like portions 58Aa extending vertically perpendicular to the first wall portion 58dL and spaced apart in the depth direction, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 58Ab perpendicular to the pair of plate-like portions 58Aa, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 58Ac parallel to the pair of plate-like portions 58Aa and disposed between them. Of the pair of plate-like portions 58Aa, the plate-like portion 58Aa located on the +Y side faces the first guide 64c of the rail portion 64 on the side of the lateral rib 61D shown in FIG. 3.

[0139] In the first guide portion 58EL, a plurality of protrusions 58s are formed on the surface on the +Y direction side of the plate-shaped portion 58Aa facing the first guide 64c of the rail portion 64. The plurality of protrusions 58s are provided to reduce the contact area with the rail portion 64 (first guide 64c). A cross section perpendicular to the width direction of each of the plurality of protrusions 58s is, for example, semicircular and convex in the +Y direction.

[0140] The first guide part 58ER shown in Fig. 8 has a narrower width in the depth direction than the first guide part 58EL shown in Fig. 7. The first guide part 58ER has a hollow rectangular column shape, and the cross section intersecting the longitudinal direction is a trapezoid. The first guide part 58ER has two open sides (-X side and -Y side). Specifically, the first guide portion 58ER has a plate-shaped portion 58Ba extending in the vertical direction perpendicular to the second wall portion 58dR, a plate-shaped portion 58Bd located further back (-Y direction) than the plate-shaped portion 58Ba and arranged at a distance from the plate-shaped portion 58Ba, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 58Bb perpendicular to the plate-shaped portions 58Ba, 58Bd, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 58Bc parallel to the plate-shaped portion 58Ba and the plate-shaped portion 58Bd and arranged between them. The plate-shaped portion 58Bd located at the rear has a smaller protruding height in the +X direction from the second wall portion 58dR than the plate-shaped portion 58Ba located at the front. Of the first guide portion 58ER, the plate-shaped portion 58Ba located on the +Y side faces the first guide 64c of the rail portion 64 on the side of the lateral rib 61C shown in FIG.

[0141] In the first guide portion 58ER, a plurality of protrusions 58s are formed on the surface on the +Y direction side of the plate-shaped portion 58Ba facing the first guide 64c of the rail portion 64, protruding from the surface in the +Y direction and extending in the width direction of the surface. These plurality of protrusions 58s are provided to reduce the contact area with the rail portion 64 (first guide 64c). The cross section perpendicular to the width direction of each of the plurality of protrusions 58s is, for example, semicircular and convex in the +Y direction.

[0142] The vertical lengths of such first guide portions 58EL, 58ER are equal to each other and are greater than the Z-direction height H of the peripheral wall portion 58A of the lifting platform main body 58. The upper ends of the first guide portions 58EL, 58ER protrude slightly in the +Z direction beyond the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 58A, and the lower ends protrude farther in the -Z direction than the lower ends of the peripheral wall portion 58A and the bottom plate portion 58B.

[0143] Of the first guide portions 58EL, 58ER, the portions that protrude in the -Z direction beyond the peripheral wall portion 58A and the bottom plate portion 58B function as gap regulation stoppers 58DR, 58DL (described later) that regulate the vertical gap with the other door storage case (the lower middle door storage case 56B). The downward (-Z direction) extension length of each gap regulation stopper 58DR, 58DL is within a range of 25 mm to 30 mm, for example.

[0144] The vertical length of the first guide portions 58EL, 58ER is greater than the vertical distance of the gap G1 (hereinafter referred to as the gap distance L) between the position where the protrusion 57i of the raised upper door storage case 56A abuts against the lower surface 61g of the upper rib 61F and the upper end of the rail portion 64, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0145] (Second information section) Each of the pair of second guide portions 58F has a hollow prismatic shape, and a cross section intersecting the longitudinal direction is substantially square. Each of the second guide portions 58F is spaced apart in the +Y direction from the first guide portions 58EL, 58ER described above.

[0146] Each second guide portion 58F has a pair of plate-shaped portions 58Ca extending in the up-down direction and arranged at an interval in the depth direction, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 58Cb connecting and reinforcing the pair of plate-shaped portions 58Ca. Of the pair of plate-shaped portions 58Ca, the plate-shaped portion 58Ca located on the -Y side faces the second guide 64d of the rail portion 64 shown in FIG.

[0147] 3, a plurality of ridges 58s are formed on the surface of the plate-shaped portion 58Ba facing the second guide 64d of the rail portion 64, protruding from the surface in the -Y direction and extending in the width direction of the surface. These ridges 58s are provided to reduce the contact area with the rail portion 64 (second guide 64d). Each of the ridges 58s has a cross section perpendicular to the width direction that is, for example, semicircular and convex in the +Y direction.

[0148] (Third Information Department) The pair of third guide portions 58G are plate-shaped and extend upward from the second guide portions 58F. The third guide portions 58G are perpendicular to the first wall portion 58dL and extend in the up-down direction (Y direction) in parallel with the plate-shaped portion 58Ca.

[0149] The lower end of the third guide portion 58G is connected to the upper end of the -Y direction plate-shaped portion 58Ca of the pair of plate-shaped portions 58Ca of the second guide portion 58F. The upper end of the third guide portion 58G is connected to the lower surface of a flange portion 58g formed at the upper end of the peripheral wall portion 58A. The protruding height of the third guide portion 58G in the X direction outward is greater than the flange width of the flange portion 58g. That is, the third guide portion 58G protrudes outward in the X direction further than the flange portion 58g. The protruding height of the third guide portion 58G in the X direction is the same as that of the plate-shaped portion 58Ca.

[0150] In addition, the surface on the -Y side of the third guide portion 58G faces the second guide 64d of the rail portion 64 shown in FIG. 3. A plurality of ridges 58s are formed on the surface of the third guide portion 58G facing the second guide 64d of the rail portion 64, protruding from the surface in the -Y direction and extending in the width direction of the surface. The plurality of ridges 58s on the third guide portion 58G are formed at intervals narrower than the intervals of the plurality of ridges 58s on the second guide portion 58F side. The vertical intervals of the ridges 58s on the third guide portion 58G can be changed as appropriate.

[0151] When the case body 57 is placed on such a lifting platform 67, the second wall portion 57dR and the first wall portion 57dL of the case body 57 are inserted between the second wall portion 58dR and the first wall portion 58dL of the lifting platform body 58. That is, the "narrow portion" of the case body 57 is placed on the "narrow portion" of the lifting platform body 58. This positions the case body 57 in the depth direction with respect to the lifting platform body 58.

[0152] When the case body 57 is attached to the lifting platform body 58, the "narrow portions" of the case body 57 and the lifting platform body 58 are inserted between the lateral ribs 61C, 61D shown in FIG. 3, and the "wide portions" of each protrude in the +Y direction beyond the lateral ribs 61C, 61D.

[0153] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of the lower surface side (−Z side) of the bottom surface portion 58a of the lift table main body 58. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, a first guide portion 58n, a pair of locking portions 58p, a pair of second guide portions 58t, a vibration-absorbing material holder 58M, and fixing bosses 58q and 58r protrude in the -Z direction from the lower surface of the bottom portion 58a. The amount of protrusion in the -Z direction of the first guide portion 58n, the pair of locking portions 58p, the pair of second guide portions 58t, the vibration-absorbing material holder 58M, and the fixing bosses 58q, 58s is smaller than the height of the bottom plate portion 58B.

[0154] The first guide portion 58n is a wall-like body that guides the movement of an operating member 59 (described later) in the depth direction (Y direction). The first guide portion 58n has a guide groove 58k that extends in the depth direction. In this embodiment, four first guide portions 58n (guide grooves 58k) are formed at intervals in the X direction. Each guide groove 58k opens in the -Z direction. The shape of the first guide portion 58n (guide groove 58k) is not particularly limited as long as it can guide the operating member 59 in the depth direction. The number of guide grooves 58k may be one or more and is not limited to four.

[0155] The pair of locking portions 58p are protrusions that lock with the end (second end 77b) in the +Y direction of the urging member 77 shown in Fig. 10. Each locking portion 58p has a recess into which the second end 77b of the urging member 77 can be inserted from the -Y direction. The shape of the locking portion 58p is not particularly limited as long as it can lock the second end 77b of the urging member 77.

[0156] 9, each locking portion 58p is disposed between adjacent guide grooves 58k in the width direction. The position of each locking portion 58p in the depth direction is substantially the same as the end of the first guide portion 58n (guide groove 58k) in the +Y direction.

[0157] The second guide portion 58t is a wall-like protrusion that guides the movement of the first locking portion 70 in the width direction (X direction). In the example shown in Fig. 9, the second guide portion 58t has a pair of walls 58t1 that sandwich the first locking portion 70 in the depth direction (Y direction). These two walls 58t1 are in contact with the inner surface of the second wall portion 58dR or the first wall portion 58dL of the lifting platform main body 58, respectively.

[0158] A guide hole 58u is formed in the first wall 58dL and the second wall 58dR of the lift table main body 58 at a portion between the walls 58t1 of the second guide portion 58t. A part of the first locking portion 70 disposed between the two walls 58t1 protrudes outward in the X direction from the guide hole 58u and is movable in the width direction along the second guide portion 58t.

[0159] The vibration absorbing material holder 58M holds the vibration absorbing material 78 shown in Fig. 10. The shape of the vibration absorbing material holder 58M is not particularly limited as long as it can hold the vibration absorbing material 78. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the vibration absorbing material holder 58M has flat plate-shaped protrusions parallel to the width direction. A holding groove 58v recessed in the +Z direction is formed at the end of the vibration absorbing material holder 58M in the protruding direction (-Z direction). The holding groove 58v is a groove for inserting and attaching the vibration absorbing material 78.

[0160] The position and number of the vibration absorbing material holders 58M are not particularly limited. In the example shown in Fig. 9, the vibration absorbing material holders 58M are located at the center in the width direction of the bottom surface portion 58a. The position in the depth direction of the vibration absorbing material holders 58M is approximately the same as the end in the +Y direction of the first guide portion 58n (guide groove 58k).

[0161] 10 is provided to reduce impact noise caused by the impact applied from the operating member 59 to the lifting platform main body 58 when the operating member 59 moves in the depth direction. For example, the vibration absorbing material 78 is made of an elastomer having shock absorbing properties.

[0162] In the example shown in Fig. 10, the vibration absorbing material 78 has a head portion 78a that is deformable by an impact force from the operating member 59, and an attachment portion 78b that is inserted into the holding groove 58v of the vibration absorbing material holder 58M shown in Fig. 9. The attachment portion 78b holds the vibration absorbing material holder 58M between itself and the head portion 78a.

[0163] As shown in Fig. 9, the fixing bosses 58q, 58s are provided for fixing the lower cover 60 shown in Fig. 10 to the lifting platform main body 58 with screws 76. The fixing bosses 58q, 58r are cylindrical protrusions having a height that allows the lower surface of the lower cover 60 to be aligned with the lower end of the front end plate portion 58b of the lifting platform main body 58 and fixed thereto. The fixing bosses 58q, 58r have central holes formed therein into which the screws 76 can be screwed. The fixing boss 58q is provided at a position facing the vibration absorbing material holder 58M on the -Y direction side of the vibration absorbing material holder 58M. The fixing bosses 58r are provided at positions facing the second guide portions 58t on the -Y direction side of each of the second guide portions 58t.

[0164] (Latch release mechanism) Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the lock release mechanism 80 and the lower cover 60. Fig. 10 shows a state in which the door storage case 56A is locked to the rail portion 64 on the door side, and the operating member 59 is in the "locking position". Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the lower surface side of the lift table main body 58, as seen from the -Z direction side.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 11, the bottom plate of the lift table 67 is provided with an unlocking mechanism 80. As shown in FIG. The lock release mechanism 80 is a mechanism that releases the locked state of the door storage case 56A from the rail portion 64 on the door side shown in Fig. 3. Specifically, the lock release mechanism 80 moves the first locking portion 70 to an unlocked position where it cannot be locked to the locking plate 64e (locking surface 64i) of the rail portion 64 shown in Fig. 3, thereby making the upper door storage case 56A movable in the up and down direction.

[0166] 11, the lock release mechanism 80 is located between the lift table main body 58 and the lower cover 60. The lock release mechanism 80 includes an operating member 59 and a pair of biasing members 77.

[0167] (Operating member) The operating member 59 is sandwiched between the lift table main body 58 and a lower cover 60 (described later) so as to be movable in the depth direction (Y direction). The operating member 59 has an operating portion 59a, a pair of biasing member holders 59b, a pair of guide ribs 59c, and a pair of pressing members 59d. 10, the operation unit 59a is in the form of a frame extending in the width direction, and is disposed so as to face the front end plate portion 58b of the lift table main body 58. A groove portion 59h into which the user's hand enters from below is opened on the underside of the operation unit 59a.

[0168] The biasing member holder 59b is a frame that holds a biasing member 77 that biases the operating member 59 in the -Y direction. The biasing member holder 59b has a rectangular frame shape having a length in the movement direction (Y direction) of the operating part 59a, and has a locking part 59i that locks the end of the biasing member 77 in the -Y direction, and a guide shaft 59j (FIG. 10) that extends from the locking part 59i toward the operating part 59a.

[0169] (urging member) The biasing member 77 held by the biasing member holder 59b is, for example, a compression coil spring. The urging member 77 is fitted onto the guide shaft 59j (FIG. 10). As shown in FIG. 11, one end of the urging member 77 is engaged with the locking portion 59i, and the other end is engaged with the locking portion 58p on the lift-down platform main body 58 side. As a result, the urging member 77 is disposed between the operating member 59 and the lift-down platform main body 58, and urges the operating member 59 in the -Y direction relative to the lift-down platform main body 58.

[0170] The pair of guide ribs 59c are protrusions extending along the movement direction (Y direction) of the operating portion 59a. The guide ribs 59c are spaced apart from each other in the width direction (X direction) and are located outside the biasing member holders 59b in the X direction.

[0171] The pair of guide ribs 59k are parallel to the pair of guide ribs 59c and disposed between them, and are each a protrusion extending along the movement direction (Y direction) of the operating portion 59a. The pair of guide ribs 59k are disposed at an interval narrower than the interval between the pair of guide ribs 59c, and are each located on the inner side in the X direction of each of the biasing member holders 59b. These guide ribs 59c, 59k are inserted into four guide grooves 58k formed on the rear surface side of the lift table main body 58 shown in FIG. 9, respectively, and are movable in the depth direction along the guide grooves 58k. As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of guide ribs 59c, 59k are provided in the width direction and are connected to each other via a plurality of plate portions 59m located between them.

[0172] 9, the position at which the operating member 59 is moved to the furthest in the -Y direction by the biasing forces of the pair of biasing members 77 is referred to as the locking position. Although not shown, the position at which the operating part 59a is moved to the furthest in the +Y direction by the user's operation is referred to as the "unlocking position."

[0173] The moving distance in the depth direction from the "locking position" to the "unlocking position" (hereinafter, the moving distance) is shorter than the length of the guide rib 59k inserted into each guide groove 58k at the locking position (hereinafter, the insertion length). As a result, even if the operating member 59 moves to the "unlocking position", each guide rib 59k is not entirely pulled out of each guide groove 58k.

[0174] 10, a pressing member 59d is provided on the -X side of the -X side guide rib 59c. Also, a pressing member 59d is provided on the +X side of the +X side guide rib 59c. Each pressing member 59d is connected to the guide rib 59c.

[0175] The pressing member 59d moves the first locking portion 70 in the X direction intersecting the moving direction of the operating member 59 in accordance with the amount of movement of the operating member 59 in the depth direction. The pressing member 59d has a flat plate portion 59g parallel to the guide rib 59k, and a protrusion 59e protruding outward in the X direction from the flat plate portion 59g.

[0176] When viewed from the +Z direction, the protrusion 59e has a mountain shape having an apex 59f in the protruding direction. The apex 59f may be a flat surface parallel to the flat plate portion 59g, or may be a curved surface that is a convex arc when viewed from the +Z direction. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the outer shape of the protrusion 59e when viewed from the +Z direction is an isosceles triangle, and the apex 59f is a curved surface that is a convex arc. The width of the protrusion 59e in the depth direction is approximately twice the moving distance of the operating member 59. The protrusion 59e is located within the second guide portion 58t of the lift table main body 58 shown in FIG.

[0177] In the present embodiment, the operating member 59 includes an operating portion 59a, a biasing member holder 59b, a guide rib 59c, and a pressing member 59d that are integrally formed with one another. This prevents the operating member 59 from meandering or rotating in a horizontal plane, and allows the operating member 59 to move linearly in the depth direction.

[0178] (Lower cover) 11, the lower cover 60 has a box-like shape that covers the underside of the lift-up platform main body 58 when the operating member 59, the biasing members 77, the vibration absorbing material 78, and the first locking portions 70 are attached to the lift-up platform main body 58. The lower cover 60, together with the lift-up platform main body 58, forms the outer shape of the bottom of the lift-up platform 67. The lower cover 60 has an asymmetric shape in the width direction.

[0179] 10, the lower cover 60 has a through groove 60h at the end in the +Y direction into which the operation part 59a can be inserted. The lower cover 60 has a bottom surface part 60a and a peripheral wall part 60B extending in the +Z direction from the outer periphery of the bottom surface part 60a. The peripheral wall portion 60B has a rear side plate portion 60c located at the outer edge of the bottom surface portion 60a in the -Y direction, a second plate portion 60bR and a first side plate portion 60bL located at the narrow portion of the bottom surface portion 60a in the -Y direction on both sides of the width direction of the rear side plate portion 60c, a pair of flat plate portions 60g each extending from the end portions of the second plate portions 60bR and 60bL on the +Y direction side toward the outside in the X direction, a first plate portion 60eL and a second plate portion 60eR located at the wide portion of the bottom surface portion 60a in the +Y direction, a corner portion 60s located on the +Y direction side of the first plate portion 60eL, and a notched plate portion 60x located on the +Y direction side of the second plate portion 60eR. The notched plate portion 60x is inclined toward the through groove 60h side (-X direction) as it goes from the second plate portion 60eR side to the +Y direction side.

[0180] The bottom surface portion 60a is provided with a screw fixing boss 60d having a through hole through which a screw 76 is inserted for fixing to the lift table main body 58. As shown in Fig. 11, the back side of the screw fixing boss 60d is recessed in the +Z direction so that the screw head of the screw 76 does not protrude.

[0181] The first plate portion 60eL, the second plate portion 60eR and the notched plate portion 60x are provided along the periphery of the "wide portion" on the +Y direction side of the bottom surface portion 60a. The second plate portions 60bR, 60bL are provided along the periphery of the "narrow portion" on the -Y direction side of the bottom surface portion 60a.

[0182] When the lower cover 60 is attached to the lifting platform main body 58, the peripheral wall portion 60B of the lower cover 60 is inserted into the back side of the lifting platform main body 58 and is surrounded by a portion of the peripheral wall portion 58A that protrudes toward the -Z side from the bottom surface portion 58a and a bottom plate portion 58B that protrudes toward the -Z side from the bottom surface portion 58a. In other words, the lower cover 60 is attached at a position that is not visible to the user when the case main body 57 is viewed from the front (+Y direction).

[0183] The lower cover 60 is screwed from below while being fitted into the lower part of the lift-up platform main body 58. Specifically, a plurality of screws 76 are inserted into screw-fastening bosses 60d formed on the lower cover 60, and are screwed into fixing bosses 58q, 58s of the lift-up platform main body 58, thereby fixing the lower cover 60 to the lift-up platform main body 58.

[0184] The bottom surface portion 60a of the lower cover 60 is disposed parallel to the bottom surface portion 58a of the lifting platform main body 58 with a certain gap therebetween. This makes it possible to suppress vertical displacement of members sandwiched between the bottom surface portion 60a of the lower cover 60 and the bottom surface portion 58a of the lifting platform main body 58. For example, the bottom surface portion 60a can suppress vertical vibration of the operating member 59 and the pair of biasing members 77. As a result, the operation member 59 can move smoothly in the depth direction.

[0185] (First locking portion) The first locking portions 70 are provided on both sides of the lift platform 67 in the width direction. In the following, an example of the first locking portion 70 arranged on the +X direction side will be described.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 10, the first locking portion 70 includes a first holder 71, a locking member 73, a biasing member (not shown), and a second holder 75.

[0187] The first holder 71 is a rectangular parallelepiped box that is penetrated in the X direction. A portion of the locking member 73 is inserted into the first holder 71 . The biasing member is disposed between locking member 73 inserted into first holder 71 in first locking portion 70 and second holder 75, which will be described later, and biases locking member 73 in the +X direction (outward). A compression coil spring can be used as the biasing member.

[0188] The second holder 75 is fixed to the end of the first holder 71 in the +X direction. The second holder 75 has a protrusion 75a and a connecting portion 75f. When viewed from the +Z direction, the protrusion 75a has an outer shape of a mountain having an apex 75b in the protruding direction. The apex 75b may be a flat surface or a curved surface in a convex arc shape when viewed from the +Z direction. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the mountain shape of the protrusion 75a is an isosceles triangle shape, and the apex 75b is a curved surface in a convex arc shape. The inclination of the protrusion 75a is not particularly limited as long as it is equal to or greater than the inclination of the protrusion 59e. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the inclination of the protrusion 75a is approximately equal to the inclination of the protrusion 59e described above. The connecting portion 75f is a piece-like shape that protrudes in the +X direction from both ends of the protrusion 75a in the Y direction in the depth direction.

[0189] 9 and 10, the first locking portion 70 in the assembled state has an urging member (not shown) and a locking member 73 housed in an internal space formed by connecting the first holder 71 and the second holder 75, and a part of the locking member 73 protrudes in the +X direction (outward) from inside the first holder 71. The position at which the amount of protrusion of the locking member 73 in the +X direction is maximum is referred to as the "locking position" of the first locking portion 70. When the first locking portion 70 is in the "locking position", it is locked to the rail portion 64 shown in FIG. 3.

[0190] When in the "locking position", the locking member 73 of the first locking portion 70 extends to the outside of the lift-and-lower platform main body 58 through the guide hole 58u (FIG. 9) of the lift-and-lower platform main body 58.

[0191] In this embodiment, the urging member and locking member 73 (not shown) are arranged in series on a substantially coaxial line, and the locking member 73 protruding from the first holder 71 is inserted into the inside of the urging member (coil spring). Therefore, the locking member 73, the first holder 71, and the urging member are arranged on a substantially coaxial line.

[0192] Here, the operation of the first locking portion 70 and the operating member 59 will be described. As described above, in the "locking position" of the first locking portion 70, the positions in the width direction of the first holder 71 and the second holder 75 are fixed. In contrast, the locking member 73 is biased by a biasing member inside the first holder 71 and the second holder 75, but is movable in the +X direction. For this reason, when the tip of the locking member 73 in the +X direction is pressed in the -X direction with a force greater than the biasing force of the biasing member, the locking member 73 moves in the -X direction, and the tip can be pulled into the inside of the guide hole portion 58u (FIG. 11).

[0193] When the operating member 59 is pulled in the +Y direction by the user, the pair of pressing members 59d move in the +Y direction against the biasing force of the pair of biasing members 77, and assume the "unlocked position." When each pressing member 59d moves to the "unlocked position", the first locking portions 70, which are biased toward the pressing members 59d by a biasing member (not shown), move toward the pressing members 59d. A part of the first locking portions 70 protruding from the guide hole portions 58u of the lifting platform main body 58 is pulled into the lower cover 60. That is, the locking members 73 are retracted to the inside of the guide hole portions 58u while being biased toward the outside in the width direction by the biasing member.

[0194] In this way, when the operating member 59 moves to the unlocked position, the first locking portion 70 moves to obtain a state in which the tip of each locking member 73 does not protrude from the guide hole portion 58u. In this state, the locking member 73 of each first locking portion 70 cannot be locked to the locking plate 64e of the rail portion 64 (unlockable position).

[0195] When the user releases the operating portion 59a, the operating member 59 moves in the -Y direction due to the biasing force of the biasing member 77, and the operating member 59 and each of the first locking portions 70 return to their respective locking positions. At this time, the operating member 59 moving under the biasing force of the biasing member 77 hits the vibration absorbing material 78 without colliding with any member of the lift table main body 58, for example. The kinetic energy of the operating member 59 is absorbed by the vibration absorbing material 78, and the operating member 59 stops at the locking position. This reduces the impact sound caused by the impact of the operating member 59.

[0196] A certain degree of impact force is transmitted to the lifting platform main body 58 through the vibration absorbing material 78. In this embodiment, an external force acts on the lifting platform main body 58 by the extension and contraction of the biasing member 77 and the impact of the operating member 59. The fixing boss 58r is provided at a position facing each of the locking portions 58p and the holding grooves 58v on which the external force acts in the direction of the external force. Therefore, by screwing the lower cover 60 to the fixing boss 58r, a reinforcing structure that efficiently resists external forces is obtained. As a result, even if an external force such as an impact force is transmitted to the lifting platform main body 58 to a certain degree, vibration is suppressed, and a stable operating feel is obtained.

[0197] In this embodiment, the locking member 73 protrudes outward from the guide hole portion 58u at the locking position, and is retracted to the inside of the guide hole portion 58u depending on an external force acting on the locking member 73. Similarly, when the operating member 59 moves to the unlocked position, the entire first locking portion 70 moves in parallel to the unlocked position.

[0198] Next, a description will be given of the locking structure when upper door storage case 56A is attached to refrigerator compartment door 12. Although the description will be given taking upper door storage case 56A as an example, the same applies to middle door storage case 56B. As shown in Fig. 2, the upper door storage case 56A is attached to a predetermined position on the rail portion 64 in a state where it is locked from above by a locking plate 64e at a predetermined position among a plurality of locking plates 64e provided in the up and down directions of the pair of rail portions 64 shown in Fig. 3. When attached to the rail portion 64, the upper door storage case 56A cannot be pulled out toward the refrigerator compartment 27, and is restricted from descending in the -Z direction.

[0199] As shown in Fig. 11, when the operating member 59 arranged on the bottom side of the upper door storage case 56A is in the locking position, the main body 73a of each locking member 73 protrudes outward in the Y direction of the lifting platform main body 58 through a pair of guide holes 58u provided on both sides in the width direction of the lifting platform main body 58. The main body 73a of each locking member 73 is locked from above to each locking plate 64e at a predetermined position (the same position in the horizontal direction) of the pair of rail parts 64 shown in Fig. 3. The gravity of the upper door storage case 56A presses the lower surface of the tip side of each locking member 73 against the locking surface 64i of a predetermined locking plate 64e of the rail part 64.

[0200] The first guide portion 58EL on the -X direction side of the lifting platform main body 58 is inserted into the stopper insertion groove g1 on the -Y direction side of the rail portion 64 in the lateral rib 61D, and together with the second guide portion 58F and the third guide portion 58G, the rail portion 64 is sandwiched in the depth direction.

[0201] The first guide portion 58ER on the +X direction side of the lifting platform main body 58 is inserted into the stopper insertion groove g2 on the -Y direction side of the rail portion 64 in the lateral rib 61C, and together with the second guide portion 58F and the third guide portion 58G, the rail portion 64 is sandwiched in the depth direction.

[0202] The center of gravity of upper door storage case 56A engaged with rail portion 64 is closer to refrigerating chamber 27 (in the +Y direction) than rail portion 64. For this reason, in a pair of first guide portions 58EL, 58ER of lifting platform main body 58 located in the -Y direction of rail portion 64, an upper side of plate-shaped portion 58Aa on the +Y direction side of first guide portion 58EL shown in Fig. 7 presses rail portion 64 toward refrigerating chamber 27 (in the +Y direction), and a lower side of plate-shaped portion 58Aa on the -Y direction side of first guide portion 58EL presses end face 53cy (Fig. 2) toward inner surface 53a (in the -Y direction). In addition, the upper side of plate-shaped portion 58Ba on the +Y direction side of first guide portion 58ER shown in Figure 8 presses rail portion 64 toward the refrigerator compartment 27 (+Y direction), and the lower side of plate-shaped portion 58Bd on the -Y direction side of first guide portion 58EL presses end face 53cy (Figure 3) toward inner face 53a (-Y direction).

[0203] 7 and 8, of the second guide portion 58F and the third guide portion 58G located on the +Y direction side of the pair of left and right rail portions 64, the second guide portion 58F located on the lower (-Z direction) side of the third guide portion 58G presses the rail portion 64 in the -Y direction. The second guide portion 58F presses the rail portion 64 toward the inner surface 53a (-Y direction) on the lower side of the plate portion 58Ca on the -Y direction side.

[0204] The user can move upper door storage case 56A up and down by performing the operations described below. Although the description will be given using upper door storage case 56A as an example, the same applies to middle door storage case 56B.

[0205] (Upward movement: Push up operation) In order to move upper door storage case 56A upward, a push-up operation is performed. The push-up operation is an operation in which the user applies a force to lift upper door storage case 56A upward, thereby moving it in the +Z direction. In this case, a rotational moment is applied to upper door storage case 56A in the opposite direction to when it is in the locked state.

[0206] That is, of a pair of first guide parts 58EL, 58ER provided on lifting platform main body 58, a lower side of plate part 58Aa on the +Y direction side of first guide part 58EL shown in Fig. 7 presses rail part 64 toward refrigeration chamber 27 (+Y direction), and an upper end side of plate part 58Aa on the -Y direction side of first guide part 58EL presses end face 53cy (Fig. 2) toward inner surface 53a (-Y direction). Also, a lower side of plate part 58Ba on the +Y direction side of first guide part 58ER shown in Fig. 8 presses rail part 64 toward refrigeration chamber 27 (+Y direction), and an upper side of plate part 58Bd on the -Y direction side of first guide part 58EL presses end face 53cy (Fig. 3) toward inner surface 53a (-Y direction).

[0207] 7 and 8, of the second guide portion 58F and the third guide portion 58G located on the +Y direction side of the pair of left and right rail portions 64, the third guide portion 58G located above (in the +Z direction) the second guide portion 58F presses the rail portion 64 in the -Y direction. The third guide portion 58G presses the rail portion 64 toward the inner surface 53a (in the -Y direction) on the upper side.

[0208] (Downward movement: unlocking operation) The unlocking operation is an operation for forcibly releasing the locking of the locking members 73 on the rail portions 64 in the vertical direction. In this operation, the user operates the operating member 59 to move the operating member 59 to the unlocked position. For example, the user moves the operating member 59 in the +Y direction by holding the operating part 59a and the lower end of the front end plate part 58b of the lifting platform main body 58 in the depth direction with their hands. In this embodiment, when the operating portion 59a of the operating member 59 comes closest to the front end plate portion 58b of the lift table main body 58, the operating member 59 moves to the unlocked position.

[0209] In the unlocked position, the pair of locking members 73 are retracted toward the inside of the lift table main body 58, so that the locking of the locking members 73 with the pair of rail portions 64 is released simultaneously. When the user releases the grip between the operating part 59a and the lower end of the front end plate part 58b of the lift table main body 58 at the destination, the locking member 73 protrudes outside the second wall part 58dR due to the biasing force of the biasing member 77, so that the locking member 73 protrudes into the upper recess of the nearest lower locking plate 64e. By releasing the hand in this state, the locking member 73 is locked onto the nearest lower locking plate 64e at the destination.

[0210] By performing such an unlocking operation, the user can move the upper door storage case 56A downward and lock the upper door storage case 56A and the middle door storage case 56B to the lower locking plate 64e. This allows the upper door storage case 56A to be locked to any of the locking plates 64e at the same vertical position on the pair of rail portions 64 facing each other in the horizontal direction.

[0211] Here, the movable range of upper door storage case 56A and middle door storage case 56B will be described. In this embodiment, the upper limit position of the upper door storage case 56A is regulated by the upper end plate 64g of the rail portion 64. The position where the upper door storage case 56A is engaged with the uppermost engaging plate 64e located directly below the upper end plate 64g of the rail portion 64 is the upper limit of the upward movement of the upper door storage case 56A.

[0212] The lower limit position of the upper door storage case 56A is restricted by a pair of space restriction stoppers 58DR, 58DL on the upper door storage case 56A side. That is, when the upper door storage case 56A is lowered, the space restriction stoppers 58DR, 58DL come into contact with the upper end faces of the first guide parts 58ER, 58EL of the middle door storage case 56B located directly below, restricting downward movement therefrom. Therefore, the lower limit position of the upper door storage case 56A changes depending on the position of the middle door storage case 56B.

[0213] Furthermore, the upper door storage case 56A with the case body 57 placed on the lift platform 67 cannot be removed from the upper end of the rail portion 64, but if only the lift platform 67 remains with the case body 57 removed, it can be removed from the gap between the rail portion 64 and the upper rib 61F of the inner surface member 53A by tilting the lift platform 67 at an angle, for example. Therefore, when mounting the upper door storage case 56A, it is possible to mount it by first attaching only the lift platform 67 to each rail portion 64.

[0214] On the other hand, the movement range of middle door storage case 56B in this embodiment is set by, for example, the position of upper door storage case 56A and lowered position restricting portion 53d. The upper limit position of the middle door storage case 56B changes depending on the position of the upper door storage case 56A. That is, when the middle door storage case 56B is raised, the upper end faces of the pair of first guide parts 58ER, 58EL of the middle door storage case 56B come into contact with the lower end faces of the pair of first guide parts 58EL, ER (gap regulation stoppers 58DR, 58DL) of the upper door storage case 56A which is in a predetermined position, thereby restricting any upward movement therefrom.

[0215] The lowest position of the middle door storage case 56B is a position where the lower ends of the first guide parts 58ER, 58EL are locked from above by the lower position restricting parts 53d. When the first guide parts 58ER, 58EL of the middle door storage case 56B are in the lowest position locked by the lower position restricting parts 53d located on the lower end sides of the pair of rail parts 64, the vertical distance between the middle door storage case 56B and the lower door storage case 56C is equal to or larger than the distance when the upper door storage case 56A and the middle door storage case 56B are at their closest positions with the distance restricting stoppers 58DR, 58DL of the upper door storage case 56A in contact with the middle door storage case 56B.

[0216] In this way, the middle door storage case 56B is restricted from moving further downward by the lowering position restricting portion 53d.

[0217] In addition, in the middle door storage case 56B, a pair of first guide portions 58EL, ER (respective spacing control stoppers 58DR, 58DL) provided on both sides of the width direction of the lifting platform main body 58 are inserted into the stopper insertion grooves g1, g2 on the -Y direction side of the rail portion 64 and are therefore hidden.

[0218] In this way, the user can freely change the vertical positions of upper door storage case 56A and middle door storage case 56B as long as they are within the movable range of upper door storage case 56A and middle door storage case 56B.

[0219] According to the upper door storage case 56A and the middle door storage case 56B of this embodiment, whether it is a push-up operation or an unlocking operation, the user can move the upper door storage case 56A (middle door storage case 56B) with a simple operation using one hand in front of the upper door storage case 56A (middle door storage case 56B). In the following explanation, the upper door storage case 56A will be described as an example, but the same can be said for the middle door storage case 56B.

[0220] In order to move the door housing case 56A attached to the rail portion 64 in the vertical direction, a gap is necessary between the first guide portion 58ER, 58EL, the second guide portion 58F, and the third guide portion 58G of the lifting platform main body 58 and the rail portion 64. However, due to the presence of the gap, when the door housing case 56A is moved up and down, the door housing case 56A may tilt so as to be caught in the rail portion 64, and a large force may be required for the initial movement of the door housing case 56A. In this case, the sliding direction of the door housing case 56A becomes unstable, and the movement may be caught in the rail portion 64 and the initial movement may become heavy.

[0221] This phenomenon occurs frequently when attempting to move the door storage case 56A upward. In particular, in a configuration in which the third guide portion 58G is not provided on the lift platform main body 58, the inclination of the door storage case 56A becomes large, and the above phenomenon becomes prominent.

[0222] Therefore, in this embodiment, a pair of third guide parts 58G are further provided in the width direction of the lift table main body 58. As a result, the combined vertical length of the second guide part 58F and the third guide part 58G is approximately the same as the length of the first guide part 58ER (58EL) located on the -Y direction side of the rail part 64. That is, the second guide part 58F, the third guide part 58G, and the first guide part 58ER, (58EL) are present over approximately the entire vertical length of the lift table main body 58. The second guide part 58F, the third guide part 58G, and the first guide part 58ER, (58EL) face each other in the Y direction via the rail part 64, and sandwich the same range in the longitudinal direction of the rail part 64.

[0223] Therefore, when lifting the door storage case 56A, even if a rotation moment occurs in the +Y direction side of the door storage case 56A toward the +Z direction with the first locking portion 70 locked to the rail portion 64 as a fulcrum, it is possible to suppress the inclination of the door storage case 56A relative to the rail portion 64, and the pressure applied to the rail portion 64 by the second guide portion 58F, the third guide portion 58G, and the first guide portion 58ER, (58EL) becomes almost uniform in the vertical direction. As a result, the above-mentioned phenomenon that is inconvenient for vertical movement is unlikely to occur, and the door storage case 56A can be moved smoothly relative to the rail portion 64. In this way, by making the combined length of the vertical lengths of the second guide portion 58F and the third guide portion 58G present in the ±Y direction of the rail portion 64 equal to the vertical length of the first guide portion 58ER (58EL), it is possible to provide stability in the sliding of the door storage case 56A.

[0224] In this embodiment, the first locking portion 70 is provided on the lower end (bottom) side of the door storage case 56A. Therefore, the third guide portion 58G is provided at a position away from the first locking portion 70 upward. Providing the third guide portion 58G at a position away from the first locking portion 70, which serves as the fulcrum of the rotation moment, is advantageous in terms of suppressing the inclination of the door storage case 56A. Therefore, in this embodiment, the third guide portion 58G is configured to be continuous with the second guide portion 58F, but is not limited to this, and the third guide portion 58G may be configured to be provided at least on the upper end side of the door storage case 56A.

[0225] <Second embodiment> Next, a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 12 is a side view showing the configuration of the lifting platform main body in the refrigerator of the second embodiment, as viewed from the +X direction side. The basic configuration of the refrigerator of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the lifting platform body is different. In the following description, the description of the configuration similar to that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the different configuration will be described in detail.

[0226] 12, the lift platform main body 88 of this embodiment has, on both sides in the width direction, a third guide portion 88G and a reinforcing rib 89, instead of the above-mentioned third guide portion 58G. The first guide portion 58EL, the second guide portion 58F, and the third guide portion 88G are spaced apart in the depth direction, and form a gap G5 therebetween that allows the rail portion 64 to be inserted therethrough.

[0227] The third guide portion 88G is located above the second guide portion 58F and is spaced apart from the second guide portion 58F. The third guide portion 88G is perpendicular to the second flat plate portion 58eR (first flat plate portion 58eL) and protrudes outward in the width direction. The third guide portion 88G is a plate-like shape that is substantially square when viewed from the Y direction. The third guide portion 88G is provided parallel to the up-down direction along the periphery on the +Y direction side of the recessed groove 58j formed in the second flat plate portion 58eR (first flat plate portion 58eL).

[0228] The position of the third guide portion 88G in the depth direction coincides with the plate-shaped portion 58Ca on the -Y direction side of the second guide portion 58F. That is, the third guide portion 88G is located in a straight line (directly above) the plate-shaped portion 58Ca on the -Y direction side of the second guide portion 58F and is parallel to the plate-shaped portion 58Ca.

[0229] The third guide portion 88G has an upper end connected to the lower surface of a flange portion 58g provided at the upper end of the lift table main body 88. The vertical length of the third guide portion 88G is smaller than the vertical length of the second guide portion 58F and is approximately half the vertical length (groove depth dimension) of the recessed groove 58j. A plurality of protrusions 58s extending in the width direction are formed on the surface of the third guide portion 88G on the -Y direction side.

[0230] The reinforcing rib 89 is provided on the +Y direction side of the third guide portion 88G. The reinforcing rib 89 is located on the opposite side of the rail portion 64 with respect to the third guide portion 88G. The reinforcing rib 89 is perpendicular to the second flat plate portion 58eR (first flat plate portion 58eL) and protrudes outward in the width direction. The reinforcing rib 89 of this embodiment is composed of a pair of plate-shaped portions perpendicular to each other, and has an L-shape when viewed from the X direction. The shape of the reinforcing rib 89 is not limited to this shape, and other shapes may be adopted. One end side of the reinforcing rib 89 is connected to the surface on the +Y direction side of the third guide portion 88G, and the other end side is connected to the lower surface side of the flange portion 58g of the lifting platform main body 58.

[0231] According to the configuration of this embodiment, even if the third guide portion 88G is separated from the second guide portion 58F, by providing it on the upper end side of the lifting platform main body 58 away from the first locking portion 70, it is possible to reduce the rotation moment with the first locking portion 70 as the fulcrum, and it is possible to suppress the inclination of the lifting platform main body 58 (door accommodating case 56A) relative to the rail portion 64. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to increase the slidability of the door accommodating case 56A relative to the rail portion 64, and it is possible to smoothly move the door accommodating case 56A in the vertical direction.

[0232] <Third embodiment> Next, a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 13 is a side view showing the configuration of the lifting platform main body in the refrigerator of the third embodiment, as viewed from the +X direction side. The basic configuration of the refrigerator of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the configuration of the lifting platform body is different. In the following description, the description of the configuration similar to that of the first embodiment will be omitted, and the different configuration will be described in detail.

[0233] 13, the lift table main body 98 of this embodiment has a first guide portion 98ER or a first guide portion 98EL, a second guide portion 58F, and a pair of rotating bodies (third guide portions) 98G on both sides in the width direction. The first guide portions 98ER, 98EL of this embodiment have a length shorter than the vertical length of the first guide portions 98ER, 98EL of the first embodiment.

[0234] One rotating body 98G is disposed above each of the first guide portion 98ER and the second guide portion 58F. Of the pair of rotating bodies 98G, the rotating body 98G disposed on the -Y direction side is provided between the first guide portion 98ER and the flange portion 58g of the lifting platform main body 98. The distance between the pair of rotating bodies 98G in the depth direction matches the distance between the first guide portion 98ER and the second guide portion 58F, and together with the first guide portion 98ER and the second guide portion 58F, forms a gap G5 through which the rail portion 64 can be inserted.

[0235] The pair of rotating bodies 98G can rotate around a rotation axis OG extending in the width direction. The rotating bodies 98G have the same diameter, but may have different diameters. In this embodiment, the pair of rotating bodies 98G is provided in the depth direction, but the number of rotating bodies 98G is not limited to this. For example, two rotating bodies 98G may be arranged vertically on the second guide section 58F side. The pair of rotating bodies 98G rotate in opposite directions when the lift table main body 98 is moved relative to the rail section 64.

[0236] According to the configuration of this embodiment, by providing the rotating bodies 98G above the first guide parts 98ER, 98EL and the second guide part 58F, respectively, similarly to the above embodiment, it is possible to reduce the rotation moment around the first locking part 70 as a fulcrum, and it is possible to suppress the inclination of the lifting platform main body 98 (door accommodating case 56A) relative to the rail part 64. Therefore, also in this embodiment, similarly to the above first embodiment, it is possible to improve the slidability of the door accommodating case 56A relative to the rail part 64, and it is possible to smoothly move the door accommodating case 56A in the vertical direction.

[0237] In addition, in this embodiment, a pair of rotating bodies 98G is provided on each side of the lifting platform main body 98 in the width direction, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and it is sufficient that at least one rotating body 98G is provided on the front (+Y direction) side. The second guide portion 58F has a shorter vertical length than the first guide portions 98ER and 98EL, and the height of its upper end is low, so that there is no portion supporting the rail portion 64 above the second guide portion 58F. Therefore, by providing at least the rotating body 98G in this portion, the rotation moment when the lifting platform main body 98 rises can be suppressed, and it is possible to prevent the lifting platform main body 98 from biting into the rail portion 64. This allows the door storage case 56A to move smoothly.

[0238] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the pair of rotating bodies 98G come into contact with and rotate on the rail portion 64, thereby assisting in the lifting force when moving the lifting platform main body 98, particularly upward, so that the lifting platform main body 98 (door storage case 56A) can be moved with little resistance. Furthermore, the provision of a pair of rotating bodies 98G compensates for the force required for the movement operation, and makes it possible to reduce variation in sliding properties with respect to the rail portion 64, regardless of the gap with the rail portion 64. This allows for looser control of the gap dimension with the rail portion 64 than with the rib structure of the above embodiment, making it easier to control in mass production.

[0239] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and gist of the invention.

[0240] According to the embodiment described above, the device includes a housing including a storage chamber, and a door for opening and closing the storage chamber, a pair of wall portions protruding rearward from an inner surface member of the door toward the storage chamber and extending in the vertical direction and facing each other with a gap in the width direction of the door, a pair of extension portions protruding from opposing side surfaces of the pair of wall portions and extending in the vertical direction, and a door container movable in the vertical direction between the pair of wall portions along the pair of extension portions. The door containers are arranged at intervals in the depth direction to form a gap between them to allow the extension portion to pass therethrough, and have a first guide portion and a second guide portion that guide the vertical movement relative to the extension portion, and a third guide portion that forms the gap together with one of the first guide portion and the second guide portion and guides the vertical movement of the door container at a position different in the vertical direction from the first guide portion and the second guide portion, so that a refrigerator can be provided with a door storage case that can improve operability during vertical movement of the door container.

[0241] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0242] For example, in the first and second embodiments, the third guide portions 58G, 88G are provided above the second guide portion 58F, but the positions of the third guide portions 58G, 88G are not limited thereto. The third guide portions 58G, 88G may be arranged in the up-down positions reversed to the second guide portion 58F.

[0243] For example, in the first embodiment, a rib structure is provided with the plate-like third guide portion 58G parallel to the up-down direction, but a reinforcing rib as shown in the second embodiment may be provided on the front (+Y direction) side of the third guide portion 58G. In this case, the configuration of the third guide portion 58G and the reinforcing rib may be the same as that of the second guide portion 58F.

[0244] Furthermore, the configurations of the third guide portion 88G and the reinforcing rib 89 in the second embodiment may be similar to those of the second guide portion 58F.

[0245] In the first and second embodiments, the third guide portions 58F, 88F are formed in a plate shape (rib shape), so that the structure can be changed easily and at low cost. [Explanation of symbols]

[0246] 1...refrigerator, 10...casing, 11...door, 12, 13...refrigerator door (door), 27...refrigerator (storage room), 53A, 53B...inner surface member, 53a...inner surface of inner surface member, 56A...door storage case (door container), 58EL, 58ER, 98EL, 98ER...first guide portion, 58F...second guide portion, 58G, 88G...third guide portion, 61C, 61D...side rib (wall portion), 64...rail portion (extension portion), 64m...projection portion, 98G...rotating body (third guide portion), G5...gap through which rail portion can be inserted, OG...rotating shaft, S1, S2...side surface, X...width direction, Y...depth direction, Z...up-down direction

Claims

1. a housing including a storage chamber; A door for opening and closing the storage chamber; a pair of wall portions that protrude rearward from an inner surface member of the door toward the storage chamber, extend in a vertical direction, and face each other with a gap therebetween in a lateral width direction of the door; A pair of extension portions protruding from side surfaces of the pair of wall portions facing each other and extending in the up-down direction; a door container that is movable in the up-down direction between the pair of wall portions along the pair of extension portions, The door container includes: a flange portion extending outward from an upper end portion of the side wall portion; a first guide portion and a second guide portion that are spaced apart from each other in a depth direction to form a gap between them through which the extension portion can be inserted and that guide the extension portion in the up-down direction; a third guide portion that is connected to the underside of the flange portion and that, together with the second guide portion disposed forward of the first guide portion, forms the gap between the first guide portion and the third guide portion, and guides the vertical movement of the door container at a position different from that of the second guide portion in the vertical direction; refrigerator.

2. The third guide portion is connected to the second guide portion and extends in the up-down direction.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. The combined length of the second guide portion and the third guide portion in the vertical direction is equal to the length of the first guide portion in the vertical direction.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2.

4. The third guide portion is configured to be disposed at a distance from the second guide portion in the up-down direction.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The third guide portion has a plurality of protrusions that can come into contact with the extension portion. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The second guide portion has a configuration having a plurality of second protrusions that can contact the extension portion, The plurality of protruding portions are formed at intervals narrower than the arrangement intervals of the plurality of second protruding portions.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5.

7. The third guide portion is configured to include a rotating body that is rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the width direction.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

8. The third guide portions are arranged at intervals in the depth direction, The gap is formed between the two portions so that the extension portion can be inserted therethrough.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7.

Images