refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator which has an electrical substrate arranged on the upper face of a body part, for protecting a power cord extending downward from the electrical substrate.SOLUTION: A refrigerator 1 includes a heat insulation box 50, an electrical unit 60, and a power cord 71, the heat insulation box 50 having an upper face part 50a, and a back face part 50c, the electrical unit 60 having an electrical substrate 61 and being arranged on the upper face part 50a of the heat insulation box 50, the power cord 71 being connected to the electrical substrate 61, the power cord 71 extending downward from the back face side of the heat insulation box 50. In an outlet 64 from the electrical unit 60 for the power cord 71, a cover member 72 is provided for covering the power cord 71.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator having an electrical unit on its top surface. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is provided with an insulating box that covers the outer periphery of the storage space to insulate it from the surroundings. The insulating box is composed of an outer box, an inner box, and a foam insulating material filled between them.

[0003] The refrigerator also includes an electrical unit that houses an electrical circuit board, electrical components, etc. The electrical unit is disposed, for example, on the top surface of the refrigerator body. For example, the refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1 houses electrical components 7 in a space provided behind the top surface of the refrigerator body 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-87443 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A power cord that supplies power to the refrigerator is connected to the electrical unit of the refrigerator. In refrigerators where the electrical unit is located on the top surface of the main body, the power cord usually extends horizontally from the rear side of the electrical unit and then downward (see, for example, Figure 24). However, if the power cord is exposed at the exit from the electrical unit, stress may be applied to the connection between the power cord and the electrical board when, for example, the refrigerator is being transported, which could lead to damage to the power cord and the electrical board.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which an electrical unit is arranged on the top surface of the refrigerator body and which can protect the power cord extending downward from the electrical unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A refrigerator according to one aspect of the present invention includes a main body having a top surface and a back surface, an electrical unit having an electrical circuit board and disposed on the top surface of the main body, and a power cord connected to the electrical circuit board. In this refrigerator, the power cord extends downward from the back side of the main body, and a cover member for covering the power cord is provided at an outlet of the power cord from the electrical unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the refrigerator according to one aspect of the present invention, the cover member is provided, so that the power cord extending downward from the electrical unit can be protected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the rear side of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 with a cover member removed. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the upper part of the rear side of the refrigerator shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the rear part of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 3 along the line AA. [Figure 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the rear part of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 3 along the line BB. [Figure 6] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the CC line portion of the rear surface of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the rear side of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the upper part of the rear side of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the rear part of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 8 along the line AA. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the rear part of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 8 along the line BB. [Figure 11] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the CC line portion of the rear surface of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the rear side of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is an enlarged perspective view showing the periphery of the cover member on the rear side of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the upper part of the rear side of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the rear part of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 14 along the line AA. [Figure 16] 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the CC line portion of the rear surface of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 14. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the rear side of a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator shown in FIG. 17 with a cover member removed. [Figure 19] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the vertical cross-sectional configuration of the upper part on the rear side of the refrigerator shown in FIG. [Figure 20] 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional configuration of the upper part on the rear side of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 17. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the rear side of a refrigerator according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a plan view showing the upper part of the rear side of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 21. [Figure 23] 22 is an enlarged perspective view showing the periphery of the cover member on the rear side of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 21. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the rear side of a conventional refrigerator. [Figure 25]FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the inside of an electrical unit in the refrigerator shown in FIG. 24. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0011] [First embodiment] (Overall configuration of the refrigerator) In this embodiment, a refrigerator 1 will be described as an example. FIG. 1 shows the rear appearance of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. The refrigerator 1 is mainly composed of an insulated box (main body) 50 and various doors (not shown). The refrigerator 1 is provided with multiple storage compartments, such as a refrigerator compartment, a vegetable compartment, a freezer compartment, and an ice compartment.

[0012] In this embodiment, the surface on which the door is provided is defined as the front surface (front face) of the refrigerator 1. Based on the positions where the refrigerator 1 would be when installed in a normal state with the front surface as a reference, the respective surfaces of the insulated box (main body) 50 constituting the refrigerator 1 are defined as the top surface 50a, the side surface 50b, the back surface 50c, and the bottom surface. When the refrigerator 1 is placed on an installation surface, the left-right direction (the horizontal direction perpendicular to the up-down direction) when viewing the insulated box 50 from the front is referred to as the left-right direction of the insulated box 50 (or the refrigerator 1, etc.). When the refrigerator 1 is placed on an installation surface, the up-down direction (the vertical direction perpendicular to the left-right direction) of the insulated box 50 is referred to as the up-down direction of the insulated box 50 (or the refrigerator 1, etc.).

[0013] The insulating box 50 has a thermal insulating structure for insulating each storage chamber from the surroundings. The insulating box 50 mainly includes an outer box 51, an inner box 52, and a thermal insulating layer 53.

[0014] The outer box 51 forms the outer surface of the insulating box 50. The outer box 51 constitutes the top surface 50a, side surfaces 50b, rear surface 50c, and bottom surface of the insulating box 50. The top surface 50a, side surfaces 50b, and rear surface 50c are each formed from a thin metal plate. The metal plate forming the rear surface 50c is also called a back plate. The inner box 52 forms the inner surface of the insulating box 50.

[0015] The heat insulating layer 53 is provided in the space between the outer box 51 and the inner box 52. The heat insulating layer 53 is made of, for example, a foamed heat insulating material. The foamed heat insulating material can be made of, for example, foamed polyurethane (also called rigid urethane foam).

[0016] An electrical component unit 60 is provided on the rear side of the top surface 50a of the heat-insulating box 50. In this embodiment, the electrical component unit 60 is located approximately in the center in the left-right direction on the top surface 50a. The electrical component unit 60 includes an electrical component board 61, a lower case member 62, and an upper case member 63 (see FIG. 25). Electronic components such as a control unit and memory are mounted on the electrical component board 61. The electrical component board 61 is located in a case formed by the lower case member 62 and the upper case member 63.

[0017] The lower case member 62 is formed, for example, from a resin material. The upper case member 63 is formed, for example, from a metal material. The lower case member 62 is located below the electrical board 61. The upper case member 63 is provided so as to cover the electrical board 61 from above. By arranging the electrical board 61 in a case formed by the lower case member 62 and the upper case member 63, it is possible to prevent water, dust, and the like from falling on the electrical board 61.

[0018] A power cord 71 is provided on the rear side of the electrical unit 60, extending downward from the rear portion 50c of the heat-insulating box 50. One end of the power cord 71 is connected to the electrical board 61 (see FIG. 4). The other end of the power cord 71 is provided with a power plug (not shown). This allows power to be supplied to the electrical board 61 and the like via the power cord 71.

[0019] A pair of handles 31a and 31b are provided at the left and right corners on the upper back side of the insulated box body 50. The pair of handles 31a and 31b are configured symmetrically. Handle 31a is located on the left side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 1 (the right side when viewed from the back of the refrigerator 1). Handle 31b is located on the right side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 1 (the left side when viewed from the back of the refrigerator 1). With handles 31a and 31b provided in this manner, when transporting the refrigerator 1, a worker can place their hands on each of handles 31a and 31b to carry the refrigerator 1.

[0020] (Power cord cover configuration) Next, the configuration of the cover member 72 that covers the power cord 71 will be described. Fig. 2 shows the configuration of the rear side of the refrigerator 1 with the cover member 72 removed. Fig. 3 shows the configuration of the upper part of the rear side of the refrigerator 1. Fig. 4 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the part along line AA of the rear part of the refrigerator 1 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the part along line BB of the rear part of the refrigerator 1 shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the part along line CC of the rear part of the refrigerator 1 shown in Fig. 3.

[0021] 2, the power cord 71 protrudes to the outside of the electrical unit 60 from an outlet 64 provided on the rear side of the lower case member 62 and the upper case member 63. The power cord 71 extends downward from the rear side of the heat-insulating box 50. The lower portion of the power cord 71 is not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, etc.

[0022] A cover member 72 that covers the power cord 71 is provided at the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60. The cover member 72 covers a portion (specifically, the upper portion) of the power cord 71 that protrudes from the outlet 64 to the outside of the electrical unit 60. The cover member 72 is fixed to the insulating box 50 with a plurality of screws 73 (four screws 73 in the example shown in FIG. 2). By providing such a cover member 72, the power cord 71 extending downward from the electrical unit 60 can be protected.

[0023] In this embodiment, the cover member 72 covers the horizontally extending portion 71a of the power cord 71 and at least a part of the vertically extending portion 71b of the power cord 71 that continues from the horizontally extending portion 71a (see FIG. 4). With this configuration, the vicinity of the connection portion of the power cord 71 with the electrical board 61 is covered by the cover member 72, so that the load on the connection portion between the power cord 71 and the electrical board 61 can be reduced.

[0024] In this embodiment, a cover member 72 is placed over the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 (see FIG. 4). This configuration completely covers the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60, thereby preventing liquids such as water from entering the interior of the electrical unit 60 through the outlet 64.

[0025] The cover member 72 is obtained by molding, for example, a metal material, a resin material, or the like into a predetermined shape. The cover member 72 mainly has a cord placement portion 81 and fixing portions 82a and 82b.

[0026] 4 and 6, when the cover member 72 is attached to the refrigerator 1, the cord placement section 81 has a space extending vertically inside. The power cord 71 is placed in this space.

[0027] Fixing portions 82a and 82b are provided on the lateral ends of cord placement portion 81. When cover member 72 is attached to refrigerator 1, fixing portions 82a and 82b come into contact with rear portion 50c of insulated box body 50 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Fixing portion 82a is located on the left side of cord placement portion 81 when viewed from the rear side of refrigerator 1. Fixing portion 82b is located on the right side of cord placement portion 81 when viewed from the rear side of refrigerator 1.

[0028] Each of the fixing portions 82a and 82b has a plurality of holes into which the screws 73 are inserted. Screw holes 73a are provided in the rear surface 50c of the insulating box 50 at positions corresponding to these holes (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, screw receiving portions 75 and 75 are provided inside the insulating box 50 at positions corresponding to the fixing portions 82a and 82b (see FIG. 6). The screw receiving portions 75 are formed, for example, from a resin material or a metal material, and female threads are formed in the positions corresponding to the screw holes 73a either in advance or by threading the screws 73. This allows the fixing portions 82a and 82b to be securely fixed to the rear surface 50c of the insulating box 50.

[0029] The screw receiving portion 75 may be attached to the back side of the rear portion 50c of the insulating box 50 with adhesive tape or the like. This allows the screw receiving portion 75 to be easily temporarily fixed to the back side of the rear portion 50c of the insulating box 50, and also prevents the foam insulating material filled inside the insulating box 50 from leaking through the screw holes 73a.

[0030] For comparison, the configuration around electrical unit 60 of conventional refrigerator 901 will now be described. Fig. 24 shows the appearance of the rear side of conventional refrigerator 901. Fig. 25 is a perspective view showing refrigerator 901 shown in Fig. 24 with upper case member 63 of electrical unit 60 removed.

[0031] Refrigerator 901 does not have cover member 72. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24 , power cord 71 exiting outlet 64 of electrical unit 60 is exposed to the outside. If power cord 71 is exposed at outlet 64 of electrical unit 60 in this manner, stress may be applied to the connection between the power cord and the electrical board, for example, during transportation of the refrigerator, which may lead to damage to the power cord and the electrical board. Furthermore, if refrigerator 901 is installed outdoors or in an environment where moisture is likely to adhere to the refrigerator, moisture on power cord 71 may flow to outlet 64 of electrical unit 60 and enter the electrical unit 60. Typically, outlet 64 of electrical unit 60 is provided with a waterproof seal, but if moisture remains at outlet 64 of electrical unit 60 for a long period of time, the water resistance of the waterproof seal may deteriorate.

[0032] In contrast, a cover member 72 that covers the power cord 71 is provided at the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 in the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. Providing such a cover member 72 can protect the power cord 71 extending downward from the electrical unit 60. Furthermore, the cover member 72 prevents moisture from directly entering the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 and fixes the power cord 71 so that it extends downward, so that moisture adhering to the power cord 71 can be prevented from flowing to the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60. Therefore, moisture can be prevented from adhering to the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60.

[0033] (Summary of the first embodiment) As described above, the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment includes an insulated box (main body) 50, an electrical unit 60, and a power cord 71. The insulated box 50 has an upper surface 50a and a rear surface 50c. The electrical unit 60 is disposed on the upper surface 50a of the insulated box 50. An electrical circuit board 61 is provided within the electrical unit 60. The power cord 71 is connected to the electrical circuit board 61. The power cord 71 extends downward from the rear surface side of the insulated box 50, and a cover member 72 that covers the power cord 71 is provided at the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60.

[0034] The above configuration can protect the power cord 71 extending downward from the electrical unit 60. Furthermore, since the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 is covered with the cover member 72, the electrical unit 60 can be configured to be less susceptible to moisture intrusion.

[0035] In the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment, the cover member 72 covers the horizontal extension portion 71a of the power cord 71 and at least a part of the vertical extension portion 71b continuing from the horizontal extension portion 71a (see FIG. 4). In this way, the cover member 72 extends downward from the electrical unit 60 and has an opening at the bottom, which makes it more difficult for foreign matter such as water or dust to enter the cover member 72 and the electrical unit 60.

[0036] Furthermore, it is preferable that cover member 72 covers an appropriate length, for example, 15 cm or more, from the top end of refrigerator 1. This allows cover member 72 to cover power cord 71 up to the portion below handle portions 31a and 31b and electrical unit 60, preventing power cord 71 exposed below cover member 72 from getting caught on handle portions 31a and 31b or electrical unit 60 when the refrigerator is being transported or used, thereby protecting power cord 71. Furthermore, if liquid such as water is spilled on top surface 50a of refrigerator 1, this configuration makes it more difficult for the liquid to seep into electrical unit 60 through outlet 64.

[0037] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, a refrigerator having a vacuum insulation material provided inside a heat-insulating box 50 will be described as an example. In the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment, the configuration of the cover member that covers the power cord is different from that of the first embodiment. Regarding the configuration other than the cover member, the configuration is generally similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0038] Fig. 7 shows the appearance of the rear side of refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 shows the configuration of the upper part of the rear side of refrigerator 1. Fig. 9 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the rear part of refrigerator 1 taken along line AA in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the rear part of refrigerator 1 taken along line BB in Fig. 8. Fig. 11 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the rear part of refrigerator 1 taken along line CC in Fig. 8.

[0039] The refrigerator 1 is mainly composed of an insulated box (main body) 50 and various doors (not shown). The insulated box 50 has an insulating structure to insulate each storage compartment from the surroundings. The insulated box 50 mainly includes an outer box 51, an inner box 52, and an insulating layer 53. The outer box 51 and the inner box 52 can have the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

[0040] The heat insulating layer 53 is composed of, for example, foam insulation material and vacuum insulation material (VIP) 55. The foam insulation material can be made of, for example, foamed polyurethane (also called rigid urethane foam). The vacuum insulation material 55 is a thin sheet-like or plate-like insulation material. The vacuum insulation material 55 is arranged, for example, on the side, top, bottom, and back surfaces of the refrigerator 1. By providing the vacuum insulation material 55 in the heat insulating layer 53, the heat insulating performance of the insulated box body 50 can be further improved.

[0041] In this embodiment, the vacuum heat insulating material 55 is arranged on the outer box 51 side of the heat insulating box 50. For example, on the back surface 50c of the heat insulating box 50, the vacuum heat insulating material 55 is arranged so as to contact the back plate of the outer box 51 (see FIG. 9, etc.).

[0042] An electrical unit 60 is provided on the rear side of the top surface 50a of the heat-insulating box 50. As in the first embodiment, the electrical unit 60 has an electrical circuit board 61, a lower case member 62, and an upper case member 63 (see FIG. 25). As in the first embodiment, a power cord 71 protrudes from outlets 64 on the rear sides of the lower case member 62 and the upper case member 63 and extends downward along the rear surface 50c of the heat-insulating box 50. The lower portion of the power cord 71 is not shown in FIG. 7 and other figures.

[0043] A portion of the power cord 71 extending from the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 is covered by a cover member 172. The cover member 172 (specifically, an attachment member 181) is fixed to the insulating box body 50 with a plurality of screws 73. FIG. 7 shows the state before the attachment member 181 is attached to the rear part 50c of the refrigerator 1. By providing such a cover member 172, the power cord 71 extending downward from the electrical unit 60 can be protected.

[0044] As in the first embodiment, the cover member 172 covers the horizontally extending portion 71a of the power cord 71 and at least a part of the vertically extending portion 71b of the power cord 71 that continues from the horizontally extending portion 71a (see FIG. 9).

[0045] The cover member 172 is mainly composed of an attachment member 181, fixing portions 182a and 182b, and a cord placement portion 183.

[0046] Mounting member 181 is obtained by, for example, molding a plate-like member made of a metal material, a resin material, or the like into a predetermined shape. Mounting member 181 is fixed to heat-insulating box 50 with a plurality of screws 73 (four screws 73 in the example shown in FIG. 7). More specifically, mounting member 181 is fixed to fixing portions 182a and 182b provided on rear surface portion 50c of heat-insulating box 50.

[0047] The fixing portions 182a and 182b and the cord placement portion 183 are provided on the rear surface 50c of the insulating box 50. The fixing portions 182a and 182b have a convex shape formed by raising a portion of the rear surface 50c of the outer box 51 toward the rear surface. For this reason, the fixing portions 182a and 182b are also referred to as convex portions. The fixing portions 182a and 182b extend vertically in the extension direction of the power cord 71, in a positional relationship that is approximately parallel to each other.

[0048] Cord placement section 183 is located between fixed section 182a and fixed section 182b. Because cord placement section 183 is located between fixed sections 182a and 182b, which have a shape that bulges toward the rear side, cord placement section 183 has a recessed shape relative to fixed sections 182a and 182b (see FIG. 11). Power cord 71 is placed in this recessed portion.

[0049] Mounting member 181 is attached to fixing portions 182a and 182b so as to cover cord placement portion 183 from the rear side. Mounting member 181 has a plurality of holes into which screws 73 are inserted. Each of fixing portions 182a and 182b has a screw hole 173a at a position corresponding to the hole in mounting member 181 (see FIG. 7). Each of fixing portions 82a and 82b has screw receiving portions 75 on the inner side (the insulating layer 53 side) (see FIG. 11). Screws 73 attached to insulating box 50 are positioned on the convex portions of fixing portions 182a and 182b, and therefore, screws 73 are prevented from hitting vacuum insulating material 55 arranged along rear portion 50c.

[0050] Additionally, the upper portion of the mounting member 181 serves as an upper cover portion 184 that covers the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 from above. With this configuration, the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 can be completely covered, thereby preventing liquids such as water from entering the interior of the electrical unit 60 through the outlet 64.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, the mounting member 181 is fixed to the insulated box 50 by inserting the screws 73 into the convex fixing portions 182a and 182b formed on the back surface 50c. Therefore, in a configuration in which the vacuum insulation material 55 is arranged on the back surface side of the insulation layer 53 inside the insulated box 50, the cover member 172 for protecting the power cord 71 can be arranged without damaging the vacuum insulation material 55.

[0052] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, a refrigerator in which vacuum insulation material is provided inside the insulating box 50 will be described as an example. In the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment, the configuration of the cover member that covers the power cord is different from that of the first embodiment. Regarding the configuration other than the cover member, the configuration is generally similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0053] Fig. 12 shows the appearance of the rear side of refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 13 shows an enlarged view of the area around cover member 272 on the rear side of refrigerator 1. Fig. 14 shows the configuration of the upper part on the rear side of refrigerator 1. Fig. 15 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the part taken along line AA of the rear part of refrigerator 1 shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 shows the cross-sectional configuration of the part taken along line CC of the rear part of refrigerator 1 shown in Fig. 14.

[0054] The refrigerator 1 is mainly composed of an insulated box (main body) 50 and various doors (not shown). The insulated box 50 has an insulating structure to insulate each storage compartment from the surroundings. The insulated box 50 mainly includes an outer box 51, an inner box 52, and an insulating layer 53. The insulating layer 53 is composed of, for example, a foam insulating material and a vacuum insulating material (VIP) 55.

[0055] An electrical unit 60 is provided on the rear side of the top surface 50a of the heat-insulating box 50. As in the first embodiment, the electrical unit 60 has an electrical circuit board 61, a lower case member 62, and an upper case member 63 (see FIG. 25). As in the first embodiment, a power cord 71 protrudes from outlets 64 on the rear sides of the lower case member 62 and the upper case member 63 and extends downward along the rear surface 50c of the heat-insulating box 50. The lower portion of the power cord 71 is not shown in FIG. 12 and other figures.

[0056] A portion of the power cord 71 extending from the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 is covered by a cover member 272. The cover member 272 is fixed to the insulating box 50. Figs. 12 and 13 show the state before the cover member 272 is attached to the rear part 50c of the refrigerator 1. Providing such a cover member 272 makes it possible to protect the power cord 71 extending downward from the electrical unit 60.

[0057] As in the first embodiment, the cover member 272 covers the horizontally extending portion 71a of the power cord 71 and at least a part of the vertically extending portion 71b of the power cord 71 continuing from the horizontally extending portion 71a (see FIG. 15).

[0058] The cover member 272 mainly has a cord placement portion 281 and fixing portions 282a and 282b. The cover member 272 is obtained by molding, for example, a metal material, a resin material, or the like into a predetermined shape.

[0059] 15 and 16, when the cover member 272 is attached to the refrigerator 1, the cord placement section 281 has a space extending vertically inside. The power cord 71 is placed in this space.

[0060] Fixing portions 282a and 282b are provided in the shape of a flange on the outer periphery of cord placement portion 281. When cover member 272 is attached to refrigerator 1, fixing portions 282a and 282b come into contact with rear portion 50c of insulated box body 50. Fixing portion 282a is located on the left side of cord placement portion 281 when viewed from the rear side of refrigerator 1. Fixing portion 282b is located on the right side of cord placement portion 281 when viewed from the rear side of refrigerator 1.

[0061] Each of the fixing portions 282a and 282b has a plurality of insertion tabs 283a and 283b formed by cutting out a portion of the fixing portion. For example, two insertion tabs 283a and 283a are provided on the fixing portion 282a, and two insertion tabs 283b and 283b are provided on the fixing portion 282b. Each of the insertion tabs 283a and 283b has a surface that conforms to the rear surface 50c of the insulating box 50. Each of the insertion tabs 283a and 283b is inserted into an insertion hole 274 provided in the rear surface 50c of the insulating box 50.

[0062] A plurality of insertion holes 274 are provided at positions corresponding to the insertion tabs 283a and 283b on the rear surface 50c of the insulating box 50. In this embodiment, four insertion holes 274 are provided. The insertion holes 274 have a convex shape formed by raising a portion of the rear surface 50c of the outer box 51 toward the rear surface side (see FIG. 16). Therefore, the insertion holes 274 are also referred to as convex portions.

[0063] The upper portion of the cover member 272 serves as an upper cover portion 284 that covers the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 from above. With this configuration, the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 can be completely covered, thereby preventing liquids such as water from entering the interior of the electrical unit 60 through the outlet 64.

[0064] A flange portion 285 is provided around the upper cover portion 284. The flange portion 285 is formed so as to continue from each of the fixing portions 282a and 282b. The flange portion 285 is provided with a screw hole 273a into which the screw 73 is inserted.

[0065] In this embodiment, the insertion claws 283a and 283b of the cover member 272 are inserted from above into insertion holes 274 provided in the back surface portion 50c of the heat-insulating box 50, thereby attaching the cover member 272 to the heat-insulating box 50. Then, the screws 73 are inserted into the screw holes 273a provided in the flange portion 285, thereby more reliably fixing the cover member 272.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the insertion tabs 283a and 283b of the cover member 272 are inserted into the insertion holes 274 formed in the rear surface portion 50c, thereby fixing the cover member 272 to the insulated box 50. Therefore, in a configuration in which the vacuum insulation material 55 is arranged on the rear surface side of the insulation layer 53 inside the insulated box 50, the cover member 272 for protecting the power cord 71 can be arranged without damaging the vacuum insulation material 55.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cover member 272 can be attached to the back surface 50c of the insulating box 50 without using screws. This further reduces the possibility of damaging the vacuum insulation material 55 inside the insulating box 50. Furthermore, by applying tape to cover each insertion hole 274 from the insulating layer 53 side, it is possible to prevent the foam insulation material filled inside the insulating box 50 from leaking out of the insertion holes 274.

[0068] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, a configuration in which a cover member is attached to a handle-forming member provided in a refrigerator 1 will be described. In the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment, the configurations of the handle and the cover member are different from those of the first embodiment. Other configurations can be applied that are generally similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0069] FIG. 17 shows the appearance of the rear side of refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 18 shows the configuration of the rear side of refrigerator 1 with mounting member 381 removed. FIG. 19 shows the configuration of a vertical cross section of the upper part of the rear side of refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a cross section at a position corresponding to line AA in FIG. 3. FIG. 20 shows the configuration of a horizontal cross section of the upper part of the rear side of refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 20 is a cross section at a position corresponding to line CC in FIG. 3.

[0070] The refrigerator 1 is mainly composed of an insulated box (main body) 50 and various doors (not shown). The insulated box 50 has an insulating structure to insulate each storage compartment from the surroundings. The insulated box 50 mainly includes an outer box 51, an inner box 52, and an insulating layer 53. The insulating layer 53 is composed of, for example, a foam insulating material and a vacuum insulating material (VIP) 55.

[0071] An electrical unit 60 is provided on the rear side of the top surface 50a of the heat-insulating box 50. As in the first embodiment, the electrical unit 60 has an electrical circuit board 61, a lower case member 62, and an upper case member 63 (see FIG. 25). As in the first embodiment, a power cord 71 protrudes from outlets 64 on the rear sides of the lower case member 62 and the upper case member 63 and extends downward along the rear surface 50c of the heat-insulating box 50. The lower portion of the power cord 71 is not shown in FIG. 17 and other figures.

[0072] A pair of handles 31a and 31b are provided at the left and right corners on the upper back side of the insulated box body 50. The pair of handles 31a and 31b are configured symmetrically. Handle 31a is located on the left side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 1 (the right side when viewed from the back of the refrigerator 1). Handle 31b is located on the right side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 1 (the left side when viewed from the back of the refrigerator 1).

[0073] In the above-described embodiment, the pair of handle portions 31a and 31b are formed from separate members, whereas in this embodiment, the pair of handle portions 31a and 31b are formed from a single handle portion-forming member 330.

[0074] The handle-forming member 330 extends in the left-right direction along the upper end of the back surface 50c of the insulating box 50. The handle-forming member 330 is obtained, for example, by molding a resin material into a predetermined shape. As shown in FIG. 19 , the upper end of the handle-forming member 330 is connected to the rear end of the upper surface 50a of the outer box 51. In addition, the lower end of the handle-forming member 330 is connected to the upper end of the back surface 50c (back plate) of the outer box 51.

[0075] 19 and other figures, the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 is located near the upper end of the handle-forming member 330. Therefore, in this embodiment, a cover member 372 that covers the power cord 71 is attached to the handle-forming member 330. Figure 18 shows the state before the cover member 372 is attached to the handle-forming member 330.

[0076] The cover member 372 covers a portion of the power cord 71 protruding from the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60. By providing such a cover member 372, the power cord 71 extending downward from the electrical unit 60 can be protected.

[0077] As in the first embodiment, the cover member 372 covers the horizontally extending portion 71a of the power cord 71 and at least a part of the vertically extending portion 71b of the power cord 71 that continues from the horizontally extending portion 71a (see FIG. 19).

[0078] The cover member 372 is mainly composed of an attachment member 381 and a fixing portion 333 provided on the handle portion forming member 330.

[0079] The mounting member 381 is obtained by molding a plate-like member made of, for example, a metal material, a resin material, or the like into a predetermined shape. The mounting member 381 is fixed to the handle-forming member 330 with a plurality of screws 73 (four screws 73 in the example shown in FIG. 18). More specifically, the mounting member 381 is fixed to a fixing portion 333 provided on the handle-forming member 330.

[0080] The fixing portion 333 is located in the left-right center of the handle-forming member 330 and extends in the up-down direction. The fixing portion 333 is provided with a cord placement portion 334 that extends in the direction in which the power cord 71 extends. The power cord 71 is placed in this cord placement portion 334 (see FIG. 20).

[0081] Additionally, the upper portion of the mounting member 381 serves as an upper cover portion 384 that covers the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 from above. With this configuration, the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 can be completely covered, thereby preventing liquids such as water from entering the interior of the electrical unit 60 through the outlet 64.

[0082] As described above, in this embodiment, the attachment member 381 for protecting the power cord 71 is attached to the handle-forming member 330 that constitutes the upper portion of the back surface 50c of the heat-insulating box 50. Because the handle-forming member 330 is made of a resin material or the like, it can be more easily molded into a desired shape compared to the back plate of the outer box 51. This makes it possible to more easily form the fixing portion 333 to which the attachment member 381 is attached into a desired shape.

[0083] By fixing the mounting member 381 to the handle portion forming member 330 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the screws 73 for fixing the mounting member 381 from entering the heat insulating layer 53 .

[0084] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, similar to the fourth embodiment, a configuration in which a cover member is attached to a handle-forming member provided in the refrigerator 1 will be described. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences from the fourth embodiment.

[0085] Fig. 21 shows the appearance of the rear side of refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 22 shows the configuration of the upper part of the rear side of refrigerator 1. Fig. 23 shows the configuration of the rear side of refrigerator 1 with cover member 472 removed.

[0086] An electrical unit 60 is provided on the rear side of the top surface 50a of the heat-insulating box 50. In this embodiment, the electrical unit 60 is positioned slightly to the right when viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 1. In other words, the electrical unit 60 is positioned closer to the handle 31b.

[0087] As in the first embodiment, the electrical unit 60 has an electrical circuit board 61, a lower case member 62, and an upper case member 63 (see FIG. 25). As in the first embodiment, a power cord 71 protrudes from outlets 64 on the rear sides of the lower case member 62 and the upper case member 63 and extends downward along the rear portion 50c of the heat-insulating box 50. The lower portion of the power cord 71 is not shown in FIG. 21 and other figures.

[0088] In this embodiment, the outlets 64 for the power cord 71 are disposed near the corners on the rear side of the lower case member 62 and the upper case member 63.

[0089] A pair of handle portions 31a and 31b are provided at both left and right corners on the upper back side of the insulating box 50. In the first embodiment, the pair of handle portions 31a and 31b had a symmetrical configuration, but in this embodiment, the pair of handle portions 31a and 31b have an asymmetrical configuration. This is because the handle portion-forming member 430 that forms the handle portion 31b located on the left side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 1 (the right side when viewed from the back of the refrigerator 1) has, in addition to the handle portion 31b, a fixing portion 433 for attaching the cover member 472 and the like (see FIG. 23).

[0090] That is, the handle portion forming member 430 has the handle portion 31b, a fixing portion 433, a cord placement portion 434, and the like.

[0091] 23, the outlet 64 of the electrical unit 60 is located near the upper end of the cord placement portion 434 of the handle-forming member 430. The cord placement portion 434 extends in the direction in which the power cord 71 extends. The power cord 71 is placed in this cord placement portion 434 (see FIG. 23).

[0092] The cover member 472 is fixed to the fixing portion 433 of the handle portion forming member 430 by a plurality of screws 73 (two screws 73 in the example shown in FIG. 23 ). As a result, the cord placement portion 434 is covered by the cover member 472. By providing such a cover member 472, the power cord 71 extending downward from the electrical unit 60 can be protected.

[0093] As described above, in this embodiment, the cover member 472 for protecting the power cord 71 is attached to the handle-forming member 430 provided at the upper corner of the back surface 50c of the insulated box 50. The handle-forming member 430 is made of a resin material or the like, and can therefore be more easily molded into a desired shape than the back plate of the outer box 51. This makes it possible to more easily form the fixing portion 433 to which the cover member 472 is attached and the cord placement portion 434 in which the power cord 71 is placed into the desired shapes.

[0094] By fixing the cover member 472 to the handle portion forming member 430 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the screws 73 for fixing the cover member 472 from entering the heat insulating layer 53 .

[0095] (summary) A refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) according to one aspect of the present invention includes a main body (e.g., insulated box 50) having an upper surface (e.g., upper surface 50a) and a rear surface (e.g., rear surface 50c), an electrical unit (e.g., electrical unit 60) having an electrical board (e.g., electrical board 61) and disposed on the upper surface of the main body, and a power cord (e.g., power cord 71) connected to the electrical board. The power cord extends downward from the rear side of the main body, and a cover member (e.g., cover member 72, 172, 272, 372, 472) for covering the power cord is provided at an outlet (e.g., outlet 64) of the power cord from the electrical unit.

[0096] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) according to one aspect of the present invention described above, the cover member (e.g., cover member 72, 172, 272, 372, 472) may cover a horizontal extension portion (e.g., horizontal extension portion 71a) of the power cord (e.g., power cord 71) and at least a portion of a vertical extension portion (e.g., vertical extension portion 71b) of the power cord that continues from the horizontal extension portion.

[0097] In a refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) according to one aspect of the present invention described above, a vacuum insulation material (e.g., vacuum insulation material 55) is provided on the rear surface of the main body portion (e.g., insulated box 50), the cover member (e.g., cover members 172, 272) is fixed to the rear portion (e.g., rear portion 50c), and a protrusion (e.g., fixing portions 182a and 182b, fixing portions 282a and 282b) that protrudes toward the rear side may be provided at the fixing position of the cover member on the rear portion.

[0098] In the refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator 1) according to one aspect of the present invention described above, a handle portion (e.g., handle portion forming member 330, 430) is provided above the rear portion (e.g., rear portion 50c), and the cover member (e.g., cover member 372, 472) may be attached to the handle portion.

[0099] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Furthermore, configurations obtained by combining the configurations of different embodiments described in this specification are also included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1: Refrigerator 31a: Handle 31b: Handle 50: Insulated box (main body) 50a: Top surface (of the heat-insulating box) 50b: Side portion (of the heat-insulating box) 50c: Rear part (of the insulated box) 55: Vacuum insulation material 60: Electrical unit 61: Electrical board 64: (Electrical unit) outlet 71: Power cord 71a: Horizontal extension (of power cord) 71b: Vertical extension (of power cord) 72: Cover member 81: Cord placement section (of cover member) 82a: (Cover member) fixing part 82b: (Cover member) fixing part 172: Cover member 181: Mounting member (for cover member) 182a: (Cover member) fixing portion (protrusion) 182b: (Cover member) fixing part (protrusion) 272: Cover member 274: Insertion hole (protrusion) 281: Cord placement section (of cover member) 282a: (Cover member) fixing part (protrusion) 282b: (Cover member) fixing part (protrusion) 283a: Insertion claw 283b: Insertion tab 330: Handle forming member (handle) 372: Cover member 381: Mounting member (for cover member) 430: Handle forming member (handle) 472: Cover member

Claims

1. a body portion having a top surface and a back surface; an electrical unit having an electrical board and disposed on the top surface of the main body; a power cord connected to the electrical board; Equipped with the rear surface portion includes a handle-forming member made of a resin material arranged along an upper edge thereof, and a back plate made of a metal plate connected to the handle-forming member; The power cord extends downward from the rear side of the main body, a cover member for covering the power cord is attached to one end of the power cord at an outlet of the electrical unit; The other end of the cover member overlaps with the back plate. refrigerator.

2. The cover member covers the horizontally extending portion of the power cord and at least a portion of the vertically extending portion of the power cord that continues from the horizontally extending portion. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. A vacuum heat insulating material is provided on the rear surface of the main body, The cover member is fixed to the rear surface portion, A protrusion that rises toward the rear surface is provided at a fixing position of the cover member on the rear surface. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The handle-forming member is provided with a handle, The other end of the cover member is disposed facing downward at a position closer to the center in the left-right direction than the handle portion. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2.

Images