JP7425591B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to refrigerators.

Some refrigerators have specific refrigeration compartments that are controlled at humidity and temperature different from those of general refrigeration compartments in order to maintain optimal conditions for specific foods. This specific refrigerator compartment includes, for example, a refrigerator compartment that stores vegetables, and such a refrigerator compartment is generally called a vegetable compartment.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-75346

As mentioned above, for example, when vegetables are stored in the vegetable compartment, if the amount of moisture in the space within the vegetable compartment is small, the amount of moisture released from the vegetables into the space within the vegetable compartment increases. As a result, the freshness of the vegetables may be significantly reduced. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that suppresses the release of moisture from foods stored in the vegetable compartment space.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems. The purpose is to provide a refrigerator that can suppress moisture from being released from foods such as vegetables in the space inside the refrigerator compartment.

The refrigerator of the present disclosure includes a refrigerating chamber that includes a space for storing items to be refrigerated, and a volume variable mechanism that changes the volume of the refrigerating chamber.

1 is a front view of the refrigerator of Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a side view of the refrigerator of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a first vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator of Embodiment 1, showing a vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator. FIG. 2 is a second vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator of Embodiment 1, showing a vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator. FIG. 3 is a first perspective view of the refrigerator compartment of the first embodiment, showing a state in which the lid portion closes the opening of the container portion. FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of the refrigerator compartment of the first embodiment, showing the state after the container section has been pulled out from the position below the lid section toward the upper door. FIG. 3 is a first vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment of the first embodiment, showing a state in which the lid portion opens the opening of the container portion in a vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator. FIG. 7 is a second vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment of the first embodiment, showing a state in which the lid portion opens the opening of the container portion in a vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator. FIG. 3 is a third vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment of the first embodiment, in which the lid portion closes the opening of the container portion and the ceiling portion is positioned at the uppermost end in the vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator. FIG. FIG. 4 is a fourth vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 1, in which the lid portion closes the opening of the container portion and the ceiling portion is positioned at the uppermost end in the vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator. FIG. FIG. 5 is a fifth vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 1, in which the lid portion closes the opening of the container portion and the ceiling portion is positioned at the lowest end in the vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator. FIG. FIG. 6 is a sixth vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 1, in which the lid portion closes the opening of the container portion and the ceiling portion is positioned at the lowest end in the vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator. FIG. FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the internal structure of the lid of the refrigerator compartment according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a part of the container section of the refrigerator compartment of the first embodiment, showing a state in which a pair of restriction parts are engaged in a vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator. FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a part of the container section of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 1, showing a state in which a pair of restricting sections are disengaged in a vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator. . FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the lower surface of the container section of the refrigerator compartment according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit, each sensor, and each actuator of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. 3 is a flowchart for explaining volume change processing executed by the control unit of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a first perspective view of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, showing a state in which the lid portion closes the opening of the container portion. FIG. 7 is a second perspective view of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, showing a state in which the container section is pulled out from a position below the lid section toward the upper door side. FIG. 7 is a first vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, showing a state in which the lid portion opens the opening of the container portion in a vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator. FIG. 7 is a second vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, showing a state in which the lid portion opens the opening of the container portion in a vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a part of the lid of the refrigerator compartment according to the second embodiment, and is a first diagram showing the internal structure of the lid in a state where the lid opens the opening of the container. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a part of the lid of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, and is a second diagram showing the internal structure of the lid in a state where the lid opens the opening of the container part. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a part of the lid of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, and is a third diagram showing the internal structure of the lid in a state where the lid opens the opening of the container part. FIG. 3 is a third vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, in which the lid portion closes the opening of the container portion and the ceiling portion is positioned at the uppermost end in the vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator. FIG. FIG. 4 is a fourth vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, in which the lid portion closes the opening of the container portion and the ceiling portion is positioned at the uppermost end in the vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator. FIG. It is a perspective view of a part of the lid of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, and is the interior of the lid in a state where the lid closes the opening of the container part and the ceiling is positioned at the uppermost end. FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing the structure. It is a perspective view of a part of the lid of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, and is the interior of the lid in a state where the lid closes the opening of the container part and the ceiling is positioned at the uppermost end. FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing the structure. It is a perspective view of a part of the lid of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, and is the interior of the lid in a state where the lid closes the opening of the container part and the ceiling is positioned at the uppermost end. FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing the structure. FIG. 5 is a fifth vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, in which the lid portion closes the opening of the container portion and the ceiling portion is positioned at the lowest end in the vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator. FIG. FIG. 6 is a sixth vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, in which the lid portion closes the opening of the container portion and the ceiling portion is positioned at the lowest end in the vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator. FIG. It is a perspective view of a part of the lid part of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, and is the inside of the lid part in a state where the lid part closes the opening of the container part and the ceiling part is positioned at the lowest end. FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing the structure. It is a perspective view of a part of the lid part of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, and is the inside of the lid part in a state where the lid part closes the opening of the container part and the ceiling part is positioned at the lowest end. FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing the structure. It is a perspective view of a part of the lid part of the refrigerator compartment of Embodiment 2, and is the inside of the lid part in a state where the lid part closes the opening of the container part and the ceiling part is positioned at the lowest end. FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing the structure. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a bellows portion of a refrigerator compartment according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the bellows portion of the refrigerator compartment according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and the description of the same elements will not be repeated unless particularly necessary.

(Embodiment 1)
The appearance of the refrigerator 100 of this embodiment will be described using FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the refrigerator 100 of this embodiment.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 100 includes a casing 200 having a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, and a door 300 forming the front surface of the casing 200. The door section 300 includes an upper door 20, a middle left door 30, a middle right door 40, and a lower door 50.

The internal structure of the refrigerator 100 of this embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a first vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 100 according to the present embodiment, and is a diagram showing a vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator 100. FIG. 4 is a second vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 100 according to the present embodiment, and is a diagram showing a vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator 100.

As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the refrigerator 100 includes a first refrigerated space 60 corresponding to the upper door 20. Refrigerator 100 includes a middle freezing space 70. The middle frozen space 70 includes a second frozen space 71 corresponding to the middle left door 30 and a third frozen space 72 corresponding to the middle right door 40. Refrigerator 100 includes a first freezing space 80 corresponding to lower door 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the refrigerator 100 includes a cooler F that generates cold air and sends the cold air to each of the first refrigerated space 60, the second frozen space 71, the third frozen space 72, and the first frozen space 80. It is equipped with Refrigerator 100 includes a control section C that controls cooler F and the like. Note that the refrigerated space and freezing space of refrigerator 100 are not limited to the above arrangement. Moreover, the refrigeration space does not need to be provided.

As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the refrigerator 100 includes a floor 1 on the upper surface of a partition 90 that partitions the internal space of the housing 200 into an upper space and a lower space. The first refrigerated space 60 is arranged above the partition part 90, and the refrigerated room 10 is arranged below the first refrigerated space 60. The refrigerator compartment 10 includes a space 11 in which items to be refrigerated are stored. It is assumed that the refrigerator compartment 10 of this embodiment is scheduled to be used as a vegetable compartment for storing fresh vegetables.

Note that in this specification, the refrigerating compartment 10 used as a vegetable compartment refers to a refrigerating box that stores foods and the like at a low temperature from around 0°C to around 15°C. As an example, it is assumed that the appropriate temperature of the air in the space 11 of the refrigerator compartment 10 serving as a vegetable compartment is maintained at about 3°C to 8°C, but the optimal temperature of the first refrigerated space 60 other than the vegetable compartment is 2°C. The temperature shall be approximately 6°C. That is, the temperature of the space 11 in the refrigerating room 10 is scheduled to be set slightly higher than the temperature of the other first refrigerating space 60. This is because the fresh vegetables in the space 11 can be prevented from freezing by making the temperature of the space 11 in the refrigerator compartment 10 slightly higher than the temperature of the other first refrigerator space 60. Furthermore, in this specification, refrigeration is to be distinguished from freezing, which involves freezing food. Note that, generally, chilled refers to refrigeration at a low temperature, but in this specification, it may be distinguished from refrigeration.

Drawing out and pushing in of the container part 3 will be explained using FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is a first perspective view of the refrigerator compartment 10 of this embodiment, showing a state in which the lid portion 4 closes the opening of the container portion 3. FIG. 6 is a second perspective view of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, in which the container section 3 is pulled out from a position below the lid section 4 toward the upper door 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). FIG.

As can be seen from FIGS. 5 and 6, the container section 3 is placed on the upper surface of the floor section 1 on the front side rather than the back wall 2. In this embodiment, the lid part 4 and the back wall 2 are fixed to any part within the first refrigerating space 60. Therefore, the lid part 4 is positioned with respect to the floor part 1. The floor portion 1 is provided with two parallel grooves 1a extending in two straight lines.

Two convex portions (not shown) are provided on the lower surface of the container portion 3. The two convex portions on the lower surface of the container portion 3 can each slide along the two grooves 1a. Therefore, the container part 3 is pulled out from the vicinity of the back wall 2 or pushed toward the back wall 2 by the user in the direction along the two grooves 1a on the floor part 1. In other words, the container part 3 can move closer to the upper door 20 or move away from the upper door 20.

The state after the container part 3 is pushed into the position below the lid part 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 is a first vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, showing a state in which the lid part 4 opens the opening of the container part 3 in a vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator 100. It is a diagram. FIG. 8 is a second vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, showing a state in which the lid part 4 opens the opening of the container part 3 in a vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator 100. It is a diagram.

As can be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8, the container section 3 is placed on the floor section 1. The container section 3 accommodates a space 11 in which foods such as fresh vegetables are stored. An opening is formed at the upper end of the container part 3. The lid part 4 covers the opening of the container part 3 at a position above the opening. However, the shape of the lid part 4 can be changed so as to close the opening of the container part 3, as will be described later. Therefore, when the opening of the container part 3 is closed by the lid part 4, a sealed space 11 is formed by the container part 3 and the lid part 4.

As can be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8, the lid section 4 includes a ceiling section 41 of the space 11, and a lid body section 42 provided in parallel to the ceiling section 41 at a position above the ceiling section 41. There is. The ceiling portion 41 and the lid main body portion 42 are connected by a bellows portion 6 that expands and contracts in the vertical direction and four springs 8 provided within the bellows portion 6.

As can be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8, when the container part 3 is pushed into the position below the lid part 4, there is a predetermined gap CL between the lower surface of the lid part 4 and the upper end surface of the container part 3. is formed. Therefore, the opening at the upper end of the container portion 3 communicates with the first refrigerating space 60 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Therefore, air whose humidity is lower than that of the air inside the container section 3 can enter the container section 3 from the first refrigerated space 60 via the gap CL.

An air pump P is provided on the back side of the back wall 2. The air pump P communicates via a tube T with an air packing 5 and an air bag 7, which serve as an expandable section that expands and contracts in the vertical direction. Air pump P is controlled by control section C. The air pump P is controlled by the control section C and sends air through the tube T to the air packing 5 and the air bag 7.

Both the airbag 7 and the spring 8 are provided between the ceiling part 41 and the lid main body part 42. Therefore, the ceiling portion 41 descends from the lid body portion 42 or rises toward the lid body portion 42 due to the vertical expansion and contraction movement of the airbag 7 and the restoring force of the spring 8.

The spring 8 connects the ceiling part 41 and the lid body part 42. The spring 8 is in a contracted state without receiving any external force. Therefore, when the airbag 7 is contracted, the bellows part 6 is contracted, and the ceiling part 41 is pulled up toward the lid body part 42 by the restoring force of the spring 8.

The air packing 5 is provided along the outer periphery of the lid body 42 and on the lower surface of the lid body 42 . The air packing 5 has a frame shape when viewed in plan, and has an annular shape when viewed in cross section. That is, the air packing 5 is an annular tube. The air packing 5 is provided so as to surround the bellows portion 6. The air packing 5 is provided between the lid body 42 and the opening edge of the container 3, that is, the upper end of the container 3. Therefore, the air packing 5 can come into contact with the opening edge of the container part 3 or move away from the opening edge of the container part 3 by expanding and contracting in the vertical direction.

The airbag 7 is pulled up toward the lid body 42 by the restoring force of the spring 8. Therefore, air is preferentially sent into the air packing 5 from the air pump P. After that, the air pump P further sends air into the air packing 5 and the air bag 7. As a result, when the internal pressure within the air packing 5 and the air bag 7 reaches a level that resists the restoring force of the spring 8, the air bag 7 is gradually filled with air.

As can be seen from FIG. 8, a height sensor HS is provided on the inner side surface of the container section 3 on the front side of the refrigerator 100. The height sensor HS detects the highest position of fresh vegetables etc. stored in the container section 3. The height sensor HS may be any sensor, such as an optical sensor, as long as it can detect the highest position of the object stored in the refrigerator compartment 10. Further, the height sensor HS may be provided outside the container section 3. Furthermore, a humidity sensor HUS is provided inside the container section 3. The humidity sensor HUS detects the humidity of the air existing in the space 11 inside the container section 3.

A state in which the lid part 4 closes the opening at the upper end of the container part 3 and the ceiling part 41 is not lowered will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 is a third vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10 of the present embodiment, in which the lid portion 4 closes the opening of the container portion 3 in the vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator 100, and It is a figure which shows the state where the ceiling part 41 was positioned at the uppermost end. FIG. 10 is a fourth vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, in which the lid portion 4 closes the opening of the container portion 3 in the vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator 100, and It is a figure which shows the state where the ceiling part 41 was positioned at the uppermost end.

As can be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10, since the air pump P sends air into the air packing 5, the air packing 5 expands, and the lower surface of the air packing 5 comes into contact with the upper end of the side wall of the container part 3, that is, the opening edge. are doing. Therefore, the space 11 within the refrigerator compartment 10 is in a sealed state. At this time, the airbag 7 is still in a contracted state due to the restoring force of the spring 8. Therefore, the ceiling part 41 is in a state of being pulled up toward the lid main body part 42, and the bellows part 6 is also in a contracted state.

As can be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10, when the lid 4 closes the opening at the top of the container 3 and the ceiling 41 is not lowered, the lid 4 and the top of the container 3 Although the gap CL between them no longer exists, the ceiling portion 41 has not yet started lowering. In this state, the space 11 within the refrigerator compartment 10 is in a sealed state. In this state, compared to a state in which the space 11 is in communication with the first refrigerated space 60, moisture from food such as vegetables stored in the space 11 in the refrigerated compartment 10 is released into the air in the space 11. The amount of Furthermore, since the ceiling portion 41 has not lowered, the volume of the space 11 within the refrigerator compartment 10 has not decreased. On the other hand, since the lid part 4 is fixed to any part within the first refrigerated space 60, even if the air packing 5 expands, the position of the upper end of the lid part 4, especially the position of the lid body part 42, will not change. It does not change.

A state in which the lid part 4 closes the opening at the upper end of the container part 3 and the ceiling part 41 is lowered will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. 11 is a fifth vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10, for example, the vegetable compartment, according to the first embodiment, in which the lid portion 4 closes the opening of the container portion 3 in the vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator 100. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the ceiling part 41 is positioned at the lowest end. FIG. 12 is a sixth vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, in which the lid portion 4 closes the opening of the container portion 3 in the vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator 100, and It is a figure which shows the state where the ceiling part 41 was positioned at the lowest end. FIG. 13 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the internal structure of the lid portion 4 of the refrigerator compartment 10 of this embodiment.

As can be seen from FIGS. 11 and 12, when air is pumped into the air bag 7 by the air pump P, the air bag 7 is inflated. As a result, the lower surface of the airbag 7 moves downward, and the ceiling part 41 is pushed down. As a result, the volume of the space 11 within the refrigerator compartment 10 is reduced. At this time, due to the inflation of the airbag 7, the spring 8 receives a tensile force from the descended ceiling portion 41, and is therefore in an expanded state. Accordingly, the bellows portion 6 is also in an extended state. On the other hand, since the lid part 4 is fixed to any part within the first refrigerating space 60, even if the position of the lower end of the lid part 4 changes due to the expansion and contraction of the bellows part 6 and the spring 8, The position of the upper end of the portion 4, particularly the position of the lid body portion 42, does not change.

The ceiling part 41 and the lid main body part 42 are connected by the bellows part 6. A space enclosed by the ceiling portion 41, the lid main body portion 42, and the bellows portion 6 is separated from the space 11. Therefore, when the lid part 4 closes the opening at the upper end of the container part 3 and the ceiling part 41 is lowered, the space 11 is a closed space, and the state shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is In comparison, the volume of space 11 is reduced. In the state shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, compared to the state in which the space 11 communicates with the first refrigerated space 60, moisture from the food such as vegetables stored in the space 11 in the refrigerated compartment 10 is higher. is released into the air within the space 11. Furthermore, in the states shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the volume of the space 11 is reduced compared to the states shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, so the amount of moisture that the air in the space 11 can contain is also reduced. Therefore, the amount of moisture released into the air in the space 11 from foods such as vegetables stored in the space 11 in the refrigerator compartment 10 is reduced.

As can be seen from FIG. 13, the airbag 7 has a cylindrical shape with an outer peripheral surface smaller than the inner peripheral surface of the bellows portion 6, which is substantially rectangular in plan view. Four springs 8 are provided inside the four corner portions of the bellows portion 6, respectively. The air packing 5 has a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above, and surrounds the air bag 7.

Restrictions on the drawer of the container section 3 and release of the restrictions will be explained using FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG. 14 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a part of the container part 3 of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, and in the vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator 100, a pair of restriction parts 3a and 1b are engaged. FIG. FIG. 15 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of a part of the container part 3 of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, and in the vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator 100, the engagement of the pair of restricting parts 3a and 1b is shown. It is a figure which shows the state which has been canceled. 16 is a diagram showing the lower side of the container section 3. FIG.

As can be seen from FIGS. 14 to 16, the container portion 3 has a recess K into which a finger is inserted in the wall surface on the front side, that is, on the upper door 20 side. The recess K is formed by the shape of the moving part 3e. The moving part 3e is connected to the container part 3 by a spring S1. The moving part 3e moves along the direction in which the spring S1 expands and contracts, specifically, along the direction that connects the front and back sides of the refrigerator 100.

A regulating section 3a is provided on the bottom surface of the container section 3. The regulating portion 3a is a protrusion that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the container portion 3. The regulating portion 3a is connected to a spring S2 fixed to the container portion 3. The spring S2 is installed in a space surrounded by a fixing part 3c provided at the bottom of the container part 3. The regulating portion 3a of the container portion 3 has an inclined surface three a1. The regulating portion 3a is inserted into an opening 3d provided in the moving portion 3e. The regulating portion 3a is provided such that its inclined surface three a1 can come into contact with the inner surface on the back side of the opening portion 3d. A magnet M is embedded in the moving part 3e at a position on the back side of the opening 3d.

The floor portion 1 is provided with a regulating portion 1b. The restriction portion 1b is a protrusion that engages with the restriction portion 3a. A magnetic sensor S is provided on the floor 1 at a position facing the magnet M. The magnetic sensor S detects changes in the magnetic field formed by the magnet M.

When the moving part 3e is pulled in the direction indicated by the white arrow, that is, toward the upper door 20 with a finger inserted into the recess K, the spring S1 is elastically deformed so as to be compressed. Thereby, the opening 3d provided in the moving part 3e also moves in the direction indicated by the white arrow, that is, toward the upper door 20 side. As a result, the inner surface of the opening 3d slides along the inclined surface 3a1.

The regulating portion 3a is fixed to the fixed portion 3c by a spring S2. Therefore, when the inner circumferential surface of the opening 3d applies force to the inclined surface 3a1, the spring S2 is elastically deformed to contract. Therefore. The regulating portion 3a moves upward. As a result, the regulating section 3a moves toward the upper door 20, overcoming the regulating section 1b that was engaged with the regulating section 3a. As a result, when the moving part 3e is further pulled towards the upper door 20 side with the finger inserted into the recess K, the container part 3 moves on the floor part 1 towards the upper door 20 side.

When the opening at the upper end of the container part 3 is closed by the lid part 4, the magnetic sensor S exists below the magnet M. On the other hand, when the opening at the upper end of the container section 3 is opened, the magnet M also moves toward the upper door 20 side as the moving section 3e moves toward the upper door 20 side. Thereby, the magnet M separates from the magnetic sensor S. At this time, the magnetic sensor S detects that the moving part 3e has moved by detecting that the magnetic field of the magnet M has weakened. When the magnetic sensor S detects movement of the magnet M, it transmits the information to the control unit C.

When the control unit C receives information indicating that the moving unit 3e has moved, the control unit C reduces the pressure of the air in the air packing 5 and the air bag 7 by opening a valve provided in the tube T or the air pump P, etc. let Thereby, the pressure of the air inside the air packing 5 and the air bag 7 decreases to atmospheric pressure. At this time, the air in the air packing 5 and the air bag 7 may be discharged to the outside by the air pump P. As a result, the air packing 5 and the air bag 7 contract. At this time, as the airbag 7 contracts, the spring 8 contracts to return to its initial state. As a result, the bellows portion 6 also contracts. As a result, the ceiling portion 41 rises. Moreover, the air packing 5 separates from the upper end of the container part 3, and the lower surface of the air packing 5 moves above the upper end of the container part 3. Thereby, a gap CL is formed between the air packing 5 and the upper end of the container portion 3. As a result, it becomes possible to pull out the container part 3 toward the upper door 20 side.

When moving the moving part 3e toward the upper door 20, the regulating part 3a moves upward from the position of the moving part 3e where the magnetic sensor S can detect that the magnetic field of the magnet M has weakened. It is preferable that the position is on the upper door 20 side. Thereby, after the air in the air packing 5 and the air bag 7 is discharged, the regulation of the container part 3 by the regulation parts 3a and 1b can be released. Therefore, when the container part 3 is pulled out toward the upper door 20 side, the air packing 5 and the ceiling part 41 are not sufficiently separated upward from the container part 3, and the air packing 5 and the ceiling part 41 are Contact with the container portion 3 can be prevented. Further, the restoring force of the spring S2 may be made larger than the restoring force of the spring S1. This increases the load applied to the moving part 3e when moving the restricting part 3a upward, so that the timing of getting over the restricting part 1b can be delayed. As a result, after the air packing 5 and the ceiling part 41 are returned to their initial states in which they do not interfere with the container part 3, the regulating part 3a can be moved closer to the upper door 20 than the regulating part 1b. .

As can be seen from the above, the refrigerator 100 of the present embodiment includes a refrigerator compartment 10 that includes a space 11 for storing items to be refrigerated, and a volume variable mechanism B that changes the volume of the space 11 of the refrigerator compartment 10. There is. Therefore, the volume of air within the space 11 can be reduced. As a result, the volume of air in the space 11 can be changed depending on the amount of food stored in the space 11, such as vegetables, so even if the amount of food is small, the food can be removed from the refrigerator. The amount of moisture released into the air within the 10 can be reduced. Therefore, the condition of the items to be refrigerated can be maintained in good condition. As a result, fresh vegetables can be stored for a long time.

The volume variable mechanism B includes moving mechanisms 6, 7, 41, 42, P, T and opening/closing mechanisms 5, 42, P, T. The moving mechanisms 6, 7, 41, 42, P, and T include a bellows portion 6, an air bag 7, a ceiling portion 41, a lid body portion 42, an air pump P, and a tube T. The opening/closing mechanisms 5, 42, P, and T include an air packing 5, a ceiling portion 41, a lid body portion 42, an air pump P, and a tube T.

Note that in this embodiment, the air pump P sends air to both the air packing 5 and the air bag 7, but the air pump P may feed air directly to each of the air packing 5 and the air bag 7 independently. . In this case, the air pump P sends air through two tubes, control valves, etc. that are individually connected to the air packing 5 and the air bag 7, respectively.

The volume variable mechanism B includes a ceiling part 41 of the refrigerator compartment 10, and moving mechanisms 6, 7, 41, 42, P, and T that move the ceiling part 41 in the vertical direction. The ceiling part 41 can be moved in a space where there are no objects to be refrigerated. Therefore, the volume of the refrigerator compartment 10 can be changed without moving the items to be refrigerated.

The refrigerating room 10 includes a container section 3 that receives objects to be refrigerated, and a lid section 4 that has a ceiling section 41 and covers an opening at the upper end of the container section 3. The volume variable mechanism B has opening/closing mechanisms 5, 42, P, and T that open and close the opening at the upper end of the container section 3 by changing the lid section 4. Therefore, the moving mechanisms 6, 7, 41, 42, P, T and the opening/closing mechanisms 5, 42, P, T can be integrated into one structure.

The volume variable mechanism B causes the opening/closing mechanism 5, 42, P, T to bring the lid part 4 into contact with the upper end of the container part 3, and then the moving mechanism 6, 7, 41, 42, P, T lowers the ceiling part 41. let Therefore, the volume of the space 11 of the refrigerator compartment 10 can be reduced while suppressing the flow of dry air with relatively low humidity into the space 11.

The refrigerator compartment 10 is provided in a first refrigerator space 60 that includes the refrigerator compartment 10 . The container section 3 is installed on the floor section 1 of the first refrigerated space 60. The floor part 1 has a shape in which the container part 3 is pulled out along the floor part 1 from a position below the lid part 4. Therefore, the object to be refrigerated can be easily taken out from the container section 3.

The opening/closing mechanisms 5, 42, P, T are provided with opening/closing switches M, S for determining whether to change the lid portion 4 to an open state or a closed state. The magnetic sensor S detects a change in the magnitude of the magnetic field that changes depending on the distance that the magnet M is away from the magnetic sensor S. Thereby, the magnetic sensor S transmits a signal to the control unit C to cause the opening/closing mechanisms 5, 42, P, and T to perform opening/closing operations. Therefore, by operating the opening/closing switches M and S, the user can decide whether to open or close the opening by the lid part 4.

Specifically, the relative distance between the magnet M and the magnetic sensor S is increased by pulling the moving part 3e with a finger inserted into the recess K of the moving part 3e. This operation reduces the pressure of the air inside the air packing 5 and the air bag 7. As a result, the ceiling portion 41 rises. Moreover, a gap CL is formed between the lid part 4 and the container part 3.

On the other hand, by pushing in the container part 3, the container part 3 is positioned below the lid part 4, thereby reducing the distance between the magnet M and the magnetic sensor S. This operation drives the air pump P to increase the pressure of the air inside the air packing 5 and the air bag 7. Thereby, the gap CL between the lid part 4 and the container part 3 is closed. Thereby, the space 11 becomes a closed space. Thereafter, the ceiling portion 41 is lowered within the container portion 3 as necessary. As a result, the volume of space 11 is reduced.

A pair of restriction parts 3a and 1b are provided to restrict the container part 3 from being pulled out along the floor part 1. The pair of regulating portions 3a, 1b control the container portion after the opening/closing mechanisms 5, 42, P, T change the lid portion 4 to the open state based on the operation of the opening/closing switches M, S. Lift the restrictions on withdrawals in step 3. Therefore, just by pulling out the container part 3, the lid part 4 is automatically separated from the container part 3. Thereafter, the container part 3 can be pulled out from below the lid part 4.

The lid portion 4 includes a lid body portion 42 positioned above the ceiling portion 41. The volume variable mechanism B is located between the lid main body 42 and the ceiling 41, and is provided to move the ceiling 41 relative to the lid main body 42 in the vertical direction. It has a department.

Therefore, the operation of opening and closing the opening of the container section 3 by the lid section 4 and the operation of changing the volume of the container section 3 by the ceiling section 41 can be separated. The expandable portion includes an air bag 7 that expands and contracts in the vertical direction by taking in and taking out air. Therefore, the ceiling portion 41 can be easily raised and lowered.

The refrigerator compartment 10 is equipped with a height sensor HS that detects the height of objects to be refrigerated placed in the refrigerator compartment 10. The refrigerator compartment 10 includes a control unit C that changes the position of the ceiling portion 41 in the moving mechanisms 6, 7, 41, 42, P, and T based on the height of the object to be refrigerated detected by the height sensor HS. There is.

The control unit C controls the moving mechanisms 6, 7, 41, 41, 42, 41, 41, 42, 42, 42, 42, 42, 42, etc. within a range where the distance between the ceiling 41 and the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 10 is greater than or equal to the height of the object to be refrigerated detected by the height sensor HS. The ceiling part 41 is lowered to 42, P, T. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the ceiling portion 41 from coming into contact with objects to be refrigerated in the refrigerator compartment 10.

The refrigerator compartment 10 includes a humidity sensor HUS that detects the humidity of the air in the refrigerator compartment 10, and a control unit that causes a volume variable mechanism B to change the volume of the space 11 of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the humidity detected by the humidity sensor HUS. It is equipped with C. Therefore, the humidity of the air within the refrigerator compartment 10 can be automatically adjusted.

Hereinafter, using FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, a description will be given of control by which the control unit C causes the volume variable mechanism B to change the volume of the space 11 in the refrigerator compartment 10 in accordance with the humidity detected by the humidity sensor HUS.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit C, each sensor, and each actuator of the refrigerator 100 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17, the control unit C includes a storage unit M, a processor CPU, and a timer T. The control unit C acquires the values detected by each of the height sensor HS, humidity sensor HUS, and magnetic sensor S. Further, the control unit C controls the pump P and the notification unit N based on values obtained from the humidity sensor HUS and the magnetic sensor S, respectively.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the volume change process executed by the control unit C of the refrigerator 100 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the volume change process, in step S1, the control unit C determines whether the magnetic sensor S is detecting the container part 3 based on the detection signal transmitted from the magnetic sensor S. Determine whether The control unit C detects the container unit 3 when the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet M acquired from the magnetic sensor S is equal to or higher than a reference value. More specifically, when the container part 3 is located below the lid part 4 and the lid part 4 is in a state where the space 11 of the container part 3 can be sealed, the control part C controls the container part 3. To detect.

In step S1, if the control unit C determines that the container unit 3 is not detected, it repeats the process of step S1. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S1 that the container part 3 is detected by the magnetic sensor S, the control part C drives the pump P in step S2. As a result, air is injected from the pump P into the air packing 5. As a result, the gap CL is closed, and the space 11 is brought into a sealed state. After that, the control unit C acquires the humidity H1 detected by the humidity sensor HUS in step S3.

As can be seen from the above, the control unit C first acquires the value of the humidity H1 in the refrigerator compartment 10 after the space 11 becomes a closed space from the humidity sensor HUS. At this time, the control unit C detects the humidity using the humidity sensor HUS after a predetermined delay time (the time required for the air in the space 11 to stabilize, for example, about 5 minutes) has elapsed since the space 11 is sealed. You may also obtain the humidity.

Thereafter, in step S4, the control unit C starts a timer T. After that, in step S5, the control unit C determines whether the time measured by the timer T is equal to or longer than the predetermined time t1. The predetermined time t1 is, for example, 30 minutes. In step S5, if the time measured by the timer T has not passed the predetermined time t1, the control unit C repeats the process of step S5.

In addition, in the volume change process shown in FIG. 18, at any timing, the control unit C causes the container part 3 to move toward the upper door 20 side due to the change in the magnetic field detected by the ceramic sensor S. It is determined that it has been withdrawn. As a result, when the control unit C detects that the container unit 3 has been pulled out toward the upper door 20 side, the control unit C interrupts the volume change process and removes the air in the air packing 5 and the air bag 7. To prevent an air packing 5 and a ceiling part 41 from coming into contact with a container part 3 when discharging the container and pulling out the container 3. Thereafter, a process of determining whether or not the container portion 3 has been detected in step S1 is executed. On the other hand, if the control section C does not detect that the container section 3 has been pulled out toward the upper door 20 side, the control section C sequentially executes each step of the volume change process shown in FIG. 18 .

That is, in the volume change process shown in FIG. 18, the following can always be executed. When the user pulls out the container part 3 toward the upper door 20 side, the magnetic field of the magnet M detected by the magnetic sensor S weakens. Therefore, when the control unit C detects that the magnetic field has weakened, it discharges the air in the air packing 5 and the air bag 7. This prevents the container part 3 from interfering with the air packing 5 and the ceiling part 41 when the user pulls out the container part 3 toward the upper door 20 side. After the air in the air packing 5 and the air bag 7 is discharged, the container part 3 returns to the position below the lid part 4 until the magnetic field of the magnet M detected by the magnetic sensor S becomes equal to or higher than the reference value. The control unit C repeats the process of step S1 until it is returned. In step S2 of FIG. 18, the control unit C executes the same interruption process as described above.

When it is determined in step S5 that the time measured by the timer T has exceeded the predetermined time t1, in step S6, the control unit C acquires the humidity H2 detected by the humidity sensor HUS.

That is, the control unit C acquires the humidity H2 in the refrigerator compartment 10 detected again by the humidity sensor HUS after a predetermined elapsed time t1 has elapsed since the humidity H1 was detected by the humidity sensor HUS. Note that the predetermined time t1 is a period of time during which the air in the refrigerator compartment 10 is cooled and stabilized, and is, for example, about 30 minutes, as described above.

After that, in step S7, the control unit C calculates the humidity H2 - the humidity H1. This humidity difference, ie, humidity H2 - humidity H1, is a value indicating the degree of increase in the second humidity relative to the first humidity. The control unit C performs the following processing based on the humidity H2-humidity H1 obtained at the two timings described above.

In step S8, the control unit C determines whether the humidity H2−humidity H1 is equal to or higher than a predetermined value PV. If it is determined in step S8 that the humidity H2-humidity H1 is not greater than or equal to the predetermined value PV, the control unit C determines that the humidity H1-humidity H2 is less than the predetermined value C0 in step S9. Determine whether it is large or not. In step S9, if the humidity H1-humidity H2 is not greater than the predetermined value C0, that is, if the amount of decrease in the humidity in the space 11 is equal to or less than the predetermined value C0, the control unit C performs step S6. Execute the process again. On the other hand, in step S9, if the humidity H1-humidity H2 is greater than the predetermined value C0, that is, if the amount of decrease in humidity in the space 11 exceeds the predetermined value C0, the control unit C: In step S10, the notification unit N is caused to notify of air leakage. After that, the control unit C executes the process of step 6 again.

In step S8, if it is determined that the humidity H2−humidity H1 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value PV, that is, if the humidity in the space 11 has increased by more than the predetermined value PV, the control unit C controls the humidity in step S11. At this point, the pump P is driven. Thereby, the ceiling part 41 is lowered and the volume of the space 11 is reduced. At this time, the control section C may change the position of the ceiling section 41 depending on the value of humidity H2 - humidity H1. Specifically, the larger the humidity H2 - the humidity H1, the smaller the volume of the space 11 is made. As a result, the amount of moisture released from the food into the space 11 can be reduced. However, if the control unit C causes the volume variable mechanism B to reduce the volume of the space 11 in the refrigerator compartment 10 when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor HUS increases (H2-H1>0), It can be anything.

According to the processing from step S6 to step S11 described above, the following (1) to (3) are executed.

(1) The humidity H2 obtained for the second time has increased with respect to the humidity H1 detected for the first time, but may have increased by a value smaller than the predetermined value PV. Furthermore, although the humidity H2 has decreased relative to the humidity H1, the amount of decrease may be smaller than a predetermined value C0. In these cases, the control section C determines that the current volume of the space 11 is appropriate, and causes the volume variable mechanism B to maintain the position of the ceiling section 41.

(2) When the humidity H2 obtained for the second time is higher than the humidity H1 obtained for the first time by a predetermined value PV or more, the control unit C controls the humidity from the food stored in the space 11. It is assumed that it is still being emitted. Thereby, the control unit C causes the volume variable mechanism B to lower the position of the ceiling portion 41 by a predetermined amount. This predetermined amount may be the same in any case, but may increase as the magnitude of the predetermined value PV increases. As a result, the volume of the sealed space 11 is reduced, so that release of moisture from the food is suppressed.

(3) If the humidity H2 obtained for the second time is lower than the humidity H1 obtained for the first time by more than a predetermined value C0, the airtight state of the space 11 is insufficient. There is a risk. Therefore, the control unit C causes the notification unit N to notify that fact. The notification by the notification section N may be made by causing a sound generating section to generate a sound or by causing a light emitting section to emit light.

The control section C executes the processes described in (1) to (3) above each time the container section 3 is pushed into a position below the lid section 4.

Note that although the value of PV and the value of C0 may be the same value, it is preferable that PV>C0. Thereby, the volume variable mechanism B operates every time the humidity in the space 11 rises a little, and it is possible to suppress the user from feeling bothered by the operation noise and the like. On the other hand, since a decrease in the humidity in the space 11 directly affects a decrease in the moisture content of the food in the space 11, the user is notified as soon as possible.

Next, in step S12, the control unit C obtains the humidity H3 detected by the humidity sensor HUS. In step S13, the control unit C determines whether the humidity H3 is equal to or higher than the specific value SV. In step S13, if the humidity H3 is not greater than or equal to the specific value SV, the controller C executes the process of step S6. On the other hand, if the humidity H3 is equal to or higher than the specific value SV in step S13, the control unit C drives the pump P in step S14. As a result, the air inside the air bag 7 and the air packing 5 is discharged. However, the air in the air bag 7 and the air packing 5 may be naturally exhausted by simply opening a control valve provided on the tube T or the like. In either case, a gap CL is formed between the upper end of the container section 3 and the lid section 4.

In step S15, the control unit C acquires the value of the humidity H4 detected by the humidity sensor HUS. In step S16, the control unit C determines whether the humidity H4 is equal to or higher than the reference value RV. In step S16, if the humidity H4 is not greater than or equal to the reference value RV, the control unit C executes the process of step S1. On the other hand, in step S16, if the humidity H4 is equal to or higher than the reference value RV, the control unit C repeats the processes of step S15 and step S16. Steps S14 to S16 are steps that are repeated to perform forced ventilation when the humidity becomes too high (when the humidity is equal to or higher than the specific value SV). Therefore, the reference value RV for completing forced ventilation is a value smaller than the specific value SV for starting forced ventilation.

As described above, after a predetermined elapsed time has elapsed since executing the control in step (2) above in steps S6 to S11, the control unit C adjusts the humidity H3 in the refrigerator compartment 10 in step 12. Detect again. Thereby, the control unit C repeats the process of (2) above until the determination in step S9 is "NO" and the control of (1) above is executed. Note that even after the control in (1) above is executed, the process in (2) above may be repeatedly executed every predetermined time period.

Further, the processes in steps S12 to S14 are executed when the humidity H3 detected by the humidity sensor HUS exceeds the specific value SV, which is the upper limit humidity. According to steps S12 to S14, even if the container part 3 is pushed into the position below the lid part 4, the control part C causes the air pump P to discharge the air in the air packing 5 to the outside. . Thereby, a gap CL is formed between the lid part 4 and the container part 3. As a result, the moisture in the container 3 is released into the first refrigerated space 60.

After that, in step S16, when the value of the humidity H4 detected by the humidity sensor HUS becomes a value smaller than the reference value RV, which is the lower limit humidity, the control unit C drives the air pump P. As a result, the air packing 5 is filled with air. Therefore, the space 11 becomes a closed space. In this state, the control section C executes the same control as when the container section 3 is pushed into the position below the lid section 4, which is executed in steps S1 and S2. According to this control, it is possible to prevent dew condensation from occurring in the refrigerator compartment 10 due to the humidity in the refrigerator compartment 10 becoming too high.

Through the above processing, the humidity in the space 11 is maintained at a value between the reference value RV and the specific value SV. In other words, the volume variable mechanism B changes the volume of the space 11 so as to maintain the humidity in the space 11 at a value between the reference value RV and the specific value SV, that is, within a desired range.

Note that the control unit C may use both the humidity sensor HUS and the height sensor HS at the same time. For example, the control unit C detects the height of the food using the height sensor HS, and controls the volume variable mechanism B to adjust the height of the ceiling based on the humidity detected by the humidity sensor HUS within a range where the ceiling 41 does not come into contact with the food. The position of 41 may be changed.

Further, a pressure sensor may be provided on the ceiling portion 41 instead of the height sensor HS. In this case, the pressure sensor may detect that the ceiling part 41 has come into contact with the food when the ceiling part 41 is lowered. Furthermore, if a height sensor is not provided, the volume variable mechanism B may be set with a lower limit position at which the ceiling portion 41 descends. In this case, the upper limit line for storing the food may be drawn on the container portion 3 at a height position below the lower limit position, or may be indicated by unevenness.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, the refrigerator 100 according to the second embodiment will be explained. Note that the description below of the points similar to the refrigerator 100 of Embodiment 1 will not be repeated unless particularly necessary.

Drawing out and pushing in of the container part 3 will be explained using FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. FIG. 19 is a first perspective view of the refrigerator compartment 10 of this embodiment, showing a state in which the lid portion 4 closes the opening of the container portion 3. FIG. 20 is a second perspective view of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the second embodiment, showing the state after the container part 3 has been pulled out from the position below the lid part 4 toward the upper door 20 side. .

Refrigerator 100 of this embodiment differs from refrigerator 100 of Embodiment 1 in that floor 1 does not have grooves 1a. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the user manually positions the container part 3 at a position directly below the lid part 4. However, the lower surface of the container portion 3 and the upper surface of the floor portion 1 may have a structure for positioning the container portion 3 and the floor portion 1, for example, a concave-convex fitting.

The state after the container part 3 is pushed into the position below the lid part 4 will be explained using FIGS. 21 and 22. FIG. 21 is a first vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, showing a state in which the lid part 4 opens the opening of the container part 3 in a vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator 100. It is a diagram. FIG. 22 is a second vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10 of this embodiment, showing a state in which the lid part 4 opens the opening of the container part 3 in a vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator 100. It is a diagram.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a part of the lid 4 of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, showing the internal structure of the lid 4 in a state where the lid 4 opens the opening of the container 3. FIG. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a part of the lid 4 of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, showing the internal structure of the lid 4 in a state where the lid 4 opens the opening of the container part 3. FIG. 2 is a second diagram. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a part of the lid 4 of the refrigerator compartment 10 of this embodiment, showing the internal structure of the lid 4 in a state where the lid 4 opens the opening of the container part 3. FIG.

As can be seen from FIGS. 21 to 25, in place of the moving mechanisms 6, 7, 41, 42, P, T of the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the moving mechanisms 3X, 6, 91X, 92X, 41 , 42 are provided. The moving mechanisms 3X, 6, 91X, 92X, 41, and 42 include an opening/closing switch 3X, a rotating member 91X, a horizontal moving member 92X, a bellows portion 6, a ceiling portion 41, and a lid body portion 42.

The open/close switch 3X is a switch slidably provided on the outer surface of the lid 4 so that it can be operated by a user. The open/close switch 3Y is configured such that its position is maintained by the frictional force between the sliding portion and the elongated groove or slit. The open/close switch 3X is rotatably connected to a plate-shaped horizontal movement member 92X extending in the horizontal direction. The horizontal movement member 92X is rotatably connected to the rotation member 91X. The rotating member 91X is a member extending in the shape of a rod, and its lower end is rotatably connected to the ceiling portion 41.

A sliding operation of the open/close switch 3X changes the state of the link mechanism constituted by the horizontally moving member 92X and the rotating member 91X. The link mechanism is positioned between the lid main body part 42 and the ceiling part 41, and functions as an extensible part that moves the ceiling part 41 relative to the lid main body part 42 in the vertical direction. Due to the operation of the link mechanism, the ceiling portion 41 moves in the vertical direction, and the bellows portion 6 expands and contracts in the vertical direction.

In place of the opening/closing mechanisms 5, 42, P, T of the first embodiment, opening/closing mechanisms 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, 42 are provided in this embodiment. The opening/closing mechanism 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, 42 includes an opening/closing switch 3Y, a rotating member 91Y, a horizontally moving member 92Y, a rubber packing 25, a bellows portion 26, and a lid main body portion 42.

The open/close switch 3Y is a switch slidably provided on the outer surface of the lid portion 4. The open/close switch 3Y is configured such that its position is maintained by the frictional force between the sliding portion and the elongated groove or slit. The open/close switch 3Y is rotatably connected to a plate-shaped horizontal movement member 92Y extending in the horizontal direction. The horizontal movement member 92Y is rotatably connected to the rotation member 91Y. The rotating member 91Y is a member extending in the shape of a rod, and its lower end is rotatably connected to the rubber packing 25.

A sliding operation of the open/close switch 3Y changes the state of the link mechanism constituted by the horizontally moving member 92Y and the rotating member 91Y. Thereby, the rubber packing 25 moves in the vertical direction, and the bellows part 26 expands and contracts in the vertical direction. The bellows portion 26 connects the rubber packing 25 and the lid main body portion 42. The bellows portion 26 and the rubber packing 25 constitute a frame portion corresponding to the upper end of the container portion 3. When the bellows portion 26 extends downward, the rubber packing 25 comes into contact with the upper end of the container portion 3, and the space 11 becomes sealed.

In FIGS. 21 to 25, the rotating member 91Y extends obliquely downward so as to form a first acute angle with the lower surface of the lid body 42. In FIGS. Therefore, the lower end of the rubber packing 25 is positioned above the upper end of the container portion 3. As a result, a gap CL is formed between the upper end of the container portion 3 and the rubber packing 25. Further, in FIGS. 21 to 25, the rotating member 91X is in a state of extending obliquely downward so as to form a first acute angle with the lower surface of the lid main body portion 42. As shown in FIGS. Therefore, the ceiling portion 41 is positioned at the uppermost end.

A state in which the lid part 4 closes the opening at the upper end of the container part 3 and the ceiling part 41 has not yet lowered will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 30. FIG. 26 is a third vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, in which the lid portion 4 closes the opening of the container portion 3 in the vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator 100, and It is a figure which shows the state where the ceiling part 41 was positioned at the uppermost end. FIG. 27 is a fourth vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, in which the lid portion 4 closes the opening of the container portion 3 in the vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator 100, and It is a figure which shows the state where the ceiling part 41 was positioned at the uppermost end.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a part of the lid part 4 of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, in which the lid part 4 closes the opening of the container part 3, and the ceiling part 41 is at the top end. FIG. 3 is a first diagram showing the internal structure of the lid part 4 in a positioned state. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a part of the lid part 4 of the refrigerator compartment 10 of this embodiment, in which the lid part 4 closes the opening of the container part 3, and the ceiling part 41 is at the top end. FIG. 3 is a second diagram showing the internal structure of the lid part 4 in a positioned state. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a part of the lid part 4 of the refrigerator compartment 10 of this embodiment, in which the lid part 4 closes the opening of the container part 3, and the ceiling part 41 is at the top end. FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing the internal structure of the lid part 4 in a positioned state.

As can be seen from FIGS. 26 to 30, when the opening/closing switch 3Y slides on the outer surface of the lid part 4 by the user's operation, the states of the opening/closing mechanisms 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, and 42 change. As a result, the rotating member 91Y changes from extending obliquely downward so as to form a first acute angle with the lower surface of the lid main body 42 to forming a second acute angle larger than the first acute angle with the lower surface of the lid main body 42. It changes to a state where it extends diagonally downward. As a result, the rubber packings 25 connected to the opening/closing mechanisms 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, and 42 descend downward. At this time, the bellows portion 26 extends downward as the rubber packing 25 moves. Therefore, the gap CL between the container part 3 and the lid part 4 is eliminated, and the opening at the upper end of the container part 3 is closed by the rubber packing 25, the bellows part 26, and the lid main body part 42. On the other hand, since the opening/closing switch 3X is not operated, the ceiling portion 41 remains in the uppermost position. Therefore, the volume of the space 11 has not been reduced yet.

A state in which the ceiling part 41 is lowered while the lid part 4 closes the opening at the upper end of the container part 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 35. FIG. 31 is a fifth vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, in which the lid portion 4 closes the opening of the container portion 3 in the vertical cross-section parallel to the front of the refrigerator 100, and It is a figure which shows the state where the ceiling part 41 was positioned at the lowest end. FIG. 32 is a sixth vertical cross-sectional view of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the present embodiment, in which the lid portion 4 closes the opening of the container portion 3 in the vertical cross-section parallel to the side surface of the refrigerator 100, and It is a figure which shows the state where the ceiling part 41 was positioned at the lowest end.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a part of the lid part 4 of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the second embodiment, in which the lid part 4 closes the opening of the container part 3, and the ceiling part 41 is at the lowermost end. FIG. 3 is a first diagram showing the internal structure of the lid part 4 in a positioned state. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a part of the lid part 4 of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the second embodiment, in which the lid part 4 closes the opening of the container part 3, and the ceiling part 41 is at the lowermost end. FIG. 4 is a second diagram showing the internal structure of the lid part 4 in a positioned state. FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a part of the lid part 4 of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the second embodiment, in which the lid part 4 closes the opening of the container part 3, and the ceiling part 41 is at the lowermost end. FIG. 3 is a third diagram showing the internal structure of the lid part 4 in a positioned state.

As can be seen from FIGS. 31 to 35, when the open/close switch 3X slides on the outer surface of the lid part 4 by the user's operation, the states of the moving mechanisms 3X, 6, 91X, 92X, 41, and 42 change. As a result, the rotating member 91X changes from a state in which it extends diagonally downward so as to form a first acute angle with the lower surface of the lid main body 42 to a state in which it extends diagonally downward so as to form a second acute angle that is larger than the first acute angle. Change. As a result, the ceiling portion 41 that constitutes the moving mechanisms 3X, 6, 91X, 92X, 41, and 42 is lowered. At this time, the bellows portion 6 expands as the ceiling portion 41 moves. However, at this time, since the open/close switch 3Y is not operated, the state in which the rubber packing 25 is in contact with the upper end of the container portion 3 is maintained. The ceiling part 41 and the lid main body part 42 are connected by the bellows part 6. The space enclosed by the ceiling part 41, the lid body part 42, and the bellows part 6 is in a sealed state.

As can be seen from the above, similarly to the first embodiment, the refrigerator 100 of the present embodiment includes a refrigerating compartment 10 that includes a space 11 for storing items to be refrigerated, and a volume that changes the volume of the space 11 of the refrigerating compartment 10. It is equipped with a variable mechanism B. Therefore, the volume of low-humidity air in the refrigerator compartment 10 can be increased or decreased. As a result, it is possible to adjust the amount of moisture released from the food to be refrigerated, such as vegetables, to the air in the refrigerator compartment 10. Therefore, the condition of the items to be refrigerated can be maintained in good condition.

In this embodiment, the volume variable mechanism B includes moving mechanisms 3X, 6, 91X, 92X, 41, 42 and opening/closing mechanisms 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, 42. Therefore, the volume of the refrigerator compartment 10 can be changed without moving the items to be refrigerated.

In this embodiment, the volume variable mechanism B operates independently of the operation of opening and closing the opening of the container portion 3 of the opening/closing mechanism 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, 42, and the moving mechanism 3X, 6, 91X, 92X , 41, and 42 to move the ceiling part 41 in the vertical direction. According to this, there is no need for a structure for interlocking the operations of the opening/closing mechanisms 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, 42 and the operations of the moving mechanisms 3X, 6, 91X, 92X, 41, 42. Therefore, the structures of the opening/closing mechanisms 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, 42 and the moving mechanisms 3X, 6, 91X, 92X, 41, 42 can be made relatively simple.

The refrigerating room 10 includes a container section 3 that receives objects to be refrigerated, and a lid section 4 that has a ceiling section 41 and covers an opening at the upper end of the container section 3. The volume variable mechanism B has opening/closing mechanisms 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, and 42 that open and close the opening at the upper end of the container section 3 by changing the lid section 4. Therefore, the moving mechanisms 3X, 6, 91X, 92X, 41, 42 and the opening/closing mechanisms 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, 42 can be integrated into one structure.

Similarly to Embodiment 1, the volume variable mechanism B brings the lid part 4 into contact with the upper end of the container part 3 in the opening/closing mechanisms 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, 42, and then moves the lid part 4 to the moving mechanism 3X, 6, 91X. , 92X, 41, 42, the ceiling portion 41 can be lowered.

Also in this embodiment, the refrigerating chamber 10 is provided in the first refrigerating space 60 that includes the refrigerating chamber 10 . The container section 3 is installed on the floor section 1 that partitions the first refrigerated space 60. The floor part 1 has a shape in which the container part 3 is pulled out along the floor part 1 from a position below the lid part 4. Therefore, the cold air sent into the refrigerator compartment 10 can be used to refrigerate the items to be refrigerated in the refrigerator compartment 10. Further, the object to be refrigerated can be easily taken out from the container section 3.

The opening/closing mechanisms 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, and 42 are provided with an opening/closing switch 3Y that determines whether to change the lid portion 4 to an open state or a closed state. Therefore, by operating the opening/closing switch 3Y, the user can decide whether to open or close the opening by the lid part 4.

Specifically, by moving the open/close switch 3Y to one side, the rotating member 91Y and the horizontally moving member 92Y operate as a link mechanism, and the gap CL between the lid part 4 and the container part 3 is closed by the rubber packing 25. Ru. By moving the open/close switch 3Y to the other side, the rotating member 91Y and the horizontally moving member 92Y operate as a link mechanism, and a gap CL is formed between the lid portion 4 and the container portion 3.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, by moving the open/close switch 3X to one side, the rotating member 91X and the horizontally moving member 92X operate as a link mechanism, the ceiling portion 41 is lowered, and the volume of the space 11 is reduced. Ru. By moving the open/close switch 3X to the other side, the rotating member 91X and the horizontally moving member 92X operate as a link mechanism, the ceiling portion 41 rises, and the volume of the space 11 increases.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a refrigerator 100 according to a third embodiment will be described. Note that the description below of the points similar to the refrigerator 100 of Embodiment 1 will not be repeated unless particularly necessary.

FIG. 36 is a sectional view showing the bellows portion 6 of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 37 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the bellows portion 6 of the refrigerator compartment 10 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the bellows portion 6 of this embodiment includes a horizontal portion 6a extending in the horizontal direction, and an inclined portion extending inward and diagonally from the outer end of the horizontal portion 6a. 6b. Since the bellows portion 6 of this embodiment has the horizontal portion 6a and the inclined portion 6b, it can return to the contracted state more quickly than the bellows portion 6 of the first and second embodiments.

(Embodiment 4)
Next, an example will be described in which the refrigerator compartment 10 used in Embodiments 1 to 3 is used as a storage box not inside the refrigerator but outside the refrigerator with the refrigerator compartment 10 removed from the floor 1 and rear wall 2. explain. Note that the structure of the storage box of this embodiment is completely the same as the structure of the refrigerator compartment 10 of Embodiments 1 to 3, so detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

The storage compartment of this embodiment includes either the volume variable mechanism B of the refrigerator compartment 10 of the first and second embodiments. That is, the storage room of the present embodiment may include the moving mechanisms 6, 7, 41, 42, P, T and the opening/closing mechanisms 5, 42, P, T of the first embodiment. In this case, the storage box may be equipped with a height sensor HS and a humidity sensor HUS. In this case, a control section C may be included. In this case, the control unit C may perform the same control as described in the first embodiment based on information detected by the height sensor HS and humidity sensor HUS.

Further, the storage box of this embodiment may include the moving mechanisms 3X, 6, 91X, 92X, 41, 42 and the opening/closing mechanisms 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, 42 of Embodiment 2.

Even when the storage box has the same structure as any of the refrigerator compartments 10, the storage box can seal the space 11 containing the stored items and reduce the volume of the space 11. The storage box of this embodiment is used to store various items including food in an unrefrigerated state both inside and outside the room. According to such a storage box, items to be stored can be stored in a state where the volume of dry air inside the storage box is reduced.

1 Floor part 3 Container part 3a, 1b Regulating part 3X, 3Y Open/close switch 3X, 6, 91X, 92X, 41, 42 Moving mechanism 3Y, 91Y, 92Y, 25, 26, 42 Opening/closing mechanism 4 Lid part 5, 42, P ,T Opening/closing mechanism 6,7,41,42,P,T Moving mechanism 7 Air bag 10 Refrigerator compartment 41 Ceiling part 42 Lid body part 60 First refrigerated space 100 Refrigerator 200 Housing B Volume variable mechanism C Control part HS Height Sensor HUS Humidity sensor M, S Open/close switch

Claims (9)

a refrigerating room containing a space for storing items to be refrigerated;
A refrigerator comprising a volume variable mechanism that changes the volume of the space,
The volume variable mechanism is
a ceiling portion of the refrigerator compartment;
a moving mechanism that moves the ceiling part in an up-down direction,
The refrigerating room is
a container section that receives the object to be refrigerated;
a lid portion having the ceiling portion and covering an opening at the upper end of the container portion;
The volume variable mechanism further includes an opening/closing mechanism that changes the lid to open and close the opening,
In the refrigerator , the volume variable mechanism causes the opening/closing mechanism to bring the lid into contact with the upper end of the container, and then causes the moving mechanism to lower the ceiling. The refrigerating room is provided in a refrigerating space that includes the refrigerating room,
The container section is installed on a floor section that constitutes a casing that partitions the refrigerated space,
The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the floor section has a shape in which the container section is pulled out along the floor section from a position below the lid section. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the opening/closing mechanism includes an opening/closing switch that determines whether the opening is in an open state or a closed state in which the opening is to be changed. a refrigerating room containing a space for storing items to be refrigerated;
A refrigerator comprising a volume variable mechanism that changes the volume of the space,
The volume variable mechanism is
a ceiling portion of the refrigerator compartment;
a moving mechanism that moves the ceiling part in an up-down direction,
The refrigerating room is
a container section that receives the object to be refrigerated;
a lid portion having the ceiling portion and covering an opening at the upper end of the container portion;
The volume variable mechanism further includes an opening/closing mechanism that changes the lid to open and close the opening,
further comprising a regulating part that regulates that the container part is pulled out along the floor part,
In the refrigerator , the restriction section releases the restriction on the drawer of the container section after the opening/closing mechanism changes the lid section to the open state of the opening. a refrigerating room containing a space for storing items to be refrigerated;
A refrigerator comprising a volume variable mechanism that changes the volume of the space,
The volume variable mechanism is
a ceiling portion of the refrigerator compartment;
a moving mechanism that moves the ceiling part in an up-down direction,
The refrigerating room is
a container section that receives the object to be refrigerated;
a lid portion having the ceiling portion and covering an opening at the upper end of the container portion;
The volume variable mechanism further includes an opening/closing mechanism that changes the lid to open and close the opening,
The lid further includes a lid body positioned above the ceiling,
In the refrigerator , the volume variable mechanism includes an extendable section that is positioned between the lid main body and the ceiling and moves the ceiling relative to the lid main body in an up-down direction. The refrigerator according to claim 5 , wherein the expandable portion includes an air bag that expands and contracts in the vertical direction by taking in and taking out air. a refrigerating room containing a space for storing items to be refrigerated;
A refrigerator comprising a volume variable mechanism that changes the volume of the space,
The volume variable mechanism is
a ceiling portion of the refrigerator compartment;
a moving mechanism that moves the ceiling part in an up-down direction,
a height sensor that detects the height of the object to be refrigerated placed in the refrigerator compartment;
The moving mechanism further includes a control unit that changes the position of the ceiling based on the height of the object to be refrigerated detected by the height sensor,
The control unit may cause the moving mechanism to control the ceiling within a range where the distance between the ceiling and the bottom of the refrigerator compartment is greater than or equal to the height of the object to be refrigerated detected by the height sensor. Lower the refrigerator . a humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the air in the refrigerator compartment;
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising a control unit that causes the volume variable mechanism to change the volume of the space in accordance with the humidity detected by the humidity sensor. The refrigerator according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit causes the volume variable mechanism to reduce the volume of the space when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor increases by a predetermined value or more.

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