REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a lid section inside the refrigerator, the lid section being configured to: cover an opening of a container slidable into the refrigerator; decrease distance between the lid section and the container in conjunction with the container being slid in; and when the container is housed inside the refrigerator, be in contact with the container.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising a lid section inside the refrigerator, the lid section being configured to: cover an opening of a container slidable into the refrigerator; decrease distance between the lid section and the container in conjunction with the container being slid in; and when the container is housed inside the refrigerator, be in contact with the container.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein when the container is housed inside the refrigerator, there is a force acting on either one or both of the lid section and the container in such a direction as to move the lid section and the opening of the container away from each other.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 further comprising: a rotation member inside the refrigerator, the rotation member being configured to rotate in conjunction with the container being slid in; and an arm inside the refrigerator, the arm being configured to connect the lid section to the rotation member and to move the lid section in conjunction with the rotation member being rotated, wherein the lid section is moved to decrease the distance and into contact with the container by the arm moving the lid section.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the container includes a protrusion configured to abut the rotation member when the container is slid in, and the rotation member is rotated by the rotation member abutting the protrusion.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the rotation member is a gear engaged with the arm, and the arm moves the lid section in conjunction with the gear being rotated.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1 further comprising a rail with a tilted portion inside the refrigerator, wherein the lid section is moved to decrease the distance and into contact with the container by the container moving on the tilted portion of the rail.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation arm inside the refrigerator, the rotation arm being connected to the lid section and configured to rotate in conjunction with the container being slid in, wherein the lid section is moved by the rotation arm rotating so as to change an angle between the lid section and the rotation arm, thereby changing an area of a part of the lid section that is in contact with the container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a set of schematic views of an example of a refrigerator in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, FIG. 1(a) being a front view of the refrigerator and FIG. 1(b) being a side view of the refrigerator.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a set of schematic views of an example of the interior of the refrigerator, FIG. 2(a) showing the interior as viewed from the front of the refrigerator and FIG. 2(b) showing the interior as viewed from a side of the refrigerator.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a set of schematic diagrams of an example of an internal structure of the refrigerator, FIG. 3(a) illustrating the internal structure when a container is slid out and FIG. 3(b) illustrating the internal structure when the container is slid in.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an internal side face of the refrigerator.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a set of enlarged, schematic perspective views of an example of major portions of a lever and an arm, FIG. 5(a) illustrating the major portions when the container is slid out and FIG. 5(b) illustrating the major portions when the container is slid in.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a set of schematic diagrams of an example of an operation of the lever, arm, and slider in the refrigerator, FIG. 6(a) illustrating the lever, arm, and slider when the container is slid out and FIG. 6(b) illustrating the lever, arm, and slider when the container is slid in.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a set of schematic perspective views of an example of the internal structure of the refrigerator, FIG. 7(a) illustrating the internal structure when the container is slid out, FIG. 7(b) illustrating the internal structure when the container is being slid in, and FIG. 7(c) illustrating the internal structure when the container is slid in.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a set of schematic diagrams of an example of an operation of the container, a cover, and a frame in the refrigerator, FIG. 8(a) illustrating the container, cover, and frame when the container is slid out, FIG. 8(b) illustrating the container, cover, and frame when the container is being slid in, and FIG. 8(c) illustrating the container, cover, and frame when the container is slid in.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a set of schematic views of the relationship between gears and an arm in a refrigerator in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, FIG. 9(a) illustrating the relationship between a first gear, a second gear, and a first arm and FIG. 9(b) illustrating the relationship between a third gear, a fourth gear, and a second arm.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a set of enlarged, schematic perspective views of an example of major portions of members of a frame, FIG. 10(a) illustrating the major portions when a container is slid out and FIG. 10(b) illustrating the major portions when the container is being slid in.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a set of cross-sectional views of the container and a cover, FIG. 11(a) illustrating the container and cover when the container is slid out, FIG. 11(b) illustrating the container and cover when the container is being slid in, and FIG. 11(c) illustrating the container and cover when the container is slid in.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a set of schematic diagrams of an example of an internal structure of the refrigerator, FIG. 12(a) illustrating the internal structure when the container is slid out and FIG. 12(b) illustrating the internal structure when the container is slid in.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a set of cross-sectional views of an example of the internal structure of the refrigerator, FIG. 13(a) illustrating the internal structure when the container is slid out, FIG. 13(b) illustrating the internal structure then the container is slid in, and FIG. 13(c) showing a cross-section, different from the cross-section in FIG. 13(b), where the container is viewed from the above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1

[0019] The following will describe a refrigerator 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

Structure of Refrigerator 10

[0020] FIG. 1 is a set of schematic views of an example of the refrigerator 10. FIG. 1(a) is a front view of the refrigerator 10, and FIG. 1(b) is a side view of the refrigerator 10. Referring to FIG. 1(a), the refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerator compartment 2, an ice maker compartment 3, a first freezer compartment 4, and a second freezer compartment 5. The refrigerator compartment 2 has a left-opening, right-opening, or reversible door and stores stocks at refrigeration temperature. The ice maker compartment 3 makes ice by maintaining temperature inside the ice maker compartment 3 at or below freezing temperature. The first freezer compartment 4 and the second freezer compartment 5 store stocks at or below freezing temperature. The refrigerator 10 does not necessarily have the structure shown in FIG. 1 as an example. For instance, the refrigerator compartment 2 may have two side-by-side doors and may have three or more freezer compartments.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a set of schematic views of an example of the interior of the refrigerator 10. FIG. 2(a) illustrates the interior as viewed from the front of the refrigerator 10. FIG. 2(b) illustrates the interior as viewed from a side of the refrigerator 10. The refrigerator compartment 2 includes a vegetable compartment 6 as shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) as an example.

[0022] Inside the vegetable compartment 6 is there provided a container 11 in such a manner that the container 11 can be slid in and out of the vegetable compartment 6. In other words, the user can store the container 11 away into the refrigerator by pushing it (by sliding in the container 11) and take the container 11 out of the refrigerator by pulling it (by sliding out the container 11). The container 11 is slid in and out in a direction that may be designed in any manner.

[0023] The refrigerator compartment 2 includes a chiller compartment 7. A container is also provided inside the chiller compartment 7 such that the container can be slid in and out of the chiller compartment 7. This container may have the same functions as the container 11 (which are described below) and may operate in the same manner as the container 11. In other words, the refrigerator 10 may have the same functions as does the container 11, in any part of the refrigerator 10.

Internal Structure of Refrigerator

[0024] FIG. 3 is a set of schematic diagrams of an example of an internal structure of the refrigerator. FIG. 3(a) illustrates the internal structure when the container 11 is slid out. FIG. 3(b) illustrates the internal structure when the container 11 is slid in. Potentially identical members are distinguished by suffixing reference numerals with a lower-case alphabetic letter throughout the following description.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3 as an example, the refrigerator 10 includes the container 11, a cover 12, rails 13, levers 14, and arms 15.

[0026] The container 11 can be freely slid in and out of the refrigerator 10. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) as an example, the container 11 has an opening 17 with an edge that may be tilted in such a manner that the height of the edge from the bottom face of the container 11 decreases toward the rear of the container 11 (the far side of the container 11 when the user slides it in).

[0027] The container 11 has the opening 17 so that the user can reach the inside of the container 11 when the container 11 is slid out. The opening 17 may be designed freely in terms of the position thereof on the container 11. For instance, the opening 17 may be provided on either the top of the container 11 or the front of the container 11 (the near side of the container 11 when the user slides it out) or on both the top and front of the container 11.

[0028] The container 11 may include the opening 17 and sliders 19. The opening 17 allows, for example, the user to put in and take out stocks (e.g., fresh food such as vegetables) from the container 11. The sliders 19 slide on the rails 13 to enable the container 11 to be slid in and out of the refrigerator 10. Each slider 19 may have a protrusion 18 that abuts the lever 14 when, for example, the container 11 is slid in.

[0029] The cover 12 provides a lid that covers the opening 17 of the container 11. The cover 12 decreases its distance from the container 11 in accordance with the slide-in motion of the container 11 and comes into contact with the container 11 when the container 11 is housed inside the refrigerator 10. The refrigerator 10, equipped with this mechanism, is capable of restricting air from flowing in and out of the inside of the container 11, without requiring the user to place the cover 12 on the container 11. When the cover 12 comes into contact with the container 11, the cover 12 may come into contact with the entire outer circumference of the opening 17 of the container 11. This structure can improve the airtightness of the refrigerator 10 when the container 11 is covered by the cover 12.

[0030] Conversely, as the user slides out the container 11, the cover 12 moves away from the container 11 in conjunction with the slide-out motion of the container 11 so that the user can reach the inside of the opening 17. The refrigerator 10, equipped with this mechanism, allows the user to easily put in and take out stocks without requiring the user to bother to remove the cover 12 from the container 11.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3 as an example, when the opening 17 has a tilted edge, the cover 12 may also have a tilted edge in accordance with the tilt of the edge of the opening 17. In other words, both the edge of the opening 17 and the edge of the cover 12 may be tilted in such a manner as to reduce the gap between the edges when the container 11 is in contact with the cover 12. The refrigerator 10, when arranged in this manner, allows the cover 12 to come into intimate contact with the opening 17 of the container 11, thereby further restricting air from flowing in and out of the inside of the container 11.

[0032] There may be provided an elastic packing on either one or both of the edge of the opening 17 and the edge of the cover 12. The refrigerator 10, when arranged in this manner, allows the cover 12 to come into more intimate contact with the opening 17 of the container 11, thereby even further restricting air from flowing in and out of the inside of the container 11.

[0033] The rails 13 support the container 11 in such a manner that the container 11 can slide on the rails 13. The rails 13 may be provided, for example, on the respective internal side faces of the refrigerator 10. FIG. 3 shows a rail 13a, which is one of the rails 13, provided on a first one of the internal side faces. If the rails 13 are provided on the respective internal side faces of the refrigerator 10, there may be provided a rail 13b on a second one of the internal side faces (see FIG. 4). In such cases, for example, there may be provided a plurality of sliders 19 (e.g., a slider 19a and a slider 19b) respectively on the internal side faces of the container 11 for the rail 13a and the rail 13b. In addition, the rail 13 may be provided on either one or both of the internal side faces. Any of these structures can improve stability in sliding the container 11 in and out of the refrigerator 10.

[0034] The lever 14 provides a rotation member, supported in a rotatable manner by the rail 13, that rotates in conjunction with the slide-in motion of the container 11 and rotates in reverse direction with the slide-out motion of the container 11. There may be provided a plurality of levers 14, for example, on the rail 13. FIG. 3 shows only a lever 14a and a lever 14b provided on a first one of the internal side faces. If the rail 13b is provided on a second one of the internal side faces, there may be provided a plurality of additional levers (e.g., a lever 14c and a lever 14d) on the rail 13b (see FIG. 4). A spring (e.g., torsion coil spring) or like elastic may be provided, for example, on a rod supporting the lever 14 in order to enhance the force that acts on the lever 14 to rotate the lever 14 in reverse direction.

[0035] When a single rail 13 supports two or more levers 14, each slider 19 may have thereon a plurality of protrusions 18, for example, for the respective levers 14. In such cases, the protrusions 18 (a protrusion 18a and a protrusion 18b in FIG. 3) abut and move away from the respective levers 14 (the lever 14a and the lever 14b in FIG. 3). If the slider 19b is provided on the second internal side face of the container 11, each slider 19b may also have thereon a plurality of protrusions 18 (e.g., a protrusion 18c and a protrusion 18d).

[0036] The arms 15 connect the cover 12 and the levers 14 so as to move the cover 12 in conjunction with the rotation of the levers 14. Specifically, each arm 15 has an end thereof fitted to the lever 14 and the other end thereof fitted to the edge of the cover 12. Because the arms 15 move up/down in conjunction with the rotation of the levers 14, the cover 12 also move up/down.

[0037] Specifically, the levers 14 rotate in conjunction with the slide-in motion of the container 11. This rotation lowers the arms 15 and hence lowers the cover 12 connected to the arms 15. Since the cover 12 is lowered by the arms 15 in this manner, the cover 12 decreases its distance from the container 11 as the container 11 is slid in and comes into contact with the container 11 when the container 11 is housed inside the refrigerator 10.

[0038] Meanwhile, the lever 14 is rotated in reverse direction as the container 11 is slid out. This reverse rotation raises the arms 15 and hence raises the cover 12 connected to the arms 15. Since the cover 12 is raised by the arms 15 in this manner, the cover 12 increase its distance from the container 11 as the container 11 is slid out.

[0039] This mechanism of the refrigerator 10 enables the cover 12 to be opened/closed in conjunction with the slide-in/out motion of the container 11. Therefore, the refrigerator 10 is capable of restricting air from flowing in and out of the inside of the container 11, without requiring the user to remove the cover 12 from the container 11.

[0040] When a single rail 13 supports two or more levers 14, there may be provided a plurality of arms 15 for the respective levers 14. The arms 15 (an arm 15a and an arm 15b in FIG. 3) move up/down in conjunction with the rotation of the respective levers 14 (see FIG. 4).

[0041] The refrigerator 10 may further include, for example, a spring. The spring may be an elastic, for example, having an end thereof connected to the cover 12 and the other end thereof connected to an internal part (e.g., the internal top face) of the refrigerator 10. When the container 11 is housed inside the refrigerator 10, the spring exerts a force (elastic force) on either one or both of the cover 12 and the container 11 in such a direction as to move the cover 12 and the opening 17 of the container 11 away from each other. When the user pulls out the container 11, this mechanism of the refrigerator 10 enables the cover 12 to be quickly moved out of contact with the container 11. The refrigerator 10 hence allows the user to smoothly slide out the container 11 without letting him/her feel it stuck in the process.

[0042] The members described above do not necessarily have the shapes shown in FIG. 3 as an example. In other words, the members may have any shapes so long as the members are able to actually carry out the expected functions thereof. The members may be made of the substance that best suits the purposes and functions thereof.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an example of an internal side face of the refrigerator. FIG. 4 shows an internal side face of the refrigerator opposite the internal side face of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 3 as an example, as viewed obliquely from above.

[0044] As described earlier, there may be provided a plurality of rails 13, levers 14, and arms 15 in the refrigerator (e.g., on the internal side faces of the refrigerator 10). As shown in FIG. 4 as an example, the rail 13b may be provided on the side face opposite the side face on which the rail 13a is provided, the lever 14c may be provided on the side face opposite the side face on which the lever 14a is provided, the lever 14d may be provided on the side face opposite the side face on which the lever 14b is provided, an arm 15c may be provided on the side face opposite the side face on which the arm 15a is provided, and an arm 15d may be provided on the side face opposite the side face on which the arm 15b is provided.

[0045] There may be provided a distance-varying mechanism on an internal side face of the refrigerator 10. In such a case, the distance-varying mechanism may include members, such as the rails 13, the levers 14, and the arms 15, that increase and decrease distance between the opening 17 of the container 11 and the cover 12. The refrigerator 10 may include therein the cover 12, the rails 13, the levers 14, and the arms 15.

Mechanism for Moving Cover 12 into Contact with Container 11

[0046] FIG. 5 is a set of enlarged, schematic perspective views of an example of major portions of the lever 14a and the arm 15a. FIG. 5(a) illustrates the major portions when the container 11 is slid out. FIG. 5(b) illustrates the major portions when the container 11 is slid in.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 5 as an example, the lever 14a and the arm 15a are fitted to each other in such a manner that the lever 14a is rotatable. When the user slides in the container 11, the protrusion 18a (see FIG. 6 described latter) on the slider 19a (see FIG. 6 described latter) abuts the lever 14a, thereby rotating the lever 14a (changing from FIG. 5(a) to FIG. 5(b)). Conversely, when the user slides out the container 11, the protrusion 18a moves away from the lever 14a, thereby rotating the lever 14a in reverse direction (changing from FIG. 5(b) to FIG. 5(a)).

[0048] As described above, the slide-in/out motion of the container 11 rotates the lever 14a, which in turn moves up/down the arm 15a. This vertical motion of the arm 15a opens/closes the cover 12 that is fitted to the arm 15a. In short, the cover 12 opens/closes in conjunction with the user sliding in and out the container 11. The refrigerator 10 can hence does not require the user to open/close the cover 12 over the container 11.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a set of schematic diagrams of an example of an operation of the levers 14, arms 15, and sliders 19 in the refrigerator 10. FIG. 6(a) illustrates the lever 14, arm 15, and slider 19 when the container 11 is slid out. FIG. 6(b) illustrates the lever 14, arm 15, and slider 19 when the container 11 is slid in.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6 as an example, the protrusion 18b stands out higher on the top of the slider 19a than the protrusion 18a. In other words, the upper end of the protrusion 18b is higher than the upper end of the protrusion 18a. Conversely, the lower end of the lever 14a is lower than the lower end of the lever 14b.

[0051] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6(b) as an example, when the container 11 is slid in, the protrusion 18a abuts the lever 14a, and the protrusion 18b abuts the lever 14b. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6(a) as an example, the protrusion 18a does not abut the lever 14b when the container 11 is slid out, because the upper end of the protrusion 18a is separated by a vertical distance from the lower end of the lever 14b.

[0052] The lever 14b may be allowed to rotate a greater angle than is the lever 14a, for example, when the container 11 is slid out (the levers 14a and 14b may have different motion ranges). When this is the case, the arm 15b is allowed to move up/down a greater distance than is the arm 15a.

[0053] In this structure, when the cover 12 opens in conjunction with the slide-out motion of the container 11, the cover 12 and the opening 17 move away from each other in such a manner that the distance between the cover 12 and the opening 17 increases toward the front of the cover 12. In other words, when the container 11 is slid out, the front of the cover 12 is lifted higher than the rear thereof so that the front of the opening 17 opens larger than the rear thereof. The refrigerator 10 therefore allows the user to easily put in and take out stocks.

[0054] The front of the container 11 is placed under greater vertical stress than the rear thereof because the user slides the container 11 in and out by holding the front of the container 11. Accordingly, the levers 14 are designed to have different motion ranges such that the distance between the container 11 and the cover 12 is greater in the front than in the rear, as described above. The refrigerator 10 hence allows the user to smoothly slide out the container 11 without letting him/her feel it stuck in the process. The refrigerator 10 can additionally restrain variations of the distance between the container 11 and the cover 12 in the rear of the container 11, thereby reducing the workload of the user in sliding the container 11 in and out.

Effects of Refrigerator 10

[0055] The refrigerator 10 restricts air inflow/outflow in sliding in the container. The refrigerator 10 can thus keep stocks fresh inside the container.

Embodiment 2

[0056] The following will describe a refrigerator 20 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11. Description that appears in another embodiment will not be repeated in the following.

Internal Structure of Refrigerator

[0057] FIG. 7 is a set of schematic perspective views of an example of the internal structure of the refrigerator. FIG. 7(a) illustrates the internal structure when a container 21 is slid out. FIG. 7(b) illustrates the internal structure when the container 21 is being slid in. FIG. 7(c) illustrates the internal structure when the container 21 is slid in.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 7 as an example, the refrigerator 20 includes the container 21, a cover 22, rails 23, gears 24, and arms 25. The refrigerator 20 may further include, for example, a frame F and a packing 26.

[0059] The container 21 can be freely slid in and out of the refrigerator 20. The container 21 has an opening 27 and sliders 29. The opening 27 allows the user to put in and take out stocks. The sliders 29 slide on the rails 23 to enable the container 21 to be slid in and out of the refrigerator 20. The sliders 29 may be provided on each side face of the container 21 (sliders 29a and 29b) as shown in FIG. 7 as an example.

[0060] The cover 22 provides a lid that covers the opening 27 of the container 21. The cover 22 decreases its distance from the container 21 in accordance with the slide-in motion of the container 21 and comes into contact with the container 21 when the container 21 is housed inside the refrigerator 20. Conversely, the cover 22 moves away from the container 21 in conjunction with the slide-out motion of the container 21.

[0061] The rails 23 support the container 21 in such a manner that the container 21 can slide on the rails 23. There may be provided a plurality of rails 23 (rails 23a and 23b) on the frame F as shown in FIG. 7 as an example. The rail 23a may have a rotation hole A so that a protrusion 28a can pass through the rotation hole A when a gear 24c is rotated. The rail 23b may have a rotation hole B so that a protrusion 28b can pass through the rotation hole B when a gear 24d is rotated, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0062] The gears 24 are rotation members engaged with the arms 25. In the present embodiment, a gear 24a and a gear 24b mate respectively with an arm 25a and an arm 25b as shown in FIG. 7 as an example, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 9. The gears 24, being supported in a rotatable manner by the frame F, rotate in conjunction with the slide-in motion of the container 21 and rotate in reverse direction in conjunction with the slide-out motion of the container 21.

[0063] Specifically, the gears 24a and 24b mate respectively with the gears 24c and 24d. Therefore, as the gears 24c and 24d rotate clockwise in conjunction with the container 21 being slid in, the gears 24a and 24b rotate counterclockwise. Conversely, as the gears 24c and 24d rotate counterclockwise in conjunction with the container 21 being slid out, the gears 24a and 24b rotate clockwise.

[0064] A spring (e.g., torsion coil spring) or like elastic may be provided, for example, on a rod supporting the gears 24c and 24d in order to enhance the force that rotates the gears 24c and 24d counterclockwise.

[0065] Each gear 24 may have thereon a plurality of protrusions 28. For instance, the gear 24c has the protrusion 28aand a protrusion 28c thereon, and the gear 24d has the protrusion 28b and a protrusion 28d. The mechanism by which the gears 24 rotate in conjunction with the slide-in/out motion of the container 21 will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0066] The arms 25 move the cover 22 in conjunction with the rotation of the gears 24. As described earlier, the gears 24a and 24b mate respectively with the arms 25a and 25b. Therefore, the gears 24a and 24b, rotated in conjunction with the container 21 being slid in and out, move up/down the arms 25a and 25b respectively.

[0067] This vertical motion of the arms 25 moves up/down the cover 22 because each arm 25 has an end thereof fitted to an edge of the cover 22. This mechanism of the refrigerator 20 enables the cover 22 to be opened/closed in conjunction with the slide-in/out motion of the container 21. Therefore, the refrigerator 20 is capable of restricting air from flowing in and out of the inside of the container 21, without requiring the user to remove the cover 22 from the container 21.

[0068] The frame F is a distance-varying mechanism includes members, such as the rails 23, the gears 24, and the arms 25, that increase and decrease distance between the opening 27 of the container 21 and the cover 22. The frame F may include a rotation stopper P for the gear 24c, a rotation stopper Q for the gear 24d, a hole M and a holder K both for the arm 25a, and a hole N and a holder L both for the arm 25b (see FIG. 8). Both the hole M and the hole N have a vertically extended opening. The frame F may be provided, for example, on either one or both of the internal side faces of the refrigerator.

[0069] The packing 26 is an elastic member for increased airtightness of the container 21 when the cover 22 is in contact with the opening 27.

[0070] The refrigerator 20 may, for example, further include a spring (elastic) having an end thereof connected to the cover 22 and the other end thereof connected to the frame F. When the container 21 is housed inside the refrigerator 20, the spring exerts a force (elastic force) on either one or both of the cover 22 and the container 21 in such a direction as to move the cover 22 and the opening 27 of the container 21 away from each other. When the user pulls out the container 21, this mechanism of the refrigerator 20 enables the cover 22 to be quickly moved out of contact with the container 21. The refrigerator 20 hence allows the user to smoothly slide out the container 21 without letting him/her feel it stuck in the process.

Mechanism for Moving Cover 22 into Contact with Container 21

[0071] FIG. 8 is a set of schematic diagrams of an example of an operation of the container 21, the cover 22, and the frame F in the refrigerator 20. FIG. 8(a) illustrates the container 21, the cover 22, and the frame F when the container 21 is slid out. FIG. 8(b) illustrates the container 21, the cover 22, and the frame F when the container 21 is being slid in. FIG. 8(c) illustrates the container 21, the cover 22, and the frame F when the container 21 is slid in.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 8(a) as an example, when the container 21 is slid out, the rear ends of the sliders 29a and 29b do not abut the protrusions 28a and 28b respectively. Because the protrusions 28c and 28d abut the rotation stoppers P and Q respectively, the gears 24c and 24d are stopped with the protrusions 28a and 28b projecting through the rotation holes A and B respectively (hereinafter, this condition will be referred to as the initial state).

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8(b) as an example, as the sliders 29a and 29b slide on the rails 23a and 23b in sliding in the container 21, the rear ends of the sliders 29a and 29b abut the protrusions 28a and 28b respectively. As the sliders 29a and 29b further slide toward the rear, the rear ends of the sliders 29a and 29b push the protrusions 28a and 28b toward the rear, thereby rotating the gears 24c and 24d clockwise respectively. This clockwise rotation of the gears 24c and 24d rotates the gears 24a and 24b counterclockwise, which lowers the arms 25a and 25b engaged with the gears 24a and 24b respectively.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 8(c) as an example, when the container 21 is slid in, the sliders 29a and 29b push the protrusions 28a and 28b to their limit, thereby stopping the rotation of the gears 24c and 24d. In this condition, the arms 25a and 25b are completely lowered, and the cover 22 is in contact with the container 21.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c) as an example, as the user slides in the container 21, the cover 22 moves into contact with the container 21 in conjunction with the slide-in motion so as to cover the container 21. The refrigerator 20, equipped with this mechanism, is capable of restricting air from flowing in and out of the inside of the container 21, without requiring the user to place the cover 22 on the container 21.

[0076] FIG. 9 is a set of schematic views of the relationship between gears and an arm FIG. 9(a) illustrates the relationship between the gear 24a, the gear 24c, and the arm 25a. FIG. 9(b) illustrates the relationship between the gear 24b, the gear 24d, and the arm 25b.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 9(a) as an example, the gear 24a may be a 2-step gear. Specifically, the gear 24a includes, for example, two inner and outer gears with different numbers of teeth. The two gears rotate in the same direction at the same speed. The gear 24c is engaged with the outer gear, and the inner gear is engaged with the arm 25a. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 9(b) as an example, the gear 24b and the gear 24d, having the same diameter and number of teeth, are engaged with each other, and the gear 24b is engaged with the arm 25b.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) as an example, because the inner gear has more teeth than the other gears, the arm 25a, which is engaged with the inner gear, has more teeth than the arm 25b. For this reason, when the gears 24a and 24b rotate, the arm 25b moves more than the arm 25a.

[0079] Accordingly, when the container 21 is slid out, the cover 22 and the opening 27 move away from each other in conjunction with this slide-out motion in such a manner that the distance between the cover 22 and the opening 27 increases toward the front of the cover 22. In other words, the front of the cover 22 is lifted higher than the rear thereof so that the front of the opening 27 opens larger than the rear thereof. The refrigerator 20 therefore allows the user to easily put in and take out stocks. The refrigerator 20 achieves similar advantages when the gear 24d has a larger diameter than the gear 24c.

[0080] FIG. 10 is a set of enlarged, schematic perspective views of an example of major portions of members of the frame F. FIG. 10(a) illustrates the major portions when the container 21 is slid out. FIG. 10(b) illustrates the major portions when the container 21 is being slid in.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 10(a) as an example, the movable members such as the gear 24b, the gear 24d, and the arm 25b are stationary in the initial state.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 10(b) as an example, as the container 21 is slid in, the rear end of the slider 29b abuts the protrusion 28b. Therefore, the gear 24d rotates clockwise, and the gear 24b, which is engaged with the gear 24d, rotates counterclockwise. This in turn lowers the arm 25b engaged with the gear 24b and hence lowers the cover 22, thereby reducing distance between the container 21 and the cover 22.

[0083] FIG. 11 is a set of cross-sectional views of the container 21 and the cover 22. FIG. 11(a) illustrates the container 21 and the cover 22 when the container 21 is slid out. FIG. 11(b) illustrates the container 21 and the cover 22 when the container 21 is being slid in. FIG. 11(c) illustrates the container 21 and the cover 22 when the container 21 is slid in. The left side in FIGS. 11(a) to 11(c) corresponds to the front of the refrigerator 20.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 11(a) to 11(c) as an example, the packing 26 is disposed along the entire periphery of the cover 22. When the cover 22 comes into contact with the container 21, the packing 26 substantially adheres to the entire outer circumference of the opening 27. This mechanism can improve the airtightness of the refrigerator 20 when the container 21 is covered by the cover 22.

Effects of Refrigerator 20

[0085] The refrigerator 20 restricts air inflow/outflow in sliding in the container. The refrigerator 20 can thus keep stocks fresh inside the container.

Embodiment 3

[0086] The following will describe a refrigerator 30 in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 12. Description that appears in another embodiment will not be repeated in the following.

Internal Structure of Refrigerator

[0087] FIG. 12 is a set of schematic diagrams of an example of an internal structure of the refrigerator. FIG. 12(a) illustrates the internal structure when a container 31 is slid out. FIG. 12(b) illustrates the internal structure when the container 31 is slid in.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 12 as an example, the refrigerator 30 includes the container 31, a cover 32, and rails 33. The refrigerator 30 may further include, for example, a packing 36.

[0089] The container 31 can be freely slid in and out of the refrigerator 30. The container 31 has an opening 37, sliders 39, and wheels 34. The opening 37 allows the user to put in and take out stocks (e.g., fresh food such as vegetables) from the container 31. The sliders 39 slide on the rails 33 to enable the container 31 to be slid in and out of the refrigerator 30. The wheels 34 facilitate the sliding-in and -out of the container 31.

[0090] The cover 32 provides a lid that covers the opening 37 of the container 31. The cover 32 decreases its distance from the container 31 in accordance with the slide-in motion of the container 31 and comes into contact with the container 31 when the container 31 is housed inside the refrigerator 30. The refrigerator 30, equipped with this mechanism, is capable of restricting air from flowing in and out of the inside of the container 31, without requiring the user to place the cover 32 on the container 31. When the cover 32 comes into contact with the container 31, the cover 32 may come into contact with the entire outer circumference of the opening 37 of the container 31. This structure can improve the airtightness of the refrigerator 30 when the container 31 is covered by the cover 32. The cover 32 provides an internal top face for the refrigerator.

[0091] The rails 33 support the container 31 in such a manner that the container 31 can slide on the rails 33. The rails 33 (rail 33a and rail 33b) may be provided, for example, on the respective internal side faces of the refrigerator 30 as shown in FIG. 12 as an example. Alternatively, there may be provided one or more rails 33 on each internal side face of the refrigerator 30.

[0092] The rail 33b and the slider 39b have a hook-shaped protrusion as shown in FIG. 12 as an example. This structure of the refrigerator 30 can prevent the container 31 from coming off.

[0093] The packing 36 is an elastic member for increased airtightness of the container 31 when the cover 32 is in contact with the opening 37.

Mechanism for Moving Cover 32 into Contact with Container 31

[0094] The rails 33a and 33b include a tilted portion as shown in FIG. 12 as an example. When the container 31 moves on the tilted portions as guided by the rails 33a and 33b, the cover 32 decreases its distance from the opening 37 and comes into contact with the container 31.

[0095] More specifically, as the user starts to slide the container 31 in, the slider 39b slides on the rail 33b. When the container 31 is slid in halfway, a slider 39a starts further sliding on the rail 33a. The sliders 39a and 39b ascend along the tilted portions of the rails 33a and 33b respectively, thereby lifting the container 31. When the container 31 is slid in to the rear, the cover 32 comes into contact with the container 31 and covers the opening 37.

[0096] If the refrigerator 30 includes the packing 36, the cover 32 can be brought in intimate contact with the opening 37 of the container 31. The refrigerator 30 is hence capable of further restricting air from flowing in and out of the inside of the container 31.

[0097] Conversely, as the user slides out the container 31, the sliders 39a and 39b descend along the tilted portions, thereby moving the cover 32 away from the container 31. When the cover 32 moves away in conjunction with the slide-out motion of the container 31, the distance between the cover 32 and the opening 37 starts to increase on the front of the cover 32 earlier than on the rear of the cover 32. Therefore, the cover 32 and the opening 37 move away from each other in such a manner that the distance between the cover 32 and the opening 37 increases toward the front of the cover 32. Accordingly, when the container 31 is slid out, the front of the opening 37 opens larger than the rear thereof. The refrigerator 30 therefore allows the user to easily put in and take out stocks.

[0098] In addition, when the container 31 is housed inside the refrigerator, there is a force (the weight of the container 31) acting on either one or both of the cover 32 and the container 31 in such a direction as to move the cover 32 and the opening 37 of the container 31 away from each other. When the user pulls out the container 31, this mechanism of the refrigerator 30 enables the cover 32 to be quickly moved out of contact with the container 31. The refrigerator 30 hence allows the user to smoothly slide out the container 31 without letting him/her feel it stuck in the process.

Effects of Refrigerator 30

[0099] The refrigerator 30 restricts air inflow/outflow in sliding in the container. The refrigerator 30 can thus keep stocks fresh inside the container.

Embodiment 4

[0100] The following will describe a refrigerator 40 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 13. Description that appears in another embodiment will not be repeated in the following.

[0101] FIG. 13 is a set of cross-sectional views of an example of the internal structure of the refrigerator. FIG. 13(a) illustrates the internal structure when a container 41 is slid out. FIG. 13(b) illustrates the internal structure when the container 41 is slid in. FIG. 13(c) shows a cross-section, different from the cross-section in FIG. 13(b), where the container 41 is viewed from the above.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 13 as an example, the refrigerator 40 includes the container 41, a cover 42, springs 44, rotation arms 45, and rotation rods 46.

[0103] The container 41 can be freely slid in and out of the refrigerator 40. The container 41 has an opening 47 and protrusions 48. The opening 47 allows the user to put in and take out stocks. The protrusions 48 abut ends of the rotation arms 45 respectively when the container 41 is slid in. As shown in FIG. 13 as an example, there may be provided a plurality of protrusions 48 (protrusion 48a and protrusion 48b) on the container 41.

[0104] The cover 42 provides a lid that covers the opening 47 of the container 41. The cover 42 decreases its distance from the container 41 in accordance with the slide-in motion of the container 41 and comes into contact with the container 41 when the container 41 is housed inside the refrigerator 40. Conversely, the cover 42 moves away from the container 41 in conjunction with the slide-out motion of the container 41.

[0105] More specifically, when the rotation arm 45 rotates, the angle between the cover 42 and the rotation arm 45 changes, which in turn changes the area of a part of the cover 42 that is in contact with the container 41. The refrigerator 40, equipped with this mechanism, is capable of restricting air from flowing in and out of the inside of the container 41, without requiring the user to place the cover 42 on the container 41.

[0106] The spring 44 is an elastic that can be stretched and/or compressed in conjunction with the slide-in/out motion of the container 41. The spring 44 has an end thereof fixed to the internal rear prat of the refrigerator and the other end connected to the rotation arm 45.

[0107] The rotation arm 45 is a member that is connected to the cover 42 and that rotates in conjunction with the slide-in motion of the container 41. Specifically, as the container 41 is slid in, each protrusion 48 on the container 41 pushes an end of the rotation arm 45 so that the rotation arm 45 rotates around the rotation rod 46. Accordingly, the angle between the cover 42 and the rotation arm 45 changes, which in turn changes the area of a part of the cover 42 that is in contact with the container 41.

[0108] The rotation rod 46 is fixed to an internal side face of the refrigerator to support the rotation arm 45.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 13(c) as an example, there may be provided a plurality of springs 44, rotation arms 45, rotation rods 46, and protrusions 48.

Effects of Refrigerator 40

[0110] The refrigerator 40 restricts air inflow/outflow in sliding in the container. The refrigerator 40 can thus keep stocks fresh inside the container.

Additional Remarks

[0111] The present disclosure, in a first aspect thereof, is directed to a refrigerator including a lid section inside the refrigerator, the lid section being configured to: cover an opening of a container slidable into the refrigerator; decrease distance between the lid section and the container in conjunction with the container being slid in; and when the container is housed inside the refrigerator, be in contact with the container.

[0112] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigerator of the first aspect is configured such that when the container is housed inside the refrigerator, there is a force acting on either one or both of the lid section and the container in such a direction as to move the lid section and the opening of the container away from each other.

[0113] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigerator of the first or second aspect, is configured such that the refrigerator further includes: a rotation member inside the refrigerator, the rotation member being configured to rotate in conjunction with the container being slid in; and an arm inside the refrigerator, the arm being configured to connect the lid section to the rotation member and to move the lid section in conjunction with the rotation member being rotated, wherein the lid section is moved to decrease the distance and into contact with the container by the arm moving the lid section.

[0114] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigerator of the third aspect is configured such that the container includes a protrusion configured to abut the rotation member when the container is slid in, and the rotation member is rotated by the rotation member abutting the protrusion.

[0115] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigerator of the third aspect is configured such that the rotation member is a gear engaged with the arm, and the arm moves the lid section in conjunction with the gear being rotated.

[0116] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigerator of any of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that the refrigerator further includes a rail with a tilted portion inside the refrigerator, wherein the lid section is moved to decrease the distance and into contact with the container by the container moving on the tilted portion of the rail.

[0117] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the refrigerator of any of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that the refrigerator further includes a rotation arm inside the refrigerator, the rotation arm being connected to the lid section and configured to rotate in conjunction with the container being slid in, wherein the lid section is moved by the rotation arm rotating so as to change an angle between the lid section and the rotation arm, thereby changing an area of a part of the lid section that is in contact with the container.

[0118] While there have been described what are at present considered to be certain embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that various modifications may be made thereto, and it is intended that the appended claim cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.