JPH06103142B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electric refrigerator, and more particularly to a refrigerator cooling chamber even when the first door is opened by making the door of the refrigerator a double structure. The outside air can be shut off to prevent the outflow of cold air, and the stored items in the storage chamber can be confirmed. A second start switch is provided in the refrigerator, and the opening / closing means of the door body is operated by the operation of the start switch. The present invention relates to a refrigerator in which a door is automatically opened and closed by operating the first starting switch to drive a reciprocating drive means and to move a storage box in and out in a substantially horizontal direction. It is a thing.

"Prior Art" Most conventional refrigerators are provided with only one door for shutting off the outside air from the cooling chamber. Therefore, when the door is opened, the cold air inside the cooling chamber is released into the atmosphere. There is a problem that the temperature of the cooling chamber rises and the temperature inside the cooling chamber rises.
Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it is possible to visually recognize the stored items in the storage chamber, and
Various refrigerators having a second door body for preventing cold air from flowing out have been devised.

Also, in Japan, which has achieved rapid economic growth after the war, the dietary habits have become rich, and abundant food is stored in the refrigerators of each household. Most commonly used household refrigerators are three-door or four-door refrigerators, and the upper section is a freezer room where frozen meat and fish are stored, and the middle section has a refrigerator. Generally cooked foods and foods are stored, and the relatively heavy items such as Japanese radish, cabbage and Chinese cabbage before cooking are stored in the lower part.

By the way, Japan is entering an aging society and the average life expectancy is increasing year by year. According to statistics by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the average life expectancy of men in the 1989 year was 75.91 years, and the average life expectancy of women was 8 years.
I turned 1.77. Furthermore, the ratio of elderly people aged 65 and over to the total population of Japan is as high as 12%. Assuming that the growth rate will remain unchanged, it is predicted that the percentage of elderly people over the age of 65 in Japan will reach 16.3% of the total population in 2000. In other words, in the year 2000, about one in every six Japanese is an old man over the age of 65.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare as of February 1987, there are 2,413,000 people with physical disabilities over the age of 18, and this number will increase if people without a disability certificate are added. .

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] As described above, it has been extremely difficult for a physically handicapped person or an elderly person who is physically weak to freely take foods and drinks such as cabbage and radish from the refrigerator.

When these refrigerators are full of stored items in the refrigerator, it takes a lot of power and time to pull out the stored items, and it takes time to search for the desired stored items.
As a result, you have to open the second door for a long time,
There was a problem that cold air was released to the outside.

Also, in commercial refrigerators installed in restaurants such as cafeterias and taverns, the doors are opened and closed very frequently, and the cold air inside the refrigerator flows out to the outside, raising the temperature inside. In addition, since the cook is extremely busy, there is a problem that it is very troublesome to put the storage box in and out.

Further, even general household users often have luggage in their hands and stand in front of the refrigerator, and in this case, there is an inconvenience that the luggage has to be unloaded once.

"Means for Solving the Problems" The present invention has been devised in view of the above problems, and in a refrigerator having a door body and provided with a storage box for storing stored items, the refrigerator when closed. Openable and closable first door body for shutting off the cooling chamber and the outside air, and formed inside the first door body of the cooling chamber of the refrigerator, and the inside of the cooling chamber is opened when the first door body is opened. An openable and closable second door body for shutting off the storage chamber and the outside air, a door drive means for opening and closing the first door body or the second door body, and this door drive means operated to open. After that, a reciprocating drive means for moving the storage box in and out in a substantially horizontal direction, a first start switch for activating the reciprocating drive means, and at least one of the outside of the refrigerator and the inside of the cooling chamber of the refrigerator. And a second start switch for starting the door driving means. The second door body is formed of a transparent body, and when the first door body is opened, the user visually recognizes the stored material in the storage chamber while keeping the second door body closed. It is possible that the storage box is moved in and out in a substantially horizontal direction by the operation of the first start switch after the opening drive of the door drive means by the second start switch.

"Operation" According to the present invention configured as described above, the openable and closable first door body is formed in the refrigerator main body for shutting off the cooling chamber of the refrigerator and the outside air, and when the first door body is opened. A second door body that is openable and closable for shutting off the storage chamber in the cooling chamber and the outside air is formed inside the first door body in the cooling chamber of the refrigerator, and the door driving means is the first door body or It is designed to open and close the second door. Then, the reciprocating driving means moves the storage box in and out in a substantially horizontal direction after the door driving means is driven to open. Further, the first start switch is adapted to drive the reciprocating drive means, and the second start switch formed on at least one of the outside of the refrigerator and the inside of the cooling chamber of the refrigerator starts the door drive means. It has become. With the second door body formed of a transparent body, when the first door body is opened, the user can visually recognize the stored items in the storage chamber while keeping the second door body closed. After the door drive means is driven to open by the operation of the second start switch, the storage box can be automatically taken in and out substantially horizontally by the operation of the first start switch.

[Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG. 5. Reference numeral 1 is a refrigerator main body having the function of a normal refrigerator. The refrigerator body 1 includes a first door body 2 and a second door body 3.
And a cooling room 4 and a storage room 5. In this embodiment, a household one-door refrigerator will be described, but a two-door or more refrigerator / freezer may be used, and a commercial large-scale refrigerator / freezer may be used. Reference numeral 2 is a first door body, which is attached to the refrigerator body so as to be openable and closable. This first door 2
Is for cutting off the cooling chamber 4 from the outside air. Three
Is a second door body, which is formed of a transparent body, and is attached so as to be openable and closable in the cooling chamber 4. The second door body 3 is for shutting off the outside air from the storage chamber 5 in the cooling chamber 4 when the first door body 2 is opened. A cooling chamber 4 is formed in the refrigerator body 1 and cools air by a cooling device (not shown) including a compressor and the like. A storage room 5 stores food and drink such as vegetables, eggs and beer. The storage 5 is formed in the cooling chamber 4 and is partitioned by the second door body 3. Reference numeral 6 denotes a stored product, which is a food or drink such as vegetables or beer stored in the storage chamber 5 and refrigerated. Reference numeral 7 is a first door driving means for opening and closing the first door body 2. The door driving means 7 may have a normal electric structure or a mechanical one using hydraulic pressure or the like. Reference numeral 8 is a second door driving means for opening and closing the second door body 3. An infrared sensor 9 detects the approach of an object and recognizes that the user has arrived in front of the refrigerator main body 1 and opens the first door 2. Reference numeral 10 is an electric switch.
The door body 3 is opened. Here, the electric switch 10 and the infrared sensor 9 correspond to a second start switch. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the storage chamber is divided into a plurality of compartments, and storage boxes 11, 11, 11 ... Are provided in the storage boxes, and the reciprocating drive device 12, is provided in each of the storage boxes 11, 11, 11. 1
It is also possible to connect 2, ... The reciprocating drive devices 12, 12, ... May be ordinary electric devices or mechanical devices such as hydraulic cylinders and air cylinders. A controller 13 is provided at at least one of the desired position of the refrigerator body 1 and the desired position in the cooling chamber 4, and the storage box 11 desired by the user is automatically pulled out by the controller 13 as shown in FIG. It is possible. Here, the controller 13 corresponds to the first start switch.

Next, the operation of the present invention will be described. First, a storage item 6 such as vegetables and beer is stored in a storage chamber 5 in the refrigerator body 1 and cooled. Next, when the user takes out the stored item 6 in the refrigerating room 5, the infrared sensor 9 detects the user, and the first door driving means 7 causes the first door provided in the refrigerator body 1 to be detected. Body 2
Open. Then, the user searches through the second door 3 for the stored item 6 to be taken out from the storage 5. At this time, since the second door body 3 is still closed, the storage 5 in the cooling chamber 4
The cold air filled in is not released into the atmosphere. Furthermore, since the second door body 3 is formed of a transparent body, it is possible to easily find the desired food or drink in the storage chamber 5. If the storage box 11 containing the storage 6 to be taken out is found, the user turns on the electric switch.
10 is pushed to drive the second door driving means 8 to move the second door body 3
Open. Further, the user can operate the controller 13 to operate the reciprocating drive means 12 and pull out the storage box 11 in which the stored item 6 to be taken out is stored. As a result, the user can easily take out the target product from the refrigerator. Finally, the user operates the controller 13 to operate the reciprocating drive means 12 to return the storage box 11 to the original state, then closes the second door body 3, and further closes the first door body 2.

For this reason, the release of the cold air stored in the storage chamber 5 in the cooling chamber 4 can be stopped, and the opening and closing of the door body and the putting in and out of the storage box 11 are automated, so that old people and children who are weak can However, the stored item 6 can be easily taken out and the opening and closing time of the door is shortened, so that there is an excellent effect that the discharge of cold air can be minimized. Therefore, the operation of the compressor etc. can be minimized,
There is an effect that a power saving type electric refrigerator can be provided. Note that the present invention can be applied to a refrigerator having two or more doors, and can be applied to at least one refrigerating compartment 4.
In this specification, the refrigerator includes a freezer. Also, since the infrared sensor 9 is provided, the user simply stands in front of the refrigerator with luggage in his hand,
There is also an effect that the first door body 2 is automatically opened. Particularly in this case, since the second door body is provided in the cooling chamber 4, there is an excellent effect that the cold air in the cooling chamber 4 is not discharged even if the first door body 2 is opened for a long time. . It goes without saying that the door can be automatically closed when the user moves away. Further, in this embodiment, the infrared sensor 9 and the electric switch 10 are adopted as the second start switch, but any switch means capable of detecting the intention of the user is sufficient. Therefore, instead of the infrared sensor 9, a normal electric switch can be adopted.

Further, the refrigerator of the present embodiment can be equipped with the following accessory functions. A display device such as a light emitting diode or a lamp can be attached to an appropriate position of the refrigerator body. With this configuration, the refrigerator can be easily recognized even at night. It is especially desirable to equip the handle of the refrigerator. A foot switch may be used as the second start switch. In this case, there is an effect that the refrigerator door can be opened even when both hands cannot be released. Furthermore, it is also possible to generate a sound such as a chime when the door is opened. It is also possible to equip the cooling chamber 4 with a leather curtain. In addition, the refrigerator of this embodiment can be equipped with a clock, a telephone, a television, a radio, an intercom (a wireless type is preferable), a karaoke device, or the like. In particular, there is an effect that the interview time and the like can be easily known at a hospital or the like, and karaoke or the like can be arranged at a restaurant such as a tavern without taking up space. Since the refrigerator is often placed in the kitchen even in the home, even if the housewife cannot release his / her hands from the tempura dish etc., it is possible to answer the telephone or intercom safely and easily. Further, the refrigerator body 1 can be equipped with an electronic memo device using a blackboard or a liquid crystal display device. With this configuration, it is possible to write a message to family members who are away from home, notes of ingredients necessary for cooking, and the like. You can also attach a calculator, tape recorder, etc. to perform voice messages and numerical calculations. Also, a fire alarm, smoke detector, emergency bell, siren, etc. can be incorporated. In particular, the refrigerator is likely to be placed in the kitchen where it is most likely to catch fire, and has the effect that it can be easily installed without taking up space. In particular, it is desirable to incorporate a sensitivity adjusting device. This is because smoke such as grilled fish generated from the kitchen may cause a malfunction. It is also possible to install a sterilizing or sterilizing device such as an ultraviolet lamp in the refrigerator body 1 cooling chamber 4. By doing so, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the stored materials from spoiling. In particular, sensors for measuring freshness are provided in the storage boxes 11, ...
It is also possible to display a corruption warning and the like on the outside and inside the storage room 4. At this time, it is desirable to record and display the date when the stored items are stored in each of the storage boxes 11, 11, .... Further, by providing a dedicated cooling device or the like in each storage box 11, it is possible to rapidly cool only the required storage box 11.
Then, an emergency power source can be easily provided in the refrigerator body 1, and a compressor or the like can be operated even in the case of a power failure,
You can also turn on the emergency lamp. In particular, even in the event of a disaster such as a large earthquake, it is possible to evacuate safely without hitting the refrigerator. Further, it is possible to provide an evacuation guidance light. Also, emergency drinking water can be stored in the cooling chamber 44. Then, a box may be provided in the storage chamber 5, and chemicals such as a burn preventive agent and a cut preventive agent, a toothbrush holder, etc. can be refrigerated and stored therein. In this case, it is possible to quickly deal with burns of the tempura oil in the kitchen. Further, electric appliances such as juicers and mixers can be attached to this embodiment. In addition, a light-emitting accessory or the like can be attached to a desired position of the refrigerator body. When the other room can be seen from the kitchen, a hidden camera such as a video camera can be equipped to monitor thieves. In addition to the camera, an infrared sensor can be used. It is also possible to equip a Fukin dryer with hot air and ultraviolet rays, and a device for automatically attaching a packaging sheet made of synthetic resin. And the refrigerator body 1
A cutting board can be attached to the upper surface of the, and an automatic dishwasher or the like can be further provided. Then, an automatic can opener can be attached to move the cutter and the canned product relative to each other while pressing them.

The modified example configured as described above has an effect that an extremely multifunctional refrigerator can be provided.

"Effect" The present invention configured as described above, in a refrigerator having a door body and provided with a storage box for storing stored items, separates the cooling chamber and the outside air of the refrigerator when the door is closed. A first door body that can be opened and closed for shutting off and a first door body of the cooling chamber of the refrigerator is formed, and shuts off the storage chamber and the outside air in the cooling chamber when the first door body is opened. 2nd that can be opened and closed freely
And a door drive means for opening and closing the first door body or the second door body, and after the door drive means is opened,
Reciprocating drive means for moving the storage box in and out in a substantially horizontal direction, a first start switch for activating the reciprocating drive means, and at least one of the outside of the refrigerator and the inside of the cooling chamber of the refrigerator. And a second activation switch for activating the door driving means, the second door body is formed of a transparent body, and when the first door body is opened, the user operates the second door switch. With the door closed, the stored material in the storage chamber can be visually recognized, and after the door drive means is opened by the second start switch, the first start switch is actuated. Since the storage box is configured to be taken in and out in a substantially horizontal direction, when the first door is opened, the user can visually check the stored items in the storage chamber with the second door closed. Can be recognized. Therefore, the cold air stored in the storage chamber is not released to the atmosphere, and the power consumption can be saved.

Further, according to the present invention, since the door drive means for opening and closing the first door body or the second door body and the reciprocating drive means for moving the storage box in and out in the substantially horizontal direction are provided, It is possible to automate opening and closing, and putting in and out of the storage box.
Therefore, even a weak elderly person or a child can easily take out the stored items in the storage box and the opening / closing time of the door can be shortened, so that there is an excellent effect that the discharge of cold air can be minimized. . Especially when a large amount of food and drink is refrigerated in the storage room, it takes a lot of power and time to pull out the storage box from the refrigerator. It is extremely effective for shortening the opening and closing time of the door.

It takes a relatively long time to search for a storage box in which foods and drinks to be taken out are stored, but it is possible to search for a storage box in which the target object is stored with the second door closed. Therefore, the temperature inside the storage chamber does not rise and the operation of the cooling device such as the compressor is minimized, so that there is an outstanding effect that an extremely power-saving refrigerator can be provided. Further, it is more effective for commercial use where the refrigerator door is frequently opened and closed, and there is also an effect that a shopper can enjoy comfortable shopping without directly hitting the cold air at a convenience store or the like.

Further, according to the present invention, since the storage box can be automatically moved in and out in the substantially horizontal direction by the operation of the first activation switch, even a physically handicapped person or an elderly person who is physically weak can easily use a heavy cabbage or radish. It has the outstanding effect that food can be taken in and out of the refrigerator.

Also, when applied to commercial refrigerators installed in restaurants such as cafeterias and izakaya, the food items to be stored in each storage box are determined in advance, and the storage boxes corresponding to the necessary food items can be automatically pulled out. If so, there is an effect that cooking work can be performed extremely efficiently.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a conventional technique, FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the conventional technique, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a reciprocating drive means used in the present invention. It is a figure explaining and FIG. 5 is a figure which shows the electric constitution of this invention. 1 ... Refrigerator main body 2 ... First door body 3 ... Second door body 4 ... Cooling chamber 5 ... Storage room 6 ... Stored goods 7 ... First door driving means 8 ... Second Door drive means 9 …… Infrared sensor 10 …… Electric switch 11 …… Storage box 12 …… Reciprocating drive 13 …… Controller

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A first door, which has a door body and is provided with a storage box for storing stored items, and which can be opened and closed to shut off a cooling chamber of the refrigerator from outside air when closed. And a second door body that is formed inside the first door body of the cooling chamber of the refrigerator and that can open and close to shut off the storage chamber and the outside air in the cooling chamber when the first door body is opened. And the first
Door driving means for opening and closing the door body or the second door body,
After the door drive means is opened, the reciprocating drive means for moving the storage box in and out in a substantially horizontal direction, the first activation switch for activating the reciprocating drive means, the outside of the refrigerator and the refrigerator And a second start switch for starting the door driving means, the second door body being formed of a transparent body. When opening the door, the user can visually recognize the stored material in the storage chamber with the second door closed, and after the opening drive of the door driving means by the second start switch, A refrigerator characterized in that the storage box is moved in and out in a substantially horizontal direction by the operation of the first start switch.