REFRIGERATOR

A refrigerator includes a cabinet having a storage space; a door opening and closing the storage space and filled with an insulator therein; a cap decoration forming at least a portion of a circumferential surface of the door and having a recessed handle; and a door opening device provided on the door and operated by a user to open the door, in which the door opening device includes a case mounted on the cap decoration and forming a space independent of the insulator inside the door; and an operating member operably mounted inside the case, and a handle opening communicating with the case and the handle is formed in the cap decoration, and the operating member passes through the handle opening and extends into the handle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0172257, filed on Dec. 12, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows low-temperature storage of food in an internal storage space shielded by a door. To this end, the refrigerator is configured to cool the inside of the storage space using cool air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in the refrigerating cycle, thereby storing stored food in an optimal state.

Recently, refrigerators are gradually becoming larger and more multi-functional in accordance with the trend of changing dietary habits and upgrading products, and refrigerators equipped with various structures and convenience devices that enable users' convenience and efficient use of internal space are being released.

The storage space of the refrigerator may be opened and closed by a door. Refrigerators may be classified into various types according to the disposition of the storage space and the structure of a door that opens and closes the storage space.

Typically, the door of the refrigerator may have a structure that is opened and closed by rotation or sliding. In addition, the handle may protrude or be recessed to open the door.

In addition, when the door is large and heavy, when a negative pressure is generated due to low temperature inside the refrigerator, because of magnetic force of the door gasket, or the like, a lot of force may be required to open the door, which may cause inconvenience to the user.

In order to solve such a problem, a device that facilitates a user's door opening has been developed.

SUMMARY

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator in which a door opening device is disposed inside a handle of a recessed door to improve outer appearance.

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator in which a door can be easily opened when a recessed handle is operated to open the door.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of reinforcing strength while maintaining the outer appearance of an operating member of a door opening device.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet having a storage space; a door opening and closing the storage space and filled with an insulator therein; a cap decoration forming at least a portion of a circumferential surface of the door and having a recessed handle; and a door opening device provided on the door and operated by a user to open the door, in which the door opening device may include a case mounted on the cap decoration and forming a space independent of the insulator inside the door; and an operating member operably mounted inside the case, and in which a handle opening communicating with the case and the handle may be formed in the cap decoration, and the operating member may pass through the handle opening and extend into the handle.

The operating member may be shielded from the front by a door plate forming a front surface of the door.

The operating member may be located in the front with respect to the center of the handle.

The operating member may be mounted to be operated in a direction closer to the front surface of the door.

The handle opening may be opened toward the front and bottom surfaces of the door.

The operating member may be formed in a corresponding shape to shield the opening of the handle.

The operating member may be rotatably mounted to the case, and when the operating member rotates, the operating member may be inserted into the opening of the handle.

The door opening device may further include a push member that selectively protrudes to the rear of the door and pushes the front surface of the cabinet; an elastic member elastically supporting the push member; and a link in contact with the operating member and the push member to operate the push member when the operating member operates, and the operating member, the elastic member, the link and the push member may be mounted inside the case.

The operating member and the link may be rotatably mounted to the case, and a rotation shaft of the operating member and a rotation shaft of the link may be disposed side by side with each other.

The rear surface of the operating member may be exposed to the inside of the handle, and a supporter may be coupled to a front surface of the operating member, which is formed of a material having higher strength than the operating member and reinforces the strength of the operating member.

The supporter may include a supporter body supporting a front surface of the operating member; and a supporter rotation shaft protruding from the supporter body to be shaft-coupled to the case and serves as a rotational shaft of the operating member.

The supporter may include a supporter extension that extends further forward than the supporter rotation shaft to contact the link and rotates the link when the operating member rotates.

A plurality of reinforcing ribs may be formed on the supporter body, and the reinforcing ribs may be formed to cross each other.

The supporter may be formed in a metal rod shape and extend in the longitudinal direction of the operating member from one end to the other end of the operating member.

The supporter may be formed in a metal plate shape corresponding to the front surface of the operating member and support the front surface of the operating member.

The door opening device may include a push member selectively protruding to the rear of the door and contacts the cabinet; an elastic member elastically supporting the push member; a first link shaft-coupled to the case and moving the push member by rotation in a front and rear direction; and a second link formed of a different material from the operating member, coupled to the operating member, and serving as a rotation shaft of the operating member; and the second link may be in contact with the first link to transfer the rotational force of the operating member to the first link.

A supporter formed of a metal material to reinforce the strength of the operating member may be coupled to the operating member, and the supporter may include a first support portion for supporting a front surface of the operating member; and a second support portion bent at a lower end of the first support portion and supporting a lower surface of the second link.

A recessed forming portion may be formed in the supporter, and the forming portion may extend in an extension direction of the first support portion and the second support portion.

The refrigerator may further include a rail connecting the cabinet and the door to allow the door to be drawn in and out, in which the door may be a drawer-type door that is drawn out forward.

The refrigerator may further include a hinge device connecting the cabinet and the door to rotate the door, in which the door may be a rotary door.

In the refrigerator according to the proposed embodiment, the following effects can be expected.

The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is equipped with a door opening device, so that the door can be easily opened and the door opening device is not exposed, so that the outer appearance thereof can be improved.

In particular, since the operating member operated by the user is disposed inside the recessed handle, the door opening device including the operating member is not exposed when viewed from the front, thereby further improving the outer appearance thereof.

In addition, the operating member is disposed forward with respect to the center of the handle, so that when a user grasps the handle to open the door, the user can naturally operate the handle, thereby improving convenience of use.

Further, since the operating member rotates toward the front surface of the door and operates, the door can be easily opened with only one motion of holding and pulling the handle by the user, thereby further improving convenience of use.

In addition, the operating member that comes in contact with the user's hand may be formed of a material with excellent texture and may be formed of a material having a surface property that can harmonize with the inner surface of the handle, thereby improving the outer appearance and usability.

In addition, the operating member is provided with a supporter for reinforcing strength, so that durability can be guaranteed without being damaged or deformed while using the operating member with improved outer appearance and usability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with drawings. However, the present disclosure cannot be said to be limited to the embodiments in which the spirit of the present disclosure is presented, and other degenerative disclosures or other embodiments included in the scope of the present disclosure can be easily suggested by adding, changing, or deleting other components.

Define direction before description. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction toward the door may be defined as a front direction based on the cabinet illustrated inFIG.1, the direction toward the cabinet may be defined as a rear direction based on the door, the direction toward the floor where the refrigerator is installed may be defined as a lower direction, and the direction away from the floor may be defined as a upper direction.

FIG.1is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure,FIG.2is a perspective view illustrating a state where a door of the refrigerator is opened andFIG.3is an enlarged view illustrating the upper portion of the door.

As illustrated, the refrigerator1according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet10forming a storage space and a door20opening and closing the storage space.

The storage space of the cabinet10may be partitioned vertically by barriers11, and a refrigerating chamber12may be formed at the upper portion and a freezing chamber13may be formed at the lower portion. In addition, the door20may include a refrigerating chamber door21opening and closing the refrigerating chamber12and a freezing chamber door22opening and closing the freezing chamber13.

The refrigerating chamber door21may be mounted to the cabinet10by a hinge device201such that a pair of doors are rotatable on both left and right sides. In addition, the refrigerating chamber door21may open and close the refrigerating chamber12by rotation. Accordingly, the refrigerating chamber door21may be referred to as a rotary door. In addition, a handle may be provided on the lower surface of the refrigerating chamber door21so that the user can rotate the door20by inserting his/her hand.

The freezing chamber door22may be mounted to the cabinet10to be slidably drawn in and out. In addition, the freezing chamber13can be opened and closed by being drawn in and out of the freezing chamber door22. In addition, the freezing chamber door22includes a basket282on the rear side of the door and may be configured in the form of a drawer. Accordingly, the freezing chamber door22may be referred to as a drawer type door20. In addition, a handle250into which a hand of a user can be inserted and draw in and out the freezing chamber door22may be provided on an upper surface of the freezing chamber door22.

In the embodiment of the present disclosure, a bottom freeze type refrigerator in which the freezing chamber13is provided below is described as an example, but the present disclosure can be applied to all types of doors in which the handle250is recessed. In addition, the door opening device30is disposed on the handle250to facilitate the opening operation of the freezing chamber door22. In this embodiment, the case where the door opening device30is applied to the freezing chamber door22or the drawer type door will be described as an example. Of course, the door opening device30may be provided on the refrigerating chamber door21or the rotary door.

The handle250may be recessed on an upper surface of the freezing chamber door22. In addition, an operating member31that can be operated by a user may be disposed on the recessed inner surface of the handle250. The operating member31is disposed on the recessed inner surface of the handle250and may be disposed forward from the center of the handle250. Accordingly, when the user grasps the handle250to open the freezing chamber door22, the operating member31may be naturally operated. In addition, the operating member31is disposed inside the handle250and is not exposed to the outside when the refrigerator1is viewed from the front.

In addition, when the operating member31is operated, the push member34protrudes from the rear surface of the freezing chamber door22to push the cabinet10or the barrier11to open the freezing chamber door22. In addition, the remaining portions of the door opening device30except for portions of the operating member31and the push member34are disposed inside the freezing chamber door22and are not exposed.

Hereinafter, a structure in which the door opening device30is provided in the freezing chamber door22will be described as an example.

FIG.4is an exploded perspective view illustrating the door,FIG.5is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure between the cap decoration of the door and the door opening device, andFIG.6is a perspective view illustrating the lower surface of the cap decoration.

As illustrated, the freezing chamber door22may include a door plate23forming a front surface, a door liner24forming a rear surface, and cap decorations25and26forming upper and lower surfaces. An insulator29may be filled inside the freezing chamber door22where the door plate23, the door liner24, and the cap decorations25and26are coupled.

The door plate23may form the front and both side surfaces of the freezing chamber door22. For example, the door plate23may be formed of a metal material. In addition, the door liner24may be formed of a plastic material and may be molded to form the shape of the rear surface of the door20. In addition, a liner recessed portion241may be formed in the door liner24to provide a disposition space for the door opening device30. The liner recessed portion241is recessed at a position corresponding to that of the door opening device30to maintain a constant distance from the door opening device30. Accordingly, the disposition thickness of the insulator29can be secured even at the position where the door opening device30is mounted.

A gasket27may be provided along the rear circumference of the door liner24. The gasket27may contact the front surface of the cabinet10when the door is closed to make the freezing chamber13airtight.

In addition, door frames28may be formed on both left and right sides of the door liner24. The door frame28may extend rearward, and the door basket282may be seated therein. In addition, a rail281is provided on the door frame28so that the freezing chamber door22can be slid in and out.

The cap decorations25and26may include an upper cap decoration25forming the upper surface of the freezing chamber door22and a lower cap decoration26forming the lower surface of the freezing chamber door22. In addition, the handle250may be formed on the upper cap decoration25. In addition, a door opening device30may be provided at the center of the upper cap decoration25in the left and right directions.

The upper cap decoration25includes a decoration upper surface251forming an upper surface, and a handle portion252forming the handle250may be recessed in the decoration top surface251. In addition, the handle portion252may extend along the left and right longitudinal directions of the upper cap decoration25.

The handle portion252may be recessed downward from the decoration upper surface251to form the inner surface of the handle250. In addition, the handle portion252is disposed close to the front surface of the freezing chamber door22in the front and rear direction, so that the user can put his or her hand into the handle250and grasp the handle together with the front surface of the freezer door22.

A handle opening253in which the operating member31is positioned may be formed in the handle portion252. The handle opening253may be formed over the lower surface and the front surface of the handle portion252. That is, the handle opening253is formed to pass through the upper cap decoration25and may be opened to communicate with the handle250. In addition, at least a portion of the operating member31may pass through the handle250and extend into the recessed handle250. Therefore, the operating member31can be moved by a user's operation inside the handle250. A guide protrusion252aprotruding along the circumference of the handle opening253may be formed inside the handle250. The guide protrusion252amay contact a lower protrusion311bformed on the operating member31.

Guide ribs258and259guiding the case37of the door opening device30may protrude downward from the decoration upper surface251and the handle portion252. The guide ribs258and259are formed to support the circumference of the case37so that the case37can be mounted in an accurate position on the upper cap decoration25. The handle opening253may be formed in inner regions of the guide ribs258and259.

A case mounting portion254to which the case37is mounted may be formed on the upper cap decoration25. In addition, the handle opening253may be opened on a lower surface of the case mounting portion254. In addition, when the case37is coupled to the case mounting portion254, the operating member31may pass through the handle opening253and be positioned inside the handle250.

Mounting protrusions254aprotruding inward may be formed on left and right side surfaces of the case mounting portion254. Mounting grooves374inserted into the mounting protrusions254amay be formed on both side surfaces of the case37.

Meanwhile, a decoration edge255extending downward along the circumference of the decoration upper surface251may be included. In addition, an edge opening256through which the push member34passes may be formed at one side of a rear surface of the decoration edge255.

In addition, insertion portions257may be formed on both left and right sides of the edge opening256. The insertion portion257is formed so that the front end of the case37can be inserted. In a state where the front end of the case37is inserted into the insertion portion257, the push member34may be aligned inside the edge opening256.

To mount the case37, in a state where the front end of the case37is first inserted into the insertion portion257, the front end of the case37is rotated about an axis so that the mounting protrusion254aand the mounting groove374can be coupled with each other. In this state, the door opening device30can be firmly fixed to the upper cap decoration25.

FIG.7is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the door opening device is disassembled viewed from the front,FIG.8is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the door opening device is disassembled viewed from the rear, andFIG.9is a cutaway perspective view taken along line9-9ofFIG.3.

As illustrated, the door opening device30may include the operating member31and the case37. In addition, the door opening device30may further include a link33and a push member34.

The operating member31is a portion operated by a user and may be exposed to the inside of the handle250. The operating member31may be formed of a plastic material that can have a sense of unity with the upper cap decoration25. In addition, the operating member31can provide excellent texture and color.

The operating member31may include an operating portion311that extends in left and right directions and is shaped like a plate operated by a user. The operating portion311may have a size corresponding to that of the handle opening253.

In addition, the rear surface of the operating portion311may be in contact with the user's hand. In addition, an upper protrusion311aprotruding rearward may be formed at an upper end of the operating portion311. The upper protrusion311amay extend to both left and right ends of the operating portion311. The upper protrusion311aprotrudes so that the user's finger can be hooked thereon, so that the operation of the operating member31can be further facilitated.

A lower protrusion311bprotruding rearward may be provided at a lower portion of the operating portion311. The lower protrusion311bmay extend to both left and right ends of the operating portion311. In addition, the lower end of the operating portion311may extend downward more than the lower protrusion311b. The lower protrusion311bmay shield a portion of the handle opening253from above. In addition, when the operating member31returns after being operated, the operating member may contact the guide protrusion252aand maintain a stopped state at a set position.

In addition, an inclined portion311cfacing forward may be formed at an upper end of the front surface of the operating portion311as it extends downward. Even when the operating member31rotates, the upper end of the operating member31does not interfere with the case37or the upper cap decoration25due to the shape of the inclined portion311c.

An operating member coupling portion314protruding downward may be included at the lower center of the operating portion311. A boss315protruding rearward may be formed at the operating member coupling portion314, and a screw326penetrating the supporter32to be described below may be fastened.

An operating portion edge312may protrude forward from the circumference of the operating portion311. The operating portion edge312forms a circumferential surface of the operating member31and may form a supporter accommodation portion310in which the supporter32is mounted. In addition, a restraining protrusion313for restraining the supporter32may be further formed on the operating portion edge312.

The supporter32may be provided in front of the operating member31. The supporter32may be coupled to the front surface of the operating member31. The supporter32may be accommodated inside the supporter accommodation portion310and may be coupled to the operating member31by a screw326. The supporter32may be configured to withstand a load applied when the operating member31is operated.

Accordingly, the supporter32may be formed of a material having higher strength than the operating member31. For example, the supporter32may be formed of an engineering plastic material. As another example, the supporter32may be formed of a metal material.

The supporter32may include a supporter body321coupled to the operating member31and a supporter extension322extending from the supporter body321to operate the link33.

The supporter body321is formed in a shape corresponding to the supporter accommodation portion310and can be accommodated in the supporter accommodation portion310. In addition, the supporter body321may be constrained within the supporter accommodation portion310by the restraining protrusion313. In addition, a supporter protrusion321ahaving a shape corresponding to the upper protrusion311amay be formed at an upper end of the supporter body321. Accordingly, the rear surface of the supporter body321including the supporter protrusion321amay be completely in close contact with the operating portion311. In addition, the supporter32can stably support the operating member31and reinforce strength when the operating member31is operated.

In addition, an inclined portion321cfacing forward may be formed at an upper end of the front surface of the supporter body321as it extends downward. Due to the shape of the inclined portion321c, the upper end of the supporter32does not interfere with the case37or the upper cap decoration25when the operating member31rotates.

A supporter reinforcement portion323may be formed on the front surface of the supporter body321. The supporter reinforcement portion323may be composed of a plurality of ribs and may be formed in a lattice shape. In addition, the rib spacing of the central portion of the supporter body321on which the supporter extension322is formed to be more dense than the rib spacing on both left and right ends, so that the strength of the supporter32and the supporter extension322can be further reinforced.

A screw hole327into which a screw326is fastened may be formed at a lower center of the supporter body321. The screw326may pass through the screw hole327and be fastened to the boss315. The operating member31and the supporter32may be integrally coupled by fastening the screw326.

The supporter extension322may extend backward from the lower end of the supporter body321. The supporter extension322may be extended to rotate in contact with the link33. A supporter contact portion322acontacting the link33may be formed at an extended end portion of the supporter extension portion322. The supporter contact portion322amay be formed to be round. In addition, a plurality of support ribs324connecting the supporter extension322and the supporter body321may be formed.

Supporter rotation shafts325may be formed on both left and right sides of the supporter extension322. The supporter rotation shaft325may protrude to be axially coupled to the inner surface of the case37. In this case, the supporter rotation shaft325may be positioned more rearward than the supporter body321. The supporter rotation shaft325may be formed between the supporter body321and the rear end of the supporter extension322. Therefore, the supporter rotation shaft325may be a rotational axis of the operating member31when the operating member31is operated, and the end portion of the supporter extension322rotates the link33by rotation thereof. The supporter rotation shaft325may be referred to as a first rotation shaft.

The link33may be provided behind the supporter32. The link33allows the push member34to interlock when the operating member31is operated and can be rotatably mounted on the case37. The link33may be referred to as a rotating member.

In detail, the link33may include a first part331, a second part332, and a link rotation shaft334. The first part331may extend forward from the link rotation shaft334. That is, the first part331may extend toward the operating member31and may extend to a position contacted when the supporter extension322rotates.

The second part332may extend upward from the link rotation shaft334. That is, the second part332may extend toward the push member34. The second part332may contact the rear end of the push member34, and when the link33rotates, the second part332may push the rear end of the push member34.

Force operated by the operating member31may be transmitted to the push member34through the link33. Therefore, a plurality of link ribs333may be formed in the link33to reinforce the strength of the link33. The link rib333may extend across the first part331and the second part332. In addition, a plurality of link ribs333may be spaced apart from each other along the extension direction of the link rotation shaft334.

A shock absorbing member336may be mounted on the second part332. The shock absorbing member336may be formed of an elastic material such as rubber or silicon. The shock absorbing member336may protrude forward of the link33, and may come into contact with one side of the upper cap decoration25according to the rotation of the link33. For example, in a state where the operating member31is not operated, the shock absorbing member336may come into contact with the handle portion252. When the link33returns after being rotated, the shock absorbing member336comes into contact with the handle252to relieve the impact and the link33does not rotate further. A shock absorbing member mounting portion335into which a separately molded shock absorbing member336is inserted and mounted may be formed in the second part332.

The link rotation shaft334may protrude from both left and right sides of the link33. The link rotation shaft334may be formed at a position adjacent to the rear end of the first part331and the lower end of the second part332. The link rotation shaft334may be coupled to an inner surface of the case37and may cause the link33to rotate within the case37. The link rotation shaft334may be referred to as a second rotation shaft.

The push member34may be mounted to slide in the case37in the front and rear direction. In addition, a portion of the push member34is provided inside the case37, and the other portion thereof can protrude backward through the case37and the upper cap decoration25. Further, the push member34may include a plate-shaped sliding portion341and a pressing portion342extending downward from the front end of the sliding portion341.

The sliding portion341may be located inside the case37and the upper cap decoration25. The front end of the sliding portion341may pass through the frame opening256and be exposed to the outside of the upper cap decoration25. In this case, the front end of the sliding portion341may be thicker than the rest of the sliding portion341. In addition, the front end of the sliding portion341may push the front surface of the cabinet10or the barrier11to open the freezing chamber door22.

In addition, a slider opening343may be formed on an upper surface of the sliding portion341. The inner shape of the pressing portion342can be easily injection molded by the slider opening343.

The pressing portion342is formed at the front end of the sliding portion341and may extend to a position in contact with the link33. An inclined surface342amay be formed at a lower end of the pressing portion342.

An elastic member mounting portion345protruding backward may be formed on a rear surface of the pressing portion342. One end of the elastic member346may be fixedly mounted to the elastic member mounting portion345. The other end of the elastic member346is supported on one surface of the case37so that an elastic force may be provided to the push member34in the draw-in direction.

The case37may form the outer appearance of the door opening device30. The case37may form a space in which the insulator29inside the freezing chamber door22does not penetrate while being mounted on the freezing chamber door22. In addition, the operating member31, the link33, and the push member34may be operably mounted in a space inside the case37.

The upper surface of the case37may be coupled to the upper cap decoration25, and the front and rear ends of the case37may be coupled to the door plate31and the door liner24, respectively. The case37may be disposed in the center of the upper surface of the upper cap decoration25, and may be disposed in an area at least partially overlapping with the handle250.

For example, the case37may be composed of a first case35and a second case36forming both left and right sides. A case rib351and a case protrusion352may be formed in the first case35. The case rib351may protrude along the end portion of the first case35facing the end portion of the second case36. The case protrusion352may be formed in a hook shape and protrude from an end portion of the first case35toward the second case36. A plurality of case protrusions352may be formed along the end portion of the first case35.

A case groove361into which the case rib351is inserted may be formed in the second case36. In addition, a case restraining portion362for engaging and restraining the case protrusion352may be formed in the second case36. The first case35and the second case36are coupled to each other by the coupling of the case rib351and the case groove361and the coupling of the case protrusion352and the case restraining portion362and forms the shape of the case37.

In addition, the first case35and the second case36may be formed in a shape symmetrical to each other as a whole. Further, spaces371,372, and373in which the operating member31, the link33, and the push member34are mounted may be formed by coupling the first case35and the second case36.

In detail, an operating member accommodation space371in which the operating member31and the supporter32are mounted in a coupled state may be formed in the case37. Lower portions of the operating member31and the supporter32may be inserted into the operating member accommodation space371. In addition, the remaining portion of the operating member31may be exposed to the inside of the handle250through the handle opening253.

In addition, a link accommodation space372in which the link33is accommodated may be formed in the case37. A portion of the supporter32and a portion of the push member34may also be accommodated in the link accommodation space372.

In the link accommodation space372, first shaft coupling portions353and363to which the support rotation shaft325is rotatably coupled and second shaft coupling portions354and364to which the link rotation shaft334is rotatably coupled can be formed. The first shaft coupling portions353and363and the second shaft coupling portions354and364may be respectively formed on the first case35and the second case36. Therefore, when the first case35and the second case36are coupled, the operating member31and the link33can be coupled in a rotatable state.

Meanwhile, the operating member accommodation space371and the link accommodation space372are opened upward and may be shielded by the upper cap decoration25. In addition, the operating member accommodation space371may communicate with the handle opening253, and a portion of the operating member31mounted in the operating member accommodation space371may be partially exposed through the handle opening253.

A push member accommodation space373in which the push member34is accommodated may be formed in the case37. The push member accommodation space373may open toward the upper and rear surfaces of the case37. In addition, the push member34may be moved in the front and rear direction while being accommodated in the push member accommodation space373. In addition, the push member accommodation space373may be stepped, the sliding portion341is disposed above the push member accommodation space373, and the pressing portion342may be disposed at the stepped front end of push member accommodation space373.

The push member accommodation space373may be opened upward and may be shielded by the upper cap decoration25. In addition, the push member accommodation space373may open rearward and communicate with the edge opening256. Accordingly, the rear end of the push member34may protrude backward through the push member accommodation space373and the edge opening256.

An accommodation part protrusion365protruding forward may be formed at the front end of the push member accommodation space373. The accommodation portion protrusion365is inserted into the front surface of the elastic member346and can restrain the front end of the elastic member346.

The operating member accommodation space371, the link accommodation space372, and the push member accommodation space373may communicate with each other.

Hereinafter, the operation of the door opening device30having the above structure will be described in more detail with reference to drawings.

FIG.10is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state before operation of the door opening device, andFIG.11is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operating state of the door opening device.

As illustrated, the door opening device30maintains the state illustrated inFIG.10when the freezing chamber door22is closed.

In detail, before operating the door opening device30, a portion of the operating member31is positioned within the handle250. In addition, the lower protrusion311bof the operating member31maintains a state in contact with the guide protrusion252aof the handle portion252, and the upper end of the operating member31may be in a state of most protruding toward the inside of the handle250.

At this time, when the user puts his/her hand into the handle250, the operating member31can naturally come into contact with the user's hand. In addition, the upper end of the operating member31may maintain the most spaced state from the front surface of the upper cap decoration25, that is, the front surface of the freezing chamber door22. In addition, the operating member31may maintain a state parallel to the front surface of the freezing chamber door22or a state perpendicular to the upper surface of the freezing chamber door22.

The supporter32maintains a state of being in contact with the link33. At this time, the supporter extension322may be in a state of being in simple contact with the first part331, that is, a state of not pressing for rotation of the link33. For example, the front end of the supporter extension322may come into contact with the lower surface of the first part331. In addition, the shock absorbing member336may come into contact with the handle portion252.

In addition, the upper end of the link33maintains a contact state with the push member34. For example, an upper end of the rear surface of the second part332may come into contact with the front surface of the pressing portion342. In addition, the first part331may maintain a state parallel to the front surface of the door20and/or a state perpendicular to the upper surface of the freezing chamber door22. In addition, the first part331may be parallel to the operating member31.

Meanwhile, the push member34may be moved most forward by the elastic force provided by the elastic member346. In addition, the pressing portion342and the second part332may maintain a contact state, and the first part331and the supporter extension322may maintain a contact state.

Further, the protruding length H1of the push member34from the rear surface of the upper cap decoration25to the rear end of the push member34may correspond to the thickness of the gasket27. Accordingly, the rear end of the push member34may come into contact with the front surface of the cabinet10or the front surface of the barrier11before the operating member31is operated.

In this state, as soon as the operating member31is operated, the push member34moves backward and pushes the front surface of the cabinet10or the barrier11to assist in opening the freezing chamber door22.

In a state where the freezing chamber door22is closed, the user may open the freezing chamber door22by holding and pulling the handle250. In this case, the operating member31may be disposed at an eccentric position toward the front surface of the freezing chamber door22based on the center of the handle250. In addition, the operating member31may be disposed on the front surface of the inner surface of the handle250.

Therefore, when the user puts his/her hand into the handle250and pulls the handle, the user can naturally operate the operating member31inside. That is, the operation of the door opening device30and the operation of drawing the freezing chamber door22out can be performed at one time only by holding and pulling the handle250without additional operation.

In detail, when a user puts his/her hand into the handle250to open the freezing chamber door22and grasps the front upper end of the freezing chamber door22, the user's hand naturally comes into contact with the operating member31. In addition, the operating member31is located on the front surface of the inner surface of the handle250, and the operating member31can be pressed while pulling the freezing chamber door22.

As illustrated inFIG.11, when the operating member31is pressed, the operating member31is rotated clockwise with respect to the supporter rotation shaft325. At this time, the front surface of the operating member31moves toward the front surface of the freezing chamber door22. The operating member31can be sufficiently rotated by the inclined surface321cof the supporter32, and the operating member31comes close to the front surface of the freezing chamber door22.

In a state where the operating member31is fully rotated in a clockwise direction, the rear surface of the operating member31may be accommodated inside the handle opening253. In addition, the lower protrusion311bmay be spaced apart from the guide protrusion252a. When the operating member31is operated, the operating member31may cross the front surface of the door20.

Meanwhile, when the operating member31rotates clockwise, the front end of the supporter extension322pushes the first part331upward, and the link33is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the link rotation shaft334.

By the rotation of the link33, the upper end of the second part332presses the pressing portion342of the push member34from the front to the rear. The rotation of the link33causes the push member34to move backward, and in this process, the elastic member346may be compressed. In addition, the rear end of the push member34pushes the front surface of the cabinet10or the front surface of the barrier11.

At this time, the protruding length H2of the push member34from the rear surface of the upper cap decoration25to the rear end of the push member34is greater than the protruding length H1ofFIG.10. For example, the protrusion length H2is longer than the thickness of the gasket27. Accordingly, the rear end of the push member34pushes the front surface of the cabinet10or the front surface of the barrier11so that the freezing chamber door22can be opened more easily.

In addition, when the user releases his/her hand from the operating member31in a state where the opening operation of the freezing chamber door22is completed, the push member34is moved forward by the elastic restoring force of the elastic member346, in this process, the link33rotates clockwise, and the operating member31moves counterclockwise to automatically return to the state before operation of the operating member31as illustrated inFIG.10.

Meanwhile, various other embodiments of the present disclosure may be possible in addition to the above-described embodiments. a second embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that the door opening device includes a first link and a second link, and the second link is integrally coupled to the operating member. In the second embodiment of the present disclosure, other components except for the structure of the operating member and the second link are the same as those of the previous embodiment, and the detailed description and illustration of the same components are omitted and the same symbols are used to denote the same components.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG.12is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the door opening device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is disassembled viewed from the front,FIG.13is an exploded perspective view illustrating a state where the door opening device is disassembled viewed from the rear, andFIG.14is a cutaway perspective view taken along line14-14ofFIG.3.

As illustrated, the door opening device30according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operating member41, a first link33, a second link42, a push member34, and a case37may be included. In addition, structures of the case37, the first link33, and the push member34may be the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

The operating member41may be exposed to the inside of the handle250through the handle opening253so that the user can press and operate the handle250by hand. The operating member41may include an operating portion411providing a surface pressed by the user. An upper protrusion411amay be formed at an upper end of the rear surface of the operating portion411, and a lower protrusion411bmay be formed at a lower end of the rear surface of the operating portion411.

In addition, an inclined portion411cfacing forward may be formed at an upper end of the front surface of the operating portion411as it extends downward. Due to the shape of the inclined portion411c, the upper end of the operating member41does not interfere with the case37or the upper cap decoration25when the operating member41rotates.

An operating portion edge412extending forward along the circumference of the operating portion411may be formed. In addition, a plurality of reinforcing ribs414may be formed on the front surface of the operating portion411.

An operating member coupling portion413extending downward may be formed at the lower center of the operating portion411. The operating member coupling portion413may be coupled to the second link42. For example, a boss413ato which a screw426is fastened may be formed in the operating member coupling portion413.

The second link42may be formed of a material having higher strength than the operating member41. The operating member41exposed through the handle opening253and in contact with the user's hand may be injection-molded with a plastic material having excellent outer appearance quality. On the other hand, the second link42is formed of a material having excellent strength and can withstand a load applied when the operating member41is operated.

The second link42may be integrally coupled with the operating member41and operated together with the operating member41. The second link42may include a third part421and a fourth part422and a second link rotation shaft424.

The third part421is a portion coupled to the operating member coupling portion413and may extend upward. A screw hole421athrough which the screw426passes may be formed in the third part421. The screw426may pass through the screw hole421aof the third part421and be fastened to the boss413a. Therefore, when the operating member41is operated, the operating member41is rotated about the second link rotation shaft424.

The fourth part422may extend rearward from a lower end of the third part421. The fourth part422may extend to a position in contact with the first link33. The front end of the fourth part422may have a rounded fourth part contact portion422aand may come into contact with the lower surface of the first part331of the first link33.

A plurality of link ribs423may be further formed between the third part421and the fourth part422. Strength of the third part421and the fourth part422may be reinforced by the link rib423.

In addition, the second link rotation shaft424may be located at the lower end of the third part421and the front end of the fourth part422. The second link rotation shaft424may be a rotation shaft of the second link42and the operating member41and may be coupled to the first shaft coupling portions353and363of the case37.

The first link33may be disposed in a state in contact with the second link42and may be rotated by the second link42. The first link33may include a first part331, a second part332, and a link rotation shaft334. In addition, a shock absorbing member mounting portion335to which the shock absorbing member336is mounted may be formed in the second part332. In addition, a link contact portion332amay be further formed at an upper end of the second part332. The link contact portion332amay be in contact with the push member34to slide the push member34.

The push member34may include a sliding portion341that moves in the front and rear direction, and a pressing portion342that is bent downward at the front end of the sliding portion341and contacts the first link33. A slider opening343may be formed in the sliding portion341, and an elastic member mounting portion345to which the elastic member346is mounted may be formed at a rear surface of the pressing portion342.

In addition, the case37may be composed of a first case35and a second case36. An operating member accommodation space371in which the operating member41is accommodated by the coupling of the first case35and the second case36, a link accommodation space372in which the first link33and the second link42are disposed, and a push member accommodation space373in which the push member34is accommodated may be formed.

In addition, the first case35and the second case36may have first shaft coupling portions353and363to which the second link rotation shaft424is coupled, and a second shaft coupling portions354and364to which the link rotation shaft334is coupled. In addition, a case rib351, a case groove361, a case protrusion352, and a case restraining portion362are formed in the first case35and the second case36, respectively, so that the first case35and the second case36may be coupled to each other.

Hereinafter, the operation of the door opening device30having the above structure will be described in more detail with reference to drawings.

FIG.15is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state before operation of the door opening device, andFIG.16is a cross-sectional view illustrating an operating state of the door opening device.

A state where the door opening device30is not operated is a state as illustrated inFIG.15. In a state before the door opening device30is operated, the operating member41protrudes into the handle250.

At least a portion of the operating member41protrudes to the inside of the handle250and may be spaced apart from the front surface of the upper cap decoration25or the front surface of the freezing chamber door22. Therefore, the operating member41maintains a rotationally operable state.

In a state prior to the operation of the operating member41, the operating member41may be disposed parallel to the front surface of the freezing chamber door22. In addition, the inner surface of the handle250may become narrower downward. Accordingly, an upper portion of the operating member41may protrude into the recessed space of the handle250.

In addition, the second link42coupled to the operating member41may be in contact with the first link33. That is, the fourth part422may be in a state of supporting the lower surface of the first part331.

In addition, the first link33may come into contact with the push member34. That is, the upper end of the second part332may come into contact with the pressing portion342. In addition, the push member34may be moved most forward by the elastic force of the elastic member346.

In addition, the protruding distance G1from the rear surface of the upper cap decoration25to the rear end of the push member34can be minimized. In this case, the protruding distance G1may be equal to or smaller than the thickness of the gasket27.

A user puts his/her hand into the handle250and pulls it to open the freezing chamber door22. At this time, the user's hand presses the operating member41. That is, the process of pulling the freezing chamber door22forward and the process of pressing the operating member41forward can be simultaneously performed as one operation.

When the operating member41is pressed, the operating member41, the first link33, the second link42, and the push member34may be in a state as illustrated inFIG.16.

In detail, when the operating member41is pressed, the operating member41rotates clockwise around the second link rotation shaft424as an axis. In addition, the fourth part422of the second link42presses the first part331of the first link33from bottom to top.

Accordingly, the first link33rotates counterclockwise, and the second part332of the first link33pushes the push member34backward. The push member34moves backward, and at this time, the elastic member346may be compressed.

In addition, the rear end of the push member34may further protrude rearward. A protruding distance G2from the rear surface of the upper cap decoration25to the rear end of the push member34increases and becomes longer than the thickness of the gasket27. Accordingly, the rear end of the push member34may push the front surface of the cabinet10or the front surface of the barrier11to open the freezing chamber door22.

Meanwhile, when the opening of the freezing chamber door22is completed, the user releases his/her hand from the handle250and the force applied to the operating member41may be removed. At the same time, the push member34is moved forward by the elastic restoring force of the elastic member346. As the push member34moves, the first link33rotates clockwise. In addition, the second link42is rotated counterclockwise by the first link33, and the operating member41is also rotated together. Finally, the door opening device30returns to the state illustrated inFIG.15.

Meanwhile, various other embodiments of the present disclosure may be possible in addition to the above-described embodiments. A third embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that a supporter having a different structure is provided to the operating member of the door opening device. In the third embodiment of the present disclosure, other components except for the operating member and the supporter are the same as those of the previous embodiment, and the detailed description and illustration of the same components are omitted and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components.

Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. A door opening device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure may include the operating member and the case. I addition, the door opening device may further include any one of a link, a push member, and an elastic member. Since these configurations are the same as those of the foregoing embodiment except for some structures of the operating member, detailed descriptions except for the operating member will be omitted.

FIG.17is a perspective view illustrating the operating member of the door opening device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the front.

As illustrated, the operating member41constituting the door opening device30according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operating portion411providing a surface for a user to operate. The operating portion411may be exposed through the handle opening253and may shield the handle opening253. In addition, an upper protrusion411aand a lower protrusion411bmay be respectively formed on the rear surface of the operating portion411.

An operating portion edge412protruding forward along the circumference of the operating portion411may be formed. In addition, a plurality of reinforcing ribs414may be disposed on the front surface of the operating portion.

In addition, a supporter415may be provided on the operating portion411. The supporter415may be provided on the front surface of the operating portion411. The supporter415is to reinforce the strength of the operating portion411and may be formed in a bar shape crossing the operating portion411. For example, the supporter415may be formed of a metal material. In addition, the supporter415may be formed in a round bar shape.

The supporter415may have a length corresponding to the horizontal length of the operating portion411. Both left and right ends of the supporter415may be fixed to both ends of the operating portion411. In detail, both ends of the supporter415may be fixed to the operating portion edge412. A supporter fixing portion412ainto which an end portion of the supporter415is inserted may be recessed in the operating portion edge412.

Meanwhile, a recessed supporter groove414amay be formed in a portion of the reinforcing rib414through which the supporter415passes. An outer surface of the supporter415may be supported by the supporter groove414a. Accordingly, the supporter415can be stably fixed by the operating portion edge412and the reinforcing rib414.

In addition, a plurality of supporters415may be provided and may be spaced apart in the vertical direction.

Meanwhile, the operating member coupling portion413may be formed extending downward at the lower end of the operating unit411. In addition, the second link42may be mounted on the operating member coupling portion413. The second link42may be coupled to the operating member coupling portion413by a screw426.

The second link42may include a third part421, a fourth part422, and a second link rotation shaft424. Therefore, in a state where the second link42is coupled to the operating member41, the second link42can be rotated together with the operating member41, and the second link rotation shaft424may be a rotation shaft of the operating member41.

When the operating member41is operated, the second link42is rotated together to rotate the first link33, and the rotation of the first link33pushes the push member34to be protrude backward and thus to facilitate opening of the freezing chamber door22.

Various other embodiments of the present disclosure may be possible in addition to the above-described embodiments. A fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that a supporter having a different structure is provided to the operating member of the door opening device. In the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, other components except for the operating member and the supporter are the same as those of the previous embodiment, and the detailed description and illustration of the same components are omitted and the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components.

FIG.18is a perspective view illustrating the operating member of the door opening device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the rear,FIG.19is a perspective view illustrating the operating member viewed from the front, andFIG.20is a cutaway perspective view taken along line20-20ofFIG.19.

As illustrated, the operating member31constituting the door opening device30according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure may include an operating portion311providing a surface for a user to operate. The operating portion311may be exposed through the handle opening253and may shield the handle opening253. In addition, an upper protrusion311aand a lower protrusion311bmay be respectively formed on the rear surface of the operating portion311.

In addition, along the circumference of the operating portion311, an operating portion edge312protruding forward may be formed. In addition, a supporter accommodation portion310accommodating a supporter43to be described below may be formed inside the operating portion edge312. In addition, a restraining protrusion313for restraining the supporter43accommodated in the supporter accommodation portion310may be formed on the operating portion edge312.

An operating member coupling portion314extending downward may be formed at the lower center of the operating portion311. The second link42may be mounted to the operating member coupling portion314. The second link42may be referred to as an operating member link. For example, the second link42may be coupled to the operating member coupling portion314by a screw427. By fastening the screw427, the second link42can be rotated together with the operating member31. If necessary, the second link42and the operating member31may be molded into a single structure.

The second link42may include a third part421, a fourth part422, and a second link rotation shaft424. The third part421extends upward and may be coupled to the operating member coupling portion314by a screw427. In addition, the fourth part422may extend rearward from the lower end of the third part421to contact the first link33.

In addition, a recessed portion425may be formed on a lower surface of the fourth part422, and a lower portion of the supporter43may be accommodated in the recessed portion425. Further, a fastening portion428to which a screw437for fixing the supporter43is fastened may be further formed on the fourth part422, a pair of fastening parts428may be formed, and a pair of screws437penetrating the supporter43may be respectively fastened. In addition, the fourth part contact portion422amay be formed at the front end of the fourth part422.

The second link rotation shaft424may protrude laterally from both side surfaces of the fourth part422. In a state where the second link42is coupled to the operating member41, the second link42can be rotated together with the operating member41, and the second link rotation shaft424may be a rotation shaft of the operating member41.

When the operating member41is operated, the second link42rotates together to rotate the first link33, and the rotation of the first link33causes the push member34to protrude backward to assist in opening the freezing chamber door22.

Meanwhile, the operating member31may be supported by the supporter43and strength may be reinforced. Further, the supporter43may further reinforce strength by further supporting the second link42. The supporter43may be formed to contact the front surface of the operating portion311and the lower surface of the second link42. The supporter43may be formed of a material having higher strength than the operating member31and the second link42. For example, the supporter43may be formed of a metal material.

The supporter43may include a first support portion431supporting the operating member31and a second support portion435supporting the second link42. The supporter43may be formed of a plate-shaped steel material having excellent strength and excellent formability. The supporter43may be formed by sheet metal. In addition, a forming portion436is formed in the supporter43to increase the strength of the plate-shaped supporter43. In addition, a supporter edge432bent forward along the circumference of the supporter43may be formed. The supporter edge432may be formed along at least a portion of the circumference of the supporter43, and the strength of the supporter43may be further increased.

In detail, the first support portion431may extend in a horizontal direction and may be disposed on the front surface of the operating portion311. The first support portion431may be formed in a size corresponding to that of the operating portion311and may be accommodated inside the supporter accommodation portion310. In addition, the first support portion431can stably support and reinforce the operating portion311by being in surface contact with the front surface of the operating portion311. The first support portion431may be attached to the first support portion431by an adhesive member. For example, the adhesive member may be double-sided tape.

In addition, a first forming portion436amay be formed in the first support portion431. The first forming portion436amay extend along the extension direction of the first support portion431and may protrude forward. The first forming portion436amay extend from the left side to the right side of the first support portion431.

The second support portion435may support the second link42from below. The second support portion435may protrude downward from the center of the first support portion431. In addition, the second support portion435may be integrally molded with the first support portion431.

The second support portion435may include an upper portion433and a support portion lower portion434. The upper portion433of the support portion extends downward from the center of the first support portion431and may come into contact with the operating member coupling portion314. Therefore, the upper portion433of the support portion can reinforce the strength of the portion of the operating member coupling portion314. That is, the supporter43can reinforce the strength of not only the operating portion311but also the control member coupling portion314where a load can be concentrated when the operating member31is operated.

In addition, the support portion lower portion434may be bent backward from the lower end of the support portion upper portion433and may support the second link42from below. The support portion lower portion434may come into contact with the lower surface of the fourth part422. The support portion lower portion434may have a size corresponding to that of the fourth part422. In addition, the support portion lower portion434may be accommodated inside the recessed portion425of the fourth part422and may come into close contact with the lower surface of the fourth part422. Accordingly, the support portion lower part434supports the second link42from below and reinforces the strength of the second link42.

A second forming portion436bextending along the center of the second support portion435may be formed in the second support portion435. The second forming portion436bmay be formed over the support portion upper portion433and the support portion lower portion434. Therefore, the overall strength of the second support portion435can be further reinforced.

Meanwhile, a pair of screws437may be fastened to the support portion lower portion434, and the screw437may pass through the support portion lower part434and be fastened to the fourth part422. The supporter43is firmly coupled to the second link42by fastening the screw437and may also be constrained to the operating member31.

Strength of both the operating member31and the second link42may be reinforced by the coupling of the supporter43. In addition, the supporter43having a single structure supports the operating member31and the second link42, thereby ensuring a firm coupling between the operating member31and the second link42.