Patent Description:
In general, refrigerators are home appliances that allow low-temperature storage of food in an internal storage space that is shielded by a door. To this end, the refrigerator is configured to store the stored food in an optimal state by cooling the interior of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating through a refrigeration cycle.

Recently, a refrigerator is gradually becoming larger and multifunctional in accordance with changes in dietary life and the trend of high-end products. Accordingly, refrigerators with various structures and convenience devices that enable users' convenience, energy efficiency or the like are being released.

Typically, there is a refrigerator in which a separate storage space is formed in a door of the refrigerator, and a home bar door capable of opening and closing the separate storage space is provided such that food can be stored in the storage space. A refrigerator of the specified kind is disclosed for example in <CIT>.

In addition, <CIT> discloses a structure in which a storage space is formed in a first door of a refrigerator, and a sub-door is provided to be rotatable to the first door to open and close the storage space, and the storage space has a size defining the entire upper portion of the first door, so that ends portion of the sub-door are positioned at the same positions as the left and right side ends and the upper end of the first door.

In addition, a structure is disclosed in which the first door and the sub-door are provided with a locking unit consisting of a latch hook and a latch cam so that the sub-door can be fixed in a closed state, and constraint of the locking unit is released by operation of an operation button provided on the sub-door to allow the door to be opened.

In the prior art, the operation button for opening the sub-door is exposed to the front of the sub-door, and thus the appearance of the front of the refrigerator door, which occupies most of the exterior of the refrigerator, is deteriorated.

In addition, since the operation button has a configuration in which the operation button is located at a position corresponding to the position of the locking unit for constraining the sub-door, the installable position of the operation button is also very limited, and the operation structure is also limited.

In addition, since the operation button is pressed in a direction opposite to which the door is opened, there is a problem in that there is inconvenience in use in operability.

<CIT> provides a refrigerator comprising a cabinet defining a first storage compartment in which a food is stored, a main door rotatably mounted on the cabinet to open or close the first storage compartment, an accommodation device that is accessible through an opening of the main door, the accommodation device defining a second storage compartment in a back surface of the main door, and a sub door opening or closing the opening, wherein the refrigerator further comprises a door opening assembly with which one side of a back surface of the sub door and one side of the main door are selectively restricted, the door opening assembly being configured to selectively restrict the sub door and the main door on a circumferential surface of the sub door.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator including an operation member for opening operation of a sub-door of the refrigerator.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator in which a latch member for releasing the constraint of a door and an operation member operated for the operation of the latch member are connected by a connection member, so that the latch member is disposed at a position where the door is easily fixed, and the operation member is disposed at another position that is easy to operate.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator including a protrusion formed in a connection member case in which the connection member is accommodated, to prevent the connection member from moving in other directions when the connection member is moved.

In order to solve the above problems, there is an advantage of providing a refrigerator capable of easily opening and closing the sub-door by providing a door opening/closing assembly inside the sub-door.

In addition, there is an advantage of providing a refrigerator that prevents the connection member from moving in the left-right direction when the connection member moves in the vertical direction by forming a protrusion protruding toward the connection member on the inner surface of the connecting member case.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a cabinet configured to define a storage space; a main door configured to open and close the storage space and having an opening; and a sub-door configured to open and close the opening by rotating in a same direction as the main door and including an outer case defining a front surface and a door liner defining a rear surface.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a refrigerator according to claim <NUM>.

The sub-door may include an operation unit to be operated by a user's operation; a latch unit protruding from a rear surface of the sub-door toward the main door to selectively constrain the main door; and a connection unit configured to connect between the operation unit and the latch unit such that the latch unit is operated according to operation of the operation unit.

Preferably, the main door may include a latch accommodating portion formed at a position corresponding to a position of the latch unit such that the latch unit is selectively held and constrained.

The operation unit may be mounted at a lower side of the sub-door to be operated by a user's operation.

The latch unit may be spaced apart upwardly from the operation unit and mounted to protrude from a rear surface of the sub-door toward the main door to selectively constrain the main door.

The connection unit may be configured to connect between the operation unit and the latch unit such that the latch unit is operated according to operation of the operation unit.

The connection unit may include a connection member configured to move in a first direction to operate the latch unit when the operation unit is operated and a connection member case forming a space in which the connection member is accommodated.

The connection member case may include one or more protrusions formed to protrude from an inner surface toward the connection member so as to prevent movement in a second direction crossing the first direction when the connection member moves in the first direction.

The connection member may have an upper end contacting the latch unit and a lower end contacting the operation unit.

The connection member case may be connected to the latch unit at a upper side thereof and/or may be connected to the operation unit at a lower side thereof.

There may be one or more protrusions formed to be in contact with the connection member.

The sub-door may further include a cap decor coupled to the outer case and the door liner to define an inner space, the inner space may be filled with foam insulating material, and the connection member case may be mounted in the inner space to prevent penetration of the insulating material.

The connection member case may form connection member accommodating portion by coupling the first and second connection member cases.

The first connection member case may include at least one rib formed to support the cap decor on a front surface of the first connection member case.

The connection unit may further include at least one elastic portion coupled to the connection member and protruding outward of the connection member so as to prevent movement of the connection member in the second direction inside the connection member accommodating portion.

An outer diameter of the elastic portion may be formed smaller than an inner diameter of the connection member accommodating portion.

The latch unit further may include a latch member mounted on the door liner and protruding in a direction of the main door by passing through a rear surface of the door liner.

The latch unit further may include a latch case configured to accommodate the latch member to prevent penetration of the insulating material.

The latch case may be integrally formed with the first connection member case.

The latch accommodating portion may be recessed from a front surface of the main door.

A holding portion may be provided that protrudes to be held and constrained in an end of the latch member and may be formed in the latch accommodating portion.

The latch member may have a constraining portion at a protruding end thereof.

The constraining portion may have a hook shape and/or being held and/or constrained in the holding portion.

The holding portion may be formed to protrude downward such that constraint by the holding portion is released when the latch member is moved by rotating upward while the holding portion is held and constrained in the holding portion.

The operation unit may include an operation member mounted to be rotatably movable in a vertical direction based on a rotational center axis from a lower side of the sub-door.

The connection member may include a bent portion at it slower end.

The bent portion may be provided such that a lower end of the bent portion is in contact with the operation member in a state in which the connection member is accommodated in the connection member accommodating portion.

The refrigerator may further include an elastic member coupled to a lower end of the connection member to provide an elastic force to the operation member.

The refrigerator may further include a support member disposed between the connection member and the operation member to allow a part of the connection member to be drawn in and out of the support member.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. In adding the reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the identical or equivalent component is designated by the identical numeral even when they are displayed on other drawings. Further, in describing the embodiment of the present disclosure, a detailed description of well-known features or functions will be ruled out in order not to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

In describing the components of the embodiment according to the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), (b), and the like may be used. These terms are merely intended to distinguish one component from another component, and the terms do not limit the nature, sequence or order of the constituent components. It should be noted that if it is described in the specification that one component is "connected," "coupled" or "joined" to another component, the former may be directly "connected," "coupled," and "joined" to the latter or "connected", "coupled", and "joined" to the latter via another component.

In addition, the general idea of the present disclosure cannot be limited to the presented embodiments, and other embodiments included within the scope of the present disclosure can be easily proposed by addition, change, deletion, or the like of another component.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a perspective view of a sub-door which is in an open state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> is a perspective view of a main door and a sub-door according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have an external shape formed by a cabinet <NUM> defining a storage space and a door opening and closing the storage space.

The interior of the cabinet <NUM> is divided to the left and right to form a freezing chamber <NUM> and a refrigerating chamber <NUM>, respectively. In addition, the door may include a freezing chamber door <NUM> and a refrigerating chamber door <NUM> that respectively shield the freezing chamber <NUM> and the refrigerating chamber <NUM>.

In addition, the refrigerating chamber door <NUM> may be provided with an accommodation device <NUM> that defines a separate storage space separated from the interior of the refrigerating chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, when the refrigerating chamber door <NUM> is closed, the interior of the refrigerating chamber <NUM> may be a first storage chamber, and the interior of the accommodation device <NUM> may be a second storage chamber <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the refrigerating chamber door <NUM> may include a main door <NUM> that opens and closes the first storage chamber and a sub-door <NUM> that opens and closes the second storage chamber <NUM>.

The upper end of the main door <NUM> is connected to the upper surface of the cabinet <NUM> by a door hinge <NUM>, and the main door <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the cabinet <NUM>. Further, although not shown in detail, a separate hinge (not shown) is also provided at the lower end of the main door <NUM> so that the main door <NUM> can be rotatably mounted. Accordingly, the refrigerating chamber <NUM> may be opened or closed according to the rotation of the main door <NUM>. That is, the user rotates the main door <NUM> to store food in the refrigerating chamber <NUM>.

In addition, an opening <NUM> is formed in the main door <NUM>. The opening <NUM> extends from a grip portion <NUM> serving as a handle to a position adjacent to the upper end of the main door <NUM>, and may extend to a position adjacent to both left and right side ends of the main door <NUM>. Further, the accommodation device <NUM> may be provided on a rear surface of the main door corresponding to the rear of the opening <NUM>. The accommodation device <NUM> may have a structure that is opened forward, and may be configured to enable access to the interior of the accommodation device <NUM> through the opening <NUM>.

Further, a sealer (not shown) that is in contact with the edges of the front surface of the cabinet <NUM> when the main door <NUM> is closed is provided in the edges of the rear surface of the main door <NUM>. The sealer may be formed of an elastically deformable material to be compressible, and may be configured to be in close contact with the cabinet <NUM> by including a magnet therein.

In addition, the opening <NUM> is configured to allow food constrained in the accommodation device <NUM> to be withdrawn in a state in which the main door <NUM> is closed. Accordingly, the main door <NUM> may open the opening <NUM> while the refrigerating chamber <NUM> is shielded, so that food may be placed in or taken out of the accommodation device <NUM>.

Two openings <NUM> may be arranged vertically with respect to the grip portion <NUM>, or at least one accommodation device and at least one sub-door may be provided in each of the freezing chamber door <NUM> and the refrigerating chamber door <NUM>.

In addition, the opening <NUM> may be further formed in the freezing chamber door <NUM> to be opened and closed by a separate door, and the arrangement of the door may be variously changed, for example, in such a way that only one opening <NUM> which is opened and closed by the sub-door <NUM> is provided as needed.

Meanwhile, the opening <NUM> may be formed to have a size corresponding to the front surface of the accommodation device <NUM>, and may be formed over the position of the grip portion <NUM> of the main door <NUM> in a vertical direction and formed up to a region other than parts of the left and right side ends of the main door <NUM> in a horizontal direction.

The grip portion <NUM> is for opening and closing the refrigerating chamber door <NUM>, that is, the main door <NUM>, and is disposed to elongate in the horizontal direction in a lower portion of the main door <NUM> and is formed to be recessed such that the user can put the her/his hand therein and pull the main door. The position of the grip portion <NUM> is at a position that is easy for a user to grip.

The grip portion <NUM> may be formed to be recessed inward and downward such that the user can easily grip it. Further, the grip portion <NUM> may be formed in the same shape as the freezing chamber door <NUM> and may be formed at the same height from the left end to the right end of the refrigerator <NUM> when viewed from the front.

The sub-door <NUM> is for opening and closing the opening <NUM> and is rotatably mounted to the main door <NUM> by an upper hinge <NUM>. Both ends of the upper hinge <NUM> are axially coupled to the upper surface of the main door <NUM> and the upper surface of the sub-door <NUM> such that the sub-door <NUM> rotates about the main door <NUM> as an axis.

In addition, a lower hinge (not shown) is further provided at the lower end of the sub-door <NUM>. The lower hinge is provided at the lower end of the sub-door <NUM> and mounted on the main door, and the sub-door <NUM> is rotatably supported. Although not shown in detail, the lower hinge may be provided with a cam structure or a spring structure such that the sub-door <NUM> can be opened and closed more smoothly.

Accordingly, the main door <NUM> and the sub-door <NUM> may independently rotate, and the refrigerating chamber <NUM> and the opening <NUM> may be selectively opened and closed by independently operating the main door <NUM> and the sub-door <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the front surface of the sub-door <NUM> may be formed of the same material as the front surface of the freezing chamber door <NUM>, and may be formed such that a drawing or pattern is continuous. In addition, the front surface of the sub-door <NUM> may be formed such that the front surface of the sub-door <NUM> is positioned on the same plane as the front surface of the freezing chamber door <NUM> while the sub-door <NUM> is closed.

In addition, the sub-door <NUM> is formed such that the edges other than the lower end adjacent to the grip portion <NUM> corresponds to the edges of the main door <NUM>. Accordingly, the sub-door <NUM> may be formed to provide a sense of unity such that the connection portion on which the sub-door <NUM> is formed is not visible when viewed from the front in a state in which the sub-door <NUM> is closed.

Therefore, when viewed from the front in a state in which the sub-door <NUM> closed, the refrigerating chamber door <NUM> and the freezing chamber door <NUM> may have the same front shape, and in the case of a first-time user, the user may not easily recognize the sub-door <NUM> and recognize that the entire refrigerating chamber door <NUM> is formed of one door.

Meanwhile, a door basket capable of storing food is provided on the rear surface of the sub-door <NUM>. The door basket may be mounted to be detachable, and may be configured such that a mounting position on the rear surface of the sub-door <NUM> is adjustable to enable the height adjustment.

In addition, a latch unit <NUM> is provided on the rear surface of the sub-door <NUM>. In addition, a latch accommodating portion <NUM> may be formed at one side of the main door <NUM> corresponding to the position of the latch unit <NUM>. The latch accommodating portion <NUM> may be recessed rearwardly from the front surface of the main door <NUM>.

When the sub-door <NUM> is closed, the latch unit <NUM> may be inserted into the latch accommodating portion <NUM>, and the latch unit <NUM> may be constrained while being inserted into the latch accommodating portion <NUM> so that the sub-door <NUM> can be kept in a closed state.

Further, the sub-door <NUM> includes the latch unit <NUM>, and a door opening/closing assembly <NUM> for opening and closing the sub-door <NUM> is provided. Hereinafter, the structure of the door opening/closing assembly <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a sub-door according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a perspective view showing a state of a door opening/closing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a perspective view of <FIG> viewed in another direction, <FIG> is an enlarged view of portion A of <FIG>, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of an operation unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is a diagram showing a state in which a latch unit is coupled to a sub-door according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a latch unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of <FIG> viewed in another direction, and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM>' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the sub-door <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided at the front side of the refrigerator <NUM>, and may include an outer case <NUM> defining an outer surface, and a door liner defining a rear surface, and a cap decor <NUM> defining an upper surface, a lower surface, and side surfaces. In addition, the door opening/closing assembly <NUM> may be provided in the inner space of the sub-door <NUM> defined by the outer case <NUM>, the door liner <NUM>, and the cap decor <NUM>.

In addition, the inner space of the sub-door <NUM> may be foam-filled with an insulating material for heat-insulation while the door opening/closing assembly <NUM> is mounted, and in this case, the door opening/closing assembly <NUM> is embedded by an insulating material and is configured such that internal components can operate without being affected by the insulating material.

The door opening/closing assembly <NUM> may include an operation unit <NUM> for a user to operate, a latch unit <NUM> for opening and closing the sub-door, and a connection unit <NUM> to allow the operation unit <NUM> and the latch unit <NUM> to be interlocked with each other.

In detail, the operation unit <NUM> may be provided at the lower side of the sub-door <NUM>. The operation unit <NUM> is operated by a user for the operation of the latch unit <NUM> and may be provided at one side of the lower end of the sub-door <NUM>. In this case, the operation unit <NUM> may be provided at a side far from the rotation axis of the sub-door <NUM> to facilitate the rotation operation of the sub-door <NUM>.

The operation unit <NUM> is configured to protrude out of the sub-door <NUM> while being installed at the lower side of the sub-door <NUM> such that a user can operate the operation unit <NUM>. The operation unit <NUM> may be installed on the lower side of the sub-door <NUM> and configured to be operated by the user's operation. In detail, the operation unit <NUM> may be installed at the lower side of the sub-door <NUM> and configured to be rotatable in the vertical direction. The operation unit <NUM> may be disposed at one side of the grip portion <NUM> and configured to expose only a part of a portion to be operated by the user such that the exposed portion when the user sees it from the front is to be minimized.

In one embodiment, the operation unit <NUM> may be provided in the operation unit accommodating portion <NUM> formed in a lower portion of the door liner <NUM> of the sub-door <NUM>. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the operation unit <NUM> may be mounted in the cap decor <NUM> defining the lower end of the sub-door <NUM>.

In detail, the operation unit <NUM> may include an operation member <NUM> that a user can press and operate, and an operation member case <NUM> that is mounted in the sub-door <NUM> to define a space in which the operation member <NUM> is accommodated, and an operation member rotation shaft <NUM> connecting the operating member <NUM> and the operating member case <NUM> and defining a rotational center axis of the operating member <NUM>.

The operation member <NUM> is mounted to be operable by a user's operation. For example, the operation member <NUM> is mounted to be movable up and down. In detail, the operation member <NUM> may include a pressing portion 411a and may be moved in a vertical direction during the user's operation. A connection member <NUM>, which will be described later, is in contact with the upper portion of the operation member <NUM>, and when the operation member <NUM> moves in the vertical direction, the connection member <NUM> is movable.

In more detail, the operation member <NUM> may be mounted so as to be rotatable in an vertical direction based on a rotational center axis. When the user operates the pressing portion 411a upward, the operation member <NUM> may rotate about a rotational center axis and move upward.

The pressing portion 411a may protrude downward from the sub-door <NUM> to be exposed to the outside. The pressing portion 411a may rotate in a direction closer to the sub-door <NUM> by the user's operation while being spaced apart from the sub-door <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when the operation member <NUM> rotates in the direction closer to the sub-door <NUM>, the upper surface of the operation member <NUM> may contact the sub-door <NUM>. The operation member <NUM> may further include a retracting portion 411c (see <FIG>) provided on the upper surface to be retractable, thereby increasing a turning radius inside the sub-door <NUM> and enabling smooth rotation. More specifically, when the user presses the pressing portion 411a and the operation member <NUM> is rotated upward around a rotational center axis, the retracting portion 411c provided on the upper surface of the pressing portion 411a is introduced by the cap decor <NUM> of the sub-door <NUM>, making smooth rotation possible.

The operating member case <NUM> may include an operating member accommodating portion 412a accommodating the operating member <NUM> therein. The operation member <NUM> may be mounted to the operation member accommodating portion 412a to be movable up and down. More specifically, the operation member <NUM> may be mounted to the operation member accommodating portion 412a so as to be rotatable vertically around the operation member rotation shaft <NUM>.

In a state in which the operation member <NUM> is mounted to the operation member accommodating portion 412a, the pressing portion 411a protrudes to the outside of the operation member accommodating portion 412a to be exposed to the outside of the sub-door <NUM>.

The operation member case <NUM> may be provided in the operation unit accommodating portion <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

The operation member rotation shaft <NUM> may define a rotational center axis of the operation member <NUM>. Through the operation member rotation shaft <NUM>, the operation member <NUM> may rotate in a vertical direction around the operation member rotation shaft <NUM>. More specifically, when the user presses the pressing portion 411a upward, the operation member <NUM> may move by rotating upward based on the operation member rotation shaft <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the operation member rotation shaft <NUM> may connect the operation member <NUM> and the operation member case <NUM>. As an example, the operation member <NUM> has an operation member through-hole 411b formed therein such that the operation member rotation shaft <NUM> is inserted into the operation member through-hole 411b, and the operation member case <NUM> has a case through-hole 412b formed therein such that the operation member rotation shaft <NUM> is inserted into the case through-hole 412b. In addition, the operation member rotation shaft <NUM> may be inserted into the operation member through-hole 411b and the case through-hole 412b to connect the operation member <NUM> and the operation member case <NUM>. Accordingly, the operation member <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the operation member case <NUM> through the operation member rotation shaft <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the operation unit <NUM> may further include an elastic member <NUM> and a support member <NUM>. The connection member <NUM> may be more stably supported by the operation member <NUM> through the elastic member <NUM> and the support member <NUM>.

The elastic member <NUM> may be disposed between the operation member <NUM> and the connection member <NUM>. Alternatively, the elastic member <NUM> may be coupled to a lower portion of the connection member <NUM>. The elastic member <NUM> may provide an elastic force that causes the operation member <NUM> to return to its original position when the operation member <NUM> moves in the vertical direction. More specifically, the elastic member <NUM> is provided inside the operation member case <NUM>, and in a state in which the operation member <NUM> is moved upward, the elastic member <NUM> may be compressed by the operation member case <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> may be disposed between the operation member <NUM> and the connection member <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be formed such that a part of the connection member <NUM> can be drawn in and out of the support member <NUM>. Accordingly, when the connection member <NUM> moves, a part of the connecting member <NUM> may be drawn in and out of the support member <NUM> and supported.

The latch unit <NUM> may be provided above the operation unit <NUM>. The latch unit <NUM> may be provided above the operation unit <NUM> to interlock with the manipulation unit <NUM>.

The latch unit <NUM> may be mounted to the sub-door <NUM> such that the sub-door <NUM> can be opened and closed. Specifically, the latch unit <NUM> may be rotatably mounted inside the sub-door <NUM>. In addition, a part of the latch unit <NUM> may pass through the door liner <NUM> and protrude rearward. In detail, the rear end of the latch unit <NUM> may pass through the door liner <NUM> and protrude rearward.

In addition, a latch accommodating portion <NUM> may be formed at a position of the main door <NUM> corresponding to the position of the latch unit <NUM> in the sub-door <NUM>. Accordingly, the latch unit <NUM> protruding rearward may be selectively held and constrained in the latch accommodating portion <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to selectively open and close the sub-door <NUM> by the operation of the latch unit <NUM>.

More specifically, the latch unit <NUM> may include a latch member <NUM> that is rotatably formed to fix the sub-door <NUM>, a latch bracket <NUM> that accommodates the latch member <NUM>, and a latch member rotation shaft <NUM> that connects the member <NUM> and the latch bracket <NUM> to form a rotational center axis of the latch member <NUM>.

The latch member <NUM> is mounted to be rotatable up and down. The latch member <NUM> interlocks with the operation unit <NUM> and may move vertically by rotating around the latch member rotation shaft <NUM>. In more detail, the latch member <NUM> is disposed to come into contact with the connection member <NUM> contacting the operation member <NUM>. Accordingly, when the user operates the pressing portion 411a of the operation member <NUM> and moves the operation member <NUM> vertically, so that the connection member <NUM> moves. In addition, the latch member <NUM> may be rotated vertically by interlocking with the operation member <NUM>.

The latch member <NUM> rotates vertically by interlocking with the operation member <NUM> and may be selectively held and constrained by the latch accommodating portion <NUM>. That is, the sub-door <NUM> may be be opened or closed by the rotation of the latch member <NUM>.

In more detail, the latch member <NUM> may include a latch body portion 431b and a constraining portion 431c formed at an end of the latch body portion 431b.

The latch body portion 431b may be provided rotatably around a rotational center axis. A part of the latch body portion 431b may pass through the outer surface of the sub-door <NUM>. More specifically, the latch unit <NUM> may be configured such that a part of the latch body portion 431b is positioned inside the door liner <NUM>, and the remaining part of the latch body portion 431b extends protrude rearward by passing through the door liner <NUM> in a state in which the latch unit <NUM> is mounted in the door liner <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the latch body portion 431b may be formed to extend in the front-rear direction. In addition, the latch body portion 431c may include an extension portion 431d protruding from one side of the latch body portion 431b in a left-right direction. A connection member <NUM> to be described later may be in contact with the lower surface of the extension portion 431d. In detail, an upper end of the connection member <NUM> may contact the extension portion 431d. Accordingly, when the user operates the operation member <NUM> upward, the connection member <NUM> whose lower end contacts the operation member <NUM> moves upward. In addition, the upper end of the connection member <NUM> is in contact with the latch extension portion 431d, and due to the upward movement of the connection member <NUM>, the latch member <NUM> may move upward by rotating around the rotational center axis.

Meanwhile, the extension portion 431d may be inserted into a depression portion formed in the vicinity of a bracket coupling portion <NUM> of the door liner <NUM> which is to be described later. Accordingly, when the latch member <NUM> moves by rotating in the vertical direction, separation of the latch member <NUM> may be prevented.

The constraining portion 431c may be formed at an end of the latch body portion 431b. In detail, the constraining portion 431c may be formed to protrude downward from the rear end of the latch body portion 431b. For example, the constraining portion 431c may have a hook shape formed at the rear end of the latch body portion 431b to face downward. The latch member <NUM> may be selectively held and constrained by the latch accommodating portion <NUM> through the the constraining portion 431c.

In one embodiment, the constraining portion 431c may be selectively held and constrained by a holding portion <NUM> formed in the latch accommodating portion <NUM>. In detail, the holding portion <NUM> having a protrusion shape protruding upward may be formed in the latch accommodating portion <NUM>. Accordingly, when the latch member <NUM> is inserted into the latch accommodating portion <NUM> and moves downward by rotating, the constraining portion 431c may be selectively held and constrained by the holding portion <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the holding portion <NUM> may define an inclined surface to induce the constraint of the constraining portion 431c. The constraining portion 431c may be formed to protrude downward so as to be inclined in a shape corresponding to the inclined surface of the locking part <NUM>. Accordingly, when the constraining portion 431c moves along the inclined surface of the holding portion <NUM>, the latch member <NUM> moves by rotating, so that the constraining portion 431c is held and constrained in the holding portion <NUM>.

The latch bracket <NUM> may accommodate the latch member <NUM>. The latch bracket <NUM> may include a bracket accommodating portion 432a that accommodates the operation member <NUM> therein. The latch member <NUM> may be rotatably mounted to the bracket accommodating portion 432a. In a state in which the latch member <NUM> is mounted to the bracket accommodating portion 432a, a part of the latch member <NUM> may protrude to the outside of the operation member accommodating portion 412a to be exposed to the outside of the sub-door <NUM>. In detail, a part of the latch body portion 431b may protrude to the outside of the operation member accommodating portion 412a to be exposed to the outside of the sub-door <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the latch bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the door liner <NUM>. For example, the door liner <NUM> may include a bracket coupling portion <NUM> to which the latch bracket <NUM> is coupled. In addition, the latch bracket <NUM> may further include a bracket fixing portion 432c coupled to the bracket coupling portion <NUM>. When the latch bracket <NUM> is coupled to the bracket coupling portion <NUM>, a part of the latch body portion 431b protrudes to the outside of the door liner <NUM> to be exposed to the outside of the sub-door <NUM>.

The latch member rotation shaft <NUM> may form a rotational center axis of the latch member <NUM>. Through the latch member rotation shaft <NUM>, the latch member <NUM> may rotate vertically around the latch member rotation shaft <NUM>. More specifically, when the user presses the pressing portion 411a upward, the operation member <NUM> may rotate and move upward based on the operation member rotation shaft <NUM>. In addition, the latch member <NUM> that interlocks with the operation member <NUM> may move upward by rotating based on the latch member rotation shaft <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the latch member rotation shaft <NUM> may connect the latch member <NUM> and the latch bracket <NUM>. For example, a latch member through-hole 431a is formed in the latch member <NUM> such that the latch member rotation shaft <NUM> is inserted into the latch member through-hole 431a, and a bracket through-hole 432b may be formed in the latch bracket <NUM> such that the latch member rotation shaft <NUM> is inserted into the bracket through-hole 432b. Further, the latch member rotation shaft <NUM> may be inserted into the latch member through-hole 431a and the bracket through-hole 432b to connect the latch member <NUM> and the latch bracket <NUM>. Accordingly, the latch member <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the latch bracket <NUM> through the latch member rotation shaft <NUM>.

In the above, description has been made with respect to an embodiment in which the latch member <NUM> is accommodated in the latch bracket <NUM>, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the latch bracket <NUM> may be omitted.

On the other hand, the connection unit <NUM> may be formed in the shape of a rod extending vertically to connect the operation unit <NUM> and the latch unit <NUM> such that the latch unit <NUM> is operated according to the operation of the operation unit <NUM>. A lower end of the connection unit <NUM> may be configured to contact the operation unit <NUM>, and an upper end thereof may be configured to contact the lower surface of the latch unit <NUM>.

In detail, the connection unit <NUM> may include a connection member <NUM> that enables the operation unit <NUM> to interlock with the latch unit <NUM>, and connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> in which the connection member <NUM> is accommodated, and a latch case <NUM> in which the latch unit <NUM> is accommodated.

The connection member <NUM> is formed in a rod shape having a predetermined length, and is configured such that an upper end thereof is in contact with the lower surface of the latch member <NUM>, and a lower end thereof is in contact with the upper surface of the operation member <NUM>. In detail, the connection member <NUM> may contact the latch body portion 431b. In more detail, the connection member <NUM> may contact a portion of the latch body portion 431b positioned inside the door liner <NUM>.

The connection member <NUM> may cause the operation member <NUM> to interlock with the latch member <NUM>. Accordingly, when the user operates the operation member <NUM> to operate the operation member <NUM>, the connection member <NUM> moves in the first direction to cause the latch member <NUM> to move by interlocking with the operation member <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when the user operates the operation member <NUM> so that the operation member <NUM> moves upward by rotating about a rotational center axis, the connection member <NUM> moves upward, and the latch member <NUM> may move upward by rotating about the rotational center axis. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the connection member <NUM> may move in a left-right direction or a front-rear direction such that the latch member <NUM> operates along the operation member <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the connection unit <NUM> may further include elastic portions 421b and 421c coupled to the connection member <NUM>. The elastic portions 421b and 421c may include a first elastic portion 421b and a second elastic portion 421c.

When the connection member <NUM> moves in the first direction, the first elastic portion 421b may prevent movement in another direction. As an example, when the connection member <NUM> moves in the vertical direction, the first elastic portion 421b may prevent movement in the left-right direction. More specifically, the first elastic portion 421b is coupled to the connection member <NUM> and may be provided to protrude outward from the connection member <NUM>.

A plurality of first elastic portions 421b may be provided to be spaced apart from the connection member <NUM>.

The outer diameter of the first elastic portion 421b may be formed smaller than the inner diameter of the connection member accommodating portion <NUM> to be described later. When the connection member <NUM> is moved while the connection member <NUM> is accommodated in the connection member accommodating portion <NUM>, the first elastic portion 421b protruding from the connection member <NUM> may come into contact with the member accommodating portion <NUM> to prevent movement in other directions.

The second elastic portion 421c may be coupled to an upper end of the connection member <NUM>. In detail, the second elastic portion 421c is provided at the upper end of the connection member <NUM> contacting the lower surface of the operation member <NUM>, to allow the connection member <NUM> to smoothly rotate the operation member <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the connection member <NUM> defines a bent portion 421a such that the lower end of the connection member <NUM> can contact the operation member <NUM> located at the rear in the inside of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>, and may be configured to be stably moved when the operation member <NUM> moves in the vertical direction. That is, the connection member <NUM> may define the bent portion 421a such that the lower end of the connection member <NUM> is in contact with the operation member <NUM>. For example, the bent portion 421a that is horizontally bent may be formed in a portion of the connection member <NUM> extending in the vertical direction. The connection member <NUM> is bent in the horizontal direction at the bent portion 421a and then extends downward so that the lower end may contact the operation member <NUM>.

In the above, the description is given with respect to an embodiment in which the connection member <NUM> are provided in a separate configuration from the operation member <NUM> or the latch member <NUM>, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The connection member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the operation member <NUM> or the latch member <NUM>.

The connecting member cases <NUM> and <NUM> may be fixed to the door liner <NUM>. In detail, the rear portions of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to a case coupling portion <NUM> formed in the door liner <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a first coupling portion 222a may be formed in the case coupling portion <NUM> to be coupled to the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, second and third coupling portions 422a and 423a may be formed in the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> corresponding to the position of the first coupling portion 222a. The connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the case coupling portion <NUM> by coupling between the first coupling portion 222a and the second and third coupling portions 422a and 423a. The first to third coupling portions 222a, 422a, and 423a may be provided in plural, and for example, may be coupled by a fastening member.

Upper ends of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to a latch case <NUM> to be described later. In detail, the upper end of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to the latch case <NUM> such that the upper end of the connection member <NUM> accommodated inside the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> contacts the latch member <NUM>.

Further, the lower ends of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the operation member case <NUM>. In detail, the lower ends of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the operation member case <NUM> such that the lower end of the connection member <NUM> accommodated inside the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> contacts the operation member <NUM>.

The connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> may include a rib 422b supporting the cap decor <NUM> in the front of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>. A plurality of ribs 422b may be formed in the front of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> to be spaced apart from each other. For example, the rib 422b may be formed to be stepped to correspond to the shape of the cap decor <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> may have a connection member accommodating portion <NUM> in which the connection member <NUM> is accommodated. Accordingly, when the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> are mounted to the door liner <NUM>, the connection member <NUM> may be accommodated in the connection member accommodating portion <NUM> so as to be movable vertically. In addition, when a heat insulating material is injected into the inside of the sub-door <NUM>, the heat insulating material may be prevented from being introduced into the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the diameter of the connection member accommodating portion <NUM> is formed larger than the outer diameter of the connection member <NUM> such that the connecting member <NUM> can be easily movable inside the connection member accommodating portion <NUM>.

Protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in the inner surfaces of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> to prevent movement in a second direction crossing the first direction when the connection member <NUM> moves in the first direction.

In an embodiment, the connection member <NUM> may be formed to move in an vertical direction, and the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed to prevent the connection member <NUM> from moving in a left-right direction.

The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided in plural to prevent the connection member <NUM> from moving in the left-right direction. The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first protrusion <NUM> formed in a first connection member case <NUM> to be described later and a second protrusion <NUM> formed in a second connection member case <NUM> to be described later.

Specifically, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided on the inner surfaces of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed on the inner surfaces of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> to protrude toward the inner space of the connection member accommodating portion <NUM>. It can be seen that the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> protrude toward the connection member <NUM> in a state in which the connection member <NUM> is accommodated in the connecting member accommodating portion <NUM>.

In addition, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided to be in contact with the connection member <NUM>. Accordingly, when the connection member <NUM> moves in the first direction, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may prevent the connection member <NUM> from moving in the second direction. As an example, when the connection member <NUM> is moved in a vertical direction, the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may press the connection member <NUM> on the front and rear sides, so that the shaking of the connection member <NUM> may be reduced.

The protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided to be elastically deformable.

The connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first connection member case <NUM> and a second connection member case <NUM>. In this case, the connecting member accommodating portion <NUM> may be formed by coupling between the first connection member case <NUM> and the second connection member case <NUM>.

The first connection member case <NUM> may be provided at the front side of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>. A rib 422b is formed in the first connection member case <NUM> provided at the front side to support the cap decor <NUM>.

The rear surface of the first connection member case <NUM> may define the connection member accommodating portion <NUM> in a state in which the first connection member case <NUM> is coupled to the second connection member case <NUM>. That is, a part of the rear surface of the first connection member case <NUM> may define the connection member accommodating portion <NUM> that is the inner space of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> in a state in which the first connection member case <NUM> is coupled to the second connection member case <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the second coupling portion 422a may be formed in the first connection member case <NUM>. The second coupling portion 422a may be coupled to the first and third coupling portions 222a and 423a so that the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the case coupling portion <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the first protrusion <NUM> may be formed on the first connection member case <NUM>. In more detail, the first protrusion <NUM> may be formed on the rear surface of the first connection member case <NUM> constituting the connection member accommodating portion <NUM>. The first protrusion <NUM> may be formed on the rear surface of the first connection member case <NUM> and protrude toward an inner space of the connection member accommodating portion <NUM>.

A plurality of first protrusions <NUM> may be provided. In one embodiment, the first protrusion <NUM> may be provided on the first connection member case <NUM>. Accordingly, since the connection member <NUM> can be stably supported on the upper portions of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>, thus preventing movement in the left-right direction.

The second connection member case <NUM> may be provided at the rear side of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>. The second connection member case <NUM> provided at the rear side may be coupled to the door liner <NUM>. In detail, the rear surface of the second connection member case <NUM> may be coupled to the case coupling portion <NUM> of the door liner <NUM>.

The front surface of the second connection member case <NUM> may define the connection member accommodating portion <NUM> in a state in which the first connection member case <NUM> is coupled to the second connection member case <NUM>. That is, a part of the front surface of the second connection member case <NUM> may define the connection member accommodating portion <NUM> that is the inner space of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> in a state in which the first connection member case <NUM> is coupled to the second connection member case <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a third coupling portion 423a may be formed in the second connection member case <NUM>. The third coupling portion 423a may be coupled to the first and second coupling portions 222a and 422a, so that the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled to the case coupling portion <NUM>.

In addition, the second protrusion <NUM> may be formed on the second connection member case <NUM>. In more detail, the second protrusion <NUM> may be formed on the front surface of the third connection member case <NUM> constituting the connection member accommodating portion <NUM>. The second protrusion <NUM> may be formed on the front surface of the second connection member case <NUM> and protrude toward an inner space of the connection member accommodating portion <NUM>.

A plurality of second protrusions <NUM> may be provided. In one embodiment, the second protrusion <NUM> may be provided at the middle or lower portion of the second connecting member case <NUM>. Accordingly, since the connection member <NUM> can be stably supported in the middle or lower portions of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>, thus preventing preventing movement in the left-right direction.

The latch case <NUM> may accommodate the latch bracket <NUM>. In addition, the latch case <NUM> may be coupled to upper ends of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>. In detail, the latch case <NUM> may be opened such that an upper end of the connection member <NUM> accommodated inside the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> is in contact with the latch member <NUM>. In addition, when a heat insulating material is injected into the sub-door <NUM>, the heat insulating material may be prevented from being introduced into the inside through the latch case <NUM>.

The latch case <NUM> may be integrally formed with the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the latch case <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first connection member case <NUM>. However, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the latch case <NUM> may be formed separately from the first and second connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM> and coupled to the first and second connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>. As another example, the latch case <NUM> may be omitted, and the latch bracket <NUM> may be directly coupled to the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the operation of the door opening/closing assembly will be described in more detail through the drawings.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views showing an operation member for describing operation of a door opening/closing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, <FIG> are cross-sectional views showing a state of a latch member for describing operation of a door opening/closing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and <FIG> are cross-sectional views showing a state of a latch member for describing operation of a door opening/closing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when the sub-door <NUM> is completely closed, the constraining portion 431c of the latch member <NUM> is held and constrained by the holding portion <NUM> of the latch accommodating portion <NUM>.

In such a state, when the user wants to open the sub-door <NUM> and presses the pressing portion 411a of the operation member <NUM> upward, the operation member <NUM> may move upward by rotating around the operation member rotation shaft <NUM>.

The operation member <NUM> is configured to come into contact with the lower end of the connection member <NUM>, and the connection member <NUM> may move upward due to the upward rotational movement of the operation member <NUM>.

In this case, the elastic member <NUM> and the support member <NUM> may be provided between the connection member <NUM> and the operation member <NUM>. When the operation member <NUM> is moved upward, the elastic member <NUM> is in a compressed state. In addition, a part of the connection member <NUM> may be inserted into the support member <NUM> and be stably supported.

On the other hand, the connection member <NUM> moves upward while being accommodated in the connection member accommodating portion <NUM> of the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>. In this case, the connection member <NUM> may be prevented from moving in the left-right direction by the first and second protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> formed in the connection member cases <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, the elastic portion 421b coupled to the connection member <NUM> may prevent the connection member <NUM> from moving in the left-right direction. That is, the connection member <NUM> may stably move upward through the first and second protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> and the elastic portion 421b.

Further, since the upper end of the connection member <NUM> is in contact with the latch member <NUM>, the latch member <NUM> moves upward by rotating around the latch member rotation shaft <NUM> when the connection member <NUM> moves upward. That is, the operation member <NUM> and the latch member <NUM> may interlock with each other through the connection member <NUM>, so that latch member <NUM> moves upward.

When the latch member <NUM> moves upward by rotating around the latch member rotation shaft <NUM>, constraint by the holding portion <NUM> of the constraining portion 431c formed at the rear end of the latch member <NUM> to face downward is released. Accordingly, the sub-door <NUM> may be opened.

In addition, when a hand pressing the pressing portion 411a is removed after the sub-door <NUM> is opened, the operation member <NUM> returns to it's original position located on the lower side due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member <NUM>. Accordingly, the connection member <NUM> is also moved downward, and the latch member <NUM> connected to the connection member <NUM> also moves downward to return to the initial state.

On the other hand, when the sub-door <NUM> is closed in a state in which the latch member <NUM> returns to the initial state, the constraining portion 431c of the latch member <NUM> moves along the inclined surface of the holding portion <NUM> and the latch member <NUM> rotates naturally, and the constraining portion 431c may be held and constrained by the holding portion <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the present having configurations as described above, the door opening/closing means is provided such that a latch member is provided at a position where the door is easily fixed, and the operation member is provided in an end of in the front portion which does not deteriorate the design of the front portion at a position where it is easy to operate, thus making it possible to maintain the opening and closing performance of the door while maintaining a more beautiful appearance.

In addition, there is an advantage in that the operation member is positioned on the side opposite to the rotational axis of the door so that the opening and closing of the door and the rotation operation can be performed at the same position, thereby making it easier to open and close the door.

In addition, the operation member is disposed on the side of the handle to make the user's operation convenient, and at the same time, the configuration for operation which is exposed to the front of the door is eliminated, thus providing a more beautiful appearance.

In addition, there is an advantage in that a protrusion is provided in a connection member case in which the connection member is accommodated to prevent the connection member from moving in other directions when the connection member is moved.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) configured to define a storage space;
a main door (<NUM>) configured to open and close the storage space and having an opening (<NUM>);
a sub-door (<NUM>) configured to open and close the opening (<NUM>) by rotating in a same direction as the main door (<NUM>) and including an outer case (<NUM>) defining a front surface and a door liner (<NUM>) defining a rear surface, wherein the sub-door (<NUM>) includes:
an operation unit (<NUM>) mounted at a lower side of the sub-door (<NUM>) to be operated by a user's operation;
a latch unit (<NUM>) spaced apart upwardly from the operation unit (<NUM>) and mounted to protrude from a rear surface of the sub-door (<NUM>) toward the main door (<NUM>); and
a connection unit (<NUM>) configured to connect between the operation unit (<NUM>) and the latch unit (<NUM>) such that the latch unit (<NUM>) is operated according to operation of the operation unit (<NUM>);
wherein the main door (<NUM>) includes a latch accommodating portion (<NUM>) formed at a position corresponding to a position of the latch unit (<NUM>) such that the latch unit (<NUM>) is selectively held and constrained;
wherein the connection unit (<NUM>) includes:
a connection member (<NUM>) configured to move in a first direction to operate the latch unit (<NUM>) when the operation unit (<NUM>) is operated; and
a connection member case (<NUM>, <NUM>) forming a space for accommodating the connection member (<NUM>),
wherein, the connection member case (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes at least one protrusion (<NUM>, <NUM>) protruding toward the connection member (<NUM>) so as to prevent movement in a second direction crossing the first direction when the connection member (<NUM>) moves in the first direction, characterised in that:
the connection member case (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes a first connection member case (<NUM>) provided at a front of the connection member case, and a second connection member case (<NUM>) provided at a rear of the connection member case and mounted on the door liner (<NUM>); and
the at least one protrusion (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes a first protrusion (<NUM>) protruding from a rear surface of the first connection member case (<NUM>) toward a rear, and a second protrusion (<NUM>) protruding from a front side of the second connection member case (<NUM>) toward a front.