Patent Description:
In general, refrigerators are home appliances for storing foods at a low temperature in an internal storage space that is shielded by a door. To this end, the refrigerator is configured such that foods are stored in an optimal state, by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

Recently, refrigerators tend to be gradually enlarged and multifunctionalized according to changes in diet and enhancement of products, and refrigerators including various structures and convenience devices for user convenience and efficient use of an internal space have been released.

In <CIT>, an opening is formed in a main door of a refrigerator, a sub-door for opening and closing the opening of the main door is provided, and the sub-door includes a latch member locked with the main door, an operation member operated by a user, a connection member connecting the operation member and the latch member and a connection member guide in which the connection member is accommodated in the sub-door.

However, in the related art, the long connection member guide may be deformed or may deviate from an initial mounting position by a heat insulating material injected during a process of manufacturing a door. When the connection member guide is deformed or deviates from the initial mounting position, it may be difficult to normally open the sub-door. <CIT> relates to a refrigerator in which a manipulation member for opening manipulation of a sub door is disposed on an outer end of the sub door of the refrigerator.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerator capable of ensuring reliability of a sub-door opening operation.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerator capable of firmly maintaining the mounting position of a connection member case.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerator capable of preventing a connection member case from being deformed and enabling smooth operation of a connection member.

The objects are solved by the features of the independent claim.

A refrigerator according to the present disclosure includes a refrigerator according to claim <NUM>.

A refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet defining a storage space, a main door rotatably mounted on the cabinet to open/close the storage space and having an opening penetrated in a front-and-rear direction, a sub-door rotatably provided in front of the main door to open/close the opening and filled with a heat insulating material, a locking member protruding from the sub-door to the main door and operated to lock the main door, an operation member provided below the locking member and protruding downward from a lower portion of the sub-door to be directly operated by a user, a connection member connecting the locking member and the operation member such that the locking member operates when the operation member operates, and a connection member case provided inside the sub-door and defining a space in which the connection member is operatively accommodated. The connection member case may be formed with a reinforcement part extending in an upper-and-lower direction along the connection member case to prevent deformation of the connection member.

The refrigerator according to any one of the embodiments may include one or more of the following features.

The heat insulating material may be formed by injection molding or by foaming.

The reinforcement part may extend in longitudinal direction along the connection member, e.g. in an upper-and-lower direction along the connection member. The connection member and/or the connection member case may be arranged to extend in vertical direction within the sub-door. The reinforcement part may continuously extend from an upper end and/or to a lower end of the connection member case. The reinforcement part may be integrally formed with the connection member case.

The connection member case may have an elongated shape, e.g. a rod or tube shape. The connection member case may have a hollow shape, e.g. forming the accommodation space. That is, the connection member may be surrounded by the connection member case.

An internal space of the connection member case may be formed larger than an outer diameter of the connection member. The internal space of the connection member case may be the accommodation space. That is, a cross-sectional area may be larger than a cross-section of the connection member. The connection member may be movably accommodated within the connection member case.

The reinforcement part may include an inner reinforcement part. The inner reinforcement part may be formed in the accommodation space of the connection member, e.g. along an inner surface of the connection member case. The inner reinforcement part may protrude into the internal space of the connection member case. The inner reinforcement part may extend in longitudinal direction along the connection member. The inner reinforcement part may protrude toward the connection member.

The inner reinforcement part may be provided in plurality. A plurality of inner reinforcement parts may protrude toward an outer surface of the connection member.

The reinforcement part may include an outer reinforcement part protruding along an outer surface of the connection member case. The outer reinforcement part may protrude from the connection member case, e.g. from an outer or circumferential surface thereof. The outer reinforcement part may extend in longitudinal direction along the connection member. The outer reinforcement part may be provided in plurality.

A circumferential or outer surface of the connection member case may be formed in a polygonal shape to be in contact with an inner surface of the sub-door. That is, the connection member case may have a polygonal cross-section. The connection member case may be in contact with a surface, in particular a rear surface, of the sub-door and/or with a door liner of the sub-door. The reinforcement part may protrude from the circumferential or outer surface toward a front surface of the sub-door. The reinforcement part may be formed in a curved shape. The reinforcement part may have a curved cross-section. The reinforcement part may be formed on a side of the connection member case facing away from a side thereof that is in contact with the sub-door and/or with the door liner. The reinforcement part may be in contact with the insulating material filled in the sub-door.

A pair of case fixing parts may protrude from an inner surface of the sub-door in a state of being separated from each other to lock both sides of the outer surface of the connection member case. That is, the case fixing parts may protrude from the sub-door towards an inside of the sub-door. The case fixing parts may be separated or spaced apart from each other to lock or accommodate the connection member case therebetween.

A locking member accommodation part (may also be denoted as locking member accommodation groove) and/or an operation member accommodation part (may also be denoted as operation member accommodation groove) may be formed in the sub-door. For instance, the locking member accommodation part may be recessed from a surface, in particular a rear surface, of the sub-door and may be defining a space in which the locking member is operatively accommodated. The operation member accommodation part may be recessed from the lower surface of the sub-door and may be defining a space in which the operation member is operatively accommodated. The connection member case may be inserted into a lower surface of the locking member accommodation part and/or into an upper surface of the operation member accommodation part.

The lower surface of the locking member accommodation part may be formed with an upper mounting part in contact with the connection member case, e.g. with an upper circumference of the connection member case. That is, an upper portion of the connection member case may be inserted into the upper mounting part. The upper surface of the operation member accommodation part may be formed with a lower mounting part in contact with the connection member case, e.g. with a lower circumference of the connection member case. That is, a lower portion of the connection member case may be inserted into the lower mounting part. The connection member may extend through the upper mounting part into the locking member accommodation part and/or through the lower mounting part into the operation member accommodation part.

The connection member case may have the same cross-sectional shape over the majority of its length, in particular from one end to the other end or from an upper end to a lower end.

The connection member case may be extruded from a plastic material and/or the reinforcement part is formed together.

The refrigerator may further include a locking member bracket provided in the sub-door and having the locking member mounted thereon rotatably. The locking member bracket may be accommodated in the locking member accommodation part. The refrigerator may further include a locking member spring connecting the locking member bracket and the locking member and providing elastic force upon rotation of the locking member and/or upon operation of the operation member. The locking member spring may be configured to restore a position of the locking member. The locking member spring may connect the locking member bracket and the locking member. The locking member spring may provide an elastic restoring force upon rotation of the locking member due to operation of the operation member.

The refrigerator may further include a connection member spring having the connection member penetrating therethrough and providing elastic force upon operation of the connection member. The connection member spring may be configured to restore a position of the connection member and/or of the operation member. The connection member spring may provide an elastic restoring force upon displacement of the locking member due to operation of the operation member.

The connection member may be formed in a rod shape extending vertically. A lower end of the connection member may be in contact with the operation member and/or may linearly, e.g. vertically, move upon rotation operation of the operation member. An upper end of the connection member may be in contact with the locking member and/or may rotate the locking member upon linear, e.g. vertical, movement of the connection member.

The one or upper end of the connection member may be coupled with an upper cap in contact with the locking member and/or the other or lower end of the connection member may be coupled with a lower cap in contact with the operation member. The upper cap and/or the lower cap may be formed of a softer material than at least one of the connection member, the locking member and the operation member.

The connection member may comprise or may be formed with a linearly, e.g. vertically, extending rod and a rod guide protruding along a circumference of the rod and protruding toward an inner surface of the connection case.

The rod guide may be formed in a ring shape. The rod guide may have the rod penetrating therethrough. A plurality of rod guides may be mounted along the rod.

The rod may be formed of a metal material and/or the rod guide may be formed of a material different from that of the rod.

A handle for allowing a user to put their hand to pull a door for rotation of the sub-door may be recessed and/or formed in a circumferential, e.g. lower, surface or side of the sub-door. The handle and the operation member may be located side by side. The operation member may be configured to unlock the sub-door from the main door upon operation of the operation member by a user, i.e. to unlock the locking member of the sub-door from a locking protrusion of the main door.

Directional indication such as "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "front", "rear" may refer to an operational orientation of the refrigerator, e.g. from the view point of a user standing in front of the refrigerator. "Front-and-rear direction" may refer to a direction perpendicular to a front surface of the refrigerator, i.e. to a surface of the refrigerator to be opened or closed by the main door. "Front" surface etc. may refer to a surface facing towards a user when standing in front of the refrigerator. "Rear" surface etc. may refer to a surface facing away from a user when standing in front of the refrigerator, i.e. may denote a surface opposite to the front surface.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments according to the idea of the present disclosure and other embodiments included in the scope of the present disclosure or the other disclosure may be easily proposed by addition, change, or deletion of other elements.

Prior to a description, directions are defined. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, a direction which a front surface of a door shown in <FIG> faces may be a front direction, a direction from the front surface of the door to a cabinet may be a rear direction, a direction of the floor on which a refrigerator is installed may be a lower direction, and a direction away from the floor may be an upper direction.

In general, a refrigerator may be divided into various types according to a division form of a storage space and arrangement and structure of doors. Hereinafter, although a refrigerator in which a storage space is divided into upper and down portions for convenience of description and understanding, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and is applicable to all types of refrigerators having doors. In particular, the present disclosure is applicable to a structure in which a storage space is divided into left and right portions and is opened or closed by each door.

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

As shown, a refrigerator <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may have an overall appearance formed by a cabinet <NUM> defining a storage space and doors <NUM> and <NUM> for opening and closing the cabinet <NUM>.

The cabinet <NUM> may include a barrier <NUM> partitioning the storage space into upper and lower portions. Accordingly, the storage space may be divided into an upper storage space <NUM> and a lower storage space <NUM>. In addition, the upper storage space <NUM> and the lower storage space <NUM> may be controlled to have independent temperatures. For example, the upper storage space <NUM> may be used as a refrigerating compartment with a relatively high frequency of use, and the lower storage space <NUM> may be used as a freezing compartment.

The doors <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to open and close the storage space, and may include an upper door <NUM> for opening and closing the upper storage space and a lower door <NUM> for opening and closing the lower storage space <NUM>.

A pair of upper doors <NUM> and a pair of lower doors <NUM> may be arranged on both the left and right sides and may be configured to be opened and closed by rotation. That is, the upper storage space <NUM> may be opened/closed by the pair of upper doors <NUM>, and the lower storage space <NUM> may be opened and closed by the pair of lower doors <NUM>.

In addition, at least one of the upper doors <NUM> may have a double door structure (door-in-door structure). For example, the right upper door <NUM> of the upper doors <NUM> may include a main door <NUM> for opening and closing the upper storage space <NUM> and a sub-door <NUM> rotating in the same direction as the main door <NUM> at the front side of the main door <NUM>. The left door of the upper door <NUM> and the lower doors <NUM> may also have the double door structure and an opening/closing assembly <NUM> described below may be disposed.

A opening <NUM> may be formed in the main door <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may penetrate through the main door <NUM> in the front-and-rear direction, and may be formed to occupy most of an area except for the circumference of the main door <NUM>. In addition, the opening <NUM> may communicate with the inside of the upper storage space <NUM>, and a separate storage device such as a door basket <NUM> may be provided in the opening <NUM>.

In addition, the sub-door <NUM> may be disposed in front of the main door <NUM>, and may be rotatably mounted on the main door <NUM>. Accordingly, the opening <NUM> may be opened and closed by rotation of the sub-door <NUM>.

The sub-door <NUM> may have the same horizontal width and vertical width as the main door <NUM>. Accordingly, the sub-door <NUM> may be seen as being formed integrally with the main door <NUM> in a state of being closed, and may be seen as being configured as a single door when viewed from the front side.

In addition, the main door <NUM> may be provided with a locker <NUM> for maintaining the sub-door <NUM> in a closed state. The locker <NUM> may be formed in a recessed groove shape, and a locking protrusion <NUM> may be formed in an inner lower surface of the locker <NUM>. In a state in which the sub-door <NUM> is closed, a locking member <NUM> described below may be inserted into the locker <NUM> and locked to the locking protrusion <NUM>, thereby maintaining the sub-door <NUM> in the closed state.

The locker <NUM> may be located at a position facing the locking member <NUM>. That is, the locker <NUM> may be formed at one end far from a rotation axis C of the main door <NUM> between the left and right sides of the front surface of the main door <NUM>, that is, a left end of <FIG>. In addition, the locker <NUM> may be located at a middle point of the vertical length of the main door <NUM>, thereby maintaining the sub-door <NUM> in a stable closed state.

Meanwhile, the sub-door <NUM> may be provided with an opening/closing assembly <NUM> for opening the sub-door <NUM>. In particular, the locking member <NUM> configuring the opening/closing assembly <NUM> may protrude from the rear surface of the sub-door <NUM>, and may be located at a position facing the locker <NUM>. In this case, the locking member <NUM> may pass through a cover hole <NUM> of an accommodation part cover <NUM> shielding a locking member accommodation part <NUM> to protrude, and an end of the locking member <NUM> may protrude to be inserted into the locker <NUM> in a state in which the sub-door <NUM> is closed.

Hereinafter, the structure of the sub-door <NUM> will be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a front view of the sub-door. <FIG> is a partial perspective view of the sub-door when viewed from the bottom in a state in which the sub-door is closed. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the sub-door.

As shown in the figure, the sub-door <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the main door <NUM> and may include a panel assembly <NUM> defining a front surface and a door liner <NUM> defining a rear surface. In addition, the sub-door <NUM> may include a pair of cap decorations <NUM> and <NUM> defining an upper surface and a lower surface. In addition, the sub-door <NUM> may include side frames <NUM> and <NUM> defining left and right sides. In addition, the sub-door <NUM> may be filled with a heat insulating material <NUM>. Meanwhile, the side frames <NUM> and <NUM> may be omitted according to the shape and structure of the sub-door <NUM>, and both sides of the sub-door <NUM> may be defined by the panel assembly <NUM>.

The panel assembly <NUM> may define the front surface of the sub-door <NUM>, and may be formed of a plate-shape metal, glass, ceramic material. In addition, the door liner <NUM> may define the rear surface of the sub-door <NUM>, and is in contact with the front surface of the main door <NUM> in a state in which the sub-door <NUM> is closed.

The door liner <NUM> may provide a coupling structure of the panel assembly <NUM> and the cap decorations <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, the door liner <NUM> may be provided with a gasket <NUM>, and the circumference of the opening <NUM> may be hermetically sealed by the gasket <NUM> in a state in which the sub-door <NUM> is closed.

The cap decorations <NUM> and <NUM> may connect the upper and lower ends of the panel assembly <NUM> and the door liner <NUM>. In addition, the side frames <NUM> and <NUM> may connect both ends of the panel assembly <NUM> and the door liner <NUM>.

A space between the panel assembly <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> may be filled with heat insulating material <NUM>, and the sub-door <NUM> may have satisfactory heat insulating performance.

Meanwhile, the opening/closing assembly <NUM> for locking and opening the sub-door <NUM> may be provided inside the sub-door <NUM>.

The opening/closing assembly <NUM> may vertically extend inside the sub-door <NUM>, and may be disposed between a locking member accommodation part <NUM> formed in the door liner <NUM> and an operation member accommodation part <NUM> formed in the cap decoration <NUM>. The locking member accommodation part <NUM> may also be denoted as locking member accommodation part. Likewise, the operation member accommodation part <NUM> may be denoted as operation member accommodation part.

The opening/closing assembly <NUM> is disposed along one end far from the rotation axis C of the sub-door <NUM> between the left and right ends of the sub-door <NUM>, and may extend from the lower end to the middle height of the sub-door <NUM>.

In addition, an operation member <NUM> configuring the opening/closing assembly <NUM> in a state in which the opening/closing assembly <NUM> is installed on the sub-door <NUM> may be exposed through the lower end of the sub-door <NUM>, that is, the cap decoration <NUM>, and the locking member <NUM> may be exposed through the rear surface of the sub-door <NUM>, that is, the door liner <NUM>.

In this case, the operation member <NUM> may be disposed on the lower edge of the sub-door <NUM>, and may be disposed on the lower edge in which the pair of upper doors <NUM> disposed side by side is adjacent to each other. In addition, the operation member <NUM> may be exposed through a space between the upper door <NUM> and the lower door <NUM> disposed vertically, that is, a space formed such that the user puts their hand to hold the lower end of the upper door <NUM> or the upper end of the lower door <NUM>. Accordingly, the operation member <NUM> may be disposed to minimize external exposure and to facilitate operation for opening of the sub-door <NUM>.

In particular, the operation member <NUM> may be located at the lower end of the sub-door <NUM> far from the rotation axis C of the sub-door <NUM>. Accordingly, when operating the operation member <NUM>, rotation operation of the sub-door <NUM> may be facilitated.

To this end, an operation member accommodation part <NUM> in which the operation member <NUM> is mounted may be formed on one end far from the rotation axis C of the sub-door <NUM> of the lower surface of the cap decoration <NUM>. In this case, the operation member <NUM> may be mounted such that only an operation part <NUM> pressed by the user is exposed through the opening of the operation member accommodation part <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize exposure of the operation part <NUM> to the outside while operation of the operation member <NUM> is possible.

In addition, a handle groove <NUM> may be further formed in the lower surface of the cap decoration <NUM>. The handle groove <NUM> may be disposed side by side with the operation member accommodation part <NUM>, and may be in contact with the operation member accommodation part <NUM>. Accordingly, the user may simultaneously perform operation of the operation member <NUM> and operation of pulling the handle groove <NUM> at the same position without changing the position of the hand.

In addition, the handle groove <NUM> of the sub-door <NUM> may be disposed in the front-and-rear direction of the handle groove <NUM> of the main door <NUM>, and may be formed at a corresponding position such that opening/closing operation of the sub-door <NUM> and the main door <NUM> is performed at the same position, thereby further facilitating opening/closing operation of all the doors of the refrigerator <NUM>. That is, although not shown in detail, to open the lower door <NUM>, the handle roove formed in the upper end of the lower door may also be located to face the handle groove <NUM> of the main door <NUM> or the handle groove <NUM> of the sub-door <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the structure of the opening/closing assembly <NUM> will be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an opening/closing assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the opening/closing assembly. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the top of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the bottom of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a connection member case in a state in which the connection member of the opening/closing assembly is mounted.

As shown in the figure, the opening/closing assembly <NUM> may include a locking member <NUM> locked to the locking part <NUM> of the main door <NUM>, an operation member <NUM> exposed through the cap decoration <NUM> and operated by the user, a connection member <NUM> connecting the locking member <NUM> and the operation member <NUM>, and a connection member case <NUM> in which the connection member <NUM> is accommodated.

The locking member <NUM> may include a locking member body <NUM> accommodated in the locking member accommodation part <NUM>. In addition, a body hole <NUM>, through which a locking member rotation shaft <NUM> penetrates, may be formed in the locking member body <NUM>. In addition, a body extension <NUM> extending forward from the locking member body <NUM> may be formed, and the body extension <NUM> may extend to be extended to the outside through the accommodation part cover <NUM>. In addition, a locking hook <NUM> protruding downward may be formed on an end of the body extension <NUM>. The locking hook <NUM> may be engaged with the locking protrusion <NUM> of the locker such that the sub-door <NUM> is maintained in the closed state.

In addition, a front stopper <NUM> protruding upward may be formed on the body extension <NUM>. The front stopper <NUM> limits a rotation angle such that the locking member <NUM> does not excessively rotates forward (clockwise in <FIG>) when the locking member <NUM> rotates to open the sub-door <NUM>. The front stopper <NUM> may be disposed in front of the body hole <NUM>, and may be in contact with the front surface of the locking member bracket <NUM> described below when the locking member <NUM> rotates.

In addition, a rear stopper <NUM> may be further formed on the locking member body <NUM>. The rear stopper <NUM> is located behind the body hole <NUM> and may extend upward. The rear stopper <NUM> may enable the locking member <NUM> to stop at an accurate position when the locking member <NUM> rotates backward (counterclockwise in <FIG>), and the locking member <NUM> may be maintained in a state of being locked to the locker <NUM>. In this case, the rear stopper <NUM> is in contact with a stopper protrusion <NUM> protruding downward from the locking member bracket <NUM> such that the locking member <NUM> no longer rotates backward (counterclockwise in <FIG>).

In addition, a lower end of the locking member body <NUM> may be formed with a locking member-side connector <NUM> connected with a lower end of an upper spring <NUM>. The upper spring <NUM> may extend when the locking member <NUM> rotates forward and provide elastic force such that the locking member <NUM> returns to an original position.

Meanwhile, the opening/closing assembly <NUM> may include a locking member bracket <NUM> in which the locking member <NUM> is mounted.

The locking member bracket <NUM> may be formed such that the locking member <NUM> is rotatably mounted. In addition, the locking member bracket <NUM> may be fixed to the inside of the locking member accommodation part <NUM>. Accordingly, by the locking member bracket <NUM>, the locking member <NUM> may be rotatably disposed inside the locking member accommodation part <NUM>.

Specifically, the locking member bracket <NUM> may include a bracket body <NUM> defining a space <NUM> into which the locking member <NUM> is inserted. A locking member rotation shaft <NUM> penetrating through the body hole <NUM> may be inserted into the bracket body <NUM>. That is, in a state in which the locking member <NUM> is inserted into the locking member bracket <NUM>, the locking member rotation shaft <NUM> may penetrate through the locking member bracket <NUM> and the locking member <NUM> and thus the locking member <NUM> may be rotatably mounted.

The bracket body <NUM> may be formed with a bracket mounting part <NUM> extending upward, and a screw hole to which a screw is fastened may be formed in the bracket mounting part <NUM>. The screw may be fastened to the locking member accommodation part <NUM> by penetrating through the bracket mounting part <NUM>, such that the locking member bracket <NUM> is fixedly mounted in the locking member accommodation part <NUM> by the screw.

In addition, the bracket body <NUM> may be formed with a bracket-side connector <NUM> coupled with an upper end of the upper spring <NUM>. The upper end of the upper spring may be fixed to the bracket-side connector <NUM> and the lower end thereof may be fixed to the locking member-side connector <NUM>. Accordingly, when the locking member <NUM> rotates forward, the upper spring <NUM> is stretched and, when external force is removed, the locking member <NUM> may rotate backward by the elastic force of the upper spring <NUM>.

The operation member <NUM> may be provided at the lower end of the opening/closing assembly <NUM>, and at least a portion thereof may be accommodated in the operation member accommodation part <NUM> formed in the cap decoration <NUM>.

The operation member <NUM> may include a rotatably mounted operation member body <NUM>, the operation part <NUM> pressed by the user, and a support <NUM> supporting the lower end of the connection member <NUM>.

Specifically, the operation member body <NUM> may be rotatably mounted in an operation member bracket <NUM> described below. To this end, an operation member rotation shaft 531a protruding to the left and right sides may be formed at the upper end of the operation member body <NUM>.

In addition, the operation part <NUM> may be formed at the lower end of the operation member body <NUM>. The operation part <NUM> may extend forward from the operation member body <NUM>, and extend in a direction away from the rotation member rotation shaft 531a. In addition, the lower surface of the operation member <NUM> is formed to extend downward toward the front side such that the user presses the operation part <NUM> to easily rotate the operation member <NUM>.

In addition, the support <NUM> extending forward may be formed at the operation member body <NUM>. The support <NUM> is located above the operation part <NUM>, and may extend in a direction away from the operation member rotation shaft 531a. The support <NUM> may extend past the lower end of the connection member <NUM>, and push the connection member <NUM> up when the operation member <NUM> rotates forward (counterclockwise in <FIG>). To this end, the support <NUM> may extend forward from the lower side of the operation member rotation shaft 531a.

Meanwhile, the opening/closing assembly <NUM> may include the operation member bracket <NUM> in which the operation member <NUM> is mounted.

The operation member bracket <NUM> may be formed such that the operation member <NUM> is rotatably mounted. In addition, the operation member bracket <NUM> may be fixed to the inside of the operation member accommodation part <NUM>. Accordingly, by the operation member bracket <NUM>, the operation member <NUM> may be rotatably disposed inside the operation member accommodation part <NUM>.

Specifically, the operation member bracket <NUM> may include an operation member body <NUM> defining a space <NUM> in which the operation member <NUM> is rotatably mounted. The operation member body <NUM> may be opened downward, and the operation member <NUM> may be inserted and mounted upward from the lower side. In addition, a shaft coupling hole <NUM>, through which the operation member rotation shaft 531a penetrates, may be formed in the operation member body <NUM>. Accordingly, the operation member <NUM> may be rotatably mounted in the operation member bracket <NUM>.

A connection member support <NUM> may be formed at the upper surface of the operation member body <NUM>. The connection member support <NUM> may support the connection member <NUM> such that the connection member does not fall. Specifically, the below-described horizontal bending part 551b of the connection member <NUM> may be supported on the upper surface of the connection member support <NUM>, and a lower vertical part 551c may penetrate. In addition, an upper surface of a lower spring <NUM> described below may be supported on the lower surface of the connection member support <NUM>.

In addition, a body mounting part <NUM> extending laterally may be further formed at the lower surface of the operation member body <NUM>. A screw hole 543a to which the screw may be fastened may be formed in the body mounting part <NUM>, and the screw may penetrate through the body mounting part <NUM> to be fastened to the operation member accommodation part <NUM>. Accordingly, the operation member bracket <NUM> may be fixedly mounted inside the operation member accommodation part <NUM>.

In a state in which the operation member <NUM> is mounted in the operation member bracket <NUM>, the portion except for the operation part <NUM> is accommodated in the operation member bracket <NUM> and only the operation part <NUM> is exposed to the outside and may be operated by the user.

The connection member <NUM> may extend to connect the locking member <NUM> and the operation member <NUM>. Accordingly, when operating the operation member <NUM>, the locking member <NUM> may be interlocked by the connection member <NUM>.

The connection member <NUM> may include a rod <NUM> extending vertically. The rod <NUM> may be made of a steel material to prevent deformation and damage and may be formed to have a circular cross-section. In addition, the lower end of the connection member <NUM> may be in contact with the upper surface of the support <NUM> of the operation member <NUM> and the upper end thereof may be in contact with the lower surface of the body extension <NUM> of the locking member <NUM>.

The rod <NUM> may be formed to be bent multiple times for smooth operation transfer of the locking member <NUM> and the operation member <NUM>. Specifically, the rod <NUM> may include an upper vertical part 551a extending vertically, a horizontal bending part 551b bent from the lower end of the upper vertical part 551a and a lower vertical part 551c bent downward from the extended end of the horizontal bending part 551b.

The upper vertical part 551a may vertically extend downward from the lower surface of the body extension <NUM>, and extend to the operation member bracket <NUM>. In this case, the upper vertical part 551a may extend in parallel with the side surface of the sub-door <NUM>.

The horizontal bending part 551b may be vertically bent forward from the lower end of the upper vertical part 551a. The horizontal bending part 551b may extend past the bracket support <NUM>, and, when the connection member <NUM> moves downward as much as possible, downward movement of the horizontal being part 551b may be limited by the bracket support <NUM>.

The lower vertical part 551c may be vertically bent downward from the front end of the horizontal bending part 551b, and may penetrate through the bracket support <NUM> to extend downward. The horizontal bending part 551b may be supported by the connection member support <NUM> so as not to move any longer.

Meanwhile, the upper end of the connection member <NUM> may be provided with an upper cap <NUM>. The upper cap <NUM> may be in contact with the body extension <NUM>, and may be formed such that the upper end of the upper vertical part <NUM> is inserted. The upper cap <NUM> may have a larger diameter than the cross section of the rod <NUM>, and the upper end of the upper cap <NUM> may be formed in a planar shape. Accordingly, the upper end of the connection member <NUM>, that is, the upper surface of the upper cap <NUM>, may be in more stable contact with the body extension <NUM>.

In addition, the upper cap <NUM> may be formed of a soft material such as rubber or silicon. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent noise generated while the rod <NUM> is in direct contact with the locking member <NUM> and to prevent impact. Therefore, it is possible to further improve feeling of operation when operating the operation member <NUM>.

In addition, the lower end of the connection member <NUM> may be provided with a lower cap <NUM>. The lower end of the lower vertical part 551c may be inserted into the lower cap <NUM>. In addition, the lower cap <NUM> may also be formed of a soft material such as rubber or silicon, similarly to the upper cap <NUM>. Accordingly, the lower cap <NUM> may be in contact with the operation member <NUM> to prevent noise and impact upon contact and to improve feeling of operation of the operation member <NUM>.

In particular, the lower surface of the lower cap <NUM> may have a central part protruding downward and a circumference having a rounded shape. Accordingly, when rotating the operation member <NUM>, the lower surface of the lower cap <NUM> and the operation member support <NUM> may be efficiently brought into contact with each other.

In addition, a lower spring <NUM> may be mounted on the lower vertical part 551c. The lower vertical part 551c may penetrate through the lower spring <NUM>, and the upper end of the lower spring <NUM> may be in contact with the lower surface of the connection member support <NUM>, and the lower end of the lower spring <NUM> may be in contact with the lower cap <NUM>. Accordingly, it may be compressed when the connection member <NUM> moves upward. In addition, when external force applied to the connection member <NUM> is removed, the connection member <NUM> may move downward and return to an original position by elastic force of the lower spring <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the connection member <NUM> may further include a rod guide <NUM>. The rod guide <NUM> may be vertically disposed on the rod <NUM> at regular intervals, and may be formed with a larger size than the diameter of the rod <NUM>. The rod guide <NUM> may be mounted such that the rod <NUM> penetrates therethrough and may be formed to protrude from the rod <NUM> to the outside.

A plurality of rod guides <NUM> may be formed on the upper vertical part 551a of the rod <NUM>. In addition, the plurality of rod guides <NUM> may be formed on a portion accommodated in the connection member case <NUM> of the connection member <NUM>. The rod guide <NUM> may be formed with a size capable of being accommodated in the cross section of the internal space of the connection member case <NUM>. That is, the outer diameter of the rod guide <NUM> may be less than the inner diameter of the connection member case <NUM> or the horizontal or vertical length of the connection member case <NUM>. Accordingly, vertical movement of the connection member <NUM> is ensured inside the connection member case <NUM>, and, upon vertical movement of the connection member <NUM>, the rod guide <NUM> may be partially brought into contact with the inner surface of the connection member case <NUM>. Therefore, even when the connection member <NUM> operates, the position of the connection member <NUM> may be maintained.

The connection member case <NUM> may be formed in a pipe or tube shape having an accommodation space <NUM> formed therein. The connection member case <NUM> may vertically extend, and may be formed to connect the locking member accommodation part <NUM> and the operation member accommodation part <NUM>. In addition, the connection member case <NUM> vertically extends and may have a shorter vertical length than the connection member <NUM>. Accordingly, in a state in which the connection member <NUM> is inserted into the connection member case <NUM>, the upper and lower ends of the connection member <NUM> may protrude from the upper and lower ends of the connection member case <NUM>. In particular, the upper vertical part 551a of the connection member <NUM> may be accommodated in the connection member case <NUM>, and the horizontal bending part 551b and the lower vertical part 551c may be located outside the connection member case <NUM>.

In addition, the connection member case <NUM> may have an opened upper and lower surfaces, and an accommodation space <NUM>, into which the upper vertical part 551a is inserted, may be formed in the connection member case <NUM>. The cross section of the accommodation space <NUM> may be formed to be larger than the outer diameters of the rod <NUM> and the rod guide <NUM>. Accordingly, even in a state in which the connection member <NUM> is mounted to pass through the connection member case <NUM>, vertical movement may be smooth.

Meanwhile, reinforcement parts <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed at the connection member case <NUM>. The reinforcement parts <NUM> and <NUM> are to prevent deformation and damage of the connection member case <NUM> extending vertically and may vertically extend in the extension direction of the connection member case <NUM>.

Specifically, the connection member case <NUM> may be formed of a plastic or metal material, and may be formed by extrusion as a single component. Accordingly, the connection member case <NUM> may be formed to have the same cross-sectional shape.

The connection member case <NUM> is provided inside the sub-door <NUM>, and may be embedded in the heat insulating material <NUM>, with which the sub-door <NUM> is filled. In addition, the reinforcement parts <NUM> and <NUM> capable of preventing the connection member case <NUM> from being deformed by pressure generated in a process in which the heat insulating material <NUM> flows into the sub-door <NUM> may be formed at the connection member case <NUM>. The reinforcement parts <NUM> and <NUM> may include an inner reinforcement part <NUM> provided inside the connection member case <NUM> and an outer reinforcement part <NUM> provided outside the connection member case <NUM>. In addition, the reinforcement parts <NUM> and <NUM> may include only any one of the inner reinforcement part <NUM> and the outer reinforcement part <NUM>.

The structure of the connection member case <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. An accommodation space <NUM> in which the connection member <NUM> is accommodated may be formed in the connection member case <NUM>, and the accommodation space <NUM> may be vertically opened.

The inside of the accommodation space <NUM> may be formed larger than the outer diameter of the connection member <NUM> to guide stable vertical movement of the connection member <NUM>. That is, the inside of the accommodation space <NUM> may be formed with a size capable of being spaced apart from the rod guide <NUM>.

The inner reinforcement part <NUM> may be formed inside the accommodation space <NUM>. The inner reinforcement part <NUM> may protrude from the inner surface of the accommodation space <NUM> toward the connection member <NUM>. In addition, the inner reinforcement part <NUM> may extend in a vertical direction to prevent deformation of the connection member case <NUM>.

In addition, a plurality of inner reinforcement parts <NUM> may be formed at regular intervals, and may be formed at positions facing each other with respect to the connection member <NUM>. By the plurality of inner reinforcement parts <NUM>, a plurality of grooves may be formed in the inner surface of the accommodation space <NUM>. Accordingly, the connection member <NUM> may not be brought into the entire inner surface of the accommodation space <NUM> even if moving in the operation process but may be brought into the inner reinforcement part <NUM>, thereby ensuring stable operation of the connection member <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the outer reinforcement part <NUM> may be formed on the outer surface <NUM> of the connection member case <NUM>. The connection member case <NUM> may be formed to have a polygonal cross-sectional shape. For example, the connection member case <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular cross-sectional shape and the outer reinforcement part <NUM> may protrude from one surface thereof.

In this case, the outer reinforcement part <NUM> may be formed on a surface facing the panel assembly <NUM> of the outer surface <NUM> of the connection member case <NUM>. In addition, the outer surface <NUM> facing the outer reinforcement part <NUM> may be formed in a planar shape, and may be in close contact with the door liner <NUM>.

The outer reinforcement part <NUM> may be formed in a curved shape with a protruding center. Accordingly, when the heat insulating material <NUM> is injected into the sub-door <NUM>, the heat insulating material <NUM> in contact with the outer reinforcement part <NUM> may be distributed to both sides, thereby preventing excessive pressure from being applied to the connection member case <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the fixing structure of the connection member case <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a partially cut perspective view illustrating the mounting state of an upper portion of the opening/closing assembly. <FIG> is a partial perspective view illustrating the mounting state of a lower portion of the opening/closing assembly.

As shown in the figure, a locking member accommodation part <NUM> recessed such that the locking member <NUM> is accommodated therein may be formed in the door liner <NUM>. In addition, the locking member bracket <NUM> coupled with the locking member <NUM> may be fixedly mounted inside the locking member accommodation part <NUM>. In addition, the opened rear surface of the locking member accommodation part <NUM> may be shielded by the accommodation part cover <NUM>, and the body extension <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> may protrude backward through the cover hole <NUM> of the accommodation part cover <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the upper end of the connection member <NUM> may pass through the lower surface of the locking member accommodation part <NUM>, and the upper end of the connection member <NUM> may be in contact with the lower surface of the body extension <NUM> inside the locking member accommodation part <NUM> to rotate the locking member <NUM>.

In addition, an upper mounting part 422a in which the connection member case <NUM> is mounted may be formed in the lower surface of the locking member accommodation part <NUM>. The upper mounting part 422a may be formed such that the upper end of the connection member case <NUM> is inserted, and may be formed to surround the upper end of the connection member case <NUM> in a state in which the connection member case <NUM> is mounted. Accordingly, the connection member case <NUM> may maintain a state of being firmly coupled with the locking member accommodation part <NUM>, and, in particular, prevent the heat insulating material <NUM> from permeating into the locking member accommodation part <NUM> and the connection member case <NUM>.

The operation member accommodation part <NUM> in which the operation member <NUM> is mounted may be formed in the cap decoration <NUM>. The operation member accommodation part <NUM> may be opened downward, and may be formed in one end of the cap decoration <NUM> far from the rotation axis C of the sub-door <NUM>.

The operation member <NUM> may be mounted inside the operation member accommodation part <NUM> in a state of being coupled with the operation member bracket <NUM>. In addition, the operation member <NUM> may be disposed such that the operation part <NUM> is exposed through the accommodation part opening 443a.

The lower end of the connection member <NUM> may be inserted through the upper surface of the operation member accommodation part <NUM>, and may be in contact with the support <NUM> of the operation member <NUM> inside the operation member accommodation part <NUM>. Accordingly, the connection member <NUM> may vertically move according to rotation operation of the operation member <NUM>.

In addition, a lower mounting part 443b in which the connection member case <NUM> may be formed in the upper surface of the operation member accommodation part <NUM>. The lower mounting part 443b may be formed such that the lower end of the connection member case <NUM> is inserted, and may be formed to surround the lower end of the connection member case <NUM> in a state in which the connection member case <NUM> is mounted. Accordingly, the connection member case <NUM> may maintain a state of being firmly coupled with the operation member accommodation part <NUM>, and, in particular, prevent the heat insulating material <NUM> from permeating into the operation member accommodation part <NUM> and the connection member case <NUM>.

As such, the connection member case <NUM> may be formed to connect the locking member accommodation part <NUM> and the operation member accommodation part <NUM>. In addition, the connection member case <NUM> may be fixedly mounted on the rear surface of the door liner <NUM>.

Specifically, at least one surface of the outer surfaces of the connection member case <NUM> may be formed in a planar shape, and may be in close contact with the rear surface of the door liner <NUM>. In this case, one surface of the connection member case <NUM> in contact with the door liner <NUM> may face the outer reinforcement part <NUM>.

In addition, a plurality of case fixing parts <NUM> may be formed at the door liner <NUM> along both sides of the connection member case <NUM>. The case fixing parts <NUM> may extend in a direction crossing the extension direction of the connection member case <NUM>, and lock both sides of the connection member <NUM>. In addition, some of the case fixing parts <NUM> may have a structure in which an end is formed in a hook shape and is engaged with the outer surface of the connection member case <NUM>. In addition, the plurality of case fixing parts <NUM> may be continuously disposed along both sides of the connection member case <NUM>.

In this way, the connection member case <NUM> may be firmly fixed by the upper mounting part 422a, the lower mounting part 443b and the case fixing parts <NUM> in a state of being in close contact with the door liner <NUM>. Accordingly, the connection member case <NUM> does not deviate from the mounting position by pressure of the heat insulating material <NUM> injected into the sub-door <NUM>, and maintain the mounting state at an accurate position even repeated impact by opening/closing of the sub-door <NUM>.

Hereinafter, operation of the opening/closing assembly <NUM> having the above-described structure will be described.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV' of <FIG>.

As shown in the figure, in a state in which the sub-door <NUM> is closed, the locking member <NUM> may be in a state shown in <FIG>. In this case, the locking member <NUM> may be inserted into the locker <NUM>, and the locking hook may be locked to the locking protrusion such that the sub-door <NUM> is always maintained in a closed state.

In addition, in a state in which the user does not operate the operation member <NUM>, the connection member <NUM> maintains a contact state with the lower surface of the body extension <NUM> and the upper surface of the support <NUM>. In addition, as shown in <FIG>, the operation part <NUM> of the operation member <NUM> may protrude downward from the lower surface of the sub-door <NUM>, that is, the cap decoration <NUM>. Accordingly, the user may easily approach the operation member <NUM> when touching the edge of the sub-door <NUM>.

To open the sub-door <NUM>, the user may press the operation part <NUM> in an exposed state. When the operation part <NUM> is pressed, the operation member <NUM> rotates counterclockwise (in <FIG>) around the operation member rotation shaft 531a.

By rotation of the operation member <NUM>, the support <NUM> is brought into contact with the lower end of the connection member <NUM>, that is, the lower cap <NUM>, to push the connection member <NUM> upward. By the support <NUM>, the connection member <NUM> moves upward and, in this process, the lower spring <NUM> disposed between the connection member support <NUM> and the lower cap <NUM> may be compressed.

When the connection member <NUM> moves upward, the upper end of the connection member <NUM>, that is, the upper cap <NUM>, pushes the body extension <NUM> of the locking member <NUM> upward from the lower side. By the connection member <NUM>, the locking member <NUM> rotates clockwise (in <FIG>) around the locking member rotation shaft <NUM>. In addition, as the locking member <NUM> rotates clockwise, the upper spring <NUM> may be stretched.

When the locking member <NUM> rotates, the locking hook <NUM> and the locking protrusion <NUM> may be separated from each other to be unlocked, and the sub-door <NUM> is openable. when the sub-door <NUM> is unlocked, the user may operate the operation part <NUM> and, at the same time, hold the handle groove <NUM> adjacent to the operation part <NUM> to rotate the sub-door <NUM>, such that the sub-door <NUM> is opened.

Meanwhile, when the hand pressing the operation part <NUM> is released after opening the sub-door <NUM>, the lower spring <NUM> is restored to an initial state and, by elastic force at this time, the operation member <NUM> rotates clockwise (in <FIG>) and returns to the initial position.

At the same time, the upper spring <NUM> is restored to the initial state and, by elastic force at this time, the locking member <NUM> rotates counterclockwise (in <FIG>) and returns to the initial position. In the process in which the operation member <NUM> and the locking member return to the initial position, the connection member <NUM> may move downward.

Meanwhile, when the sub-door <NUM> is closed in a state in which the sub-door <NUM> is opened, although separate operation is not performed, in a process of inserting the end of the locking member <NUM> into the locker <NUM>, the locking member <NUM> rotates such that the locking hook <NUM> and the locking protrusion <NUM> are locked to each other and the sub-door <NUM> may be maintained in the closed state.

The refrigerator and the refrigerator door according to the proposed embodiments may have the following effects.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, an opening/closing assembly for selective opening/closing of the door is provided inside the door, and an operation member which is a component of the opening/closing assembly is disposed at the lower end of the door. It is possible to easily open the door by operating the operation member.

The operation member is disposed at the lower end of the door so as not to impair the appearance of the front surface of the door. In particular, when the front surface of the door is formed of a material such as glass or metal, it is possible to easily process the front surface of the door and to improve appearance.

In addition, the opening/closing member may include a connection member connecting the locking member and the operation member vertically separated from each other, and the connection member may have a structure accommodated in the connection member case. In this case, the connection member and the connection member case have a vertically long shape.

The connection member case has the same internal cross-sectional structure vertically and thus the long connection member is a single component and may be extruded. Accordingly, formability of the connection member case is easy and assembly workability is improved.

In addition, the vertically long connection member case may be formed with a reinforcement part in the vertical direction. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the connection member case elongated vertically as a single component from being deformed. In particular, by preventing the vertically long connection member case from being deformed by pressure of a heat insulating member injected into the door when processing the door, it is possible to ensure accurate operation of the opening/closing assembly.

In addition, the reinforcement part has a structure protruding in an accommodation space in which the connection member is accommodated, and a rod guide protrudes from a rod configuring the connection member. Therefore, while the connection member moves, the rod is not in contact with the entire inner surface of the connection member case but is partially in contact with the reinforcement part, thereby minimizing friction with the connection member and ensuring stable operation.

In addition, the reinforcement part may be formed outside the connection member case, and a surface facing the panel assembly may be rounded. When the heat insulating material is injected into the door, it is distributed in contact with the reinforcement part, thereby minimizing pressure applied to the connection member case.

In addition, the upper end of the connection member case is inserted into the upper mounting part formed at the lower surface of the locking member accommodation part, and the lower end of the connection member case is inserted into the lower mounting part formed at the upper surface of the operation member accommodation part to be firmly fixed to the inside of the sub-door. When the heat insulating material is injected into the door, the position of the connection member case may be maintained and the heat insulating material may be prevented from flowing into the connection member case.

In addition, the door liner may be further formed with a case fixing part locking both sides of the connection member case, and a plurality of case fixing parts may be formed along the connection member case, thereby maintaining a state in which the connection member case is firmly mounted on the door liner. Accordingly, even if the heat insulating material is injected into the door, the connection member can be maintained in a firmly mounted state.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) defining a storage space;
a main door (<NUM>) rotatably mounted on the cabinet (<NUM>) and configured to open and close the storage space, the main door (<NUM>) having an opening (<NUM>) formed as a through-hole;
a sub-door (<NUM>) rotatably provided at the main door (<NUM>) and configured to open and close the opening (<NUM>), the sub-door (<NUM>) being filled with a heat insulating material (<NUM>);
a locking member (<NUM>) protruding from the sub-door to the main door and operated to lock the main door;
an operation member (<NUM>) protruding from the sub-door to be operated by a user;
a connection member (<NUM>) operatively connecting the locking member and the operation member; and
a connection member case (<NUM>) provided inside the sub-door (<NUM>) and defining an accommodation space (<NUM>) in which the connection member is accommodated,
characterized in that
the connection member case (<NUM>) is formed with a reinforcement part (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending in longitudinal direction along the connection member case (<NUM>) to prevent deformation of the connection member (<NUM>) and/or of the connection member case (<NUM>).