Patent Description:
In general, a refrigerator is an apparatus that stores food and the like refrigerated or frozen by keeping a storage compartment defined in the refrigerator at a predetermined temperature using a refrigeration cycle consisting of a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and an evaporator. Such a refrigerator generally includes a freezing compartment in which food or beverages are kept frozen and a refrigerating compartment in which food or beverages are kept at a low temperature.

Refrigerators may be classified based on positions of the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment. For example, refrigerators may be classified into a top mount type refrigerator in which the freezing compartment is located above the refrigerating compartment, a bottom freezer type refrigerator in which the freezing compartment is located below the refrigerating compartment and a side by side type refrigerator in which the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment are left and right compartments divided by a partition.

The freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment are defined in a cabinet that forms an external appearance of the refrigerator and are selectively opened or closed by a freezing compartment door and a refrigerating compartment door respectively. The freezing compartment door and the refrigerating compartment door are pivotally rotatably coupled to the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment which have open front sides. Each door is provided with a gasket for hermetic sealing of the interior of the storage compartment.

In recent years, refrigerators to satisfy various consumer demands and to prevent loss of cold air caused by frequent door opening/closing have been proposed. For example, a refrigerator, which includes an extra storage space (hereinafter referred to as "auxiliary storage compartment" for convenience) in addition to a main storage compartment and allows a user to access the auxiliary storage compartment without opening a door of the refrigerator, has been proposed.

In addition, studies to enhance user convenience by allowing a user to selectively access the main storage compartment and the auxiliary storage compartment of the refrigerator have been conducted.

<CIT> provides a refrigerator including a sub hinge connecting a main door to a sub door, and a main hinge connecting the main door to a main body of the refrigerator. The sub hinge is not connected to the main hinge, to prevent interference during door movement and to minimize leakage of cool air. A single latch assembly may allow both the main door and the sub door to be smoothly opened and secured.

The present invention is directed to solving the above-described problems and one object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator which may enhance user convenience and restrict increase in power consumption and which has a simplified configuration.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a door and a container are individually or simultaneously rotated according to user convenience to enable user access thereto.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator which may prevent leakage of cold air through a door.

Effects of a refrigerator according to the present invention as described above are as follows.

Firstly, according to the present invention, a single door is provided to open or close a main storage region and an auxiliary storage region. As such, it is possible to reduce loss of cold air as compared to the case in which two doors are provided and it is unnecessary to install a heater to prevent dew formation. Accordingly, increase in power consumption may be advantageously prevented.

Secondly, according to the present invention, a user may rotate a door alone when it is desired to access a container in which an auxiliary storage region is defined and may rotate the door and the container together when it is desired to access a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment, which may enhance user convenience.

Thirdly, according to the present invention, the container may be fixed so as not to wobble once a user has coupled the container and the door to each other, which may reduce noise generated by the container.

Fourthly, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent leakage of cold air from a storage compartment through a configuration of a fastening device that couples the door and the container to each other.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention to concretely achieve the above-described objects will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The size, shape or the like of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of description. In addition, the terms, particularly defined by taking into consideration the configurations and functions of the present invention, may be replaced by other terms based on intensions of users or operators or customs. Hence, the meanings of these terms must follow definitions described in the entire specification.

<FIG> show embodiments of the refrigerator according to the present invention. <FIG>, <FIG>show examples which are not part of the invention.

In <FIG>, a storage compartment in which food and the like may be stored, for example, a refrigerating compartment is defined in a cabinet <NUM> and a freezing compartment is also defined below the refrigerating compartment. To open or close the refrigerating compartment, a door <NUM> is rotatably installed to an upper portion of the cabinet <NUM> via a hinge member <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "first hinge member" for convenience). Although the present embodiment illustrates two doors <NUM> to open or close the refrigerating compartment, it will be appreciated that the present embodiment is not limited thereto and a single door may be used. The door <NUM> is provided with a handle <NUM> to assist a user in pivotally rotating the door <NUM>. Of course, the shape or structure of the handle <NUM> is not limited to illustration of the drawing and various other structures may be selected.

A dispenser <NUM> may be installed in the door <NUM> to provide the user with water or ice. An additional door 20a may be installed to a lower portion of the cabinet <NUM> to open or close the freezing compartment.

Meanwhile, as exemplarily shown in <FIG>, a storage space in which food may be stored, i.e. the refrigerating compartment <NUM> is defined in the cabinet <NUM>. Although the present embodiment mainly describes the refrigerating compartment for convenience of description, the present embodiment is not limited to the refrigerating compartment and may be applied to any other storage space, such as, for example, the freezing compartment so long as it may store food and the like therein. Therefore, for convenience, the storage space is referred to as "first storage region".

There is provided a container <NUM> that defines a storage compartment <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "second storage region" for convenience) separate from the first storage region <NUM>. The container <NUM> is rotatable relative to the door <NUM>. That is, the container <NUM> is a separate component that is operated independently of the cabinet <NUM> and the door <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a relationship of the cabinet <NUM>, the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> and configurations of the same will be described in detail with reference to <FIG> shows a state in which the container <NUM> is received in the cabinet <NUM> and the door <NUM> is opened alone.

The door <NUM> is pivotally rotatably coupled to the cabinet <NUM> via the first hinge member <NUM>. The first hinge member <NUM> is located at one side of the cabinet <NUM>. The door <NUM> is pivotally rotatable about a rotating shaft <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "first rotating shaft" for convenience) of the first hinge member <NUM> and may open or close the first storage region <NUM>.

A gasket <NUM> is attached to an inner surface of the door <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> is located along a rim of the door <NUM>. The gasket <NUM> may generally take the form of a rectangular band conforming to a rectangular shape of the door <NUM>. Once the door <NUM> is rotated toward the cabinet <NUM> to hermetically seal the first storage region <NUM>, the gasket <NUM> comes into contact with a front surface portion <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>, thus functioning to prevent leakage of cold air from the first storage region <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the container <NUM> is pivotally rotatably coupled to the door <NUM> via a second hinge member <NUM>. A rotating shaft (hereinafter referred to as "second rotating shaft" for convenience) of the second hinge member <NUM> is located at the door <NUM> and is separate from the first rotating shaft <NUM> of the first hinge member <NUM>. That is, the first hinge member <NUM> is interposed between the cabinet <NUM> and the door <NUM> and the second hinge member <NUM> is interposed between the door <NUM> and the container <NUM>.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the terms "up-and-down direction", "left-and-right direction" and "front-and-rear direction" as described in <FIG> are used. Preferably, dimensions of the container <NUM> (a left-and-right direction length (width) and an up-and-down direction length (height)) must substantially be at least not greater than those of the first storage region <NUM> such that the container <NUM> is received in the first storage region <NUM>. A depth (front-and-rear direction length) of the container <NUM> preferably occupies a predetermined part of a depth of the first storage region <NUM>. Through this configuration, when the door <NUM> is closed, the container <NUM> is placed in the first storage region <NUM> and, therefore, leakage of cold air may occur only through a gap between the front surface portion <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM> and an inner rim portion of the door <NUM>. Thus, it is possible to prevent leakage of cold air by simply attaching the single gasket <NUM> to the inner rim portion of the door <NUM>. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the gasket <NUM> for the door <NUM> may be sufficient without requiring a gasket for the container <NUM>. In this way, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent loss of cold air due to installation of a number of gaskets, waste of power required for heating and the like.

Meanwhile, a fastening device <NUM> to selectively couple the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> to each other is installed to the door <NUM>. More specifically, the fastening device <NUM> functions to couple the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> to each other when it is desired to open the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> together and also functions to release coupling of the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> when it is desired to open the door <NUM> alone. To implement coupling and release of the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> via the fastening device <NUM>, the handle <NUM> is preferably provided with an operating unit.

Meanwhile, a storage member <NUM> for storage of food therein may be installed to the inner surface of the door <NUM>. More specifically, after the door <NUM> is opened by the user as exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the user may access the storage member <NUM> to store food in the storage member <NUM> installed to the inner surface of the door <NUM> or to retrieve the stored food. Of course, instead of providing the door <NUM> with the storage member <NUM>, the container <NUM> may be increased in depth such that the container <NUM> uses a space occupied by the storage member <NUM> of the door <NUM>.

Next, a case in which the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> are opened together will be described with reference to <FIG>.

When the user who desires to use the first storage region <NUM> opens the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> together, the user can access the first storage region <NUM>. The first storage region <NUM> may have substantially the same configuration as that of a storage compartment of a general refrigerator. For example, the first storage region <NUM> may contain a plurality of shelves <NUM> and drawers <NUM> and the like.

Meanwhile, the container <NUM> is preferably provided with a coupler <NUM> of a fixing device to selectively couple the container <NUM> to the cabinet <NUM>. More specifically, the coupler <NUM> of the fixing device functions to couple the container <NUM> and the cabinet <NUM> to each other when it is desired to open the door <NUM> alone and also functions to release coupling of the container <NUM> and the cabinet <NUM> when it is desired to open the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> together.

<FIG> is a view showing the handle shown in <FIG>. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

As exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the door <NUM> is provided with the handle <NUM> to assist the user in pivotally rotating the door <NUM> by gripping the handle <NUM> with the hand.

In this case, the handle <NUM> may be attached to a front surface of the door <NUM> for easy user access.

The handle <NUM> may be provided with an operating unit <NUM> at a portion thereof where the user's hand will touch. In this case, the operating unit <NUM> may be configured such that the user can push the operating unit <NUM>.

More specifically, the operating unit <NUM> is exposed to the user to allow the user to push the operating unit <NUM> in a state in which the door <NUM> hermetically seals the first storage region <NUM>. Thus, the user can access the operating unit <NUM> in a state in which the door <NUM> closes the first storage region <NUM>, thereby controlling a coupling relationship between the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> using the operating unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing the fastening device and the latch member shown in <FIG>, <FIG> is a perspective view showing important parts of the fastening device shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is a view showing an installed state of the fastening device shown in <FIG>. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

The fastening device <NUM> is installed to the door <NUM> to selectively couple the door <NUM> to the container <NUM>. That is, through use of the fastening device <NUM>, the user may couple the door <NUM> to the container <NUM> in order to rotate the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> together, or may separate the door <NUM> from the container <NUM> in order to individually rotate the door <NUM> and the container <NUM>.

As exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the container <NUM> has a recess <NUM> indented in a surface thereof facing the door <NUM> by a predetermined depth. A latch member <NUM> in the form of a horizontally extending elongated bar is received in the recess <NUM>.

As the latch member <NUM> is coupled to the fastening device <NUM>, the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> may be coupled to each other or released from each other.

As exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the fastening device <NUM> includes a rotatable hook <NUM>. The hook <NUM> may be installed to vertically rotate about a rotating shaft that is horizontally installed to a case <NUM>.

The hook <NUM> may have a downwardly protruding tip portion <NUM> to be caught by the latch member <NUM>. That is, a state in which the protruding tip portion <NUM> is caught by the latch member <NUM> refers to a state in which the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> are coupled to each other.

Meanwhile, a seal <NUM> may be located at the back of the hook <NUM> to prevent cold air of the first storage region <NUM> from being discharged outward through a passage formed at the back of the hook <NUM>. That is, the seal <NUM> may block the passage through which cold air can move into the fastening device <NUM>. In particular, the seal <NUM> may be formed of an elastically deformable material, such as rubber or the like. The seal <NUM> may be slightly deformed to hermetically seal an open end of the passage.

As exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the fastening device <NUM> includes the operating unit <NUM> that the user can operate. The fastening device <NUM> further includes a first link <NUM> and a second link <NUM> which transfer operating force of the operating unit <NUM> to the hook <NUM>.

The operating unit <NUM> may include a lever <NUM> and the user can cause displacement by pushing the lever <NUM>. In this case, the lever <NUM> may be moved leftward on the basis of <FIG> when the user pushes the lever <NUM>, or may be moved rightward on the basis of <FIG> when the user no longer pushes the lever <NUM>.

The fastening device <NUM> may further include a first housing <NUM> having a first bore <NUM> through which the first link <NUM> is inserted, the first bore <NUM> guiding movement of the first link <NUM>. In this case, the first bore <NUM> and the first link <NUM> may have the same cross sectional area. Through this configuration, it is possible to prevent cold air of the first storage region <NUM> from being discharged outward through the first bore <NUM> and to easily guide movement of the first link <NUM>
In addition, the fastening device <NUM> may include a second housing <NUM> having a second bore <NUM> through which the second link <NUM> is inserted, the second bore <NUM> guiding movement of the second link <NUM>. In this case, the second bore <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may have the same cross sectional area. Through this configuration, it is possible to prevent cold air of the first storage region <NUM> from being discharged outward through the second bore <NUM> and to easily guide movement of the second link <NUM>.

The second housing <NUM> may be embedded in the door <NUM> and the first housing <NUM> may be embedded in an extension between the door <NUM> and the handle <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may be separate components. This is because, assuming that the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> take the form of a single component, the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may cause excessive heat transfer via conduction therethrough. That is, when the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> take the form of separate components, the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> that usually come into contact with each other may be intermittently separated from each other, which may prevent conductive heat transfer and, consequently, prevent leakage of cold air.

As exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the door <NUM> may be provided at a surface thereof facing the container <NUM> with an elastic protrusion <NUM>, the elastic protrusion <NUM> protruding toward the container <NUM>. The elastic protrusion <NUM> is compressively deformed when the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> are coupled to each other, thereby maintaining a constant gap between the door <NUM> and the container <NUM>.

The container <NUM> and the door <NUM> which have been coupled to each other may not accurately come into contact with each other due to manufacturing errors, which may cause vibration due to collision between the container <NUM> and the door <NUM>.

Therefore, in the present invention, once the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> are coupled to each other, the elastic protrusion <NUM> may be compressed to maintain a constant gap between the container <NUM> and the door <NUM>, thereby preventing vibration caused by contact between the door <NUM> and the container <NUM>. Through provision of the elastic protrusion <NUM>, it is possible to prevent breakage of components and generation of noise due to collision between the door <NUM> and the container <NUM>.

The hook <NUM> may be located in a region surrounded by the gasket <NUM>. That is, the hook <NUM> may be located in a space communicating with the first storage region <NUM> hermetically sealed by the gasket <NUM>. As described above with reference to <FIG>, the container <NUM> must be smaller than the door <NUM> and also must be sized to be received in the first storage region <NUM>. Accordingly, the hook <NUM>, which causes the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> to come into contact with and be coupled to each other, is preferably located in the first storage region <NUM>.

Hereinafter, operation of the fastening device <NUM> will be described.

When the user pushes the lever <NUM>, the lever <NUM> is moved leftward on the basis of <FIG>. The first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> are simultaneously moved leftward by the same distance as a movement distance of the lever <NUM>. The second link <NUM> pushes the seal <NUM> of the hook <NUM> and the hook <NUM> is rotated clockwise about the rotating shaft. Thereby, as the protruding tip portion <NUM> is moved upward of the latch member <NUM>, the hook <NUM> is released from the latch member <NUM>.

Accordingly, coupling of the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> is released and the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> are separated from each other and are rotatable.

The interior of the first bore <NUM> is filled with the first link <NUM> because the first link <NUM> and the first bore <NUM> have the same cross sectional area. That is, despite movement of the first link <NUM>, it is possible to prevent leakage of cold air through the first bore <NUM>.

Likewise, the interior of the second bore <NUM> is filled with the second link <NUM> because the second link <NUM> and the second bore <NUM> have the same cross sectional area. That is, despite movement of the second link <NUM>, it is possible to prevent leakage of cold air through the second bore <NUM>.

However, in the state shown in <FIG>, the seal <NUM> is rotated clockwise and does not hermetically seal an open end of the second bore <NUM>. That is, once coupling of the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> is released, the end of the second bore <NUM> may allow movement of cold air.

On the other hand, when the user no longer pushes the lever <NUM>, the lever <NUM> returns to an original position thereof, i.e. is moved rightward. Thereby, the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> are moved rightward and the hook <NUM> is rotated counterclockwise.

Accordingly, as the protruding tip portion <NUM> is caught by the latch member <NUM>, the hook <NUM> is caught by the latch member <NUM>. In this way, the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> are coupled to each other and the user can rotate the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> together.

In this case, the seal <NUM> of the hook <NUM> hermetically seals the end of the second bore <NUM>, thereby preventing cold air of the first storage region <NUM> from being discharged outward through the second bore <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the refrigerator according to the present invention and <FIG> is a view showing a state in which the door and the container shown in <FIG> are individually opened. A description with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> is as follows.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an embodiment in which a single door <NUM> is installed to open or close the first storage region <NUM>, differently from the above-described embodiment. That is, the user may open or close the entire first storage region <NUM> by rotating the single door <NUM>.

In the following description of the secondly described embodiment, components to implement the same functions as those of the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. A description related to the same parts will be omitted below and only different parts will be described.

The handle <NUM> may be attached to a side surface of the door <NUM>. Since the single door <NUM> is used to open or close the first storage region <NUM>, in the secondly described embodiment, the user can access to the side surface of the door <NUM> differently from in the above-described embodiment.

<FIG> is a view showing the handle shown in <FIG> and the fastening device and <FIG> is a view showing important parts of <FIG>. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

As exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> is located adjacent to the fastening device <NUM>. As such, operating force of the handle <NUM> may be transferred to the fastening device <NUM>.

As exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> may include a bracket <NUM> to which the lever <NUM> is installed. The lever <NUM> may be pivotally rotatably installed to the bracket <NUM>. In this case, the lever <NUM> may be installed to the bracket <NUM> so as to be rotated about an upper end thereof.

The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may configure a single component. In this case, the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may be inserted into the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may guide movement of the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM>.

The first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> are separate components and the user may replace the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> individually. Assuming that the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> configure a single component, both the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> must be replaced when damage to a portion of the single component corresponding to the first link <NUM> or the second link <NUM> occurs. Therefore, in the present invention, the two components are designed to be separable from each other to enhance product use convenience.

In particular, the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> in the form of separate components may prevent increase in the length thereof, which enables reduction in the size of components. As such, a user working space for individual replacement or repair of the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may be reduced and easier replacement or repair work may be possible.

<FIG> is a sectional view taken along line A-A of <FIG> and <FIG> is a view showing operation of the fastening device shown in <FIG>. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

The first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> are configured to be moved in directions perpendicular to each other. On the basis of <FIG>, the first link <NUM> may be moved in a vertical direction, whereas the second link <NUM> may be moved in a horizontal direction.

Meanwhile, the first link <NUM> may have a first slope <NUM> having a predetermined inclination angle and the second link <NUM> may have a second slope <NUM> to be guided by the first slope <NUM> by coming into contact with the first slope <NUM>.

As such, vertical movement of the first link <NUM> may be converted into horizontal movement of the second link <NUM>.

In addition, the lever <NUM> and the first link <NUM> may be moved in directions perpendicular to each other. On the basis of <FIG>, the lever <NUM> may be horizontally rotated, whereas the second link <NUM> may be vertically moved.

Meanwhile, the lever <NUM> may have a fourth slope <NUM> having a predetermined inclination angle and the first link <NUM> may have a third slope <NUM> to be guided by the fourth slope <NUM> by coming into contact with the fourth slope <NUM>.

The first link <NUM> is provided at a portion thereof adjacent to the lever <NUM> with the third slope <NUM> and at a portion thereof adjacent to the second link <NUM> with the first slope <NUM>. As such, the first link <NUM> may transfer movement of the lever <NUM> to the second link <NUM>.

In the secondly described embodiment, it is possible to prevent easy leakage of cold air from the first storage region <NUM> because a movement path of the first link <NUM> (vertical path) and a movement path of the second link <NUM> (horizontal path) are perpendicular to each other. That is, it is possible to prevent cold air of the first storage region <NUM> from being discharged outward.

Operation of the secondly described embodiment will be described below with reference to <FIG>.

When the user pushes the lever <NUM>, the fourth slope <NUM> is moved. In this case, the third slope <NUM> coming into contact with the fourth slope <NUM> is moved via movement of the fourth slope <NUM>.

The first link <NUM> is moved and the first slope <NUM> is moved linearly along with the first link <NUM>.

The second slope <NUM> comes into contact with the first slope <NUM> and the second link <NUM> is linearly moved. In this case, movement directions of the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> are perpendicular to each other.

The hook <NUM> is be rotatable and the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> may be switched from a coupled state to a released state or vice versa.

Meanwhile, the seal <NUM> may be located at one end of the hook <NUM> so as to hermetically seal one end of the second bore <NUM>, thereby preventing cold air of the first storage region <NUM> from moving to the second bore <NUM>.

In particular, the seal <NUM> hermetically seals a cold air movement passage when the fastening device <NUM> (more particularly, the hook <NUM>) is caught by the latch member <NUM> and opens the passage when the fastening device <NUM> is not caught by the latch member <NUM>.

Even if the seal <NUM> temporarily opens one end of the second bore <NUM>, a possibility of movement of cold air through the first bore <NUM> or the second bore <NUM> may be reduced because the first bore <NUM> is filled with the first link <NUM> and the second hore <NUM> is filled with the second link <NUM>.

Considering use of the refrigerator by the user, the container and the door are coupled to each other by the fastening device for a majority of the time. This is because coupling by the fastening device corresponds to an initial position and the door and the container are released from each other when the user operates the lever. Accordingly, in the present invention, it is possible to reduce leakage of cold air during use of the refrigerator by providing an additional sealing structure to prevent leakage of cold air in a state in which the door and the container are coupled to each other by the fastening device (for a majority of the time).

<FIG> is a view showing a state in which a latch member according to another embodiment is installed to the container. In <FIG>, the latch member is shown as being separated from the container. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

The container <NUM> includes a body <NUM> forming an external appearance of the container <NUM> and a cover <NUM> coupled to the body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> closes an open side of the body <NUM> to prevent an inner region of the body <NUM> from being partially exposed outward.

Meanwhile, a latch member <NUM> may be installed to the container <NUM>. In this case, the latch member <NUM> may include a cover <NUM> configured to cover the front of the latch member <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may prevent a portion of the latch member <NUM> from being exposed to the user, thereby preventing the latch member <NUM> from being unintentionally operated by the user.

The latch member <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are installed to the container <NUM> so as to come into contact with the door <NUM>.

Preferably, the coupler <NUM> of the fixing device is installed to the top of the container <NUM> to selectively couple the container <NUM> to the cabinet <NUM>. That is, the coupler <NUM> of the fixing device functions to couple the container <NUM> and the cabinet <NUM> to each other when it is desired to open the door <NUM> alone and also functions to release coupling of the container <NUM> and the cabinet <NUM> when it is desired to open the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> together. The coupler <NUM> of the fixing device may selectively come into contact with an inner ceiling surface of the first storage region <NUM> so as to selectively fix the container <NUM> to the first storage region <NUM>.

The second hinge member <NUM> may include a rotating shaft <NUM> coupled to the door <NUM>. The rotating shaft <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the door <NUM> to allow the container <NUM> to be rotated about the rotating shaft <NUM>.

Meanwhile, a total of two second hinge members <NUM> may be installed at upper and lower positions of the container <NUM> respectively. The second hinge members <NUM> have the same shape and differ only in terms of installation positions thereof in relation to the container <NUM> and the door <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing a configuration of the latch member shown in <FIG>. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

The latch member <NUM> may include a push piece <NUM> to be pushed by the operating unit installed to the door <NUM>, a drive piece <NUM> to convert force applied to the push piece <NUM> into torque and transmit the torque and a hook <NUM> to be rotated by the drive piece <NUM>.

The push piece <NUM> may be exposed outward of the container <NUM> so as to be pushed by any component installed to the door <NUM>.

The drive piece <NUM> may convert horizontal linear force applied to the push piece <NUM> into torque. The drive piece <NUM> may be a combination of various cams and springs. Details of the drive piece <NUM> may be altered in various ways, those skilled in the art can easily understand these alterations and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted herein.

The hook <NUM> may generally have a "<IMG>"-shaped form, one end of which is open. The hook <NUM> is rotatable about a rotating shaft.

The open end of the hook <NUM> may be oriented downward when the drive piece <NUM> applies no force to the hook <NUM>. On the other hand, when the drive piece <NUM> rotates the hook <NUM>, the open side of the "<IMG>"-shaped hook <NUM> may be oriented toward the door <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the cover <NUM> is installed at one side of the latch member <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may prevent the interior of the latch member <NUM> from being exposed to the user.

In addition, the cover <NUM> may allow only the hook <NUM> and the push piece <NUM> to be exposed, thereby allowing the latch member <NUM> to come into contact with and be driven by the door <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing the fastening device shown in <FIG>. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows. In <FIG>, illustration of the door <NUM> is omitted to clearly show a fastening device <NUM> that is embedded in the door <NUM>.

The fastening device <NUM> includes a button member <NUM> to generate displacement by being pushed by the user, an amplifier member <NUM> to amplify displacement generated by the button member <NUM> and a transfer member <NUM> to transfer displacement generated by the amplifier member <NUM> to the latch member <NUM>.

The button member <NUM> may be oriented to face the back of the handle <NUM>. In addition, although not shown in <FIG>, the button member <NUM> may include a button formed at the front of the handle <NUM> so as to be exposed to the user. For reference, a button member housing <NUM> may be exposed to the user.

One end of the button member <NUM> is connected to the amplifier member <NUM> and one end of the amplifier member <NUM> is connected to the transfer member <NUM>.

The transfer member <NUM> is provided at one end thereof with a release pin <NUM> that is exposed to the interior of the door <NUM>. Specifically, an exposed portion of the release pin <NUM> is used to push the push piece <NUM>.

The transfer member <NUM> and the amplifier member <NUM> are embedded in the door <NUM> and are not exposed to the user. That is, only the release pin <NUM> is exposed to the user.

Meanwhile, the release pin <NUM> is exposed to a space of the first storage region <NUM> defined by the gasket <NUM>. Thus, although cold air of the first storage region <NUM> may move through the release pin <NUM>, the transfer member <NUM> and the amplifier member <NUM> are not aligned in a line and are arranged at different heights. This stepwise arrangement causes a complicated cold air movement path, thus preventing movement of cold air. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent problems due to leakage of cold air from the first storage region <NUM>.

A holder <NUM> is located adjacent to the release pin <NUM>. The holder <NUM> is exposed outward from the door <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> may have a center holder hole <NUM>. As the open end of the hook <NUM> is inserted into the holder hole <NUM>, the latch member <NUM> and the fastening device <NUM> may be coupled to each other. In other words, the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> may be coupled to each other.

<FIG> is a view showing a coupled state of the fastening device and the latch member shown in <FIG>. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

The button member <NUM> may include a button <NUM> installed at the front of the handle <NUM> and a push bar <NUM> connected to the button <NUM>. The push bar <NUM> is movable along with the button <NUM>. Through movement of the push bar <NUM>, displacement of the button <NUM> may be transferred to the amplifier member <NUM>.

The push bar <NUM> may be received in the button member housing <NUM>. The button member housing <NUM> may be exposed to the door <NUM> to connect the handle <NUM> and the door <NUM> to each other.

When the button <NUM> is moved leftward on the basis of <FIG>, the push bar <NUM> may be moved leftward by the same distance as a movement distance of the button <NUM>. As such, displacement of the push bar <NUM> may occur.

The amplifier member <NUM> may include an amplifier member housing <NUM> forming an external appearance of the amplifier member <NUM>, a pivot bar <NUM> configured to be rotated about a rotating shaft <NUM> and a link bar <NUM> located at one end of the pivot bar <NUM> so as to be moved by pivotal rotation of the pivot bar <NUM>.

The pivot bar <NUM> may be provided with a seal <NUM> at a position thereof coming into contact with the link bar <NUM>. As such, in the state shown in <FIG>, the seal <NUM> may block a cold air movement path defined in the fastening device <NUM>.

The amplifier member housing <NUM> may contain an empty space corresponding to a pivotal rotation path of the pivot bar <NUM>. The amplifier member housing <NUM> may receive a portion of the push bar <NUM>.

The push bar <NUM> may push the pivot bar <NUM> to pivotally rotate the pivot bar <NUM>. The pivot bar <NUM> is rotated about a rotating shaft <NUM>. The push bar <NUM> may push a position of the pivot bar <NUM> spaced apart from the rotating shaft <NUM> by a predetermined distance, rather than pushing a distal end of the pivot bar <NUM>. On the other hand, the link bar <NUM> is located adjacent to the distal end of the pivot bar <NUM>.

When the push bar <NUM> moves the pivot bar <NUM>, the pivot bar <NUM> in the form of a rigid bar is rotated about the rotating shaft <NUM>. This may cause a movement distance of the link bar <NUM> to be increased beyond that of the push bar <NUM>. This is because a circular arc of a rotation path may increase with increasing distance from the rotating shaft <NUM> even if the pivot bar <NUM> is rotated about the rotating shaft <NUM> by the same angle.

The transfer member <NUM> includes a transfer member housing <NUM> forming an external appearance of the transfer member <NUM> and the release pin <NUM> configured to push the push piece <NUM>.

The transfer member housing <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion of the link bar <NUM>. As the link bar <NUM> moves the release pin <NUM>, a length of the portion of the release pin <NUM> protruding from the door <NUM> may vary.

The release pin <NUM> includes a first piece <NUM> coming into contact with the link bar <NUM>, a second piece <NUM> protruding outward from the door <NUM> to push the latch member <NUM> and a connection piece <NUM> connecting the first piece <NUM> and the second piece <NUM> to each other. The release pin <NUM> may be configured such that the first piece <NUM> and the second piece <NUM> are bent from the connection piece <NUM>. As such, the release pin <NUM> may generally have a "<IMG>"-shaped form.

A spring <NUM> may be located at one side of the first piece <NUM>. In this case, the spring <NUM> is located opposite to the link bar <NUM> to move the first piece <NUM> toward the link bar <NUM>. That is, when the link bar <NUM> applies no force to the release pin <NUM>, the first piece <NUM> remains moved rightward by elastic force of the spring <NUM>. On the other hand, when the release pin <NUM> is moved rightward by the link bar <NUM>, the spring <NUM> may be compressed.

<FIG> is a sectional view showing a connection region between the transfer member and the amplifier member shown in <FIG>. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

The link bar <NUM> is installed such that a portion thereof is received in the transfer member housing <NUM>.

In this case, the transfer member housing <NUM> may have a through-hole <NUM> for penetration of the link bar <NUM>.

The through-hole <NUM> is provided with a first ridge <NUM> protruding inward of the transfer member housing <NUM> by a predetermined length. The first ridge <NUM> having a predetermined length may guide movement of the link bar <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the first ridge <NUM> may be formed of rubber to achieve an increased contact area with respect to the link bar <NUM>. In addition, when the first ridge <NUM> is pushed rightward by the first piece <NUM>, the first piece <NUM> and the first ridge <NUM> may come into close contact with each other.

In particular, a seal <NUM> may be located at a portion of the first piece <NUM> facing the through-hole <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first piece <NUM>. When the seal <NUM> comes into contact with the first ridge <NUM>, the through-hole <NUM> is hermetically sealed to prevent movement of cold air through the through-hole <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view showing a connection region between the button member and the amplifier member shown in <FIG>. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

The push bar <NUM> is installed such that a portion thereof is received in the amplifier member housing <NUM>.

In this case, the amplifier member housing <NUM> may have a communication hole <NUM> for penetration of the push bar <NUM>.

The communication hole <NUM> is provided with a second ridge <NUM>. The second ridge <NUM> protrudes inward of the amplifier member housing <NUM> by a predetermined length. The second ridge <NUM> having a predetermined length may guide movement of the push bar <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the second ridge <NUM> may be formed of rubber. When the second ridge <NUM> is pushed rightward by the pivot bar <NUM>, the pivot bar <NUM> and the second ridge <NUM> may come into close contact with each other.

Once one side of the pivot bar <NUM> comes into contact with the second ridge <NUM>, the amplifier member housing <NUM> does not communicate with the button member housing <NUM>. Thus, it is possible to prevent cold air that may enter the amplifier member housing <NUM> from moving into the button member housing <NUM>.

More specifically, the seal <NUM> may be located at a portion of the pivot bar <NUM> coming into contact with the second piece <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may be formed of rubber to hermetically seal the communication hole <NUM> when the seal <NUM> comes into contact with the second ridge <NUM>. Once the seal <NUM> hermetically seals the communication hole <NUM>, it is possible to prevent cold air from moving into the fastening device <NUM> through the communication hole <NUM>.

Hereinafter, operation of the embodiment as shown in <FIG> will be described.

First, the case in which the user maintains the state shown in <FIG> will be described below.

As exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the button <NUM> is not pushed by the user.

As the second piece <NUM> does not push the push piece <NUM>, the hook <NUM> remains not rotated and the open end of the hook <NUM> is oriented downward. As such, the hook <NUM> may be continuously inserted in the holder hole <NUM> to maintain coupling of the hook <NUM> and the holder <NUM>.

In conclusion, the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> may remain in a coupled state by the fastening device <NUM>.

Meanwhile, as described above, in the present invention, the fastening device <NUM> is located in a partial region of the first storage region <NUM> defined by the gasket <NUM>. As such, there is a possibility of formation of a path, along which cold air of the first storage region <NUM> having passed through the fastening device <NUM> is discharged through the door <NUM>, i.e. through the button <NUM>.

To prevent this problem, the first piece <NUM> (more particularly, the seal <NUM>) remains in close contact with the first ridge <NUM> as exemplarily shown in <FIG> and the pivot bar <NUM> (more particularly the seal <NUM>) remains in close contact with the second ridge <NUM> as exemplarily shown in <FIG>. That is, as the transfer member housing <NUM>, the amplifier member housing <NUM> and the button member housing <NUM> remain in a hermetically sealed state so as not to communicate with one another, it is possible to block a cold air movement path.

Meanwhile, as exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the user will not push the button <NUM> even when the user desires to rotate the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> together. Thus, the above-described procedure is equally applied.

In the use manner as exemplarily shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> remain in a coupled state by the fastening device <NUM>. Thus, the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> may be rotated relative to the cabinet <NUM> by the first hinge member <NUM>.

The container <NUM> is not rotated separately from the door <NUM> because the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> are coupled to each other.

<FIG> is a view showing a state in which the fastening device and the latch member of <FIG> are released from each other. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

Even when the user desires to open the door <NUM> alone except for the container <NUM> as exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the user pushes <NUM> as exemplarily shown in <FIG>.

When the button <NUM> is pushed, the button <NUM> is moved leftward on the basis of <FIG> and the push bar <NUM> is moved leftward along with the button <NUM>.

As one end of the push bar <NUM> pushes the pivot bar <NUM>, the pivot bar <NUM> is rotated about the rotating shaft <NUM>, thus causing movement of the link bar <NUM>. Since the link bar <NUM> is located farther from the rotating shaft <NUM> of the pivot bar <NUM> than the push bar <NUM>, displacement of the link bar <NUM> may be increased beyond displacement of the push bar <NUM>.

For example, when the user moves the button <NUM> by <NUM>, the push bar <NUM> is moved by <NUM>, but the link bar <NUM> may be moved by <NUM> or <NUM>. A displacement amplification rate may be changed in various ways via change in installation positions of the push bar <NUM> and the link bar <NUM>.

When the link bar <NUM> is moved, the link bar <NUM> may push the first piece <NUM>, thus causing the spring <NUM> to be compressed. The second piece <NUM> may be moved by the same movement distance as that of the first piece <NUM> because the first piece <NUM>, the connection piece <NUM> and the second piece <NUM> are moved together.

A protruding length of the second piece <NUM> from the door <NUM> increases because the second piece <NUM> is moved leftward. In this way, the second piece <NUM> may push the push piece <NUM>.

As the push piece <NUM> pushes the drive piece <NUM> to rotate the hook <NUM>, the open end of the hook <NUM> is rotated toward the door <NUM>.

Accordingly, coupling of the hook <NUM> and the holder <NUM> is released and, consequently, coupling of the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> is released.

The door <NUM> may be rotated about the first hinge member <NUM>, whereas the container <NUM> may remain stationary in the first storage region <NUM>.

Meanwhile, when the user desires to rotate the container <NUM>, the user may rotate the container <NUM> about the second hinge member <NUM> regardless of rotation of the door <NUM>. That is, once the fastening device <NUM> releases coupling of the door <NUM> and the container <NUM>, the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> may be rotated separately from each other.

<FIG> is a view showing a clasp of the fixing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

A clasp <NUM> is installed to the top of the cabinet <NUM> so as to protrude inward of the first storage region <NUM>. In this case, the clasp <NUM> may protrude downward from the top of the cabinet <NUM>.

The clasp <NUM> may include a cylindrical protruding guide pin <NUM> and a curved guide wall <NUM> having a curved surface <NUM>. The guide pin <NUM> may have a rounded surface.

The guide pin <NUM> may take the form of a cylinder having a circular cross section. The guide pin <NUM> may have a predetermined radius to achieve a given level of strength. The guide wall <NUM> may guide operation of some components of the fixing device using the curved surface <NUM> thereof. That is, some components of the fixing device may come into contact with the curved surface <NUM> so as to be moved on the curved surface <NUM>.

The guide pin <NUM> and the guide wall <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and some components of the fixing device may be arranged between the guide pin <NUM> and the guide wall <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing the coupler according to one embodiment, <FIG> is a left side view of <FIG>, <FIG> is a right side view of <FIG> and <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of <FIG>. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

The coupler <NUM> may be selectively coupled to or released from the clasp <NUM>. In addition, the coupler <NUM> may be installed to the top of the container <NUM>. A position of the coupler <NUM> is determined to ensure contact between the coupler <NUM> and the clasp <NUM>.

The coupler <NUM> may include a first hook <NUM> surrounding one side of the clasp <NUM> and a second hook <NUM> surrounding the other side of the clasp <NUM>. More specifically, the first hook <NUM> may be positioned to surround one side of the guide pin <NUM> and the second hook <NUM> may be positioned to surround the other side of the guide pin <NUM>.

The coupler <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> installed to the container <NUM>. In this case, a plurality of components may be installed to the first housing <NUM> to come into contact with the clasp <NUM> so as to be coupled to or released from the clasp <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> is fixed to one surface of the container <NUM>. That is, the first housing <NUM> protrudes from only one surface of the container <NUM> rather than penetrating the container <NUM>.

The first hook <NUM> and the second hook <NUM> are installed to the first housing <NUM>.

The first hook <NUM> is fixed to the first housing <NUM>. That is, the first hook <NUM> remains stationary at a predetermined position relative to the first housing <NUM> regardless of whether or not external force is applied to the coupler <NUM>.

The first hook <NUM> may have a first seat surface <NUM> that substantially comes into contact with the guide pin <NUM>. The first seat surface <NUM> may be formed of a shock absorbing material to prevent breakage thereof or to endure shock caused by frequent contact with the guide pin <NUM>.

The first hook <NUM> may be coupled to the first housing <NUM> using a first screw <NUM>. In this case, the first screw <NUM> may fix the first hook <NUM> to prevent the first hook <NUM> from being moved relative to the first housing <NUM>.

On the other hand, the second hook <NUM> is installed to the first housing <NUM> in a selectively rotatable manner.

The first housing <NUM> is provided with a rotating shaft <NUM> in the form of a cylindrical protrusion. The second hook <NUM> has a hollow portion <NUM> into which the rotating shaft <NUM> may be inserted. The hollow portion <NUM> has a cylindrical shape to enable rotation of the second hook <NUM>.

The second hook <NUM> has a protrusion configured to come into contact with the guide pin <NUM>. Thus, the second hook <NUM> may generally have a "<IMG>"-shaped or "<IMG>"-shaped form.

Meanwhile, the second hook <NUM> may be coupled to the rotating shaft <NUM> using a second screw <NUM>. In this case, the second screw <NUM> may allow the second hook <NUM> to be rotatable while preventing the second hook <NUM> from being separated from the rotating shaft <NUM>.

In particular, a first elastic member <NUM> is installed to elastically support the second hook <NUM> such that the second hook <NUM> is rotatable to surround the guide pin <NUM> by a predetermined angle. The first elastic member <NUM> may be a torsion spring that is elastically deformed upon receiving torque and returns to an original shape thereof upon removal of external force via elastic restoration force thereof.

The first elastic member <NUM> has one end <NUM> fixed to the second hook <NUM> and the other end <NUM> fixed to the first hook <NUM>. Thus, the first elastic member <NUM> may limit movement of the second hook <NUM>. More specifically, the first elastic member <NUM> may apply elastic force to the second hook <NUM> to enable clockwise rotation of the second hook <NUM>.

Alternatively, the end <NUM> of the first elastic member <NUM> may be fixed to the second hook <NUM> and the other end <NUM> of the first elastic member <NUM> may be fixed to the first housing <NUM>. So long as the first elastic member <NUM> guides movement of the second hook <NUM>, the end <NUM> of the first elastic member <NUM> may be fixed to the second hook <NUM> and the other end <NUM> of the first elastic member <NUM> may be coupled to any one fixed component.

Once the second hook <NUM> has been rotated by a predetermined angle, the first elastic member <NUM> may apply force to the second hook <NUM> to return the second hook <NUM> to an original state thereof. However, in a state in which the second hook <NUM> is rotated beyond the predetermined angle, the first elastic member <NUM> cannot apply force to the second hook <NUM> to return the second hook <NUM> to an original state thereof. More specifically, the first elastic member <NUM> applies elastic restoration force to enable clockwise rotation of the second hook <NUM> once the second hook <NUM> has been rotated by a predetermined angle, but cannot apply elastic restoration force to the second hook <NUM> after the second hook <NUM> is rotated beyond the predetermined angle.

The second hook <NUM> may have a second seat surface <NUM> that substantially comes into contact with the guide pin <NUM>. The second seat surface <NUM> may be formed of a shock absorbing material to prevent breakage thereof or to endure shock due to frequent contact with the guide pin <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the second hook <NUM> substantially does not come into contact with the door <NUM> because the second hook <NUM> is located at one surface of the container <NUM>. That is, the second hook <NUM> may be operated while not coming into contact with the door <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view showing operation of the fixing device in the state of <FIG> according to one embodiment. A description with reference to <FIG> is as follows.

When the door <NUM> hermetically seals the first storage region <NUM> as exemplarily shown in <FIG>, the container <NUM> is positioned as exemplarily shown in <FIG>. In this case, the container <NUM> is completely covered with the door <NUM> and is invisible in the state of <FIG>. In addition, the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> come into contact with each other.

The coupler <NUM> is coupled to the clasp <NUM>. In this case, the guide pin <NUM> is surrounded by the first hook <NUM> and the second hook <NUM>.

In such a state, the container <NUM> may be fixed to the cabinet <NUM>. In addition, as the door <NUM> comes into contact with the container <NUM> and prevents movement of the container <NUM>, rotation of the container <NUM> is impossible.

However, the second hook <NUM> may be rotated when force required to overcome elastic force of the first elastic member <NUM> is applied to the second hook <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the user may rotate the door <NUM> alone as exemplarily shown in <FIG> to access the container <NUM> through the front of the container <NUM> or to access food stored inside the door <NUM>. In this case, the container <NUM> remains fixed to the cabinet <NUM>.

In this case, the user may use the above-described fastening device <NUM>.

When the user opens the door <NUM> alone, the second hook <NUM> remains in a fixed state rather than being rotated. This is because the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> are not coupled to each other and, thus, the door <NUM> cannot apply force to the container <NUM> so as to rotate the container <NUM> downward. That is, the container <NUM> may be fixed to the cabinet <NUM> because the guide pin <NUM> is surrounded by the first hook <NUM> and the second hook <NUM>.

In conclusion, when the user rotates the door <NUM> alone by the fastening device <NUM> in the state of <FIG>, the coupler <NUM> couples the container <NUM> to the cabinet <NUM>. In this way, the container <NUM> may be continuously coupled to the cabinet <NUM> in a pivotally rotated state of the door <NUM>.

The user may simultaneously rotate the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> as exemplarily shown in <FIG>.

In this case, in the state shown in <FIG>, the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> are rotated together. This is because the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> are rotated together relative to the cabinet <NUM> by the first hinge member <NUM> while maintaining a distance therebetween. To simultaneously rotate the door <NUM> and the container <NUM>, the user may operate the fastening device <NUM> in the above-described manner.

In the state of <FIG>, the coupler <NUM> couples the container <NUM> and the cabinet <NUM> to each other with slight force. That is, when the user applies force beyond torque of the first elastic member <NUM> to the door <NUM> and the container <NUM>, the second hook <NUM> may be rotated.

In this case, the second hook <NUM> may be rotated counterclockwise as the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> are moved downward because the guide pin <NUM> is integrated with the cabinet <NUM> and remains stationary. In this case, the second hook <NUM> comes into contact with the guide pin <NUM> and is sufficiently rotated counterclockwise by the guide pin <NUM>. In particular, once the second hook <NUM> is sufficiently rotated, the second hook <NUM> no longer comes into contact with the guide pin <NUM>.

That is, the coupler <NUM> is not fixed to the guide pin <NUM> and, therefore, the user can access food stored in the first storage region <NUM> by rotating the container <NUM> and the door <NUM> together relative to the cabinet <NUM>.

The user must rotate the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> to the state shown in <FIG> after retrieving food stored in the first storage region <NUM> or inserting food into the first storage region <NUM>.

In this case, the second hook <NUM> remains in a counterclockwise rotated state. This is because the first elastic member <NUM> cannot apply elastic restoration force to the second hook <NUM> once the second hook <NUM> is rotated by a predetermined angle. As the first elastic member <NUM> does not provide elastic restoration force, the second hook <NUM> is rotated counterclockwise and remains stationary.

When the user rotates the door <NUM> and the container <NUM> inward of the first storage region <NUM>, the second hook <NUM> comes into contact with the curved surface <NUM> of the guide wall <NUM>. In this case, as the user gradually rotates the container <NUM> upward, the second hook <NUM> successively comes into contact with different portions of the curved surface <NUM>. As the second hook <NUM> comes into contact with the curved surface <NUM>, the second hook <NUM> may be rotated clockwise and be positioned as exemplarily shown in <FIG>.

In particular, when the second hook <NUM> comes into contact with the curved surface <NUM> for a predetermined time and is rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle or more, the second hook <NUM> may be easily rotated clockwise by elastic restoration force of the first elastic member <NUM>.

Of course, when force required to overcome elastic support force of the first elastic member <NUM> is applied in the state of <FIG>, the second hook <NUM> cannot be rotated and, therefore, the coupler <NUM> may be released from the clasp <NUM>.

The present invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

As described above, a related description has sufficiently been discussed in the above "Best Mode" for implementation of the present invention.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) configured to define a first storage region (<NUM>) in which food is stored;
a door (<NUM>) rotatably installed to the cabinet (<NUM>) via a first hinge member (<NUM>) to open or close the first storage region (<NUM>);
a container (<NUM>) configured to define a second storage region (<NUM>), the second storage region (<NUM>) being received in the first storage region (<NUM>), the container (<NUM>) being rotatably connected to the door (<NUM>) via a second hinge member (<NUM>);
a gasket (<NUM>) provided to an inner rim portion of the door (<NUM>) to prevent leakage of cold air through a gap between a front surface portion (<NUM>) of the cabinet (<NUM>) and the inner rim portion of the door (<NUM>), when the door (<NUM>) is closed and the container (<NUM>) is placed in the first storage region (<NUM>);
a latch member (<NUM>, <NUM>) installed to the container (<NUM>); and
a fastening device (<NUM>, <NUM>) provided at the door (<NUM>), the fastening device (<NUM>, <NUM>) being caught by the latch member (<NUM>, <NUM>) to selectively couple the door (<NUM>) and the container (<NUM>) to each other,
wherein the fastening device (<NUM>, l600) includes:
- a hook (<NUM>) configured to be caught and fixed by the latch member (<NUM>, <NUM>), the hook (<NUM>) being located in the region surrounded by the gasket (<NUM>),
- an operating unit (<NUM>) having a lever (<NUM>) configured to be pushed by a user, and
characterized in that
the fastening device (<NUM>, <NUM>) further includes:
a seal (<NUM>) configured to prevent outward movement of cold air through the fastening device (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a state in which the door (<NUM>) and the container (<NUM>) are coupled to each other;
- a first link (<NUM>) and a second link (<NUM>) configured to transfer displacement generated by the lever (<NUM>), wherein the hook (<NUM>) is pivotally rotatably installed and the second link (<NUM>) pivotally rotates the hook (<NUM>); and
wherein the first link (<NUM>) extends in the width direction of the door (<NUM>), and the second link (<NUM>) extends in a depth direction of the door (<NUM>), and
the first link (<NUM>) and the second link (<NUM>) have movement directions perpendicular to each other