Patent Description:
A refrigerator is a home appliance capable of storing food at a low temperature in an internal storage space closed by a door. The refrigerator may store the food in an optimal state by cooling an inside of the storage space using cold air generated by heat exchange with refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

Refrigerators have become larger in size and more multifunctional according to changes in dietary life and the trend of high-quality products. In addition, refrigerators including various structures and convenience devices may provide user convenience and efficient use of the internal space thereof.

A refrigerator in which only a portion of the storage portion is opened has been provided. For example, a refrigerator including a sub door may be provided in a main door to open and close a sub storage portion defined in a main storage portion. The sub storage portion may be a partial area of the main storage portion and may be at least partially partitioned from the main storage portion by a partition wall. Such a refrigerator may be referred to as "a door in door (DID) refrigerator".

The refrigerator may store items such as beverages that are frequently used in the sub storage portion. The user may access the sub storage portion by opening the sub door without opening the main door. In addition, exposure of the cold air in the main storage portion to the outside may be reduced by opening the sub door, thereby obtaining energy efficiency.

<CIT> discloses a refrigerator including a filler to insulate a gasket mounting portion, thereby improving a thermal insulation performance of the door.

In the method of manufacturing the door in the related art, foaming liquid is injected when a door liner is manufactured by vacuum forming. An exterior member defining an appearance of the door are disposed on a jig, and then the jig is operated to couple the door liner and the exterior member. Based on the coupling, the door is assembled.

When the door liner manufactured by vacuum forming is used in the door manufacturing method, excellent productivity and economical efficiency may be obtained. However, the method has difficulties in precise molding to fit the dimensions. Such a door liner may not couple precisely to the exterior member to contact with the exterior member, resulting in a gap being generated between the door liner and the exterior member.

In the related art, an additional component is provided to block the gap for preventing leakage of the foaming liquid into the gap. Thus, an additional process of finishing the gap is needed, thereby complicating the assembly process.

<CIT> presents a refrigerator that includes a cabinet defining a storage space, a door connected to the cabinet and configured to open and close the storage space, the door defining an opening that is in communication with the storage space, a detection device provided in the door to detect a user's operation, a lighting unit to illuminate an inside of the refrigerator, and a panel assembly provided to the door and covering the opening to allow selective viewing of the inside of the refrigerator through the panel assembly.

<CIT> presents a refrigerator that includes a storage compartment, an inner door including an opening having a size corresponding to the size of the storage compartment, a plurality of door guards disposed in the opening, and an outer door that opens or closes the opening, wherein the inner door includes inner sidewalls that are disposed at both sides of the opening and are flat from an inlet of the opening to an outlet of the opening without any curve.

<CIT> presents a refrigerator that includes a main body having a storage compartment; a first door that is rotatably disposed in front of the main body and opens/closes the storage compartment, and has an opening formed therein, where at least one door guard is disposed in the opening; a second door that is rotatably disposed in front of the first door, opens/closes the opening, and is rotated in the same direction as the first door; and a lamp installed at the sidewalls of the opening.

<CIT> presents a refrigerator that includes a main body having a cooling chamber. The refrigerator also includes a door coupled to the main body and configured to open and close the cooling chamber. The refrigerator further includes a home bar positioned at a front surface of the door and configured to provide access to contents of the refrigerator without opening the door. In addition, the refrigerator includes a heater positioned at the home bar and configured to adjust an amount of heat based on an ambient temperature.

<CIT> relates to a structure of a door of a refrigerator.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerator including a door to achieve a thermal insulation performance and facilitate an assembly operation when manufacturing a door in door (DID) refrigerator.

It is an object of the present disclosure to also provide a refrigerator that may prevent a step between a door frame and a door liner due to tolerance when assembling the door frame to the door liner, thereby providing a neat appearance.

It is an object of the present disclosure to further provide a refrigerator to minimize a gap between the door frame and the door liner, which does not require a post process of closing the gap after injecting foaming liquid, thereby improving productivity and economic efficiency.

One or more of these objects are solved by the invention defined by the features of the independent claim.

According to the present invention defined by claim <NUM>, a refrigerator includes a cabinet providing a storage space, a main door to open and close the cabinet and defining an opening, and a sub door to open and close the opening of the main door. The main door includes a door frame including the opening and defining a front surface of the main door; a door liner coupled to the door frame to provide an insulating space and defining a rear surface of the main door; and an inner frame disposed inside the insulating space along a circumference of the opening of the main door and connecting the door frame to the door liner. The inner frame comprises a curved portion which connects to the door liner. That is, a curved portion may be defined at a rear side of the inner frame, which connects to the door liner.

The sub door may be movably or rotatably coupled to the main door to open and close the opening. The main door further includes an insulating material filled in the insulating space. The insulating material applies pressure on the curved portion towards the door liner. The insulating material may be formed by injecting foaming liquid, which applies pressure on the curved portion. The insulating material may be formed of injected foaming liquid.

The inner frame may surround the opening of the door frame or of the main door. That is, the inner frame may include an inner opening corresponding to the opening of the door frame or of the main door. The inner frame may include a body extending between the door frame and the door liner and/or in a forward and rearward direction and/or in thickness direction of the main door. The curved portion may extend from an end of the body that is adjacent to the door liner, i.e. a rear end of the body, in a direction away from the opening of the door frame or of the main door. The inner frame may further include an inner opening that penetrates an area corresponding to the opening of the main door, e.g. in a forward and rearward direction. The inner frame may further include a body disposed along a circumference of the inner opening and that extends between the door frame and the door liner, e.g. in a forward and rearward direction. The curved portion may be rounded and extend rearward from a rear end of the body.

The door liner includes a liner opening that communicates with and/or corresponds to the opening of the main door or of the door frame. The door liner further includes a connector extending from the liner opening and/or surrounding the liner opening. The connector is formed in a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the curved portion. The door liner may further include a rear frame that protrudes rearward along a circumference of the liner opening. The connector may connect the liner opening and the rear frame.

The curved portion is in surface contact with the connector. The curved portion may be concavely formed. An end of the curved portion being farther away from the opening of the door liner and/or of the main door and/or of the door frame may be further rearward than an end of the curved portion being closer to said opening. The curved portion may extend from the body in a direction away from the opening.

The inner frame may further include a supporter that extends from the rear side or rear end of the body, i.e. from the end of the body adjacent to the door liner, in a direction toward the opening of the main door. The supporter may extend toward an opposite direction than the curved portion. The supporter may extend straight or linear.

An edge of the door frame, in particular a vertical edge, may be (at least almost) in contact with an edge of the door liner, in particular a vertical edge, or close to an edge of the door liner. The door frame may include a frame stepped portion that protrudes towards the door liner and/or rearward, along the circumference of the opening of the main door, e.g. at a rear surface thereof. The frame stepped portion may be (at least almost) in contact, in particular in a line contact, with the door liner or close to the door liner. That is, an edge of the frame stepped portion and an edge of the door liner may be in contact with each other. The supporter may extend to a point where the frame stepped portion and the connector meet.

The door frame may include a fixer that protrudes towards the door liner and/or rearward for coupling to the inner frame.

The inner frame may further include an insertion portion recessed towards the door liner and/or rearward to insert the fixer. The insertion portion may include a pair of opposing surfaces that are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

At least one of the pair of opposing surfaces of the insertion portion may include an inclined surface. The distance of the inclined surface may decrease going toward a rear of the inclined surface from a front of the inclined surface. That is, a distance between the opposing surfaces increases towards the door frame and/or in a forward direction.

The frame supporter may be disposed at at least one side of the insertion portion and/or may extend toward the door frame.

The frame supporter may include a first frame supporter that is bent and/or extends from a front end of the body, i.e. from an end of the body adjacent to the door frame, in a direction toward the liner opening. The frame supporter may include a second frame supporter that is bent and/or extends from the front end of the body in a direction away from the liner opening.

The frame supporter, e.g. the first and/or second frame supporter, may further include a supporting surface that extends in a plane perpendicular to a forward and rearward direction and/or that is in surface contact with the door frame. The frame supporter, e.g. the first and/or second frame supporter, may further include a supporting surface that extends to contact a portion of a rear surface of the door frame.

The inner frame may further include a fixing groove defined between the supporter and the curved portion and/or recessed to accommodate an adhesive member.

The fixing groove may be defined on a same extension line as the insertion portion in a forward and rearward direction. The fixing groove and the insertion portion may extend along one virtual line in a forward and rearward direction.

The inner frame may further include a bending portion that is bent and extends from an end of the curved portion. The bending portion may be bent in an opposite direction than the curved portion.

The bending portion may be inclined toward the front as the bending portion is away from the liner opening.

The inner frame may further include a plurality of first protrusions that protrude inward, i.e. toward the opening of the main door, along a circumference of the body and/or are spaced apart from one another, e.g. at regular distance.

The inner frame may further include a plurality of second protrusions that protrude outward, i.e. away from the opening of the main door, along the circumference of the body and/or are spaced apart from one another, e.g. at regular distance.

A distance between the door frame and the door liner may be less than <NUM>.

According to the present disclosure, directional indications, such as "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", refer to an operational state or orientation of the refrigerator. Thus, a "front" surface denotes a surface facing a user, a "rear" surface is facing away from the user, i.e. opposite to the front surface.

The refrigerator according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may expect the following effects.

According to the present disclosure, the refrigerator includes an inner frame between the door frame and the door liner that may minimize the gap between the door liner and the door frame.

A gap sealing component to prevent the leakage of the foaming liquid to the outside in the process of manufacturing the main door by coupling the door frame to the door liner may be removed, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs thereof.

In addition, the refrigerator according to the present disclosure may provide a sense of unity by minimizing the step between the door frame and the door liner of the main door.

In particular, a coupling portion between the door frame and the door liner may be exposed through the opening when the sub door is opened. The refrigerator according to the present disclosure may not require an additional component to block the gap by minimizing the gap between the door frame and the door liner.

The inner frame of the present disclosure includes a curved portion rounded to surround the door liner and couples the door liner and the door frame in contact with one another.

In addition, the inner frame of the present disclosure includes a bending portion bent and connected to the curved portion that may prevent the foaming liquid from penetrating into the space between the door liner and the inner frame when the foaming liquid is injected into the door frame.

In addition, the inner frame includes a supporter that extends inward from a rear side of the body that may firmly support the door liner.

In addition, the inner frame further includes a frame supporter to support the door frame, so the inner frame and the door frame may be coupled more firmly.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In addition, the embodiment of the present disclosure is described by exemplifying a side by side type refrigerator including a freezing portion and a refrigerating portion on the left side and the right side for convenience of explanation and understanding, but the present disclosure may be applied to all types of refrigerators, including a shelf in a refrigerator storage portion.

<FIG> is a front view of an exemplary refrigerator. <FIG> is a front view of a refrigerator including a space inside of a storage portion.

As shown in the drawings, an outer appearance of a refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is defined by a cabinet <NUM> including a storage space and a door <NUM> to open and close the storage space of the cabinet <NUM>.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation and understanding, an arrangement direction of the door <NUM> in a refrigerator <NUM> is referred to as "a forward direction", an arrangement direction of the cabinet <NUM> closed by the door <NUM> is referred to as "a rearward direction", a direction facing the floor is referred to as "a downward direction", and a direction opposite to the direction facing the floor is referred to as "an upward direction".

In addition, a space surrounded by the cabinet <NUM> is referred to as "an inside space" and a space outside of the cabinet <NUM> is referred to as "an outside space".

The cabinet <NUM> may include an outer case <NUM> made of metal and defining an outer surface and an inner case <NUM> coupled to the outer case <NUM>, including a storage space inside of the refrigerator, and made of resin. In addition, an insulating material is filled between the outer case <NUM> and the inner case <NUM> to insulate the space inside of the refrigerator from the outside space.

The storage space may be divided into the left side and right side with respect to a barrier <NUM> and may include a freezing portion <NUM> and a refrigerating portion <NUM>. In the refrigerator, the freezing portion <NUM> may be disposed on the left side and the refrigerating portion <NUM> may be disposed on the right side thereof. However, this is only an example, and the freezing portion or the refrigerating portion may be disposed at an upper side or a lower side, or the freezing portion may be disposed at the right side and the refrigerating portion <NUM> may be disposed on the left side thereof.

In addition, a plurality of shelves <NUM> and drawers <NUM> are disposed in the freezing portion <NUM> and the refrigerating portion <NUM> defined by the inner case <NUM> to independently provide a space to store food.

The door <NUM> may include a refrigerating portion door <NUM> and a freezing portion door <NUM> to independently open and close the refrigerating portion <NUM> and the freezing portion <NUM>. The refrigerating portion door <NUM> may open and close the opened front portion of the refrigerating portion based on rotation thereof and the freezing portion door <NUM> may open and close an opened front portion of the freezing portion based on the rotation thereof.

The refrigerating portion door <NUM> may be opened and closed in double. For example, the refrigerating portion door <NUM> disposed on the right side (of <FIG>) may include a main door <NUM> to open and close the refrigerating portion and a sub door <NUM> rotatably disposed in the main door <NUM> to open and close an opening of the main door <NUM>.

The main door <NUM> may have the same size as the freezing portion door <NUM> disposed at the left side and an upper end of the main door <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the cabinet by a main hinge.

The upper end of the main door <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the cabinet <NUM> by a main hinge <NUM>. Accordingly, the storage space inside of the cabinet <NUM> may be opened and closed based on the rotation of the main door <NUM>.

In addition, the main door <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> (see <FIG>). A door basket <NUM> is disposed on a rear surface of the sub door <NUM> and at an inside of the opening <NUM> of the main door <NUM>. Therefore, the user may access the door basket <NUM> through the opening <NUM> without opening the main door <NUM>. In this case, the opening <NUM> occupies an upper portion of the main door <NUM> except for a portion of a circumference of the main door <NUM>.

The sub door <NUM> is disposed at a front surface of the main door <NUM> and an upper end of the sub door <NUM> may be rotatably connected to the main door <NUM> by a sub-hinge. The opening <NUM> of the main door <NUM> may be opened and closed based on the rotation of the sub door <NUM>.

The sub door <NUM> has a size such that the sub door <NUM> may close the opening <NUM> of the main door <NUM> when viewed from the front. In addition, when the main door <NUM> and the sub door <NUM> are closed, the sub door <NUM> may have the same size as the freezing portion door <NUM> disposed at the left side and may define an appearance which seems to be a door. The door may be referred to as "door in door (DID)".

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the main door <NUM> and the sub door <NUM> when viewed from the front. In addition, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the main door <NUM> and the sub door <NUM> when viewed from the rear. In addition, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the main door <NUM> when viewed from the front. In addition, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the main door <NUM> when viewed from the rear.

As shown in the drawings, a shape of the sub door <NUM> may correspond to that of an opening of the main door <NUM>. The sub door <NUM> may include a sub-outdoor <NUM> defining an outer appearance, a sub-door liner <NUM> spaced apart from the sub-outdoor <NUM>, and a sub-upper cap deco <NUM> and a sub-lower cap deco <NUM> defining an upper surface and a lower surface of the sub door <NUM>. The outer appearance of the sub door <NUM> may be defined by coupling the components described above together.

The sub-outdoor <NUM> defines a front appearance and a portion of circumferential surface of the sub door <NUM>, has a plate shape, and may be made of stainless steel material. In addition, the sub-outdoor <NUM> may be made of the same material as the front surface of each of the refrigerating portion door <NUM> and the freezing portion door <NUM>.

A sub-door liner <NUM> is disposed at a rear side of the sub-outdoor <NUM>. The sub-door liner <NUM> defines a rear surface of the sub door <NUM> and may be injection-molded from plastic material.

The sub-door liner <NUM> is coupled to each of the sub-outdoor <NUM>, the sub-upper cap deco <NUM>, and the sub-lower cap deco <NUM>. In addition, an insulating material is filled by injecting a foaming liquid into an inner space around the sub door <NUM> defined by the sub-door liner <NUM>, thereby providing an insulating structure at the circumference of the sub door <NUM>.

In addition, a stepped portion <NUM> that protrudes rearward along the circumference thereof may be defined on a rear surface of the sub-door liner <NUM>. The stepped portion <NUM> may be provided at a position corresponding to the circumference of the opening <NUM> of the main door <NUM>. The stepped portion <NUM> may be inserted into the main door <NUM> to further seal the gap between the sub door <NUM> and the main door <NUM>.

A storage member such as a shelf or a basket may be disposed on the rear surface of the sub-door liner <NUM>. Accordingly, the user may access the storage member disposed on the rear surface of the sub door <NUM> without opening the main door <NUM>. The storage members disposed on the sub-door liner <NUM> may have a form of basket and a plurality of storage members may be provided as necessary to provide a storage space.

The sub-upper cap deco <NUM> defines an upper surface of the sub door <NUM> and may be coupled to an upper side of each of the sub-outdoor <NUM> and the sub-door liner <NUM>.

In addition, an upper hinge mounting portion <NUM> may be disposed at an end of the sub-upper cap deco <NUM>. The upper hinge mounting portion <NUM> may be recessed downward to provide a space to mount the upper hinge.

The sub-lower cap deco <NUM> defines a lower surface of the sub door <NUM> and may be coupled to a lower side of each of the sub-outdoor <NUM> and the sub-door liner <NUM>. In addition, a lower hinge mounting portion may be disposed at one end of the sub-lower cap deco <NUM> and may be recessed to accommodate the lower hinge.

In addition, a sub gasket <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be disposed on the rear surface of the sub-door liner <NUM> to block the space between the sub door <NUM> and the main door <NUM>.

A locking portion <NUM> may be disposed on a rear surface of the sub door <NUM> to selectively release the coupling of the sub door <NUM> to the main door <NUM>. When the user presses the button of the locking portion <NUM>, the state of coupling with the restraining member <NUM> of the main door <NUM> may be released and the locking portion <NUM> may be separated from the restraining member <NUM>. Then, when the user opens the sub door <NUM>, the main door <NUM> remains closed and only the sub door <NUM> is opened to access the storage space inside of the main door <NUM>.

The main door <NUM> includes a door frame <NUM> defining a front surface of the main door <NUM>, a door liner <NUM> spaced apart from the door frame <NUM> and defining a rear surface of the main door <NUM>, and an inner frame <NUM> disposed between the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> to support the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM>.

The door frame <NUM> may define a portion of a front surface and a circumferential surface of the main door <NUM>. In addition, an area corresponding to the opening <NUM> is opened.

The door frame <NUM> may include an outer door <NUM> substantially defining an outer appearance of the main door <NUM>. The outer door <NUM> may define the front surface and both sides of the main door <NUM>.

In addition, a rear gasket <NUM> may be disposed at a circumference of a rear surface of the door liner <NUM>. The rear gasket <NUM> contacts a circumference of a cabinet to prevent leakage of cold air between the main door <NUM> and the cabinet.

A cap deco defines an upper surface and a lower surface of the main door <NUM> and a hinge mounting portion <NUM> may rotatably mount the main door <NUM> on the cabinet. An upper side of the main door <NUM> is coupled to the main hinge to rotatably support the main door <NUM> from the upper side and the lower side.

In addition, a door handle <NUM> may be recessed from a side of the main door <NUM>, and the user may put their hand into the door handle <NUM> to rotate the main door <NUM>. The user may open and close the refrigerating portion <NUM> based on the rotation of the main door <NUM>.

A foaming liquid is filled in the inner space of the main door <NUM> to form an insulating material when the door frame <NUM>, the door liner <NUM>, and the cap deco are coupled. That is, the insulating material is disposed inside of a circumferential area of the opening <NUM> to insulate the space inside of the refrigerator from the space outside of the refrigerator.

The door frame <NUM> may be injection-molded with a plastic material that is different from a material of the door liner <NUM>. For example, the door frame <NUM> is injection-molded with a plastic material harder than that of the door liner <NUM>, thereby obtaining high strength of the main door <NUM>.

In addition, a frame stepped portion <NUM> that protrudes inward may be defined at a rear side of the door frame <NUM>. The frame stepped portion <NUM> may protrude rearward along a circumference of the opening of the main door <NUM>. A stepped portion <NUM> of the sub door <NUM> may be inserted into the frame stepped portion <NUM>. When the sub door <NUM> is closed, the frame stepped portion <NUM> contacts the stepped portion <NUM> of the sub door <NUM> to support the sub door <NUM> while sealing between the main door <NUM> and the sub door <NUM>.

A front gasket may be disposed on the frame stepped portion <NUM>. When the sub door <NUM> is closed, the front gasket contacts a rear surface of the sub door <NUM> to seal between the main door <NUM> and the sub door <NUM>. The front gasket may be omitted as necessary. In addition, the front gasket may have a sheet shape made of metal, and may contact the gasket <NUM> of the sub door <NUM> being magnetic by magnetic force.

The door frame <NUM> includes a fixer <NUM> (see <FIG>) on a rear surface thereof and the fixer <NUM> protrudes rearward and is coupled to the inner frame <NUM>. The fixer <NUM> may extend in a vertical direction along the rear surface of the door frame <NUM>.

The fixer <NUM> may be disposed in a space to accommodate the inner frame <NUM> between the frame stepped portion <NUM> and a side surface of the door frame <NUM>. The fixer <NUM> may have a length such that the fixer <NUM> may be sufficiently inserted into and coupled to an insertion portion <NUM> of the inner frame <NUM>.

A fixing protrusion <NUM> may be disposed on an inner surface of the door frame <NUM>, may protrude, and may be coupled to the door liner <NUM>. A plurality of fixing protrusions <NUM> may be defined along the inner surface of the door frame <NUM> and may be spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction. The door frame <NUM> may be coupled to the door liner <NUM> by inserting the fixing protrusion <NUM> into a liner fixing groove <NUM> defined in the door liner <NUM>.

A frame heater <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be disposed on a rear surface of the frame stepped portion <NUM>. The frame heater <NUM> is disposed along the frame stepped portion <NUM> to heat the frame stepped portion <NUM>. A surface temperature of the frame stepped portion <NUM> may be relatively low due to an influence of cold air in the refrigerator. Therefore, dew condensation may be generated on the surface of the frame stepped portion <NUM> and the dew condensation may be prevented by driving the frame heater <NUM>.

The door liner <NUM> defines a rear surface of the door, that is, a surface facing the inside of the refrigerator and includes a liner opening <NUM> opened to communicate with the inside of the refrigerator by an area corresponding to the opening <NUM>.

In addition, the door liner <NUM> may be spaced apart from the door frame <NUM> and is coupled to the upper cap deco <NUM> and the lower cap deco <NUM> to provide a space filled with the insulating material.

The insulating material <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be formed by a foaming liquid injected in a state in which the door frame <NUM>, the door liner <NUM>, the upper cap deco <NUM>, and the lower cap deco <NUM> are assembled. The insulating material may be molded by filling the foaming liquid and the refrigerator <NUM> may block heat exchange between the space inside of the refrigerator and the outside space.

The front surface of the door liner <NUM> may be assembled to the rear surface of the door frame <NUM>. That is, the door liner <NUM> may include a liner opening <NUM> that penetrates an area corresponding to the opening of the door frame <NUM> in a forward and rearward direction and a front frame <NUM> that protrudes forward along a circumference of the liner opening <NUM>.

When the front frame <NUM> is inserted from the rear of the door frame <NUM>, the front frame <NUM> may contact the frame stepped portion <NUM> of the door frame <NUM>.

In addition, liner fixing grooves <NUM> may be defined at both sides of the front frame <NUM>. The liner fixing groove <NUM> has a recessed shape such that the fixing protrusion <NUM> of the door frame <NUM> is inserted into the liner fixing groove <NUM>. Based on the insertion thereof, the door frame <NUM> may be coupled to the door liner <NUM>. A plurality of liner fixing grooves <NUM> may be spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction along a circumference of the front frame <NUM> at both sides.

In addition, the door liner <NUM> may further include a rear frame <NUM> on a rear surface thereof and the rear frame <NUM> protrudes rearward along a circumference of the liner opening <NUM>.

A mounting protrusion <NUM> is defined on an inner surface of the rear frame <NUM> to fix the storage member <NUM> (see <FIG>). The mounting protrusions <NUM> may be disposed at both sides of the liner opening <NUM>.

In detail, the mounting protrusions <NUM> may protrude from both sides of the rear frame <NUM> and a plurality of mounting protrusions <NUM> may be provided in the vertical direction. The storage member <NUM> may be coupled to the rear surface of the main door <NUM> when the storage member <NUM> is mounted on the mounting protrusion <NUM>. In addition, the left side, the right side, and a rear surface of the storage member <NUM> are supported by the mounting protrusion <NUM> to maintain a stable mounting state.

For the door liner <NUM>, the front frame <NUM> and the rear frame <NUM> communicate with each other through the liner opening <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> may be mounted on the door frame <NUM> when the inner frame <NUM> is mounted on the door frame <NUM>.

The inner frame <NUM> is disposed on the rear surface of the door frame <NUM> to couple the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> along a circumference of the opening <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the inner frame according to the present disclosure is described in detail.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the inner frame <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the inner frame <NUM> of <FIG> when viewed from another direction. <FIG> is a perspective view of a portion A of <FIG> when viewed from another direction. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM>' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a portion B of <FIG> when viewed from another direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the inner frame <NUM> includes an inner opening <NUM> that penetrates an area corresponding to the opening <NUM> of the main door <NUM> in a forward and rearward direction, a body <NUM> disposed along a circumference of the inner opening <NUM> and having a predetermined thickness, and a curved portion <NUM> that extends rearward from a rear end of the body <NUM> and is rounded.

That is, the inner frame <NUM> has a substantially quadrangular frame shape, is provided at a position corresponding to the opening of each of the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> to block between the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may extend along the circumference of the inner opening <NUM> in the forward and rearward direction and may have a predetermined thickness.

A thickness of the body <NUM> in a forward and rearward direction corresponds to that of the frame stepped portion <NUM> of the door frame <NUM> and an inner surface of the body <NUM> may contact an outer surface of the frame stepped portion <NUM>.

A first protrusion 434a that protrudes along a circumference of the body <NUM> may be defined on an inner surface of the body <NUM>. For example, a plurality of first protrusions 434a may be provided, may protrude inward from an upper side, a lower side, and both side surfaces of the body <NUM>, and may be spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. In addition, the first protrusion 434a may extend from the inner surface of the body <NUM> in the forward and rearward direction.

The first protrusion 434a contacts an outer surface of the frame stepped portion <NUM> when the inner frame <NUM> is mounted on the frame stepped portion <NUM>, thereby preventing separation of the inner frame <NUM> from the door frame <NUM>.

In addition, a second protrusion 434b that protrudes along the circumference of the body <NUM> may be further defined on an outer surface of the body <NUM>. For example, the second protrusion 434b may protrude outward from both side surfaces of the body <NUM> and may extend in the forward and rearward direction. In addition, the second protrusion 434b may extend from an upper side and a lower side of the body <NUM> in the forward and rearward direction and may protrude outward. In addition, a plurality of second protrusions 434b may be provided and may be spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance along the circumference of the body <NUM>.

The second protrusion 434b contacts between the door liner <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM> when the door liner <NUM> is mounted in contact with the outer surface of the body <NUM>, thereby preventing separation of the door liner <NUM> from the inner frame <NUM>.

The curved portion <NUM> may extend rearward from a rear side of the inner frame <NUM> toward the door liner <NUM> and may be rounded to surround the door liner <NUM>.

In detail, the door liner <NUM> includes a connector <NUM> (see <FIG>) connecting the rear frame <NUM> and the liner opening <NUM>. The curved portion <NUM> may be rounded to surround a portion of each of the rear frame <NUM> and the connector <NUM>. That is, the curved portion <NUM> may be defined along a curved portion between the rear frame <NUM> of the door liner <NUM> and the liner opening <NUM> of the door liner <NUM>.

With this structure, when the door liner <NUM> is mounted on the door frame <NUM>, the curved portion <NUM> restricts the movement of the door liner <NUM> such that the door liner <NUM> may be assembled at an exact position of the door frame <NUM>.

In addition, when the foaming liquid is injected into the insulating space <NUM>, the curved portion <NUM> contacts the door frame <NUM> by the pressure of the foaming liquid and the supporter <NUM> contacts the frame stepped portion <NUM> and the door liner <NUM>.

Accordingly, a gap between the door liner <NUM> and the door frame <NUM> may be eliminated and the door liner <NUM> and the door frame <NUM> may be coupled in contact with each other.

The inner frame <NUM> according to the present disclosure includes the curved portion <NUM> to surround a portion of the door liner <NUM>. When the door liner <NUM> is mounted on the door frame <NUM>, the curved portion <NUM> guides the seating position of the door liner <NUM> and supports the door liner <NUM> to prevent a gap between the door liner <NUM> and the door frame <NUM>. Therefore, when assembling the main door <NUM>, the post-process of sealing between the door liner <NUM> and the door frame <NUM> may be omitted after the foaming liquid is injected, thereby simplifying the assembly process.

In addition, the curved portion <NUM> may further include a bending portion <NUM> that is bent outward at an end of the curved portion <NUM>. The bending portion <NUM> may be provided in a space between the rear frame <NUM> and may be spaced apart from the door liner <NUM>. The bending portion <NUM> may be inclined forward toward an outside thereof. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent penetration of the foaming liquid into a space between the door liner <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM> when the foaming liquid is injected into the main door <NUM>.

In addition, the inner frame <NUM> may further include a supporter <NUM> that extends inward from a rear side of the body <NUM>. That is, the inner frame <NUM> includes the curved portion <NUM> disposed at an outside of the body <NUM> and a supporter <NUM> disposed at an inner side of the inner frame <NUM>.

In this case, a direction toward the liner opening <NUM> is referred to as "an inward direction" and a direction away from the liner opening <NUM> is referred to as "an outward direction".

The supporter <NUM> may extend from the body <NUM> to a point where the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> meet. That is, the supporter <NUM> may extend to a corner defined when the frame stepped portion <NUM> and the connector <NUM> meet.

The supporter <NUM> may support the connector <NUM> of the door liner <NUM> from the front of the connector <NUM> to prevent deformation of the shape of the door liner <NUM> and contacts the frame stepped portion <NUM> to fix the position of the door frame <NUM>.

In addition, a fixing groove <NUM> may be further disposed at a side of the curved portion <NUM> and may be recessed to accommodate an adhesive member. The fixing groove <NUM> may be recessed between the curved portion <NUM> and the supporter <NUM>.

The fixing groove <NUM> provides a space to accommodate the adhesive member for sealing between the inner frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM>, and firmly mount the door liner <NUM> on the inner frame <NUM>.

The fixing groove <NUM> may extend from the curved portion <NUM> in a direction toward the contact position between the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM>.

For example, the fixing groove <NUM> may contact the connector <NUM> connecting the rear frame <NUM> to a side surface of the door liner <NUM>. With this structure, separation of the door liner <NUM> from the inner frame <NUM> may be prevented.

In addition, the inner frame <NUM> may include a fixing groove <NUM> or may include a plurality of fixing grooves <NUM> as necessary. For example, the fixing groove <NUM> may include a first fixing groove 437a and a second fixing groove 437b that are arranged in a line in a direction toward the opening from the connector <NUM>.

In addition, a size of the first fixing groove 437a may be different from that of the second fixing groove 437b, and in the present disclosure, the size of the second fixing groove 437b connected to the supporter <NUM> may be larger than that of the first fixing groove 437a. The second fixing groove 437b may be provided at a position corresponding to the insertion portion <NUM> described below. That is, the second fixing groove 437b may be disposed on a same extension line as the insertion portion <NUM> in the forward and rearward direction.

With this structure, a fixing position of the door frame <NUM> and a fixing position of the door liner <NUM> may be provided on the same extension line in the forward and rearward direction, thereby effectively restricting horizontal movement when the inner frame <NUM> is coupled to the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM>.

The insertion portion <NUM> may be disposed at a front side of the body <NUM> and may be recessed rearward to receive the fixer <NUM> of the door frame <NUM>.

The insertion portion <NUM> has a shape corresponding to that of the fixer <NUM> such that the fixer <NUM> is inserted into and coupled to the insertion portion <NUM>. By the insertion and coupling, the inner frame <NUM> may be mounted on the door frame <NUM>.

In addition, the insertion portion <NUM> may include an inclined surface 438a that becomes narrower going from the front to the rear. That is, for the inclined surface 438a, a gap defined at a front side of the insertion portion <NUM> may be larger than a gap defined at a rear side of the insertion portion <NUM>. Therefore, the operator may easily insert the fixer <NUM> into the insertion portion <NUM> when coupling the inner frame <NUM> to the door frame <NUM> by mounting the inner frame <NUM> on the door frame <NUM>.

A frame supporter <NUM> may be disposed at both sides of the insertion portion <NUM> to support the door frame <NUM>.

The frame supporter <NUM> may include a first frame supporter 439a bent inward from a front end of the body <NUM> and a second frame supporter 439b bent outward from the front end of the body <NUM>. The frame supporter may have a thickness corresponding to that of the body <NUM>.

The first frame supporter 439a may extend in a direction closer to a rear surface of the door frame <NUM>. An end of the first frame supporter 439a may extend to a corner defined by the frame stepped portion <NUM> and the rear surface of the door frame <NUM> when the inner frame <NUM> is mounted on the door frame <NUM> by inserting the fixer <NUM> into the insertion portion <NUM>.

In addition, the second frame supporter 439b may include a supporting surface 439c that extends outward along a rear surface of the door frame <NUM>. The second frame supporter 439b contacts a portion of the rear surface of the door frame <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM> may be firmly mounted on the door frame <NUM>. That is, the second frame supporter 439b may further include the supporting surface 439c that extends in parallel to the rear surface of the door frame <NUM>.

With the structure of the frame supporter <NUM>, the door frame <NUM> and the inner frame <NUM> may be firmly coupled, and the penetration of the foaming liquid into a space of the insertion portion <NUM> may be prevented when injecting the foaming liquid.

The gap between the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> may be minimized by the inner frame <NUM> when mounting the door liner <NUM> on the door frame <NUM>. For example, according to the present disclosure, the gap between the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> may be at least <NUM> or less, for example, <NUM> or less.

That is, an additional post process of sealing the gap between the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> is not required in the assembly process of the main door <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

For example, the main door <NUM>, the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> are coupled to each other by a jig, and in this case, the inner frame <NUM> is mounted between the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM>. Subsequently, after injecting the foaming liquid, the door frame <NUM> is coupled to the door liner <NUM>.

In this case, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly process of the main door <NUM> may be completed in a state in which the gap-sealing process of minimizing the gap between the door frame <NUM> and the door liner <NUM> to prevent the leakage of the foaming liquid is omitted.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) providing a storage space;
a main door (<NUM>) configured to open and close the cabinet (<NUM>) and having an opening (<NUM>); and
a sub door (<NUM>) configured to open and close the opening (<NUM>) of the main door (<NUM>); wherein the main door (<NUM>) comprises:
- a door frame (<NUM>) defining the opening (<NUM>) and defining a front surface of the main door (<NUM>);
- a door liner (<NUM>) coupled to the door frame (<NUM>) for providing an insulating space (<NUM>) therebetween and defining a rear surface of the main door (<NUM>);
- an inner frame (<NUM>) disposed inside the insulating space (<NUM>) along a circumference of the opening (<NUM>) of the main door (<NUM>) and connecting the door frame (<NUM>) to the door liner (<NUM>), wherein the inner frame (<NUM>) comprises a curved portion (<NUM>) in contact with the door liner (<NUM>); and
- an insulating material (<NUM>) filled in the insulating space (<NUM>) and pressing the curved portion (<NUM>) towards the door liner (<NUM>); and
wherein the door liner (<NUM>) comprises:
a liner opening (<NUM>) corresponding to the opening (<NUM>) of the door frame (<NUM>); and characterized in that the door liner (<NUM>) further comprises:
a connector (<NUM>) surrounding the liner opening (<NUM>) and being formed in a curved shape corresponding to the curved portion (<NUM>) of the inner frame (<NUM>) to be in surface contact therewith.