REFRIGERATOR

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND

In general, a refrigerator is a device that includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and the like and freezes or refrigerates food or the like by discharging cold air generated by a refrigeration cycle and lowering the temperature inside the refrigerator (inside a storage room).

A refrigerator generally includes a freezing chamber for freezing and storing food or beverages as a storeroom, and a refrigerating chamber for storing the food or beverages at a low temperature.

Refrigerators are classified into a top mount type in which a freezing chamber is disposed above a refrigerating chamber, a bottom freezer type in which the freezing chamber is disposed below the refrigerating chamber, and a side-by-side type in which the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber are separated as left and right sides. In this case, doors are provided in the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber, respectively, and the freezing chamber or the refrigerating chamber are accessed through the doors.

In addition to the refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber are separated from each other, there is also a refrigerator in which the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber are accessed through a single door. Most of these refrigerators are small, and a freezing chamber is generally provided in a predetermined space inside the refrigerating chamber.

Among bottom freezer Type refrigerators, a French type refrigerator in which an upper refrigerating chamber is opened and closed through left and right doors is also provided. The freezing chamber of the French type refrigerator is also opened and closed through the left and right doors.

Recently, a home-bar, an ice maker, a shelf, a basket, and the like are mounted on a rear side of a door of a refrigerator, and there is a growing tendency to use the rear side of the door as a separate storage space or a separate function space. That is, the door defines a separate storage space or performs additional functions such as generating and supplying ice or cold water beyond the function of simply opening and closing the freezing chamber or the refrigerating chamber.

Recently, A double door refrigerator in which a sub (auxiliary) door is mounted on a main door that opens and closes a storeroom is provided. This is referred to as a door-in-door (DID) refrigerator, that is, a DID refrigerator.

When using such a DID refrigerator, a user uses a storeroom by opening the main door, and uses a sub storeroom by opening only a sub door while the main door is closed.

The sub storage room is provided behind the main door and is referred to as a storage area partitioned from the storage room through some partitions. Recently, there is a trend in that the sub storage area is not formed only in a part of the main door, but is formed in substantially the entire area of the main door.

Therefore, the sub storeroom inside the main door is opened and closed to form a separate door. This is referred to as an interior door. In contrast, may be the main door and the sub door described above is referred to as an exterior door. In some cases, the sub door may be omitted.

In one example, Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2017-0082089 discloses an invention related to the above-described DID refrigerator. In particular, in the DID refrigerator, a technology related to a storage basket that is coupled to a main door or a sub door to accommodate a storage item therein is disclosed.

The storage basket disclosed in the prior art is detachably disposed on a supporter that is movable in a vertical direction with respect to a door. However, the supporter is dependent on a rail that supports the vertical movement. Therefore, a user was able to separate the storage basket when not using the same, but it was difficult for the user to also remove the supporter.

In one example, both side surfaces of the storage basket are connected to both inner side surfaces of the door. In addition, support members that support the storage basket are disposed on both inner side surfaces of the door, and support grooves that are recessed upward to accommodate the support members therein are defined in both side surfaces of the storage basket. That is, when coupling the storage basket to the support member or separating the storage basket from the support member, the storage basket must be moved in the height direction.

In particular, when removing the storage basket from the support member in the existing refrigerator structure, the storage basket must be moved upward by a distance greater than a height of the support member.

Additionally, because the support grooves are defined in both side surfaces of the storage basket, a storage space of the storage basket may be reduced by a space for defining the support grooves.

SUMMARY

Technical Problem

The present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator with an adjustable coupling position of an accessory that is detachably coupled to a door.

Additionally, the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that may couple multiple accessories with different functions to a door.

In addition, the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that may supply power to an accessory connected to a door.

Additionally, the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that includes an accessory that may be easily cantilevered to a door.

Technical Solutions

To solve the above-mentioned problem, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an accessory detachably coupled to a door and the door having a guide to support the accessory, and guide includes a plurality of guide fasteners disposed along a height direction of the door and supporting the accessory.

In one example, to solve the above-mentioned problem, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet defining a storage space therein and having an inlet defined in a front surface thereof, a door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the inlet, and an accessory detachably coupled to the door, the door includes a guide located on one surface facing the storage space to support the accessory, and a plurality of guide fasteners disposed at the guide along a height direction of the door, and the accessory includes an accessory body forming an outer appearance thereof and an accessory coupling portion accessory coupling portion disposed on one surface of the accessory body and coupled to at least one of the plurality of guide fasteners.

In one implementation, the accessory coupling portion accessory coupling portion may be disposed on the one surface of the accessory body facing the guide.

In one implementation, the guide fastener may be defined as a coupling hole defined through one surface of the guide facing the accessory body, and the accessory coupling portion accessory coupling portion may include at least one coupling protrusion protruding from the accessory body toward the guide and inserted into the coupling hole.

In one implementation, the coupling hole may be defined by extending through the one surface of the guide in a forward and backward direction, and the coupling protrusion may be inserted into the coupling hole along an extending direction of the coupling hole.

In one implementation, the coupling hole may include a plurality of coupling holes, and the plurality of coupling holes may be defined to be spaced apart from each other along the height direction of the door.

In one implementation, a separation distance between the plurality of coupling holes adjacent to each other may be smaller than a height of the accessory body.

In one implementation, the plurality of coupling holes adjacent to each other may be spaced apart from each other by a preset spacing along the height direction of the door.

In one implementation, the coupling protrusion may include a plurality of coupling protrusions, and the plurality of coupling protrusions may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the height direction of the door, and a separation distance in the height direction of the door between the plurality of coupling protrusions adjacent to each other may be an integer multiple of the preset spacing.

In one implementation, the coupling protrusion may include a first body protruding from the accessory body toward the guide, a second body extending downward from the first body, and a hooking groove defined between the accessory body, the first body, and the second body.

In one implementation, the coupling protrusion may include a plurality of coupling protrusions, and a separation distance in the height direction between a first body included in a coupling protrusion located closest to an upper end of the accessory body among the plurality of coupling protrusions and the upper end of the accessory body may be smaller than twice the preset spacing.

In one implementation, the guide may include a first guide located at one side in a width direction of the door and a second guide located at the other side in the width direction of the door.

In one implementation, the guide may be connected to an external power supply, and the accessory coupling portion accessory coupling portion may include an electrode and receive power from the guide when being coupled to the guide fastener.

In one implementation, the guide may include a first guide located at one side in a width direction of the door and a second guide located at the other side in the width direction of the door, the accessory coupling portion may include a first accessory coupling portion coupled to a guide fastener disposed in the first guide and a second accessory coupling portion coupled to a guide fastener disposed in the second guide, and the first guide and the second guide may be connected to power supplies of different polarities.

In one implementation, the accessory body may include a support plate forming a bottom surface and supporting an object upward and an extending plate disposed along a perimeter of the support plate and extending upward from the perimeter of the support plate, and the accessory coupling portion may be formed on one surface of the extending plate facing the guide.

In one implementation, the accessory may be formed as a dispenser accommodating a storage item therein or discharging the storage item therefrom.

In one implementation, the door may include a first door rotatably coupled to the cabinet to open and close the inlet, and a second door located between the first door and the cabinet, rotatable relative to the first door and the cabinet, and defining an auxiliary storeroom recessed toward the storage space, and the guide may be located on one surface of the first door facing the storage space.

In one implementation, at least a portion of the accessory may be located in the auxiliary storeroom when the first door closes the inlet.

In one implementation, the second door may include a communication hole allowing the storage space and the auxiliary storeroom to be in communication with each other.

Advantageous Effects

The present disclosure has the effect of providing the refrigerator with the adjustable coupling position of the accessory that is detachably coupled to the door.

Additionally, the present disclosure has the effect of providing the refrigerator that may combine the multiple accessories with the different functions to the door.

Additionally, the present disclosure has the effect of providing the refrigerator that may supply the power to the accessory that is connected to the door.

Additionally, the present disclosure has the effect of providing the refrigerator that includes the accessory that may be easily cantilevered to the door.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator that may be applied to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a refrigerator that may be applied to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of a refrigerator that may be applied to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an open state of a first door according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an open state of a first door and a second door according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows an inner surface of a door according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an inner surface of a door according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a coupled state of an accessory according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a coupling process of an accessory according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a coupling process of an accessory according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows an example of an accessory that may be applied to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows an example of an accessory that may be applied to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings such that a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs may easily implement the embodiment.

However, the present disclosure is able to be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiment described herein. In addition, to clearly describe the present disclosure, components irrelevant to the description are omitted in the drawings. Further, similar reference numerals are assigned to similar components throughout the present document.

Duplicate descriptions of the same components are omitted herein.

In addition, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being ‘connected to’ or ‘coupled to’ another component herein, it may be directly connected to or coupled to the other component, or one or more intervening components may be present. On the other hand, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being ‘directly connected to’ or ‘directly coupled to’ another component herein, there are no other intervening components.

Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the specific embodiment of the present disclosure only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the singular forms ‘a’ and ‘an’ are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It should be understood that the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, and ‘including’ when used herein, specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described herein, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, or combinations thereof.

In addition, herein, the term ‘and/or’ includes a combination of a plurality of listed items or any of the plurality of listed items. Herein, ‘A or B’ may include ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘both A and B’.

Additionally, expressions such as an open state and a closed state may be used herein. In this regard, when a fixed body is coupled with one side of a rotatable body, a state in which the other side of the rotatable body is coupled to the fixed body or is in a state equivalent to being coupled thereto may be defined as the closed state, and a state in which the other side of the rotatable body is separated from the fixed body or is in a state equivalent to being separated therefrom may be defined as the open state.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator that may be applied to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, the refrigerator that may be applied to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

A refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a bottom freezer type refrigerator in which a refrigerating chamber is disposed at an upper portion of a cabinet 2 and a freezing chamber is disposed at lower portion. The refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber of such refrigerator may define a storage space 21 defined inside the cabinet 2. An inlet 22 may be defined in a front surface of the cabinet 2, and a storage item to be stored in the storage space 21 may enter and exit via the inlet 22. Herein, a forward and backward direction may be understood to mean a direction in which the inlet 22 is defined.

The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a door 3 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 2. The door 3 opens or closes the inlet 22.

Referring to FIG. 1, the door 3 may include a left refrigerating chamber door 32 and a right refrigerating chamber door 31 disposed on the refrigerating chamber, and a left freezing chamber door 34 and a right freezing chamber door 33 disposed on the freezing chamber. A description of the door 3, which will be made later, may be applied individually to each door.

Additionally, herein, a description of the storage space 21 may be applied to each of the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber.

Additionally, herein, the fact that the door 3 opens and closes the inlet 22 may mean that the door 3 opens and closes a portion of the inlet 22. Referring to FIG. 1, the left refrigerating chamber door 32 and the right refrigerating chamber door 31 are constructed to open and close the inlet 22 together. In this regard, it may be seen that the left refrigerating chamber door 32 opens and closes a portion of the inlet 22 and the right refrigerating chamber door 31 opens and closes a portion of the inlet 22. Even in the above situation, the left refrigerating chamber door 32 may be expressed as opening and closing the inlet 22, and the right refrigerating chamber door 31 may be expressed as opening and closing the inlet 22.

In one example, the present disclosure may also be applied to a refrigerator equipped with the freezing chamber at the upper portion and the refrigerating chamber at the lower portion. Additionally, the present disclosure may also be applied to a refrigerator equipped with both upper and lower portions as the refrigerating chambers or a refrigerator equipped with both upper and lower portions as the freezing chambers. Additionally, the present disclosure may also be applied to a side-by-side type in which the refrigerating chamber is partitioned into left and right sides.

In other words, the present disclosure may be applied to all refrigerators that include the cabinet that defines the storage space and has the inlet, and the door that is rotatably coupled to the cabinet and opens and closes at least a portion of the inlet.

Referring to FIG. 1, the door 3 may include a main door 35 rotatably mounted at one side of the cabinet 2 and a sub door 36 mounted to be rotatable with respect to such main door 35 or the cabinet 2. That is, the right refrigerating chamber door 31 may include the main door 35 or the sub door 36. In other words, when opening the main door 35 and the sub door 36 together, the storage space 21 may be accessed.

An opening 351 may be defined inside a central portion of the main door 35, and a separate accommodation space may be defined at a side of a rear surface of the main door 35.

When the sub door 36 is opened, the separate accommodation space may be accessed via the opening 351 of the main door 35. In other words, the separate accommodation space may be accessed by opening only the sub door 36 without opening the main door 35. The sub door 36 may have a groove-shaped handle 361 at a left side. Such handle 361 may be formed to be long in a vertical direction. In addition, a rotating direction of the sub door 36 may be the same as that of the main door 35.

In such a refrigerator, the sub door 36 may be formed to be smaller than the main door 35, and when the sub door 36 is closed, the sub door 36 may be inserted into the opening 351 of the main door 35. In some cases, the sub door 36 may be omitted.

As mentioned above, the left refrigerating chamber door 32 and the right refrigerating chamber door 31 may be installed symmetrically at left and right sides of the cabinet 2. In this regard, unlike as shown in FIG. 1, the left refrigerating chamber door 32 and the right refrigerating chamber door 31 may have the same structure. That is, the left refrigerating chamber door 32 may also have the structure including the main door 35 and the sub door 36 as described above.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a refrigerator that may be applied to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In particular, FIG. 2 shows that the left refrigerating chamber door 32 and the right refrigerating chamber door 31 have the same symmetrical structure and shows a state in which both the left refrigerating chamber door 32 and the right refrigerating chamber door 31 are open.

Referring to FIG. 2, the storage space 21 may be exposed when both the left refrigerating chamber door 32 and the right refrigerating chamber door 31 are open. A description regarding the door 3 may be applied individually to each of the left refrigerating chamber door 32 and the right refrigerating chamber door 31 shown in FIG. 2. Additionally, the description of the door 3 may also be applied individually to each of the left freezing chamber door 34 and the right freezing chamber door 33.

Additionally, a shelf 211 or a storage box 212 may be disposed inside the storage space 21. The shelf 211 and the storage box 212 may partition the interior of the storage space 21. In particular, the shelf 211 or the storage box 212 may improve space utilization of the storage space 21 by partitioning the interior of the storage space 21 in a height direction.

The shelf 211 and the storage box 212 may support an object-to-be-accommodated that is accommodated inside the storage space 21, such as food, upwardly. The storage box 212 may be of a drawer type and may accommodate the storage item therein. However, the present disclosure may not be limited to the above-described embodiment, and only the shelf 211 or the storage box 212 may be disposed inside the storage space 21. The interior of the storage space 21 may be provided in any other structure that may accommodate the storage item.

In one example, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an accessory 5 that is detachably coupled to the door 3. The accessory 5 may be located on one surface of the door 3 facing the storage space 21. That is, the accessory 5 may be located inside the cabinet 2 when the door 3 closes the inlet 22. Additionally, when the door 3 opens the inlet 22, the accessory 5 may be exposed to the outside.

That is, a user may rotate the door 3 to open the inlet 22 and then access the accessory 5 located on one surface of the door 3. In other words, the user may rotate the door 3 to be open, and then manipulate the accessory 5.

In one example, the accessory 5 may include a plurality of accessories along the height direction of the door 3. In the drawing, the plurality of accessories 5 are all shown to have the same shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, the plurality of accessories 5 may be formed in different shapes and may perform different functions. An embodiment related thereto will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 2, the accessory 5 is shown in a basket shape that may accommodate therein the various storage items such as a can and a bottle. However, the present disclosure may not be limited thereto, and the accessory 5 may be provided as a device with various functions. A specific example will be described later.

Referring to FIG. 2, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a supply hole 213 through which cold air supplied to the storage space 21 is introduced. The supply hole 213 may be in communication with a cold air supply (not shown) that is located inside the cabinet and supplies cold air. As shown in the drawing, the supply hole 213 may be located in a top surface of the storage space 21. However, the present disclosure may not be limited thereto, and the supply hole 213 may be defined in any surface of the storage space 21 as long as it is able to supply cold air to the storage space 21.

The supply hole 213 may guide cold air into the storage space 21, and when the door 3 closes the inlet 22, cold air guided via the supply hole 213 may be used to maintain a temperature of the accessory 5.

Referring to FIG. 2, the door 3 may include a first door 37 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 2. The accessory 5 may be detachably coupled to one surface of the first door 37 facing the storage space 21.

In FIG. 2, the state in which the left refrigerating chamber door 32 and the right refrigerating chamber door 31 are open is shown. Additionally, it is shown that the door 3 is formed as the first door 37. That is, the left refrigerating chamber door 32 and the right refrigerating chamber door 31 may respectively include the first doors 37.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a portion of a refrigerator that may be applied to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the door 3 may include the first door 37 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 2. In addition, the door 3 may further include a second door 38 rotatable with respect to the first door 37 and the cabinet 2. The second door 38 may be located between the first door 37 and the cabinet 2.

Additionally, the second door 38 may form an auxiliary storeroom 382 that is recessed toward the storage space 21. The first door 37 and the second door 38 may together constitute the door 3. The second door 38 may include the auxiliary storeroom 382 that is recessed in a direction away from the first door 37.

The second door 38 may include a door inlet 383 having one surface facing the first door 37 that is open to be in communication with the auxiliary storeroom 382. The user may access the auxiliary storeroom 382 via the door inlet 383. The second door 38 may be accommodated in the storage space 21 defined in the cabinet 2.

The first door 37 and the second door 38 may be individually rotatable. That is, in the closed state of the door 3, the second door 38 may not rotate and only the first door 37 may rotate to open. When only the first door 37 is opened, the user may access the auxiliary storeroom 382.

The first door 37 and the second door 38 may be detachably coupled to each other. In particular, respective one sides of the first door 37 and the second door 38 located in a direction away from a rotate shaft may be detachably coupled to each other.

When the first door 37 and the second door 38 are coupled to each other, the first door 37 and the second door 38 may rotate together, and when the first door 37 and the second door 38 are separated from each other, only the first door 37 may rotate. Even when the first door 37 and the second door 38 are separated from each other, the coupling at one side located on the rotate shaft may be maintained.

In one example, in the closed state of the door 3, the second door 38 may rotate together with the first door 37 to open the inlet 22. In relation thereto, the state in which the first door 37 and the second door 38 rotate in an integrated manner will be described later.

Components that implement the coupling and the separation of the first door 37 and the second door 38 will be briefly described. The first door 37 may include a latch 372, and the second door 38 may include a latch insertion hole 386. The latch 372 may be inserted into and coupled to the latch insertion hole 386. In a state in which the coupling of the latch 372 and the latch insertion hole 386 is maintained, the first door 37 and the second door 38 may be coupled and rotate together. In a state in which the coupling of the latch 372 and the latch insertion hole 386 is released, the first door 37 and the second door 38 may be separated from each other and rotate separately. Specific shapes and coupling characteristics of the latch 372 and the latch insertion hole 386 will be described later.

The drawing shows the right refrigerating chamber door 31 and the left refrigerating chamber door 32. Each of the right refrigerating chamber door 31 and the left refrigerating chamber door 32 may include the first door 37 and the second door 38. The drawing shows that only the first door 37 is open.

Each of the right refrigerating chamber door 31 and the left refrigerating chamber door 32 may include the second door 38, and a filler 39 may be located between the second doors 38. The filler 39 may prevent cold air in the storage space 21 from leaking out of the cabinet 2 via a space between the second doors 38.

A detailed configuration of the door 3 and detailed configurations of the first door 37 and the second door 38 will be described in detail below based on FIGS. 4 and 5.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show an operating state of a door. In particular, FIG. 4 shows a state in which only the first door rotates and only the first door is opened. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the first door and the second door rotate together and the first door and the second door are opened together.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the right refrigerating chamber door 31. The right refrigerating chamber door 31 is shown in the drawing, but as described above, the description of the door 3 may be applied to each of all doors (left/right refrigerating/freezing chamber doors), so that a description will be made as the right refrigerating chamber door 31 is referred to as the door 3.

Hereinafter, the description will be made with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The door 3 may include the first door 37 and the second door 38. The first door 37 may be rotatably coupled to the cabinet 2, and open and close the inlet 22. In FIG. 4, the second door 38 is shown maintaining the closed state without rotating together with the first door 37. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the second door 38 rotates together with the first door 37 to open.

The first door 37 may include a first door body 371 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 2. The first door body 371 may form an outer appearance of the refrigerator 1 in the closed state. The first door body 371 may be disposed such that one of both surfaces in the forward and backward direction forms the outer appearance and the other surface faces the storage space 21.

The accessory 5 may be detachably coupled to one surface of the door 3 facing the storage space. In particular, the accessory 5 may be coupled to the one surface of the first door 37 facing the storage space.

The first door 37 may include a door recessed surface 374 that is recessed in the one surface facing the storage space 21 in a direction away from the storage space 21. The accessory 5 may be detachably coupled to the door recessed surface 374.

Additionally, the door 3 may include a door gasket 373 to prevent cold air inside the storage space 21 from leaking. In particular, the door gasket 373 may be disposed on the first door 37. The door gasket 373 may be located between the cabinet 2 and the first door 37 in the closed state of the door 3 to prevent the leakage of cold air. The door gasket 373 may be disposed along a perimeter of the door recessed surface 374. That is, the accessory 5 may be located inwardly of the door gasket 373.

A specific coupling structure of the accessory 5 and the door 3 will be described later.

In one example, the second door 38 may be rotatable with respect to the cabinet 2 independently of the first door 37. The second door 38 may include a second door body 381 rotatable relative to the cabinet 2 or the first door 37.

The second door 38 may include the auxiliary storeroom 382 that is recessed in the direction away from the first door 37. That is, the auxiliary storeroom 382 may be formed by the second door body 381 as the second door body 381 is recessed in the direction away from the first door. The second door 38 may include the door inlet 383 in communication with the auxiliary storeroom 382. A front open surface of the auxiliary storeroom 382 may be defined as the door inlet 383.

The user may put the food into the auxiliary storeroom 382 or withdraw the food stored in the auxiliary storeroom 382 via the door inlet 383.

Referring to FIG. 4, when only the first door 37 is opened, the door inlet 383 may be positioned to face forward. That is, the user may only open the first door 37 to access the auxiliary storeroom 382.

The second door 38 may include an auxiliary basket 385 located inside the auxiliary storeroom 382. The auxiliary basket 385 may improve space utilization by partitioning the space inside the auxiliary storeroom 382 in the height direction.

When the second door 38 is in the closed state (in the state in which only the first door is open), the door inlet 383 may be disposed on the same line as the inlet 22 of the cabinet 2. Substantially, the inlet 22 of the cabinet 2 may be closed by the second door 38. That is, the second door 38 may be accommodated in the storage space 21 in the closed state. The second door 38 may be accommodated in the storage space 21 and may form the auxiliary storeroom 382 that is partitioned from the storage space 21.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second door 38 may further include a communication hole 384 extending through one surface of the second door body 381. The communication hole 384 may be defined to allow cold air inside the storage space 21 to enter and exit the auxiliary storeroom 382. The communication hole 384 may be defined in each of a top surface and a bottom surface of the second door body 381 and form a flow path through which cold air introduced into the auxiliary storeroom 382 circulates. However, the present disclosure may not be limited to the above-described example, and the communication hole 384 may be defined in various positions.

The communication hole 384 may be defined to be in communication with the supply hole 213 (refer to FIG. 2). That is, the communication hole 384 may be defined to face the supply hole 213. Cold air guided to the storage space 21 via the supply hole 213 may be guided to the auxiliary storeroom 382 via the communication hole 384.

When the second door 38 rotates and opens together with the first door 37, the storage space 21 may be exposed. When the second door 38 rotates and opens together with the first door 37, the user may access the storage space 21 to withdraw the food contained therein or put the food into the storage space 21.

In one example, the second door 38 may include the latch insertion hole 386 coupled to the first door 37. The latch insertion hole 386 may be recessed at one side of the second door body 381 facing the first door 37. The latch 372 (refer to FIG. 3) disposed on the first door 37 may be inserted into the latch insertion hole 386.

When the latch 372 is inserted into and fixed to the latch insertion hole 386, the first door 37 and the second door 38 may rotate in the integrated manner. In one example, when the latch 372 is separated from the latch insertion hole 386, the first door 37 may be separated from the second door 38 and may rotate individually.

The separation of the latch 372 and the latch insertion hole 386 may be implemented via separate manipulation. The latch 372 may be separated from the latch insertion hole 386 via manipulation of a lever (not shown) disposed separately at the first door 37.

For example, when the first door 37 is opened without manipulating the lever, the second door 38 may be opened together with the first door 37. Additionally, when the first door 37 is opened while manipulating the lever, the second door 38 may not move and only the first door 37 may rotate to open.

In one example, when the first door 37 and the second door 38 are coupled to each other, at least a portion of the accessory 5 may be located inside the auxiliary storeroom 382. The accessory 5 may be disposed so as not to interfere with the auxiliary basket 385.

In one example, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hinge portion 6 that rotatably supports the door 3 to the cabinet 2. The hinge portion 6 may include a first hinge 61 that supports the first door 37 rotatably to the cabinet 2. Additionally, the hinge portion 6 may include a second hinge 62 that supports the second door 38 rotatably to the cabinet 2 or the first door 37.

The first hinge 61 and the second hinge 62 may be constructed to rotate based on the rotate shaft located on the same line. The second hinge 62 may be rotatable independently of the first hinge 61. Additionally, the second hinge 62 may be located inwardly of the first hinge 61.

In one example, a rotatable range of the second hinge 62 may depend on an angle of the first hinge 61. For example, when the first hinge 61 is opened by rotating by a first angle from the closed state, the second hinge 62 may individually rotate within a first angle range from the closed state. When the first hinge 61 is opened by rotating by a second angle from the closed state, the second hinge 62 may individually rotate within a second angle range from the closed state. That is, the second hinge 62 may be restricted from rotating by an angle greater than an opening angle of the first hinge 61.

The hinge portions 6 may be disposed at upper and lower portions of the door 3, respectively, and may support the door 3 rotatably to the cabinet 2.

As described above, the embodiment in which the door 3 is formed as the first door 37 and the second door 38 is merely a description of an embodiment of the refrigerator to which the present disclosure may be applied, and any refrigerator having the cabinet and the door rotatably coupled to the cabinet may be included in the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows an inner surface of a door of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an inner surface of a door of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 together, the door 3 may be rotatably coupled to the cabinet 2. The door 3 may include a guide 4 that supports the accessory 5. The guide 4 may be fixed to the door recessed surface 374.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show that the guide 4 is disposed on the first door 37 described above, but the present disclosure may not be limited thereto and the guide 4 may be disposed on the various doors 3 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 2.

In particular, the guide 4 may include a plurality of guides. The plurality of guides 4 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the door 3. Additionally, the plurality of guides 4 may be respectively fixed to both ends in the width direction of the door recessed surface 374. The guides 4 may include a first guide 4a disposed at one side of the door 3 and a second guide 4b disposed at the other side of the door 3.

More specifically, the first guide 4a and the second guide 4b may be fixed to both side surfaces of the door recessed surface 374, respectively. The first guide 4a may be located in a direction away from hinge portion 6, and the second guide 4b may be located in a direction closer to hinge portion 6.

The guide 4 may be located inwardly of the door gasket 373. Specifically, the door gasket 373 may form a rectangular closed curve along one surface of the first door body 371, and the guide 4 may be located inwardly of the closed curve. When the guide 4 is located inwardly of the door gasket 373, the accessory 5 may be located inside a space sealed by the door gasket 373 in the closed state of the door 3.

In one example, the door 3 may include a power line 43 to supply power to the guide 4. The power line 43 may be disposed inside the cabinet 2 and be connected to a power input unit (not shown) that receives external power.

The power line 43 may include a first power line 43a connected to the first guide 4a and a second power line 43b connected to the second guide 4b. The first power line 43a and the second power line 43b may supply power of different polarities. For example, the first power line 43a may supply positive polarity power to the first guide 4a and the second power line 43b may supply negative polarity power to the second guide 4b.

In one example, the door 3 may include a plurality of guide fasteners 41 disposed on the guide 4 along the height direction of the door 3. The plurality of guide fasteners 41 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the height direction. The accessory 5 may be coupled to the guide fasteners 41. The guide fasteners 41 may be defined as coupling holes 42 defined through one surface of the guide 4.

In particular, the coupling holes 42 may be defined to extend through the one surface of the guide 4 facing the accessory 5. A portion of the accessory 5 may be inserted into the coupling hole 42 to be coupled to and supported by the guide 4.

As the coupling hole 42 includes the plurality of coupling holes along the height direction, a coupling position of the accessory 5 coupled to and supported by the coupling hole 42 may be freely selected. As the number of coupling holes 42 increases, an installation height of the accessory 5 may be adjusted more precisely.

For example, 10 or more guide fasteners 41 may be disposed along the height direction. That is, 10 or more coupling holes 42 may be defined along the height direction. When there are 10 coupling holes 42, the height adjustment of the accessory 5 may also be performed in 10 steps. The above-mentioned number is merely an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In one example, the coupling holes 42 may be defined to extend the one surface of the guides 4 in the forward and backward direction. The forward and backward direction may mean a forward and backward direction in the state in which the door 3 closes the inlet 22.

Additionally, when the accessory 5 is coupled to the coupling hole 42, the accessory 5 may be coupled in the forward and backward direction along the extending direction of the coupling holes 42. When the accessory 5 is coupled to the coupling hole 42 in the forward and backward direction, there is an effect of preventing interference with another accessory 5 located above or below when coupling or removing the accessory 5.

For example, a case of removing one accessory 5 when the plurality of accessories 5 are coupled to the guides 4 along the height direction may be assumed. In this regard, when the accessory 5 has to be moved upwardly or downwardly to be removed, the accessory 5 may interfere with another adjacent accessory 5. However, when the accessory 5 is coupled to or removed from the coupling hole 42 in the extending direction of the coupling hole 42, the movement of the corresponding accessory 5 in the height direction may be minimized. Therefore, convenience may be improved when the user removes or couples the accessory 5.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which a guide and an accessory are coupled to each other and a cross-section of a portion where the guide and the accessory are coupled to each other.

Referring to FIG. 8, the plurality of accessories 5 may be coupled to the door 3. The accessories 5 may be equipped with modules with various functions, such as a basket 5a that accommodates the storage item therein, a grain dispenser 5b that stores or distributes grain, and a water purifier dispenser 5c that stores or purifies water. The accessories 5 may not be limited to the modules with the functions described above and may include various modules that may be accommodated inside the refrigerator.

The plurality of accessories 5 may be spaced apart from each other in the height direction. The accessory 5 may be coupled to the guide fastener 41 and supported on the guide 4. The user may set positions of the plurality of accessories 5 variously as needed.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-section of the accessory 5 in the state of being coupled to and supported by the guide fastener 41 and the guide 4 may be seen.

The accessory 5 may include an accessory body 51 that forms an outer appearance of the accessory 5. When the accessory 5 is the basket 5a, the accessory body 51 may have a shape of a basket in which the storage item may be supported or accommodated.

When the accessory 5 is the basket 5a, the accessory body 51 may include a support plate 511 forming a bottom surface of the accessory body 51 and an extending plate 512 extending upward from a perimeter of the support plate 511. The extending plate 512 together with the support plate 511 may define a space in which the storage item is accommodated.

Additionally, the accessory 5 may include an accessory coupling portion 52 disposed on one surface of the accessory body 51 and coupled to at least one of the plurality of guide fasteners 41.

The accessory coupling portion 52 may not be disposed on multiple side surfaces of the accessory body 51, but may be disposed only on the one surface of the accessory body 51. That is, a component for coupling the accessory 5 to the guide 4 may be disposed only on the one surface of the accessory body 51. In other words, the accessory 5 may prevent the multiple surfaces of the accessory body 51 from being used when being coupled to the guide 4.

More specifically, the accessory coupling portion 52 may be disposed on the one surface of the accessory body 51 facing the guide 4. That is, the accessory coupling portion 52 may be disposed on the one surface of the accessory body 51 located in a direction away from the storage space 21. In other words, the accessory coupling portion 52 may be disposed on the one surface of the accessory body 51 facing the door recessed surface 374.

Additionally, the accessory coupling portion 52 may be disposed on one surface of the extending plate 512. In particular, the accessory coupling portion 52 may be disposed on the one surface of the extending plate 512 facing the guide 4.

Referring to FIG. 8, it is shown that two accessory coupling portions 52 are disposed vertically for each accessory 5. However, the present disclosure may not be limited thereto, and when necessary, only one accessory coupling portion 52 may be disposed in the height direction or a greater number of accessory coupling portions 52 may be disposed in the height direction. In addition, because the cross-sectional view in FIG. 8 shows the cross-sectional view, the plurality of accessory coupling portions 52 may also actually be disposed in the width direction of the accessory body 51.

Additionally, as described above, when the guides 4 include the first guide 4a and the second guide 4b, two pairs of accessory coupling portions 52 may be disposed in the width direction of the accessory body 51. A specific arrangement of the accessory coupling portions 52 will be described later.

In one example, the accessory coupling portion 52 may include a coupling protrusion 53 protruding from the accessory body 51 toward the guide 4. The coupling protrusion 53 may be inserted into the coupling hole 42.

The coupling protrusion 53 may be formed in a shape that may be inserted into and supported by the coupling hole 42. In particular, the coupling protrusion 53 may be formed in a hook shape. Specifically, the coupling protrusion 53 may be formed in the hook shape that protrudes from the accessory body 51 toward the guide 4 and then extends downward.

More specifically, the coupling protrusion 53 may include a first body 531 protruding from the accessory body 51 and a second body 532 extending downward from the first body 531. A hooking groove 533 in which a portion of the guide 4 may be accommodated may be defined between the first body 531, the second body 532, and the accessory body 51.

Referring to the cross-sectional view of the coupling protrusion 53 in the state of being coupled to the guide 4, the first body 531 may be inserted into the coupling hole 42. The first body 531 may be supported around the coupling hole 42 and may be prevented from falling in a direction of gravity.

Additionally, the second body 532 may be supported on the guide 4 at the rear of the coupling hole 42 (in a direction away from the accessory body). The second body 532 may prevent the accessory 5 from moving in a direction away from the guide.

That is, the coupling protrusion 53 may prevent the accessory 5 from being separated from the door 3 by being caught and supported by the guide 4 or the coupling hole 42. Additionally, a coupling force acting on the coupling protrusion 53 may be further increased by the gravity acting on the accessory body 51.

The state in which the accessory 5 is coupled to and supported by the guide 4 and the guide fastener 41 may be understood as a cantilever structure. The accessory 5 may be firmly coupled by being supported in one direction (a direction in which the accessory coupling portion is formed).

The accessory 5 may be supported in only one direction via the coupling of the accessory coupling portion 52 and the guide fastener 41. Because the accessory 5 is not coupled and supported in multiple directions, a space consumed for the coupling of the accessory 5 may be reduced.

Accordingly, a space required by the accessory 5 to perform the original function thereof may be further secured. Additionally, because the accessory 5 is detachably coupled to the door 3, the space where the accessory 5 is located may be limited and narrow. Therefore, as described above, coupling the accessory 5 to the door 3 in the cantilever structure has an effect of utilizing the narrow space more efficiently.

In one example, a separation distance hl between the plurality of guide fasteners 41 adjacent to each other may be smaller than a height Bh of the accessory body 51. That is, a separation distance between the coupling holes 42 adjacent to each other may be smaller than the height of the accessory body 51.

When the guide fasteners 41 are disposed as above, the coupling position of the accessory 5 may be set at a spacing smaller than the height of the accessory body 51. This has an effect of more precisely adjusting the height of the accessory 5.

Additionally, the plurality of guide fasteners 41 adjacent to each other may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by an equal distance. The equal distance may be defined as the preset spacing (hereinafter, h1). That is, the plurality of coupling holes 42 may be spaced apart from each other by the preset spacing h1 along the height direction of the door 3. The separation distance in the height direction between the coupling holes 42 described above may be understood as a distance between centers of the plurality of coupling holes 42.

In one example, the coupling protrusion 53 may include a plurality of coupling protrusions, and the plurality of coupling protrusions 53 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the height direction of the door 3. A separation distance h2 between the plurality of coupling protrusions 53 adjacent to each other may be set to an integer multiple of the preset distance. The separation distance between the plurality of coupling protrusions 53 may be understood as a distance between the same points on the respective coupling protrusions 53.

When the separation distance h2 between the coupling protrusions 53 is the integer multiple of the separation distance h1 between the coupling holes 42, the distance between the coupling protrusions 53 in the height direction distance between may be variously set.

Referring to FIG. 8, a distance between the coupling protrusions disposed on the accessory 5a located at the upper side among the plurality of accessories 5 is set to 1 times the separation distance h1 between the coupling holes 42. On the other hand, the distance h2 between the coupling protrusions disposed on the accessories 5b and 5c located at the lower side among the plurality of accessories 5 is set to twice the separation distance h1 between the coupling holes 42.

In other words, depending on a size of the accessory body 51, the distance between the coupling protrusions for the stable coupling and support may vary. In this regard, when the separation distance in the height direction between the coupling protrusions is the integer multiple of the separation distance (the preset spacing, h1) between the coupling holes 42, the coupling between the coupling protrusion 53 and the coupling hole 42 may be smoothly achieved.

In one example, a separation distance h3 in the height direction between the coupling protrusion 53 located closest to an upper end of the accessory body 51 among the plurality of coupling protrusions 53 and the upper end of the accessory body 51 may be smaller than twice the preset spacing h1.

The separation distance h3 in the height direction between the coupling protrusion 53 located closest to the upper end of the accessory body 51 among the plurality of coupling protrusions 53 and the upper end of the accessory body 51 may be understood as a separation distance h3 in the height direction between the first body 531 included in the coupling protrusion 53 located closest to the upper end of the accessory body 51 among the plurality of coupling protrusions 53 and the upper end of the accessory body 51.

When the distance between the uppermost coupling protrusion 53 among the plurality of coupling protrusions 53 formed on one accessory 5 and the upper end of the accessory body 51 is small, a moment applied to the coupling protrusion 53 when the cantilever is coupled may be reduced. This has an effect of increasing support stability of the coupling protrusion 53. Therefore, the accessory 5 may be more firmly supported by the guide 4.

In addition, when the coupling protrusions 53 are disposed as above, interference with another accessory 5 during the process of coupling or removing one accessory 5 may be prevented.

In other words, there is an effect of reducing inconvenience of having to remove said another accessory 5 to couple or remove said one accessory 5.

Hereinabove, the description has been made using an example that the guide fastener 41 is formed as the coupling hole 42 and the accessory coupling portion 52 is formed as the coupling protrusion 53. However, the present disclosure may not be limited thereto, and the male-female relationship may be changed, so that the guide fastener 41 may be formed in a shape of a protrusion and the accessory coupling portion 52 may be formed in a shape of a hole into which the protrusion may be inserted.

In addition, various fastening structures for the guide fastener 41 and the accessory coupling portion 52 to be detachably coupled to each other rather than the protrusion or groove shape may be applied to the guide fastener 41 and the accessory coupling portion 52.

FIG. 9 shows a process of coupling an accessory to a door.

Referring to FIG. 9, the accessory coupling portion 52 may be coupled by being inserted into the coupling hole 42 along the extending direction of the coupling hole 42. That is, the coupling of the accessory 5 may be performed in the forward and backward direction of the door 3. In other words, the accessory 5 may be coupled to and supported by the first door 37 while moving in a direction closer to the door recessed surface 374 from a state of being spaced apart from the door recessed surface 374.

As the coupling direction of the accessory 5 is set as described above, the space used to attach and detach the accessory 5 may be reduced.

Therefore, when the multiple accessories 5 are coupled onto the door 3 and one of them is attached or detached, the interference with another accessories 5 may be prevented. In other words, inconvenience of having to also move another accessory 5 to attach or detach said one accessory 5 may be reduced.

In one example, the accessory coupling portion 52 may include an electrode. The accessory coupling portion 52 may receive power via the guide 4. The accessory coupling portion 52 may transmit the supplied power to the accessory 5 to operate the accessory 5.

In particular, the coupling protrusion 53 may include a contact terminal. In particular, the first body 531 or the second body 532 may include an electrode on one surface thereof in contact with the guide 4 or the coupling hole 42.

As described above, the accessory 5 may be constructed to perform the same function as the dispenser, and may require the power to perform the function. In this regard, the accessory coupling portion 52 may receive the required power from the guide 4 and perform the preset function.

The situation in which the power is used in the accessory 5 may not be limited to the example described above. The accessory 5 may perform all functions that may be performed by consuming the power.

In one example, as described above, the guides 4 may include the first guide 4a and the second guide 4b. Additionally, the first guide 4a and the second guide 4b may be connected to power supplies of different polarities.

The accessory coupling portions 52 may include a first accessory coupling portion 52a and a second accessory coupling portion 52b that are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the door 3. The first accessory coupling portion 52a may be supported or coupled to the first guide 4a, and the second accessory coupling portion 52b may be supported or coupled to the second guide 4b.

In this regard, the first accessory coupling portion 52a may be connected to the first guide 4a that receives the positive polarity power and the second accessory coupling portion 52b may be connected to the second guide 4b that receives the negative polarity power.

As described above, as the first accessory coupling portion 52a and the second accessory coupling portion 52b are connected to the power supplies of the different polarities, current may flow through the accessory 5 and the accessory 5 may consume the power to perform the preset function.

The polarities and the connection relationship described above are merely an embodiment presented for convenience of description, and the polarities of the power supplied to the first guide 4a and the second guide 4b may be set differently from those in the example described above.

FIG. 10 shows a state before an accessory is coupled to a door, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows the water purifier dispenser 5c as an example of the accessory 5. The accessory 5 may be formed as a dispenser that accommodates or discharges the storage item inside. The storage item accommodated inside may include various items such as water and grain, and will not be limited to the contents described as an example herein.

As described above, the water purifier dispenser 5c may be constructed to receive the power supplied from the guide 4 to purify water contained therein. In one example, the water purifier dispenser 5c may perform various functions, such as maintaining water at a preset temperature, in addition to purifying water.

The water purifier dispenser 5c may be located at the lower side of the door 3. All of the contents of the accessory 5 described in FIG. 9 may be applied to the water purifier dispenser 5c. That is, the water purifier dispenser 5c may be coupled to the door 3 or removed from the door 3 along the forward and backward direction of the door 3.

When taking the water purifier dispenser 5c as an example, a frame for storing and accommodating water may be understood as the accessory body 51, and a component for coupling the water purifier dispenser 5c to the door 3 may be understood as the accessory coupling portion 52.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show embodiments of an accessory according to the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, the accessory 5 may be formed as the grain dispenser 5b, which stores and discharges the grain. All of the contents described above for the accessory 5 may be applied to the grain dispenser 5b.

Referring to FIG. 12, accessory 5 may be formed as the water purifier dispenser 5c that stores and discharges water. Likewise, all of the descriptions of the accessory 5 made above may be applied to the water purifier dispenser 5c.

The grain dispenser 5b may perform functions such as receiving a control command of the user and discharging a requested amount of grain. However, this is simply a description of the embodiment, and the grain dispenser 5b may perform various functions.

The water purifier dispenser 5c may perform functions such as receiving the control command of the user and maintaining the temperature of the water stored inside at the preset temperature or discharging a preset amount of water. However, this is simply a description of the embodiment, and the water purifier dispenser 5c may perform various functions.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 together, in the closed state of the first door 37, at least a portion of the accessory 5, such as the grain dispenser 5b and the water purifier dispenser 5c, may be located in the auxiliary storeroom 382. When the accessory 5 is located in the auxiliary storeroom, the storage item stored inside the accessory 5 may also maintain a temperature thereof with cold air inside the auxiliary storeroom.

Additionally, the accessory 5 may not interfere with the auxiliary basket 385 during the process of being accommodated in the auxiliary storeroom 382. That is, a depth of the accessory body 51 may be smaller than a distance between the auxiliary basket 385 and one surface of the guide 4 on which the accessory body 51 is supported.

As described above, by installing the accessory 5 on the first door 37 and installing the auxiliary basket 385 on the second door 38, the door 3 may accommodate the various storage items, which has an effect of increasing an efficiency of space utilization.

In one example, although it is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 that the one accessory 5 is disposed, but as shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of accessories 5 may be disposed along the height direction of the door 3.

Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in relation to the specific embodiment, it will be self-evident to those with ordinary knowledge in the industry that various improvements and changes may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure provided by the following claims.