Refrigerators and home appliances

Abstract

A refrigerator can include a first refrigerator including a first cabinet and a second refrigerator including a second cabinet and independently operated from the first refrigerator. A first connector can be installed on the first cabinet, and a second connector can be installed on the second cabinet to correspond to the first connector. The second connector is disposed to be coupled to the first connector such that when the second connector is coupled to the first connector, the first cabinet is allowed to move in a first direction with respect to the second cabinet and is restrained from moving in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with respect to the second cabinet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to refrigerators and household appliances, and more specifically, to refrigerators and household appliances including a bracket for maintaining a gap between a pair of refrigerators arranged side by side and a gap between a pair of household appliances arranged side by side. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is a device comprising a main body and a cold air supply unit. The main body has storage compartments, and the cold air supply unit supplies cold air to the storage compartments to keep food fresh. The storage compartments include a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment. The refrigerator compartment is maintained at approximately 0°C to 5°C to keep food refrigerated, and the freezer compartment is maintained at approximately 0°C to -30°C to keep food frozen. Generally, the storage compartments open at the front for easy access to / from food, and the open front of the storage compartments is opened or closed by a door.

[0003] Refrigerators can be classified according to the type of storage compartment and doors, including: Top-Mounted Freezer (TMF) refrigerators, where the storage compartment is divided into upper and lower spaces by a horizontal partition, forming a freezer compartment in the upper space and a refrigerator compartment in the lower space; and Bottom-Mounted Freezer (BMF) refrigerators, where the refrigerator compartment is formed in the upper space and the freezer compartment in the lower space. Additionally, there are: Side-by-Side (SBS) refrigerators, where the storage compartment is divided into left and right spaces by a vertical partition, forming a freezer compartment on one side and a refrigerator compartment on the other; and French Door Refrigerator (FDR) refrigerators, where the storage compartment is divided into upper and lower spaces by a horizontal partition, forming a refrigerator compartment in the upper space and a freezer compartment in the lower space, with the refrigerator compartment being open or closed by a pair of doors.

[0004] Recently, a unified look has been adopted for various household appliances, including refrigerators. In this case, arranging multiple appliances side by side, rather than separating them from each other, can enhance the sense of unity and aesthetics.

[0005] However, when the spacing between multiple household appliances arranged side-by-side frequently changes, the effect of improving uniformity and aesthetics may be diminished. To prevent this, it is necessary to connect the multiple household appliances arranged side-by-side to each other. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical problems to be solved

[0007] This disclosure provides refrigerators and household appliances including brackets for maintaining a gap between a pair of refrigerators arranged side by side and a gap between a pair of household appliances arranged side by side.

[0008] This disclosure provides refrigerators and household appliances that enable a user to move either of a pair of refrigerators connected to each other and either of a pair of household appliances connected to each other in a forward direction without having to approach or access the respective refrigerator or household appliance from a rearward direction.

[0009] This disclosure provides refrigerators and household appliances including a bracket for allowing forward and backward movement of either of a pair of refrigerators connected to each other and either of a pair of household appliances connected to each other relative to the other refrigerator or household appliance, and for restraining lateral movement of the respective refrigerators and household appliances relative to the other refrigerator and household appliance.

[0010] This disclosure provides refrigerators and household appliances including brackets for connecting / disconnecting the rear ends of a pair of refrigerators and connecting / disconnecting the rear ends of a pair of household appliances to each other without separate connecting members.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] According to an aspect of this disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a first refrigerator including a first cabinet; a second refrigerator including a second cabinet, and the second refrigerator being configured to operate independently of the first refrigerator; a first connector coupled to the first cabinet; and a second connector coupled to the second cabinet and configured to be coupled to the first connector, allowing movement of the first cabinet relative to the second cabinet in a first direction and a second direction, and movement of the second cabinet relative to the first cabinet in the first direction and the second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, and constraining movement of the first cabinet relative to the second cabinet in a third direction and movement of the second cabinet relative to the first cabinet in the third direction, the third direction being perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, based on the coupling of the first connector and the second connector.

[0013] According to one aspect, relative to the first refrigerator and the second refrigerator, the first direction is a forward direction, the second direction is a backward direction, and the third direction is a leftward or rightward direction.

[0014] According to another aspect, the first connector is connected to the second connector to maintain the gap between the first cabinet and the second cabinet in the left-right direction.

[0015] According to another aspect, the first connector is connected to the upper surface of the first cabinet, and the second connector is connected to the upper surface of the second cabinet.

[0016] According to another aspect, the first connector is connected to one side of the rear end of the first cabinet, and the second connector is connected to the other side of the rear end of the second cabinet to correspond to the first connector.

[0017] According to another aspect, when the first connector is connected to the second connector, the first connector is separated from the second connector by moving the first cabinet relative to the second cabinet in the first direction or the second direction, and the second connector is separated from the first connector by moving the second cabinet relative to the first cabinet in the first direction or the second direction.

[0018] According to another aspect, in the separated state of the first connector and the second connector, the first connector is connected to the second connector by moving the first cabinet relative to the second cabinet in the first direction or the second direction, and the second connector is connected to the first connector by moving the second cabinet relative to the first cabinet in the first direction or the second direction.

[0019] According to another aspect, the first connector includes a first bracket, the first bracket including a first guide rib and a second guide rib to guide the first bracket to a connection position relative to the first cabinet, the first guide rib limiting the range of movement of the first bracket relative to the first cabinet in the first direction by contacting the rear surface of the first cabinet.

[0020] According to another aspect, the second guide rib limits the range of movement of the first bracket relative to the first cabinet in the third direction by contacting the side surface of the first cabinet.

[0021] According to another aspect, the second connector includes a second bracket, the second bracket including a third guide rib and a fourth guide rib for guiding the second bracket to a connection position relative to the second cabinet, the third guide rib limiting the range of movement of the second bracket relative to the second cabinet in the first direction by contacting the rear surface of the second cabinet.

[0022] According to another aspect, the fourth guide rib restricts the range of movement of the second bracket relative to the second cabinet in a fourth direction by contacting the side surface of the second cabinet, the side surface of the second cabinet facing the side surface of the first cabinet, the fourth direction being opposite to the third direction.

[0023] According to another aspect, the first connector includes a first bracket including a first interference protrusion, and the second connector includes a second bracket including a second interference protrusion, wherein the second interference protrusion constrains the movement of the second bracket in the third direction by being blocked by the first interference protrusion based on the movement of the second bracket relative to the first bracket in the third direction.

[0024] According to another aspect, based on the movement of the first support relative to the second support in the first direction or the second direction, or the movement of the second support relative to the first support in the first direction or the second direction, the first interference protrusion and the second interference protrusion do not interfere with each other.

[0025] According to another aspect, the first bracket includes a first groove in which the second interference protrusion is inserted.

[0026] According to another aspect, the second bracket includes a second groove in which the first interference protrusion is inserted.

[0027] According to another aspect, the first interference protrusion is inserted into the second groove, and the second interference protrusion is inserted into the first groove.

[0028] According to another aspect, based on the insertion of the first interference protrusion into the second groove, the movement of the first bracket relative to the second bracket in the third direction is constrained.

[0029] According to another aspect, based on the first bracket moving relative to the second bracket in the first direction or the second direction and moving out of the first interference protrusion from the second groove, the first bracket is allowed to move relative to the second bracket in the third direction.

[0030] According to another aspect, based on the insertion of the second interference protrusion into the first groove, the movement of the second bracket relative to the first bracket in the third direction is constrained.

[0031] According to another aspect, based on the second bracket moving relative to the first bracket in the first direction or the second direction to remove the second interference protrusion from the first groove, the second bracket is allowed to move relative to the first bracket in the third direction.

[0032] According to another aspect, when the first interference protrusion and the second interference protrusion interfere with each other, the first interference protrusion and the second interference protrusion are positioned between the side surfaces of the first cabinet and the second cabinet facing each other.

[0033] According to another aspect, an electrical appliance includes: a first electrical appliance including a first cabinet; a second electrical appliance including a second cabinet; a first connector extending from the first cabinet; and a second connector extending from the second cabinet and configured to connect to the first connector. The first and second connectors are configured to allow movement of the first and second cabinets in a first direction and a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction, based on the connection of the first and second connectors to each other. Furthermore, the first and second connectors are configured to constrain movement of the first and second cabinets in a third and a fourth direction, the third and fourth directions being opposite to each other and perpendicular to the first and second directions, based on the connection of the first and second connectors to each other.

[0034] Beneficial effects

[0035] According to aspects of this disclosure, refrigerators and household appliances are provided, the brackets being used to maintain a gap between a pair of refrigerators arranged side by side and a gap between a pair of household appliances arranged side by side.

[0036] According to aspects of this disclosure, refrigerators and household appliances are provided that enable a user to move either of a pair of refrigerators connected to each other and either of a pair of household appliances connected to each other in a forward direction without having to approach or access the respective refrigerator or household appliance from a rearward direction.

[0037] According to an aspect of this disclosure, refrigerators and household appliances are provided that include a bracket for allowing forward and backward movement of either of a pair of refrigerators connected to each other and either of a pair of household appliances connected to each other relative to the other refrigerator or household appliance, and for restraining lateral movement of the respective refrigerators and household appliances relative to the other refrigerator and household appliance.

[0038] According to aspects of this disclosure, refrigerators and household appliances are provided that include a bracket for connecting / disconnecting the rear ends of a pair of refrigerators and connecting / disconnecting the rear ends of a pair of household appliances to each other without separate connecting members. Attached Figure Description

[0039] These and / or other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 A pair of household appliances arranged side by side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0041] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A magnified view of region A;

[0042] Figure 3 Shown from another angle Figure 2 The first and second brackets are shown in the diagram;

[0043] Figure 4 It shows that the first support has been removed from Figure 2 The first support in the middle is moving forward in its forward position;

[0044] Figure 5 It shows that the second support has been removed from Figure 2 The position of the second support in the middle moves in the forward direction;

[0045] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Front view of the first and second brackets shown in the diagram;

[0046] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 The bottom perspective view of the first bracket shown;

[0047] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 The bottom perspective view of the second bracket shown;

[0048] Figure 9 A first bracket and a second bracket in a refrigerator and a household appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are shown;

[0049] Figure 10 Shown from another angle Figure 9 The first and second brackets are shown in the diagram;

[0050] Figure 11 It shows that the first support has been removed from Figure 9 The position of the first support in the middle moves forward; and

[0051] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 The front view of the first and second brackets shown. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The embodiments described in this specification and the constructions shown in the accompanying drawings are merely preferred embodiments of this disclosure, and it will therefore be understood that various modifications to the embodiments and drawings described in this specification may be made when submitting this application.

[0053] In addition, the same reference numerals or symbols used in the accompanying drawings of this specification indicate components or parts that perform substantially the same function.

[0054] The terminology used in this specification is for describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit or constrain the disclosure. It should be understood that, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” include plural references. It will be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and / or “with,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof.

[0055] Furthermore, it will be understood that although ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0056] Meanwhile, in the following description, the terms “front,” “rear,” “left,” and “right” are defined based on the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of the parts are not limited by these terms.

[0057] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the directions of up, down, left, right, front, and back are based on the directions shown in the drawings.

[0058] Figure 1 A pair of household appliances arranged side by side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0059] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a pair of household appliances may be refrigerators 1 and 2 having the same structure and respectively including a single door 30 and a single door 40. However, the pair of household appliances may include any type of appliance, such as a refrigerator and a garment care device. The pair of household appliances may include a first refrigerator and a second refrigerator with different structures. In addition, the pair of household appliances may include other household appliances different from refrigerators and garment care devices. That is, the types of household appliances are not limited.

[0060] In the following description, as an example of a pair of household appliances, a pair of refrigerators 1 and 2 will be described. The pair of refrigerators 1 and 2 may include a first refrigerator 1 and a second refrigerator 2. The first refrigerator 1 and the second refrigerator 2 may operate independently. The first refrigerator 1 may include a first cabinet 10 and a first door 30 rotatably connected to the first cabinet 10, and the second refrigerator 2 may include a second cabinet 20 and a second door 40 rotatably connected to the second cabinet 20.

[0061] refer to Figure 1 The first refrigerator 1 and the second refrigerator 2 can be arranged side by side. In the case where the first refrigerator 1 and the second refrigerator 2 are simply arranged side by side, the gap g between the first refrigerator 1 and the second refrigerator 2 (see...) Figure 2 The structure of the refrigerator pair (refrigerator 1 and refrigerator 2) may change. This could be because the first refrigerator 1 and the second refrigerator 2 are not structurally connected. Since the first refrigerator 1 is not structurally connected to the second refrigerator 2, the gap between them may change, which would worsen the sense of unity between the two refrigerators and reduce aesthetics and user satisfaction.

[0062] According to aspects of this disclosure, the first refrigerator 1 may include a first bracket 100 (also referred to as a first connector 100 or first coupling 100), and the second refrigerator 2 may include a second bracket 200 (also referred to as a second connector 200 or second coupling 200). By connecting the first bracket 100 to the second bracket 200, the first refrigerator 1 can be structurally paired with the second refrigerator 2. More specifically, a gap g can be maintained between the first refrigerator 1 and the second refrigerator 2. With the first refrigerator 1 and the second refrigerator 2 structurally paired and thus maintaining the gap g between them, the pair of refrigerators 1 and 2 can provide a sense of aesthetic unity and further enhance aesthetics. Furthermore, user satisfaction can be improved.

[0063] According to this disclosure, the first bracket 100 can be separated from the second bracket 200 without releasing the individual connecting members. By separating the first bracket 100 from the second bracket 200, the pairing of the first refrigerator 1 and the second refrigerator 2 can be released. That is, the first refrigerator 1 and the second refrigerator 2 can move without interference. Since the first bracket 100 is separated from the second bracket 200 without releasing the individual connecting members, the first refrigerator 1 can be moved out in the forward direction for maintenance independently, or the second refrigerator 2 can be moved out in the forward direction for maintenance independently. Therefore, the time and manpower required for product maintenance can be greatly reduced.

[0064] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A magnified view of region A. Figure 3Shown from another angle Figure 2 The first and second supports are shown in the diagram.

[0065] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first bracket 100 can be connected to the second bracket 200. After the first bracket 100 is connected to the second bracket 200, the first bracket 100 and the second bracket 200 are allowed to move relative to each other in a first direction and a second direction, and are constrained to move in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. In the following text, the first direction can be a forward direction relative to the front of the refrigerator, the second direction can be a rearward direction relative to the back of the refrigerator, and the third direction can be a leftward or rightward direction relative to the side of the refrigerator.

[0066] After the first bracket 100 is connected to the second bracket 200, the movement of the first bracket 100 relative to the second bracket 200 in the left-right direction can be constrained. More specifically, the first bracket 100 can be prevented from moving away from the second bracket 200 in the left-right direction. This is because the first interference protrusion 140 contacts and is blocked and constrained by the second interference protrusion 240. Similarly, after the first bracket 100 is connected to the second bracket 200, the movement of the second bracket 200 relative to the first bracket 100 in the left-right direction can also be constrained.

[0067] As described above, after the first bracket 100 is connected to the second bracket 200, movement in the left-right direction can be constrained, and correspondingly, movement of the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 relative to each other can be constrained. Since the first bracket 100 is fixed to the first cabinet 10 and the second bracket 200 is fixed to the second cabinet 20, the movement of the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 can be constrained relative to each other due to the constraints on the first bracket 100 and the second bracket 200. At this time, the left-right movement of the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 can be constrained, while the front-back movement of the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 can be unconstrained.

[0068] After the first bracket 100 is connected to the second bracket 200, the movement of the first bracket 100 relative to the second bracket 200 in the forward and rearward directions is unrestricted. In other words, the first bracket 100 is allowed to move relative to the second bracket 200 in the front-back direction. The first interference protrusion 140 and the second interference protrusion 240 can contact each other when moving in the left-right direction, and can move without interfering with each other when moving in the front-back direction. Similarly, when the first bracket 100 is connected to the second bracket 200, the movement of the second bracket 200 relative to the first bracket 100 in the front-back direction is unrestricted.

[0069] Figure 4 It is shown that the first support 100 has been removed from Figure 2 The position of the first support in the middle is moving in the forward direction. Figure 5 It is shown that the second bracket 200 has been removed from Figure 2 The position of the second support in the middle is moving in the forward direction.

[0070] refer to Figure 4 With the first support 100 and the second support 200 connected to each other, the first support 100 can move in the forward direction relative to the second support 200. That is, the movement of the first support 100 in the forward direction relative to the second support 200 is unrestricted.

[0071] refer to Figure 5 With the first support 100 and the second support 200 connected to each other, the second support 200 can move in the forward direction relative to the first support 100. That is, the movement of the second support 200 in the forward direction relative to the first support 100 is unrestricted.

[0072] Typically, structurally connecting or separating a pair of household appliances requires separate structures and processes, such as screwing to connect or disconnect. For example, to connect the rear of a first household appliance to the rear of a second household appliance, one side of a bracket is usually already attached to the rear surface of the first appliance, and the other side of the bracket is already attached to the rear surface of the second appliance. Thus, the bracket and rear surface of the first appliance, and the bracket and rear surface of the second appliance, are connected to each other by connecting members such as screws.

[0073] Due to the structure described above, in order to move either the first or second household appliance, which is structurally connected to each other, in the forward direction, the following task is required: approaching the rear of the first and second household appliances and separating the connecting member from them. Generally, since a pair of household appliances are structurally connected to each other and then positioned in a rear-enclosed location, accessibility to the pair of household appliances from the rear direction can be greatly reduced. Therefore, the following task is required: moving both the first and second household appliances forward, then separating the connecting member from them, and replacing / repairing either the first or second household appliance.

[0074] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when a first refrigerator 1, as a first household appliance, is connected to and separated from a second refrigerator 2, as a second household appliance, the process of connecting / separating individual connecting components to / from the first refrigerator 1 and the second refrigerator 2 can be omitted. Although connecting components are required to mount the first bracket 100 on the first cabinet 10 and the second bracket 200 on the second bracket 20, no connecting components are needed to connect the first bracket 100 to the second bracket 200 or to separate the first bracket 100 from the second bracket 200, as will be described below. That is, without needing to connect the rear side of the first refrigerator 1 to the rear side of the second refrigerator 2, the second refrigerator 2 can be positioned next to the first refrigerator 1, or the first refrigerator 1 can be positioned next to the second refrigerator 2. Therefore, the time and manpower required for arranging and connecting the first and second household appliances side by side can be reduced, and the time and manpower required for moving either the first or second household appliances connected to each other in the forward direction can also be greatly reduced.

[0075] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The front view of the first and second brackets shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 2 The bottom perspective view of the first bracket shown. Figure 8 yes Figure 2 The bottom perspective view of the second bracket shown.

[0076] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 6 to 8 The structure of the first support 100 and the second support 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0077] refer to Figure 7 The first bracket 100 may include: an upper surface 11 connected to the first cabinet 10 (see...). Figure 3 The first bracket 100 includes a first body 110, a first guide rib 130 and a second guide rib 120 that guide the first body 110 relative to the first cabinet 10, and a first interference protrusion 140. Furthermore, the first bracket 100 may include a first connecting portion 141 that connects the first interference protrusion 140 to the first body 110, and the first groove 150 is formed by the first interference protrusion 140, the first connecting portion 141, and the first body 110.

[0078] The first body 110 can be connected to the upper surface 11 of the first cabinet 10. The first body 110 may include first to third connection holes 111, 112, and 113 extending through the first body 110 in a vertical direction. Connection members such as screws can be connected to the first to third connection holes 111, 112, and 113. More specifically, connection members (not shown) can extend through the first to third connection holes 111, 112, and 113 and be connected to the upper surface 11 of the first cabinet 10. By connecting the connection members to the upper surface 11 of the first cabinet 10 through the first to third connection holes 111, 112, and 113, the first bracket 100 can be connected to or mounted on the first cabinet 10.

[0079] According to embodiments of this disclosure, separate connection holes may not be provided in the upper surface of the first cabinet 10. After the first bracket 100 is positioned in a preset connection position by using the first guide rib 130 and the second guide rib 120, the connection member can pass through the first to third connection holes 111, 112 and 113 and be connected to the first cabinet 10, thereby allowing the first bracket 100 to be mounted on the first cabinet 10, as will be described below.

[0080] The first support 100 may include a first guide rib 130 and a second guide rib 120.

[0081] The first guide rib 130 can constrain the movement of the first bracket 100 relative to the first cabinet 10 in the front-rear direction. The first guide rib 130 can extend downward to engage with the rear surface 13 of the first cabinet 10 (see...). Figure 3 Contact. Since the first guide rib 130 contacts the rear surface 13 of the first cabinet 10, the connection position of the first bracket 100 in the front-rear direction can be determined.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first guide rib 130 may extend downward from one side of the first body 110.

[0083] The second guide rib 120 can constrain the range of movement of the first bracket 100 relative to the first cabinet 10 in the left-right direction. The second guide rib 120 can extend downward to engage with the side surface 12 of the first cabinet 10 (see...). Figure 3 Contact. Because the second guide rib 120 contacts the side surface 12 of the first cabinet 10, the connection position of the first bracket 100 in the left-right direction can be determined.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second guide rib 120 may extend downward from one end of the rib connection portion 121, and the other side of the first body 110 of the rib connection portion 121 may extend and bend.

[0085] The first bracket 100 can be positioned at the connection location by contacting the rear surface 13 and the side surface 12 of the first cabinet 10 with the first guide rib 130 and the second guide rib 120 respectively. After the first bracket 100 is positioned at the connection location, the first bracket 100 can be installed on the first cabinet 10 using a connecting member, as described above.

[0086] The first bracket 100 may include a first interference protrusion 140. The first interference protrusion 140 may be formed at one end of a first connecting portion 141 extending from the first body 110. The first interference protrusion 140 and the second guide rib 120 may form two parallel surfaces. The first interference protrusion 140, the first connecting portion 141, and the first body 110 may form a first recess 150. When the first bracket 100 is mounted to the first cabinet 10, the first recess 150 may be open or open in the front-rear direction. When the first bracket 100 is mounted to the first cabinet 10, the first body 110 and the first interference protrusion 140 may be arranged in the left-right direction through the first recess 150. A second interference protrusion 240, which will be described below, may be inserted into the first recess 150.

[0087] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the lower side of the first groove 150 may be open or recessed. In other words, a portion of the lower surface of the first connecting portion 141 may be recessed upward to form the first groove 150 and the first interference protrusion 140.

[0088] refer to Figure 8 The second bracket 200 may include: an upper surface 21 connected to the second cabinet 20 (see...). Figure 3 The second bracket 200 includes a second body 210, a third guide rib 230 and a fourth guide rib 220 guiding the second body 210 to its connection position relative to the second cabinet 20, and a second interference protrusion 240. Furthermore, the second bracket 200 may include a second connecting portion 241 and a second groove 250, the second connecting portion 241 connecting the second interference protrusion 240 to the second body 210, and the second groove 250 being formed by the second interference protrusion 240, the second connecting portion 241, and the second body 210.

[0089] The second body 210 can be connected to the upper surface 21 of the second cabinet 20 or installed on the upper surface 21 of the second cabinet 20.

[0090] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the second body 210 may include: a first body portion 211 including a first connection hole 214, a second body portion 212 including a fifth connection hole 215 and a sixth connection hole 216, and a third body portion 213 connecting the first body portion 211 to the second body portion 212. The first body portion 211 and the second body portion 212 may contact the upper surface 21 of the second cabinet 20, and the third body portion 213 may be spaced apart from the upper surface 21 of the second cabinet 20.

[0091] Connecting members, such as screws, can be connected to the fourth through sixth connecting holes 214, 215, and 216. More specifically, connecting members (not shown) can pass through the fourth through sixth connecting holes 214, 215, and 216 and connect to the upper surface 21 of the second cabinet 20. Because the connecting members pass through the fourth through sixth connecting holes 214, 215, and 216 to connect to the upper surface 21 of the second cabinet 20, the second bracket 200 can be mounted on the second cabinet 20.

[0092] According to embodiments of this disclosure, no connection holes may be provided in the upper surface 21 of the second cabinet 20. The second bracket 200 can be mounted on the second cabinet 20 by positioning the second bracket 200 in a preset connection position using the third guide rib 230 and the fourth guide rib 220, then passing the connection member through the fourth to sixth connection holes 214, 215, and 216, and connecting the connection member to the second cabinet 20, as will be described below.

[0093] The second support 200 may include a third guide rib 230 and a fourth guide rib 220.

[0094] The third guide rib 230 can limit the range of movement of the second bracket 200 relative to the second cabinet 20 in the front-rear direction. The third guide rib 230 can extend downward to engage with the rear surface 23 of the second cabinet 20 (see...). Figure 3 Contact. Because the third guide rib 230 contacts the rear surface 23 of the second cabinet 20, the connection position of the second bracket 200 in the front-rear direction can be determined.

[0095] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the third guide rib 230 may include a first portion 231 extending downward from one side of the first body portion 211 and a second portion 232 extending downward from one side of the second body portion 212.

[0096] The fourth guide rib 220 can limit the range of movement of the second bracket 200 relative to the second cabinet 20 in the lateral direction. The fourth guide rib 220 can extend downward to engage with the side surface 22 of the second cabinet 20 (see...). Figure 3Contact. Because the fourth guide rib 220 contacts the side surface 22 of the second cabinet 20, the connection position of the second bracket 200 in the left-right direction can be determined.

[0097] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the fourth guide rib 220 may extend downward from one side of the first body portion 211. The fourth guide rib 220 may be connected to the first portion 231 of the third guide rib 230.

[0098] The second bracket 200 can be positioned at the connection location by contacting the rear surface 23 and side surface 22 of the second cabinet 20 with the third guide rib 230 and the fourth guide rib 220 respectively. After the second bracket 200 is positioned at the connection location, it can be installed on the second cabinet 20 by using a connecting member, as described above.

[0099] The second bracket 200 may include a second interference protrusion 240. The second interference protrusion 240 may be formed at one end of a second connecting portion 241 extending from the second body 210. The second interference protrusion 240 and the fourth guide rib 220 may form two parallel surfaces. The second interference protrusion 240, the second connecting portion 241, and the second body 210 may form a second recess 250. When the second bracket 200 is mounted on the second cabinet 20, the second recess 250 may be open or open in the front-rear direction. When the second bracket 200 is mounted on the second cabinet 20, the second body 210 and the second interference protrusion 240 may be arranged in the left-right direction by means of the second recess 250. The first interference protrusion 140 may be inserted into the second recess 250.

[0100] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the upper side of the second groove 250 may be open or recessed. In other words, a portion of the upper surface of the second connecting portion 241 may be recessed downwards to form the second groove 250 and the second interference protrusion 240.

[0101] refer to Figure 6 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first bracket 100 and the second bracket 200 can be positioned such that the first interference protrusion 140 and the second interference protrusion 240 are positioned between the side surface 22 of the first cabinet 10 and the side surface 22 of the second cabinet 20. More specifically, when the first interference protrusion 140 interferes with the second interference protrusion 240, the first interference protrusion 140 and the second interference protrusion 240 can be positioned between the side surface 12 of the first cabinet 10 and the side surface 22 of the second cabinet 20 facing each other (in... Figure 6 (between the dotted lines).

[0102] According to this structure, when the first support 100 and the first cabinet 10 are moved forward or removed from the second support 200 and the second cabinet 20, the first interference protrusion 140 and the first connecting part 141 of the first support 100 will not interfere with the structure located on the upper surface 21 of the second cabinet 20.

[0103] Similarly, when the second bracket 200 and the second cabinet 20 are moved forward or removed from the first bracket 100 and the first cabinet 10, the second interference protrusion 240 and the second connecting portion 241 of the second bracket 200 will not interfere with the structure located on the upper surface 11 of the first cabinet 10.

[0104] Figure 9 A first bracket and a second bracket in a refrigerator and household appliance according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 10 Shown from another angle Figure 9 The first and second supports are shown in the diagram. Figure 11 It shows that the first support has been removed from Figure 9 The position of the first support in the middle is moving in the forward direction. Figure 12 yes Figure 9 The front view of the first and second brackets shown.

[0105] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 9 to 12 A first support 300 and a second support 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure are described.

[0106] Descriptions of structures identical to the first support 100 and the second support 200 will be omitted.

[0107] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the first bracket 300 may include a first body 310, a first guide rib 330, a second guide rib 320, a rib connecting portion 321, and a first connecting portion 341, which are respectively connected to, as shown in the figure below. Figures 1 to 8 The first body 110, first guide rib 130, second guide rib 120, rib connecting part 121 and first connecting part 141 of the first bracket 100 shown are the same.

[0108] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the second bracket 400 may include a second body 420, a third guide rib 430, a fourth guide rib 420, and a second connecting portion 441, which are respectively connected to... Figures 1 to 8 The second body 210, third guide rib 230, fourth guide rib 220 and second connecting part 241 of the second bracket 200 shown are the same.

[0109] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the first support 300 may include a first interference protrusion 340. When the first interference protrusion 340 interferes with the second interference protrusion 440, at least a portion of the first interference protrusion 340 (from...) Figure 12 The part protruding to the right of the right dashed line can be positioned above the upper surface 21 of the second cabinet 20.

[0110] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the second support 400 may include a second interference protrusion 440 in a cylindrical shape. When the second interference protrusion 440 interferes with the first interference protrusion 340, at least a portion of the second interference protrusion 440 (from...) Figure 12 The part protruding to the left by the left dashed line can be positioned above the upper surface 11 of the first cabinet 10.

[0111] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the second interference protrusion 440 may be cylindrical, and the first interference protrusion 340 may include an arc-shaped recess corresponding to the recessed portion (not shown) of the second interference protrusion 440. At least a portion of the second interference protrusion 440 may be inserted into the recessed portion. According to this structure, the first interference protrusion 340 can be more stably connected to the second interference protrusion 440. Therefore, when the first cabinet 10 moves to the right, the second cabinet 20 can move stably to the right together with the first cabinet 10. Similarly, when the second cabinet 20 moves to the left, the first cabinet 10 can move stably to the left together with the second cabinet 20.

[0112] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, the first bracket 100 or 300 can be connected to one side of the rear end of the first cabinet 10, and the second bracket 200 or 400 can be connected to the other side of the rear end of the second cabinet 20. By connecting the first bracket 100 or 300 to the second bracket 200 or 400, the first bracket 100 or 300 and the second bracket 200 or 400 can constrain the movement of the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 in the left-right direction, so that the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 are not separated or moved away in the left-right direction. At the same time, although the first bracket 100 or 300 is connected to the second bracket 200 or 400, the first bracket 100 or 300 and the second bracket 200 or 400 do not constrain the movement of the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 in the front-back direction. The first bracket 100 or 300 and the second bracket 200 or 400 can maintain a gap in the left-right direction between the rear side of the first cabinet 10 and the rear side of the second cabinet 20.

[0113] To connect the front side of the first cabinet 10 to the front side of the second cabinet 20, a separate bracket, different from the first bracket 100 or 300 and the second bracket 200 or 400, can be provided. Furthermore, a separate bracket can be provided to connect the front surface of the first cabinet 10 to the front surface of the second cabinet 20. Because the brackets are easily accessible from the front of the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20, a significant amount of time and manpower is not required to connect / disconnect the brackets to the first cabinet 10 and the second cabinet 20 via connecting components.

[0114] Specific embodiments have been shown and described to date. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: A first refrigerator, the first refrigerator including a first cabinet; A second refrigerator, comprising a second cabinet, and configured to operate independently of the first refrigerator; A first connector is connected to the first cabinet; and A second connector, which is connected to the second cabinet and configured to connect to the first connector, is also connected to the second cabinet. Based on the interconnection of the first connector and the second connector, movement of the first cabinet relative to the second cabinet in a first direction and a second direction, as well as movement of the second cabinet relative to the first cabinet in the first direction and the second direction, are permitted. Relative to the first and second cabinets, the first direction is a forward direction, and the second direction is a backward direction opposite to the first direction. Movement of the first and second cabinets in the forward and backward directions is unrestricted. and The first and second connectors are connected to each other, constraining the movement of the first cabinet relative to the second cabinet in a third direction and the movement of the second cabinet relative to the first cabinet in the third direction, wherein the third direction is a leftward or rightward direction perpendicular to the first and second directions.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector is connected to the second connector to maintain the gap between the first cabinet and the second cabinet in the left-right direction.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector is attached to the upper surface of the first cabinet, and The second connector is attached to the upper surface of the second cabinet.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector is connected to one side of the rear end of the first cabinet, and The second connector is attached to the other side of the rear end of the second cabinet to correspond to the first connector.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, With the first connector connected to the second connector, the first connector is separated from the second connector by moving the first cabinet relative to the second cabinet in the first direction or the second direction. The second connector is separated from the first connector by moving the second cabinet relative to the first cabinet in the first direction or the second direction.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, When the first connector and the second connector are separated, The first connector is connected to the second connector by moving the first cabinet relative to the second cabinet in the first direction or the second direction. The second connector is connected to the first connector by moving the second cabinet relative to the first cabinet in the first direction or the second direction.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector includes a first bracket, the first bracket including a first guide rib and a second guide rib to guide the first bracket to a connection position relative to the first cabinet. The first guide rib limits the range of movement of the first bracket relative to the first cabinet in the first direction by contacting the rear surface of the first cabinet, and The second guide rib limits the range of movement of the first bracket relative to the first cabinet in the third direction by contacting the side surface of the first cabinet.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein, The second connector includes a second bracket, the second bracket including a third guide rib and a fourth guide rib for guiding the second bracket to a connection position relative to the second cabinet. The third guide rib limits the range of movement of the second bracket relative to the second cabinet in the first direction by contacting the rear surface of the second cabinet, and The fourth guide rib restricts the range of movement of the second bracket relative to the second cabinet in a fourth direction by contacting the side surface of the second cabinet, the side surface of the second cabinet facing the side surface of the first cabinet, the fourth direction being opposite to the third direction.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The first connector includes a first bracket, the first bracket including a first interference protrusion, and The second connector includes a second bracket, the second bracket including a second interference protrusion, the second interference protrusion constraining the movement of the second bracket in the third direction by being blocked by the first interference protrusion based on the movement of the second bracket relative to the first bracket in the third direction.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, Based on the movement of the first support relative to the second support in the first direction or the second direction, or the movement of the second support relative to the first support in the first direction or the second direction, the first interference protrusion and the second interference protrusion do not interfere with each other.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, The first bracket includes a first groove into which the second interference protrusion is inserted. The second bracket includes a second groove into which the first interference protrusion is inserted, and The first interference protrusion is inserted into the second groove, and the second interference protrusion is inserted into the first groove.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein, Based on the insertion of the first interference protrusion into the second groove, the movement of the first bracket relative to the second bracket in the third direction is constrained, and Based on the first bracket moving relative to the second bracket in the first direction or the second direction and the first interference protrusion moving out of the second groove, the first bracket is allowed to move relative to the second bracket in the third direction.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein, Based on the insertion of the second interference protrusion into the first groove, the movement of the second bracket relative to the first bracket in the third direction is constrained, and Based on the fact that the second bracket can move relative to the first bracket in the first direction or the second direction to remove the second interference protrusion from the first groove, the second bracket is allowed to move relative to the first bracket in the third direction.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, When the first interference protrusion and the second interference protrusion interfere with each other, The first interference protrusion and the second interference protrusion are positioned between the side surfaces of the first cabinet and the second cabinet facing each other.

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