Refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator includes: a main body having a storage chamber; a door for opening / closing the storage chamber; the hinge is used for supporting the door, so that the door can rotate between an open position and a closed position relative to the main body; a supply line including a water supply hose, one end of the supply line being connected to the main body and the other end being connected to the door, and enabling a first portion of the supply line to move when the door is rotated; a guide cover provided on an upper surface of the main body so as to form an accommodation space in which the first portion of the supply line is accommodated in a movable manner; and a fixing cover which is provided on the upper surface of the main body, and which fixes a second portion of the supply line such that the second portion maintains a fixed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] A refrigerator is an appliance for keeping food fresh by including a main body having a storage chamber and a cold air supply system for supplying cold air to the storage chamber. The storage chamber includes a refrigerating chamber, which is maintained at about 0°C to 5°C to keep food refrigerated, and a freezing chamber, which is maintained at about 0°C to -30°C to keep food frozen. Generally, the front side of the storage chamber is opened to put food into or take food out of the storage chamber, and the front side of the storage chamber with the opening is opened and closed by a door.

[0003] The refrigerator repeatedly performs a cooling cycle in which a refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated by using a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator. At this time, the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber can be cooled by a single evaporator included in the freezing chamber, or the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber can be cooled independently by including separate evaporators.

[0004] In the door of the refrigerator, a water supply device, an electrical device (eg, a display), etc. may be provided. Therefore, the door may need to receive water, electricity, etc. from the main body. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues to be solved

[0006] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for supplying water or electricity to components of the refrigerator installed in a door.

[0007] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for guiding a position of a supply line.

[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for guiding movement of a supply line when a door supported by a multi-joint hinge opens and closes a storage chamber.

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for preventing a supply line from being damaged.

[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for reducing noise generated when water is supplied through a water supply hose.

[0011] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for uniformly distributing a foaming agent when injecting the foaming agent to foam and form an insulator between an inner case and an outer case.

[0012] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for improving convenience in mold manufacturing and reducing waste of parts.

[0013] The technical problems to be solved by this document are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs will clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned from the following description.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] A refrigerator according to an example of the present disclosure may include: a main body, which forms a storage chamber; a door, which is configured to open and close the storage chamber; a hinge, which supports the door so that the door can rotate relative to the main body between an open position and a closed position, in which the storage chamber is open and in which the storage chamber is closed; a supply line, which includes a water supply hose, wherein the supply line has one end connected to the main body and the other end connected to the door, and when the door rotates between the open position and the closed position, a first portion of the supply line is movable; a guide cover, which is located on the upper surface of the main body and forms a accommodating space, in which the first portion of the supply line is movably accommodated; and a fixed cover, which is located on the upper surface of the main body and fixes the second portion of the supply line, so that when the door rotates between the open position and the closed position, the second portion is maintained in a fixed position.

[0016] A refrigerator according to an example of the present disclosure may include: a main body, which forms a storage chamber; a door, which is configured to open and close the storage chamber; a hinge, which supports the door so that the door can rotate relative to the main body between an open position and a closed position, in which the storage chamber is open and in which the storage chamber is closed; a supply line, which includes a water supply hose and a wire, wherein the supply line has one end connected to the main body and the other end connected to the door, and when the door rotates between the open position and the closed position, a first portion of the supply line is movable; a guide cover, which is located on an upper surface of the main body and forms a accommodating space, in which the first portion of the supply line is movably accommodated in the accommodating space according to the rotation of the door between the open position and the closed position; and a fixed cover, which is located on the upper surface of the main body and fixes the second portion of the water supply hose between the accommodating space and the outer surface of the main body.

[0017] A refrigerator according to an example of the present disclosure may include: an outer shell; an inner shell, the inner shell being positioned inside the outer shell and forming a storage chamber; an insulator, the insulator being arranged between the outer shell and the inner shell; a door, the door being configured to open and close the storage chamber; a water tank, the water tank being positioned in the inner shell; a water supplier, the water supplier being positioned in the door; a water supply hose, the water supply hose connecting the water tank to the water supplier; a pipeline guide, the pipeline guide being arranged between the inner shell and the outer shell and accommodating a first portion of the water supply hose positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell; a guide cover, the guide cover being located on the outer surface of the outer shell and forming a accommodating space, the second portion of the water supply hose being movably accommodating in the accommodating space; and a fixed cover, the fixed cover being arranged on the outer surface of the outer shell and fixing the third portion of the water supply hose between the pipeline guide and the guide cover.

[0018] According to an example of the present disclosure, the fixed cover may include a covering portion and a fixing portion, the covering portion covering the second portion of the supply pipeline, the fixing portion being positioned inside the covering portion, and the fixing portion surrounding at least a portion of an outer surface of the second portion of the supply pipeline to maintain the second portion of the supply pipeline in the fixed position.

[0019] According to an example of the present disclosure, the water supply hose may include a first hose portion, a second hose portion and a connector, the connector connecting the first hose portion to the second hose portion. The fixing portion may surround at least a portion of an outer surface of the connector to maintain the connector in the fixed position.

[0020] According to an example of the present disclosure, the fixing portion may space the connection member apart from the body, and the fixing portion may fix the connection member to the body.

[0021] According to an example of the present disclosure, the fixing portion may include: a supporting portion protruding from an inner wall of the covering portion and supported by the inner wall of the covering portion; a first extending portion extending from an end of the supporting portion opposite to the inner wall of the covering portion, wherein a surface of the first extending portion faces the inner wall of the covering portion; and a second extending portion extending from an end of the first extending portion opposite to the supporting portion, wherein a surface of the second extending portion faces the supporting portion. The at least a portion of the outer surface of the second portion of the supply line may be covered by each of the supporting portion, the first extending portion, and the second extending portion.

[0022] According to an example of the present disclosure, the fixing cover may further include a buffer member including an elastic material. The buffer member may be positioned between the fixing portion and the at least a portion of the outer surface of the second portion of the supply line.

[0023] According to an example of the present disclosure, the main body may include an outer shell and an inner shell, the inner shell being positioned inside the outer shell and forming the storage chamber, and the refrigerator may also include: a pipeline guide, the pipeline guide accommodating a third portion of the supply line and being positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell; and a spacer, the spacer being arranged between at least a portion of the pipeline guide and the inner shell to separate the at least a portion of the pipeline guide from the inner shell.

[0024] According to an example of the present disclosure, the outer shell may include a rear surface and a side surface. A corner area may be formed between the outer shell and the inner shell and between the rear surface and the side surface of the outer shell. The at least a portion of the line guide may be positioned in the corner area.

[0025] According to an example of the present disclosure, the spacer may include at least one pair of spacers, and the at least a portion of the line guide may include a straight portion positioned between the pair of spacers and extending along the corner region adjacent to the outer shell.

[0026] According to an example of the present disclosure, the spacer may protrude from the at least a portion of the line guide, and the spacer may be in contact with the inner housing.

[0027] According to an example of the present disclosure, the water supply hose may include a hose bending portion, which is positioned adjacent to the hinge and is configured to be bent when the door is rotated from the open position to the closed position, and the water supply hose may also include an elastic spring surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the hose bending portion.

[0028] According to an example of the present disclosure, the supply pipeline may include a pipeline bending portion, which is bent inside the accommodating space of the guide cover, and the guide cover may also include a pipeline supporting portion, which supports the pipeline bending portion when the door rotates toward the open position and the first portion of the supply pipeline moves relative to the guide cover.

[0029] According to an example of the present disclosure, the guide cover may further include a first through opening adjacent to the fixed cover and a second through opening adjacent to the hinge. The supply line may pass through the first through opening and the second through opening. The pipeline support portion may be positioned behind the first through opening, and the pipeline bending portion may be supported by the pipeline support portion behind the pipeline support portion.

[0030] According to an example of the present disclosure, the supply line may further include a wire, one end of the wire may be connected to the body, and the other end of the wire may be connected to the door.

[0031] According to an example of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may further include a moving member coupled to the hinge. The moving member may be movable relative to the guide cover, and the moving member may be configured to guide movement of the first portion of the supply line into and out of the accommodating space when the door rotates between the open position and the closed position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 Schematically illustrating a water supply flow path of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 are front views respectively showing some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4 are side views respectively showing some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along a horizontal direction;

[0037] Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7 Some components of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are respectively shown, such as hinges, pipeline covers, pipeline fixing members, moving members, etc.;

[0039] Figure 8 shows a state in which a supply line of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned;

[0040] Fig. 9 shows a state in which a supply line of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned;

[0041] Fig.10 is an enlarged view of a structure of a pipeline fixing member for fixing a water supply hose in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig.11 is an enlarged view of some components of a refrigerator such as a hinge, a supply line, etc. according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig.12 1. A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in which a door is closed;

[0044] Fig.13 1. shows a state of a supply line in a line cover when a door is closed in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig.14 1. A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in which a door is opened;

[0046] Fig.15 1. shows a state of a supply line in a line cover when a door is open in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig.16 are front views respectively showing some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Fig.17 are side views respectively showing some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0049] Fig.18 is an enlarged view of some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0051] In conjunction with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like or related components.

[0052] Unless clearly indicated otherwise in the relevant context, a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of that item.

[0053] In the present disclosure, phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C" may include any or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrases in the phrases.

[0054] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed components.

[0055] Terms such as “first”, “second” or “1st” or “2nd” may be used simply to distinguish a component from other components without limiting the components in other aspects (eg, importance or order).

[0056] In addition, the terms "front surface", "rear surface", "upper surface", "lower surface", "side surface", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", etc. used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of the corresponding parts are not limited by these terms.

[0057] It should be understood that when the terms "includes," "comprising," "having," "with," and / or "containing" are used in the present disclosure, they specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, parts, components, or a combination thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, parts, components, or a combination thereof.

[0058] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected to another component,” “coupled to another component,” “supported by another component,” or “in contact with another component,” the component may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component. When a component is indirectly connected to, indirectly coupled to, indirectly supported by, or in contact with another component, the component may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component through a third component, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component through a third component.

[0059] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “over” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0060] The refrigerator according to the embodiment may include a main body.

[0061] The “body” may include an inner shell, an outer shell positioned outside the inner shell, and a heat insulator provided between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0062] The "inner shell" may include at least one of a shell, a plate, a panel, or an inner liner forming the storage chamber. The inner shell may be formed as one piece, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates together. The "outer shell" may form the appearance of the main body, and may be coupled to the outside of the inner shell so that the heat insulator is positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0063] The "insulator" can insulate the interior of the storage chamber from the exterior of the storage chamber so as to maintain the interior temperature of the storage chamber at a preset optimal temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage chamber. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulator may include a foamed insulator. The foamed insulator may be molded by injecting polyurethane foam, which is a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner shell and the outer shell and foaming the polyurethane foam.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to the foam insulation, the insulation may also include a vacuum insulation, or the insulation may be configured to have only a vacuum insulation without a foam insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material, which accommodates the core material therein and seals the interior under vacuum or pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulation is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation mentioned above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0065] The "storage chamber" may include a space defined by an inner shell. The storage chamber may also include an inner shell defining a space corresponding to the storage chamber. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage chamber, and the storage chamber may be open at least on one side to put in or take out items.

[0066] The refrigerator may include one or more storage chambers. Two or more storage chambers formed in the refrigerator may have different purposes of use and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, the storage chambers may be separated from each other by partition walls including an insulator.

[0067] The storage chamber may be maintained within an optimal temperature range according to the purpose of use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," and a "temperature conversion chamber" divided according to the purpose of use and / or the temperature range. The refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature suitable for keeping items refrigerated, and the freezer may be maintained at a temperature suitable for keeping items frozen. "Refrigeration" may refer to cooling the items within a range in which the items are not frozen, and for example, the refrigerator may be maintained within a range of 0°C to 7°C above zero. "Freezing" may refer to freezing items or cooling items to keep the items frozen, and for example, the freezer may be maintained within a range of -1°C to -20°C below zero. The temperature conversion chamber may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer according to the user's selection or regardless of the user's selection.

[0068] In addition to "refrigerator", "freezer" and "temperature conversion chamber", the storage chamber may also be referred to by various other terms, such as "vegetable chamber", "fresh-keeping chamber", "cooling chamber" and "ice-making chamber", and the terms used below, such as "refrigerator", "freezer", "temperature conversion chamber", etc., need to be understood as referring to storage chambers with corresponding usage purposes and corresponding temperature ranges.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open or close an opening side of a storage chamber. A plurality of doors may be provided to independently open and close one or more storage chambers, or a single door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage chambers. The door may be mounted on the front surface of the main body in a rotatable manner or in a slidable manner.

[0070] The "door" can seal the storage chamber in a closed state. Like the main body, the door can include an insulator to insulate the storage chamber in a closed state.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the door may include an outer door panel forming a front surface of the door, an inner door panel forming a rear surface of the door and facing a storage chamber, an upper cover, a lower cover, and a door insulator disposed inside the door.

[0072] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the inner door panel, which is tightly pressed against the front surface of the main body to seal the storage chamber when the door is closed. The inner door panel may include a shelf protruding in a rearward direction to mount a door basket for storing items thereon.

[0073] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a door may include a door body and a front panel, which is detachably connected to the front side of the door body and forms the front surface of the door. The door body may include: an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage chamber, an upper cover, a lower cover, and a door insulator arranged inside the door body.

[0074] Depending on the locations of doors and storage compartments, refrigerators may be classified as French door type refrigerators, side-by-side type refrigerators, bottom mounted freezer type refrigerators, top mounted freezer type refrigerators, or single door type refrigerators, etc.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a cool air supply device for supplying cool air to the storage chamber.

[0076] The “cold air supply device” may be a machine, an equipment, an electronic device, and / or a combined system thereof that is capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage room.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a cooling cycle including compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation processes of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device may include a cooling cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expander and an evaporator to drive the cooling cycle. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool the storage chamber through a heating effect and a cooling effect through the Peltier effect.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to a cold air supply device are installed.

[0079] The 'machine room' may be separated from the storage room and insulated to prevent heat generated from components installed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. In order to dissipate heat from components installed inside the machine room, the machine room may communicate with the outside of the body.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a dispenser installed in a door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be installed in the door to allow a user to access or access the dispenser without opening the door.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include an ice maker for forming ice. The ice maker may include: an ice tray storing water; an ice transfer device for separating ice from the ice tray; and an ice bucket storing ice formed in the ice tray.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0083] The "controller" may include a memory and a processor, the memory being used to store and / or memorize data and / or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and the processor being used to output a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc., according to the programs and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0084] The memory may store or record various information, data, instructions, programs, etc. required for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory may memorize temporary data generated when a control signal for controlling components included in the refrigerator is generated. The memory may include at least one of a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, or a combination of a volatile memory and a nonvolatile memory.

[0085] The processor may control the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may execute a program stored in a memory to control the components of the refrigerator. The processor may include a neural network processing unit (NPU) that performs the operation of an artificial intelligence model. In addition, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor unit (GPU), etc. The processor may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the temperature of the storage chamber from a temperature sensor, and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage chamber.

[0086] In addition, the processor can process user input received through the user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to the program and / or data memorized / stored in the memory. The user interface can be provided by using an input interface and an output interface. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor can transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to the user input.

[0087] The processor and the memory may be provided integrally or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling all components included in the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories for individually controlling components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of a cold air supply device according to an output from a temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of a user interface according to user input.

[0089] The communication module can communicate with external devices (such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances) through access points (APs) around the communication module. The AP can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can be connected to the server through the WAN.

[0090] The input interface may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit the user input to the processor.

[0091] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0092] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] refer to Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator 1 may include: a main body 10; storage chambers 21, 22 and 23 arranged inside the main body 10; a door 30 for opening or closing the storage chambers 21, 22 and 23; and a cooling system for supplying cold air to the storage chambers 21, 22 and 23.

[0095] The body 10 may include an inner case 11 forming the storage chambers 21 , 22 , and 23 , an outer case 12 forming the appearance of the refrigerator 1 , and a body insulator 13 disposed between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 .

[0096] The outer shell 12 may be substantially in the shape of a box with an opening at its front side. The outer shell 12 may form upper and lower surfaces, left and right surfaces, and a rear surface of the refrigerator 1.

[0097] More specifically, the outer housing 12 may include an upper surface 12a, a lower surface 12b, a rear surface 12c, and a side surface 12d. The side surface 12d may connect the upper surface 12a to the lower surface 12b. The side surface 12d may be a pair of side surfaces facing each other.

[0098] Assuming that the direction of the refrigerator 1 that is orthogonal to the up-down direction and the front-back direction of the refrigerator 1 is the lateral direction of the refrigerator 1 (the Y direction in the drawing), one of the pair of side surfaces 12d can form the left side of the main body 10 (the side located on the left side in the drawing), and the other side surface of the pair of side surfaces 12d can form the right side of the main body 10 (the side located on the right side in the drawing).

[0099] At least some of the upper surface 12a, the lower surface 12b, the rear surface 12c, and the pair of side surfaces 12d of the outer housing 12 may be integrated as one body. For example, the upper surface 12a and the pair of side surfaces 12d may be integrated as one body.

[0100] The outer shell 12 may include a metal material. For example, the outer shell 12 may be manufactured by processing a steel plate material, but is not limited thereto.

[0101] However, the outer housing 12 may be configured differently.

[0102] The inner case 11 may be opened at the front side. The storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 may be formed inside the inner case 11, and the inner case 11 may be disposed inside the outer case 12. The inner wall of the inner case 11 may form the inner wall of the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23.

[0103] The inner housing 11 may include a plastic material. For example, the inner housing 11 may be manufactured by a vacuum forming process. For example, the inner housing 11 may be manufactured by an injection molding process.

[0104] The body insulator 13 may thermally insulate the inner case 11 from the outer case 12. The body insulator 13 may be foamed between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to couple the inner case 11 to the outer case 12. The body insulator 13 may prevent heat exchange between the inside of the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 and the outside of the body 10 to improve cooling efficiency of the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23.

[0105] The body insulator 13 may be a polyurethane foam insulator, an expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulator, a vacuum insulation panel, etc., but is not limited thereto. However, the body insulator 13 may include various materials.

[0106] The storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 may be formed inside the body 10. For example, the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 may include a refrigerating chamber maintained at about 0°C to 5°C to keep food refrigerated. For example, the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 may include a freezing chamber maintained at about 0°C to -30°C to keep food frozen.

[0107] The storage chambers 21, 22 and 23 may be divided into a plurality of storage chambers by the horizontal partition wall 15 and the vertical partition wall 16. The storage chambers 21, 22 and 23 may be divided into an upper storage chamber 21 and lower storage chambers 22 and 23 by the horizontal partition wall 15, and the lower storage chambers 22 and 23 may be divided into a lower left storage chamber 22 and a lower right storage chamber 23 by the vertical partition wall 16.

[0108] For example, the upper storage chamber 21 may be used as a refrigerating chamber, and the lower storage chambers 22 and 23 may be used as freezing chambers. However, the above-mentioned partitions and usage purposes of the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0109] Inside the storage chambers 21 , 22 , and 23 , shelves (not shown) on which food is placed and storage containers 24 and 25 for preserving food may be provided.

[0110] The refrigerator 1 may include a cooling system for generating cold air by using a cooling cycle and supplying the generated cold air to the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23. The cooling system may generate cold air by using a cooling cycle that cyclically compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant. For example, the cooling system may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a blower fan.

[0111] The body 10 may include a cool air supply duct 17. The cool air supply duct 17 may form a flow path of cool air through which cool air generated by the cooling system flows to the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23. The storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 may communicate with the cool air supply duct 17.

[0112] The cool air supply duct 17 may be formed inside the inner case 11. The cool air supply duct 17 may be formed at a rear portion of the inner case 11. More specifically, the cool air supply duct 17 may be provided at rear portions of the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23.

[0113] The door 30 may open or close the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23. The door 30 may rotate relative to the body 10. More specifically, the door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the body 10 by hinges 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46 connected to the door 30 and the body 10, respectively.

[0114] The outer surface of the door 30 may form a part of the appearance of the refrigerator 1. The outer surface of the door 30 may form a front surface of the door 30 when the door 30 is located at the closed position.

[0115] When the door 30 is located at the closed position, the inner surface of the door 30 may form a rear surface of the door 30. When the door 30 is located at the closed position, the inner surface of the door 30 may face the inside of the body 10. When the door 30 is located at the closed position, the inner surface of the door 30 may cover the front sides of the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23.

[0116] A foaming space may be formed between the outer surface of the door 30 and the inner surface of the door 30, and a door insulator (not shown) may be foamed and formed in the foaming space. The door insulator may prevent heat exchange between the outer surface of the door 30 and the inner surface of the door 30. The door insulator may improve thermal insulation performance between the inside of the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 and the outside of the door 30.

[0117] The door insulator may be polyurethane foam insulation, EPS insulation, vacuum insulation panel, etc., but is not limited thereto. However, the door insulator may include a variety of materials.

[0118] For example, the door insulator may be made of the same material as the main body insulator 13. Alternatively, for example, the door insulator may be made of a different material from the main body insulator 13.

[0119] The door gasket 36 may be provided on the inner surface of the door 30 to seal the gap between the door 30 and the body 10, thereby preventing leakage of cold air in the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23. The door gasket 36 may be positioned along the periphery of the inner surface of the door 30. The door gasket 36 may include an elastic material such as rubber.

[0120] A door basket 35 and a door gasket 36 may be provided on the rear surface of each of the plurality of doors 31, 32, 33 and 34, wherein the door basket 35 is used to preserve food, and the door gasket 36 is tightly pressed against the front surface of the main body 10 to seal the corresponding storage chamber 21, 22 or 23 when the door 31, 32, 33 or 34 is closed.

[0121] The door 30 may include a plurality of doors 31 , 32 , 33 , and 34 which respectively open or close the storage chambers 21 , 22 , and 23 partitioned from each other.

[0122] For example, the upper storage chamber 21 may be opened or closed by a pair of upper doors 31 and 32. The pair of upper doors 31 and 32 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10. The lower left storage chamber 22 may be opened or closed by a lower left door 33, and the lower left door 33 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10. The lower right storage chamber 23 may be opened or closed by a lower right door 34, and the lower right door 34 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10.

[0123] Any one door (eg, the left upper door 31 ) of the pair of upper doors 31 and 32 may include a rotation rod 39 that is rotatable with respect to the door and covers a gap between the pair of upper doors 31 and 32 .

[0124] The refrigerator 1 may include hinges 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46 connecting the door 30 to the body 10. The hinges 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, and 46 may support the door 30 so that the door 30 can rotate relative to the body 10.

[0125] The hinges 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , and 46 may be a plurality of hinges that rotatably support the plurality of doors 31 , 32 , 33 , and 34 , respectively.

[0126] For example, hinges 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 and 46 may include: hinges 41 and 43 supporting the upper left door 31 ; hinges 42 and 44 supporting the upper right door 32 ; hinge 45 supporting the lower left door 33 ; and hinge 46 supporting the lower right door 34 .

[0127] The plurality of hinges 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 may have the same or similar configuration or shape. Alternatively, the plurality of hinges 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 may have different configurations or shapes.

[0128] Each of the plurality of hinges 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 may be a multi-joint hinge including a body bracket coupled to the body 10, a door bracket coupled to the door 30, and at least one hinge link connecting the door bracket to the body bracket.

[0129] Details regarding the configuration of the hinges 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , and 46 will be described below.

[0130] The refrigerator 1 may include a controller (not shown) configured to control the operation of the refrigerator 1. The controller of the refrigerator 1 may be configured with various electronic components, such as at least one printed circuit board assembly (PBA).

[0131] For example, the controller of the refrigerator 1 may be configured to control the driving of components of the cooling system, such as the evaporator 71, the blower fan 72, the compressor 73, and the condenser. For example, the controller of the refrigerator 1 may control the operation of the dispenser 70 or the water supply assembly 80, which will be described below. In addition, for example, in the case where the refrigerator 1 includes a display (not shown), the controller of the refrigerator 1 may control the driving of the display.

[0132] The main body 10 of the refrigerator 1 may include an electrical box 19 in which at least some of the various electrical components constituting the controller are accommodated. For example, the electrical box 19 may be disposed on the upper surface 12a of the outer shell 12, but the position of the electrical box 19 is not limited thereto.

[0133] The refrigerator 1 may include a storage device for storing water from an external water supply source 2 (see Figure 2 ) A water tank 62 for supplying water. The water tank 62 may be disposed inside the inner housing 11. The water tank 62 may be disposed in the storage chamber 21. The water stored in the water tank 62 may be cooled by the cool air of the storage chamber 21 and then supplied to the dispenser 70 or the water supply assembly 80.

[0134] For example, the lower portion of the water tank 62 may be supported by the lower storage container 25. For example, the water tank 62 may be positioned between a pair of upper storage containers 24, but is not limited thereto. However, the water tank 62 may be supported by various components in the inner case 11.

[0135] The refrigerator 1 may include a water supply assembly 80 and a dispenser 70 for providing water to a user. The dispenser 70 and the water supply assembly 80 may be supplied from an external water source 2 (see Figure 2 ) to receive water.

[0136] For example, the dispenser 70 may be provided in the body 10. The water supply assembly 80 may be provided in the door 30, for example.

[0137] The dispenser 70 may supply water when a lever is pressed.

[0138] The water supply assembly 80 may include a water supplier 81 and a water bucket 82. The water supplier 81 may supply water from an external water source 2 (see Figure 5 ) received water is supplied to the water bucket 82. The water bucket 82 can store the water supplied from the water supplier 81.

[0139] The water supplier 81 may include a tub installation space 81a in which a water tub 82 is installed. The water tub 82 may be detachably installed in the tub installation space 81a.

[0140] The water supplier 81 may include an outlet (not shown) for supplying water to the water bucket 82 installed in the barrel installation space 81a. The water bucket 82 may include an inlet (not shown) into which water discharged from the outlet of the water supplier 81 enters. For example, the outlet of the water supplier 81 may discharge water supplied from the external water supply source 2 downward. For example, the inlet of the water bucket 82 may be formed at an upper portion of the water bucket 82 and penetrate the upper portion of the water bucket 82 in the up-down direction. For example, when the water bucket 82 is installed in the barrel installation space 81a, the outlet of the water supplier 81 may face the inlet of the water bucket 82 in the up-down direction.

[0141] The refrigerator 1 may include a barrel sensor (not shown) for detecting the installation of the water barrel 82 in the barrel installation space 81a. The barrel sensor may be positioned on the water supplier 81 or the inner surface of the door 30. The controller of the refrigerator 1 may recognize the installation of the water barrel 82 in the barrel installation space 81a based on the output value from the barrel sensor. The controller of the refrigerator 1 may control the water supplier 81 to supply water to the water barrel 82 based on recognizing that the water barrel 82 has been installed in the barrel installation space 81a. For example, the barrel sensor may be a Hall sensor that detects a magnet (not shown) disposed in the water barrel 82.

[0142] According to recognizing that the water tub 82 has been installed in the tub installation space 81a, the water supplier 81 may automatically supply water to the water tub 82 to fill a preset amount of water in the water tub 82. The preset amount of water may be substantially a full water level of the water tub 82.

[0143] For example, the water supplier 81 may include a water level sensor (not shown) for detecting the water level of the water bucket 82 when the water bucket 82 is installed in the bucket installation space 81a. The water level sensor may output an electrical signal corresponding to the water level of the water bucket 82. The controller of the refrigerator 1 may receive the electrical signal output from the water level sensor and identify the amount of water stored in the water bucket 82 based on the electrical signal. The controller of the refrigerator 1 may control the water supplier 81 to stop supplying water to the water bucket 82 based on the identification that the amount of water stored in the water bucket 82 is a preset amount of water or more. The controller of the refrigerator 1 may control the water supplier 81 to supply water to the water bucket 82 based on the identification that the amount of water stored in the water bucket 82 is less than the preset amount of water. For example, the water level sensor may be a capacitive sensor for detecting a capacitance change based on the water level of the water bucket 82.

[0144] The water supplier 81 may be installed in the door 30. For example, the water supplier 81 may be installed on the inner surface of the door 30. When the door 30 is in a closed state, the water supplier 81 may be positioned inside the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23, and the water tub 82 installed in the tub installation space 81a may be positioned inside the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23. When the door 30 is in a closed state, the water tub 82 installed in the tub installation space 81a may be cooled by the cool air of the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23, and thus cool water may be provided from the water tub 82 to the user.

[0145] Details regarding components for enabling the water supplier 81 to receive water from the external water supply source 2 will be described below.

[0146] However, the above-described configuration of the water supply assembly 80 is merely an example for describing the water supply assembly of the refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0147] The dispenser 70 may be disposed at a plurality of locations on the inner housing 11 of the main body 10, and the water supply assembly 80 may be disposed at a plurality of locations on the door 30. Figure 1 As shown, the embodiment in which the dispenser 70 is disposed at the right inner wall of the inner case 11 and the water supply assembly 80 is disposed at the right upper door 32 will be described, but the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. However, for example, the dispenser 70 may be disposed at the left inner wall of the inner case 11. In addition, for example, the water supply assembly 80 may be disposed at the left upper door 31.

[0148] References Figure 1 The described configuration of the refrigerator 1 is merely an example for describing the refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0149] Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, the upper right door 32 among the plurality of doors 31, 32, 33 and 34 will be described as an example, and for the convenience of description, the upper right door 32 will be referred to as "door 30". The characteristics of "door 30" to be described below can also be applied to the other doors 31, 32 and 33 accordingly.

[0150] In addition, hereinafter, for the convenience of description, the upper right hinge 42 among the plurality of hinges 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 46 will be described as an example, and for the convenience of description, the upper right hinge 42 will be referred to as "hinge 100". The characteristics of the hinge "100" to be described below can also be applied to the other hinges 41, 43, 44, 45 and 46 accordingly.

[0151] Figure 2 A water supply flow path of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Figure 3 are front views respectively showing some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 are side views respectively showing some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0152] refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the refrigerator 1 can provide the user with water received from the external water supply source 2 through the dispenser 70 or the water supply assembly 80.

[0153] More specifically, the refrigerator 1 may include a water filter 61 , a water tank 62 , a dispenser 70 , and a water supply assembly 80 .

[0154] The water filter 61 may purify water supplied from the external water supply source 2. The water filter 61 may purify water supplied through the flow path 51 connected to the external water supply source 2, and transfer the purified water to the water tank 62 through the flow path 52 connected to the water tank 62.

[0155] The water tank 62 may store water received from the water filter 61. The water stored in the water tank 62 may be cooled by cool air of the storage chamber 21.

[0156] The dispenser 70 may receive water through a flow path 53 connected to the water tank 62. The flow path 53 connecting the dispenser 70 to the water tank 62 may be formed inside a second water supply pipe 64 and a dispenser connection guide 320 to be described below.

[0157] The water supply assembly 80 may receive water through the flow path 54 connected to the water tank 62. The flow path 54 connecting the water supply assembly 80 to the water tank 62 may be formed by a water supply hose 210 that sequentially passes through the second water supply pipe 64, the water supply assembly connection guide 310, the fixed cover 500, the guide cover 400, the moving member 600, the hinge 100, and the door 30, which will be described below.

[0158] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerator 1 may include water supply pipes 63 and 64 disposed in the storage chamber 21 and connected to the water tank 62. For example, the water supply pipes 63 and 64 may be disposed at the rear portion of the inner case 11. The water supply pipes 63 and 64 may be disposed in front of the cold air supply pipe 17.

[0159] The water supply pipes 63 and 64 may include a first water supply pipe 63 forming a flow path through which water is supplied to the water tank 62 and a second water supply pipe 64 forming a flow path through which water is supplied from the water tank 62 .

[0160] The flow path 52 extending from the water filter 61 to the water tank 62 may run through the first water supply pipe 63. The flow paths 53 and 54 extending from the water tank 62 toward the dispenser 70 or the water supply assembly 80 may run through the second water supply pipe 64.

[0161] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the flow path through which the water supplied from the water tank 62 flows may be bifurcated into a flow path 53 toward the dispenser 70 and a flow path 54 toward the water supply assembly 80. The flow path 53 extending from the water tank 62 toward the dispenser 70 and the flow path 54 extending from the water tank 62 toward the water supply assembly 80 may be bifurcated at a flow path bifurcated portion 55. The second water supply pipe 64 may extend from the water tank 62 up to the flow path bifurcated portion 55.

[0162] For example, the water filter 61 may be provided at the lower left portion of the refrigerator 1. In this case, the first water supply pipe 63 may extend from the left portion of the storage chamber 21 to the water tank 62. The second water supply pipe 64 may extend from the water tank 62 to the flow path diverging portion 55 located at the right portion of the storage chamber 21.

[0163] For example, the water tank 62 may be positioned at a central portion of the storage chamber 21 .

[0164] The refrigerator 1 may include a line guide 300. The line guide 300 may accommodate at least a portion of a supply line 200 which will be described below.

[0165] The line guide 300 may be positioned between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12. The line guide 300 may be buried in the body heat insulator 13 foamed between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12.

[0166] like Figure 4As shown, the line guide 300 may be provided at the right side portion of the body 10. However, the position of the line guide 300 may be changed depending on the position of the dispenser 70 and the position of the water supply assembly 80, and the position of the line guide 300 is not limited.

[0167] The line guide 300 may be in the shape of a hollow tube.

[0168] The pipeline guide 300 may include a water supply assembly connection guide 310 through which a flow path 54 extending from the water tank 62 toward the water supply assembly 80 passes, and a distributor connection guide 320 through which a flow path 53 extending from the water tank 62 toward the distributor 70 passes.

[0169] Both the water supply assembly connection guide 310 and the distributor connection guide 320 may be connected to the flow path diverging portion 55. The distributor connection guide 320 may be connected to the distributor 70 coupled to the side surface 11b of the inner case 11. The water supply assembly connection guide 310 may be connected to the body penetration portion 10a (see FIG. 1 ) formed in the upper surface 12a of the body 10. Figure 8 ).

[0170] One end of the distributor connection guide 320 may be connected to the flow path diverging portion 55 provided in the inner housing 11, and the other end of the distributor connection guide 320 may be connected to the distributor 70 provided in the inner housing 11. A portion of the distributor connection guide 320 between the one end and the other end may be positioned between the side surface 11b of the inner housing 11 and the side surface 12d of the outer housing 12. The distributor connection guide 320 may be in a shape that is generally curved from the one end to the other end, but is not limited thereto.

[0171] One end of the water supply assembly connection guide 310 may be connected to the flow path diverging portion 55, and the other end of the water supply assembly connection guide 310 may be connected to the body penetrating portion 10a (see Figure 8 ). A portion of the water supply assembly connection guide 310 between the one end and the other end may be positioned adjacent to an inner corner portion of the body 10. The water supply assembly connection guide 310 may extend substantially in an up-and-down direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0172] However, the flow path through which water supplied from the external water supply source 2 travels and the components of the refrigerator 1 for guiding the flow path are not limited to the above-mentioned components and may be constructed differently depending on the position of the water filter 61, the position of the water tank 62, the position of the dispenser 70, and the position of the water supply assembly 80.

[0173] Figure 5is a cross-sectional perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along a horizontal direction.

[0174] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 5 In the following description given about the embodiment of the present disclosure, for convenience of description, the water supply assembly connection guide 310 is referred to as a “pipeline guide 310 ”.

[0175] refer to Figure 5 , the refrigerator 1 may include a spacer 700 for spacing the line guide 310 apart from the inner case 11 .

[0176] In the operation of manufacturing the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, a process of positioning the pipeline guide 310 between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 and then foaming the body insulator 13 between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 may be performed. Generally, when foaming the body insulator 13, a foaming agent may be injected into the space between the inner case 11 and the rear portion of the outer case 12, and the foaming agent may spread to completely fill the space between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12.

[0177] In this case, because the line guide 310 is positioned in the space between the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12, the flow of the foaming agent may be interrupted by the line guide 310. Therefore, the foaming agent may not be sufficiently uniformly distributed between the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12, which leads to a decrease in the insulation efficiency of the main body insulator 13. In the case where at least a portion of the line guide 310 is positioned along the inner corner of the main body 10, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the problem may become more serious.

[0178] In order to overcome this problem, a spacer 700 may be provided between at least a portion of the line guide 310 and the inner case 11 so that at least a portion of the line guide 310 is spaced apart from the inner case 11. Due to the space formed between the line guide 310 and the inner case 11 by the spacer 700, the foaming efficiency of the insulator may be improved.

[0179] The spacer 700 may connect the side surface 11b of the inner housing 11 to the outer surface of the line guide 310. The spacer 700 may be supported by the inner housing 11 while at least a portion of the line guide 310 is spaced apart from the inner housing 11 by a preset distance, but is not limited thereto.

[0180] However, the spacer 700 may connect, for example, the rear surface 12 c of the inner housing 11 to the outer surface of the line guide 310 .

[0181] For example, the spacer 700 may protrude from the line guide 300 and contact the inner housing 11. More specifically, the spacer 700 may be integrated into the line guide 300, but is not limited thereto. However, the spacer 700 may protrude from the inner housing 11 to contact the line guide 300, or the spacer 700 may be integrated into the inner housing 11.

[0182] like Figure 4 As shown, the spacer 700 may include at least one pair of spacers, but the number of the spacers 700 is not limited thereto. However, a single spacer may be provided, or three or more spacers may be provided.

[0183] As described above, at least a portion of the line guide 300 may be positioned along an inner corner of the body 10 .

[0184] More specifically, the body 10 may include a corner region 14 forming an inner corner of the body 10. The corner region 14 may be formed between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 and between a rear surface 12c and a side surface 12d of the outer case 12.

[0185] At least a portion of the line guide 310 may be positioned along the corner region 14. The spacer 700 may also be positioned at the corner region 14, or at least adjacent to the corner region 14.

[0186] At least a portion of the line guide 310 may be in close contact with the outer housing 12 and extend along the corner region 14. Since at least a portion of the line guide 310 is in close contact with the outer housing 12, the foaming efficiency of the foaming agent at the corner region 14 may be more improved.

[0187] More specifically, the pipeline guide 310 may include a straight portion 311 (see Figure 4 ). The straight portion 311 may be in close contact with the outer housing 12 and extend in one direction along the corner region 14 .

[0188] The straight line portion 311 may extend substantially in the up-down direction along the corner region 14 .

[0189] The straight portion 311 may be positioned between the pair of spacers 700. The straight portion 311 may be spaced apart from the inner case 11.

[0190] Figure 6 is an enlarged view showing some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 Some components of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, such as a hinge, a pipeline cover, a pipeline fixing member, a moving member, etc., are respectively shown.

[0191] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7, the hinge 100 connecting the door 30 of the refrigerator 1 to the body 10 may be a multi-joint hinge.

[0192] In the case where the refrigerator 1 includes a hinge that allows the door 30 to rotate on a single rotation axis relative to the main body 10, the door 30 opened to a certain angle or more may interfere with an object located near the refrigerator 1. For example, in the case where the refrigerator 1 is installed in a cabinet (not shown) in a built-in type or is located adjacent to other home appliances in the left and right direction, the door 30 may not be able to fully open the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 due to interference with adjacent objects. In this case, a user who attempts to take out food or the like from the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 of the refrigerator 1 may feel inconvenienced.

[0193] However, in the case where the refrigerator 1 is spaced apart from adjacent objects by a sufficient distance so that the door 30 does not interfere with the adjacent objects, although the door 30 fully opens the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23, there may be a risk of damaging the overall aesthetics.

[0194] To overcome this problem, the hinge 100 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a body bracket 110 fixed to the body 10, a door bracket 120 fixed to the door 30, and at least one hinge link 130 connecting the body bracket 110 to the door bracket 120.

[0195] By the configuration of the hinge 100, the door 30 can open the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 by rotating while moving forward relative to the main body 10 toward the forward direction of the refrigerator 1. In other words, the door 30 can open the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23 by rotating as if the door 30 is pulled toward the forward direction of the refrigerator 1 relative to the main body 10. In this case, although the door 30 rotates relative to the main body 10 to fully open the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23, the door 30 can be prevented from interfering with an object located near the refrigerator 1.

[0196] The main body 10 may include a hinge fixing bracket 18 supporting the hinge 100. The hinge fixing bracket 18 may fix the main body bracket 110 to the main body 10. The hinge fixing bracket 18 may be coupled to the outer housing 12.

[0197] The hinge fixing bracket 18 can be fixed to the outer housing 12 by various previously known fixing methods. The main body bracket 110 can be fixed to the hinge fixing bracket 18 using various known fixing methods.

[0198] The following will refer to Figures 12 to 15 Details regarding the operation of the hinge 100 are described.

[0199] The refrigerator 1 may include a supply line 200 for supplying water or electricity from the main body 10 to the door 30 (see Figure 8One end of the supply line 200 may be connected to the main body 10 . The other end of the supply line 200 may be connected to the door 30 .

[0200] For example, the supply line 200 may include a water supply hose 210 (see Figure 8 The water supply hose 210 may supply water supplied from the external water supply source 2 to the water supply assembly 80 provided in the door 30. More specifically, the water supply hose 210 may supply water supplied from the external water supply source 2 and traveling through the water filter 61, the water tank 62, etc. to the water supply assembly 80. The water supply hose 210 may be connected to the water supplier 81 of the water supply assembly 80.

[0201] Alternatively, although not shown in the drawings, a separate dispenser (not shown) may be provided in the door 30 , and the water supply hose 210 may supply water supplied from the external water supply source 2 to the dispenser provided in the door 30 .

[0202] For example, the supply line 200 may include a conductor 220 (see Figure 8 The wire 220 may include a conductive wire made of a material having high conductivity (such as copper) and an insulating coating surrounding the conductive wire. The wire 220 may connect a controller (not shown) housed in the electrical box 19 to the water supply assembly 80 provided in the door 30. The water supply assembly 80 may receive power through the wire 220. In addition, the water supply assembly 80 may receive a control signal transmitted from the controller through the wire 220. The controller may transmit a control signal to the water supply assembly 80 through the wire 220, and receive signals output from various sensors of the water supply assembly 80.

[0203] Alternatively, although not shown in the drawings, a display (not shown) may be provided on the door 30 , and the wire 220 may connect the controller accommodated in the electrical box 19 to the display provided in the door 30 .

[0204] Although one end of the supply line 200 is connected to the main body 10 and the other end is connected to the door 30, the door 30 may not be directly coupled to the main body 10, and the door 30 may be coupled to the main body 10 through the hinge 100, as described above. In addition, since the hinge 100 is a multi-joint hinge, the distance between the door 30 and the main body 10 may change when the door 30 is opened or closed. Therefore, at least a portion of the supply line 200 connected to both the main body 10 and the door 30 may need to be movable according to whether the door 30 is opened or closed.

[0205] The refrigerator 1 may include a guide cover 400 accommodating a portion of the supply line 200. The guide cover 400 may cover the portion of the supply line 200. The portion of the supply line 200 may be protected by the guide cover 400.

[0206] The guide cover 400 may be disposed on the outer surface of the body 10. More specifically, as Figure 6 As shown, the guide cover 400 may be disposed on the upper surface 12 a of the main body 10 .

[0207] The guide cover 400 may form an accommodation space 401 in which a portion of the supply line 200 is movably accommodated. For example, the accommodation space 401 may be defined as a space between an inner surface of the guide cover 400 and an outer surface of the body 10. The supply line 200 may be movable relative to the accommodation space 401 according to whether the door 30 is opened or closed.

[0208] The guide cover 400 may maintain a fixed position relative to the main body 10. For example, the guide cover 400 may be hook-coupled to the outer housing 12. For example, the guide cover 400 may be screw-connected to the hinge fixing bracket 18.

[0209] The refrigerator 1 may further include a moving member 600 for guiding a portion of the supply line 200 to be pulled into or out of the accommodation space 401 according to the opening or closing of the door 30. The moving member 600 may have one end coupled to the hinge 100 and the other end positioned in the accommodation space 401 of the guide cover 400 so as to be movable relative to the accommodation space 401.

[0210] The moving member 600 may cover a portion of the supply line 200. The moving member 600 may guide the position of the portion of the supply line 200.

[0211] A detailed description about the configuration and function of the guide cover 400 and the moving member 600 will be described below.

[0212] Meanwhile, in the case where a portion of the supply line 200 is movable, entanglement may occur according to the movement of the supply line 200 when at least another portion of the supply line 200 is not fixed.

[0213] To overcome this problem, the refrigerator 1 may include a fixing cover 500. The fixing cover 500 may fix another portion of the supply line 200.

[0214] The fixing cover 500 may cover another portion of the supply line 200. The another portion of the supply line 200 may be protected by the fixing cover 500.

[0215] That is, a portion of the supply line 200 may be covered by the guide cover 400 , and another portion of the supply line 200 may be covered by the fixing cover 500 .

[0216] According to the rotation of the door 30 relative to the body 10 , a portion of the supply line 200 covered by the guide cover 400 may be movable, and another portion of the supply line 200 covered by the fixed cover 500 may be maintained at a fixed position.

[0217] The fixing cover 500 may be disposed on the outer surface of the main body 10. More specifically, as Figure 6 As shown, the fixing cover 500 may be disposed on the upper surface 12 a of the main body 10 .

[0218] The fixing cover 500 may be maintained at a fixed position relative to the main body 10. For example, the fixing cover 500 may be screw-connected to the outer housing 12. For example, the fixing cover 500 may be coupled to the guide cover 400.

[0219] Details regarding the configuration of the fixing cover 500 will be described below.

[0220] Figure 8 A state in which a supply line of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned is shown. Fig. 9 A state in which a supply line of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is positioned is shown. Fig.10 is an enlarged view of a structure of a pipeline fixing member for fixing a water supply hose in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0221] refer to Figures 8 to 10 , a portion of the water supply hose 210 of the supply line 200 may be movable relative to the guide cover 400, and another portion of the water supply hose 210 may be fixed to the fixing cover 500. The other portion of the water supply hose 210 fixed by the fixing cover 500 may be a portion positioned between the accommodation space 401 of the guide cover 400 and the outer surface of the body 10. In other words, a portion of the water supply hose 210 positioned between the line guide 310 or the body through portion 10a (which will be described below) and the guide cover 400 may be fixed by the fixing cover 500.

[0222] The water supply hose 210 may be connected to the body 10. The body 10 may include a body penetration portion 10a formed in an outer surface of the body 10, and the water supply hose 210 may penetrate the body penetration portion 10a. A portion of the water supply hose 210 may be positioned inside the water supply assembly connection guide 310, and another portion of the water supply hose 210 may extend from the inside of the water supply assembly connection guide 310 through the body penetration portion 10a to the outside of the body 10.

[0223] The fixing cover 500 may include a covering portion 510 covering a portion of the water supply hose 210. The covering portion 510 may form a space in which a portion of the water supply hose 210 is accommodated.

[0224] The covering portion 510 may be disposed on the outer surface of the body 10. More specifically, as Figure 6 As shown, the fixing cover 500 may be disposed on the upper surface 12a of the body 10. A space in which a portion of the water supply hose 210 is accommodated may be defined as a space formed between an inner surface of the cover portion 510 and an outer surface of the body 10.

[0225] The covering portion 510 may be maintained at a fixed position relative to the main body 10. For example, the covering portion 510 may be screw-connected to the outer housing 12. For example, the covering portion 510 may be coupled to the guide cover 400.

[0226] The covering portion 510 may cover the body penetration portion 10 a . A portion of the water supply hose 210 extending from the body penetration portion 10 a to the outside of the body 10 may be covered by the covering portion 510 .

[0227] The cover portion 510 may include a fixing cover opening 512. The water supply hose 210 may penetrate the fixing cover opening 512. For example, the fixing cover opening 512 may be formed at a front portion of the cover portion 510 in the X direction.

[0228] The fixing cover 500 may include a fixing portion 520 fixing a portion of the water supply hose 210 .

[0229] The fixing portion 520 may be positioned inside the fixing cover 500. The fixing portion 520 may be disposed inside the covering portion 510. The fixing portion 520 may fix a portion of the water supply hose 210 covered by the covering portion 510.

[0230] The fixing portion 520 may be supported on an inner wall of the cover portion 510. For example, the fixing portion 520 may be integrated into the cover portion 510, but is not limited thereto.

[0231] The fixing portion 520 may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the water supply hose 210 so as to fix the portion of the water supply hose 210 .

[0232] More specifically, the water supply hose 210 may include a first hose portion 211 , a second hose portion 212 separated from the first hose portion 211 , and a connector 213 connecting the first hose portion 211 to the second hose portion 212 .

[0233] For example, the first hose portion 211 may be connected to the body 10, and the second hose portion 212 may be connected to the door 30. The first hose portion 211 and the second hose portion 212 may communicate with each other through a connector 213.

[0234] By configuring the water supply hose 210 by connecting the first hose portion 211 to the second hose portion 212 via the connector 213, instead of using a single long hose, the convenience in performing the manufacturing process of positioning the water supply hose 210 can be improved, the manufacturing time can be shortened, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, the water supply hose 210 can be easily cleaned or replaced. In addition, according to the purpose, by using the connector 213, the flow rate or hydraulic pressure in the first hose portion 211 and the second hose portion 212 can be appropriately changed.

[0235] Each of the first hose portion 211 and the second hose portion 212 may be a flexible hose. For example, the first hose portion 211 and the second hose portion 212 may include a soft polymer material.

[0236] The connector 213 may include a hard material. For example, the connector 213 may include a hard plastic material.

[0237] When water is supplied to the water supply assembly 80 through the water supply hose 210, the hydraulic pressure may generate vibrations in the water supply hose 210. In this case, if the water supply hose 210 is not sufficiently fixed, the vibrations may cause repeated collisions between the water supply hose 210 and the outer surface of the body 10, resulting in noise. This may be particularly problematic in the case where the connector 213 is made of a hard material.

[0238] To overcome this problem, the fixing portion 520 may fix the connector 213 as a part of the water supply hose 210. More specifically, the fixing portion 520 may surround at least a portion of an outer surface of the connector 213 to fix the connector 213.

[0239] For example, Fig.10 As shown, the fixing portion 520 may include a supporting portion 521 , a first extending portion 522 , and a second extending portion 523 .

[0240] The support portion 521 may protrude from the inner wall of the cover portion 510 and be supported on the inner wall of the cover portion 510. The first extension portion 522 may extend from one end of the support portion 521, which is opposite to the inner wall of the cover portion 510. The first extension portion 522 may face the inner wall of the cover portion 510. The surface of the first extension portion may face the inner wall of the cover portion 510, at least as shown in FIG. Fig.10 The second extension portion 523 may extend from one end of the first extension portion 522, which end is opposite to the other end of the first extension portion 522 extending to the support portion 521. The second extension portion 523 may face the support portion 521. The surface of the second extension portion 523 may face the support portion 521, at least as shown in FIG. Fig.10 shown.

[0241] At least a portion of an outer surface of the connection piece 213 as a part of the water supply hose 210 may be covered by each of the support portion 521 , the first extension portion 522 , and the second extension portion 523 .

[0242] For example, the support portion 521 may cover the connector 213 from above in the Z direction, the first extension portion 522 may cover the connector 213 in the horizontal direction parallel to the XY plane, and the second extension portion 523 may cover the connector 213 from below in the Z direction. The inner wall of the covering portion 510 (from which the support portion 521 protrudes) may also cover the connector 213 in the horizontal direction parallel to the XY plane at a position opposite to the first extension portion 522.

[0243] By this configuration, the water supply hose 210 may be hook-coupled to the fixing portion 520 and fixed to the fixing cover 500. The above description about the parts of the fixing portion 520 may be examples of parts constituting the fixing portion 520 for fixing the water supply hose 210, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0244] The fixing portion 520 can space the connector 213 from the outer shell 12 and fix the connector 213 to the outer shell 12. That is, because the connector 213 is fixed to the fixing portion 520, the connector 213 can be spaced apart from the upper surface 12a of the main body 10 by a preset distance. With this configuration, the connector 213 can be effectively prevented from colliding with the upper surface 12a of the main body 10.

[0245] The set cover 500 may further include a buffer member 530. The buffer member 530 may include various kinds of elastic materials.

[0246] The buffer member 530 may be positioned between at least a portion of the outer surface of the water supply hose 210 and the fixing portion 520. More specifically, the buffer member 530 may be positioned between at least a portion of the outer surface of the connector 213 and the fixing portion 520. The buffer member 530 may be positioned along the inner surface of the fixing portion 520, covering the outer surface of the connector 213.

[0247] When water is supplied to the water supply assembly 80 through the water supply hose 210 , the buffer member 530 may more effectively reduce noise generated by vibration of the water supply hose 210 .

[0248] However, the fixing cover 500 may directly fix the soft hose portion (e.g., the first hose portion 211 or the second hose portion 212) of the water supply hose 210 instead of fixing the connector 213. The soft hose portion of the water supply hose 210 may be fixed by the fixing portion 520. The buffer member 530 may be positioned between the fixing portion 520 and the soft hose portion of the water supply hose 210.

[0249] The wire 220 of the supply line 200 may be connected to the electrical box 19 of the main body 10 .

[0250] like Figure 8 As shown, in the case where the electrical box 19 is disposed on the outer surface of the outer shell 12, the wire 220 can be connected to the controller by passing through the electrical box 19 outside the outer shell 12. However, differently from this, in the case where the electrical box accommodating the electrical components constituting the controller is disposed inside the outer shell 12, the wire 220 can be connected to the controller by passing through the outer shell 12 and the electrical box 19 in sequence.

[0251] Figures 8 to 10 It is related to an embodiment in which only the water supply hose 210 of the supply line 200 is fixed by the fixing cover 500 and only the water supply hose 210 is covered by the fixing cover 500. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment.

[0252] and Figures 8 to 10 Different from the above, the wire 220 may also be covered by the fixing cover 500. In addition, the wire 220 may also be fixed by the fixing portion 520 of the fixing cover 500. In this case, the fixing cover 500 and the fixing portion 520 for fixing the wire 220 may be configured similarly to the above. Figures 8 to 10 The configurations of the fixing cover 500 and the fixing portion 520 for fixing the water supply hose 210 are substantially the same.

[0253] The guide cover 400 may include a first through opening 410 and a second through opening 420 through which the supply line 200 passes. The supply line 200 may penetrate the accommodation space 401 through the first through opening 410 and the second through opening 420 .

[0254] When the door 30 is open or closed, a portion of the supply line 200 can be pulled into the accommodation space 401 or pulled out from the accommodation space 401 through the second through-opening 420 .

[0255] The moving member 600 may penetrate the second through-opening 420. When the door 30 is opened or closed, the moving member 600 may be pulled into or out of the accommodation space 401 through the second through-opening 420.

[0256] The guide cover 400 may include a movement guide portion 440 for guiding the movement of the moving member 600 and a portion of the supply line 200 relative to the accommodation space 401. The movement guide portion 440 may be disposed inside the accommodation space 401. The movement guide portion 440 may support the moving member 600 and a portion of the supply line 200 from below.

[0257] For example, the supply line 200 may be fixed to the guide cover 400 at the first through-opening 410. More specifically, at the first through-opening 410, a fitting member (not shown) may be provided to fill a gap formed between a portion of the supply line 200 that passes through the first through-opening 410 and an edge of the first through-opening 410. For example, the fitting member may include an elastic member such as rubber.

[0258] In this case, the portion of the supply line 200 that is movable relative to the accommodation space 401 may be a portion extending from the first through-opening 410 to the door 30 via the second through-opening 420 , but is not limited thereto.

[0259] However, the supply line 200 may not be fixed to the guide cover 400 at the first through-opening 410 .

[0260] The water supply hose 210 and the wire 220 of the supply line 200 may be positioned at substantially the same position inside the guide cover 400. The water supply hose 210 and the wire 220 may move substantially the same distance relative to the accommodating space 401 according to the rotation of the door 30.

[0261] The supply line 200 may penetrate the moving member 600. The supply line 200 may penetrate one end of the moving member 600 toward the guide cover 400 and the other end of the moving member 600 toward the hinge 100. The supply line 200 may move relative to the accommodation space 401 together with the moving member 600 according to the rotation of the door 30.

[0262] The fixing cover 500 may be coupled to the guide cover 400. For example, the fixing cover 500 may include a guide cover coupling portion 511, and the guide cover 400 may include a fixing cover coupling portion 450 to which the guide cover coupling portion 511 is fixed.

[0263] For example, Figure 8 As shown, the guide cover coupling part 511 may be in the shape of a protrusion, and the fixed cover coupling part 450 may be in the shape of a hole through which the guide cover coupling part 511 passes. The fixed cover coupling part 450 may be inserted into the guide cover coupling part 511 by passing through the guide cover coupling part 511, but is not limited thereto.

[0264] However, the guide cover 400 and the set cover 500 may be coupled to each other through various methods.

[0265] Fig.11 is an enlarged view of some components of a refrigerator such as a hinge, a supply line, etc. according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0266] refer to Fig.11 The hinge 100 may include a body bracket 110 fixed to the body 10 , a door bracket 120 fixed to the door 30 , and a hinge link 130 connecting the body bracket 110 to the door bracket 120 .

[0267] Regardless of the rotation of the door 30, the body bracket 110 may be fixed to the body 10. For example, the body bracket 110 may be fixed to the body 10 by being coupled to the hinge fixing bracket 18.

[0268] The door bracket 120 may be fixed to the door 30 and rotated together with the door 30. The door 30 may include a hinge coupling portion 30b coupled to the door bracket 120. For example, the hinge coupling portion 30b may be screw-connected to the door bracket 120.

[0269] The hinge link 130 may be rotatable relative to the body bracket 110 or the door bracket 120 .

[0270] For example, the hinge link 130 may include a first hinge link, a second hinge link, and a third hinge link.

[0271] The first hinge link may be rotatable relative to the main frame 110 .

[0272] The second hinge link may connect the first hinge link to the door bracket 120 , and the second hinge link may be rotatable relative to each of the first hinge link and the door bracket 120 .

[0273] The third hinge link may connect the first hinge link to the door bracket 120 , and the third hinge link may be rotatable relative to each of the first hinge link and the door bracket 120 .

[0274] The rotation axis of the second hinge link relative to the first hinge link may be different from the rotation axis of the third hinge link relative to the first hinge link. Similarly, the rotation axis of the second hinge link relative to the door bracket 120 may be different from the rotation axis of the third hinge link relative to the door bracket 120.

[0275] The hinge 100 may further include a link guide 140 for guiding a moving path of the hinge link 130 .

[0276] refer to Figure 12 to Figure 14When the door 30 rotates to open the storage chamber 21, the door bracket 120 can move along Figure 12 to Figure 14 In addition, the first hinge link 130 connected to the main frame 110 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction. Figure 12 to Figure 14 The first hinge link 120 may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the main body bracket 110, and each of the second hinge link and the third hinge link connected to the door bracket 120 may be rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the first hinge link.

[0277] Through this operation, when the door 30 rotates to open the storage chamber 21 , the door 30 may rotate while moving away from the main body 10 in the forward direction as the X direction.

[0278] refer to Figure 12 to Figure 14 When the door 30 rotates to close the storage chamber 21, the door bracket 120 can move along Figure 12 to Figure 14 In addition, the first hinge link 130 connected to the main frame 110 is rotated in the clockwise direction. Figure 12 to Figure 14 The first hinge link 120 may be rotated in a clockwise direction relative to the main body bracket 110, and each of the second hinge link and the third hinge link connected to the door bracket 120 may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction relative to the first hinge link.

[0279] Through this operation, when the door 30 rotates to close the storage chamber 21 , the door 30 may rotate while moving closer to the main body 10 .

[0280] However, the above-described configuration of the hinge 100 may be an example of a hinge connecting a door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to a body, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0281] The moving member 600 may be coupled to the hinge 100 . More specifically, the moving member 600 may be coupled to the door bracket 120 .

[0282] The moving member 600 may be coupled to a moving member coupling portion 121 provided in the door bracket 120. For example, the moving member coupling portion 121 may be in the shape of a protrusion protruding upward and penetrate a hole formed in one end of the moving member 600 to couple the moving member 600 to the moving member coupling portion 121. One end of the moving member 600 may be rotatable relative to the moving member coupling portion 121.

[0283] When the door 30 rotates to open the storage chamber 21, the moving member 600 may move away from the main body 10 together with the door bracket 120. Therefore, the moving member 600 may move in a direction to be pulled out from the accommodation space 401.

[0284] On the contrary, when the door 30 rotates to close the storage chamber 21, the moving member 600 may move in a direction approaching the main body 10 together with the door bracket 120. Therefore, the moving member 600 may move in a direction to be pulled into the accommodation space 401.

[0285] One end of the moving member 600 coupled to the hinge 100 may support a portion of the supply line 200. More specifically, when the door 30 is located at the closed position, a portion of the supply line 200 located adjacent to the door bracket 110 may be bent, and the one end of the moving member 600 coupled to the hinge 100 may support the bent portion of the supply line 200. In addition, the one end of the moving member coupled to the hinge 100 may guide the portion of the supply line 200 to bend.

[0286] The portion of the supply line 200 may surround a portion of a circumference of one end of the moving member 600 coupled to the hinge 100 .

[0287] For example, in the water supply hose 210 , a hose bending portion 215 to be described below may be supported by one end of the moving member 600 coupled to the hinge 100 , and guided to be bent.

[0288] The door bracket 120 may include guide portions 122a and 122b for guiding the supply line 200. The guide portions 122a and 122b may guide the position of each of the water supply hose 210 and the wire 220 on the door bracket 120. The guide portions 122a and 122b may support the water supply hose 210 and the wire 220, respectively.

[0289] For example, Fig.11 As shown, when the door 30 is located at the closed position, the wire 220 extending from one end of the moving member 600 toward the door penetration portion 30a can pass through the rear portion of the first guide portion 122a. In addition, when the door 30 is located at the closed position, the water supply hose 210 extending from one end of the moving member 600 toward the door penetration portion 30a can pass through the front portion of the first guide portion 122a. In this way, the first guide portion 122a can separate the water supply hose 210 from the wire 220 near the curved portion of the supply line 200, thereby preventing the water supply hose 210 and the wire 220 from being entangled.

[0290] The second guide portion 122b may be positioned between the first guide portion 122a and the door penetration portion 30a. The second guide portion 122b may guide the water supply hose 210 and the wire 220 to be arranged side by side toward the door penetration portion 30a.

[0291] The position of the water supply hose 210 and the position of the wire 220 may be appropriately set according to design factors (eg, the connection position and connection relationship relative to the water supplier 81 inside the door 30, etc.), and may not be limited to Fig.11 Position shown.

[0292] The water supply hose 210 may include an elastic spring 230 for providing elastic force to the bent portion when the door 30 is rotated to prevent the water supply hose 210 from being damaged.

[0293] More specifically, the water supply hose 210 may include a hose bending portion 215 located adjacent to the hinge 100 and bent when the door 30 closes the storage chamber 21. The hose bending portion 215 may be located adjacent to one end of the moving member 600 coupled to the hinge 100.

[0294] The elastic spring 230 may surround an outer circumferential surface of the hose bending portion 215. The elastic spring 230 may provide elastic force to the hose bending portion 215. The elastic spring 230 may be bent together with the hose bending portion 215 according to whether the door 30 is opened or closed.

[0295] However, the water supply hose 210 may include various components for preventing damage to the hose bent portion 215. For example, the water supply hose 210 may include a cover (not shown) including various elastic materials such as rubber, and protect the hose bent portion 215 by the cover.

[0296] like Fig.11 As shown, the elastic spring 230 may be provided on the water supply hose 210, and the elastic spring 230 may not be provided on the wire 220. The reason may be that the wire 220, which generally has a thick insulating coating, is not easily damaged, and in the case where the wire 220 includes a corresponding elastic spring, the elastic spring may be entangled with the elastic spring 230 of the water supply hose 210.

[0297] However, a member corresponding to the elastic spring 230 for protecting the hose bent portion 215 of the water supply hose 210 may be provided on the bent portion of the guide wire 220 .

[0298] The door 30 may include a door penetration portion 30a through which the supply line 200 penetrates. The door penetration portion 30a may communicate the inside of the door 30 with the outside. The supply line 200 may penetrate the door penetration portion 30a and be connected to various components provided in the door 30, such as the water supply assembly 80, etc.

[0299] Fig.11The embodiment in which both the water supply hose 210 and the wire 220 penetrate the single door penetration portion 30a is referred to. However, the water supply hose 210 and the wire 220 may penetrate different door penetration portions, respectively.

[0300] Fig.12 A state in which a door is closed is shown in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 A state in which a supply line is in a line cover when a door is closed in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Fig.14 A state in which a door is opened is shown in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.15 A state in which a supply line is in a line cover when a door is opened in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0301] refer to Figure 12 to Figure 13 , when the door 30 is located at a position to close the storage chamber 21, the supply line 200 may be located at a position where a portion thereof is pulled into the accommodation space 401 of the guide cover 400 to the greatest extent. Fig.14 and Fig.15 , when the door 30 is located at a position to open the storage chamber 22 , the supply line 200 may be located at a position where a portion is maximally pulled out from the accommodation space 401 of the guide cover 400 in the forward direction.

[0302] Likewise, if Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, when the door 30 is located at a position to close the storage chamber 21, the moving member 600 may be located at a position where at least a portion is pulled into the accommodation space 401 of the guide cover 400 to the greatest extent. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, when the door 30 is located at a position to open the storage chamber 22 , the moving member 600 may be located at a position where at least a portion is pulled out of the accommodation space 401 of the guide cover 400 to the greatest extent.

[0303] The guide cover 400 may include a line supporting portion 430 that supports a portion of the supply line 200 when a portion of the supply line 200 accommodated in the accommodation space 401 moves in a forward direction relative to the accommodation space 401 .

[0304] More specifically, the supply line 200 may include a line bending portion 214 that is positioned inside the guide cover 400 and is bent. The line bending portion 214 may be provided in each of the water supply hose 210 and the guide wire 220.

[0305] When the door 30 opens the storage chamber 21 and a portion of the supply line 200 moves relative to the guide cover 400 , the line supporting portion 430 may support the line bent portion 214 .

[0306] The pipeline support portion 430 may be positioned behind the first through opening 410. Fig.13 and Fig.15 As shown, the portion of the supply line 200 accommodated in the accommodation space 401 may include a portion extending from the first through-opening 410 to the rear of the support portion 430 , and another portion bent from the portion and extending in a forward direction.

[0307] When the door 30 opens the storage chamber 21 and a portion of the supply line 200 moves relative to the guide cover 400 , the line bent portion 214 may be supported by the line supporting portion 430 behind the line supporting portion 430 .

[0308] The line bending portion 214 may be formed between left and right surfaces of the guide cover 400 and extend in the left-right direction as the Y direction. For example, the line bending portion 214 may be in the shape of a rod extending substantially in the Y direction.

[0309] The line support portion 430 may guide the supply line 200 to move in the accommodation space 401 of the guide cover 400 and prevent the supply line 200 from being tangled.

[0310] The accommodating space 401 of the guide cover 400 may include a preset spare space for preventing the supply line 200 from being tangled inside the accommodating space 401 when the door 30 is located at a position to close the storage chamber 21 and the supply line 200 is pulled into the accommodating space 401 to the maximum extent.

[0311] When the door 30 moves between the open position and the closed position, the moving distance L1 of the moving member 600 may be substantially equal to the moving distance of the supply line 200 .

[0312] At this time, the distance L2 from the pipeline support part 430 to the rear end of the guide cover 400 can be: when the door 30 is rotated from the open position to the closed position, the spare space in the front-to-back direction where a part of the supply pipeline 200 moves in the rearward direction inside the accommodating space 401 (that is, the spare space in which the supply pipeline 200 is pulled into the accommodating space 401 to the maximum extent).

[0313] Therefore, the distance L2 from the pipeline supporting portion 430 to the rear end of the guide cover 400 may be longer than or at least equal to the distance L1 that the moving member 600 can move according to the opening or closing of the door 30 .

[0314] Fig.13 and Fig.15An embodiment is shown in which the water supply hose 210 and the wire 220 are separated from each other and can move inside the guide cover 400 and the moving member 600. Different from this, the water supply hose 210 and the wire 220 can be surrounded by a cover (not shown) inside the guide cover 400 and the moving member 600 and can move together, or the water supply hose 210 and the wire 220 can be loosely surrounded by a soft cover (not shown) and a lubricant can be applied on the inner side of the soft cover. With this configuration, when the hose 210 and the wire 220 move inside the guide cover 400 and the moving member 600, mutual friction can be reduced.

[0315] Fig.16 are front views respectively showing some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.17 are side views respectively showing some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.18 is an enlarged view of some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0316] In the following reference Figures 16 to 18 In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the above reference Figures 1 to 15 Components identical to those described are assigned the same or similar reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0317] refer to Figures 16 to 18 ,and Figures 1 to 15 Alternatively, the distributor 70 may be disposed on the left inner wall of the inner housing 11 .

[0318] In addition, the water supply assembly 80 may be disposed on the upper left door 31 (see Figure 1 )middle.

[0319] like Fig.16 As shown, the refrigerator 1 may include a water supply pipe 1063 disposed in the storage chamber 21 and connected to the water tank 62. For example, the water supply pipe 1063 may be disposed at a rear portion of the inner case 11. The water supply pipe 1063 may be disposed in front of the cold air supply pipe 17.

[0320] Inside the water supply pipe 1063 , both a flow path through which water is supplied to the water tank 62 and a flow path through which water is supplied from the water tank 62 may be formed.

[0321] The flow path 52 extends from the water filter 61 to the water tank 62 (see Figure 2 ) and flow paths 53 and 54 extending from the water tank 62 to the dispenser 70 or water supply assembly 80 (see Figure 2 ) can travel through the water supply pipe 1063.

[0322] like Fig.17As shown, the pipeline guide 300 of the refrigerator 1 may be provided at the left side portion of the main body 10. More specifically, the water supply assembly connection guide 310 may extend from the flow path diverging portion 55 provided at the left side portion of the inner case 11, and the dispenser connection guide 320 may extend from the flow path diverging portion 55 provided at the left side portion of the inner case 11.

[0323] The refrigerator 1 may further include a water tank connection guide 330, a flow path 52 extending from the water filter 61 toward the water tank 62 (see Figure 2 ) travels along the water tank connection guide 330. Inside the water tank connection guide 330, a portion of the flow path 52 for supplying water purified by the water filter 61 to the water tank 62 may be formed. More specifically, the water tank connection guide 330 may be provided at a left side portion of the body 10, and extend from the water filter 61 to a flow path diverging portion 55 provided at a left side portion of the inner case 11.

[0324] Each of the water supply assembly connection guide 3310 , the dispenser connection guide 320 , and the water tank connection guide 330 may communicate with the water supply pipe 1036 at the flow path diverging portion 55 .

[0325] The water supply assembly connection guide 310 may be positioned between left portions of the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 , and connected to a left portion of the upper surface 12 a of the body 10 .

[0326] like Fig.18 As shown, the guide cover 400 , the fixed cover 500 , the moving member 600 , etc. may be disposed at a left portion of the upper surface 12 a of the main body 10 .

[0327] like Figures 16 to 18 The components of the refrigerator 1 shown (such as the hinge 100, the pipeline guide 300, the guide cover 400, the fixed cover 500, the moving member 600, the spacer 700, etc.) may have the same Figures 1 to 15 The components of the refrigerator 1 shown have corresponding characteristics, and their detailed description will be omitted.

[0328] References in the above Figures 1 to 15 The embodiments described and the above referenced Figures 16 to 18 In the described embodiments, design factors (eg, shape, arrangement, etc.) of the components may vary depending on whether the dispenser 70 and the water supply assembly 80 are disposed on the left or right side of the refrigerator.

[0329] In order to improve the convenience of mold manufacturing of each component and reduce waste of components, the pipeline guide 300 (such as the water supply component connection guide 310, the dispenser connection guide 320, etc.) can have the same shape and be arranged at the same position regardless of whether the pipeline guide 300 is connected to the left part or the right part of the main body 10.

[0330] In addition, in order to improve the convenience of mold manufacturing and reduce the waste of parts, the guide cover 400 can have bilateral symmetry on the X axis in the drawings. For example, in the guide cover 400, the first through opening 410 can be designed as a pair to have bilateral symmetry on the X axis, and the fixed cover coupling portion 450 can be designed as a pair to have bilateral symmetry on the X axis.

[0331] In addition, the moving member 600 and some components of the hinge 100 (eg, the door bracket 120 , etc.) may have bilateral symmetry on the X-axis in the drawing.

[0332] Meanwhile, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited to Figures 1 to 18 For example, the dispenser 70 may be disposed at the left inner wall of the inner shell 11, and the water supply assembly 80 may be disposed at the right upper door 32. Alternatively, for example, the dispenser 70 may be disposed at the right inner wall of the inner shell 11, and the water supply assembly 80 may be disposed at the left upper door 31.

[0333] In this case, the shapes and arrangements of the water supply assembly connection guide 310 , the distributor connection guide 320 , the water supply pipe, etc. may be appropriately changed according to the arrangements of the distributor 70 and the water supply assembly 80 .

[0334] In addition, the above description relates to the case where the water filter 61 is provided at the lower left portion of the refrigerator 1. However, the position of the water filter 61 is not limited thereto, and the shapes and arrangements of the water supply assembly connection guide 310, the dispenser connection guide 320, the water supply pipe, etc. may be appropriately changed according to the position of the water filter 61.

[0335] The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a main body 10, the main body 10 including an outer shell 12 and an inner shell 11, the inner shell 11 is positioned inside the outer shell and forms a storage chamber; a door 30, the door 30 is configured to open or close the storage chamber; a hinge 100, the hinge 100 supports the door so that the door can rotate relative to the main body; a supply line 200, the supply line 200 includes a water supply hose 210, wherein one end of the supply line is connected to the main body, and the other end of the supply line is connected to the door; a guide cover 400, the guide cover 400 is disposed on the upper surface of the main body and forms a receiving space 401, a part of the supply line is movably received in the receiving space 401; and a fixed cover 500, the fixed cover 500 is disposed on the upper surface of the main body and fixes another part of the supply line. According to the present disclosure, the position of the supply line 200 can be guided by the guide cover 400 and the fixed cover 500. In addition, the guide cover 400 and the fixing cover 500 can prevent the supply line 200 from being damaged by external impact. In addition, the guide cover 400 can guide the movement of the supply line 200 when the storage chamber 21 is opened or closed by the door 30. The fixing cover 500 can reduce the noise generated when water is supplied through the water supply hose 210.

[0336] The fixing cover 500 may include a covering portion 510 and a fixing portion 520, wherein the covering portion 510 is connected to the outer shell and covers another portion of the supply line, and the fixing portion 520 is positioned inside the covering portion and surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the supply line to fix the other portion of the supply line.

[0337] The water supply hose 210 may include: a first hose portion 211, a second hose portion 212 separated from the first hose portion 211, and a connector 213 connecting the first hose portion to the second hose portion, and the fixing portion 520 may surround at least a portion of the outer surface of the connector 213 to fix the connector.

[0338] The fixing portion 520 may space the connection member 213 apart from the outer housing 12 and fix the connection member 213 to the outer housing 12. According to the present disclosure, noise generated when water is supplied through the water supply hose 210 may be more effectively reduced.

[0339] The fixing portion 520 may include: a supporting portion 521, which protrudes from the inner wall of the covering portion 510 and is supported on the inner wall of the covering portion; a first extending portion 522, which extends from one end of the supporting portion, the one end being opposite to the inner wall of the covering portion, and the first extending portion facing the inner wall of the covering portion; and a second extending portion 523, which extends from one end of the first extending portion 522, the one end of the first extending portion being opposite to the supporting portion, and the second extending portion 523 facing the supporting portion, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the other portion of the supply pipeline may be covered by each of the supporting portion, the first extending portion, and the second extending portion.

[0340] The fixing cover 500 may further include a buffer member 530 including an elastic material. The buffer member 530 may be positioned between at least a portion of the outer surface of the supply line and the fixing portion. According to the present disclosure, noise generated when water is supplied through the water supply hose 210 may be more effectively reduced.

[0341] The refrigerator 1 may further include: a line guide 310 that accommodates at least a portion of the supply line and is positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell; and a spacer 700 that is disposed between at least a portion of the line guide and the inner shell to space at least a portion of the line guide from the inner shell. According to the present disclosure, the position of the supply line 200 may be guided by the line guide 310. In addition, with the aid of the spacer 700, a foaming agent that is injected to foam a heat insulator between the inner shell and the outer shell may be uniformly distributed.

[0342] The outer shell may include an upper surface, a lower surface, a rear surface, and a side surface connecting the upper surface to the lower surface. The body may further include a corner area 14 formed between the outer shell and the inner shell and between the rear surface and the side surface of the outer shell. At least a portion of the line guide 310 may be positioned along the corner area 14.

[0343] The spacer 700 may include at least one pair of spacers. The pipeline guide 310 may include a straight portion 311 positioned between the pair of spacers 700 and extending in one direction along the corner region 14 while being in close contact with the outer shell 12. According to the present disclosure, since the straight portion 311 is in close contact with the outer shell 12, the foaming agent injected to foam the heat insulator between the inner shell and the outer shell can be more evenly distributed.

[0344] The spacer 700 may protrude from the line guide 310 and contact the inner housing 11 .

[0345] The water supply hose 210 may further include a hose bending portion 215 located adjacent to the hinge 100 and configured to be bent when the storage chamber 21 is closed by the door 30, and an elastic spring 230 surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the hose bending portion 215. According to the present disclosure, the elastic spring 230 may effectively prevent the hose bending portion 215 of the supply line from being damaged.

[0346] The supply line 200 may include a line bending portion 214 that is positioned inside the guide cover 400 and is bent. The guide cover 400 may include a line supporting portion 430 that supports the line bending portion 214 when the door opens the storage chamber and a portion of the supply line moves relative to the guide cover. According to the present disclosure, the line supporting portion 430 may guide the movement of the supply line 200 inside the accommodation space 401 of the guide cover 400 and prevent the supply line 200 from being tangled.

[0347] The guide cover 400 may further include a first through opening 410 and a second through opening 420, through which the supply line 200 passes, wherein the first through opening is adjacent to the fixed cover, and the second through opening is adjacent to the hinge. The line support portion may be positioned behind the first through opening 410. The line bending portion 214 may be supported by the line support portion 430 behind the line support portion 430.

[0348] The supply line may further include a wire 220 connected to both the body and the door. According to the present disclosure, the wire 220 may supply power supplied from an external power source to components provided in the door 30, or transfer electrical signals transmitted / received between components provided in the door 30 and a controller.

[0349] The refrigerator may further include a moving member 600, which is coupled to the hinge, the moving member 600 being movably disposed in the guide cover, and the moving member 600 being configured to guide a portion of the supply line to be pulled into or out of the accommodation space according to the opening or closing of the door. According to the present disclosure, the position of the supply line 200 may be guided by the moving member 600. In addition, the moving member 600 may prevent the supply line 200 from being damaged by external impact. In addition, when the storage chamber 21 is opened or closed by the door 30, the movement of the supply line 200 may be guided by the guide cover 400.

[0350] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a main body 10, which forms a storage chamber; a door 30, which is configured to open or close the storage chamber; a hinge 100, which supports the door so that the door can rotate relative to the main body; a supply line 200, which includes a water supply hose 210 and a wire 220, wherein one end of the supply line is connected to the main body and the other end of the supply line is connected to the door; a guide cover 400, which is arranged on the outer surface of the main body and forms a accommodating space 401, and a part of the supply line is movably accommodated in the accommodating space 401 according to the opening or closing of the door; and a fixed cover 500, which is arranged on the outer surface of the main body and fixes a part of the water supply hose 210 positioned between the accommodating space 401 and the outer surface of the main body.

[0351] The fixing cover 500 may include a fixing portion 520 positioned inside the fixing cover and surrounding at least a portion of an outer surface of the water supply hose to fix the water supply hose 210 .

[0352] The fixing cover 500 may further include a buffer member 530 including an elastic material. The buffer member 530 may be positioned between the fixing portion 520 and at least a portion of the outer surface of the water supply hose 210 .

[0353] The main body may include an outer shell 12, an inner shell 11 positioned inside the outer shell, and a heat insulator 13 disposed between the outer shell and the inner shell. The refrigerator 1 may further include a line guide 310, the line guide 310 accommodating at least a portion of the supply line and positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell, and a spacer 700 disposed between the line guide and the inner shell. At least a portion of the line guide 310 may be positioned along an inner corner of the main body. The spacer 700 may space at least a portion of the line guide from the inner shell.

[0354] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: an outer shell 12; an inner shell 11, which is positioned inside the outer shell and forms a storage chamber; an insulator 13, which is disposed between the outer shell and the inner shell; a door 30, which is configured to open or close the storage chamber; a water tank 62, which is positioned in the inner shell; a water supplier 81, which is positioned in the door; a water supply hose 210, which connects the water tank to the water supplier; a pipeline guide 300, which is disposed between the inner shell and the outer shell and accommodates a first portion of the water supply hose positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell; a guide cover 400, which is disposed on the outer surface of the outer shell and forms an accommodation space, in which a second portion of the water supply hose is movably accommodated; and a fixing cover 500, which is disposed on the outer surface of the outer shell and fixes a third portion of the water supply hose positioned between the pipeline guide and the guide cover.

[0355] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a supply line for supplying water or electricity to components of the refrigerator installed in the door.

[0356] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may guide the position of the supply line through the structure of the line guide, the guide cover, the fixing cover, and the hinge.

[0357] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a guide cover and a moving member for guiding movement of a supply line when a door supported by a multi-joint hinge opens or closes a storage chamber.

[0358] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include components such as a guide cover, a fixing cover, an elastic spring, etc. for preventing the supply line from being damaged.

[0359] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a fixing cover fixing a water supply hose to reduce noise generated when water is supplied through the water supply hose.

[0360] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include a spacer which spaces at least a portion of the line guide apart from the inner case so as to uniformly distribute a foaming agent injected to foam an insulator between the inner case and the outer case.

[0361] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the refrigerator can form various parts with bilateral symmetry, such as a pipeline guide, a guide cover, etc., so as to improve the convenience of mold manufacturing and reduce the waste of parts.

[0362] So far, specific embodiments have been shown and described, however, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. It should be understood that various modifications can be made by ordinary technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs without departing from the gist of the technical concept of the present disclosure defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: a main body, the main body forming a storage chamber; a door, the door being used to open and close the storage chamber; a hinge supporting the door so that the door can rotate relative to the body between an open position in which the storage chamber is open and a closed position in which the storage chamber is closed; a supply line comprising a water supply hose, wherein the supply line has one end connected to the body and another end connected to the door, and a first portion of the supply line is movable when the door is rotated between the open position and the closed position; a guide cover located on an upper surface of the main body and forming a receiving space in which the first portion of the supply line is movably received; and A fixed cover is located on the upper surface of the main body and fixes the second portion of the supply line so that the second portion is maintained in a fixed position when the door is rotated between the open position and the closed position.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The fixed cover comprises: a covering portion covering the second portion of the supply line; and A fixing portion is positioned inside the covering portion and surrounds at least a portion of an outer surface of the second portion of the supply line to maintain the second portion of the supply line in the fixed position.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein: The water supply hose comprises: a first hose portion; a second hose portion; and a connector connecting the first hose portion to the second hose portion, The fixing portion surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the connecting member to maintain the connecting member in the fixing position.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein: The fixing portion spaces the connection member apart from the main body, and the fixing portion fixes the connection member to the main body.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein: The fixed part comprises: a supporting portion protruding from an inner wall of the covering portion and supported by the inner wall of the covering portion; a first extending portion extending from an end of the support portion opposite to the inner wall of the cover portion, wherein a surface of the first extending portion faces the inner wall of the cover portion; and a second extending portion extending from an end of the first extending portion opposite to the supporting portion, wherein a surface of the second extending portion faces the supporting portion, wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the second portion of the supply line is covered by each of the support portion, the first extension portion, and the second extension portion.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein: The fixed cover also includes: a buffer member, the buffer member comprising an elastic material, wherein the buffer member is positioned between the fixing portion and the at least a portion of the outer surface of the second portion of the supply line.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The main body includes an outer shell and an inner shell, the inner shell is positioned inside the outer shell and forms the storage chamber, and The refrigerator further comprises: a line guide that receives a third portion of the supply line and is positioned between the inner housing and the outer housing; and A spacer is disposed between at least a portion of the line guide and the inner casing to space the at least a portion of the line guide apart from the inner casing.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein: The outer shell comprises: rear surface, and Side surface, wherein a corner region is formed between the outer housing and the inner housing and between the rear surface and the side surface of the outer housing, and the at least a portion of the line guide is positioned in the corner region.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein: The spacer comprises: at least one pair of spacers, and The at least a portion of the line guide comprises: A straight line portion is positioned between the pair of spacers and extends along the corner region while being in close contact with the outer housing.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein: The spacer protrudes from the at least a portion of the line guide and contacts the inner housing.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The water supply hose includes a hose bending portion, the hose bending portion being located adjacent to the hinge and the hose bending portion being configured to be bent when the door is rotated from the open position to the closed position, and The water supply hose further includes an elastic spring surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the hose bending portion.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The supply line comprises: a pipeline bending portion, the pipeline bending portion being bent inside the accommodation space of the guide cover, and The guide cover also includes: A pipeline supporting portion supports the pipeline bending portion when the door is rotated toward the open position and the first portion of the supply pipeline moves relative to the guide cover.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein: The guide cover also includes: a first through opening adjacent to the fixed cover and a second through opening adjacent to the hinge, wherein the supply line passes through the first through opening and the second through opening, The pipeline support portion is positioned behind the first through opening, and The pipeline bending portion is supported by the pipeline supporting portion behind the pipeline supporting portion.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The supply line also includes a conductor, One end of the wire is connected to the main body, and The other end of the wire is connected to the gate.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: a moving member coupled to the hinge, The moving member is movable relative to the guide cover, and is configured to guide movement of the first portion of the supply line into and out of the accommodating space when the door rotates between the open position and the closed position.

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