refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator of the present disclosure comprises: a door withdrawn forward from a storage space of a cabinet; and an open module provided on the door. The open module includes: a handle which is disposed inside the door so as to be rotatable with respect to a rotational center in the left-right direction, and which includes an operating part that is exposed through an opening provided in a front panel of the door and that is positioned to be higher than the rotational center, and a lever that is positioned to be lower than the rotational center; a link including a link rotary shaft, which is positioned to be lower than the rotational center of the handle, a first arm, which extends upward from the link rotary shaft and is positioned in front of the lever, and a second arm, which extends downward from the link rotary shaft; and a pusher disposed at the rear of the second arm, and provided to be slidable backward.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Refrigerators have a storage space capable of storing food at low temperatures. Refrigerators utilize a cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle. Recent refrigerators have become increasingly larger and / or more multifunctional, in line with changes in dietary habits and the trend towards higher-end products. Furthermore, a variety of refrigerators have recently been launched to enhance user convenience and enable efficient use of internal space.

[0003] The storage space of a refrigerator can be opened and closed by a door. In addition, refrigerators can be categorized into various types depending on the layout of the storage space and the structure of a door that opens and closes the storage space. For example, the door of refrigerator can be opened and closed by rotating or sliding in and out.

[0004] The door can be opened and closed by a user. If a door is large and heavy, has a large pressure difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator, and / or has a strong magnetic force on a door gasket, a user may experience difficulty in opening and closing the door. For example, the door may require greater force to open. This may cause inconvenience to a user.

[0005] Patent Publication No. 10-1528729 (hereinafter, '729 patent) discloses a refrigerator equipped with a door opening device that initially opens the door by pushing the main body. The door opening device of '729 patent includes a user-operated gripping part, a rotating part having a pivot shaft and an operating part, and a push unit that slides and pushes a main body by the operating part.

[0006] Since the door opening device of'729 patent operates while the rotating part and the push unit are in direct contact, the push unit must be positioned at the same height as at least a portion of the rotating part.

[0007] Increasing the length of the operating part can increase the height difference between the gripping part and the push unit. However, this increases the force required to rotate the gripping part, and the door thickness in the front-rear direction increases to secure a space for the rotating part to rotate.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0009] Another object may be to provide a refrigerator having a door with a reduced volume of a user operating part.

[0010] Another object may be to provide a refrigerator that requires less force when initially opening a door.

[0011] Another object may be to provide a refrigerator that has a height difference between a portion to which a user applies force and a portion that opens a door by pushing a cabinet.

[0012] Another object may be to provide a refrigerator that allows a user to initially open a door by pushing the door or an operating part in the opposite direction (rearward direction) to a direction in which the door is opened.

[0013] Another object may be to provide a refrigerator that opens a door when a user raises a door handle upward.

[0014] Another object may be to provide a refrigerator that can smoothly fill insulating material between a case of an open module which initially opens a door and a door's front panel, when filling the inside of door with insulating material.

[0015] Another object may be to provide a refrigerator having a door with high insulation efficiency.

[0016] Another object may be to provide a refrigerator having a door that can reduce frost formation.

[0017] Another object may be to provide a refrigerator having a door with improved mechanical operation stability.

[0018] Another object may be to provide a refrigerator having a door with improved door opening reliability.

[0019] The objects of the present invention are not limited to the objects mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.[Technical Solution]

[0020] According to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described objects, the present disclosure includes a cabinet providing a storage space, a door that closes the storage space and is withdrawn forward, and an open module provided on the door.

[0021] The open module includes an operating part exposed to the outside, and a pusher that pushes the cabinet to open the door.

[0022] When the operating part is pushed rearward, the pusher can push the cabinet to open the door.

[0023] When the operating part is lifted upward, the pusher can push the cabinet to open the door.

[0024] The door includes a door portion that closes the storage space and a basket that is positioned at the rear of the door portion and placed in the storage space.

[0025] The door portion may include a front panel that faces forward and has an opening portion.

[0026] The open module includes a handle that is disposed rotatably about a rotational center in a left-right direction within the door. The handle may include: an operating part exposed to the opening portion and positioned above the rotational center; and a lever positioned below the rotational center.

[0027] The open module includes a link connecting the handle and the pusher.

[0028] The link includes: a link rotary shaft positioned below the rotational center of the handle.

[0029] The link may include a first arm that extends upward from the link rotary shaft and is positioned at the front of the lever, and a second arm extending downward from the link rotary shaft.

[0030] The pusher may be provided to be slidable in a rearward direction so as to protrude from the rear surface of the door. The pusher may be disposed at the rear of the second arm.

[0031] When the handle rotates in a first rotation direction so that the operating part moves in a rearward direction, the pusher may move in a rearward direction.

[0032] When the handle rotates in the first rotation direction, the pusher may move in a rearward direction with respect to the door while being in contact with the cabinet.

[0033] The open module may further include a case that is disposed between the front panel of the door and the door liner, and accommodates the handle, the lever, the link, and the pusher.

[0034] The operating part may include a front surface that faces forward and is exposed to the outside through the opening portion of the door.

[0035] The operating part may include an upwardly recessed grip that is positioned at the rear of the front surface.

[0036] The operating part may include a rear surface positioned at the rear of the front surface. The grip may be positioned between the front surface and the rear surface.

[0037] The handle may further include: a body that has a rotary shaft providing a rotational center of the handle, and extends in a left-right direction; and a neck extending between the body and the operating part.

[0038] The neck may be connected to the rear surface.

[0039] The lever may extend from the body. The lever may extend downward from the body.

[0040] The handle may be configured not to rotate in a second rotation direction opposite the first rotation direction, at a rotation position when no external force is applied.

[0041] The rotational center of the handle may be positioned forward of the rotary shaft of the link.

[0042] The length of the handle in the rotational radius of the handle may be longer than the length of the link in the rotational radius of the link.

[0043] The rotational center of the handle may be positioned vertically above the rotary shaft of the link.

[0044] In the state where the door closes the storage space, the lower end of the front surface of the operating part may be positioned forward of the rotational center of the handle.

[0045] When the handle rotates in the first rotation direction so that the lower end of the front surface moves upward along the rotational trajectory, the pusher may move rearward with respect to the door.

[0046] The rotational center of the handle may be positioned rearward of the rotary shaft of the link.

[0047] The handle may further include: a body that has a rotary shaft providing the rotational center of the handle and extends in a left-right direction; and a neck extending between the body and the operating part.

[0048] The lever may include a first side end and a second side end that protrude downward from the left and right ends of the body.

[0049] The link may include: a first link that is in contact with the first side end; and a second link that is in contact with the second side end.

[0050] The pusher may include: a first pusher that is in contact with the first link; and a second pusher that is in contact with the second link.

[0051] The door may further include a door liner that faces the storage space and is disposed at the rear of the front panel.

[0052] The open module may further include a case that is disposed between the front panel of the door and the door liner, and accommodates the body, the lever, the link, and the pusher.

[0053] An insulating material may be filled between the front panel of the door and the door liner. The insulating material may be filled between at least a portion of the case and the front panel in the front-rear direction.

[0054] The pusher is positioned below the operating part and in contact with a side end of the cabinet, and the width of the pusher in the left-right direction may be smaller than the height in the up-down direction.

[0055] The pusher may further include an elastic member that presses the pusher forward.

[0056] According to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, there is provided a cabinet that provides a storage space that is open in a forward direction; a door that includes a door portion that closes the storage space, and a basket that is positioned at a rear of the door portion and positioned in the storage space, and that is withdrawn in a forward direction from the storage space; and an open module provided on the door.

[0057] The door portion includes a front panel that faces forward and has an opening portion.

[0058] The open module includes: a handle that is rotatably disposed within the door about a rotational center in a left-right direction, the handle including an operating part that is exposed to the opening portion, and a lever that is positioned on an opposite side of the operating part with respect to the rotational center; a link that is connected to the lever and rotates; and a pusher that is connected to the link, and configured to be slidable in a rearward direction so as to protrude from a rear surface of the door, wherein when the handle is rotated in a first rotation direction so that the operating part moves in a rearward direction, the pusher moves in a rearward direction.

[0059] According to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, there is provided a cabinet that provides a storage space open in a forward direction; a door that includes a door portion that closes the storage space, and a basket that is positioned at a rear of the door portion and positioned in the storage space, and that is withdrawn in a forward direction from the storage space; and an open module provided on the door. The door portion includes a front panel that faces forward and has an opening portion. The open module includes: a handle that is rotatably disposed within the door about a rotational center in a left-right direction, the handle including an operating part that is exposed to the opening portion, and a lever that is positioned on an opposite side of the operating part with respect to the rotational center; a link that is connected to the lever and rotates; and a pusher that is connected to the link, and configured to be slidable in a rearward direction so as to protrude from a rear surface of the door. When the handle is rotated in a first rotation direction so that a lower end of the operating part moves upward along a rotational trajectory, the pusher moves in a rearward direction.

[0060] According to an aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described object, the refrigerator of the present embodiment includes: a cabinet providing a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space; a contact member to which an external force is applied when the door is opened; and a pusher to which the external force is transmitted to separate the door and the cabinet.

[0061] The refrigerator may include a handle interposed between the contact member and the pusher to rotate. The refrigerator may include a first shaft supporting the rotation of the handle. The refrigerator may include a first pressing portion that is provided on the handle, and formed in a first direction based on the first shaft to apply an external force to the contact member. The refrigerator may include a second pressing portion that is provided on the handle, and transmits a rotational motion of the handle toward the pusher and is formed in a first direction based on the first shaft.

[0062] The refrigerator may include a link that is interposed between the handle and the pusher and rotates.

[0063] The refrigerator may include a second shaft supporting the rotation of the link.

[0064] The second shaft may be positioned in a first direction of the first shaft.

[0065] A contact portion between the link and the handle may be provided in a second direction based on the second shaft.

[0066] The first and second directions may be opposite directions.

[0067] The refrigerator may include a case whose upper surface is open to accommodate at least a portion of the handle.

[0068] The case may include an outer support plate defining an outer surface; an inner support plate defining an inner surface; a bottom support plate defining a lower surface; an opening portion which is provided on a side surface of the case, and through which the first shaft passes; and a bearing supporting the second shaft in the first direction of the opening portion.

[0069] The refrigerator may include a cover that is provided on both sides of the case and supports the first shaft.

[0070] The cover may guide the pusher.

[0071] The first direction may be an upward direction. The upward direction may be in a direction opposite to gravity.

[0072] The handle may have a first region provided higher in the center. The handle may include a second region provided lower than the first region on both sides of the first region.

[0073] The second region may be shorter than the first region in the extension direction of the door. The second region may be configured to have denser reinforcement ribs compared to the first region.

[0074] The refrigerator of the embodiment may include a link that is interposed between the handle and the pusher and rotates; a first shaft supporting the rotation of the handle; and a second shaft supporting the rotation of the link.

[0075] The second shaft may be closer to the point of application of the external force compared to the first shaft. The second shaft may be positioned outside the door compared to the first shaft.

[0076] The refrigerator of the embodiment may include: a first shaft supporting the rotation of the handle; a second pressing portion provided at a certain position of the handle to pressurize the link; and a fourth pressing portion provided at a certain position of the link to pressurize the pusher.

[0077] The second pressing portion and the fourth pressing portion may be positioned in the same temperature range.

[0078] The refrigerator of the embodiment may include at least two pushers to which the external force is transmitted to separate the door and the cabinet.

[0079] At least one of the at least two pushers may be positioned in the center region of the door, when the door is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction.

[0080] The pusher may be provided symmetrically in the left-right direction of the door.

[0081] The pusher may be positioned adjacent to a dividing point, when the door is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction.

[0082] The pusher may be positioned adjacent to a second dividing point and a fourth dividing point from any one end, when the door is divided into six equal parts in the left-right direction.

[0083] The pusher may be positioned in a third region and a fourth region from any one end, when the door is divided into six equal parts in the left-right direction (X).

[0084] The refrigerator of the embodiment may include a cabinet providing a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space; and an open module for initially opening the door.

[0085] The open module may include a contact member to which an external force is applied when the door is opened. The open module may include at least two pushers to which the external force is transmitted to separate the door and the cabinet. The open module may include a handle that is interposed between the contact member and the pusher to rotate, and a case that accommodates at least a portion of the handle.

[0086] The refrigerator may include an outer panel that defines the outer side of the door and has a certain gap from the case; and an inner panel that define the inner side of the door and has a certain gap from the case.

[0087] The refrigerator may include a cap fastened to the open module.

[0088] The cap may be fastened to at least one of the inner panel and the outer panel.

[0089] A foam member may be filled in at least one of the space between the inner panel and the case, and the space between the outer panel and the case.

[0090] The inner region of the case may have a vertical length greater than a longitudinal length.

[0091] The inner region may have a vertical length at least twice the longitudinal length.

[0092] The refrigerator of the embodiment may include: a cabinet providing a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space; a contact member to which an external force is applied when the door is opened; and at least two pushers to which the external force is transmitted to separate the door and the cabinet.

[0093] The refrigerator may include: a handle that is interposed between the contact member and the pusher and rotates; a case for accommodating at least a portion of the handle; and a cap fastened to the case.

[0094] The refrigerator may include a heat diffusion plate provided adjacent to the lowest temperature point, so as to prevent frost formation at the lowest temperature point to which the cap and the case come into contact.

[0095] The lowest temperature point may be provided at a branch point between the cap and the case.

[0096] The refrigerator of the embodiment may include: a cabinet providing a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space; an open module for initially opening the door; and an insulating gap accommodating the open module.

[0097] The refrigerator may include a dike extending in the front-rear direction of the door to provide an energy nose to the inner panel providing the insulating gap.

[0098] The insulating gap and the isotherm provided to the open module may have a portion that slopes inward toward the lower side of the door.

[0099] The dike may be longer in the vertical direction of the door than in the front-rear direction of the door.

[0100] The lower end of the inner surface of the dike may extend further downward than the lower end of the open module.

[0101] The open module may include a contact member to which an external force is applied when the door is opened. The open module may include at least two pushers to which the external force is transmitted to separate the door and the cabinet. The open module may include a handle that is interposed between the contact member and the pusher and rotates. The open module may include a case that accommodates at least a portion of the handle.

[0102] The insulating gap may include an insulating wall region and an energy nose region. The pressing portion of the handle may be placed in the insulating gap.

[0103] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.[Advantageous Effects]

[0104] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be provided a refrigerator having a door with a reduced volume of an open module.

[0105] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be provided a refrigerator requiring less force when initially opening a door.

[0106] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be provided a refrigerator that has a height difference between a portion to which a user applies force and a portion that opens the door by pushing a cabinet.

[0107] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be provided a refrigerator that allows a user to initially open a door by pushing the door or an operating part in the opposite direction (rearward direction) to a direction (forward direction) in which the door is opened.

[0108] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be provided a refrigerator that opens a door when a user raises a door handle upward.

[0109] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be provided a refrigerator in which, when filling the interior of the door with insulating material, the insulating material can be smoothly filled between the case of the open module that initially opens the door and the front panel of the door.

[0110] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the open module can be miniaturized. This miniaturization of the open module can lead to reduced product cost, expanded product applications, and improved reliability.

[0111] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the open module can be narrowed in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, a greater insulation effect can be achieved with the same insulation wall size.

[0112] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the frost formation due to temperature differences across a narrow wall can be prevented.

[0113] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, stable interconnection between members can be ensured. Therefore, multiple mechanical operations can be performed stably.

[0114] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a large initial force can be achieved. Consequently, the reliability of door opening can be improved.

[0115] The technical problem addressed by the present invention, the means for solving the problem, and the effects thereof may be disclosed in more detail in the embodiments of the present invention.[Description of Drawings]

[0116] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a door. FIG. 3 is a detailed exploded perspective view of an open module of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the open module and the cap that are mounted on an outer panel and an inner panel. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the open module. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a configuration of the pressing portion. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a comparison of the operation of the open module before and after. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the fastening process of the open module. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the cap recess. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a test of the insulation effect around a door. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a configuration for preventing frost formation on a door due to cold air. FIG. 12 is a drawing comparing the thickness of the door of the embodiment with the thickness of the comparative example. FIG. 13 is a drawing comparing the internal region. FIGS. 14 to 18 are drawings illustrating refrigerators according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Mode for Invention]

[0117] Description will now be given in detail according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to the drawings, the same or equivalent components may be denoted by the same reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0118] In general, suffixes such as "module" and "unit" may be used to refer to elements or components. Use of such suffixes herein is merely intended to facilitate description of the specification, and the suffixes do not have any special meaning or function

[0119] In the present disclosure, that which is well known to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. The accompanying drawings are used to assist in easy understanding of various technical features and it should be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such, the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations, equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularly set out in the accompanying drawings

[0120] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0121] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected with" another element, there may be intervening elements present. In contrast, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "directly connected with" another element, there are no intervening elements present A singular representation may include a plural representation unless context clearly indicates otherwise

[0122] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator 1 may include a cabinet 11 forming a storage space. The storage space may be provided within the cabinet 11. The refrigerator 1 may include doors 12, 13, and 20 for opening and closing the storage space. The refrigerator may include a warming compartment. Hereinafter, the interior of the storage space is also referred to as "the inside of refrigerator"

[0123] The storage space of the cabinet 11 may be partitioned vertically by a barrier. A refrigerator compartment may be formed in an upper portion. A freezer compartment may be formed in a lower portion. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the description of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment. For example, the lower portion of the storage space may be a refrigerator compartment.

[0124] The door may include a first door 12, 13 for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment. The first door 12, 13 may include a left door 12 and a right door 13. The first door may be mounted on the cabinet 10 by a hinge 14. The first door may open and close the refrigerator compartment by rotating.

[0125] The door may include a second door 20 that opens and closes the freezer compartment. The second door 20 may be slidably mounted on the cabinet 11. During the sliding operation, the cabinet may be moved in and out. The freezer compartment may be opened and closed by moving the second door 20 in and out. The second door 20 may include a door portion and a basket disposed at the rear surface of the door portion. The second door 20 may be referred to as a drawer-type door 20.

[0126] The second door 20 may include a rail 29 extending in the front-rear direction. The rail 21 may be positioned at the rear of the door portion of the second door 20. The rail may guide the movement of the second door in and out.

[0127] The first door 12, 13 may have a contact member. The second door 20 may have a contact member. A user may operate the second door 20 through the contact member. By operating the contact member, the door 20 may be pushed from the cabinet 11. Hereinafter, the 'contact member' is also referred to as an 'operating part'. For example, the contact member may open the door by overcoming the door load, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator, and the attractive force of a gasket 111 (see FIG. 6). At this time, the opening of the door may mean the initial opening. The gasket 111 may include a magnetic material, and the attractive force may mean a magnetic force. Alternatively, the gasket 111 may seal the gap between the door 20 and the cabinet 11, and the attractive force may be an attractive force generated by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the storage space of the cabinet 11 when the door 20 is opened.

[0128] The door opening will be described. The door opening may include initial opening and non-initial opening. The initial opening may refer to the initial opening of the door 20 that begins to open. The non-initial opening may refer to the door opening after the initial opening is terminated.

[0129] The door load may act as a resistive force during both the initial opening and non-initial opening. The resistive force may be defined as a force that resists the door 20 from opening. The pressure difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator may be significant at the beginning of the initial opening. During the initial opening process, the resistive force due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator may rapidly disappear. The magnetic force of the gasket 111 may be applied as a whole at the time of initial opening. The magnetic force of the gasket 111 may gradually decrease throughout the initial opening period.

[0130] The contact member may provide a force that overcomes the resistive force of the initial opening. For example, the actuation of the contact member may achieve the initial opening of the door 20 and the cabinet 11. For example, a user may perform the initial opening by operating the contact member with his / her fingers. Thereafter, the user may operate the door with his / her arm. A user may perform actions such as contacting, grasping, pushing, pulling, and / or pressing the contact member. An automatic mechanism may operate the contact member on behalf of the user. The contact member may be provided at the corner of the first and second doors 12, 13, and 20. The contact member may be provided at the upper portion of the second door 20.

[0131] The embodiment exemplifies a bottom-freeze type refrigerator with a freezer compartment positioned in a lower portion. This concept may be applied to other types of refrigerators. This concept may be applied to other types of doors.

[0132] The following embodiment illustrates an example where the contact member is provided on the second door. In the following description, the second door will be primarily considered when referring to a door. The door may be the first door.

[0133] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a door. FIG. 3 is a detailed exploded perspective view of the open module of FIG. 2.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the door 20 may include an outer panel 31 facing the outside (i.e., forward direction) of the cabinet 11 and an inner panel 32 facing the inside (i.e., rearward direction) of the cabinet. The outer panel 31 may be made of metal. The inner panel 32 may be made of resin. Hereinafter, the outer panel 31 is also referred to as a front panel. The inner panel 32 may be a door liner.

[0135] The door 20 may include a bottom 311 that protects the lower portion. The opposite sides of the door may be a portion that extends from either the outer panel 31 or the inner panel 32. For example, the opposite sides may extend rearward from the both ends of the front surface of the outer panel 31.

[0136] The door 20 may include a cap 8 that provides the upper surface of the door 20. The cap 8 may protect the upper portion of the door 20.

[0137] The cap 8 may include a cap recess 34. The cap recess 24 may have a structure that is indented towards the lower side to allow a user's hand to be inserted. The cap recess may accommodate at least a portion of the contact member. The cap recess 34 may be recessed into the cap 8. The cap recess 24 may include a portion recessed downward from the door 20.

[0138] The door 20 may include an open module 30 that can be linked with the contact member. The open module may accommodate at least a portion of the contact member.

[0139] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the open module and the cap that are mounted on the outer panel and the inner panel. Referring to FIG. 4, the open module and the cap may be fastened to provide a first assembly. The outer panel, the inner panel, and the bottom may be fastened to provide a second assembly. The second assembly may be fastened to the upper surface of the second assembly. This configuration may form an insulating space within the door.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a foam member may be filled in a gap defined by a gap between the members. The foam member may be filled into an internal space defined by the rear of the outer panel, the front of the inner panel, the upper side of the bottom, the lower side of the cap, and the left and right sides of the wing. The foam member may be filled in the external space of the open module. The foam member may be filled between the open module and the outer panel, between the open module and the inner panel, between the open module and the bottom, between the open module and the cap, and / or between the open module and the wing. The foam member may be PS or a porous material. A vacuum insulation member may be used in place of or in addition to the foam member.

[0141] The cap 8 may be fastened to at least one of the inner panel and the outer panel. The cap may be fastened to at least one of the inner panel and the outer panel while the open module 30 is fastened. The cap may be fastened to the upper end of at least one of the inner panel and the outer panel. The cap may be fastened to at least one of the inner panel and the outer panel by using a protrusion and a groove. The inner panel and the outer panel may have an upper end portion of the same height. The inner panel and the outer panel may not provide a recessed portion or protrusion in the front-rear direction (Y) for fastening the cam. The inner panel and the outer panel may not provide a recessed portion or protrusion in the up-down direction (Z) for fastening the cam. At least one of the gap between the cap and the inner panel and the gap between the cap and the outer panel may be filled with a foam member. The cap and the open module may be firmly positioned.

[0142] The left-right direction of the door may be defined as a X-axis direction. The inward / outward direction of the door may be defined as a Y-axis. The up-down direction of the door may be defined as a Z-axis direction. A rail 29 may extend inwardly of the inner panel 32. A certain fastening member may fasten the rail and the inner panel to each other. A certain fastening member may fasten the rail mount and the rail. The certain fastening members may be the same. A rail mount 321 may be fastened to the inner panel. The rail mount may securely fasten the rail to the inner panel. The rail mount allows the rail to be firmly fixed to the inner panel even when the door's thickness (length in the Y-axis direction) is thin. The rail mount 321 may be aligned with a rail recess 33.

[0143] The open module 30 may initially open the door by the action of the contact member. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the action of the open module. FIG. 5 is a drawing of the open module with the cover and case that are removed.

[0144] Refer to FIGS. 3 and 5. The open module 30 may include the contact member. The open module 30 may include a grip 5 that a user makes contact with. The contact member may be a grip 5, and the open module 30 may include a handle 4. The grip may come into contact with the handle. The grip may be fastened to the handle. If there is no grip, the handle may serve as the contact member. A member that operates the open module under the action of an external force may be referred to as a contact member.

[0145] When the grip moves forward (-Y), the handle may rotate. The handle may rotate in a first direction based on a first shaft 42. The handle may rotate a link 7. The link may rotate in a second direction based on a second shaft 71. The first and second directions may be opposite directions. The link may push the pusher 6 in a rearward direction (+Y). The pusher may perform action / reaction movements with the cabinet. When the pusher pushes the cabinet, the door may be initially opened. Here, the cabinet may include a member that does not move, unlike the door operation.

[0146] The open module will be described in detail.

[0147] The open module 30 may include a handle 4 to which an external force is applied. The handle may have a portion extending in the up-down direction (Z). The handle may have a first region 40 at the center of the handle. The handle may have a second region 41 on the lateral side of the first region 40. The lateral length w1 (X-direction length) of the first region may be greater than the lateral length w2 of the second region. By increasing the lateral length w1 of the first region, the twisting of the handle may be reduced. The twisting of the handle may occur when the handle is rotated. The twisting of the handle may significantly occur as the grip and the pusher become farther apart in the left-right direction (X). In order to further reduce the twisting of the handle, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 45 may be provided on the handle. The reinforcing ribs may be denser in the second region than in the first region. Accordingly, the twisting of the handle may be further reduced. The height h1 (Z-direction length) of the first region may be greater than the height h2 of the second region. The height of the first region may be set high so that an external force may be applied. The height of the first region may be high so that a large force may be obtained with a small external force based on the principle of a lever. It may be adjusted with an appropriate external force based on the principle of the lever. A first shaft 42 may be provided on the lower side of the handle. The first shaft may extend in the left-right direction (X-direction). The upper portion of the first region may be a first pressing portion 43. The upper portion of the second region may be a second pressing portion 44. When the first pressing portion is pushed, the handle rotates based on the first shaft. When the handle rotates, the second pressing portion may push the link. The first shaft 42 may be supported by the cover 3. The cover may support the handle on both sides of the first shaft.

[0148] The link 7 may be positioned on the left and right sides of the handle. The link 7 may rotate around the second shaft 71. The link may include a third pressing portion 72 in the lower side of the second shaft. The link may include a fourth pressing portion 73 in the upper side of the second shaft. The third and fourth pressing portions may have a portion extending in the up-down direction (Z). The third and fourth pressing portions may provide a reinforcing rib. The reinforcing rib may prevent deformation of the link. The third and fourth pressing portions may have different lengths. A lever action may be achieved by adjusting the length of the third and fourth pressing portions. The second pressing portion may push the third pressing portion. When the second pressing portion is pushed, the link may rotate around the second shaft. When the link rotates, the third and fourth pressing portions may rotate together. The fourth pressing portion may push the pusher 6. At least two links may be provided. There may be provided a pair of links. The link may initially open the door with a balanced force. One end of the second shaft 71 may be supported by the cover 3. The other end of the second shaft 71 may be supported by the case.

[0149] The pusher 6 may be positioned between the open module 30 and the cabinet 11. The pusher may serve as a point of action and reaction for the door and the cabinet. The pusher may have an outer end 61 extending in the up-down direction (Z). The outer end may maintain mutual contact even when the position of the fourth pressing portion 73 changes during rotation. The pusher may have an extension portion 62 extending in the front-rear direction (Y). The extension portion may lengthen the action length of the pusher. The rear end of the extension portion may have an inner end 63. The inner end may be in contact with the cabinet 11. When the pusher is pushed rearward, the inner end may push the cabinet. The inner end may be referred to as a pushing end. The front-rear length of the extension portion may be longer than the vertical length of the outer end. The height of the inner end may be longer than the height of the extension portion. The fourth pressing portion 73 may push the outer end. When the outer end is pushed, the pusher may move rearward as a whole. The pusher may push the cabinet. The cover 3 may guide the pusher. The cover may be provided with at least one rib to guide the operation of the pusher. The rib may extend in the front-rear direction (Y). The force applied to the pusher may be adjusted by a first lever action of the handle and a second lever action of the link.

[0150] The first pressing portion 43 and the fourth pressing portion 73 may be positioned in the upward direction (+Z) with respect to the first rotary shaft. The first pressing portion 43 and the fourth pressing portion 73 may be positioned in the same direction with respect to the first rotary shaft. The first pressing portion 43 and the fourth pressing portion 73 may be positioned in the upward direction (+Z) with respect to the second rotary shaft. The first pressing portion 43 and the fourth pressing portion 73 may be positioned in the same direction with respect to the second rotary shaft. The first pressing portion may be a pressing portion where an external force is initiated. The fourth pressing portion may be a pressing portion that finally pushes the pusher. The second pressing portion 44 and the third pressing portion 72 may be positioned in the upward direction (+Z) with respect to the first rotary shaft. The second pressing portion 44 and the third pressing portion 72 may be positioned in a downward direction (-Z) with respect to the second rotary shaft. The first rotary shaft may be positioned lower than the second rotary shaft. According to the above configuration, the width of the open module in the front-rear direction (Z) may be made smaller. Accordingly, the front wall of the door may be configured to be thin. This increases the insulation length. This increases the insulation effect.

[0151] The grip 5 may be positioned on the upper portion of the handle 4. A user may easily access the grip. The external force applied to the grip may be amplified by the first and second lever actions. For example, the door is able to be initially opened even with a small force applied by a user. The door is able to be initially opened with a small grip force of fingers.

[0152] The case 2 may accommodate at least a portion of the handle. The case may guide the operation of the handle. The case may guide the position of the handle. The case may include an outer support plate 21 providing a front (-Y) wall. The case may include an inner support plate 22 providing a rear wall. The case may include a lower support plate 23 providing a lower wall. The lower support plate may connect the lower portions of the inner support plate and the outer support plate back and forth. The lateral side of the case may include an opening 25. The second region 41 may be laterally moved out through the opening. A bearing 26 may be contained above the opening 25. The bearing may support the second shaft 71. The bearing may include a cylindrical structure that supports the inner side of the second shaft. The upper portion of the case may be open. The handle 4 may be assembled through the upper portion of the case. The outer surface of the case may be bent in response to the operation and shape of the handle and the link. The case may have a recess extending in the left-right direction (X). A foam member may be flowed into the recess. The case may be firmly positioned by the foam member. The gap between the outer support plate 21 and the inner support plate 22 may increase as it progresses upward. Thus, the inflow of the foaming member may be smooth. Accordingly, the handle may rotate smoothly around the first shaft. Accordingly, the link may rotate smoothly around the second shaft. The foam member may be flowed in from the lower side of the open module 30. The upper portion of the inner support plate 22 may include a fitting 24 extending in a rearward direction (+Y). The fitting may guide the positions of the open module 30 and the cap 8. For example, the open module and the cap may be assembled by the fitting. The fitting 24 may guide the operation of the pusher.

[0153] The cover 3 may be provided on the left and right sides of the case. The cover may shield the internal space of the case from the outside. The cover may block the inflow of the foam member. The cover may have a bearing supporting the first and second shafts. The cover may guide the operation of the pusher.

[0154] The second shaft may be positioned forward (-Y) than the first shaft. The second shaft may be positioned upward (+Z) than the first shaft. The second shaft may be closer to a user than the first shaft. Accordingly, the user's grip 5 may be closer to a user. The user may operate the open module 30 more conveniently. The user may operate the grip with less force.

[0155] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of the pressing portion. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional perspective view of 6a-6a' of FIG. 1. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional perspective view of 6b-6b' of FIG. 1. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional perspective view of 6b-6b' of FIG. 1. The operation of the pressing portion will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0156] In a stationary state, at least one of the handle and the link may be in contact with at least one of the inner support plate 22, the outer support plate 21, and the cap 8. In a stationary state, the handle may be in contact with at least one of the cap 8 and the inner support plate 22. In a stationary state, the link may be in contact with the outer support plate 21. Under the action of an external force, the grip 5 may push the first pressing portion 43. The first pressing portion may rotate. The first pressing portion and the second pressing portion 44 may rotate in the same direction. The second pressing portion may push the third pressing portion 72. The second pressing portion and the third pressing portion may rotate in different directions. The third pressing portion may rotate. The third pressing portion and the fourth pressing portion 73 may rotate in the same direction. The pressing portion may rotate around the first and second shafts, as described. The fourth pressing portion 73 may push the pusher 6. The pusher's pressing end 63 may push the cabinet. The pressing end may push the partition wall of the storage compartment. The cabinet may be the outermost panel of the cabinet. The pressing end may push the exterior of the gasket 111.

[0157] The thickness w11 of the first region 40 and the thickness w12 of the second region 41 may be provided to be the same. The ratio (h1 / w11) of the thickness (w11) and the height (h1) of the first region 40 may be greater than the ratio (h2 / w12) of the thickness (w12) and the height (h2) of the second region 41. Accordingly, the twisting of the second region may be further reduced. When the handle is operated, a greater moment may occur in the second region in comparison with the first region.

[0158] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a comparison of the operation of the open module before and after. FIGS. 7A and 7B may be stationary, while FIG. 7B may be in an operating state. FIG. 7A may correspond to FIG. 6A. FIGS. 7B and 7C may correspond to FIG. 6B.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 7, during operation of the open module, the handle 4 may rotate counterclockwise around a first shaft. During operation of the open module, the link 7 may rotate clockwise around a second shaft. During operation of the open module, the pusher may move forward. An elastic member 64 may be provided to control the operation of the pusher. The elastic member may return the pusher to a stationary state. The elastic member may connect the outer end 61 of the pusher and the cover 3.

[0160] A gasket recess 36 may be provided at the lower side of the cap recess 34. The gasket 111 may be fixed to the gasket recess 36. The door 20 may provide a dike 35 at the rear (+Y) of the open module. The dike may reinforce the insulation thickness of the wall raised by the open module. The dike may provide an energy nose (EN). The energy nose may improve the heat effect by blocking the air flow in the storage space.

[0161] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the process of fastening the open module. Each drawing of FIG. 8 shows the fastening of each member.

[0162] FIG. 8(a1) shows the fastening of the elastic member 64 to the pusher 6. The elastic member may guide the stop position of the pusher. The elastic member may pull the pusher in a forward direction. FIG. 8(a2) shows the fastening of the handle 4 to the case 2. FIG. 8(b) shows the fastening of the pusher to the cover 3 and the fastening of the pusher to the link. The operation of the pusher may be guided by the cover. The elastic member may be interposed between the pusher and the cover. At least a portion of the link may be positioned in front of the pusher. One side of the second shaft of the link may be supported by the cover. The state in which each member is fastened to the cover may be referred to as the cover assembly.

[0163] FIG. 8(a2) shows that the left second region 41 of the handle moves deeply to the left through the opening 25 on the left side (-X). At this time, the handle may be tilted upward to the right. The grip may be fastened to the handle. Thereafter, the handle may be aligned horizontally. The handle may be moved to the right. By this motion, the left second region 41 of the handle may move to the right through the opening 25 on the left side. By this motion, the right second region 41 of the handle may move to the right through the opening 25 on the right side (+X). Through the above process, the handle may be aligned to a correct position within the case. The state in which the handle is placed in the case may be referred to as the handle assembly.

[0164] FIG. 8(c) is a drawing showing that the cover assembly and the handle assembly are connected. Two assemblies may be fastened by fitting the protrusion and the recess. The cover may be fastened on both sides of the case 2. The first shaft may be supported by the cover. The second shaft may be supported by the cover. The first shaft may be supported only by the cover. Each of the second shaft may be supported by the cover and the case.

[0165] FIG. 8(d) is a drawing showing that the open module and the cap are fastened. The cap may be fastened to the upper end of the open module. The cap may be fastened to the link. The cap may be fastened to the fitting. Each member may be fastened by fitting the protrusion and the recess. The cap recess 34 and the grip 5 may be aligned at an accurate position. A single body in which the cap and the open module are fastened may be fastened to the panel 31, 32. The single body may be fixed as the cap 8 is fastened to the panel 31 32. The open module may not be fixed to the panel. The inner support plate 22 may not be in contact with the panel 31 32.

[0166] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating the cap recess.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 9, the cap recess 34 may include an opening into which the grip 5 is inserted. The opening may be provided on the front surface of the cap recess. The cap recess 34 may include two side walls defining the left and right ends (X) of the recess. The cap recess may include a connecting portion connecting the two side walls. The connecting portion may have a lower wall 81 defining the lower portion of the recess. The lower wall may extend in the front-rear direction (Y). A rear wall 82 may be provided at the rear portion of the lower wall. The rear wall may extend in a rearward direction (+Y). The rear wall may extend upward (+Z). A gap for inserting a user's finger may be secured by the rear wall. Even if the width of the door in the front-rear direction (Y) is narrow, the gap for inserting a user's finger may be secured. The rear wall 82 may have at least one round shape. The rear wall may move further in a rearward direction (+Y) as it progresses upward (+Z). Accordingly, the width of the cap recess for inserting a user's finger may be secured. For example, the width of the cap recess 34 may be secured to be 12 millimeters. The round shape of the rear wall may have at least two radii of curvature. The radius of curvature of a radius curvature portion c1 of the lower portion of the rear wall may be greater than the radius of curvature of a radius curvature portion c2 of the upper portion of the rear wall. This maximizes the insulation effect. This secures a finger insertion gap. The internal support plate 22 may be fastened to at least one of the rear wall and the lower wall of the cap recess. By placing the internal support plate on the rear wall and the lower wall of the cap recess, the exact positioning of the open module and the gap may be ensured.

[0168] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a test of the insulation effect around the door. The line in FIG. 10 represent isotherm. Denser isotherms may indicate severe temperature change. Severe temperature change may indicate severe heat leakage. Severe heat leakage may deteriorate the insulation performance. Heat may move in the normal direction of the isotherm. FIG. 10 shows the results of a simulation performed by modeling.

[0169] FIG. 10 illustrates the case 2 into which the handle 4 is inserted, the outer panel 31, the inner panel 32, the cap 8, and the dike 35. An insulating gap 38 may be provided inside the door. The insulating gap may accommodate at least a portion of the open module 30. The insulating gap 38 may be filled with a foam member, e.g., a polyurethane foam member, to enhance the insulating effect. In addition to the foam member, the insulating gap may also be provided with an insulating member made of a vacuum member or a porous member. At least two of the insulating members may be provided together.

[0170] The inner region where the case 2 and the cap 8 are placed may be referred to as an internal region. No insulating member is provided in the internal region. The internal region may be referred to as an insulation-vulnerable region with weak insulation performance. The insulation-vulnerable region may cause a reduction in the door's insulation performance by narrowing the insulation gap 38 of the door. The insulation performance of the internal region may need to be improved. Through this, the insulation performance of the refrigerator may be secured. The pressing portion may be provided in the same temperature region. The second, third, and fourth pressing portions may be provided in the same temperature region. All pressing portions may be provided in the same temperature region. Accordingly, the pressing portion may not be affected by cold air. Accordingly, the temperature difference felt by a user may be reduced. The isotherm of the internal region may be provided to be wider than the insulation gap. According to this configuration, the heat transfer of the internal region itself may be reduced.

[0171] The energy nose 39 may block the internal airflow to enhance the insulation effect. It may be seen that the isotherm does not pass through the energy nose. The upper end of the dike 35 may generate an energy nose. The dike may control the aspect of the isotherm. By controlling the shape of the isotherm, the insulation effect may be greatly enhanced. The dike may have an upper surface that provides the energy nose 39. The dike may have an inner surface extending downward from the upper surface. The dike may have a lower surface that slopes forward from the lower end of the inner surface. The upper surface and the lower surface may have different inclination angles. The inclination angle of the lower surface may be greater than the inclination angle of the upper surface. Here, the inclination angle may mean an angle of inclination with respect to the front-rear direction (Y). The inner surface of the dike may have a certain length (h1) in the up-down direction (Z). The dike may have a certain length in the front-rear direction (X) to provide an energy nose. The dike may have a length (d2) in the up-down direction longer than the length (d2) in the front-rear direction. The lower end of the inner surface of the dike may further extend downward than the lower end of the case 2. The dike may be provided in a trapezoidal shape.

[0172] The isotherm of the insulation gap may have an extended downward-right portion. Here, downward-right may refer to the rearward (+Y) and downward (-Z) directions. Sufficient isotherm gap may be maintained by the downward-sloping isotherm. By increasing the gap between the isotherms, the insulation effect may be enhanced. Sufficient insulation performance may be achieved despite a thin door. Heat transfer may occur in the downward-left direction along the isotherm. The dike may be provided at the upper end of the inner panel 32. Here, the downward-left direction may refer to the forward (-Y) and downward (-Z) directions. The heat transfer pattern may improve insulation performance by increasing the heat transfer length.

[0173] The vertical plane (XZ plane) in the front-rear direction (Y) may be the actual extension direction of the wall along which the door provides insulation. The thickness of the door along the length in the front-rear direction (Y) may perform an insulation function. The energy nose 39 may perform an insulation function. The thickness of the door including the energy nose may be referred to as a main insulation region D. The main insulation region may be referred to as an insulation gap. The main insulation region may include an insulation wall region (d1) and an energy nose region (d2). The insulation wall region may reduce conductive heat. The energy nose region may reduce convective heat through flow. The energy nose region may be equal to the length (d2) of the dike in the front-rear direction. The pusher 6 may be positioned in the main insulation region. At least a portion of the pusher may be positioned in the energy nose region. At least a portion of the pressing portion may be positioned in the main insulation region. The entire pressing portion may be positioned in the main insulation region. This enhances insulation performance. The gasket may be positioned in the main insulation region.

[0174] FIG. 11 illustrates a configuration for preventing frost formation on a door due to cold air.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 11, the point where frost formation occurs on the door may be the point of the lowest temperature on the outer surface of the door exposed to outside air. The lowest temperature point (c) may be at least one location. The lowest temperature point (c) may be adjacent to the point where the cap 8 and the inner support plate 22 meet. In the open module, the lowest temperature point (c) may be a place where the lower wall 81 and the rear wall 82 meet. In the open module, the lowest temperature point (c) may be a branching portion (B) where the flow of cold air branches. The branching may mean that the cold air flowing through the inner support plate 22 branches off to the lower wall 81 and the rear wall 82. A heat diffusion member 37 may be installed adjacent to the lowest temperature point (c). The heat diffusion member may be a heat diffusion plate. The heat diffusion plate may promote heat transfer. The heat diffusion member may use a metal plate. The heat diffusion plate may also diffuse cold air. By diffusing the cold air, the lowest temperature point may be prevented from dropping to a frost formation temperature. The heat diffusion plate may be provided on the rear side of the rear wall 82 adjacent to the lowest temperature point (c). The heat diffusion plate may be provided on the lower surface of the lower wall 81 adjacent to the lowest temperature point (c). The heat diffusion plate may be provided on at least one of the rear and front surfaces of the inner support plate 22 adjacent to the lowest temperature point (c).

[0176] If the door is thin, frost formation at the lowest temperature point may be severe. The heat diffusion plate may prevent frost formation. As an example, the drawing illustrates that the heat diffusion plate 37 is provided on the outer support plate 21, the lower support plate 23, the inner support plate 22, the rear wall 82, and the upper wall 83. This allows external heat to be conducted to the lowest temperature point (c). Arrows indicate the direction of heat transfer. A heat transfer path passing through the outer support plate 21, the lower support plate 23, and the inner support plate 22 may conduct heat from the outside air. The heat transfer path passing through the rear wall 82 and the upper wall 83 may conduct heat from the outside air. The heat transfer path passing through the rear wall 82 and the upper wall 83 may conduct heat from the heater. Here, the heater may be installed in the cabinet 11. The heater may prevent frost formation in the cabinet. The heater may also prevent frost formation in both the cabinet and the door. The heater may be installed in a partition wall that divides the storage space. Here, the partition wall may be a partition wall that divides the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment.

[0177] FIG. 12 is a drawing comparing the thickness of the door of the embodiment and the door of the comparative example. FIG. 12A is a comparative example in which the cap recess is horizontally long and has a single pusher. FIG. 12B is an example in which the cap recess is horizontally short and has at least two pushers.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 12, the length (b1) of the door end of the embodiment in the front-rear direction (Y) is smaller than the length (a1) of the door end of the comparative example in the front-rear direction (Y). Accordingly, the internal volume of the storage space may be increased. The problem that the insulation thickness of door end is reduced may be resolved through various solutions as described. The length (b2) of the cap recess of the embodiment in the left-right direction (X) is smaller than the length (a2) of the door of the comparative example in the front-rear direction (Y). Accordingly, the region where the insulation thickness is reduced may be shortened.

[0179] The comparative example has a concern that the initial opening of the door may not be smooth due to the single pusher. The concentrated force at one location may not be sufficient for the initial opening of the door. Since the force applied to a single member is large, there is a problem that the size of each member increases. The embodiment may provide at least two pushers. The embodiment may provide two pushers 6 on the left and right sides. The pusher may be provided symmetrically in the left-right direction (X). The pusher may be positioned adjacent to a dividing point when the door is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction (X). The pusher may be positioned in the center region when the door is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction (X). The pusher may be positioned adjacent to a second dividing point and a fourth dividing point from any one end, when the door is divided into six equal parts in the left-right direction (X). The drawing illustrates that it is adjacent to the second dividing point from the left. The pusher may be positioned in the third and fourth regions from any one end when the door is divided into six equal parts in the left-right direction (X). According to the above configuration, the door may be initially opened with minimal external force. Accordingly, the force applied to each member may be reduced. Accordingly, each member may be formed thin and long. Accordingly, the open module may be provided in a compact size.

[0180] FIG. 13 is a drawing comparing the internal regions. FIG. 13A is a drawing showing the internal region of a comparative example, and FIG. 13B is a drawing showing the internal region of an embodiment. The internal region may be represented in size as a rectangle.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 13, the internal region of the comparative example has a ratio (W1 / H1), which is greater than 1, of the size H1 in the up-down direction (Z) to the size W1 in the front-rear direction (Y). The internal region of the embodiment has a ratio (W1 / H1), which is greater than 1, of the size H2 in the up-down direction (Z) to the size W2 in the front-rear direction (Y). The internal region of the embodiment may have a ratio (W1 / H1), which is greater than 2, of the size H2 in the up-down direction (Z) to the size W2 in the front-rear direction (Y). According to the above ratio, it may be seen that the door thickness is reduced. A reduced door thickness may provide a larger storage space, and enhance the aesthetic experience of a user.

[0182] FIGS. 14 to 20 illustrate the door 200 and the open module 9 of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The description of the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13 may be directly applied to the present embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 20 unless otherwise noted. Descriptions of features identical to those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted. A refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14 to 20.

[0183] For example, the structure of the handle 94 of the present embodiment differs from the structure of the handle 4 of the above-described embodiment, and the structure of the handle 4 of the above-described embodiment cannot be directly applied to the present embodiment, but its functionality may be applied. For example, the description of the cabinet 11 and the first door 12, 13 of the above-described embodiment may also be directly applied to the present embodiment.

[0184] FIG. 14 is a front view of the door 200, and FIG. 15 is a rear view of the door 200.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 14, the door 200 may include a front panel 310. The front panel 310 may face forward. The front panel 310 may include an opening portion 209. The opening portion 209 may be positioned at the center of the door 200 in the width direction (left-right direction). The opening portion 209 may be disposed adjacent to the upper end of the door 200.

[0186] The open module 9 may be exposed forward through the opening portion 209. A portion of the open module 9 may be exposed forward through the opening portion 209. The open module 9 includes an operating part 95 (see FIG. 16), and a front portion 951 of the operating part 95 may be exposed forward through the opening portion 209.

[0187] A user may operate the operating part 95 through the opening portion 209. A user may open the door 200 by operating the operating part 95. A user may initially open the door 200 by operating the operating part 95. A user may push the operating part 95 in a rearward direction to move the door 200 out in a forward direction. A user may lift the operating part 95 upward to pull the door 200 in a forward direction.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 15, the door 200 may include a door liner 320. The door liner 320 may face rearward. The door liner 320 may face the storage space.

[0189] The door liner 320 may be disposed at the rear of the front panel 310.

[0190] The open module 9 includes a pusher 96 that pushes the cabinet 11 to open the door 200. The door 200 has an opening at the rear surface, and the pusher 96 may move rearward through the opening at the rear of the door. The opening may be part of the door liner 320 or the front panel 310. The opening through which the pusher 96 passes may be positioned lower than the opening portion 209 of the front panel 310.

[0191] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the door 200 may include a cap 80. The cap 80 may form the upper surface of the door 200. The cap 80 may cover the upper portion between the front panel 310 and the door liner 320.

[0192] Unlike the cap 8 of the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, the cap 80 may not have a cap recess.

[0193] Meanwhile, the open module 9 may include a case, similar to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, and the case may be mounted to the cap 80.

[0194] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 14, and 15, the door 200 may include a door portion that closes the storage space of the cabinet 11, and a basket that is disposed at the rear of the door portion and disposed in the storage space. The door 200 may be moved out in a forward direction from the storage space.

[0195] The rail recess 33 may be provided in the door liner 320, and the rail 29 may be mounted to a door portion through a rail mount 321 and a fastening member. Alternatively, the rail 29 may be mounted to a basket.

[0196] Referring to FIGS. 10, 14, and 15, an insulating material may be filled between the front panel 310 of the door 200 and the door liner 320. The insulating material may be filled between at least a portion of the case and the front panel 310.

[0197] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the open module 9.

[0198] Referring to FIG. 16, the open module 9 may include a handle 94.

[0199] The handle 94 may include an operating part 95, a rotary shaft 942 providing a rotational center of the handle, and a lever 943 positioned lower than the rotational center.

[0200] The operating part 95 may include a front surface 951 and a rear surface 952. The operating part 95 may include a grip 950 (see FIG. 17). The grip 950 may be positioned at the rear of the front surface 951. The grip 950 may be positioned between the front surface 951 and the rear surface 952. The grip 950 may be recessed upward.

[0201] The handle 94 may include a body 941. The rotary shaft 942 may protrude in the left-right direction from the body 942.

[0202] Meanwhile, a groove may be formed in the body 942, and a shaft may protrude from the case or door and be inserted into the groove to provide a rotary shaft of the handle.

[0203] The body 942 may extend in the width direction of the door 200. In the width direction of the door 200, the body 942 may extend longer than the operating part 95.

[0204] The handle 94 may include a neck 945. The neck 945 may extend from the body 941. The neck 945 may extend from the central portion of the body 941. The neck 945 may extend upward from the body 941.

[0205] The neck 945 may be connected to the operating part 95. The neck 945 may be connected to the rear surface 952.

[0206] The lever 943 may extend from the body 941. The lever 943 may extend downward from the body 941.

[0207] The lever 943 may include first and second side ends 944 that protrude downward from the left and right ends of the body 941. The lever 943 may extend between the first and second side ends 944 in the left-right direction. Alternatively, unlike as illustrated in FIG. 16, the lever 943 may protrude only from the side end of the body 941.

[0208] The outer end of the operating part 95 may be positioned radially further outward than the outer end of the lever 943, 944.

[0209] The open module 9 may include a link 97. The link 97 may connect the handle 94 and the pusher 96. The link 97 may be in contact with the handle 94.

[0210] The link 97 may be rotatably provided. The link 94 may include a rotary shaft 971. The rotary shaft 971 of the link 97 may be positioned lower than a rotational center 942 of the handle 94.

[0211] The link 97 may include a first arm 972 and a second arm 973. The first arm 972 may extend upward from the rotary shaft, and the second arm 973 may extend downward from the rotary shaft.

[0212] The first arm 972 may be connected to the lever 943, 944. The first arm 972 may come into contact with the lever 943, 944. The second arm 973 may be connected to the pusher 96. The second arm 973 may come into contact wit the pusher 96.

[0213] The first arm 972 may be shorter than the lever 943 or the side end 944 of the lever. The second arm 973 may be longer than the first arm 972.

[0214] The link 97 may include first and second links 97 at the first and second side ends 944 of the lever 943.

[0215] The open module 9 may include a pusher 96. The pusher 96 may be configured to slide in a front-rear direction. The pusher 96 moves in a rearward direction by the rotation of the handle 94 and the link 97, and moves in a forward direction by an elastic member 964. Here, the movement of the pusher 96 may be a relative concept with respect to the door 200.

[0216] The second door 200 includes a basket, and food is stored in the basket, so that it is heavy and its center of gravity is positioned lower than a handle portion. The refrigerator of the present embodiment has the advantage of being able to easily open with less force by moving the point of action where the open module 9 pushes the cabinet 11 to the lower side than the operating part 95 to which a user applies force, thereby preventing the door from rotating and converting the applied force into a translational motion.

[0217] The pusher 960 may be positioned lower than the operating part 95. The pusher 960 may be disposed at the same height as the lower end of the second arm 973 of the link 97. The pusher 960 may be disposed adjacent to the side end of the door 200. The pusher 960 may be disposed lower than the upper end of the door 200 so as to be in contact with the side end of the cabinet 11. The width of the pusher 960 in the left-right direction may be smaller than the height in the up-down direction.

[0218] The pusher 960 may include an outer end 961 connected to the link 94, an inner end 963 positioned at the rear, and an extension portion 962 connecting the outer end 961 and the inner end 963.

[0219] The outer end 961 may extend from the extension portion 962 in the width direction of door, and include an installation groove 965 in which the elastic member 964 (see FIG. 17) is disposed.

[0220] Although not illustrated in FIG. 16, as described above, the open module 9 may include a case.

[0221] FIGS. 17 and 18A are drawings illustrating the opening of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 17, the door 200 may close the storage space of the cabinet 11. The gasket 111 is mounted on the door 200, and the gasket 111 may seal the gap between the door 200 and the cabinet 11.

[0223] As described above with respect to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14, a large initial force may be required to open the door 200. A user may initially open the door 200 by operating the open module 9.

[0224] A user may open the door 200 by pushing the operating part 95 in a rearward direction.

[0225] When a force F1 is applied to the operating part 95 in a first direction D1 (rearward direction), the handle 94 may rotate in a first rotation direction R1 around the rotary shaft 942. At this time, the operating part 95 moves in a rearward direction, and the lever 943, 944 moves in a forward direction.

[0226] The first rotation direction R1 is depicted as counterclockwise in FIG. 17.

[0227] When the handle 94 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, the link 972 rotates in the second rotation direction R2, which is opposite to the first rotation direction R1. The link 972 rotates around the rotary shaft 971.

[0228] When the handle 94 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, the lever 943, 944 pushes the first arm 972 forward, and the link 97 rotates in the second rotation direction. When the link 97 rotates in the second rotation direction, the second arm 973 pushes the pusher 96 in a rearward direction.

[0229] When the link 97 pushes the pusher 96 in a rearward direction, the pusher 96 pushes the cabinet 11 in a rearward direction. Since the cabinet 11 is fixed, the link 97, the handle 94, and the door 200 are pushed in a forward direction. That is, the pusher 96 may slide rearward with respect to the door 200, and remain stationary with respect to the cabinet.

[0230] In the state where the door 200 closes the storage space and no external force is applied to the handle 94, the pusher 96 may be in contact with the cabinet 11.

[0231] Alternatively, when the door 200 closes the storage space and no external force is applied to the handle 94, the pusher 96 may be spaced from the cabinet 11, and when an external force is applied to the operating part 95, the pusher 96 may move rearward and come into contact with the cabinet 11, and in this state, when an external force is applied to the operating part 95, the handle 94 may rotate further and the pusher 96 may push the cabinet 11, thereby causing the door 200 to be moved out.

[0232] When a user pushes the operating part 95 in the first direction D1, the handle 94 rotates in the first rotation direction 94, the link 97 rotates in the second rotation direction, and the pusher 97 presses the cabinet in the first direction, so that a gap G is generated between the cabinet 11 and the door 200, and the door 200 is moved out in the second direction D2, resulting in the state of FIG. 18.

[0233] Meanwhile, a user may also open the door 200 by lifting the operating part 95 upward. The lower end of the front surface 951 of the operating part 95 may be positioned forward of the rotational center 942 of the handle 94. That is, when no external force is applied to the operating part 95, the handle 94 may rotate so that the lower end of the front surface 951 moves upward along an arc.

[0234] When a user lifts the operating part 95 upward, the handle 94 rotates in the first rotation direction 94, the link 97 rotates in the second rotation direction, and the pusher 97 presses the cabinet in the first direction, so that a gap G is generated between the cabinet 11 and the door 200, and the door 200 is moved out in the second direction D2, resulting in the state of FIG. 18.

[0235] Referring to FIG. 18A, the elastic member 964 may apply a force F2 to the pusher 964 in a forward direction. When an external force is removed from the operating part 95, the pusher 96 may move forward by the elastic member 964, the link 97 may rotate in the first rotation direction, and the handle may rotate in the second rotation direction. The operating part 95 may move in a forward direction (D2). At this time, the open module 9 is in the same state as that shown in FIG. 17, and the door 200 may be in the state of FIG. 18A spaced forward with respect to the cabinet 11.

[0236] In the state where the door 200 is initially opened, i.e., in the state where the door 200 is spaced (G) forward from the cabinet 11, a user may pull (F3) the handle 94 in a forward direction (D2) to move the door 200 out in a forward direction. Obviously, a user may also move the door 200 out in a forward direction by holding another part (e.g., the upper surface of the door) of the door 200 other than the handle 94.

[0237] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18A, a user may initially open the door 200 by pushing (F1) the operating part 95 in a rearward direction (D1) while the door 200 is closed, and then pull (F3) the operating part 95 or the handle 94 in a forward direction (D2) to move the door 200 out.

[0238] Alternatively, a user may initially open the door 200 by lifting the operating part 95 upward while the door 200 is closed, and then pull (F3) the operating part 95 or the handle 94 in a forward direction (D2) to move the door 200 out.

[0239] When the initial opening and subsequent withdrawal of the door 20 are performed in the same direction as in the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, there is an advantage in that a user may move the door 20 out with a single motion.

[0240] The force required to open (or withdraw) the door 20, 200 is different at the beginning moment of opening the door 200 and thereafter, and in particular, a large force is required at the beginning moment. If the direction of applied force is the same at the beginning moment of opening the door 200 and thereafter, the door may open rapidly immediately after the beginning moment requiring a large force.

[0241] As in the present embodiment, if the initial opening and subsequent withdrawal of the door 200 are performed in different directions, a user may withdraw the door 200 in two distinct steps.

[0242] Therefore, in the present embodiment, a user may apply force in different directions for the initial opening and subsequent withdrawal of the door 200, thereby preventing the door 200 from opening too quickly during this process.

[0243] In particular, it may be advantageous for users with limited strength, such as children or the elderly, to push the handle 94 to initially open the door 200.

[0244] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing three embodiments of the relative positions of the handle 94 and the link 97 in the front-rear direction.

[0245] Referring to FIG. 18A, the rotary shaft 942 of the handle 94 may be positioned forward (G1) of the link rotary shaft 971 of the link 97.

[0246] The length of the handle 94 (the length at the rotation radius of the handle) may be longer than the length of the link 97 (the length of the link at the rotation radius of the link). In addition, the front surface 951 of the operating part 95 is disposed at the opening portion 209 or adjacent to the opening portion 209.

[0247] That is, if the shaft of the handle 94 is disposed at the rear, the space occupied by the open module 9 in the front-rear direction is large.

[0248] By arranging the rotary shaft 942 of the handle 94 forward of the rotary shaft 971 of the link 97, the space required for installing the open module 9 may be reduced, and the door 200 may be designed thin.

[0249] Referring to FIG. 18B, the rotational center 942 of the handle 94 may be positioned on the same vertical line as the rotary shaft 971 of the link 97. That is, the rotational center 942 of the handle 94 may be positioned vertically above the rotary shaft 971 of the link 97.

[0250] The displacement of the lever 943, 944 in the front-rear direction with respect to the rotation angle of the handle 94 becomes a sine value of the angle of the lever with respect to the horizontal. Therefore, the change in displacement is a cosine value. Therefore, the change in displacement is greatest when the lever 943, 944 is positioned vertically below the rotary shaft 942.

[0251] Similarly, the change in displacement of the first arm 971 in the front-rear direction is greatest when the first arm is positioned vertically above the rotary shaft 971 of the link 97.

[0252] By arranging the rotary shaft 942 of the handle 94 and the rotary shaft 971 of the link 97 on the same vertical line, the pusher 96 may be moved significantly even when the handle 94 is rotated by a small angle.

[0253] Referring to FIG. 18C, the rotary shaft 942 (or rotational center) of the handle may be positioned rearward (G2) from the rotary shaft 971 of the link 97.

[0254] As described above, a user may lift the operating part 95 upward and rotate the handle 94 in the first direction to open the door 200. Among the forces for lifting the operating part 95 upward, the torque for rotating the handle 94 corresponds to the cosine value of the angle between the horizontal line and the operating part 95. Therefore, as the angle between the horizontal line and the operating part 95 becomes smaller, less force is required to open the door 200.

[0255] Since the operating part 95 is disposed at or adjacent to the opening portion 209, the angle between the horizontal line and the operating part 95 may be smaller as the rotary shaft 942 of the handle 94 is positioned rearward.

[0256] Therefore, according to the embodiment of FIG. 20, it is advantageous in initially opening the door 200 as a user lifts the operating part 95 upwards.

[0257] Meanwhile, as described above, the open module 9 may include a case. The handle 94 is relatively bulky in comparison with the link 97, and the rotary shaft 942 of the handle 94 is positioned rearward relative to the rotary shaft 971 of the link 97, thereby creating a space between the case and the front panel 310. Therefore, when filling the interior of the door 200 with insulating material, the insulating material may be smoothly filled between the case and the front panel 310.

[0258] The front portion of the case may be spaced rearward from the front panel 310. The lower portion of the front portion of the case may be spaced rearward from the front panel 310.

[0259] Certain embodiments or other embodiments of the invention described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct from each other. Any or all elements of the embodiments of the invention described above may be combined or combined with each other in configuration or function.

[0260] For example, a configuration "A" described in one embodiment of the invention and the drawings and a configuration "B" described in another embodiment of the invention and the drawings may be combined with each other. Namely, although the combination between the configurations is not directly described, the combination is possible except in the case where it is described that the combination is impossible.

[0261] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and / or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and / or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet which provides a storage space open in a forward direction; a door which comprises a door portion that closes the storage space, and a basket that is positioned at a rear of the door portion and positioned in the storage space, and which is withdrawn in a forward direction from the storage space; and an open module provided on the door, wherein the door portion comprises a front panel that faces forward and has an opening portion, and wherein the open module comprises: a handle which is rotatably disposed within the door about a rotational center in a left-right direction, the handle including an operating part that is exposed to the opening portion and positioned above the rotational center, and a lever positioned below the rotational center; a link comprising a link rotary shaft that is positioned below the rotational center of the handle, a first arm that extends upward from the link rotary shaft and is positioned at a front of the lever, and a second arm that extends downward from the link rotary shaft; and a pusher which is positioned at a rear of the second arm, and configured to be slidable in a rearward direction so as to protrude from a rear surface of the door.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein when the handle is rotated in a first rotation direction so that the operating part moves in a rearward direction, the pusher moves in a rearward direction.

3. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein when the handle is rotated in the first rotation direction, the pusher moves in a rearward direction with respect to the door while being in contact with the cabinet.

4. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the operating part comprises: a front surface which faces forward and is exposed to an exterior through the opening portion of the door; and a grip which is positioned at a rear of the front surface, and recessed upward.

5. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the handle is configured not to rotate in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction at a rotation position when no external force is applied.

6. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the rotational center of the handle is positioned forward of the rotary shaft of the link.

7. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the operating part comprises a front surface that faces forward and is exposed to an exterior through the opening portion of the door, and a length of the handle in a rotational radius of the handle is longer than a length of the link in a rotational radius of the link.

8. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the open module further comprises a case which is disposed between the front panel of the door and the door liner, and accommodates the handle, the lever, the link, and the pusher.

9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein a rotational center of the handle is positioned vertically above the rotary shaft of the link.

10. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the operating part comprises a front surface which faces forward and is exposed to an exterior through the opening portion of the door, and a lower end of the front surface is positioned forward of the rotational center of the handle, when the storage space is closed by the door.

11. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein, when the handle is rotated in a first rotation direction so that a lower end of the front surface moves upward along a rotational trajectory, the pusher moves in a rearward direction with respect to the door.

12. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the rotational center of the handle is positioned rearward of the rotary shaft of the link.

13. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein the handle further comprises: a body which has a rotary shaft that provides the rotational center of the handle, and extends in a left-right direction; and a neck which extends between the body and the operating part, wherein the lever comprises a first side end and a second side end that protrude downward from left and right ends of the body, wherein the link comprises: a first link which is in contact with the first side end; and a second link which is in contact with the second side end, wherein the pusher comprises: a first pusher which is in contact with the first link; and a second pusher which is in contact with the second link.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the door further comprises a door liner that faces the storage space and is disposed at a rear of the front panel, wherein the open module further comprises a case which is disposed between the front panel of the door and the door liner, and accommodates the body, the lever, the link, and the pusher, wherein an insulating material is filled between the front panel of the door and the door liner, and the insulating material is filled between at least a portion of the case and the front panel in a front-rear direction.

15. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the pusher is positioned below the operating part and in contact with a side end of the cabinet, and a width of the pusher in a left-right direction is less than a height of the pusher in an up-down direction.

16. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising an elastic member that presses the pusher in a forward direction.

17. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet which provides a storage space open in a forward direction; a door which comprises a door portion that closes the storage space, and a basket that is positioned at a rear of the door portion and positioned in the storage space, and which is withdrawn in a forward direction from the storage space; and an open module provided on the door, wherein the door portion comprises a front panel that faces forward and has an opening portion, and wherein the open module comprises: a handle which is rotatably disposed within the door about a rotational center in a left-right direction, the handle including an operating part that is exposed to the opening portion, and a lever that is positioned on an opposite side of the operating part with respect to the rotational center; a link which is connected to the lever and rotates; and a pusher which is connected to the link, and configured to be slidable in a rearward direction so as to protrude from a rear surface of the door, wherein when the handle is rotated in a first rotation direction so that the operating part moves in a rearward direction, the pusher moves in a rearward direction.

18. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet which provides a storage space open in a forward direction; a door which comprises a door portion that closes the storage space, and a basket that is positioned at a rear of the door portion and positioned in the storage space, and which is withdrawn in a forward direction from the storage space; and an open module provided on the door, wherein the door portion comprises a front panel that faces forward and has an opening portion, and wherein the open module comprises: a handle which is rotatably disposed within the door about a rotational center in a left-right direction, the handle including an operating part that is exposed to the opening portion, and a lever that is positioned on an opposite side of the operating part with respect to the rotational center; a link which is connected to the lever and rotates; and a pusher which is connected to the link, and configured to be slidable in a rearward direction so as to protrude from a rear surface of the door, wherein when the handle is rotated in a first rotation direction so that a lower end of the operating part moves upward along a rotational trajectory, the pusher moves in a rearward direction.

Images