Refrigerator including a door switch
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LG ELECTRONICS INC
- Filing Date
- 2020-06-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-03
Smart Images
Figure 112020062546481-PAT00004_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator including a door switch. Background Technology
[0002] A refrigerator may be equipped with a door switch that detects whether the refrigerator door is open or closed. For example, when the opening of the refrigerator door is detected by the door switch, control of the refrigerator may be performed to turn on the light in the refrigerator storage compartment and turn off the cooling fan to prevent cold air from leaking out of the storage compartment.
[0003] Generally, the door switch may be installed in the inner case of the refrigerator's storage compartment or on the front of a partition wall dividing multiple storage compartments. In this case, the door switch is positioned to be exposed to the outside, which leads to the problem of damage or malfunction of the switch due to user negligence.
[0004] With a door switch installed on the refrigerator, a foaming material for insulation may be provided on the outer side of the door switch. A switch cover may be provided to prevent the foaming material from entering the door switch.
[0005] The insulation area is reduced by the area where the above-mentioned switch cover is located, which may negatively affect the performance of the refrigerator. Therefore, the cover is required to have a compact configuration that is not too large.
[0006] Meanwhile, conventionally, the door switch and switch cover were configured as a single unit or were configured to be separable by a separate coupling structure, which had the problem that disassembling and assembling the door switch and switch cover was cumbersome when repairing or replacing the door switch.
[0007] As another example of the prior art, the door switch was integrated into the hinge mechanism of the door or installed as an integrated part of the inner case of the storage room. Even in this case, service work was cumbersome when repairing or replacing the door switch.
[0008] Information on related prior art is as follows.
[0009] 1. Publication No. (Publication Date): 10-2013-0073217 (July 3, 2013)
[0010] 2. Title of Invention: Refrigerator Door Switch Mounting Structure The problem to be solved
[0011] An embodiment of the present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problem and aims to provide a refrigerator including a door switch installed on a partition wall of a storage compartment so that the door switch is not exposed to the outside.
[0012] In addition, the purpose is to provide a refrigerator including a door switch that can prevent foam material from entering the door switch by providing a cover assembly that shields the door switch.
[0013] In addition, the purpose is to provide a refrigerator including a door switch, wherein the cover assembly includes a plurality of covers capable of shielding one side and the other side of the door switch by closely contacting them, so as to prevent a decrease in thermal insulation capacity by reducing the size of the cover assembly.
[0014] In addition, the invention aims to provide a refrigerator including a door switch, wherein a wire guide for guiding an electrical wire electrically connected to the door switch can be provided in a compact structure inside the cover assembly.
[0015] In addition, the purpose is to provide a refrigerator including a door switch, wherein the second cover can be assembled together with the door switch and the first cover so that the door switch can be separated together when the second cover among the cover assemblies is separated.
[0016] In addition, the invention aims to provide a refrigerator including a door switch, wherein a magnet that interacts with a door switch provided on the refrigerator body is provided on the refrigerator door. means of solving the problem
[0017] To solve the above-mentioned problem, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a door switch provided on the bottom surface of a partition wall partitioning a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, so that the door switch is not exposed to the outside, thereby preventing damage or malfunction of the switch and enabling the realization of a refrigerator with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
[0018] Since the above door switch is installed on the ceiling of the freezer, it can prevent the phenomenon of reduced insulation performance (overcooling) in the refrigerator compartment.
[0019] The above door switch is assembled by moving upward toward an installation groove formed in the ceiling of the freezer, and can be attached to the inner case by an adhesive member, thereby improving ease of assembly.
[0020] The above refrigerator includes a switch assembly comprising a door switch and a wire guide and cover assembly that supports a lead wire electrically connected to the door switch, and since the switch assembly is detachably mounted to the refrigerator body, it is easy to disassemble and assemble the switch assembly from the refrigerator body when repairing or replacing the door switch.
[0021] The above cover assembly includes first and second covers that shield one side and the other side of the door switch, and the second cover is configured to be detachably coupled to the door switch and the first cover, so that when the second cover is separated, the door switch dependent on the second cover can be separated together. Accordingly, operation for after-service work on the door switch can be easily performed.
[0022] The first and second covers mentioned above have a compact configuration to shield the outer sides of the door switch and wire guide, so the size of the cover assembly can be reduced, and accordingly, the reduction in thermal insulation due to the installation area of the cover assembly can be reduced.
[0023] A refrigerator including a door switch according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet including an upper storage compartment and a lower storage compartment; a door that opens and closes the lower storage compartment and is equipped with a magnet; a partition wall that partitions the upper storage compartment and the lower storage compartment and has an insulating material embedded therein for insulating the upper storage compartment and the lower storage compartment; a switch assembly installed on the bottom surface of the partition wall, wherein the switch assembly includes: a first cover on which an adhesive member attached to the bottom surface of the partition wall is installed; a door switch provided inside the first cover and acting with the magnet to detect whether the door is opened or closed; and a second cover that forms a part of the bottom surface of the switch assembly and includes a first hook that engages with the door switch and a second hook that engages with the first cover.
[0024] The door switch may include a support body that forms another part of the bottom surface of the switch assembly and is supported by the first cover and the second cover; and a terminal portion that is placed on the support body and connected to a lead wire.
[0025] The door switch may further include a plurality of protrusions provided on both sides of the door switch, which engage with the first cover and the second cover.
[0026] The plurality of protrusions includes a first protrusion that extends to one side from the top of the door switch and engages with the first cover, and the first cover may be provided with a first engaging rib that supports the first protrusion.
[0027] The plurality of protrusions above include a second protrusion that extends from the top of the door switch to the other side and engages with the second cover, and the second cover may be provided with a second engaging rib that supports the second protrusion.
[0028] The first cover may include an attachment portion having an upper surface on which the adhesive member is provided; and a first protrusion that protrudes upward from the attachment portion and shields the door switch.
[0029] The first catch rib above may be configured to protrude from the inner surface of the first protrusion.
[0030] The first cover may further include a second protrusion that protrudes upward from the first protrusion and forms a wire hole through which a lead wire passes.
[0031] The lower part of the first cover is open, and the attachment part can form the edge of the opened lower part of the first cover.
[0032] The second cover may shield a portion of the open lower part of the first cover, and the door switch may shield another portion of the open lower part.
[0033] The first hook extends upward from the second catch rib and may be configured to press the second projection downward.
[0034] A catch support is configured to protrude from the inner surface of the first protrusion, and the second hook can be caught on the catch support.
[0035] The above door includes a front frame, a door liner provided at the rear of the front frame and having a protrusion on the upper part, and a side frame, and the magnet can be embedded in the protrusion of the door liner.
[0036] The interior of the door liner is provided with a magnet holder that forms a magnetic groove, and the magnet can be installed in the magnetic groove to face upward.
[0037] Inside the above partition, a supporter and a storage box that support the partition are provided, and the upper part of the switch assembly may be positioned at a distance of a first and second set distance from the supporter and the storage box, respectively. Effects of the invention
[0038] According to the above-described embodiment, since the door switch is installed on the partition wall of the storage room so as not to be exposed to the outside, failure and damage to the door switch can be prevented and the exterior of the refrigerator can be made aesthetically pleasing.
[0039] In addition, a cover assembly that shields the door switch can be provided to prevent foam material from entering the door switch.
[0040] In addition, since the cover assembly includes a plurality of covers capable of shielding one side and the other side of the door switch in close contact, the size of the cover assembly can be reduced to prevent a decrease in thermal insulation capacity.
[0041] In addition, a wire guide that guides the electrical wire electrically connected to the door switch is provided in a compact structure inside the cover assembly, so the size of the cover assembly can be reduced.
[0042] In addition, since the second cover is assembled together with the door switch and the first cover, if the second cover is separated from the cover assembly, the door switch can be separated together.
[0043] In addition, since a magnet is provided on the refrigerator door, interaction between the magnet and the door switch can be easily performed during the opening and closing process of the refrigerator door. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0044] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the state in which a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a cabinet. FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along 3-3' of Figure 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing a part of the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of section "A" of Figure 3. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the bottom surface configuration of a bulkhead according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an internal perspective view showing the configuration of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the bottom configuration of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the bottom configuration of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along 12-12' of Fig. 7. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a freezer door according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a freezer door according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along 15-15' of Fig. 14. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the switch assembly and the magnet positioned in close proximity when the freezer door is closed according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0045] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.
[0046] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention. These terms are intended only to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by the terms. Where it is stated that a component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but that another component may also be "connected," "combined," or "connected" between each component.
[0047] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing the state in which a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a cabinet, FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along 3-3' of FIG. 2.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerator (1, 2) according to the present embodiment can be placed independently or together with another refrigerator (5) in a kitchen or living room, etc.
[0049] At this time, a cabinet (F) capable of accommodating a refrigerator (1,2) inside may be provided in the kitchen or living room, etc. The height of the accommodation space inside the cabinet (F) may be set so that the gap between the upper surface of the refrigerator (1,2) and the upper wall of the cabinet (F) is not large when the refrigerator (1,2) is accommodated.
[0050] If the gap between the upper surface of the refrigerator (1,2) and the upper wall of the cabinet (F) is not large, the upper structure of the refrigerator (1,2) is not visible from the outside, and the sense of unity between the cabinet (F) and the refrigerator (1,2) can be increased. Below, the configuration of the refrigerator (1) will be explained with an emphasis.
[0051] The above refrigerator (1) may include a cabinet (10) having a storage compartment. The cabinet (10) may have a shape of a roughly rectangular parallelepiped.
[0052] A plurality of storage rooms (17, 18) are formed inside the cabinet (11). The plurality of storage rooms (17, 18) include a refrigerator room (17) and a freezer room (18). The refrigerator room (17) and the freezer room (18) can be separated by a partition wall (60). For example, the freezer room (18) can be located below the refrigerator room (17). An insulating material (80) is provided inside the partition wall (60) to insulate the refrigerator room (17) and the freezer room (18).
[0053] The refrigerator (1) may further include a refrigerator door provided in front of the storage compartments (17, 18) to open and close the storage compartments (17, 18). The refrigerator door may include a refrigerator door (21, 22) to open and close the refrigerator compartment and a freezer door (31, 32) to open and close the freezer compartment.
[0054] For example, the refrigerator door (21, 22) and the freezer door (31, 32) may be hinged to the cabinet (10) so as to be rotatable. The refrigerator door (21, 22) and the freezer door (31, 32) may rotate forward around the hinge to open the refrigerator (17) and the freezer (18), respectively, and rotate backward around the hinge to close the refrigerator (17) and the freezer (18), respectively.
[0055] However, the opening and closing types of the refrigerator door and freezer door are not limited to this, and may be configured as a drawer type that pulls out forward.
[0056] The above refrigerator doors (21, 22) may be provided as a left and right pair so that the refrigerator room (17) is shielded by the pair of doors. The pair of doors includes a first refrigerator door (21) and a second refrigerator door (22).
[0057] The above freezer doors (31, 32) may be provided as a left and right pair and configured to open and close the freezer by the pair of doors. The pair of doors includes a first freezer door (31) and a second freezer door (32).
[0058] A hinge cover (15) that shields the hinges provided on both sides of the first and second refrigerator doors (21, 22) may be provided on the upper surface of the cabinet (10).
[0059] Additionally, recessed handle grooves (27, 37) may be formed at the bottom of the refrigerator door (21, 22) and at the top of the freezer door (31, 32). The handle grooves (27, 37) include a first handle groove (27) formed at the bottom of each of the first and second refrigerator doors (21, 22) and a second handle groove (37) formed at the top of each of the first and second freezer doors (31, 32).
[0060] A user can open and close the refrigerator door (21, 22) or freezer door (31, 32) by inserting their hand into the handle groove (27, 37).
[0061] On the back side of the refrigerator door (21, 22), a plurality of door baskets (40) capable of storing food are provided, and the plurality of door baskets (40) can be arranged in an up-and-down direction.
[0062] FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing a part of the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part "A" of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the bottom configuration of a partition wall according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a partition wall (60) that separates a refrigerator room (17) and a freezer room.
[0064] The above partition (60) includes an inner case (61, 63, 65) in which an insulating material (80) is embedded. The above inner case (61, 63, 65) includes a first inner case (61, also referred to as the freezer-side inner case) forming the ceiling of the freezer room (18), a second inner case (63, also referred to as the refrigerator-side inner case) forming the bottom surface of the refrigerator room (17), and a third inner case (65) forming the front part of the above partition (60) and in contact with the refrigerator door.
[0065] The above first to third inner cases (61, 63, 65) can be formed as a single unit.
[0066] The above partition (60) may be provided with a storage box (70) that provides a separate storage space in addition to the refrigerator and freezer compartments. The second inner case (63) has a box recess (64) that is recessed downward, and the storage box (70) is mounted in the box recess (64).
[0067] The above storage box (70) includes a first storage box (70a) and a second storage box (70b), and the first and second storage boxes (70a, 70b) can be arranged in left and right directions.
[0068] The above storage box (70) can form a temperature environment of the refrigerator, and an openable box cover (75) may be provided on the upper part of the storage box (70). The box cover (75) shields the open upper part of the storage box (70) and may form part of the bottom surface of the refrigerator. For example, the box cover (75) may slide forward or backward.
[0069] A supporter (80) may be provided inside the partition (60) to reinforce the strength of the inner case constituting the partition (60). While the inner case is made of injection molded material and has weak inherent strength, the inner case constituting the partition (60), particularly the third inner case (65) constituting the front part of the partition (60), may be deformed by coming into contact with the refrigerator door when the refrigerator door is opened or closed.
[0070] Accordingly, a supporter (80) for reinforcing the strength of the bulkhead may be provided on the inner side of the front portion of the bulkhead (60). That is, the supporter (80) may be located at the rear of the third inner case (65).
[0071] The supporter (80) includes a supporter body (81) having a plate shape formed long in the left-right direction and an inner case coupling part (83) provided on both sides of the supporter body (81) and assembled to the front of the partition wall (60).
[0072] A front plate (90) is provided on the front portion of the above partition (60). The front plate (90) is the portion that the refrigerator door contacts, and more specifically, can be understood as the portion that the refrigerator door gasket contacts. The front plate (90) may be provided as a steel plate so as to interact with a magnet provided inside the gasket.
[0073] The front plate (90) may be provided in front of the third inner case (65) that forms the front portion of the bulkhead (60). Additionally, a heater or hot gas pipe for preventing condensation may be provided in the space between the front plate (90) and the third inner case (65).
[0074] A switch assembly (100) may be installed in the first inner case (61) forming the bottom surface of the above partition (60). In another view, the switch assembly (100) may be installed on the ceiling of the freezer (18) and may be installed in an installation groove (60a) formed in the first inner case (61) by moving upward inside the freezer (18).
[0075] The switch assembly (100) is provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple switch assemblies (100) include a first assembly (100a) and a second assembly (100b). The first assembly (100a) is installed on the left side of the first inner case (61) and can perform a magnetic action with the magnetic (260, see FIG. 16) of the first freezer door (31).
[0076] The second assembly (100b) is installed on the right side of the first inner case (61) and can perform magnetic action with the magnetic (260, see FIG. 16) of the second freezer door (32). The first and second assemblies (100a, 100b) may be spaced apart in the left and right directions.
[0077] In the remaining portion of the above partition wall (60), excluding the space where the storage box (70), the supporter (80), and the switch assembly (100) are installed, an insulating material (80) for insulating the refrigerator room (17) and the freezer room (18) may be provided.
[0078] The storage box (70) may be positioned at a certain distance from the rear of the supporter (80). The switch assembly (100) may be configured to extend upward from the bottom surface of the partition wall (60) and be embedded in the insulation material (80). Additionally, the switch assembly (100) may be located at the bottom of the space between the storage box (70) and the supporter (80).
[0079] According to this configuration, the area where the insulation material (80) is provided within the internal space of the partition wall (60) can be formed smaller by the storage box (70), the supporter (80), and the switch assembly (100). Therefore, considering thermal insulation performance and space utilization, it is necessary to configure the size of the switch assembly (100) to be as small as possible.
[0080] By configuring the switch assembly (100) compactly, the distance between the switch assembly (100) and the supporter (80) can be secured by at least a first distance (S1), and an insulating layer made of an insulating material (80) can be formed in the space between them. For example, the first distance (S1) can be formed in the range of 13 to 14 mm.
[0081] In addition, the distance between the switch assembly (100) and the storage box (70) can be secured to be greater than a second distance (S2), and an insulating layer made of an insulating material (80) can be formed in the space between them. For example, the second distance (S2) can be formed in the range of 10 to 11 mm.
[0082] The switch assembly (100) is provided with an adhesive member (180), and the adhesive member (180) can be attached to the first inner case (61) of the partition wall (60).
[0083] Below, the configuration of the switch assembly (100) will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.
[0084] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8 is an internal perspective view showing the configuration of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the bottom configuration of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the bottom configuration of a switch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view cut along 13-13' of FIG. 7.
[0085] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 12, a switch assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a door switch (110) having a terminal connected to a lead wire (W), a first cover (120) that shields the upper part of the door switch (110) and prevents the entry of an insulating material (80), and a second cover (130) provided on the lower part of the first cover (120) and detachably coupled to the door switch (110).
[0086] The switch assembly (100) further includes a wire bracket (150) to which a lead wire electrically connected to the door switch (110) is coupled, provided on one side of the door switch (110). The wire bracket (150) can support the lead wire so that the lead wire is fixed in an accurate position.
[0087] The above door switch (100) includes a support body (111) that forms a bottom surface and is supported by the first and second covers (120, 130). The support body (111) is a portion exposed to the freezer (18) side, and the rim of the support body (111) can be supported by the first locking rib (126) of the first cover (120) and the second locking rib (135) of the second cover (130).
[0088] A portion of the rim of the support body (111) may be provided to be in contact with the lower side of the first locking rib (126) of the first cover (120). Another portion of the rim of the support body (111) may be provided to be in contact with the lower side of the second locking rib (135) of the second cover (130).
[0089] The door switch (110) is positioned on the upper side of the support body (111) and includes a pair of terminal portions (112) to which a lead wire (W) is connected. The pair of terminal portions (112) are exposed at the upper end of the door switch (110).
[0090] The lead wire (W) is connected to the terminal portion (112) and extends to the wire bracket (150), and is drawn out to the outside of the switch assembly (100) via the wire bracket (150). At this time, the lead wire (W) can be drawn out to the outside of the switch assembly (100) through the opening (125a).
[0091] The door switch (110) includes a projection (115, 116) that engages with the first and second covers (120, 130). The projection (115, 116) may be provided on both sides of the door switch (110). The pair of terminal portions (112) may be located between the projections (115, 116).
[0092] The above projections (115, 116) include a first projection (115) that extends to one side from the top of the door switch (110) and engages with the first catch rib (126) of the first cover (120). The one side may mean a direction away from the center of the door switch (110) and the second cover (130).
[0093] The above projections (115, 116) include a second projection (116) that extends from the top of the door switch (110) toward the other side and engages with the second catch rib (135) of the second cover (130). The other side may refer to a direction approaching the second cover (130) from the center of the door switch (110).
[0094] The first and second protrusions (115, 116) each have a cantilever shape and are configured to be extended by bending. Accordingly, the first and second protrusions (115, 116) may be deformable. When the door switch (110) is separated from the switch assembly (100) or coupled to the switch assembly (100), the first and second protrusions (115, 116) may be elastically deformed.
[0095] And, when the door switch (110) is installed in the switch assembly (110), the first and second protrusions (115, 116) can be caught on the first and second covers (120, 130) by the restoring force and be closely attached.
[0096] In summary, the first projection (115) of the door switch (110) engages with the first locking rib (126), and one side of the support body (111) can be configured to contact the first locking rib (126) at the lower side of the first projection (115).
[0097] The second projection (116) of the door switch (110) may be engaged with the second locking rib (135), and the other side of the support body (111) may be configured to contact the second locking rib (135) at the lower side of the second projection (116).
[0098] The lower portion of the first cover (120) is open, the second cover (130) covers part of the open lower portion of the first cover (120), and the door switch (100) can cover another part of the open lower portion.
[0099] When the above switch assembly (100) is installed on the ceiling of the freezer, the bottom surface of the door switch (110) and the bottom surface of the second cover (130) may be exposed toward the freezer. However, since the bottom surface of the door switch (110) and the bottom surface of the second cover (130) form a plane almost identical to the ceiling of the freezer, they are not easily exposed to the user.
[0100] In detail, the bottom cover portion (121a) provided on the edge of the first cover (120) is exposed toward the freezer (18). The bottom cover portion (121a) forms the bottom surface of the attachment portion (121). And, a door switch (110) and a second cover (130) may be positioned at the open bottom portion formed in the center of the first cover (120).
[0101] The bottom edge of the door switch (110) and the bottom edge of the second cover (130) can be aligned with the edge of the open bottom portion of the first cover (120).
[0102] A service groove (137) is formed between the end of the second cover (130) and the edge of the lower part of the first cover (120) to allow a user's hand or a work tool to be inserted for separating the second cover (130).
[0103] When a user inserts their hand or a tool into the service groove (137) and pulls the second cover (130), the second cover (130) can be separated from the switch assembly (100).
[0104] The first cover (120) includes an attachment part (121) that is attached to a first inner case (61) forming the bottom surface of the partition wall (60).
[0105] The attachment portion (121) may have the shape of a roughly square plate. An adhesive member (180) attached to the first inner case (61) may be attached to the upper surface of the attachment portion (121). For example, the adhesive member (180) may include double-sided tape. The adhesive member (180) may be provided on the edge of the attachment portion (121).
[0106] The first cover (120) further includes a first protrusion (123) that protrudes upward from the attachment part (121) to form an installation space (121b) for the door switch (110) and the wire bracket (150).
[0107] A through hole (124) is formed in the first protrusion (123). Access to the inside of the switch assembly (100) from the outside is possible through the through hole (124). For example, a certain work tool can access the door switch (110) through the through hole (124).
[0108] The first cover (120) further includes a second protrusion (125) that protrudes further upward from the first protrusion (123). An opening (125a) formed at the end of the second protrusion (125) forms a wire hole through which a lead wire (W) passes.
[0109] The inner surface of the first cover (120) is provided with a first catch rib (126) that engages with the first projection (115) of the door switch (110). The first catch rib (126) is provided at a position slightly higher than the open lower portion of the first cover (120) and may be configured to protrude from the inner surface of the first projection (123).
[0110] The end of the support body (111) of the door switch (110) contacts the inner surface of the lower part of the first cover (120), and the upper surface of the support body (111) may contact the lower surface of the first locking rib (126). In addition, the first projection (115) may be engaged with the upper part or the side end of the first locking rib (126).
[0111] That is, the door switch (110) can be stably supported by the first cover (120) and the second cover (130).
[0112] The second cover (130) includes a cover body (131) having a plate shape, a first locking device that engages with the door switch (110), and a second locking device that engages with the first cover (120).
[0113] The first locking device includes a second locking rib (135) that extends stepwise from one end of the cover body (131) and engages with the second projection (116) of the door switch (110). The second locking rib (135) may extend toward the door switch (110) at a position higher than the cover body (131).
[0114] The first locking device includes a first hook (132) that extends upward from the second locking rib (135) and supports the second projection (116). The first hook (132) is configured so that its end is bent, and the bent end may be configured to press the second projection (116) of the door switch (110).
[0115] The bent end of the first hook (132) can be positioned spaced upward from the second hook rib (135).
[0116] The second locking device includes a second hook (133) that extends upward from the other end of the cover body (131) (the end opposite to the one end) and is engaged with the locking support (127) of the first cover (120).
[0117] The second hook (133) is configured such that its end is bent, and the bent end may be configured to press the locking support (127) of the first cover (120). The locking support (127) may be provided to protrude from the inner surface of the first protrusion (123).
[0118] That is, the second cover (130) is detachably coupled to the door switch (110) through the first locking device (132, 135) and detachably coupled to the first cover (120) through the second locking device (133), so that it can be maintained in a stably fixed state on the switch assembly (100).
[0119] And, in the process of separating the second cover (130), the second cover (130) may rotate around the first locking device (132, 135) so that the second locking device (133) may be separated first.
[0120] In detail, when the second hook (133) is separated from the locking support (127) of the first cover (120), the second cover (130) rotates downward around the first locking device (132, 135), and subsequently the first locking device can be separated from the door switch (110).
[0121] When the second projection (116) of the door switch (110) is separated from the first hook (132) and the second locking rib (135) of the second cover (130), the door switch (110) begins to be separated together with the second cover (130) while losing support for the second cover (130), and subsequently, as the bonding force between the first projection (115) and the first locking rib (126) weakens, it can be separated from the switch assembly (100).
[0122] According to this configuration and operation, the door switch (100) is assembled in a state of being dependent (supported) on the first and second covers (120, 130), so when the second cover (130) is separated, it can naturally be separated together with the second cover (130). Therefore, no separate service operation is required to separate the cover first and then separate the door switch.
[0123] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a freezer door according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a freezer door according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along 15-15' of FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the switch assembly and the magnet positioned in close proximity when the freezer door according to an embodiment of the present invention is closed.
[0124] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, a freezer door (31, 32) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a front panel (not shown) forming the front exterior of the freezer door (31, 32) and a frame assembly supporting the rear of the front panel. The front panel may be detachably provided at the front of the frame assembly. Depending on the user's preference, the design or color of the front panel may be changed and coupled to the frame assembly.
[0125] The above frame assembly includes a front frame (210) having a shape corresponding to the shape of the front panel and a front surface to which the front panel is attached. The front frame (210) may be formed of a metal material with low deformation due to external force. The front frame (210) may have the shape of a rectangular plate.
[0126] The frame assembly may include a door liner (220) located at the rear of the front frame (210). The door liner (220) may be coupled to the front frame (210) with a portion of the door liner (220) spaced apart from the front frame (210). Accordingly, an insulating space for accommodating an insulating material may be formed between the front frame (210) and the door liner (220).
[0127] The above frame assembly may further include an upper frame (230) connected to the upper side of the front frame (210) and a lower frame (240) connected to the lower side of the front frame (210).
[0128] The upper frame (230) can cover the upper side of the insulation space, and the lower frame (240) can cover the lower side of the insulation space.
[0129] The upper frame (230) and the front frame (210) can be fastened by a fastening member (285).
[0130] The above frame assembly may further include a plurality of side frames (250) forming the exterior of both sides of the freezer door (31, 32). The plurality of side frames (250) may cover the connection portion between the front frame (210) and the door liner (220).
[0131] The above side frame (250) includes a frame side portion (251) that forms the side exterior of the freezer door (31, 32) and a frame front portion (252) that is bent forward from the frame side portion (251) and contacts the rear of the front frame (210).
[0132] The front frame (210) and the side frame (250) can be joined by a frame joining member (280). The frame joining member (280) is provided at the rear of the front frame (210) and can be joined to the frame front portion (252) of the side frame (250). Specifically, the projection of the frame joining member (280) can be engaged with the first fastening hole (215) of the front frame (210) and the second fastening hole (255) of the side frame (250).
[0133] The above door liner (220) includes a door liner body (221) forming the back surface of the freezer door (31, 32) and a protrusion (225) protruding rearward from the upper part of the door liner body (221).
[0134] A magnetic (260) may be installed on the protrusion (225). Specifically, a magnetic holder (270) may be mounted inside the protrusion (225). The magnetic holder (270) includes a holder body (271) that forms a magnetic groove (272) into which the magnetic (260) is mounted.
[0135] The magnetic groove (272) is configured to be recessed downward from the upper part of the holder body (271), and the magnetic (260) is mounted in the magnetic groove (272). However, the magnetic (260) is not exposed to the outside of the door liner (220) and may be embedded inside the door liner (220).
[0136] The magnetic holder (270) includes an extension portion (273) extending downward from the holder body (271). The extension portion (273) forms a catch hole (274) that engages with the catch protrusion (227) of the door liner (220).
[0137] The above-mentioned locking protrusion (227) is configured so that the inner surface of the door liner (220) protrudes toward the magnetic holder (270) and can be inserted into the locking hole (274). With this configuration, the magnetic holder (270) can be easily secured to the door liner (220).
[0138] Referring to FIG. 17, when the freezer door (31, 32) is closed to shield the freezer (18), the protrusion (225) of the door liner (220) can be positioned on the lower side of the partition wall (60).
[0139] The magnetic (260) embedded inside the protrusion (225) is positioned to face upward and may be located in close proximity to the switch (110) located on the bottom surface of the partition (60). When the distance between the magnetic (260) and the switch (110) is within the operating distance (S), the switch (110) can detect the magnetic (260) and recognize that the freezer door (31, 32) is closed.
[0140] With the above configuration and operation, the position of the switch assembly can be optimized and its size reduced, thereby reducing thermal insulation loss in the refrigerator. Additionally, since the door switch can be removed together with the cover simply by removing a part of the cover provided on the switch assembly, replacement and repair of the door switch can be facilitated. Explanation of the symbols
[0141] 10 : Cabinet 17 : Refrigerator compartment 18: Freezer compartment 21, 22: Refrigerator door 31, 32 : Freezer door 60 : Partition wall 70 : Storage box 80 : Supporter 90 : Front plate 100 : Switch assembly 110: Door switch 120: First cover 130 : 2nd Cover
Claims
Claim 1 A cabinet comprising a first storage room and a second storage room; a door that opens and closes the second storage room and is equipped with a magnet; a partition wall that partitions the first storage room and the second storage room and has an insulating material embedded therein for insulating the first storage room and the second storage room; and a switch assembly installed on the partition wall, wherein the switch assembly includes: a first cover on which an adhesive member attached to the partition wall is installed; and a door switch provided inside the first cover and acting with the magnet to detect whether the door is opened or closed. A refrigerator comprising a door switch, the first locking device detachably coupled to the door switch and the second cover including a second locking device detachably coupled to the first cover, wherein when the second cover is separated from the first cover, the first locking device and the second locking device are disposed at both ends of the second cover so that the first locking device is separated from the door switch while the second locking device rotates from the center of the first locking device. Claim 2 A refrigerator comprising a door switch according to claim 1, wherein the door switch comprises: a support body supported by the first cover and the second cover; and a terminal portion placed on the support body and connected to a lead wire. Claim 3 A refrigerator comprising a door switch according to claim 2, wherein the door switch engages with the first cover and the second cover, and further comprises a plurality of protrusions provided on both sides of the door switch. Claim 4 A refrigerator comprising a door switch, wherein, in claim 3, the plurality of protrusions include a first protrusion that extends laterally from one end of the door switch and engages with the first cover, and the first cover is provided with a first engaging rib that supports the first protrusion. Claim 5 A refrigerator comprising a door switch, wherein, in claim 3, the plurality of protrusions include a second protrusion that extends from one end of the door switch to the other side and engages with the second cover, and the first engaging device is provided with a second engaging rib that supports the second protrusion. Claim 6 A refrigerator comprising a door switch according to claim 4, wherein the first cover comprises: an attachment portion having one surface on which the adhesive member is provided; and a first protrusion protruding from the attachment portion and shielding the door switch. Claim 7 A refrigerator comprising a door switch according to claim 6, wherein the first locking rib is configured to protrude from the inner surface of the first protrusion. Claim 8 A refrigerator comprising a door switch according to claim 6, wherein the first cover further comprises a second protrusion that protrudes from the first protrusion and forms a wire hole through which a lead wire passes. Claim 9 A refrigerator comprising a door switch, wherein, in claim 6, the end of the first cover is open, and the attachment portion forms the edge of the open end of the first cover. Claim 10 A refrigerator comprising a door switch, wherein, in claim 9, the second cover shields a portion of the open end of the first cover, and the door switch shields another portion of the open end. Claim 11 A refrigerator comprising a door switch, wherein, in claim 5, the first locking device includes a first hook that engages with the door switch, and the first hook is configured to extend from the second locking rib and press the second projection. Claim 12 A refrigerator comprising a door switch according to claim 6, wherein the second locking device includes a second hook that engages with the first cover, and a locking support is configured to protrude from the inner surface of the first protrusion, and the second hook engages with the locking support. Claim 13 A refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the door comprises a front frame, a door liner provided at the rear of the front frame and having a protrusion on the upper part, and a side frame, and the magnetic is embedded in the protrusion of the door liner, and the door switch. Claim 14 A refrigerator comprising a door switch according to claim 13, wherein a magnet holder forming a magnetic groove is provided inside the door liner, and the magnet is provided in the magnetic groove and installed to face upward. Claim 15 A refrigerator comprising a door switch, wherein, in claim 1, a supporter and a storage box supporting the partition are provided inside the partition, and the switch assembly is positioned at a distance of first and second set distances from the supporter and the storage box, respectively. Claim 16 A refrigerator comprising a door switch according to claim 1, wherein the door switch includes a first projection coupled to the first locking device and a second projection coupled to the first cover, and the first projection and the second projection are provided at both ends of the door switch. Claim 17 A refrigerator comprising a door switch according to claim 16, wherein the second cover forms a part of the bottom surface of the switch assembly, the door switch forms another part of the bottom surface of the switch assembly, and the first projection and the first locking device are disposed between the second locking device and the second projection.