refrigerator

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close to respectively open and close the storage compartment, and a gasket coupled to the door and configured to cover a gap between the door and the main body when the door is closed. The door includes an outer frame and an inner frame coupled to the outer frame. The inner frame includes a frame body and a catch protrusion including a leg portion extending from the frame body and a catch portion extending from the leg portion and engaged with the gasket to couple the gasket to the door.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT / KR2025 / 012168, filed Aug. 12, 2025, and claims foreign priority to Korean Application No. 10-2024-0135162, filed Oct. 4, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A refrigerator is an apparatus keeping food fresh by including a main body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply system for supplying cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerating chamber for storing food in a refrigerated state by maintaining a temperature at about 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, and a freezing chamber for storing food in a frozen state by maintaining a temperature at about minus 17 to minus 23 degrees Celsius. Generally, the storage compartment is formed to have an open front for putting in and taking out food.

[0004] A refrigerator repeats a cooling cycle in which a refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated using a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator. At this time, both the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber may be cooled by a single evaporator provided on the freezing chamber side, or the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber may be cooled independently by respective evaporators.

[0005] A temperature in a storage compartment needs to be maintained within a certain range required to keep food fresh. The storage compartment is formed to have an open front, and the open front is closed by a door to maintain the temperature in the storage compartment at normal times.

[0006] A refrigerator may include a gasket. The gasket is located between a main body and a door to prevent cold air from leaking into a space between the main body and the door when the door is closed, and to cushion impact on the door and main body when the door is opened and closed.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator having a structure in which insulation performance is improved by a door insulator.

[0008] The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator having an improved structure to prevent and / or reduce dew formation on a door.

[0009] The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator having an improved structure to allow a gasket to be easily mounted on or removed from a door.

[0010] The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator having an improved structure such that a gasket may be firmly fixed to a door.

[0011] Technical tasks to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.Technical Solution

[0012] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close to respectively open and close the storage compartment, and a gasket coupled to the door and configured to cover a gap between the door and the main body when the door is closed. The door may include an outer frame and an inner frame coupled to the outer frame. The inner frame may include a frame body and a catch protrusion including a leg portion extending from the frame body and a catch portion extending from the leg portion and engaged with the gasket to couple the gasket to the door.

[0013] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment and including an outer frame, an inner frame coupled to the outer frame, and a door insulator provided between the outer frame and the inner frame, and a gasket coupled to the door and configured to cover a gap between the door and the main body when the door is closed. The inner frame may include a frame body disposed to face the main body when the door is closed, and a catch protrusion configured to fix the gasket. The catch protrusion may protrude from one side of the frame body opposite to the door insulator.

[0014] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include: a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a gasket coupled to the door and configured to cover a gap between the door and the main body when the door is closed. The door may include an outer frame, an inner frame coupled to the outer frame and disposed to face the main body when the door is closed, and a door insulator disposed between the outer frame and the inner frame. The inner frame may include a frame body disposed between the door insulator and the gasket, and a catch protrusion protruding from the frame body and configured such that the gasket is caught thereon and coupled thereto.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating components of a door included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an inner frame of the door and a gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating catch protrusions of the inner frame of the door and the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket coupled thereto included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 6 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating catch protrusions of the inner frame of the door and the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket coupled thereto included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 8 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating catch protrusions of the inner frame of the door and the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an example in which a fixture portion of the gasket enters the catch protrusion included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an example in which the fixture portion of the gasket is twisted by a chamfer portion provided in the catch protrusion included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an example in which the fixture portion of the gasket is seated on a frame body after being twisted by the chamfer portion provided in the catch protrusion included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an example in which the fixture portion of the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is engaged with the catch protrusion after being restored from the twisted state.

[0028] FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket coupled thereto included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 15 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating a catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket coupled thereto included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 17 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating a catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket coupled thereto included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 19 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating a catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket coupled thereto included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.MODE OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0035] Various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0036] In connection with the explanation of the drawings, like reference numbers may be used for like or related components.

[0037] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of items, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0038] In the present disclosure, each of phrases such as “A or B,”“at least one of A and B,”“at least one of A or B,”“A, B or C,”“at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0039] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related components or any one of a plurality of related components.

[0040] Terms such as “first,”“second,”“primary,” and “secondary” may simply be used to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

[0041] In the present disclosure, the terms “front surface,”“rear surface,”“upper surface,”“lower surface,”“side surface,”“left side,”“right side,”“upper portion,” and “lower portion” used in the following description are defined with reference to the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0042] The terms “comprises” and “has” are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the present disclosure, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0043] When any component is referred to as being “connected”, “coupled”, “supported” or “in contact” with another component, this includes a case in which the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other through a third component as well as directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other.

[0044] When any component is referred to as being located “on” or “above” another component, this includes not only a case in which any component is in contact with another component but also a case in which another component is present between the two components.

[0045] A refrigerator according to an embodiment may include a main body.

[0046] The “main body” may include an inner case, an outer case disposed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulator provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0047] The “inner case” may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel and a liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The “outer case” may form an outer appearance of the main body and may be coupled to the outside of the inner case so that the insulator is disposed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0048] The “insulator” may insulate the inside and outside of the storage compartment so that a temperature inside the storage compartment may be maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by an external environment of the storage compartment. According to an embodiment, the insulator may include a foam insulator such as polyurethane foam. A foam insulator may be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam mixed with polyurethane and foaming agent between the inner case and the outer case.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the insulator may further include a vacuum insulator in addition to the foam insulator, or may be configured as only the vacuum insulator instead of the foam insulator. The vacuum insulator may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the inside thereof with a vacuum or a pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulator is not limited to the foam insulator or vacuum insulator described above and may include various materials that may be used for insulation.

[0050] The “storage compartment” may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include an inner case defining a space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and may be formed such that at least one side thereof is open to allow items to be put in and to be taken out.

[0051] The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different uses and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, the respective storage compartments may be partitioned from each other by partitions including the insulators.

[0052] The storage compartment may be provided to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the use, and may include a “refrigerating chamber,” a “freezing chamber,” or a “variable temperature chamber” depending on the use and / or temperature range. The refrigerating chamber may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for storing items in a refrigerated state, and the freezing chamber may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for storing items in a frozen state. “Refrigerating” may refer to cooling items to the point where the items are not frozen, and as an example, the refrigerating chamber may be maintained in a temperature ranging from zero degree Celsius to seven degrees Celsius. “Freezing” may refer to cooling items such that the items are freezing or maintained in a frozen state, as an example, the freezing chamber may be maintained at a temperature ranging from minus twenty degrees Celsius to minus one degree Celsius. The variable temperature chamber may be used as any one of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber, depending on a selection of a user or regardless of the selection of the user.

[0053] In addition to names such as “refrigerating chamber,”“freezing chamber,” and “variable temperature chamber,” the storage compartment may be referred to as various names such as “vegetable chamber,”“fresh chamber,”“cooling chamber,” and “ice making chamber,” terms such as “refrigerating chamber,”“freezing chamber,” and “variable temperature chamber” used below should be understood to encompass storage compartments with corresponding uses and temperature ranges, respectively.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close the one open side of the storage compartment. The doors may each be provided to open and close the one or more storage compartments, or the one door may be provided to open and close a plurality of the storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidingly installed on a front side of the main body.

[0055] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when closed. Like the main body, the door may include the insulator to insulate the storage compartment when closed.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door outer plate forming a front surface of the door, a door inner plate forming a rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided inside the upper and lower caps.

[0057] Edges of the door inner plate may be provided with a gasket sealing the storage compartment by coming into close contact with the front side of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner plate may include a dyke protruding rearward so that a door basket for storing items is mounted.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body, and a front panel detachably coupled to a front side of the door body and forming the front surface of the door. The door body may include the door outer plate forming a front surface of the door body, the door inner plate forming a rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, the upper cap, the lower cap, and the door insulator provided inside the upper and lower caps.

[0059] Refrigerators may be classified into a French door type, a side-by-side type, a bottom mounted freezer (BMF) type, a top mounted freezer (TMF) type, and a one-door refrigerator type depending on the arrangement of doors and storage compartments.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply system configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0061] The “cold air supply device” may include a machine, mechanism, electronic device, and / or a system combining them capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage compartment.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the cold air supply system may generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply system may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to an embodiment, the cold air supply system may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply system are disposed.

[0064] The “machine room” may be provided to be partitioned and insulated from the storage compartment in order to prevent heat generated from the components disposed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage compartment. The inside of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the outside of the main body to dissipate heat from the components disposed inside the machine room.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door such that the user may access the door without opening the door.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice making device provided to produce ice. The ice making device may include an ice making tray provided to store water, an ice moving device provided to separate the ice from the ice making tray, and an ice bucket provided to store the ice produced in the ice making tray.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a controller configured to control the refrigerator.

[0068] The “controller” may include memory provided to store or remember programs and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor provided to output a control signal for controlling the cold air supply system and the like according to the programs and / or data stored in the memory.

[0069] The memory stores or records a variety of information, data, commands, programs, and the like required for operations of the refrigerator. The memory may remember temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0070] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing the programs stored in the memory. The processor may include a separate NPU to perform operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processor, a graphics processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the cold air supply system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor, and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply system based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0071] Additionally, the processor may process user input of a user interface according to the programs and / or data memorized / stored in the memory and control an operation of the user interface. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive the user input from the user interface. The processor may also transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to the user input.

[0072] The processor and the memory may be provided integrally or may be provided separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory to control all the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories to individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory to control the operation of the cold air supply system depending on output of the temperature sensor. Also, the refrigerator may be separately equipped with a processor and memory to control the operation of the user interface according to user input.

[0074] A communication module may communicate with an external device such as a server, a mobile device, and another home appliance through a nearby access point (AP). The access point (AP) may connect a local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or the user device may be connected to the server via the wide area network (WAN).

[0075] The input interface may include a key, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive user input and transmit the user input to the processor.

[0076] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, and the like. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, a variety of information, and the like generated by the processor.

[0077] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] In the description of various embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to FIGS. 1 to 20, the terms “upward,”“downward,”“forward,”“rearward,”“left side,”“right side,” and the like used in the following description are defined with reference to the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms “upward” and “downward” below may refer to upward in a Z direction and downward in the Z direction with respect to the drawings, respectively. The terms “forward” and “rearward” in the following description may refer to forward and rearward in an X direction with respect to the drawings, respectively. The terms “left side” and “right side” in the following description may refer to the left side and right side in a Y direction with respect to the drawings, respectively.

[0079] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body 10, a storage compartment 20 provided inside the main body 10, a door 30 configured to open and close the storage compartment 20, and a cooling system configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment 20.

[0081] The main body 10 may include an inner case 11 forming the storage compartment 20 and an outer case 12 forming an outer appearance of the refrigerator 1. The outer case 12 may be formed to have a shape of a box with a substantially open front. The outer case 12 may form an upper surface, a lower surface, left and right surfaces, a rear surface, and the like of the refrigerator 1. The inner case 11 may have an open front. The inner case 11 may form the storage compartment 20 therein and be disposed inside the outer case 12. An inner wall of the inner case 11 may form an inner wall of the storage compartment 20.

[0082] A main body insulator may be provided between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to insulate a space between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12. The main body insulator may be foamed between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12. The main body insulator may couple the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to each other. The main body insulator may prevent heat exchange between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the main body 10, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the inside of the storage compartment 20. For example, the main body insulator may include insulation made of various materials, such as urethane foam insulation, EPS insulation (expanded polystyrene insulation), and a vacuum insulation panel.

[0083] The storage compartment 20 may be formed inside the main body 10. As an example, the storage compartment 20 may include a refrigerating chamber for storing food in a refrigerated state by maintaining a temperature at about 0 to 5 degrees Celsius. As an example, the storage compartment 20 may include a freezing chamber for storing food in a frozen state by maintaining a temperature at about minus 17 to minus 23 degrees celsius.

[0084] In various embodiments, the storage compartment 20 may be partitioned into a plurality of regions. The storage compartment 20 may be partitioned into the plurality of regions by a partition 15. For example, the storage compartment 20 may be partitioned into a first storage chamber 21 on an upper side and storage chambers 22 and 23 on a lower side by a first partition 17 extending in a horizontal direction. Additionally, the storage chambers 22 and 23 on the lower side of the storage compartment 20 may be partitioned into the second storage chamber 22 on the left and the third storage chamber 23 on the right by a second partition 19 extending in a vertical direction. In this case, as an example, the first storage chamber 21 may be used as a refrigerating chamber, and the second storage chamber 22 and the third storage chamber 23 may both be used as freezing chambers, or one of the two chambers may be used as a freezing chamber and the other of the two chambers may be used as a refrigerating chamber.

[0085] The division method of the storage compartment 20 and the use of each of the divided storage chambers 21, 22, and 23, which are described above, are only an example and are not limited thereto.

[0086] Inside the storage compartment 20, a shelf 24 for placing food and a drawer 26 for storing food may be provided.

[0087] The refrigerator 1 may include the cooling system configured to generate cold air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cold air to the storage compartment 20. The cooling system may generate cold air by using a cooling cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating a refrigerant. As an example, the cooling system may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, a blower fan, and the like. The cold air generated by the cooling system may be supplied to the storage compartment 20 through a cold air supply duct formed at a rear portion of the inner case 11.

[0088] The door 30 may be configured to open and close the storage compartment 20. The door 30 may be configured to open and close an opening formed on one side of the main body 10. The door 30 may be configured to be rotatable relative to the main body 10.

[0089] An outer surface of the door 30 may form a part of the outer appearance of the refrigerator 1. In a position in which the door 30 is closed, the outer surface of the door 30 may form at least a portion of an outer front appearance of the refrigerator 1. In the position in which the door 30 is closed, an inner surface of the door 30 may face the inside of the storage compartment 20. Herein, the inner surface of the door 30 refers to one surface of the door 30 facing the storage compartment 20 when the door 30 is closing the storage compartment 20. Also, herein, the outer surface of the door 30 refers to the other surface opposite to the inner surface of the door 30 facing the storage compartment 20 when the door 30 is closing the storage compartment 20, and refers to the front of door 30 visible when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front.

[0090] A door shelf 38 on which food may be stored may be provided on the inner surface of the door 30. For example, the door shelf 38 may be supported by a dyke 35 of the door 30. The door shelf 38 may be mounted on the dyke 35 of the door 30.

[0091] A gasket 100 may be provided on the inner surface of the door 30. The gasket 100 may be provided to cover a gap between the door 30 and the main body 10 to prevent cold air in the storage compartment 20 from leaking out. A detailed description of the gasket 100 is provided later.

[0092] The refrigerator 1 may include an upper door and a lower door arranged parallel to each other in a vertical direction Z. The refrigerator 1 may include a left door and a right door arranged parallel to each other in a horizontal direction Y. The refrigerator 1 may include a plurality of doors 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D configured to open and close the respective partitioned storage chambers 21, 22, and 23.

[0093] The first storage chamber 21 may be opened and closed by a pair of the upper doors 30A and 30B. The refrigerator 1 may include the first door 30A configured to open and close a portion of the first storage chamber 21, and the second door 30B configured to open and close another portion of the first storage chamber 21. The first door 30A and the second door 30B may be configured to be rotatable independently of each other relative to the main body 10. The first door 30A and the second door 30B may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction (Y direction). As an example, the first door 30A may be configured to open and close a left portion of the first storage chamber 21, and the second door 30B may be configured to open and close a right portion of the first storage chamber 21.

[0094] One of the pair of upper doors 30A and 30B (e.g., the first door 30A) may be provided with a rotating bar 50 configured to be rotatable relative to the one door and configured to cover a gap between the pair of upper doors 30A and 30B when the pair of upper doors30A and 30B close the first storage chamber 21.

[0095] The second storage chamber 22 may be opened and closed by the lower left door 30C. The refrigerator 1 may include the third door 30C configured to open and close the second storage chamber 22. The third door 30C may be configured to be rotatable relative to the main body 10. As an example, the first door 30A and the third door 30C may be arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0096] The third storage chamber 23 may be opened and closed by the lower right door 30D. The refrigerator 1 may include the fourth door 30D configured to open and close the third storage chamber 23. The fourth door 30D may be configured to be rotatable relative to the main body 10. As an example, the second door 30B and the fourth door 30D may be arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction Z. Also, the third door 30C and the fourth door 30D may be arranged parallel to each other in the horizontal direction Y.

[0097] A structure and features of door 30 to be described below may be applied to each of the plurality of doors 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D.

[0098] The refrigerator 1 may include a hinge 40 configured to connect the main body 10 and the door 30. The hinge 40 may be respectively connected to the main body 10 and the door 30. The hinge 40 may be configured to allow the door 30 to be rotatable relative to the main body 10. The hinge 40 may be coupled to the outer case 12. The door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 by the hinge 40.

[0099] The refrigerator 1 may include a plurality of hinges 41, 42, and 43 configured to support the plurality of doors 30A, 30B, 30C, and 30D, respectively. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a pair of the upper door hinges 41 coupled to an upper portion of the main body 10 to rotatably support the first door 30A and the second door 30B, respectively. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a pair of the lower door hinges 43 coupled to a lower portion of the main body 10 to rotatably support the third door 30C and the fourth door 30D, respectively. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a pair of the middle hinges 42 disposed between the upper door hinge 41 and the lower door hinge 43, and coupled to a middle portion of the main body 10, specifically, the first partition 17, to rotatably support the first door 30A, the second door 30B, the third door 30C, and the fourth door 30D, respectively.

[0100] The configuration of the refrigerator 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1 is only an example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The refrigerator according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided to include various configurations for performing the function of supplying cold air to a storage compartment for storing food.

[0101] For example, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment is exemplified as a French door type refrigerator as illustrated in FIG. 1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include various types of refrigerators, such as a one-door type, a BMF (bottom mounted freezer) type in which a refrigerating chamber is disposed on an upper side and a freezing chamber is disposed on a lower side, a TMF (top mounted freezer) type in which a freezing chamber is disposed on an upper side and a refrigerating chamber is disposed on a lower side, and a side-by-side type in which a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber are arranged left and right.

[0102] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating components of a door included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 2, the door 30 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a door frame 32 and a door panel 31 mounted on the door frame 32.

[0104] The door panel 31 may form the outer surface of the door 30. The door panel 31 may form a front surface of the door 30. Herein, the front surface of the door 30 refers to one surface of the door 30 facing the front of the refrigerator 1 when the door 30 is closed. Hereinafter, in defining positional relationships of components included in the door 30, a direction in which the door panel 31 faces is defined as the front of the door 30, and the opposite direction is defined as the rear of the door 30.

[0105] As an example, the door panel 31 may have a substantially flat rectangular plate shape, but the shape thereof is not limited thereto.

[0106] The door frame 32 may support the door panel 31. The door panel 31 may be mounted on a front portion of the door frame 32. For example, the door panel 31 may be detachably mounted on the door frame 32. Alternatively, in various embodiments, the door panel 31 and the door frame 32 may be formed integrally.

[0107] The door frame 32 may be coupled to the hinge 40. The door frame 32 may be provided on the main body 10 to be rotatable by the hinge 40. The door frame 32 may rotate relative to the main body 10 and open or close the storage compartment 20. The door frame 32 may cover at least a portion of the main body 10 when closing the storage compartment 20.

[0108] The door frame 32 may include an outer frame 33. The outer frame 33 may form an outer surface of the door frame 32. Herein, the outer surface of the door frame 32 may refer to a surface different from an inner surface of the door frame 32 facing the storage compartment 20 when the door 30 closes the storage compartment 20. The outer frame 33 may form a front surface of the door frame 32 facing the door panel 31. The outer frame 33 may form a side portion 33a of the door frame 32 (for example, a left surface or right surface of the door 30 when the door 30 is closed). The outer frame 33 may support the door panel 31. The outer frame 33 may be disposed at the rear of the door panel 31.

[0109] The door frame 32 may include an inner frame 34. The inner frame 34 may be disposed to face the main body 10 and / or the storage compartment 20 when the door 30 is closed. The inner frame 34 may form the inner surface of the door frame 32. The inner frame 34 may form a rear surface of the door frame 32. The inner frame 34 may be disposed at the rear of the outer frame 33.

[0110] The inner frame 34 may be coupled to the outer frame 33. The inner frame 34 may be coupled to the side portion 33a of the outer frame 33. The inner frame 34 may be coupled to a rear end of the side portion 33a of the outer frame 33. Alternatively, as an example, the inner frame 34 and the outer frame 33 may be formed integrally with each other.

[0111] The inner frame 34 may include a frame body 36 and the dyke 35. The dyke 35 may be provided at the rear of the frame body 36. The dyke 35 may protrude rearward from the frame body 36. The dyke 35 may protrude from the frame body 36 to face the storage compartment 20 when the door 30 is closed. The dyke 35 may extend substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z. The dyke 35 may support the door shelf 38. The dykes 35 may support the door shelf 38 on both sides thereof in the horizontal direction Y by being provided as at least one pair. The frame body 36 may be disposed to face the main body 10 and / or the storage compartment 20 when the door 30 is closed. The frame body 36 may cover at least a portion of the main body 10 and / or the storage compartment 20 when the door 30 is closed. An edge portion of the frame body 36 may extend further to an outer side of the inner frame 34 in the horizontal direction (Y direction) or vertical direction Z than the dyke 35. As an example, the edge portion of the frame body 36 may have the shape of a square ring surrounding a circumference of the dyke 35. The edge portion of the frame body 36 may be disposed between a door insulator I and the gasket 100 (see FIG. 5).

[0112] As an example, the frame body 36 and the dyke 35 may be formed integrally with each other, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0113] The door frame 32 may include an upper door cap 37a. The upper door cap 37a may form an upper surface of the door frame 32. Additionally, the upper door cap 37a may form an upper surface of the door 30. As an example, the upper door cap 37a may be disposed on upper sides of the door panel 31 and the outer frame 33. As an example, the upper door cap 37a may be coupled to an upper portion of the door panel 31 and / or the outer frame 33. Alternatively, in various embodiments, the upper door cap 37a may be formed integrally with the outer frame 33 and / or the door panel 31.

[0114] The door frame 32 may include a lower door cap 37b. The lower door cap 37b may form a bottom surface of the door frame 32. Additionally, the lower door cap 37b may form a bottom surface of the door 30. As an example, the lower door cap 37b may be disposed on lower sides of the door panel 31 and the outer frame 33. As an example, the lower door cap 37b may be coupled to a lower portion of the door panel 31 and / or the outer frame 33. Alternatively, in various embodiments, the lower door cap 37b may be formed integrally with the outer frame 33 and / or the door panel 31.

[0115] The door 30 may include the door insulator I (see FIG. 5). The door insulator I may be provided inside the door frame 32. The door insulator I may be disposed between the outer frame 33 and the inner frame 34. A foam space may be formed between the outer frame 33, the inner frame 34, the upper door cap 37a, and the lower door cap 37b, and the door insulator I may be formed by foaming within the foam space. The door insulator I may prevent heat exchange between the inside and outside of the storage compartment 20 through the door 30 when the door 30 is closed. The door insulator I may improve insulation performance between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the door 30. For example, the door insulator I may include various types of insulators, such as a urethane foam insulator, an EPS insulator (expanded polystyrene insulation), and a vacuum insulator (vacuum insulation panel).

[0116] Because there may be the gap between the door 30 and the main body 10 even when the door 30 is closed, cold air inside the storage compartment 20 may leak through the gap between the door 30 and the main body 10, despite the door insulator I being provided inside the door 30. Therefore, in order to more effectively prevent cold air from leaking from the storage compartment 20, the refrigerator 1 may include the gasket 100. The gasket 100 may include an elastic material to enable elastic deformation. The gasket 100 may be coupled to the door 30 to come into contact with a front surface of the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. The gasket 100 may be configured to cover the gap between the door 30 and the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. The insulation performance between the inside and outside of the storage compartment 20 may be improved by the gasket 100, and power consumption of the refrigerator 1 may be reduced.

[0117] Hereinafter, a structure in which the gasket 100 is fixed to the door 30 in various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 20.

[0118] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an inner frame of the door and a gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating catch protrusions of the inner frame of the door and the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket coupled thereto included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the gasket 100 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be coupled to the inner frame 34. The gasket 100 may be coupled to a rear surface of the inner frame 34 facing the storage compartment 20 when the door 30 is closed. The gasket 100 may be fixed to the inner frame 34.

[0120] The gasket 100 may be disposed along an edge of the inner frame 34. The gasket 100 may be disposed along an edge of the frame body 36. The gasket 100 may be disposed adjacent to the edge of the frame body 36. For example, the gasket 100 may be disposed further outward than the dyke 35. The gasket 100 may be disposed between the dyke 35 and the edge of the frame body 36. The edge of the frame body 36 may refer to an edge forming an outer boundary of the frame body 36.

[0121] The gasket 100 may have a shape corresponding to the edge of the frame body 36. For example, the gasket 100 may have a closed-loop shape formed along a circumference of the frame body 36.

[0122] The inner frame 34 may include a catch protrusion 200. The catch protrusion 200 may be configured to fix the gasket 100. The gasket 100 may be coupled to the catch protrusion 200. The gasket 100 may be fixed to the inner frame 34 by the catch protrusion 200.

[0123] For example, the catch protrusion 200 may be disposed along the edge of the frame body 36. The catch protrusion 200 may be disposed along a circumferential direction of the frame body 36. The catch protrusion 200 may be disposed adjacent to the edge of the frame body 36. For example, the catch protrusion 200 may be disposed further outward than the dyke 35. The catch protrusion 200 may be disposed between the dyke 35 and the edge of the frame body 36.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the catch protrusion 200 may be formed integrally with the frame body 36. Alternatively, the catch protrusion 200 may be provided as a separate component from the frame body 36 to be coupled to the frame body 36.

[0125] According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the catch protrusion 200 may be provided along each of the four edges of the frame body 36. For example, a portion of the catch protrusion 200 may be disposed along an edge of the door 30 in the vertical direction (Z direction). For example, a portion of the catch protrusion 200 may be disposed along the edge of the door 30 in the horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0126] Hereinafter, a structure and features of the catch protrusion 200 extending along the edge of the door 30 in the vertical direction (Z direction) will be described in detail as an example, and the description may also be applied correspondingly to the catch protrusion 200 extending along the edge of the door 30 in the horizontal direction (Y direction).

[0127] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the catch protrusion 200 may protrude from the frame body 36. The catch protrusion 200 may have a shape of protruding from the frame body 36 in a direction of facing the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. When the door insulator I is defined as being disposed on a first side of the frame body 36, the catch protrusion 200 may protrude from a second side opposite to the first side of the frame body 36. For example, the catch protrusion 200 may protrude rearward from the frame body 36.

[0128] The catch protrusion 200 may protrude from a portion adjacent to the edge of the frame body 36 (hereinafter referred to as the “edge portion”). The catch protrusion 200 may protrude from the edge portion of the frame body 36 toward the main body 10. For example, the edge portion of the frame body 36 may be flat to be substantially parallel with respect to the vertical direction Z and the horizontal direction Y.

[0129] The catch protrusion 200 may be configured to be engaged with the gasket 100. The catch protrusion 200 may be configured such that the gasket 100 is caught thereon and coupled thereto. The catch protrusion 200 may have a hook shape such that the gasket 100 is engaged therewith and fixed thereto. For example, the catch protrusion 200 may include a leg portion 210 connected to the frame body 36 and a catch portion 220 extending from the leg portion 210. The gasket 100 may be engaged with the catch portion 220. The gasket 100 may be coupled to the inner frame 34 by being engaged with the catch portion 220.

[0130] A direction in which the leg portion 210 extends from the frame body 36 and a direction in which the catch portion 220 extends from the leg portion 210 may be different from each other. For example, the leg portion 210 may extend from the frame body 36 in the direction of facing the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. For example, the leg portion 210 may extend rearward from the frame body 36. For example, the leg portion 210 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the edge portion of the frame body 36. For example, the catch portion 220 may extend from the leg portion 210 in a direction substantially parallel to the frame body 36.

[0131] As an example, the leg portion 210 and the catch portion 220 may be formed integrally, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0132] The catch portion 220 may be spaced apart from the frame body 36. The catch portion 220 may be spaced apart from the frame body 36 to correspond to a length that the leg portion 210 extends from the frame body 36.

[0133] The gasket 100 may include a fixture portion 120 provided to be fixed by the catch protrusion 200. When the gasket 100 is coupled to the catch protrusion 200, the fixture portion 120 may be positioned within an isolated space formed between the catch portion 220 and the frame body 36. As the leg portion 210 protrudes from the frame body 36, a mounting space for mounting the gasket 100 may be formed between the catch portion 220 and the frame body 36, and the fixture portion 120 may be accommodated in the mounting space. The fixture portion 120 may be engaged with the catch portion 220 between the catch portion 220 and the frame body 36. For example, the catch portion 220 and the fixture portion 120 may be engaged in a front-rear direction X, and the gasket 100 may be firmly fixed to the catch protrusion 200.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the fixture portion 120 of the gasket 100 may include a protrusion cover portion 121 provided to surround the catch protrusion 200 and a gasket protrusion 122 provided to protrude from the protrusion cover portion 121. The protrusion cover portion 121 may be connected to a main body contact portion 110 of the gasket 100, which will be described later. The gasket protrusion 122 may protrude from the protrusion cover portion 121 toward the isolated space between the catch portion 220 and the frame body 36. For example, the gasket protrusion 122 may protrude in a direction parallel to the frame body 36 (e.g., in the Y direction or the Z direction) from one end (i.e., a front end) of the protrusion cover portion 121 adjacent to the frame body 36 toward the isolated space between the catch portion 220 and the frame body 36 (i.e., a front region of the catch portion 220).

[0135] For example, the protrusion cover portion 121 may surround the catch protrusion 200 from the rear, and the gasket protrusion 122 may be engaged with the catch portion 220 from the front. Accordingly, the catch portion 220 and the fixture portion 120 of the gasket 100 may be more firmly coupled.

[0136] As the gasket 100 is fixed by the catch protrusion 200 protruding from the frame body 36 as described above, a process of assembling the gasket 100 to the inner frame 34 or dissembling the gasket 100 from the inner frame 34 may be performed more easily. In addition, as the catch protrusion 200 has a structure of protruding from the frame body 36, the insulation performance by the door insulator I may be improved, and dew formation on a portion of an outer appearance of the door 30 (e.g., the side portion 33a) may be effectively prevented and / or reduced.

[0137] According to an embodiment comparable to the present disclosure, the inner frame 34 may not be provided with a component protruding from the frame body 36 to fix the gasket 100, such as the catch protrusion 200. In this case, a method such as bonding or another fixing structure may be required to fix the gasket 100 to the inner frame 34. For example, the inner frame 34 may be formed with a groove recessed from the rear surface of the inner frame 34 toward the outer frame 33, and the gasket 100 may be fixed to the inner frame 34 as the fixture portion is inserted into the groove. In the comparable embodiment, the door insulator I may not be foamed in a region inside the door frame 32 where the groove is formed to which the gasket 100 is coupled. Because the gasket 100 is disposed adjacent to the side portion 33a of the door frame 32, a region in which the door insulator I is not foamed may be formed in the region adjacent to the side portion 33a of the door frame 32. As such, because a distance between the region where the door insulator I is not foamed and the side portion 33a is short, when cold air from the storage compartment 20 is introduced into the groove of the inner frame 34, there is a possibility that the cold air exchanges heat with the outside through the side portion 33a. That is, according to the comparable embodiment, the insulation performance by the door insulator I may deteriorate, and problems such as dew formation on the side portion 33a may occur when a surface of the side portion 33a is cooled.

[0138] However, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the gasket 100 is fixed to the inner frame 34 by being engaged with the catch protrusion 200 protruding from the frame body 36, it is anticipated that the region where the door insulator I is not foamed inside the door frame 32 will be unnecessary for fixing the gasket 100. Therefore, the door insulator I may be uniformly foamed from an inner region of the door frame 32 to the side portion 33a, the insulation performance by the door insulator I may be improved, and the dew formation on the side portion 33a may be effectively prevented and / or reduced.

[0139] The effects of the present disclosure according to the above description may be equally provided in the following embodiments (see FIGS. 6 to 20).

[0140] To enable the gasket 100 to be more firmly fixed to the inner frame 34, a plurality of the catch protrusions 200 may be provided. For example, the catch protrusion 200 may include an inner catch protrusion 200A and an outer catch protrusion 200B. The outer catch protrusion 200B may be disposed closer to the edge of the frame body 36 than the inner catch protrusion 200A. The inner catch protrusion 200A may be disposed farther from the edge of the frame body 36 than the outer catch protrusion 200B. That is, the outer catch protrusion 200B may be disposed between the inner catch protrusion 200A and the edge of the frame body 36. As an example, the inner catch protrusion 200A may be disposed between the dyke 35 and the outer catch protrusion 200B.

[0141] The inner catch protrusion 200A and the outer catch protrusion 200B may be arranged to face each other. The inner catch protrusion 200A and the outer catch protrusion 200B may be arranged to face each other in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the frame body 36 (e.g., the Y direction based on FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0142] The inner catch protrusion 200A and the outer catch protrusion 200B may have identical or nearly similar shapes. For example, the inner catch protrusion 200A and the outer catch protrusion 200B may have shapes of being nearly symmetrical to each other.

[0143] For example, the catch portion 220 of the inner catch protrusion 200a may extend from the leg portion 210 toward the edge of the frame body 36. The catch portion 220 of the inner catch protrusion 200A may extend from the leg portion 210 toward the outer catch protrusion 200B.

[0144] For example, the catch portion 220 of the outer catch protrusion 200B may extend from the leg portion 210 to become away from the edge of the frame body 36. The catch portion 220 of the outer catch protrusion 200B may extend from the leg portion 210 toward the inner catch protrusion 200A.

[0145] The leg portion 210 of the inner catch protrusion 200A and the leg portion 210 of the outer catch protrusion 200B may face each other. The catch portion 220 of the inner catch protrusion 200A and the catch portion 220 of the outer catch protrusion 200B may face each other.

[0146] The gasket 100 may be fixed by the inner catch protrusion 200A and the outer catch protrusion 200B. The gasket 100 may be coupled to each of the inner catch protrusion 200A and the outer catch protrusion 200B. The gasket 100 may be engaged with each of the inner catch protrusion 200A and the outer catch protrusion 200B. The fixture portion 120 of the gasket 100 may be engaged with each of the catch portion 220 of the inner catch protrusion 200A and the catch portion 220 of the outer catch protrusion 200B. For example, the gasket 100 may include the gasket protrusion 122 provided to be engaged with the inner catch protrusion 200A and a gasket protrusion 122 provided to be engaged with the outer catch protrusion 200B. The gasket protrusion 122 engaged with the inner catch protrusion 200A and the gasket protrusion engaged with the outer catch protrusion 200B may protrude in opposite directions from the protrusion cover portion 121. The protrusion cover portion 121 may surround each of the inner catch protrusion 200A and the outer catch protrusion 200B.

[0147] The inner catch protrusion 200A and the outer catch protrusion 200B may be spaced apart from each other. The catch portion 220 of the inner catch protrusion 200A and the catch portion 220 of the outer catch protrusion 200B may be spaced apart from each other. An isolated space may be formed between an outer end of the catch portion 220 of the inner catch protrusion 200A (i.e., an end adjacent to the edge of the frame body 36) and an inner end of the catch portion 220 of the outer catch protrusion 200B (i.e., an end far from the edge of the frame body 36). The gasket 100 may be fixed to the catch protrusion 200 by being pressed toward the front of the door 30 as illustrated in FIG. 3, in a state in which the fixture portion 120 is positioned within the isolated space between the catch portion 220 of the inner catch protrusion 200A and the catch portion 220 of the outer catch protrusion 200B. The fixture portion 120 of the gasket 100 may be provided to be elastically deformable by including an elastic material, and may move to the front of the catch portions 220 by elastically deforming when passing through the isolated space between both the catch portions 220. The fixture portion 120 may be engaged with the catch portions 220 by being positioned in front of the catch portions 220, and the gasket 100 may be coupled to the catch protrusion 200.

[0148] An inclined surface 220a may be formed on the catch portion 220 to allow the fixture portion 120 to more easily pass through the isolated space between the catch portion 220 of the inner catch protrusion 200A and the catch portion 220 of the outer catch protrusion 200B. The inclined surface 220a may have an inclined shape with respect to the front-rear direction X to guide the movement of the fixture portion 120. For example, the inclined surface 220a may be formed on one side of the catch portion 220 opposite the frame body 36, and may extend to become close to the frame body 36 as the inclined surface becomes away from the leg portion 210. The inclined surface 220a of the catch portion 220 of the inner catch protrusion 200A and the inclined surface 220a of the catch portion 220 of the outer catch protrusion 200B may face each other. The isolated space between the catch portion 220 of the inner catch protrusion 200A and the catch portion 220 of the outer catch protrusion 200B may have a width becoming narrower as the space becomes closer to the frame body 36. Accordingly, the gasket 100 may be more easily mounted on and more firmly fixed to the catch protrusion 200.

[0149] The gasket 100 may include the main body contact portion 110 provided to come into contact with the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. The main body contact portion 110 may be provided to cover the gap between the door 30 and the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. The main body contact portion 110 may be provided to be elastically deformable so as to effectively prevent leakage of cold air in the storage compartment 20 and to absorb an impact between the door 30 and the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. The main body contact portion 110 may include an elastic material.

[0150] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixture portion 120 described above may be provided to be elastically deformable by including an elastic material, but may include a different material from the main body contact portion 110. It may be appropriate for the main body contact portion 110 to include a soft material to be able to prevent leakage of cold air by effectively covering the gap between the door 30 and the main body 10, and it may be appropriate for the fixture portion 120 to include a hard material to be able to be firmly fixed to the catch protrusion 200. In other words, the main body contact portion 110 may include a first material, and the fixture portion 120 may include a second material having greater rigidity than the first material.

[0151] For example, the gasket 100 may be formed by double injection molding the main body contact portion 110 having the first material and the fixture portion 120 having the second material.

[0152] For example, the protrusion cover portion 121 and the gasket protrusion 122 may include the second material. For example, the protrusion cover portion 121 and the gasket protrusion 122 may be integrally injection-molded from the second material.

[0153] For example, the first material of the main body contact portion 110 may include a soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC) having a relatively low rigidity. For example, the second material of the fixture portion 120 may include a hard acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) resin having a relatively high rigidity.

[0154] The effects of the configurations of the gasket 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described above may be equally provided in the following embodiments (see FIGS. 6 to 20).

[0155] FIG. 6 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating catch protrusions of the inner frame of the door and the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket coupled thereto included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0156] Components of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 corresponding to those in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 may be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may not be repeated.

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the inner frame 34 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a catch protrusion 300 configured to fix the gasket 100. The catch protrusion 300 may protrude from the frame body 36. The catch protrusion 300 may have a shape of protruding from the frame body 36 in the direction of facing the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. The catch protrusion 300 may protrude from the edge portion of the frame body 36.

[0158] The catch protrusion 300 may include a leg portion 310 connected to the frame body 36 and a catch portion 320 extending from the leg portion 310. The gasket 100 may be engaged with the catch portion 320. The gasket 100 may be coupled to the inner frame 34 as the fixture portion 120 is engaged with the catch portion 320. A direction in which the leg portion 310 extends from the frame body 36 and a direction in which the catch portion 320 extends from the leg portion 310 may be different from each other. As an example, the leg portion 310 and the catch portion 320 may be formed integrally, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0159] An inclined surface 320a may be formed on the catch portion 320. The inclined surface 320a may have an inclined shape with respect to the front-rear direction X to guide the movement of the fixture portion 120. For example, the inclined surface 320a may be formed on one side of the catch portion 320 opposite the frame body 36, and may extend to become close to the frame body 36 as the inclined surface becomes away from the leg portion 310.

[0160] The catch protrusion 300 may include a plurality of the catch protrusions 300 spaced apart from each other. According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the plurality of catch protrusions 300 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36.

[0161] For example, the catch protrusion 300 may include a plurality of the inner catch protrusions 300A and a plurality of the outer catch protrusions 300B. The plurality of outer catch protrusions 300B may be disposed closer to the edge of the frame body 36 than the plurality of inner catch protrusions 300A. The inner catch protrusion 300A may be disposed farther from the edge of the frame body 36 than the outer catch protrusion 300B. The gasket 100 may be fixed by the plurality of inner catch protrusions 300A and the plurality of outer catch protrusions 300B.

[0162] The plurality of inner catch protrusions 300A and the plurality of outer catch protrusions 300B may have identical or nearly similar shapes. For example, the inner catch protrusion 300A and the outer catch protrusion 300B may have shapes of being nearly symmetrical to each other.

[0163] For example, the catch portion 320 of each of the plurality of inner catch protrusions 300A may extend from the leg portion 310 toward the edge of the frame body 36. For example, the catch portion 320 of each of the plurality of the outer catch protrusions 300B may extend from the leg portion 310 to become away from the edge of the frame body 36.

[0164] The plurality of inner catch protrusions 300A may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. The plurality of inner catch protrusions 300A may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. The plurality of outer catch protrusions 300B may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. The plurality of outer catch protrusions 300B may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the plurality of inner catch protrusions 300A and the plurality of outer catch protrusions 300B may be arranged to alternate with each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36.

[0165] As such, in the case of an embodiment in which the inner catch protrusion 300A and the outer catch protrusion 300B are arranged to alternate with each other, compared to an embodiment in which the inner catch protrusion and the outer catch protrusion are arranged to face each other (e.g., the catch protrusion 200 in FIG. 4), the gasket 100 may be more easily mounted on the inner frame 34, and the gasket 100 may be more easily separated from the inner frame 34.

[0166] FIG. 8 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating catch protrusions of the inner frame of the door and the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an example in which a fixture portion of the gasket enters the catch protrusion included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an example in which the fixture portion of the gasket is twisted by a chamfer portion provided in the catch protrusion included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an example in which the fixture portion of the gasket is seated on a frame body after being twisted by the chamfer portion provided in the catch protrusion included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating an example in which the fixture portion of the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is engaged with the catch protrusion after being restored from the twisted state. FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket coupled thereto included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0167] Components of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 14 corresponding to those in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 may be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may not be repeated.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 14, the inner frame 34 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a catch protrusion 400 configured to fix the gasket 100. The catch protrusion 400 may protrude from the frame body 36. The catch protrusion 400 may have a shape of protruding from the frame body 36 in the direction of facing the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. The catch protrusion 400 may protrude from the edge portion of the frame body 36.

[0169] The catch protrusion 400 may include a leg portion 410 connected to the frame body 36 and a catch portion 420 extending from the leg portion 410. The gasket 100 may be engaged with the catch portion 420. The gasket 100 may be coupled to the inner frame 34 as the fixture portion 120 is engaged with the catch portion 420. A direction in which the leg portion 410 extends from the frame body 36 and a direction in which the catch portion 420 extends from the leg portion 410 may be different from each other. As an example, the leg portion 410 and the catch portion 420 may be formed integrally, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0170] An inclined surface 420a may be formed on the catch portion 420. The inclined surface 420a may have an inclined shape with respect to the front-rear direction X to guide the movement of the fixture portion 120. For example, the inclined surface 420a may be formed on one side of the catch portion 420 opposite the frame body 36, and may extend to become close to the frame body 36 as the inclined surface becomes away from the leg portion 410.

[0171] The catch protrusion 400 may include a plurality of the catch protrusions 400 spaced apart from each other. According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the plurality of catch protrusions 400 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36.

[0172] For example, the catch protrusion 400 may include a plurality of the inner catch protrusions 400A and a plurality of the outer catch protrusions 400B. The plurality of outer catch protrusions 400B may be disposed closer to the edge of the frame body 36 than the plurality of inner catch protrusions 400A. The inner catch protrusion 400A may be disposed farther from the edge of the frame body 36 than the outer catch protrusion 400B. The gasket 100 may be fixed by the plurality of inner catch protrusions 400A and the plurality of outer catch protrusions 400B.

[0173] The plurality of inner catch protrusions 400A and the plurality of outer catch protrusions 400B may have identical or nearly similar shapes. For example, the inner catch protrusion 400A and the outer catch protrusion 400B may have shapes of being nearly symmetrical to each other.

[0174] For example, the catch portion 420 of each of the plurality of inner catch protrusions 400A may extend from the leg portion 410 toward the edge of the frame body 36. For example, the catch portion 420 of each of the plurality of the outer catch protrusions 400B may extend from the leg portion 410 to become away from the edge of the frame body 36.

[0175] The plurality of inner catch protrusions 400A may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. The plurality of inner catch protrusions 400A may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. The plurality of outer catch protrusions 400B may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. The plurality of outer catch protrusions 400B may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the plurality of inner catch protrusions 400A and the plurality of outer catch protrusions 400B may be arranged to alternate with each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36.

[0176] Each of the plurality of catch protrusions 400 may include a chamfer portion 421. Each chamfer portion may form an angle i with the respective catch protrusion. Each of the plurality of inner catch protrusions 400A and the plurality of outer catch protrusions 400B may include the chamfer portion 421. The chamfer portion 421 of each of the plurality of catch protrusions 400 may be provided at a corner of the catch portion 420. As an example, the chamfer portion 421 may be provided at a corner of one side of the inclined surface 420a.

[0177] The chamfer portion 421 may be inclined with respect to another portion of the catch portion 420. The chamfer portion 421 may be inclined with respect to another portion of the slope 420a. The chamfer portion 421 may be inclined with respect to a direction in which the fixture portion 120 coupled to the catch protrusion 400 extends (e.g., in the Z direction based on the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 14). The chamfer portion 421 may be inclined with respect to a direction in which the adjacent edge of the frame body 36 extends (e.g., in the Z direction based on the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 14).

[0178] For convenience, the leg portion 410 included in each of the plurality of inner catch protrusions 400A will be referred to as the “first leg portion 410”, the catch portion 420 included in each of the plurality of inner catch protrusions 400A will referred to as the “first catch portion 420”, and the chamfer portion 421 included in each of the plurality of inner catch protrusions 400A will referred to as the “first chamfer portion 421”. The first leg portion 410 may be connected to the frame body 36. The first catch portion 420 may extend from the first leg portion 410 toward the edge of the frame body 36. The fixture portion 120 of the gasket 100 may be engaged with the first catch portion 420. The first chamfer portion 421 may be provided at the corner of the first catch portion 420.

[0179] For convenience, the leg portion 410 included in each of the plurality of outer catch protrusions 400B will be referred to as the “second leg portion 410”, the catch portion 420 included in each of the plurality of outer catch protrusions 400B will referred to as the “second catch portion 420”, and the chamfer portion 421 included in each of the plurality of outer catch protrusions 400B will referred to as the “second chamfer portion 421”. The second leg portion 410 may be connected to the frame body 36. The second catch portion 420 may extend from the second leg portion 410 to become away from the edge of the frame body 36. The fixture portion 120 of the gasket 100 may be engaged with the second catch portion 420. The second chamfer portion 421 may be provided at the corner of the second catch portion 420.

[0180] For example, in the inner catch protrusion 400A and the outer catch protrusion 400B, which are adjacent to each other among the plurality of inner catch protrusions 400A and the plurality of outer catch protrusions 400B, the first chamfer portion 421 and the second chamfer portion 422 may face each other. The first chamfer portion 421 may be provided at a corner of one side of the first catch portion 420 which faces the adjacent outer catch protrusion 400B. The second chamfer portion 422 may be provided at a corner of one side of the second catch portion 420 which faces the adjacent inner catch protrusion 400A. For example, the first chamfer portion 421 may extend to become away from the edge of the frame body 36 as the first chamfer portion becomes close to the adjacent outer catch protrusion 400B. For example, the second chamfer portion 422 may extend to become closer to the edge of the frame body 36 as the second chamfer portion becomes closer to the adjacent inner catch protrusion 400A.

[0181] As such, as the chamfer portion 421 is provided on the catch portion 420 of each of the plurality of catch protrusions 400, the gasket 100 may be more easily mounted on the inner frame 34.

[0182] As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the gasket 100 is mounted on the inner frame 34, the fixture portion 120 may enter a space between the inner catch protrusion 400A and the outer catch protrusion 400B.

[0183] As the gasket 100 is pressed forward, the fixture portion 120 may be deformed by the inner catch protrusion 400A and the outer catch protrusion 400B. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the fixture portion 120 may be twisted by the chamfer portion 421 of the inner catch protrusion 400A and the chamfer portion 421 of the outer catch protrusion 400B. For example, when the gasket protrusion 122 of the fixture portion 120 is pressed by the catch portions 420 of the inner catch protrusion 400A and the outer catch protrusion 400B, the fixture portion 120 may be twisted. An angle at which the fixture portion 120 is twisted may vary depending on an angle (i) at which the chamfer portion 421 of the inner catch protrusion 400A and the chamfer portion 421 of the outer catch protrusion 400B are inclined with respect to an extension direction of the fixture portion 120, or inclined with respect to another portion of the catch portion 420. As illustrated in FIG. 11, as the fixture portion 120 is twisted by the chamfer portions 421, a degree of interference by the catch portions 420 when the fixture portion 120 passes through the space between the inner catch protrusion 400A and the outer catch protrusion 400B may be reduced.

[0184] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the fixture portion 120 twisted by the chamfer portion 421 may be seated on the frame body 36 by passing through the space between the inner catch protrusion 400A and the outer catch protrusion 400B. When the fixture portion 120 is in a state of being seated on the frame body 36, the gasket protrusion 122 may be positioned between the catch portion 420 and the frame body 36. At this time, the gasket protrusion 122 may not be pressed by the catch portion 420, and the fixture portion 120 may be restored from the twisted state by an elastic force as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0185] By these steps, the fixture portion 120 of the gasket 100 may be engaged with and coupled to the catch protrusion 400.

[0186] As such, as the chamfer portion 421 is provided on the catch portion 420 of each of the plurality of catch protrusions 400, the fixture portion 120 being interfered with by the catch portion 420 in the step in which the gasket 100 is mounted on the inner frame 34 may be reduced, and thus the gasket 100 may be mounted more easily on the inner frame 34.

[0187] FIG. 15 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating a catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket coupled thereto included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0188] Components of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 corresponding to those in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 14 may be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may not be repeated.

[0189] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the inner frame 34 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a catch protrusion 500 configured to fix the gasket 100. The catch protrusion 500 may protrude from the frame body 36. The catch protrusion 500 may have a shape of protruding from the frame body 36 in the direction of facing the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. The catch protrusion 500 may protrude from the edge portion of the frame body 36.

[0190] The catch protrusion 500 may extend along the edge of the frame body 36. The catch protrusion 500 may extend along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36.

[0191] The catch protrusion 500 may be configured such that the gasket 100 is engaged therewith. The catch protrusion 500 may be configured such that the gasket 100 is caught thereon and coupled thereto. The catch protrusion 500 may have a hook shape such that the gasket 100 is engaged therewith and fixed thereto. For example, the catch protrusion 500 may include a leg portion 510 connected to the frame body 36 and a catch portion 520 extending from the leg portion 510. The gasket 100 may be engaged with the catch portion 520. The gasket 100 may be coupled to the inner frame 34 by being engaged with the catch portion 520.

[0192] A direction in which the leg portion 510 extends from the frame body 36 and a direction in which the catch portion 520 extends from the leg portion 510 may be different from each other. For example, the leg portion 510 may extend from the frame body 36 in the direction of facing the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. For example, the leg 510 may extend rearward from the frame body 36. For example, the leg portion 510 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the edge portion of the frame body 36. For example, the catch portion 520 may extend from the leg portion 510 in a direction substantially parallel to the frame body 36.

[0193] As an example, the leg portion 510 and the catch portion 520 may be formed integrally, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0194] The catch portion 520 may be spaced apart from the frame body 36. The catch portion 520 may be spaced apart from the frame body 36 to correspond to a length that the leg portion 510 extends from the frame body 36.

[0195] An inclined surface 520a may be formed on the catch portion 520. The inclined surface 520a may have an inclined shape with respect to the front-rear direction X. For example, the inclined surface 520a may be formed on one side of the catch portion 520 opposite the frame body 36, and may extend to become close to the frame body 36 as the inclined surface becomes away from the leg portion 510.

[0196] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gasket 100 may include the main body contact portion 110 provided to come into contact with the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed, and a fixture portion 130 provided to be fixed by a catch protrusion 500. The main body contact portion 110 may be provided to be elastically deformable. The main body contact portion 110 may include an elastic material. When the gasket 100 is coupled to the catch protrusion 500, the fixture portion 130 may be positioned within an isolated space formed between the catch portion 520 and the frame body 36. The fixture portion 130 may be engaged with the catch portion 520 between the catch portion 520 and the frame body 36. For example, the catch portion 520 and the fixture portion 130 may be engaged with each other in the front-rear direction X.

[0197] According to an embodiment, the fixture portion 130 may include a protrusion cover portion 131 provided to surround the catch protrusion 500 and a gasket protrusion 132 provided to protrude from the protrusion cover portion 131. The protrusion cover portion 131 may be connected to the main body contact portion 110 of the gasket 100. The gasket protrusion 132 may protrude from the protrusion cover portion 131 toward the isolated space between the catch portion 520 and the frame body 36. For example, the gasket protrusion 132 may protrude in a direction parallel to the frame body 36 (e.g., in the Y direction or the Z direction) from one end (i.e., a front end) of the protrusion cover portion 131 adjacent to the frame body 36 toward the isolated space between the catch portion 520 and the frame body 36 (i.e., a front region of the catch portion 520).

[0198] For example, the protrusion cover portion 131 may surround the catch protrusion 500 from the rear, and the gasket protrusion 132 may be engaged with the catch portion 520 from the front.

[0199] According to an embodiment, the main body contact portion 110 may include a first material, and the fixture portion 130 may include a second material having greater rigidity than the first material. For example, the gasket 100 may be formed by double injection molding the main body contact portion 110 having the first material and the fixture portion 130 having the second material. For example, the protrusion cover portion 131 and the gasket protrusion 132 may include the second material. For example, the protrusion cover portion 131 and the gasket protrusion 132 may be integrally injection-molded from the second material.

[0200] For example, the first material of the main body contact portion 110 may include a soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC) having a relatively low rigidity. For example, the second material of the fixture portion 130 may include a hard acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) resin having a relatively high rigidity.

[0201] The catch protrusion 500 may further include a restraining portion 530 provided to restrain the fixture portion 130 from moving in a direction parallel to the frame body 36 (e.g., the Y direction based on FIGS. 15 and 16). The restraining portion 530 may have a shape of protruding from the frame body 36 in the direction of facing the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. For example, the restraining portion 530 may protrude rearward from the frame body 36. The restraining portion 530 may protrude from the frame body 36 in a direction substantially parallel to the leg portion 510. The restraining portion 530 may be positioned in an opposite direction to the catch portion 520 based on the leg portion 510.

[0202] To enable the gasket 100 to be more firmly fixed to the inner frame 34, a plurality of the catch protrusions 500 may be provided. For example, the catch protrusion 500 may include an inner catch protrusion 500A and an outer catch protrusion 500B. The outer catch protrusion 500B may be disposed closer to the edge of the frame body 36 than the inner catch protrusion 500A. The inner catch protrusion 500A may be disposed farther from the edge of the frame body 36 than the outer catch protrusion 500B. That is, the outer catch protrusion 500B may be disposed between the inner catch protrusion 500A and the edge of the frame body 36. As an example, the inner catch protrusion 500A may be disposed between the dyke 35 and the outer catch protrusion 500B.

[0203] The inner catch protrusion 500A and the outer catch protrusion 500B may be arranged parallel to each other. The inner catch protrusion 500A and the outer catch protrusion 500B may have identical or nearly similar shapes.

[0204] For example, a direction in which the catch portion 520 of the inner catch protrusion 500A extends from the leg portion 510 and a direction in which the catch portion 520 of the outer catch protrusion 500B extends from the leg portion 510 may be the same.

[0205] According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the catch portion 520 of each of the inner catch protrusion 500A and the outer catch protrusion 500B may extend from the leg portion 510 to become away from the edge of the frame body 36. Alternatively, according to an embodiment, the catch portion 520 of each of the inner catch protrusion 500A and the outer catch protrusion 500B may extend from the leg portion 510 toward the edge of the frame body 36.

[0206] The gasket 100 may be fixed by the inner catch protrusion 500A and the outer catch protrusion 500B. The gasket 100 may be coupled to each of the inner catch protrusion 500A and the outer catch protrusion 500B. The gasket 100 may be engaged with each of the inner catch protrusion 500A and the outer catch protrusion 500B. The fixture portion 130 of the gasket 100 may be engaged with each of the catch portion 520 of the inner catch protrusion 500A and the catch portion 520 of the outer catch protrusion 500B. For example, the gasket 100 may include the gasket protrusion 132 provided to be engaged with the inner catch protrusion 500A and the gasket protrusion 132 provided to be engaged with the outer catch protrusion 500B. A direction in which the gasket protrusion 132 engaged with the inner catch protrusion 500A protrudes from the protrusion cover portion 131 and a direction in which the gasket protrusion 132 engaged with the outer catch protrusion 500B protrudes from the protrusion cover portion 131 may be the same. The protrusion cover portion 131 may surround the inner catch protrusion 500A and the outer catch protrusion 500B.

[0207] The inner catch protrusion 500A and the outer catch protrusion 500B may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the catch portion 520 of the inner catch protrusion 500A and the catch portion 520 of the outer catch protrusion 500B may be spaced from each other. For example, the restraining portion 530 of the inner catch protrusion 500A and the catch portion 520 of the outer catch protrusion 500B may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the catch portion 520 of the inner catch protrusion 500A and the restraining portion 530 of the outer catch protrusion 500B may be spaced apart from each other.

[0208] FIG. 17 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating a catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket coupled thereto included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0209] Components of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 corresponding to those in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16 may be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may not be repeated.

[0210] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the inner frame 34 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a catch protrusion 600 configured to fix the gasket 100. The catch protrusion 600 may protrude from the frame body 36. The catch protrusion 600 may have a shape of protruding from the frame body 36 in the direction of facing the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. The catch protrusion 600 may protrude from the edge portion of the frame body 36.

[0211] The catch protrusion 600 may include a leg portion 610 connected to the frame body 36 and a catch portion 620 extending from the leg portion 610. The gasket 100 may be engaged with the catch portion 620. The gasket 100 may be coupled to the inner frame 34 as the fixture portion 130 is engaged with the catch portion 620. A direction in which the leg portion 610 extends from the frame body 36 and a direction in which the catch portion 620 extends from the leg portion 610 may be different from each other. As an example, the leg portion 610 and the catch portion 620 may be formed integrally, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0212] An inclined surface 620a may be formed on the catch portion 620. The inclined surface 620a may have an inclined shape with respect to the front-rear direction X to guide the movement of the fixture portion 130. For example, the inclined surface 620a may be formed on one side of the catch portion 620 opposite the frame body 36, and may extend to become close to the frame body 36 as the inclined surface becomes away from the leg portion 610.

[0213] The catch protrusion 600 may further include a restraining portion 530 provided to restrain the fixture portion 130 from moving in a direction parallel to the frame body 36 (e.g., the Y direction based on FIGS. 17 and 18). The restraining portion 630 may have a shape of protruding from the frame body 36 in the direction of facing the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. For example, the restraining portion 630 may protrude rearward from the frame body 36. The restraining portion 630 may protrude from the frame body 36 in a direction substantially parallel to the leg portion 610. The restraining portion 630 may be positioned in an opposite direction to the catch portion 620 based on the leg portion 610.

[0214] The catch protrusion 600 may include a plurality of the catch protrusions 600 spaced apart from each other. According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the plurality of catch protrusions 600 may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36.

[0215] For example, the catch protrusion 600 may include a plurality of the inner catch protrusions 600A and a plurality of the outer catch protrusions 600B. The plurality of outer catch protrusions 600B may be disposed closer to the edge of the frame body 36 than the plurality of inner catch protrusions 600A. The inner catch protrusion 600A may be disposed farther from the edge of the frame body 36 than the outer catch protrusion 600B. The gasket 100 may be fixed by the plurality of inner catch protrusions 600A and the plurality of outer catch protrusions 600B.

[0216] The plurality of inner catch protrusions 600A and the plurality of outer catch protrusions 600B may have identical or nearly similar shapes.

[0217] For example, the catch portion 620 of each of the plurality of inner catch protrusions 600A may extend from the leg portion 610 toward the edge of the frame body 36. For example, the catch portion 620 of each of the plurality of the outer catch protrusions 600B may extend from the leg portion 610 to become away from the edge of the frame body 36.

[0218] For example, a direction in which the catch portion 620 of the inner catch protrusion 600A extends from the leg portion 610 and a direction in which the catch portion 620 of the outer catch protrusion 600B extends from the leg portion 610 may be the same.

[0219] According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the catch portion 620 of each of the inner catch protrusion 600A and the outer catch protrusion 600B may extend from the leg portion 610 to become away from the edge of the frame body 36. Alternatively, according to an embodiment, the catch portion 620 of each of the inner catch protrusion 600A and the outer catch protrusion 600B may extend from the leg portion 610 toward the edge of the frame body 36.

[0220] The plurality of inner catch protrusions 600A may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. The plurality of inner catch protrusions 600A may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. The plurality of outer catch protrusions 600B may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. The plurality of outer catch protrusions 600B may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the plurality of inner catch protrusions 600A and the plurality of outer catch protrusions 600B may be arranged to alternate with each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36.

[0221] As such, as the inner catch protrusion 600A and the outer catch protrusion 600B are arranged to alternate with each other, the gasket 100 may be more easily mounted on the inner frame 34, and the gasket 100 may be more easily separated from the inner frame 34.

[0222] FIG. 19 is an exploded and enlarged perspective view illustrating a catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the catch protrusion of the inner frame of the door and the gasket coupled thereto included in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0223] Components of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 corresponding to those in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 18 may be given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may not be repeated.

[0224] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 20, the inner frame 34 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a catch protrusion 700 configured to fix the gasket 100. The catch protrusion 700 may protrude from the frame body 36. The catch protrusion 700 may have a shape of protruding from the frame body 36 in the direction of facing the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. The catch protrusion 700 may protrude from the edge portion of the frame body 36.

[0225] The catch protrusion 700 may be disposed along the edge of the frame body 36. The catch protrusion 500 may be disposed along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36.

[0226] The catch protrusion 700 may be configured such that the gasket 100 is engaged therewith. The catch protrusion 700 may be configured such that the gasket 100 is caught thereon and coupled thereto. The catch protrusion 700 may have a hook shape such that the gasket 100 is engaged therewith and fixed thereto. For example, the catch protrusion 700 may include a leg portion 710 connected to the frame body 36 and a catch portion 720 extending from the leg portion 710. The gasket 100 may be engaged with the catch portion 720. The gasket 100 may be coupled to the inner frame 34 by being engaged with the catch portion 720.

[0227] A direction in which the leg portion 710 extends from the frame body 36 and a direction in which the catch portion 720 extends from the leg portion 710 may be different from each other. For example, the leg portion 710 may extend from the frame body 36 in the direction of facing the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed. For example, the leg 710 may extend rearward from the frame body 36. For example, the leg portion 710 may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the edge portion of the frame body 36. For example, the catch portion 720 may extend from the leg portion 710 in a direction substantially parallel to the frame body 36.

[0228] As an example, the leg portion 710 and the catch portion 720 may be formed integrally, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0229] The catch portion 720 may be spaced apart from the frame body 36. The catch portion 720 may be spaced apart from the frame body 36 to correspond to a length that the leg portion 710 extends from the frame body 36.

[0230] An inclined surface 720a may be formed on the catch portion 720. The inclined surface 720a may have an inclined shape with respect to the front-rear direction X. For example, the inclined surface 720a may be formed on one side of the catch portion 720 opposite the frame body 36, and may extend to become close to the frame body 36 as the inclined surface becomes away from the leg portion 710.

[0231] According to an embodiment, the catch portion 720 may include a first catch portion 721 and a second catch portion 722. The first catch portion 721 and the second catch portion 722 may extend in opposite directions from the leg portion 710. For example, the first catch portion 721 may extend from the leg portion 710 to become away from the edge of the frame body 36, and the second catch portion 722 may extend from the leg portion 710 toward the edge of the frame body 36. The gasket 100 may be engaged with each of the first catch portion 721 and the second catch portion 722.

[0232] According to an embodiment, the first catch portion 721 and the second catch portion 722 may each include the inclined surface 720a. As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, a direction in which the inclined surface 720a of the first catch portion 721 is inclined and a direction in which the inclined surface 720a of the second catch portion 722 is inclined may be opposite to each other.

[0233] According to an embodiment, the first catch portion 721 may include a plurality of the first catch portions 721 arranged in the direction in which the leg portion 710 extends from the frame body 36. The plurality of first catch portions 721 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. According to an embodiment, the second catch portion 722 may include a plurality of the second catch portions 722 arranged in the direction in which the leg portion 710 extends from the frame body 36. The plurality of second catch portions 722 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the gasket 100 may be more firmly fixed to the inner frame 34 by the first catch portion 721 and the second catch portion 722.

[0234] As an example, a distance at which the first catch portion 721 adjacent to the frame body 36 among the plurality of first catch portions 721 is spaced apart from the frame body 36 may be substantially the same as a distance at which the second catch portion 722 adjacent to the frame body 36 among the plurality of second catch portions 722 is spaced apart from the frame body 36. A distance at which the first catch portion 721, which is farthest from the frame body 36 among the plurality of first catch portions 721, is spaced apart from the frame body 36 may be substantially the same as a distance at which the second catch portion 722, which is farthest from the frame body 36 among the plurality of second catch portions 722, is spaced apart from the frame body 36. As an example, a separation distance between the plurality of first catch portions 721 and a separation distance between the plurality of second catch portions 722 may be substantially the same.

[0235] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gasket 100 may include the main body contact portion 110 provided to come into contact with the main body 10 when the door 30 is closed, and a fixture portion 140 provided to be fixed by the catch protrusion 700. The main body contact portion 110 may be provided to be elastically deformable. The main body contact portion 110 may include an elastic material. When the gasket 100 is coupled to the catch protrusion 700, the fixture portion 140 may be engaged with the catch portion 720. For example, the catch portion 720 and the fixture portion 140 may be engaged with each other in the front-rear direction X.

[0236] According to an embodiment, the main body contact portion 110 may include a first material, and the fixture portion 140 may include a second material having greater rigidity than the first material. For example, the gasket 100 may be formed by double injection molding the main body contact portion 110 having the first material and the fixture portion 140 having the second material. For example, a protrusion cover portion 141 and a gasket protrusion 142 of the fixture portion 140, which will be described later, may include the second material. For example, the protrusion cover portion 141 and the gasket protrusion 142 may be integrally injection-molded from the second material.

[0237] For example, the first material of the main body contact portion 110 may include a soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC) having a relatively low rigidity. For example, the second material of the fixture portion 140 may include a hard acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) resin having a relatively high rigidity.

[0238] As illustrated in FIG. 20, the fixture portion 140 may surround the catch protrusion 700. When a portion of the fixture portion 140 engaged with the first catch portion 721 of the catch protrusion 700 is referred to as an “inner fixture portion”, and a portion of the fixture portion 140 engaged with the second catch portion 722 is referred to as an “outer fixture portion”, the catch protrusion 700 may be disposed between the inner fixture portion and the outer fixture portion. The catch protrusion 700 may be surrounded by the inner fixture portion and the outer fixture portion. Herein, the inner fixture portion may be defined as a portion of the fixture portion 140 positioned to face an inner side of the frame body 36 (i.e., to become away from the edge of the frame body 36) based on the leg portion 710. The outer fixture portion may be defined as a portion of the fixture portion 140 positioned to face an outer side of the edge of the frame body 36 (i.e., to become close to the edge of the frame body 36) based on the leg portion 710.

[0239] According to an embodiment, the fixture portion 140 may include the protrusion cover portion 141 provided to surround the catch protrusion 700 and the gasket protrusion 142 provided to protrude from the protrusion cover portion 141. The protrusion cover portion 141 may be connected to the main body contact portion 110 of the gasket 100. The gasket protrusion 142 may protrude from the protrusion cover portion 141. For example, the gasket protrusion 142 may protrude toward an isolated space between the catch portion 720 and the frame body 36. For example, the gasket protrusion 142 may protrude toward an isolated space between the first catch portion 721 and the second catch portion 722.

[0240] The fixture portion 140 may include a plurality of the gasket protrusions 142. For example, the gasket protrusion 142 may be provided in plurality to be engaged with the first catch portions 721 and the second catch portions 722. For example, the gasket protrusion 142 may be provided in plurality to be engaged with the plurality of first catch portions 721. For example, the gasket protrusion 142 may be provided in plurality to be engaged with the plurality of second catch portions 722.

[0241] As illustrated in FIG. 20, as an example, a portion of a plurality of the catch portions 720 may be engaged with the fixture portion 140 by being inserted into a groove formed between the protrusion cover portion 141 and the gasket protrusion 142. As illustrated in FIG. 20, as an example, a portion of the plurality of catch portions 720 may be engaged with the fixture portion 140 by being inserted into a groove formed between the plurality of gasket protrusions 142.

[0242] As illustrated in FIG. 19, according to an embodiment, the leg portion 710 of the catch protrusion 700 may extend along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. As illustrated in FIG. 19, according to an embodiment, the catch portion 720 of the catch protrusion 700 may be provided as a plurality of the catch portions 720 arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. As such, as the plurality of catch portions 720 is spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36, the gasket 100 may be easily mounted on the inner frame 34 and easily separated from the inner frame 34.

[0243] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the leg portion 710 of the catch protrusion 700 may be provided as a plurality of the leg portions 710 arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36. According to various embodiments, the catch portion 720 of the catch protrusion 700 may extend along the circumferential direction of the frame body 36.

[0244] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a gasket coupled to the door and configured to cover a gap between the door and the main body when the door is closed. The door may include an outer frame and an inner frame coupled to the outer frame. The inner frame may include a frame body and a catch protrusion configured to fix the gasket, the catch protrusion including a leg portion extending from the frame body and a catch portion extending from the leg portion and provided such that the gasket is engaged therewith.

[0245] A direction in which the catch portion extends from the leg portion may be different from a direction in which the leg portion extends from the frame body.

[0246] The gasket may include a fixture portion provided to be engaged with the catch portion between the catch portion and the frame body.

[0247] The catch protrusion may include an inner catch protrusion and an outer catch protrusion disposed closer to an edge of the frame body than the inner catch protrusion. The catch portion of the inner catch protrusion may extend from the leg portion toward the edge of the frame body. The catch portion of the outer catch protrusion may extend from the leg portion to become away from the edge of the frame body.

[0248] The catch protrusion may include an inner catch protrusion and an outer catch protrusion disposed closer to the edge of the frame body than the inner catch protrusion. A direction in which the catch portion of the inner catch protrusion extends from the leg portion and a direction in which the catch portion of the outer catch protrusion extends from the leg portion may be the same.

[0249] The catch portion may include a first catch portion extending from the leg portion and a second catch portion extending from the leg portion in a direction opposite to the first catch portion. The gasket may be engaged with each of the first catch portion and the second catch portion.

[0250] The gasket may include an inner fixture portion provided to be engaged with the first catch portion, and an outer fixture portion provided to be engaged with the second catch portion. The catch protrusion may be disposed between the inner fixture portion and the outer fixture portion.

[0251] The first catch portion may include a plurality of first catch portions arranged in a direction in which the leg portion extends from the frame body. The second catch portion may include a plurality of second catch portions arranged in the direction in which the leg portion extends from the frame body.

[0252] The catch portion may have an inclined surface extending to become close to the frame body as the inclined surface becomes away from the leg portion.

[0253] The catch protrusion may include a plurality of the catch protrusions spaced apart from each other. The plurality of catch protrusions may be arranged along a circumferential direction of the frame body.

[0254] The catch protrusion may include a plurality of inner catch protrusions and a plurality of outer catch protrusions disposed closer to the edge of the frame body than the plurality of inner catch protrusions. The plurality of inner catch protrusions and the plurality of outer catch protrusions may be arranged to alternate with each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body.

[0255] Each of the plurality of inner catch protrusions may include a first leg portion extending from the frame body, and a first catch portion extending from the first leg portion toward the edge of the frame body and provided such that the gasket is engaged therewith. A first chamfer portion may be provided at a corner of the first catch portion of each of the plurality of inner catch protrusions. Each of the plurality of outer catch protrusions may include a second leg portion extending from the frame body, and a second catch portion extending from the second leg portion to become away from the edge of the frame body and provided such that the gasket is engaged therewith. A second chamfer portion may be provided at a corner of the second catch portion of each of the plurality of outer catch protrusions. The first chamfer portion and the second chamfer portion may face each other.

[0256] The gasket may include a main body contact portion provided to come into contact with the main body when the door is closed, and a fixture portion provided to be coupled to the catch protrusion. The main body contact portion may include a first material, and the fixture portion may include a second material having greater rigidity than the first material.

[0257] The fixture portion may include a protrusion cover portion provided to surround the catch protrusion, and a gasket protrusion protruding from the protrusion cover portion to be engaged with the catch protrusion.

[0258] The frame body and the catch protrusion may be formed integrally.

[0259] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment and including an outer frame, an inner frame coupled to the outer frame, and a door insulator provided between the outer frame and the inner frame, and a gasket coupled to the door and configured to cover a gap between the door and the main body when the door is closed. The inner frame may include a frame body disposed to face the main body when the door is closed, and a catch protrusion configured to fix the gasket. The catch protrusion may protrude from one side of the frame body opposite to the door insulator.

[0260] The catch protrusion may include a leg portion extending from one side of the frame body opposite to the door insulator, a first catch portion extending from the leg portion to become away from an edge of the frame body, and a second catch portion extending from the leg portion in a direction opposite to the first catch portion. The gasket may be engaged with each of the first catch portion and the second catch portion.

[0261] The catch protrusion may include a plurality of inner catch protrusions and a plurality of outer catch protrusions disposed closer to the edge of the frame body than the plurality of inner catch protrusions. The plurality of inner catch protrusions and the plurality of outer catch protrusions may be arranged to alternate with each other along a circumferential direction of the frame body.

[0262] Each of the plurality of inner catch protrusions may include a first leg portion connected to the frame body, and a first catch portion extending from the first leg portion toward the edge of the frame body and provided such that the gasket is engaged therewith. A first chamfer portion may be provided at a corner of the first catch portion of each of the plurality of inner catch protrusions. Each of the plurality of outer catch protrusions may include a second leg portion connected to the frame body, and a second catch portion extending from the second leg portion to become away from the edge of the frame body and provided such that the gasket is engaged therewith. A second chamfer portion may be provided at a corner of the second catch portion of each of the plurality of outer catch protrusions. The first chamfer portion and the second chamfer portion may face each other.

[0263] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body forming a storage compartment, a door configured to open and close the storage compartment, and a gasket coupled to the door and configured to cover a gap between the door and the main body when the door is closed. The door may include an outer frame, an inner frame coupled to the outer frame and disposed to face the main body when the door is closed, and a door insulator disposed between the outer frame and the inner frame. The inner frame may include a frame body disposed between the door insulator and the gasket, and a catch protrusion protruding from the frame body and configured such that the gasket is caught thereon and coupled thereto.

[0264] According to the present disclosure, as a gasket included in a refrigerator is engaged with and coupled to a catch protrusion protruding from a frame body of a door, a door insulator can be uniformly provided inside a door frame adjacent to a side portion of the door. Therefore, insulation performance by the door insulator can be improved, and dew formation on the door can be prevented and / or reduced.

[0265] According to the present disclosure, the catch protrusion has a structure of protruding from the frame body of the door, so that the gasket can be easily mounted on or separated from the door.

[0266] According to the present disclosure, a plurality of the catch protrusions is spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the frame body, so that the gasket can be easily mounted on or separated from the door.

[0267] According to the present disclosure, the catch protrusion includes a plurality of inner catch protrusions and a plurality of outer catch protrusions, and the plurality of inner catch protrusions and the plurality of outer catch protrusions are arranged to alternate with each other along the circumferential direction of the frame body, so that the gasket can be easily mounted on or separated from the door.

[0268] According to the present disclosure, the catch protrusion has a chamfer portion provided at a corner of the catch portion, and thus the gasket can be twisted when mounted on the door, so that the gasket can be mounted more easily on the door.

[0269] According to the present disclosure, the gasket can not only effectively prevent leakage of cold air by including a soft main body contact portion, but also can be more firmly fixed to the door by including a hard fixture portion.

[0270] Effects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the fallowing description.

[0271] The foregoing has illustrated and described specific embodiments. However, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:a main body forming a storage compartment;a door configured to open and close to respectively open and close the storage compartment; anda gasket coupled to the door and configured to cover a gap between the door and the main body when the door is closed,wherein the door including:an outer frame, andan inner frame coupled to the outer frame, the inner frame including:a frame body, anda catch protrusion including:a leg portion extending from the frame body, anda catch portion extending from the leg portion and engaged with the gasket to couple the gasket to the door.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, whereina direction in which the catch portion extends from the leg portion is different from a direction in which the leg portion extends from the frame body.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, whereinthe gasket includes a fixture portion between the catch portion and the frame body, the fixture portion engaged with the catch portion.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, whereinthe catch protrusion includes:an inner catch protrusion having an inner leg portion and an inner catch portion, andan outer catch protrusion closer to an edge of the frame body than the inner catch protrusion and having an outer leg portion and an outer catch portion,wherein the inner catch portion extends from the inner leg portion toward the edge of the frame body, and the outer catch portion extends from the outer leg portion away from the edge of the frame body.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, whereinthe catch protrusion includes:an inner catch protrusion having an inner leg portion and an inner catch portion, andan outer catch protrusion closer to an edge of the frame body than the inner catch protrusion and having an outer leg portion and an outer catch portion,wherein the inner catch portion extends from the inner leg portion and the outer catch portion extends from the outer leg portion in a same direction.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, whereinthe catch portion includes:a first catch portion extending from the leg portion, anda second catch portion extending from the leg portion in a direction opposite to the first catch portion,the gasket is engaged with the first catch portion, andthe gasket is engaged with the second catch portion.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, whereinthe gasket includes:an inner fixture portion engaged with the first catch portion, andan outer fixture portion engaged with the second catch portion,so that the catch protrusion is between the inner fixture portion and the outer fixture portion.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 6, whereinthe first catch portion includes a plurality of first catch portions, the plurality of first catch portions extending from the leg portion and spaced apart on the leg portion in a direction in which the leg portion extends from the frame body, andthe second catch portion includes a plurality of second catch portions, the plurality of second catch portions extending from the leg portion in a direction opposite the plurality of first catch portions and spaced apart on the leg portion in the direction in which the leg portion extends from the frame body.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, whereinthe catch portion has an inclined surface that is inclined so that the inclined surface is closer to the frame body as the inclined surface is farther away from the leg portion.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, whereinthe catch protrusion includes a plurality of catch protrusions spaced apart from each other, andthe plurality of catch protrusions is arranged along a circumferential direction of the frame body.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, whereinthe catch protrusion includes:a plurality of inner catch protrusions, anda plurality of outer catch protrusions closer to an edge of the frame body than the plurality of inner catch protrusions, andthe plurality of inner catch protrusions and the plurality of outer catch protrusions are arranged to alternate with each other along a circumferential direction of the frame body.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, whereineach inner catch protrusion of the plurality of inner catch protrusions includes:a first leg portion extending from the frame body,a first catch portion extending from the first leg portion toward an edge of the frame body and engaged with the gasket, anda first chamfer portion at a corner of the first catch portion,each outer catch protrusion of the plurality of outer catch protrusions includes:a second leg portion extending from the frame body,a second catch portion extending from the second leg portion away from the edge of the frame body and engaged with the gasket, anda second chamfer portion at a corner of the second catch portion,each inner catch protrusions corresponds to a respective outer catch protrusion of the plurality of outer catch protrusions, andthe first chamfer portion of each inner catch protrusion faces the second chamfer portion of the respective outer catch protrusion.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, whereinthe gasket includes:a main body contact portion configured to come into contact with the main body when the door is closed, anda fixture portion coupled to the catch protrusion,the main body contact portion includes a first material, andthe fixture portion includes a second material having greater rigidity than the first material.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, whereinthe fixture portion includes:a protrusion cover portion surrounding the catch protrusion, anda gasket protrusion protruding from the protrusion cover portion and engaged with the catch protrusion.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 1, whereinthe frame body and the catch protrusion are formed integrally.

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