refrigerator

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator including a main body in which a storage compartment is formed; an inner door, rotatable at a front of the main body, including an opening; an outer door, rotatable at a front of the inner door to open and close the opening; and a door opening device at a lower end portion of the outer door and configured to open the outer door, wherein the door opening device includes: a shaft coupleable to the outer door; and a lever, rotatable with the shaft as a rotation axis, accessible from an outside of the outer door, wherein the lever includes an inclined portion, on a rear surface of the lever, such that a lower end thereof is positioned forward of an upper end thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. §111(a), of International Application No. PCT / KR2026 / 003044, filed on Feb. 24, 2026, which is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0051170, filed on Apr.18, 2025 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office and to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0108601, filed on Aug. 6, 2025 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having an improved structure.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A refrigerator is a home appliance that includes a main body including a storage compartment, a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment, and a door configured to open and close the storage compartment so as to keep food fresh.

[0004] The door of the refrigerator may be provided to open and close the storage compartment while rotating around a rotation axis. In addition, the refrigerator may include a door opening device for opening the door.

[0005] The door of the refrigerator may include an inner door having an opening and rotatably coupled to the main body, and an outer door rotatably provided with respect to the inner door to open and close the opening of the inner door.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator in which a rear surface of a lever of a door opening device is provided with an inclined portion that slopes forward toward a lower end thereof.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including an outer door including a gasket in which a magnetic material is accommodated, and an inner door including a front plate formed of metal material.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator in which a handle portion of an inner door is provided rearward of a rear end of an outer door.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a door having a relatively reduced thickness.

[0010] The technical objectives of the present invention are not limited to the above, and other objectives that are not described above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.Technical Solution

[0011] A refrigerator according to an aspect of the disclosure includes: a main body in which a storage compartment is formed; an inner door rotatably provided at a front of the main body and including an opening; an outer door rotatably provided at a front of the inner door to open and close the opening; and a door opening device disposed at a lower end portion of the outer door and configured to open the outer door. The door opening device includes: a shaft coupled to the outer door; and a lever rotatable provided about the shaft as a rotation axis and accessible from an outside of the outer door. The lever includes an inclined portion provided on a rear surface of the lever and inclined such that a lower end thereof is positioned forward of an upper end thereof.

[0012] A refrigerator according to an aspect of the disclosure includes: a main body; an inner door rotatably provided at a front of the main body; an outer door rotatably provided at a front of the inner door; and a door opening device disposed at a lower end portion of the outer door and configured to open the outer door. The door opening device includes: a rotation shaft coupled to the outer door; a lever extending downward from the rotation shaft; and a locking portion protruding from the lever toward the inner door, the locking portion forming a receiving groove configured to accommodate at least a portion of a locking protrusion protruding downward from a lower end portion of the inner door.

[0013] A refrigerator according to an aspect of the disclosure includes: a main body; an inner door rotatably provided at a front of the main body; an outer door rotatably provided at a front of the inner door; and a door opening device disposed at a lower end portion of the outer door and configured to open the outer door, the door opening device including a lever provided to be accessible from an outside of the outer door. The outer door includes: a gasket provided along an edge of the outer door; and a magnetic material accommodated inside the gasket. The inner door includes a front plate forming a front surface of the inner door and configured to contact the gasket, wherein the front plate includes a metal material.

[0014] A refrigerator according to an aspect of the disclosure includes: a main body in which a storage compartment is formed; an inner door, rotatable at a front of the main body, including an opening; an outer door, rotatable at a front of the inner door to open and close the opening; and a door opening device at a lower end portion of the outer door and configured to open the outer door, wherein the door opening device includes: a shaft coupleable to the outer door; and a lever, rotatable with the shaft as a rotation axis, accessible from an outside of the outer door, wherein the lever includes an inclined portion, on a rear surface of the lever, the inclined portion inclined such that a lower end thereof is positioned forward of an upper end thereof.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the refrigerator with an outer door opened according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the refrigerator with all doors opened according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a door according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a door with an outer door opened according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an outer door and an inner door are disassembled according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an inner door and a hinge device according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an inner door and a hinge device according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an outer door according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an outer door according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a door opening device according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 4.

[0027] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of region D of FIG. 12.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 4.

[0029] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of region E shown in FIG. 14.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a state in which the door opening device shown in FIG. 15 is rotated.

[0031] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a second gasket according to an embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 4.

[0033] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG. 4.

[0034] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a lower cover according to an embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a lower cover according to an embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of a door according to an embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of a door according to an embodiment.MODES OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0038] Various embodiments of the present document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0039] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0040] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0041] In this document, 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 or all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0042] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.

[0043] Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish a component from other components, without limiting the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0044] Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of each component.

[0045] It will be understood that when the terms “includes,”“comprises,”“including,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0046] It will be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component. When a component is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component, it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component through a third component.

[0047] It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being “on” another component, it can be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.

[0048] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body.

[0049] The main body may include an inner case, an outer case disposed outside the inner case, and an insulation between the inner case and the outer case.

[0050] The “inner case” may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel, and a liner forming the 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 such that an insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0051] The insulation may insulate inside of a storage compartment from outside of the storage compartment to maintain inside temperature of the storage compartment at appropriate temperature without being influenced by an external environment of the storage compartment. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a foaming insulation. The foaming insulation may be formed by injecting and foaming a urethane form, in which polyurethane and a foaming agent are mixed, between the inner case and the outer case.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to a foaming insulation, or may be configured only with a vacuum insulation instead of a forming insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and an envelope that accommodates the core material and seals the interior at a vacuum or a pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulation is not limited to the foaming insulation or vacuum insulation described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0053] The “storage compartment” may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include the inner case defining a space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may store a variety of items, such as foods, medicines, cosmetics, and the like, and the storage compartment may be formed to be open on at least one side for storing or removing items.

[0054] The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. In a case in which two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different purposes of use, and may be maintained at different temperature. To this end, the storage compartments may be partitioned by a partition wall including an insulation.

[0055] The storage compartment may be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to a purpose of use, and include a “refrigerating compartment”, a “freezing compartment”, and a “temperature conversion compartment” according to purposes of use and / or temperature ranges. The refrigerating compartment may be maintained at appropriate temperature to keep food refrigerating, and the freezing compartment may be maintained at appropriate temperature to keep food frozen. The “refrigerating” may be keeping food cold without freezing the food, and for example, the refrigerating compartment may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. The “freezing” may be freezing food or keeping food frozen, and for example, the freezing compartment may be maintained within a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degrees Celsius. The temperature conversion compartment may be used as any one of a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment according to or regardless of a user's selection.

[0056] The storage compartment may also be called various other terms, such as “vegetable compartment (also referred to as room)”, “freshness compartment”, “cooling compartment”, and “ice-making compartment”, in addition to “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, and “temperature conversion compartment”, and the terms, such as “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, “temperature conversion compartment”, etc., as used below need to be understood to represent storage compartments having the corresponding purposes of use and the corresponding temperature ranges.

[0057] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one door configured to open or close the open side of the storage compartment. The respective doors may be provided to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted on the front of the main body.

[0058] The door may seal the storage compartment in a closed state. The door may include an insulation, like the main body, to insulate the storage compartment in the closed state.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the door may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation provided therein.

[0060] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the inner door plate to seal the storage compartment by coming into close contact with the front surface of the main body when the door is closed. The inner door plate may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be fitted.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel that is detachably coupled to the front of the door body and forms the front surface of the door. The door body may include an outer door plate that forms the front surface of the door body, an inner door plate that forms the rear surface of the door body and faces the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation provided therein.

[0062] The refrigerator may be classified as French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF), Top Mounted Freezer (TMF), or One Door Refrigerator depending on the arrangement of the doors and the storage compartments.

[0063] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment.

[0064] The cold air supply device may include a machine, an apparatus, an electronic device, and / or a combination system thereof, capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage compartment.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may generate cold air through a cooling cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of refrigerants. To this end, the cold air supply device may include a cooling cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to drive the cooling cycle. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment by heating and cooling actions through the Peltier effect.

[0066] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a machine compartment where at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are installed.

[0067] The machine compartment may be partitioned and insulated from the storage compartment to prevent heat generated from the components installed in the machine compartment from being transferred to the storage compartment. To dissipate heat from the components installed inside the machine compartment, the machine compartment may communicate with outside of the main body.

[0068] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door to allow access by the user without opening the door.

[0069] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice-making device that produces ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-moving device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice-bucket that stores ice generated in the ice-making tray.

[0070] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0071] The controller may include a memory for storing and / or memorizing data and / or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor for outputting control signals for controlling the cold air supply device, etc. according to the programs and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0072] The memory may store or record various information, data, commands, programs, and the like necessary for operations of the refrigerator. The memory may store temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0073] The processor may control the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs an operation of an artificial intelligence (AI) model. In addition, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor, and generate a cooling control signal for controlling an operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0074] Furthermore, the processor may process a user input of a user interface and control an operation of the user interface according to the programs and / or data memorized / stored in the memory. 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. In addition, the processor may 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.

[0075] The processor and 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.

[0076] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a processor and a memory for controlling all the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories for individually controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device according to an output of the temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may be separately equipped with a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the user interface according to the user input.

[0077] A communication module may communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances via a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN) to which a refrigerator or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The refrigerator or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN.

[0078] The input interface may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive the user input and pass the received user input to the processor.

[0079] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, and the like. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, and the like generated by the processor.

[0080] Meanwhile, terms such as “front–rear direction,”“left–right direction,”“upper side,” and “lower side” used in the following description are defined with reference to the drawings, and the shapes and positions of the respective components are not limited by these terms.

[0081] For example, an X direction may be defined as a front–rear direction. For example, a Y direction may be defined as a lateral direction. For example, a Z direction may be defined as an up-down direction. For example, a +X direction may be defined as a front direction and a −X direction may be defined as a rear direction. For example, a +Y direction may be defined as a leftward direction and a −Y direction may be defined as a rightward direction. For example, a +Z direction may be defined as an upward direction and a −Z direction may be defined as a downward direction. In addition, each of the front–rear direction, the lateral direction, and the up-down direction may be defined based on a state in which both an inner door 100 and an outer door 200 of a refrigerator 1, which will be described below, are closed, and the following description is given on the assumption that both the inner door 100 and the outer door 200 of the refrigerator 1 are closed.

[0082] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the refrigerator with an outer door opened according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the refrigerator with all doors opened according to an embodiment.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the refrigerator 1 may include a main body 10, storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 formed inside the main body 10, doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 that open and close the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23, and a cold air supply device (not shown) that supplies cold air to the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23.

[0085] The main body 10 may include an inner case 11 forming the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23, an outer case 12 coupled to an outside of the inner case 11 to form an exterior appearance, and an insulating material (not shown) provided between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to thermally insulate the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23. A top cover 90 for covering an upper hinge device 800 (see FIG. 5) to be described below may be provided on an upper surface of the main body 10.

[0086] The storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 may be divided into a plurality of compartments by a horizontal partition 15 and a vertical partition 16. The storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 may be divided into an upper storage compartment 21 and lower storage compartments 22 and 23 by the horizontal partition 15, and the lower storage compartments 22 and 23 may be divided into a lower left storage compartment 22 and a lower right storage compartment 23 by the vertical partition 16.

[0087] The upper storage compartment 21 may be used as a refrigerating compartment, and the lower storage compartments 22, 23 may be used as freezing compartments. However, the division and use of the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 as described above are merely one example and are not limited thereto.

[0088] In addition, unlike the embodiment, the refrigerator may be a Side By Side (SBS) type in which storage compartments are divided into left and right sides by a vertical partition, a French Door Refrigerator (FDR) type in which storage compartments are divided into an upper refrigerating compartment and a lower refrigerating compartment by a horizontal partition or a one-door type with one storage compartment and one door.

[0089] A shelf 26 and a storage container 27 may be provided inside the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23.

[0090] The cold air supply device may generate cold air using a refrigeration circulation cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant, and the cold air supply device may supply the generated cold air to the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23.

[0091] The upper storage compartment 21 may be opened and closed by a pair of doors 31 and 32. The pair of doors 31 and 32 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10. The pair of doors 31, 32 may include a upper left door 31 and a upper right door 32.

[0092] One of the pair of doors 31 and 32 may be provided with a rotation bar (not shown) that prevents cold air of the storage compartment 21 from leaking out between the pair of doors 31 and 32 when the pair of doors 31 and 32 are closed.

[0093] The lower left storage compartment 22 may be opened and closed by a lower left door 33, and the lower left door 33 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10. The lower right storage compartment 23 may be opened and closed by a lower right door 34, and the lower right door 34 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10.

[0094] At least one of the doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 may be configured as a double door having an inner door and an outer door. For example, the upper right door 32 may include an inner door 100 and an outer door 200.

[0095] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, each of the upper left door 31, the lower left door 33, and the lower right door 34 may be configured as a double door having an inner door and an outer door. However, hereinafter, for convenience of description, only the inner door 100 and the outer door 200 of the upper right door 32 will be described, and the configuration and characteristics of each of the inner door 100 and the outer door 200 to be described below may also be applied to the inner door and the outer door of each of the upper left door 31, the lower left door 33, and the lower right door 34.

[0096] The inner door 100 may be rotatably provided at a front of the main body 10. The inner door 100 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 through a hinge.

[0097] The inner door 100 may include a door opening 101. The door opening 101 may be formed to pass through a central portion of the inner door 100 in the front-rear direction. With such a configuration, the door opening 101 may communicate with the upper storage compartment 21.

[0098] The inner door 100 may include a basket support 102 provided to mount a door basket 102a for accommodating items. The basket support 102 may protrude from a rear surface of the inner door 100. The basket support 102 may be provided along the edge of the door opening 101.

[0099] The outer door 200 may be rotatably provided at a front of the main body 10. Specifically, the outer door 200 may be rotatably provided at a front of the inner door 100. The outer door 200 may be rotatably coupled to the inner door 100 through an upper hinge device 800 (see FIG. 5) and a lower hinge device 900 (see FIG. 5) to be described below. With such a configuration, the outer door 200 may open and close the door opening 101.

[0100] While the outer door 200 is opened, the door opening 101 may be exposed to the outside of the refrigerator 1. Accordingly, while the outer door 200 is opened, the user may access the door opening 101 and the door basket 102aa.

[0101] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a door according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a door with an outer door opened according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an outer door and an inner door are disassembled according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an inner door and a hinge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an inner door and a hinge device according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an outer door according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an outer door according to an embodiment.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 4-10, the inner door 100 may include a first front plate 110. The first front plate 110 may be provided at a front portion of the inner door 100. The first front plate 110 may form a front surface of the inner door 100.

[0103] The first front plate 110 may include a plate opening 111. The plate opening 111 may be provided on an inner side of the first front plate 110. The plate opening 111 may be formed to pass through a central portion of the first front plate 110 in the front-rear direction.

[0104] The inner door 100 may include door caps 120, 130. The door caps 120, 130 may be coupled to an upper end portion of the first front plate 110 or to a lower end portion of the first front plate 110. Specifically, the door caps 120, 130 may include a first door cap 120 coupled to the upper end portion of the first front plate 110 and a second door cap 130 coupled to the lower end portion of the first front plate 110. That is, the first door cap 120 may be provided on an upper side of the first front plate 110, and the second door cap 130 may be provided on a lower side of the first front plate 110.

[0105] The first door cap 120 may be provided at the upper end portion of the inner door 100. The first door cap 120 may form the top surface of the inner door 100.

[0106] The second door cap 130 may be provided at the lower end portion of the inner door 100. The second door cap 130 may form a part of the bottom surface of the inner door 100.

[0107] The inner door 100 may include a lower cover 140. The lower cover 140 may be provided at the lower end portion of the inner door 100. The lower cover 140 may form another part of the bottom surface of the inner door 100. That is, the lower cover 140 may form the bottom surface of the inner door 100 together with the second door cap 130.

[0108] The lower cover 140 may be coupled to a lower side of the second door cap 130. The lower cover 140 may cover at least a portion of the second door cap 130.

[0109] The inner door 100 may include a first side chassis 150. The first side chassis 150 may be provided at one side end portion of the inner door 100. The first side chassis 150 may form one side surface of the inner door 100. Specifically, the first side chassis 150 may form a right side surface of the inner door 100 at a right end portion of the inner door 100.

[0110] The first side chassis 150 may be coupled to one side of the first front plate 110. The first side chassis 150 may be provided on one side of the first front plate 110. Specifically, the first side chassis 150 may be provided on a right side of the first front plate 110.

[0111] The inner door 100 may include a second side chassis 160. The second side chassis 160 may be provided at the other side end portion of the inner door 100. The second side chassis 160 may form the other side surface of the inner door 100. Specifically, the second side chassis 160 may form a left side surface of the inner door 100 at a left end portion of the inner door 100.

[0112] The second side chassis 160 may be coupled to the other side of the first front plate 110. The second side chassis 160 may be provided on the other side of the first front plate 110. Specifically, the second side chassis 160 may be provided on the left side of the first front plate 110.

[0113] The inner door 100 may include a trim 170. The trim 170 may be coupled to a rear surface of the first front plate 110. The trim 170 may be provided at a rear of the first front plate 110.

[0114] The trim 170 may extend along the edge of the plate opening 111. With such a configuration, the trim 170 may form a trim opening 171. The trim opening 171 may be formed to pass through a central portion of the trim 170 in the front-rear direction.

[0115] The inner door 100 may include a first door liner 180. The first door liner 180 may be provided at a rear of the first front plate 110 and the trim 170.

[0116] The first door liner 180 may form the basket support 102. Specifically, the basket support 102 may be formed by a portion of the first door liner 180 that protrudes rearward.

[0117] The first door liner 180 may include a first liner opening 181. The first liner opening 181 may be provided on an inner side of the first door liner 180. The first liner opening 181 may be formed to pass through a central portion of the first door liner 180 in the front-rear direction.

[0118] The plate opening 111, the trim opening 171, and the first liner opening 181 may communicate with each other. The plate opening 111, the trim opening 171, and the first liner opening 181 may form the door opening 101.

[0119] The inner door 100 may include a first gasket 190. The first gasket 190 may be provided to seal between the main body 10 and the inner door 100 when the inner door 100 is closed. The first gasket 190 may be coupled to a rear surface of the first door liner 180.

[0120] The first gasket 190 may extend along the edge of the inner door 100. In other words, the first gasket 190 may extend along the edge of the first door liner 180.

[0121] The first front plate 110, the first door cap 120, the second door cap 130, the first side chassis 150, the second side chassis 160, the trim 170, and the first door liner 180 may form a receiving space for accommodating a configuration for insulating the refrigerator 1. As a configuration for insulating the refrigerator 1, an insulating material such as foamed urethane or a vacuum insulation panel may be used. However, there is no particular limitation on the configuration for insulating the refrigerator 1.

[0122] The outer door 200 may include a second front plate 210. The second front plate 210 may be provided at a front portion of the outer door 200. The second front plate 210 may form the front surface of the outer door 200.

[0123] The outer door 200 may include a third door cap 220. The third door cap 220 may be provided at an upper end portion of the outer door 200. The third door cap 220 may form the top surface of the outer door 200.

[0124] The third door cap 220 may be coupled to the upper end portion of the second front plate 210. The third door cap 220 may be provided on an upper side of the second front plate 210.

[0125] The outer door 200 may include a fourth door cap 230. The fourth door cap 230 may be provided at a lower end portion of the outer door 200. The fourth door cap 230 may form the bottom surface of the outer door 200.

[0126] The fourth door cap 230 may be coupled to the lower end portion of the second front plate 210. The fourth door cap 230 may be provided on a lower side of the second front plate 210.

[0127] The outer door 200 may include a third side chassis 240. The third side chassis 240 may be provided at one side end portion of the outer door 200. The third side chassis 240 may form one side surface of the outer door 200. Specifically, the third side chassis 240 may form a right side surface of the outer door 200 at a right end portion of the outer door 200.

[0128] The third side chassis 240 may be coupled to one side of the second front plate 210. The third side chassis 240 may be provided on one side of the second front plate 210. Specifically, the third side chassis 240 may be provided on a right side of the second front plate 210.

[0129] The outer door 200 may include a fourth side chassis 250. The fourth side chassis 250 may be provided at the other side end portion of the outer door 200. The fourth side chassis 250 may form the other side surface of the outer door 200. Specifically, the fourth side chassis 250 may form a left side surface of the outer door 200 at a left end of the outer door 200.

[0130] The fourth side chassis 250 may be coupled to the other side of the second front plate 210. The fourth side chassis 250 may be provided on the other side of the second front plate 210. Specifically, the fourth side chassis 250 may be provided on the left side of the second front plate 210.

[0131] The outer door 200 may include a second door liner 260. The second door liner 260 may be provided at a rear of the second front plate 210.

[0132] The second door liner 260 may include a second liner opening 261. The second liner opening 261 may be provided on an inner side of the second door liner 260. The second liner opening 261 may be formed to pass through a central portion of the second door liner 260 in the front-rear direction.

[0133] The outer door 200 may include a second gasket 270. The second gasket 270 may be provided to seal between the inner door 100 and the outer door 200 when the outer door 200 is closed. The second gasket 270 may be coupled to the rear surface of the second door liner 260.

[0134] The second gasket 270 may extend along the edge of the outer door 200. In other words, the second gasket 270 may extend along the edge of the second door liner 260.

[0135] The outer door 200 may include a rear plate 280. The rear plate 280 may be provided at a rear portion of the outer door 200. The rear plate 280 may form the rear surface of the outer door 200.

[0136] The rear plate 280 may be provided behind the second front plate 210. The rear plate 280 may be coupled to the second door liner 260 from a front side of the second door liner 260.

[0137] The outer door 200 may include an insulation panel 290. The insulation panel 290 may be provided to insulate the refrigerator 1. For example, the insulation panel 290 may include a vacuum insulation panel.

[0138] The insulation panel 290 may be accommodated in a receiving space formed by the second front plate 210, the third door cap 220, the fourth door cap 230, the third side chassis 240, the fourth side chassis 250, the second door liner 260, and the rear plate 280. For example, the insulation panel 290 may be disposed at a central portion of the receiving space.

[0139] The outer door 200 may additionally include a configuration for insulating the refrigerator 1 in addition to the insulation panel 290. For example, the outer door 200 may further include a separate insulation panel distinct from the insulation panel 290 or an insulating material such as foamed urethane. The configuration for insulating the refrigerator 1 in addition to the insulation panel 290 may be accommodated in a space other than a space occupied by the insulation panel 290 in the receiving space.

[0140] The outer door 200 may include a door opening device 300. The door opening device 300 may be provided to open the outer door 200.

[0141] The door opening device 300 may be disposed at the lower end portion of the outer door 200. At least a portion of the door opening device 300 may be provided to be accessible from the outside of the outer door 200.

[0142] The outer door 200 may include a touch sensor 400. The touch sensor 400 may be provided to detect a user's touch and open the inner door 100. For example, when the inner door 100 is closed, the user may open the inner door 100 by touching the touch sensor 400.

[0143] The touch sensor 400 may be disposed at the lower end portion of the outer door 200. At least a portion of the touch sensor 400 may be provided on the lower side of the outer door 200 to be accessible from the outside of the refrigerator 1.

[0144] The refrigerator 1 may include an upper hinge device 800. The upper hinge device 800 may be coupled to an upper side of the inner door 100. The upper hinge device 800 may rotatably support the outer door 200.

[0145] The upper hinge device 800 may be provided at one end portion of the inner door 100. For example, the upper hinge device 800 may be provided at a right end portion of the inner door 100.

[0146] The upper hinge device 800 may be provided at one end portion of the outer door 200. For example, the upper hinge device 800 may be provided at a right end portion of the outer door 200.

[0147] The refrigerator 1 may include a lower hinge device 900. The lower hinge device 900 may be coupled to a lower side of the inner door 100. The lower hinge device 900 may rotatably support the outer door 200.

[0148] The lower hinge device 900 may be provided at one end portion of the inner door 100. For example, the lower hinge device 900 may be provided at a right end portion of the inner door 100.

[0149] The lower hinge device 900 may be provided at one end portion of the outer door 200. For example, the lower hinge device 900 may be provided at a right end portion of the outer door 200.

[0150] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a door opening device according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 4. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of region D of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 4. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of region E shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a state in which the door opening device shown in FIG. 15 is rotated.

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 11-16, the door opening device 300 may be disposed at the lower end portion of the outer door 200. Specifically, the door opening device 300 may be mounted on the fourth door cap 230.

[0152] The door opening device 300 may be accommodated in a first receiving space S1 provided at a lower end portion of the outer door 200. Specifically, the receiving space S1 may be formed in the fourth door cap 230.

[0153] The first receiving space S1 may be open downward. With such a configuration, at least a portion of the door opening device 300 may be accessible from the outside of the outer door 200. Specifically, at least a portion of the door opening device 300 may be accessible from the outside of the outer door 200 through the lower end portion of the outer door 200.

[0154] The door opening device 300 may be provided to be rotatable. Specifically, the door opening device 300 may be provided to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 310 to be described below.

[0155] The door opening device 300 may be provided to be rotatable between a first position P1 in which the outer door 200 is not allowed to be open and a second position P2 in which the outer door 200 is allowed to be open. Details on this will be described below.

[0156] The door opening device 300 may include a rotation shaft 310. The rotation shaft 310 may extend in one direction. For example, the rotation shaft 310 may extend in the left-right direction.

[0157] The rotation shaft 310 may be coupled to the outer door 200. Specifically, the rotation shaft 310 may be rotatably coupled to the outer door 200. Specifically, the rotation shaft 310 may be rotatably coupled to the fourth door cap 230.

[0158] The door opening device 300 may include a lever 320. The lever 320 may be provided to be rotatable with the rotation shaft 310 as a rotation axis. That is, the lever 320 may be provided to be rotatable together with the rotation shaft 310.

[0159] The lever 320 may be provided on a lower side of the rotation shaft 310. Specifically, the lever 320 may extend downward from the rotation shaft 310. That is, the lever 320 may be formed integrally with the rotation shaft 310.

[0160] However, the rotation shaft 310 is not required to be formed integrally with the lever 320. For example, the rotation shaft 310 and the lever 320 may be formed separately but coupled to each other. In this case, the rotation shaft 310 may be fixed to the outer door 200, and only the lever 320 may rotate with the rotation shaft 310 as a rotation axis.

[0161] The lever 320 may be provided to be accessible from the outside of the outer door 200. Specifically, the lever 320 may be accessible from the outside of the outer door 200 through the lower end portion of the outer door 200.

[0162] The lever 320 may be provided to be grippable. Accordingly, a user may rotate the door opening device 300 by gripping the lever 320. For example, a user may rotate the door opening device 300 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 by gripping the lever 320, and accordingly, the outer door 200 may be provided to be openable.

[0163] The lever 320 may include a lever body 321. The lever body 321 may be a portion of the lever 320 provided inside of the outer door 200. In other words, the lever body 321 may be a portion of the lever 320 provided inside the receiving space S1.

[0164] The lever 320 may include a lever protrusion 322. The lever protrusion 322 may protrude downward from the lever body 321.

[0165] The lever protrusion 322 may be a portion of the lever 320 exposed to the outside of the outer door 200. In other words, the lever protrusion 322 may be a portion of the lever 320 provided outside the receiving space S1. Specifically, the lever protrusion 322 may be provided below the outer door 200. With such a configuration, the lever protrusion 322 may be provided to be recognizable from the outside of the refrigerator 1. Accordingly, a user may roughly identify the position of the door opening device 300 through the lever protrusion 322.

[0166] The lever 320 may include an inclined portion 323. The inclined portion 323 may be provided on a rear surface of the lever 320. Specifically, the inclined portion 323 may be provided on a rear surface of the lever body 321.

[0167] The inclined portion 323 may be provided to slope forward toward a lower end of the lever 320. In other words, the inclined portion 323 may be provided to be inclined forward toward the lower end portion of the lever body 321. In other words, the inclined portion 323 may be inclined such that a lower end thereof is positioned forward of an upper end thereof. For example, when the door opening device 300 is in the first position P1, the angle a at which the inclined portion 323 is tilted with respect to an imaginary line extending in the up-down direction may be approximately 13 degrees. However, the angle a at which the inclined portion 323 is tilted is not limited thereto.

[0168] The door opening device 300 may include a locking portion 330. The locking portion 330 may protrude rearward from the lever 320. Specifically, the locking portion 330 may protrude rearward from the lever body 321. In other words, the locking portion 330 may protrude from the lever body 321 toward the inner door 100.

[0169] The locking portion 330 may protrude rearward from one end portion of the lever 320. Specifically, the locking portion 330 may protrude rearward from one end portion of the lever body 321. For example, the locking portion 330 may protrude rearward from a left end portion of the lever body 321.

[0170] The locking portion 330 may include an extension portion 331 and a sidewall portion 332. The extension portion 331 may extend rearward from the lever 320. In other words, the extension portion 331 may extend rearward from the lever body 321. The sidewall portion 332 may be bent from the extension portion 331 and extend upward. Specifically, the sidewall portion 332 may include a first sidewall portion 332aa bent and extending from a left end portion of the extension portion 331, a second sidewall portion 332b bent and extending from a right end portion of the extension portion 331, and a third sidewall portion 332c bent and extending from a rear end portion of the extension portion 331.

[0171] The locking portion 330 may include a receiving groove 333. The receiving groove 333 may be provided to accommodate at least a portion of a locking protrusion 141 to be described below. Specifically, when the door opening device 300 is in the first position P1, the receiving groove 333 may accommodate at least a portion of the locking protrusion 141 to be described below.

[0172] The receiving groove 333 may be formed by the extension portion 331 and the sidewall portion 332. Accordingly, the receiving groove 333 may be open toward a front side and an upper side.

[0173] The inner door 100 may include a second receiving space S2 provided to accommodate at least a portion of the locking portion 330. Specifically, when the door opening device 300 is in the first position P1, at least a portion of the locking portion 330 may be accommodated in the second receiving space S2. The second receiving space S2 may be open toward a front side and a lower side. Specifically, the second receiving space S2 may be formed in the lower cover 140.

[0174] The inner door 100 may include a locking protrusion 141. The locking protrusion 141 may protrude downward from the lower end portion of the inner door 100. In other words, the locking protrusion 141 may protrude downward from one of a plurality of surfaces surrounding the second receiving space S2 that is provided on the upper side of the second receiving space S2. Specifically, the locking protrusion 141 may be formed on the lower cover 140 (see FIG. 21).

[0175] The outer door 200 may include an elastic member 500. The elastic member 500 may be provided in front of the door opening device 300. Specifically, the elastic member 500 may be provided in front of the lever 320. Specifically, the elastic member 500 may be provided in front of the lever body 321. With such a configuration, the elastic member 500 may press the lever 320 rearward. As the lever 320 is pressed rearward by the elastic member 500, the door opening device 300 may always be provided in a correct position when the door opening device 300 is in the first position P1 .

[0176] As described above, the door opening device 300 may be mounted on the fourth door cap 230. The fourth door cap 230 may include a plate cover portion 231 that covers a lower rear end portion of the second front plate 210 from a front side the door opening device 300.

[0177] The elastic member 500 may be disposed between the lever 320 and the plate cover portion 231. Specifically, the elastic member 500 may be disposed between the lever body 321 and the plate cover portion 231.

[0178] The door opening device 300 may include an elastic member mounting portion 340. The elastic member mounting portion 340 may be provided to mount the elastic member 500 thereon. The elastic member mounting portion 340 may be formed on the lever 320. Specifically, the elastic member mounting portion 340 may be formed on the lever body 321.

[0179] The elastic member mounting portion 340 may be formed on the other end portion of the lever 320 opposite to one end portion of the lever 320. Specifically, the elastic member mounting portion 340 may be formed on the other end portion of the lever body 321 opposite to one end portion of the lever body 321.

[0180] That is, the elastic member 500 may be coupled to the other end portion of the lever 320. For example, the elastic member 500 may be coupled to the right end portion of the lever 320.

[0181] As described above, the door opening device 300 may have a relatively simple structure. Accordingly, the door opening device 300 may be provided with a relatively small size. With such a configuration, the assemblability of the refrigerator 1 may be improved, and the material cost of the refrigerator 1 may be reduced.

[0182] Hereinafter, a process of the door opening device 300 rotating between the first position P1 and the second position P2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 15, the door opening device 300 may be in the first position P1. When the door opening device 300 is in the first position P1, at least a portion of the locking portion 330 may be accommodated in the second receiving space S2, and at least a portion of the locking protrusion 141 may be accommodated in the receiving groove 333.

[0184] When the door opening device 300 is in the first position P1, an upper end of the third sidewall portion 332c bent and extending from the rear end portion of the extension portion 331 may be positioned above the lower end of the locking protrusion 141. In other words, when the door opening device 300 is in the first position P1, the height of the upper end of the third sidewall portion 332c may be higher than the height of the lower end of the locking protrusion 141. With such a configuration, when the door opening device 300 is in the first position P1, the locking portion 330 may be prevented from being separated from the second receiving space S2. Accordingly, when the door opening device 300 is in the first position P1, the outer door 200 may be prevented from being opened by external force acting on components other than the door opening device 300 or by the weight of the outer door 200. That is, when the door opening device 300 is in the first position P1, the outer door 200 may maintain a closed state.

[0185] Referring to FIG. 16, the door opening device 300 may be in the second position P2. When the door opening device 300 is in the second position P2, the locking portion 330 may be separated from the second receiving space S2, and the locking protrusion 141 may be separated from the receiving groove 333.

[0186] When the door opening device 300 is in the second position P2, the upper end of the third sidewall portion 332c may be positioned below the lower end of the locking protrusion 141. In other words, when the door opening device 300 is in the second position P2, the height of the upper end of the third sidewall portion 332c may be lower than the height of the lower end of the locking protrusion 141. With such a configuration, when the door opening device 300 is in the second position P2, the outer door 200 may be openable.

[0187] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the door opening device 300 may rotate from the first position P1 to the second position P2. When the door opening device 300 is in the second position P2, the lever 320 may be positioned more forward than when the door opening device 300 is in the first position P1. Accordingly, a user may rotate the door opening device 300 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 by pulling the lever 320 forward.

[0188] In addition, a force applied by the user to pull the lever 320 forward may naturally be transmitted as a force of pulling the outer door 200 forward. In other words, the force applied by the user to pull the lever 320 forward may naturally act as a force of opening the outer door 200. Accordingly, the outer door 200 may be opened more easily.

[0189] As described above, the lever 320 may include the inclined portion 323. The inclined portion 323 may slope forward toward the lower end of the lever 320. With such a configuration, the lever 320 may be gripped more easily. Accordingly, user convenience in opening the outer door 200 may be further increased.

[0190] In addition, when the door opening device 300 is in the second position P2, the elastic member 500 may be compressed. Accordingly, after the user grips the lever 320 and rotates the door opening device 300 to the second position P2 and then releases the lever 320, the lever 320 may rotate rearward due to a restoring force of the elastic member 500. Accordingly, the door opening device 300 may return to the first position P1.

[0191] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a second gasket according to an embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 4. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG. 4.

[0192] Referring to FIGS. 17-19, the outer door 200 may include a second gasket 270. The second gasket 270 may include a first gasket portion 271 extending along the upper edge of the outer door 200, a second gasket portion 272 extending along the lower edge of the outer door 200, a third gasket portion 273 extending along the left edge of the outer door 200, and a fourth gasket portion 274 extending along the right edge of the outer door 200 (see FIG. 5).

[0193] The outer door 200 may include a magnetic material 600. The magnetic material 600 may be accommodated inside the second gasket 270. The magnetic material 600 may extend along the second gasket 270.

[0194] The magnetic material 600 may include a first magnetic material 610 extending along the first gasket portion 271 inside the first gasket portion 271, a second magnetic material 620 extending along the second gasket portion 272 inside the second gasket portion 272, a third magnetic material 630 extending along the third gasket portion 273 inside the third gasket portion 273, and a fourth magnetic material 640 extending along the fourth gasket portion 274 inside the fourth gasket portion 274. The first magnetic material 610, the second magnetic material 620, the third magnetic material 630, and the fourth magnetic material 640 may be formed integrally or may each be formed separately.

[0195] The inner door 100 may include a first front plate 110. The first front plate 110 may be provided to contact the second gasket 270. Specifically, when the outer door 200 is closed, the first front plate 110 may contact the second gasket 270.

[0196] Specifically, when the outer door 200 is closed, the first gasket portion 271 may contact the upper portion of the first front plate 110, the second gasket portion 272 may contact the lower portion of the first front plate 110, the third gasket portion 273 may contact the left portion of the first front plate 110, and the fourth gasket portion 274 may contact the right portion of the first front plate 110.

[0197] The first front plate 110 may include a metal material. For example, the first front plate 110 may include a steel material.

[0198] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the outer door 200 may include a magnetic material 600 accommodated inside the second gasket 270, and the first front plate 110 may include a metal material. Accordingly, the first front plate 110 and the second gasket 270 may be in a close contact with each other by magnetic force. With such a configuration, when the outer door 200 is closed, the sealing effect between the inner door 100 and the outer door 200 may be enhanced.

[0199] In addition, the second gasket 270 may include the plurality of gasket portions 271, 272, 273, 274 extending along the four edges of the outer door 200, and a plurality of magnetic materials 610, 620, 630, 640 may be respectively accommodated inside the plurality of gasket portions 271, 272, 273, 274. With such a configuration, the sealing effect between the inner door 100 and the outer door 200 provided by the second gasket 270 may be uniformly formed over an entire area of the second gasket 270.

[0200] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a lower cover according to an embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a lower cover according to an embodiment. FIG. 22 is a bottom view of a door according to an embodiment. FIG. 23 is a bottom view of a door according to an embodiment.

[0201] Referring to FIGS. 20-23, the inner door 100 may include a lower cover 140. The lower cover 140 may be provided at the lower end portion of the inner door 100.

[0202] The lower cover 140 may include a front panel 142. The front panel 142 may form a front surface of the lower cover 140. The front panel 142 may form a lower front end portion of the inner door 100. The front panel 142 may be provided at a front of the second door cap 130.

[0203] The front panel 142 may extend along the lower edge of the inner door 100. For example, the front panel 142 may extend along the left-right direction.

[0204] The front panel 142 may be formed flat. That is, the front panel 142 may be formed without a portion protruding forward. With such a configuration, the thickness of the lower cover 140 in the front-rear direction may be provided relatively thin, and the aesthetic appearance of the inner door 100 may be improved.

[0205] The lower cover 140 may include a handle portion 143. The handle portion 143 may extend rearward from the front panel 142.

[0206] The handle portion 143 may be provided to open and close the inner door 100. The handle portion 143 may be gripped to open the inner door 100. For example, a user may grip the handle portion 143 to open the inner door 100.

[0207] The handle portion 143 may be provided on one side of the lower cover 140. For example, the handle portion 143 may be provided on a left side of the lower cover 140.

[0208] The handle portion 143 may include a handle groove 143aa. The handle groove 143aa may be open downward. With such a configuration, the handle portion 143 may be gripped. For example, a user may grip the handle portion 143 by inserting a finger into the handle groove 143a.

[0209] The lower cover 140 may include an receiving portion 144. The receiving portion 144 may form a second receiving space S2 provided to accommodate the locking portion 330. The receiving portion 144 may extend rearward from the front panel 142. The receiving portion 144 may be provided on one side of the handle portion 143.

[0210] The lower cover 140 may include a locking protrusion 141. The locking protrusion 141 may be provided inside the receiving portion 144. The locking protrusion 141 may protrude downward from the upper sidewall of the receiving portion 144. In other words, the locking protrusion 141 may protrude downward from one of a plurality of surfaces surrounding the second receiving space S2 that is provided on the upper side of the second receiving space S2.

[0211] The lower cover 140 may include a lower panel 145. The lower panel 145 may extend rearward from a lower end of the front panel 142. The lower panel 145 may be provided below the second door cap 130.

[0212] The lower panel 145 may be provided on the other side of the lower cover 140. For example, the lower panel 145 may be provided on the right side of the lower cover 140.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 22, the lower cover 140 may be provided at a rear of the fourth door cap 230. In addition, the handle portion 143 may be provided at a rear of the fourth door cap 230. Specifically, a front end 143b of the handle portion 143 may be provided rearward of a rear end 230a of the fourth door cap 230. That is, the handle portion 143 may be disposed outside a region in which the outer door 200 is provided. With such a configuration, the outer door 200 may be manufactured without being affected by the handle portion 143, and accordingly, the thickness of the outer door 200 in the front-rear direction may be formed thinner.

[0214] A rear end 143c of the handle portion 143 forming the handle groove 143a may be provided closer to a rear end 130b of the second door cap 130 than to a front end 130a of the second door cap 130. That is, the handle portion 143 and the handle groove 143a may extend a predetermined length toward an inner side of the inner door 100 rather than toward an outer side of the inner door 100. With such a configuration, the thickness of the inner door 100 in the front-rear direction may be provided to be thinner.

[0215] The width of the handle groove 143a in the front-rear direction may be greater than or equal to half of the width of the second door cap 130 in the front-rear direction. With such a configuration, the handle groove 143a may be formed wider, and user convenience in opening the inner door 100 may be increased.

[0216] Due to the above-described configurations and features, each of the inner door 100 and the outer door 200 may have a relatively thin thickness. With such a configuration, the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator 1 may be improved.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 23, a door opening device 300 for opening the outer door 200 and a touch sensor 400 for opening the inner door 100 may be provided at the lower end portion of the outer door 200. A handle portion 143 for opening the inner door 100 may be provided at the lower end portion of the inner door 100.

[0218] The door opening device 300 and the handle portion 143 may be arranged side by side. For example, the door opening device 300 and the handle portion 143 may be arranged side by side along the lower edge of the outer door 200. For example, the door opening device 300 and the handle portion 143 may be arranged side by side along the lower edge of the inner door 100.

[0219] A length L1 by which the door opening device 300 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200 may correspond to a length L2 by which the handle portion 143 extends along the lower edge of the inner door 100. In other words, the length L1 by which the door opening device 300 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200 may be substantially the same as the length L2 by which the handle portion 143 extends along the lower edge of the inner door 100. With such a configuration, the recognizability of the door opening device 300 and the handle portion 143 by the user may be further improved, and user convenience in opening the outer door 200 and / or inner door 100 may be increased.

[0220] The handle portion 143 may be disposed behind the touch sensor 400. That is, the handle portion 143 and the touch sensor 400 may be disposed to overlap in the front-rear direction. Since each of the handle portion 143 and the touch sensor 400 is a configuration provided to open the inner door 100, user convenience when opening the inner door 100 may be increased by arranging the handle portion 143 and the touch sensor 400 to overlap in the front-rear direction.

[0221] A length L3 by which the touch sensor 400 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200 may correspond to the length L2 by which the handle portion 143 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200. In other words, the length L3 by which the touch sensor 400 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200 may be substantially the same as the length L2 by which the handle portion 143 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200. With such a configuration, the recognizability of the touch sensor 400 and the handle portion 143 by the user may be further improved, and user convenience when opening the inner door 100 may be increased.

[0222] The door opening device 300 and the touch sensor 400 may be arranged side by side. For example, the door opening device 300 and the touch sensor 400 may be arranged side by side along the lower edge of the outer door 200.

[0223] The length L1 by which the door opening device 300 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200 may correspond to the length L3 by which the touch sensor 400 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200. In other words, the length L1 by which the door opening device 300 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200 may be substantially the same as the length L3 by which the touch sensor 400 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200. With such a configuration, the recognizability of the door opening device 300 and the touch sensor 400 by the user may be further improved, and user convenience when opening the outer door 200 and / or inner door 100 may be increased.

[0224] That is, the length L1 by which the door opening device 300 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200 may correspond to the length L2 by which the handle portion 143 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200 and the length L3 by which the touch sensor 400 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200. For example, the length L2 by which the handle portion 143 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200 and the length L3 by which the touch sensor 400 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200 may not exceed 1.03 times the length L1 by which the door opening device 300 extends along the lower edge of the outer door 200. However, the relationship between the respective lengths of the door opening device 300, the handle portion 143, and the touch sensor 400 is not limited thereto.

[0225] A lower hinge device 900 may be provided at the lower end portion of the outer door 200. The lower hinge device 900 may be provided at one end portion of the outer door 200. For example, the lower hinge device 900 may be provided at the left end portion of the outer door 200.

[0226] Each of the lower end portion of the outer door 200 and the lower end portion of the inner door 100 may be divided into two regions based on a center line CL in the left-right direction. Specifically, each of the lower end portion of the outer door 200 and the lower end portion of the inner door 100 may be divided based on the center line CL in the left-right direction into a first region R1 in which the lower hinge device 900 is provided, and a second region R2 opposite to the first region R1.

[0227] Each of the handle portion 143, the door opening device 300, and the touch sensor 400 may be provided in the second region R2. That is, the lower hinge device 900 may be provided on one side of the center line CL, and each of the handle portion 143, the door opening device 300, and the touch sensor 400 may be provided on the other side opposite to one side of the center line CL. For example, the lower hinge device 900 may be provided on the right side of the center line CL, and each of the handle portion 143, the door opening device 300, and the touch sensor 400 may be provided on the left side of the center line CL.

[0228] The handle portion 143 may be disposed farther from the lower hinge device 900 than the door opening device 300 may be. For example, the handle portion 143 may be provided on the left side of the door opening device 300.

[0229] The handle portion 143 and the door opening device 300 may not overlap in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the handle portion 143 may include a first end 143d) provided closer to the lower hinge device 900, and the door opening device 300 may include a second end 300a provided farther from the lower hinge device 900, and the first end 143b of the handle portion 143 may be disposed farther from the lower hinge device 900 than the second end 300a of the door opening device 300. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the user from confusing the door opening device 300 with the handle portion 143.

[0230] The touch sensor 400 may be disposed farther from the lower hinge device 900 than the door opening device 300. For example, the touch sensor 400 may be provided on the left side of the door opening device 300.

[0231] In the above, an embodiment in which each of the handle portion 143 and the touch sensor 400 is disposed farther from the lower hinge device 900 than the door opening device 300 has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. According to embodiments, each of the handle portion and the touch sensor may be disposed closer to the lower hinge device than the door opening device. That is, an embodiment may be provided in which the positions of the door opening device 300 and the touch sensor 400 shown in the drawings are interchanged with each other, and the handle portion 143 is provided behind the touch sensor 400 at the changed position.

[0232] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes: a main body 10 in which a storage compartment 21, 22, and 23 is formed; an inner door 100, rotatable at a front of the main body 10 and including an opening 101; an outer door 200, rotatable at a front of the inner door 100 to open and close the opening 101; and a door opening device 300 at a lower end portion of the outer door 200 and configured to open the outer door 200, wherein the door opening device 300 includes: a shaft 310 coupleable to the outer door 200; and a lever 320, rotatable with the shaft 310 as a rotation axis and accessible from an outside of the outer door 200, wherein the lever 320 includes an inclined portion 323, on a rear surface of the lever 320, the inclined portion 323 inclined such that a lower end thereof is positioned forward of an upper end thereof.

[0233] The inner door 100 may further include a locking protrusion 141 protruding downward from a lower end portion of the inner door 100. The door opening device 300 may further include a locking portion 330 protruding rearward from the lever 320, the locking portion 330 including a receiving groove 333 opened upward to accommodate at least a portion of the locking protrusion 141.

[0234] The door opening device 300 may be rotatable between a first position P1 in which the at least the portion of the locking protrusion 141 is accommodated in the receiving groove 333 and a second position P2 in which the locking protrusion 141 is separated from the receiving groove 333.

[0235] The locking portion 330 may include: an extension portion 331 extending rearward from the lever 320; and a sidewall portion 332c bent from the extension portion 331 and extending upward, forming the receiving groove 333 together with the extension portion 331. When the door opening device 300 is in the first position P1, an upper end of the sidewall portion 332c may be positioned above a lower portion of the locking protrusion 141.

[0236] The outer door 200 may include: a front plate 210 forming a front surface of the outer door 200; a door cap 230 coupleable to a lower end portion of the front plate 210 and on which the door opening device 300 is mounted, the door cap 230 including a plate cover portion 231 configured to cover a lower rear portion of the front plate 210 from a front side of the door opening device 300; and an elastic member 500 between the lever 320 and the plate cover portion 231.

[0237] The outer door 200 may include: a gasket 270, including a magnetic material 600 inside, the gasket 270 provided along an edge of the outer door 200.

[0238] The inner door 100 may further include a front plate 110, including a metal material, the front plate 110 forming a front surface of the inner door 100 and configured to contact the gasket 270.

[0239] The inner door 100 may further include a lower cover 140 at a lower end portion of the inner door 100. The lower cover 140 may include: a front panel 142 forming a front surface of the lower cover 140 and extending flat along a lower edge of the inner door 100; and a handle portion 143 extending rearward from the front panel 142, the handle portion 143 including a handle groove 143a opened downward from the handle portion 143.

[0240] The outer door 200 may include a door cap 230 at a lower end portion of the outer door 200. A front end 143b of the handle portion 143 may be rearward of a rear end 230a of the door cap 230.

[0241] The inner door 100 may further include a door cap 130 at a lower end portion of the outer door 200, to which the lower cover 140 is coupled at a lower side thereof, and of which at least a portion is covered by the lower cover 140. A rear end of the handle portion 143 may be closer to a rear end 130b of the door cap 130 than to a front end 130a of the door cap 130.

[0242] A width of the handle groove 143a in a front to rear direction may be greater than or equal to half of a width of the door cap 130 in the front to rear direction.

[0243] A length L1 by which the door opening device 300 extends along a lower edge of the outer door 200 may correspond to a length L2 by which the handle portion 143 extends along a lower edge of the inner door 100.

[0244] The outer door 200 may include a touch sensor 400 configured to detect a touch of a user and open the inner door 100. The handle portion 143 may be at a rear of the touch sensor 400. A length L3 by which the touch sensor 400 extends along a lower edge of the outer door 200 may correspond to a length L2 by which the handle portion 143 extends along a lower edge of the inner door 100.

[0245] The refrigerator 1 may further include a hinge device 900 coupled to the inner door 100 and configured to rotatably support the outer door 200 at one end of the outer door 200. A distance from the handle portion 143 to the hinge device 900 may be greater than a distance from the door opening device 300 to the hinge device 900.

[0246] The handle portion 143 may include a first end 143d closer to the hinge device 900. The door opening device 300 may include a second end 300a farther from the hinge device 900. A distance from the first end 143d of the handle portion 143 to the hinge device 900 may be greater than a distance from the second end 300a of the door opening device 300 to the hinge device 900.

[0247] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes: a main body 10; an inner door 100 rotatably provided at a front of the main body 10; an outer door 200 rotatably provided at a front of the inner door 100; and a door opening device 300 disposed at a lower end portion of the outer door 200 and configured to open the outer door 200. The door opening device 300 includes: a rotation shaft 310 rotatably coupled to the outer door 200; a lever 320 extending downward from the rotation shaft 310; and a locking portion 330 protruding from the lever 320 toward the inner door 100, the locking portion 330 forming a receiving groove 333 configured to accommodate at least a portion of a locking protrusion 141 protruding downward from a lower end portion of the inner door 100.

[0248] The outer door 200 may include an elastic member 500 provided in front of the lever 320 to press the lever 320 rearward.

[0249] The elastic member 500 may be coupled to one end of the lever 320, and the locking portion 330 may protrude from the other end of the lever 320 opposite to the one end of the lever 320.

[0250] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes: a main body 10; an inner door 100 rotatably provided at a front of the main body 10; an outer door 200 rotatably provided at a front of the inner door 100; and a door opening device 300 disposed at a lower end portion of the outer door 200 and configured to open the outer door 200, the door opening device 300 including a lever 320 accessible from an outside of the outer door 200. The outer door 200 includes: a gasket 270 provided along an edge of the outer door 200; and a magnetic material 600 accommodated inside the gasket 270. The inner door 100 includes a front plate 110 forming a front surface of the inner door 100 and configured to contact the gasket 270, the front plate 110 including a metal material.

[0251] The lever 320 includes an inclined portion 323 provided on a rear surface of the lever 320 and inclined such that a lower end thereof is positioned forward of an upper end thereof.

[0252] According to a concept of the present disclosure, an inclined portion that slopes forward toward a lower end thereof may be provided on a rear surface of a lever of a door opening device. With this configuration, the lever 320 can be grasped more easily, and user convenience in opening the door can be further improved.

[0253] According to a concept of the present disclosure, a magnetic material may be accommodated inside a gasket of an outer door, and a front plate of an inner door may include a metal material. With this configuration, when the outer door is closed, a sealing effect between the outer door and the inner door can be enhanced.

[0254] According to a concept of the present disclosure, a handle portion of the inner door may be provided rearward of a rear end of the outer door. With this configuration, each of the outer door and the inner door may have a relatively thin thickness.

[0255] According to a concept of the present disclosure, the door may have a relatively thin thickness. Specifically, each of the outer door and the inner door may have a relatively thin thickness. With this configuration, aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator can be improved.

[0256] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects that are not described above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description.

[0257] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above with reference to exemplary embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains should be able to understand that various modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the technical spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:a main body in which a storage compartment is formed;an inner door, rotatable at a front of the main body, including an opening;an outer door, rotatable at a front of the inner door to open and close the opening; anda door opening device at a lower end portion of the outer door and configured to open the outer door,wherein the door opening device includes:a shaft coupleable to the outer door; anda lever, rotatable with the shaft as a rotation axis, accessible from an outside of the outer door,wherein the lever includes an inclined portion, on a rear surface of the lever, the inclined portion inclined such that a lower end thereof is positioned forward of an upper end thereof.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the inner door further includes a locking protrusion protruding downward from a lower end portion of the inner door,wherein the door opening device further includes a locking portion protruding rearward from the lever, the locking portion including a receiving groove opened upward to accommodate at least a portion of the locking protrusion.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the door opening device is rotatable between a first position in which the at least the portion of the locking protrusion is accommodated in the receiving groove and a second position in which the locking protrusion is separated from the receiving groove.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the locking portion includes:an extension portion extending rearward from the lever; anda sidewall portion bent from the extension portion and extending upward, forming the receiving groove together with the extension portion,wherein when the door opening device is in the first position, an upper end of the sidewall portion is positioned above a lower portion of the locking protrusion.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the outer door includes:a front plate forming a front surface of the outer door;a door cap coupleable to a lower end portion of the front plate and on which the door opening device is mounted, the door cap including a plate cover portion configured to cover a lower rear portion of the front plate from a front side of the door opening device; andan elastic member between the lever and the plate cover portion.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the outer door includes:a gasket, including a magnetic material inside, the gasket along an edge of the outer door.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein the inner door further includes a front plate, including a metal material, the front plate forming a front surface of the inner door and configured to contact the gasket.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the inner door further includes a lower cover at a lower end portion of the inner door,wherein the lower cover includes:a front panel forming a front surface of the lower cover and extending flat along a lower edge of the inner door; anda handle portion extending rearward from the front panel, the handle portion including a handle groove opened downward from the handle portion.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the outer door includes a door cap at a lower end portion of the outer door,wherein a front end of the handle portion is rearward of a rear end of the door cap.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the inner door further includes a door cap at a lower end portion of the outer door, to which the lower cover is coupled at a lower side thereof, and of which at least a portion is covered by the lower cover,wherein a rear end of the handle portion is closer to a rear end of the door cap than to a front end of the door cap.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein a width of the handle groove in a front to rear direction is greater than or equal to half of a width of the door cap in the front to rear direction.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein a length by which the door opening device extends along a lower edge of the outer door corresponds to a length by which the handle portion extends along a lower edge of the inner door.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the outer door includes a touch sensor configured to detect a touch of a user and open the inner door,wherein the handle portion is at a rear of the touch sensor, anda length by which the touch sensor extends along a lower edge of the outer door corresponds to a length by which the handle portion extends along a lower edge of the inner door.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 8, further comprising a hinge device coupled to the inner door and configured to rotatably support the outer door at one end of the outer door,wherein a distance from the handle portion to the hinge device is greater than a distance from the door opening device to the hinge device.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein the handle portion includes a first end closer to the hinge device, and the door opening device includes a second end farther from the hinge device,wherein a distance from the first end of the handle portion to the hinge device is greater than a distance from the second end of the door opening device to the hinge device.

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