Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator comprises: a cabinet; a storage chamber provided inside the cabinet; cover rails fixed to both side walls of the storage chamber; a temperature changing module assembled to the cover rails; and a pantry assembled to the cover rails so as to be positioned at the upper end of the temperature changing module. Each of the cover rails comprises a stopper for fixing the temperature changing module in the front-rear direction and a hook for fixing the pantry, and when the pantry is fixed to the hook, the temperature changing module is fixed to be prevented from moving in the vertical direction by the pantry.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a refrigerator in which a variable temperature module assembled inside a storage room is fixed in the front-back and up-down directions.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that maintains food freshness by including a main body with a storage compartment and a cooling system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment, which is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius and used to refrigerate food, and a freezer compartment, which is maintained at approximately 0 to -30 degrees Celsius and used to freeze food. A door is provided on the front of the main body, allowing the storage compartment to be opened and closed. The door is rotatably located on the front of the main body, allowing the storage compartment to be opened and closed.

[0003] A variable temperature module may be provided within the storage room. The variable temperature module may be assembled within the storage room using screws or the like. The variable temperature module may include multiple variable temperature chambers, each of which may be set to a different temperature and used.

[0004] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a refrigerator in which a variable temperature module and a pantry are assembled on cover rails that are assembled to both side walls of a storage room.

[0005] In addition, a refrigerator is provided in which a temperature-variable module is fixed by a cover rail to prevent movement in the forward and backward direction.

[0006] In addition, a refrigerator is provided in which the temperature-changing module and the pantry are connected to each other in close contact and assembled on a cover rail, thereby fixing the temperature-changing module so as to prevent it from moving up and down.

[0007] In addition, a refrigerator is provided in which the temperature control module and the pantry are connected to each other in close contact and assembled on a cover rail, thereby fixing the pantry so as to prevent it from moving up and down.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] A refrigerator according to the invention includes a cabinet, a storage compartment provided inside the cabinet, a cover rail fixed to both side walls of the storage compartment, a variable temperature module assembled to the cover rail, and a pantry assembled to the cover rail so as to be positioned on the upper end of the variable temperature module. The cover rail includes a stopper for fixing the variable temperature module in a front-rear direction and a hook for fixing the pantry, and when the pantry is fixed to the hook, the variable temperature module is fixed so as to be prevented from moving up and down by the pantry.

[0010] A refrigerator according to the invention includes a cabinet, a storage compartment provided inside the cabinet, a cover rail fixed to both side walls of the storage compartment, a variable temperature module assembled to the cover rail, and a pantry assembled to the cover rail so as to be positioned at an upper end of the variable temperature module and connected to the variable temperature module to prevent vertical movement of the variable temperature module. The cover rail includes a rail for sliding the variable temperature module forward and backward, a stopper formed on the rail for fixing the variable temperature module forward and backward, and a hook for fixing the pantry and being formed to be elastically deformable.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the front of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator with an open door according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a temperature-variable module and a pantry assembled on cover rails fixed to both side walls of a storage room according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a cover rail according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a variable temperature module and a pantry according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the variable temperature module and pantry shown in Figure 5 from a different direction.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a plurality of connecting hooks formed on the lower surface of a pantry according to one embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a temperature change module assembled to a cover rail according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a temperature change module assembled on a cover rail according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a pantry assembled to a cover rail according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating assembling a pantry to a cover rail while the pantry is mounted on top of a temperature change module according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an elastically deformed state of a hook pressed by a guide rail when assembling a pantry to a cover rail according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a pantry assembled to a cover rail according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a pantry assembled to a cover rail according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a hook of a cover rail according to one embodiment being elastically deformed and fixed to a fixing hole of a pantry.

[0026] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or alternatives of the embodiments.

[0027] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0028] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In this disclosure, each of the phrases "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 phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0030] The term “and / or” includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0032] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0033] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0034] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0035] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0036] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0037] The “body” may include an inner case, an outer case placed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0038] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or 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 the outer appearance of the body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0039] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0040] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0041] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall defining a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

[0042] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0043] The storage room may be provided to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished according to the intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them in a frozen state, and for example, a freezer room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, at the user's option or not.

[0044] In addition to names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room," a storage room may also be called by various other names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice room." The terms "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0045] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0046] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

[0048] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0049] In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

[0050] Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0052] A “cold air supply device” may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool a storage room.

[0053] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0055] The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0056] In one 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 so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

[0057] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0059] The “control unit” may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0060] Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0061] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

[0062] Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0063] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0064] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0065] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0066] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0067] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0068] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0069] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the front of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator with an open door according to one embodiment.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator may include a cabinet (10), a storage compartment (20) formed by being divided vertically inside the cabinet (10), a door (30) for opening and closing the storage compartment (20), and a cold air supply device (not shown) for supplying cold air to the storage compartment (20).

[0071] The cabinet (10) may be configured to include an inner case (11) forming a storage room (20), an outer case (13) bonded to the outside of the inner case (11) to form an exterior, and an insulating material (not shown) that is foamed between the inner case (11) and the outer case (13) to insulate the storage room (20).

[0072] A machine room (not shown) in which a compressor (not shown) for compressing refrigerant and a condenser (not shown) for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor are installed may be provided at the lower rear side of the cabinet (10).

[0073] The cold air supply device may include a compressor installed in a machine room to compress a refrigerant, a condenser installed in the machine room to condense the refrigerant, an expansion valve (not shown) to expand the refrigerant condensed by the condenser, an evaporator (not shown) installed at the rear of a storage room (20) to generate cold air, a fan (not shown) to induce cold air generated in the evaporator to be discharged into the storage room (20), and a cold air duct (not shown) installed at the rear of the storage room (20) to discharge cold air induced by the fan into the storage room (20). The evaporator, fan, and cold air duct arranged at the rear of the storage room (20) may be arranged at the rear of the refrigerator room (22) and the freezer room (23, 24), respectively.

[0074] The storage room (20) can be divided into multiple sections by partitions (15), and a plurality of shelves (25) and storage containers (26) can be provided inside the storage room (20) to store food, etc.

[0075] The storage room (20) can be divided into a plurality of storage rooms (21, 22, 23) by a partition (15), and the partition (15) can include a first partition (17) that is horizontally connected inside the storage room (20) to divide the storage room (20) into an upper storage room (21) and a lower storage room (22, 23), and a second partition (19) that is vertically connected to the lower storage room (22, 23) to divide the lower storage room (22, 23) into a first storage room (22) and a second storage room (23).

[0076] The partition (15) having a T shape formed by combining the first partition (17) and the second partition (19) can divide the storage room (20) into three spaces. Among the upper storage room (21) and the lower storage rooms (22, 23) divided by the first partition (17), the upper storage room (21) can be used as a refrigerator, and the lower storage rooms (22, 23) can be used as a freezer.

[0077] The lower storage compartments (22, 23) can be used entirely as a freezer, but the first storage compartment (22) can be used as a freezer and the second storage compartment (23) can be used as a refrigerator, or the first storage compartment (22) can be used as a freezer and the second storage compartment (23) can be used as both a freezer and a refrigerator.

[0078] The division of the storage room (20) as described above is an example, and each storage room (22, 23, 24) can be used differently from the above configuration.

[0079] The refrigerator (21) and freezer (22, 23) can each be opened and closed by a door (30) that is rotatably connected to the cabinet (10).

[0080] The door (30) may include a pair of refrigerator doors (31) that are rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10) and open and close the refrigerator compartment (21). The pair of refrigerator doors (31) may include a first door (32) and a second door (33) that are rotatably coupled to the left and right sides of the cabinet (10), respectively. The door (30) may include a pair of freezer doors (34) that are rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10) and open and close the freezer compartment (22, 23). The doors that open and close the freezer compartment (22, 23) may be sliding doors.

[0081] The refrigerator (21) is opened and closed by a pair of refrigerator doors (31), and when the pair of refrigerator doors (31) are closed, a rotation bar (35) may be provided on at least one of the first door (32) and the second door (33) so that the first door (32) and the second door (33) can be sealed without a gap being formed therebetween. The rotation bar (35) may be rotatably coupled to at least one of the pair of refrigerator doors (31). The rotation bar (35) may be guided to rotate according to the opening and closing of the refrigerator door (31) by a rotation guide (14) formed on the cabinet (10).

[0082] A door basket (31a, 34a) for storing food may be provided on the back of each of a pair of refrigerator doors (31) and a pair of freezer doors (34).

[0083] Each door basket (31a, 34a) may include a die (31b, 34b) extending vertically from each door (31, 34) to support each door basket (31a, 34a) on both left and right sides of each door basket (31a, 34a). The die (31b, 34b) may be provided to extend from each door (31, 34). The die (31b, 34b) may be provided in a separate configuration so as to be detachable from each door (31, 34).

[0084] Additionally, a gasket (31c, 34c) may be provided on the back edge of each door (31, 34) to seal the gap with the cabinet (10) when each door (31, 34) is closed. The gasket (31c, 34c) may be installed in a loop shape along the edge on the back edge of each door (31, 34), and may include a magnet (not shown) inside.

[0085] A pair of refrigerator doors (31) may be provided as double doors each including an inner door (40) and an outer door (50).

[0086] The inner door (40) is rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) by a first hinge (not shown) and can open and close the refrigerator compartment (21). The aforementioned door basket (31a), die (31b), and gasket (31c) may be provided on the inner door (40). The first hinge may be prevented from being exposed to the outside by a top table (70) provided on the upper portion of the cabinet (10). That is, the top table (70) provided on the front of the upper portion of the cabinet (10) may be provided to cover the upper portion of the first hinge.

[0087] The inner door (40) may include an opening (41) formed to allow a user to access the door basket (31a) to insert or remove food when the inner door (40) is closed. This opening (41) is formed through the inner door (40) and can be opened and closed by the outer door (50).

[0088] The outer door (50) is provided in front of the inner door (40) so as to be able to open and close the opening (41) of the inner door (40), and may be provided so as to be rotatable in the same direction as the inner door (40). In the drawing, the outer door (50) is shown as being rotatable with respect to the inner door (40) by being rotatably supported by a second hinge (60) installed on the inner door (40), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the outer door (50) may also be provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the cabinet (10) by having a second hinge (60) installed on the cabinet (10).

[0089] A variable temperature module (80) may be provided inside the storage room (20). The variable temperature module (80) may include a first variable temperature room (81) and a second variable temperature room (82). The first variable temperature room (81) and the second variable temperature room (82) may be opened and closed by a first variable temperature room door (83) and a second variable temperature room door (84), respectively. The first variable temperature room door (83) and the second variable temperature room door (84) may be provided as drawer-type doors. The first variable temperature room (81) and the second variable temperature room (82) may be used while being set to different temperatures. (See FIG. 3)

[0090] A pantry (90) may be provided at the top of the variable temperature module (80). The pantry (90) may include a guide rail (91) that guides a storage container (26) provided inside the storage room (20) to slide forward and backward.

[0091] The temperature change module (80) and the pantry (90) are assembled on a cover rail (100, see Fig. 3) that is fixed to both side walls of the storage room (20), and a detailed description thereof will be given below.

[0092] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a configuration in which a variable temperature module and a pantry are assembled on cover rails fixed to both side walls of a storage room according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a cover rail according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a variable temperature module and a pantry according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the variable temperature module and the pantry illustrated in FIG. 5 from another direction. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a configuration in which a plurality of connecting hooks are formed on the lower surface of a pantry according to one embodiment.

[0093] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7, cover rails (100) may be fixed to both side walls of the storage room (20). A variable temperature module (80) and a pantry (90) may be assembled to the cover rails (100) fixed to both side walls of the storage room (20). The cover rails (100) are fixed to both side walls of the storage room (20) by fastening members such as screws (not shown), but are not limited thereto. That is, the cover rails (100) may be fixed to both side walls of the storage room (20) by fastening members such as screws after insulation is foamed between the inner case (11) and the outer case (13). In addition, if the cover rails (100) are fixed to both side walls of the storage room (20) before insulation is foamed between the inner case (11) and the outer case (13), the cover rails (100) may be fixed to both side walls of the storage room (20) without fastening members such as screws. In this case, the cover rail (100) can be fixed as the insulation foamed between the inner surface (11) and the outer surface (13) hardens.

[0094] The cover rail (100) may include a rail (110) that allows the temperature-variable module (80) assembled to the cover rail (100) to slide forward and backward. The guide portion (85) of the temperature-variable module (80) is mounted on the upper portion of the rail (110) and can slide forward and backward along the rail (110).

[0095] The rail (110) may include a stopper (111) formed to protrude upward from the rail (110). The stopper (111) may be formed close to the rear with respect to the center of the rail (110). The stopper (111) may fix the variable temperature module (80) assembled to the cover rail (100) in the front-back direction. When the variable temperature module (80) is assembled to the cover rail (100), if the stopper (111) of the cover rail (100) is inserted into the fixing groove (86) of the variable temperature module (80), the variable temperature module (80) may be fixed in the front-back direction by the stopper (111).

[0096] The rail (110) may include a catch (113) formed at the front of the rail (110). The catch (113) may limit the movement of the variable temperature module (80) moving backward along the rail (110). That is, when the catch (87) of the variable temperature module (80) is caught by the catch (113) of the rail (110) in the process of the variable temperature module (80) moving backward along the rail (110), the movement of the variable temperature module (80) may be limited so that it can no longer move backward.

[0097] The cover rail (100) may include a hook (120) for fixing the pantry (90). When the hook (120) of the cover rail (110) is fixed to the fixing hole (93) of the pantry (90), the pantry (90) can be assembled to the cover rail (110). The hook (120) may be formed to be elastically deformed. That is, when fixing the pantry (90) to the cover rail (100), the hook (120) may be elastically deformed while being pressed by the guide rail (91). When the fixing hole (93) of the pantry (90) is moved to a position corresponding to the hook (120) of the cover rail (100) while the hook (120) is pressed by the guide rail (91) and elastically deformed, the hook (120) may be elastically deformed again and fixed to the fixing hole (93).

[0098] The temperature-variable module (80) can be assembled to the cover rail (100). The temperature-variable module (80) can include a guide portion (85) that slides forward and backward along the rail (110) of the cover rail (100). The guide portion (85) can be formed at the bottom of both side walls of the temperature-variable module (80). The guide portion (85) can be mounted on the upper portion of the rail (110) of the cover rail (100) and slide forward and backward along the rail (110).

[0099] The guide portion (85) may include a fixing groove (86) to which the stopper (111) of the cover rail (100) is fixed. When the guide portion (85) is moved rearward along the rail (110), the stopper (111) of the cover rail (100) is fixed to the fixing groove (86) of the variable temperature module (80), thereby preventing the variable temperature module (80) from moving forward and backward.

[0100] The guide portion (85) may include a catch portion (87) that catches the catch portion (113) of the cover rail (100) and restricts the movement of the temperature-altering module (80). When the guide portion (85) moves rearward along the rail (110), the catch portion (87) of the temperature-altering module (80) catches the catch portion (113) of the cover rail (100), thereby restricting the movement of the temperature-altering module (80) so that it can no longer move rearward.

[0101] The variable temperature module (80) can be connected to the pantry (90) by a connecting device. The connecting device can include a connecting hook (95) formed on the pantry (90) and a connecting groove (88) formed on the variable temperature module (80) to which the connecting hook (95) is connected.

[0102] A plurality of connection grooves (88) may be formed in the variable temperature module (80). The connection grooves (88) may be formed in the upper front portion of the variable temperature module (80). The connection grooves (88) may be formed so that, when the pantry (90) is assembled to the cover rail (100), the connection hooks (95) formed in the pantry (90) are fitted into and connected. When the connection hooks (95) formed in the pantry (90) are fitted into and connected to the connection grooves (88) formed in the variable temperature module (80), the pantry (90) can be brought into close contact with the upper portion of the variable temperature module (80). When the pantry (90) is brought into close contact with the upper portion of the variable temperature module (80), the variable temperature module (80) can be prevented from moving in the vertical direction by the pantry (90).

[0103] The pantry (90) may include a guide rail (91) that guides a plurality of storage containers (26) provided inside the storage room (20) to slide forward and backward. The guide rail (91) may be formed in multiple pieces. The guide rail (91) may be formed to be positioned on both sides of the storage container (26).

[0104] The pantry (90) may include a fixing hole (93) formed in the guide rail (91). A hook (120) formed in the cover rail (100) may be fixed to the fixing hole (93). When the pantry (90) is assembled to the cover rail (100), the hook (120) may be elastically deformed while being pressed by the guide rail (91). When the fixing hole (93) formed in the pantry (90) is moved to a position corresponding to the hook (120), the hook (120) may be elastically deformed again when the pressing by the guide rail (91) is released and may be fixed to the fixing hole (93).

[0105] The pantry (90) may include a plurality of connecting hooks (95). The connecting hooks (95) may be formed at the lower front portion of the pantry (90). The connecting hooks (95) may be formed at positions corresponding to the connecting grooves (88) formed in the variable temperature module (80) so as to be connected by being inserted into the connecting grooves (88) formed in the pantry (90) when the pantry (90) is assembled to the cover rail (100). When the connecting hooks (95) formed in the pantry (90) are inserted into the connecting grooves (88) formed in the variable temperature module (80), the pantry (90) may be brought into close contact with the upper portion of the variable temperature module (80). When the pantry (90) is brought into close contact with the upper portion of the variable temperature module (80), the variable temperature module (80) may be prevented from moving vertically by the pantry (90).

[0106] Fig. 8 is a drawing illustrating a temperature-variable module assembled to a cover rail according to one embodiment. Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a temperature-variable module assembled to a cover rail according to one embodiment.

[0107] As illustrated in Fig. 8, when assembling the temperature-variable module (80) to the cover rail (100), the guide part (85) of the temperature-variable module (80) is positioned on the upper part of the rail (110) of the cover rail (100), and then the temperature-variable module (80) can be pushed in the direction of the arrow. When the temperature-variable module (80) is pushed in the direction of the arrow, the guide part (85) of the temperature-variable module (80) can move along the rail (110) of the cover rail (100).

[0108] As illustrated in Fig. 9, when the temperature-altering module (80) is pushed in and the catch (87) of the temperature-altering module (80) catches the catch (113) formed on the rail (110), the movement of the temperature-altering module (80) can be restricted. At this time, the stopper (111) formed on the rail (110) can be inserted into and fixed in the fixing groove (86) formed on the guide portion (85). When the stopper (111) is fixed in the fixing groove (86), the temperature-altering module (80) can be fixed so as to prevent movement in the forward and backward direction. By fixing the temperature-altering module (80) in the forward and backward direction, the temperature-altering module (80) can be assembled to the cover rail (100).

[0109] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a pantry assembled to a cover rail according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a pantry assembled to a cover rail while the pantry is secured to the upper portion of a variable temperature module according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a hook is pressed by a guide rail and elastically deformed when assembling a pantry to a cover rail according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a pantry assembled to a cover rail according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a pantry assembled to a cover rail according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a hook of a cover rail according to one embodiment is elastically deformed and fixed to a fixing hole of a pantry.

[0110] As illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, when assembling the pantry (90) to the cover rail (100), the pantry (90) can be assembled to the cover rail (100) while being seated on the upper portion of the variable temperature module (80). The pantry (90) can be assembled to the cover rail (100) while being in close contact with the upper portion of the variable temperature module (80). The pantry (90) can be connected to the variable temperature module (80) by a connecting device and be in close contact with the upper portion of the variable temperature module (80). The connecting device can include a connecting hook (95) formed on the pantry (90) and a connecting groove (88) formed on the variable temperature module (80) to which the connecting hook (95) is connected. The connecting hook (95) and the connecting groove (88) can be formed in multiple portions on the pantry (90) and the variable temperature module (80), respectively. By connecting the connecting hooks (95) formed in multiple pieces and being inserted into the connecting grooves (88) formed in multiple pieces, the pantry (90) can be connected to the temperature-variable module (80) so as to be in close contact with the upper portion of the temperature-variable module (80).

[0111] When the pantry (90) mounted on the upper part of the variable temperature module (80) is pushed, the plurality of connecting hooks (95) formed can be connected by being inserted into the plurality of connecting grooves (88). When the pantry (90) is pushed, the hook (120) of the cover rail (100) can be elastically deformed and pressed by the guide rail (91), as shown in Fig. 12. With the hook (120) pressed, the pantry (90) can continue to move in the direction of the arrow.

[0112] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, when the pantry (90) is assembled to the cover rail (100), the connecting hook (95) formed on the pantry (90) can be inserted into the connecting groove (88) formed on the variable temperature module (80). By inserting the connecting hook (95) into the connecting groove (88), the pantry (90) can be connected to the variable temperature module (80).

[0113] As illustrated in FIG. 15, when the fixing hole (93) of the pantry (90) is moved to a position corresponding to the hook (120) of the cover rail (100), the hook (120) can be inserted into the fixing hole (93) and fixed while being elastically deformed again. When the hook (120) is inserted into the fixing hole (93) and fixed, the pantry (90) can be assembled to the cover rail (100). When the pantry (90) in close contact with the upper part of the variable temperature module (80) is assembled to the cover rail (100), the pantry (90) can be fixed so as to prevent movement in the vertical direction by the variable temperature module (80). In addition, when the pantry (90) in close contact with the upper part of the variable temperature module (80) is assembled to the cover rail (100), the variable temperature module (80) can be fixed so as to prevent movement in the vertical direction by the pantry (90).

[0114] According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, a refrigerator includes a cabinet (10), a storage compartment (20) provided inside the cabinet, a cover rail (100) fixed to both side walls of the storage compartment, a variable temperature module (80) assembled to the cover rail, and a pantry (90) assembled to the cover rail so as to be positioned at the upper end of the variable temperature module. The cover rail includes a stopper (111) for fixing the variable temperature module in a front-rear direction and a hook (120) for fixing the pantry, and when the pantry is fixed to the hook, the variable temperature module is fixed so as to be prevented from moving in the up-and-down direction by the pantry.

[0115] The above cover rail may further include a rail (110) that slides the temperature change module assembled to the cover rail in the forward and backward direction.

[0116] The rail may include a stopper formed to protrude upward from the rail and a catch (113) formed at the front of the rail to limit movement of the temperature change module moving rearward along the rail.

[0117] The above temperature change module may include a guide part (85) that slides forward and backward along the rail.

[0118] The above guide part may include a fixing groove (86) to which the stopper is fixed when the guide part is moved rearward along the rail, and a catch part (87) that catches the catch and restricts movement of the temperature change module when the guide part is moved rearward along the rail.

[0119] The above hook can be formed to be elastically deformed.

[0120] The above pantry may include a guide rail (91) that guides a storage container (26) provided inside the storage room to slide forward and backward, and a fixing hole (93) formed on the guide rail and to which the hook is fixed.

[0121] When assembling the pantry to the cover rail, the hook is elastically deformed by the guide rail, and when the fixing hole is moved to a position corresponding to the hook, the hook is elastically deformed again and can be fixed to the fixing hole.

[0122] The above pantry can be assembled to the cover rail so as to be in close contact with the upper part of the temperature change module.

[0123] When the above pantry is assembled to the cover rail, it can be connected to the temperature control module by a connecting device.

[0124] The above connecting device may include a connecting hook (95) formed in the pantry and a connecting groove (88) formed in the temperature-variable module, to which the connecting hook is connected when the pantry is assembled to the cover rail.

[0125] According to one embodiment of the disclosed invention, a refrigerator includes a cabinet (10), a storage compartment (20) provided inside the cabinet, a cover rail (100) fixed to both side walls of the storage compartment, a variable temperature module (80) assembled to the cover rail, and a pantry (90) assembled to the cover rail so as to be positioned at an upper end of the variable temperature module and connected to the variable temperature module to prevent vertical movement of the variable temperature module. The cover rail includes a rail (110) that allows the variable temperature module to slide forward and backward, a stopper (111) formed on the rail and fixing the variable temperature module in the forward and backward direction, and a hook (120) that fixes the pantry and is formed to be elastically deformable.

[0126] The above cover rail may further include a catch (113) formed at the front of the rail and restricting the movement of the temperature change module moving rearward along the rail.

[0127] The above temperature-variable module may include a guide part (85) formed on both side walls of the above temperature-variable module and allowing the above temperature-variable module to slide forward and backward along the rail.

[0128] The above guide part may include a catch (87) that catches the catch and restricts the movement of the temperature change module when the guide part moves rearward along the rail, and a fixing groove (86) into which the stopper is inserted and fixed when the catch is caught on the catch.

[0129] The above pantry can be equipped with a plurality of storage containers (26) that slide forward and backward.

[0130] The pantry may include a plurality of guide rails (91) that guide the plurality of storage containers to slide forward and backward, and a fixing hole (93) formed on a guide rail adjacent to both side walls of the storage room among the plurality of guide rails, and in which the hook is elastically deformed and fixed.

[0131] The above pantry can be connected to the temperature module by a connecting device so as to be in close contact with the upper part of the temperature module.

[0132] The above connecting device may include a plurality of connecting hooks (95) formed in the pantry and a plurality of connecting grooves (88) formed in the temperature change module, to which the plurality of connecting hooks are connected when the pantry is assembled to the cover rail.

[0133] The above hook is elastically deformed by contacting the guide rail when assembling the pantry to the cover rail, and when the pantry is moved to a position where the fixing hole corresponds to the hook, the hook is elastically deformed again and can be inserted into the fixing hole and fixed.

[0134] According to the present disclosure, since the variable temperature module and the pantry are assembled to cover rails that are assembled to both side walls of the storage room, the assembly work can be reduced by eliminating separate screws, etc. for assembling the variable temperature module to both side walls of the storage room.

[0135] In addition, since the temperature-variable module and the pantry are connected to each other in close contact and assembled on the cover rail, the temperature-variable module can be prevented from moving up and down.

[0136] In addition, since the temperature control module and the pantry are connected to each other in close contact and assembled on the cover rail, the pantry can be prevented from moving up and down.

[0137] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0138]

[0139] In describing the refrigerator with reference to the attached drawings above, specific shapes and directions have been mainly described, but it should be understood that various modifications and changes can be made by a person skilled in the art, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the disclosed invention.

Claims

1. Cabinet; A storage room provided inside the above cabinet; Cover rails fixed to both side walls of the above storage room; A temperature module assembled on the above cover rail; and A pantry assembled to the cover rail so as to be positioned on the top of the above temperature module; The above cover rail, A stopper that fixes the above temperature module in the forward and backward direction; and Hooks for fixing the above pantry; Including, A refrigerator in which the temperature-changing module is fixed so as to be prevented from moving up and down by the pantry when the pantry is fixed to the hook.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator wherein the cover rail further includes a rail for sliding the temperature change module assembled to the cover rail in the forward and backward direction.

3. In paragraph 2, The above rail is, The stopper is formed to protrude upward from the rail; and A refrigerator comprising a catch formed in front of the rail and restricting movement of the temperature change module moving rearward along the rail.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator in which the above temperature change module includes a guide part that slides forward and backward along the rail.

5. In paragraph 4, The above guide part, When the guide part is moved rearward along the rail, a fixing groove in which the stopper is fixed; and A refrigerator including a catch that catches the catch and restricts movement of the temperature change module when the guide part moves rearward along the rail.

6. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the above hook is formed to be elastically deformed.

7. In paragraph 6, The above pantry, A guide rail that guides a storage container provided inside the storage room to slide forward and backward; and A refrigerator comprising a fixing hole formed on the guide rail and to which the hook is fixed.

8. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator in which, when the pantry is assembled to the cover rail, the hook is elastically deformed by the guide rail, and when the fixing hole is moved to a position corresponding to the hook, the hook is elastically deformed again and fixed to the fixing hole.

9. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the pantry is assembled to the cover rail so as to be in close contact with the upper part of the temperature change module.

10. In paragraph 1, The above pantry is a refrigerator connected to the temperature control module by a connecting device when assembled to the cover rail.

11. In paragraph 10, The above connecting device, A connecting hook formed in the above pantry; and A refrigerator comprising a connecting groove formed in the above temperature change module and to which the connecting hook is connected when the pantry is assembled to the cover rail.

Images