Refrigerator

Abstract

Disclosed is a refrigerator comprising a full-length case and a hinge applicable to refrigerators of various sizes. The refrigerator comprises: a main body having a storage chamber; a door for opening and closing the storage chamber; a hinge for rotatably supporting the door with respect to the main body; a full-length case for accommodating a printed circuit board; and a fixing member coupled between the full-length case and the hinge so as to connect the hinge and the full-length case.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator with enhanced convenience.

[0002] A refrigerator is typically a device that maintains food freshness by providing a storage compartment and a cooling system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The temperature of the storage compartment can be maintained below room temperature, a temperature range required to keep food fresh.

[0003] These refrigerators include a printed circuit board (PCB) housing the electrical components that control the internal devices, as well as an electrical box housing them. Because refrigerators are bulky and heavy to transport, the electrical box must be easily detachable and reassembled from the refrigerator body for repair or replacement.

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator with improved convenience.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator in which a body case can be easily separated and combined from a main body.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a full-length case and hinge applicable to refrigerators of various sizes.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator in which deformation of a display can be prevented.

[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] In order to solve the above problem, a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body having a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the storage compartment, a hinge for rotatably supporting the door with respect to the main body, an electric case for accommodating a printed circuit board, and a fixing member that rotates while one end is rotatably connected to one of the hinge and the electric case and the other end is connected to the other of the hinge and the electric case.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a main body having a storage compartment, a door for opening and closing the storage compartment, a hinge support member coupled to an upper surface of the main body so that a hinge portion for rotatably supporting the door with respect to the main body is supported by the main body, a lower case coupled to an upper surface of the main body and covering both sides of an electrical box for accommodating a printed circuit board, and a fixing member having one end rotatably coupled to one of the hinge support member and the lower case and the other end coupled to the other of the hinge support member and the lower case.

[0011] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, there is an advantageous effect that the electric case and the display can be firmly fixed, and the electric case and hinge can be used in common with refrigerators of various sizes.

[0012] 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 will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerator illustrated in Figure 1.

[0015] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the front part of the fixed member illustrated in Figure 2.

[0016] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the rear part of the fixed member illustrated in Figure 3.

[0017] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the connection state between the fixed member and the lower case.

[0018] Figure 6 is a drawing showing a state in which the joining projection of the fixed member is arranged for joining with the long hole of the lower case.

[0019] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a state in which the coupling protrusion in Figure 6 is coupled to the long hole.

[0020] Figure 8 is a drawing showing a state in which the fixed member in Figure 7 is rotated and then coupled with the hinge.

[0021] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing the connection relationship between the display and the fixing member in the refrigerator illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a connection relationship between a fixed member and a full-length case in a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which the fixed member of Fig. 10 is rotated and connected to a hinge while being connected to a full-length case.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a connection relationship between a display and a fixing member in a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] 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.

[0026] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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.

[0032] Terms such as "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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0036] The "body" may include an inner case, an outer case disposed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0037] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the main 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.

[0038] "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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The storage room may be designed to maintain an appropriate temperature range depending on its intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished by their intended use and / or temperature range. A refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and a freezer 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 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 frozen, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. A variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's option or not.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 in communication with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0066] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0067] Meanwhile, the terms “front / rear direction,” “left / right direction,” “upper side,” “lower side,” etc. used in the description below are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0068] For example, the X direction can be defined as the front-back direction. For example, the Y direction can be defined as the sideways direction. For example, the Z direction can be defined as the up-down direction. For example, the +X direction can be defined as the front, and the -X direction can be defined as the back. For example, the +Y direction can be defined as the right, and the -Y direction can be defined as the left. For example, the +Z direction can be defined as the upward, and the -Z direction can be defined as the downward. Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0069] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the refrigerator illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10).

[0071] The main body (10) may include an outer surface (11) and an inner surface (12). The outer surface (11) may form the exterior of the refrigerator (1). The outer surface (11) may be formed in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape. The outer surface (11) may include an upper surface (11a), a side surface (11b), a rear surface, and a lower surface.

[0072] An inner casing (12) may be provided inside the outer casing (11). The inner casing (12) may form a storage chamber (30). The inner casing (12) may be formed in an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0073] The storage room (30) may include a first storage room (31) and a second storage room (32). The first storage room (31) may be a refrigerator room (31), and the second storage room (32) may be a freezer room (32). The refrigerator room (31) may be provided above the freezer room (32). However, this is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator room (31) may be provided below the freezer room (32). Food may be stored in the storage room (30).

[0074] A refrigerator (1) may include a storage container (33) and a shelf (34). The storage container (33) and the shelf (34) may be placed within a storage room (30). Food may be placed on the shelf (34), and food may be stored within the storage container (33). The number or shape of the shelves (34) and the storage container (33) is not limited to the examples illustrated in the drawings.

[0075] A refrigerator (1) may include a door (20). The door (20) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (10) to open and close a storage compartment (30). The door (20) may include a first door (21) for opening and closing a first storage compartment (31) and a second door (22) for opening and closing a second storage compartment (32). In the drawing, only two doors (20) are shown, but this is not limited thereto and four or only one door may be provided.

[0076] The refrigerator (1) may further include a door shelf (23). The door shelf (23) may be coupled to the door (20). The door shelf (23) may be coupled to the door (20) from the inside of the door (20). A storage space (23a) for storing food may be provided within the door shelf (23). The door shelf (23) may protrude into the storage compartment (30) when the door (20) closes the storage compartment (30).

[0077] The refrigerator (1) may include a hinge (40). The hinge (40) may rotatably support the door (20) with respect to the body (10). The hinge (40) may connect the door (20) to one side of the body (10).

[0078] The hinge (40) may include a hinge portion (41) including a hinge shaft (41a) for rotatably supporting the door (20), and a hinge support member (42) coupled between the hinge portion (41) and the main body (10) so that the hinge portion (41) is supported on the main body (10).

[0079] A part of the hinge axis (41a) of the hinge portion (41) can be inserted into the door (41).

[0080] The hinge support member (42) can allow the hinge portion (41) to be mounted on the main body (10). The hinge support member (42) can be coupled to the main body (10). For example, the hinge support member (42) can be coupled to the upper outer side (11a) of the main body (10). The hinge support members (42) can be provided in multiple numbers. Accordingly, the hinge (40) and the door (20) can be coupled at one end along the X direction or the -X direction of the main body (10). The hinge support members (42) can be mounted on both sides of the upper surface (11a) of the main body (10). Accordingly, the opening and closing direction of the door (20) can be changed by changing the position of the hinge portion (41) according to the user's usage environment of the door (20) of the refrigerator (1). However, the number of hinge support members (42) is not limited to that shown in the drawing.

[0081] The hinge support member (42) may include a front portion (42a) for coupling with the hinge portion (41). The hinge portion (41) may be fixed to the hinge support member (42) through coupling with the front portion (42a) via a fastening member (not shown).

[0082] A case (50) may be placed on the outside of the outer case (11). For example, the case (50) may be placed on the outer surface (11a) of the upper wall of the outer case. The upper surface (11a) of the main body (10) may be the outer surface (11a) of the upper wall of the outer case.

[0083] The electric case (50) may include a printed circuit board (52) on which an electric component (51) is mounted, and an electric box (53) that accommodates the printed circuit board (52).

[0084] The case (50) may include a case (54) that accommodates a case box (53). The case (54) may guide the movement or position of the case box (53) along the front-back direction of the main body (10). For example, the case box (53) may be inserted or extracted from the case (54) along the front-back direction of the outer case (11). The case (54) may include an upper case (55) and a lower case (56).

[0085] The lower case (56) can accommodate a battle box (53) therein. The lower case (56) can be arranged to surround the battle box (53).

[0086] The upper case (55) can cover the lower case (56) from above the lower case (56). The lower case (56) can be coupled to the outer surface (11a) of the upper wall of the outer case. A catch opening (11c) for coupling with the lower case (56) can be formed on the outer surface (11a) of the upper wall of the outer case, and a catch projection (not shown) that can be inserted into the catch opening (11c) is formed on the rear surface of the lower case (56), so that the lower case (56) can be coupled to the outer surface (11a) of the upper wall of the outer case.

[0087] The refrigerator (1) may include a guide plate (13) and a wire (14).

[0088] The guide plate (13) can be coupled to the outer surface (11a) of the upper wall of the outer body (11). The guide plate (13) can include a wire hole (13a) for guiding a wire (14).

[0089] The wire (14) can pass through the wire hole (13a) and / or the upper surface of the main body (10). For example, the wire (14) can pass through the upper portion of the outer case (11) and the inner case (12). The wire (14) can be electrically connected to various devices (not shown) provided inside the main body (10). In addition, the wire (14) can be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (52) disposed on the outer surface (11a) of the upper wall of the outer case. The guide plate (13) can be disposed on the rear side of the electric case (50).

[0090] The wires (14) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple wires (14) may include a first wire (14a) and a second wire (14b). For example, the first wire (14a) may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (52) to control a device within the main body (10), and the second wire (14b) may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (52) to supply power to a device within the main body (10). However, the functions of the first wire (14a) and the second wire (14b) are not limited to the above-described examples.

[0091] The upper case (55) can also cover the guide plate (13) in which the wire hole (13a) is formed. The upper case (55) can cover both the lower case (56) and the guide plate (13), and the lower case (56), the electrical box (53), the wire (14), and the guide plate (13) can be invisible from the outside of the refrigerator (1). Therefore, the beauty of the exterior of the refrigerator (1) can be enhanced. However, the upper case (55) can also be omitted.

[0092] The refrigerator (1) may further include a display (60). The display (60) may display the operating status of the refrigerator. For example, the display (60) may display the temperature inside the storage compartment (30), etc. However, the function of the display (60) is not limited to the above-described example. The display (60) may be positioned in front of the case (54) and may cover the case (54). Therefore, the case (54) and the electrical box (53) may not be exposed when viewed from the front side of the main body (10).

[0093] The display (60) can be coupled to the main body (10). For example, the display (60) can be coupled to the hinge support member (42) to cover the front of the case (54) and the electrical box (53). The display (60) can include a display portion (61) and a coupling portion (62). The operating status of the refrigerator can be displayed on the display portion (61), and the coupling portion (62) can be coupled to the hinge support member (42). The display portion (61) can be provided between the coupling portions (62). The coupling portions (62) can be provided on both sides of the display portion (61).

[0094] A fixing member (100) may be placed between the hinge (40) and the electric case (50). The fixing member (100) may be coupled to the hinge (40) and the electric case (50), and thus the fixing member (100) may connect the hinge (40) and the electric case (50).

[0095] The fixed member (100) supports the electric case (50) so that the electric case (50) is fixed to the main body (10) via the hinge (40).

[0096] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing the front side of the fixing member illustrated in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a drawing showing the rear side of the fixing member illustrated in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a state of coupling between the fixing member and the lower case. Fig. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which the coupling protrusion of the fixing member is arranged for coupling with the long hole of the lower case. Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a state in which the coupling protrusion of Fig. 6 is coupled to the long hole. Fig. 8 is a drawing showing a state in which the fixing member of Fig. 7 is coupled to the hinge after being rotated. Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a coupling relationship between a display and the fixing member in the refrigerator illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0097] The fixing member (100) can be combined with the lower case (56) of the electric case (50). The fixing member (100) can be placed on both sides of the lower case (56). The lower case (56) can include a mounting portion (57) for combination with the fixing member (100).

[0098] The mounting portion (57) can be formed to have a structure extending toward the hinge (40) while the lower case (56) is coupled to the upper surface of the main body (10), for example, the outer surface (11a) of the upper wall of the outer case (11), and through this, the mounting portion (57) can form a coupling surface with the fixing member (100). The mounting portion (57) can be arranged on both sides of the lower case (56).

[0099] The mounting portion (57) may include a front surface (58) facing the front of the main body (10) with the lower case (56) placed on the upper surface of the main body (10).

[0100] The mounting portion (57) may include a long hole (59) formed in an oval shape extending in the first direction. The long hole (59) may be formed on the front surface (58) of the mounting portion (57).

[0101] The first direction, which is the longitudinal axis direction of the long hole (59), may be the horizontal X direction, or the vertical Z direction. The fixing member (100) may include a first coupling portion (110) for coupling with the mounting portion (57) of the lower case (56). The first coupling portion (110) may be provided at one end of the fixing member (100). The first coupling portion (110) may be coupled with the mounting portion (57) in a state where it overlaps with the mounting portion (57). For example, the first coupling portion (110) may be arranged at the rear of the mounting portion (57) so as to overlap with the mounting portion (57).

[0102] The first connecting portion (110) may include a connecting projection (111) for connecting with the long hole (59). The connecting projection (111) may be formed to protrude forward from the front surface (112) of the first connecting portion (110).

[0103] The engaging protrusion (111) may be formed to include a long axis corresponding to the long hole (59) so as to pass through the long hole (59). The engaging protrusion (111) may be formed to have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the long hole (59). The engaging protrusion (111) may be rotated after passing through the long hole (59) to be coupled with the long hole (59) so that the long axis of the engaging protrusion (111) may be arranged in a second direction different from the first direction. Accordingly, when the fixing member (100) is rotated after the engaging protrusion (111) passes through the long hole (59) and is coupled, the arrangement directions of the engaging protrusion (111) and the long hole (59) change, so that the engaging protrusion (111) does not come off from the long hole (59) and can be maintained in a coupled state.

[0104] For example, when the fixing member (100) is connected between the hinge (40) and the electric case (50), the second direction, which is the arrangement direction of the long axis of the coupling protrusion (111), may be vertical. Accordingly, when the fixing member (100) is connected between the hinge (40) and the electric case (50), the long hole (59) and the coupling protrusion (111) may be arranged in a vertical state.

[0105] In order to couple the engaging projection (111) to the long hole (59), the fixing member (100) must be arranged so that the longitudinal axes of the engaging projection (111) and the long hole (59) are aligned. In this case, the longitudinal direction of the fixing member (100) can be arranged in the vertical Z direction, and in this state, the engaging projection (111) can be arranged in a direction that matches the longitudinal axis of the long hole (59), so that it can pass through the long hole (59) and be coupled.

[0106] When the fixing member (100) is rotated toward the hinge (40) to be coupled while the coupling protrusion (111) is coupled to the long hole (59), the direction of the long axis of the long hole (59) and the coupling protrusion (111) changes, so that the coupled state of the long hole (59) and the coupling protrusion (111) can be maintained.

[0107] The fixed member (100) can be coupled with the hinge support member (42) of the hinge (40). The hinge support member (42) can include a mounting portion (43) for coupling with the fixed member (100). The mounting portion (43) can be formed in a structure extending toward the electric case (50) in a state where the hinge support member (42) is coupled to the upper surface of the main body (10). The mounting portion (43) can include a front side (43a) of the main body (10), that is, a front side facing the Y direction of the main body (10).

[0108] The fixing member (100) may include a second coupling member (120) for coupling with the mounting member (43). The second coupling member (120) may be provided at one end of the fixing member (100) opposite the first coupling member (110). The second coupling member (120) may be coupled with the mounting member (43) while being arranged to overlap with the mounting member (43).

[0109] For example, the second coupling portion (120) may be positioned on the front side (43a) of the mounting portion (43) so as to overlap with the mounting portion (43) while being coupled with the mounting portion (43). Alternatively, the second coupling portion (120) may be positioned on the rear side of the mounting portion (43) while being coupled with the mounting portion (43).

[0110] In a state where the second coupling portion (120) and the mounting portion (43) are arranged to overlap each other, a fastening member (S) can be connected by penetrating through the second coupling portion (120) and the mounting portion (43) so that the second coupling portion (120) and the mounting portion (43) are fixed. In order to connect the fastening member (S), the second coupling portion (120) and the mounting portion (43) can include a fastening hole (H).

[0111] Accordingly, by overlapping the second coupling portion (120) and the mounting portion (43), and by fastening the fastening member (S) to the fastening hole (H) while aligning the positions of the two fastening holes (H) in the front-back direction, the second coupling portion (120) of the fixing member (100) can be fastened to and fixed to the mounting portion (43) of the hinge support member (42).

[0112] The fixed member (100) may include a support member (130) for supporting the display (60). The display (60) may be placed on the front side of the main body (10), and in this state, the display (60) may be coupled to the hinge support member (42) and placed on the front side of the case (54) and the electric box (53).

[0113] In a state where the fixed member (100) is connected between the hinge (40) and the electric case (50), the display (60) can be placed in front of the fixed member (100), and the fixed member (100) can be placed in the rear of the display (60).

[0114] The support member (130) may be formed as a structure extending forward to support the display (60). For example, the support member (130) may be formed as a structure protruding forward toward the display (60) while the fixing member (100) is coupled between the hinge (40) and the electric case (50).

[0115] The display (60) may include a catch (63) formed on the rear surface of the display (60) for connection with the support (130).

[0116] The catch portion (63) may be formed in multiple pieces. For example, the catch portion (63) may include a first catch portion (64) formed on one side of the electric case (50) based on the electric case (50), and a second catch portion (65) formed on the other side of the electric case (50).

[0117] The catch (63) can be formed as a structure extending rearward from the rear surface (66) of the display (60), and can be combined with the support (130) through this.

[0118] The hook (63) can be connected to the support (130) through a hooking connection. The hook (63) can include a hooking groove (641, 651) for hooking the support (130).

[0119] The catch groove (641, 651) may include a first catch groove (641) formed in the first catch portion (64) and a second catch groove (651) formed in the second catch portion (65).

[0120] The support part (130) may be formed in multiple pieces. For example, the support part (130) may include a first support part (131) formed to be connectable with a first catch part (64), and a first support part (132) formed to be connectable with a second catch part (65).

[0121] The first support part (131) and the second support part (132) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction while being coupled between the hinge (40) and the electric case (50). Accordingly, the first support part (131) and the second support part (132) can be arranged so that their positions are reversed in the upward direction when the fixing member (100) is rotated 180°. For example, when the fixing member (100) is connected on the left side of the case (50) with respect to the front of the case (50), the first support member (131) can be arranged to be coupled to the first catch member (64), and the second support member (132) can be arranged above the first support member (131). Conversely, when the fixing member (100) is connected on the right side of the case (50) with respect to the front of the case (50), the second support member (132) can be arranged to be coupled to the second catch member (65), and the first support member (131) can be arranged above the second support member (132).

[0122] In this way, when the support member (130) is configured as two corresponding to the first catch member (64) and the second catch member (65), the fixing member (100) can be connected to the hinge (40) on both sides of the electric case (50) in a single shape and can be coupled to the two support members (131, 132) of the display (60), and accordingly, the fixing member (100) can be used in common regardless of the coupling position.

[0123] The support member (130) may include a hook (1311, 1321) for hooking with the hook member (63). The hook (1311, 1321) may include a first hook (1311) provided on the first support member (131) so as to be hooked with the first hook groove (641) of the first hook member (64), and a second hook (1321) provided on the second support member (132) so as to be hooked with the second hook groove (651) of the second hook member (65).

[0124] The first hook (1311) and the second hook (1321) may be formed with a structure bent at the end of the first support portion (131) and the second support portion (132), respectively. For example, the first hook (1311) may be bent upward at the end of the first support portion (131) when the fixing member (100) is arranged to correspond to the first fixing portion (64), and the second hook (1321) may be formed with a structure bent upward at the end of the second support portion (132) when the fixing member (100) is arranged to correspond to the second fixing portion (65).

[0125] Accordingly, the first hook (131) can pass through the first hook groove (641) and be coupled to the first hook groove (641), and similarly, the second hook (132) can pass through the second hook groove (651) and be coupled to the second hook groove (651).

[0126] When the hooks (1311, 1321) and the grooves (641, 651) are combined with each other, the display (60) can be supported through the fixing member (100), and thus deformation such as bending or sagging of the display (60) can be prevented, and the display (60) can be firmly fixed to the main body (10).

[0127] For design reasons such as layout space, the two catches (64, 65) may be formed in different shapes and / or sizes, and accordingly, the catch grooves (641, 651) may also be formed in different shapes and / or sizes.

[0128] Accordingly, the first hook (1311) and the second hook (1321) may also be formed with different shapes and / or sizes to correspond thereto.

[0129] The fixed member (100) can be formed of a plastic material and manufactured through injection molding. Therefore, various complex shapes of the fixed member (100) can be easily formed.

[0130] As above, when the fixing member (100) is connected between the hinge (40) and the electric case (50), the electric case (50) and the display (60) can be firmly fixed to the main body (10). In addition, when the width of the main body (10) needs to be configured in various ways in order to configure the internal storage capacity of the refrigerator (1) in various ways, by providing multiple fixing members (100) corresponding to the width of the main body (10), the electric case (50) and the hinge (40) can be commonly applied to main bodies having various storage capacities and made common.

[0131] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a connection relationship between a fixing member and a full-length case in a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a state in which the fixing member of FIG. 10 is rotated and connected to a hinge while being connected to the full-length case.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the joint structure between the fixed member (100), the hinge (40), and the electric case (50) can be interchanged with the previous embodiment.

[0133] For example, when the hinge support member (42) and the fixing member (100) are connected to the hinge support member (42) by the connecting projection (111), the fixing member (100) can be rotated and then connected to the lower case (56) by the fastening member (S).

[0134] The hinge support member (42) may include a mounting portion (43) for coupling with the fixing member (100). The mounting portion (43) may be formed in a structure extending toward the electric case (50) while the hinge support member (42) is coupled to the upper surface of the main body (10). The mounting portion (43) may include a front surface (43a) of the main body (10), i.e., a front surface (43a) facing the Y direction of the main body (10).

[0135] The mounting portion (43) may include a long hole (44) for coupling with a coupling projection (111). The long hole (44) may be formed in an oval shape that is elongated in a first direction. The first direction may be a horizontal direction, i.e., an X-direction. The coupling projection (111) may be formed in a first coupling portion (110) provided at one end of the fixing member (100).

[0136] The engaging projection (111) can be rotated after passing through the long hole (44) to be coupled with the long hole (44), so that the long axis of the engaging projection (111) can be arranged in a second direction different from the first direction. Accordingly, when the fixing member (100) is rotated after the engaging projection (111) passes through the long hole (44) and is coupled, the arrangement directions of the engaging projection (111) and the long hole (44) change, so that the engaging projection (111) does not come off from the long hole (44) and the coupled state can be maintained.

[0137] For example, when the fixing member (100) is connected between the hinge (40) and the electric case (50), the second direction, which is the arrangement direction of the long axis of the coupling protrusion (111), may be vertical. Accordingly, when the fixing member (100) is connected between the hinge (40) and the electric case (50), the long hole (44) and the coupling protrusion (111) may be arranged in a vertical state.

[0138] In order to couple the engaging projection (111) to the long hole (44), the fixing member (100) must be arranged so that the longitudinal axes of the engaging projection (111) and the long hole (44) are aligned. In this case, the longitudinal direction of the fixing member (100) can be arranged in the vertical Z direction, and in this state, the engaging projection (111) can be arranged in a direction that matches the longitudinal axis of the long hole (44), so that it can pass through the long hole (44) and be coupled.

[0139] When the fixing member (100) is rotated toward the hinge (40) while the connecting projection (111) is connected to the long hole (44), the direction of the long axis of the long hole (44) and the connecting projection (111) changes, and the connected state of the long hole (44) and the connecting projection (111) can be maintained.

[0140] The fixed member (100) may include a second connecting portion (120). The second connecting portion (120) may be provided at the other end opposite to the first connecting portion (110).

[0141] The lower case (56) may include a mounting portion (57) for connection with a fixed member (100).

[0142] The mounting portion (57) can be formed to have a structure extending toward the hinge (40) while the lower case (56) is coupled to the upper surface of the main body (10), for example, the outer surface (11a) of the upper wall of the outer case (11), and through this, the mounting portion (57) can form a coupling surface with the fixing member (100). The mounting portion (57) can be arranged on both sides of the lower case (56).

[0143] The mounting portion (57) may include a front surface (58) facing the front of the main body (10) with the lower case (56) placed on the upper surface of the main body (10).

[0144] The second connecting portion (120) can be connected to the mounting portion (57) while being positioned so as to overlap with the mounting portion (57).

[0145] For example, the second coupling portion (120) may be positioned on the front side (58) of the mounting portion (57) so as to overlap with the mounting portion (57) while being coupled with the mounting portion (57). Alternatively, the second coupling portion (120) may be positioned on the rear side of the mounting portion (57) while being coupled with the mounting portion (57).

[0146] In a state where the second coupling part (120) and the mounting part (57) are arranged to overlap each other, a fastening member (S) can be connected by penetrating through the second coupling part (120) and the mounting part (57) so that the second coupling part (120) and the mounting part (57) are fixed. In order to connect the fastening member (S), the second coupling part (120) and the mounting part (57) can include a fastening hole (H).

[0147] Accordingly, by overlapping the second coupling portion (120) and the mounting portion (57) and aligning the positions of the two coupling holes (H) in the front-back direction and then coupling the coupling member (S) to the coupling hole (H), the second coupling portion (120) of the fixing member (100) can be coupled to and fixed to the mounting portion (57) of the lower case (56).

[0148] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a connection relationship between a display and a fixing member in a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the two catches (74, 75) formed on the display (70) can be formed with the same shape, and the catch grooves (741, 751) formed on the two catches (74, 75) can also be formed with the same shape.

[0150] In this case, the two support parts (230) formed on the support member (200) corresponding to the two catch parts (73) can also be formed with the same shape.

[0151] The effects that can be obtained from the disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0152] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. A body having a storage room; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; A hinge that rotatably supports the door relative to the main body; A circuit board housing case; and A refrigerator comprising a fixed member, one end of which is rotatably connected to one of the hinge and the electric case, and the other end of which is connected to the other of the hinge and the electric case.

2. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned fixed member includes a coupling protrusion formed at one end thereof for rotatably coupling with either the hinge or the electric case.

3. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned fixing member includes a first fastening hole provided at the other end thereof through which a fastening member can pass for connection with the other one of the hinge and the electric case.

4. In paragraph 3, The above-mentioned electric case includes a long hole extending in the first direction so that the above-mentioned coupling protrusion can pass through and be coupled, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned coupling protrusion is formed to pass through the long hole and be coupled to the long hole, and the fixing member is rotated so that the other end of the fixing member is positioned toward the hinge, and extends in a second direction different from the first direction.

5. In paragraph 4, The above battle case is, A circuit board box in which the printed circuit board is installed; and A lower case is included that is coupled to the upper surface of the main body and covers both sides of the electric box so that the electric box is accommodated; The above refrigerator is provided on both sides of the lower case.

6. In paragraph 3, The above hinge, A hinge part including a hinge axis for rotatably supporting the door; A hinge support member coupled between the hinge portion and the main body so that the hinge portion is supported by the main body; A refrigerator in which the hinge support member includes a second fastening hole through which the fastening member can pass for connection with the other end of the fixing member.

7. In paragraph 6, The above hinge support member includes a mounting portion that extends toward the electric case while being coupled to the upper surface of the main body, A refrigerator in which the fixing member is positioned so that the other end overlaps the mounting member, and the fixing member penetrates the first fastening hole and the second fastening hole and is connected to the hinge support member.

8. In paragraph 3, The above hinge includes a long hole extending in the first direction so that the above-mentioned connecting projection can pass through and be connected, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned coupling protrusion is formed to pass through the long hole and be coupled to the long hole, and the fixing member is rotated so that the other end of the fixing member is positioned toward the electric case, and extends in a second direction different from the first direction.

9. In paragraph 8, The above hinge, A hinge part including a hinge axis for rotatably supporting the door; A hinge support member coupled between the hinge portion and the main body so that the hinge portion is supported by the main body; A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned long hole is formed in the above-mentioned hinge support member.

10. In paragraph 9, The above battle case is, A circuit board box in which the printed circuit board is installed; and A lower case is included that is coupled to the upper surface of the main body and covers both sides of the electric box so that the electric box is accommodated; A refrigerator in which the lower case includes a second fastening hole through which the fastening member can pass for connection with the other end of the fixed member.

11. In the first paragraph, a display is further included on the front of the main body to display the operating status of the refrigerator, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned fixed member includes a support for supporting the display.

12. In paragraph 11, The above display is placed in front of the above fixed member, A refrigerator in which the above support member extends forward to support the display.

13. In the 12th paragraph, the display includes a catch formed on the rear side of the display for connection with the support, A refrigerator in which the support part includes a hook that can be hooked to the hook part.

14. In paragraph 13, The above-mentioned catch is, A first catch formed on one side of the above-mentioned case; and Including a second catch formed on the other side of the above-mentioned case; The above hanging hook is, A first hook connectable with the first hook; and A refrigerator comprising a second hanging hook that can be connected to the second hanging portion.

15. In paragraph 14, A refrigerator in which the first and second hooks are positioned so that their positions are reversed in the upward direction when the fixing member is rotated 180 degrees.

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