Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator comprises: a storage compartment; a door which opens and closes the storage compartment and includes a door liner; a gasket provided along the outer edge of the door and including a fastening groove having an opening formed at one side to be coupled to the door and a catch formed along the circumference of the fastening groove on a side surface of the fastening groove; and a gasket fastening portion formed on the door liner, the gasket fastening portion including a fastening protrusion including a locking step provided to be accommodated in the fastening groove and locked and fastened, and a support protrusion formed to be spaced apart from the fastening protrusion and provided to support one side of the catch in a direction toward the fastening groove.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more specifically, to a refrigerator comprising an improved gasket for a refrigerator door.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that keeps food fresh by being equipped with a main body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment that refrigerates food by maintaining it at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, and a freezer compartment that freezes food by maintaining it at approximately -17 to -23 degrees Celsius. The storage compartment is designed so that the front opens to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of food.

[0003] A refrigerator repeats a cooling cycle in which the refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated using a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator. At this time, both the freezer and refrigerator compartments can be cooled by a single evaporator installed on the freezer side, or cooling can be achieved independently by installing evaporators in the freezer and refrigerator compartments, respectively.

[0004] The temperature of the storage room needs to be maintained within a certain range required to keep food fresh. The storage room is designed so that its front is open, and the open front is normally closed by a door to maintain the temperature of the storage room.

[0005] The refrigerator may include a gasket. The gasket is positioned between the main body and the door to prevent cold air from leaking into the space between the main body and the door when the door is closed, and to mitigate the impact on the door and the main body when the door is opened and closed.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator having an improved structure in which a gasket is installed on the door, in a refrigerator using a vacuum insulation panel.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator having an improved structure that allows a gasket to be easily mounted on a door or easily detached from a door.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator having an improved structure so that a gasket can be securely fixed to a door.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0010] A refrigerator according to the concept of the present invention comprises a storage compartment, a door that opens and closes the storage compartment and includes a door liner, a gasket provided along the outer edge of the door and including a fastening groove having an opening formed on one side to be coupled to the door, and a locking member formed along the periphery of the fastening groove on the side of the fastening groove, and a gasket fastening portion formed on the door liner, wherein the gasket fastening portion comprises a fastening projection having a locking tab provided to be received in the fastening groove and engaged, and a supporting projection formed spaced apart from the fastening projection and provided to support one side of the locking member in a direction toward the fastening groove.

[0011] A refrigerator according to the concept of the present invention comprises a main body including a storage compartment, a door including a door liner that opens and closes the storage compartment, a gasket provided along the outer edge of the door and in close contact with the front end of the main body, and a gasket fastening portion provided protruding from the door liner so as to install the gasket on the door, wherein the gasket comprises a sealing portion provided to seal the space between the main body and the door and a fixing portion provided to be fastened to the gasket fastening portion, wherein the fixing portion comprises a fastening groove having an opening formed toward the door liner and a pair of hooks formed protruding from each side of the opening, and a pair of catches protruding from each side of the fastening groove toward the outside of the fastening groove, respectively, wherein the gasket fastening portion comprises a fastening projection having at least a portion received in the fastening groove and a pair of support projections provided spaced apart from the fastening projection in the outer and inner directions of the door to receive the pair of catches, respectively, wherein the fastening projection is provided protruding from both sides of the fastening projection and the pair of hooks and Each includes a pair of locking tabs that are engaged.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view showing a part of the configuration of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a part of the configuration of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the configuration of area A in Figure 5 and is a drawing intended to explain the operation of the fixing part when the gasket is fastened to the door.

[0018] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the configuration of area A in Figure 5 and is a drawing intended to explain the operation of the fixing part when a detaching force is applied to the gasket fastened to the door.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a graph of the critical breakage force of a gasket according to one embodiment compared with the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating the critical separation force of a gasket according to one embodiment compared with the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating the critical separation force of a gasket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the configuration of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the configuration of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the configuration of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

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

[0027] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0029] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0030] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0031] Additionally, terms such as 'front,' 'rear,' 'top,' 'bottom,' 'side,' 'left,' 'right,' 'top,' and 'bottom' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0032] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0034] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

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

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

[0037] The “inner body” may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner body may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The “outer body” may form the exterior of the main body and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner body so that an insulating material is disposed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0038] The “insulating material” can insulate the interior and exterior of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room is maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment. According to one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foamed insulating material. The foamed insulating material can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, which is a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the insulation material may additionally include a vacuum insulation material in addition to a foam insulation material, or the insulation material may consist solely of a vacuum insulation material instead of a foam insulation material. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation material or vacuum insulation material described above and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0040] The "storage room" may include a space defined by an internal structure. The storage room may further include an internal structure defining a space corresponding to the storage room. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage room, and the storage room may be formed so that at least one side is open to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of items.

[0041] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in a refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different use and may be maintained at a different temperature. To this end, each storage compartment may be partitioned from one another by a partition containing insulation.

[0042] The storage room may be provided to be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to its intended use and may include a "refrigeration room," "freezing room," or "variable temperature room" distinguished according to its intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigerated storage of goods, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for frozen storage of goods. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling goods to a temperature that does not freeze them; for example, the refrigerator room may be maintained within a range of 0°C to 7°C. "Freezing" may mean cooling goods to freeze them or to maintain them in a frozen state; for example, the freezer room may be maintained within a range of -20°C to -1°C. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, with or without the user's choice.

[0043] Storage rooms may be referred to by various names, such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice-making room," in addition to terms like "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room." The terms "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room" used below should be understood as encompassing storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close one side of the storage compartment. The door may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed to be rotatable or sliding on the front of the main body.

[0045] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include insulation material, similar to the main body, to insulate the storage room 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 rear of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside the same.

[0047] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the door inner panel to seal the storage compartment by adhering to the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be mounted.

[0048] According to 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 a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0049] Refrigerators can be classified into French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer), TMF (Top Mounted Freezer), or 1-door refrigerators depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment.

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

[0051] The “cold air supply device” may include a machine, apparatus, electronic device, and / or a system combining these that can generate cold air and guide cold air to cool a storage room.

[0052] According to one embodiment, a cold 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 supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage chamber through heat generation and cooling action via the Peltier effect.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room arranged to accommodate at least some parts belonging to a cold air supply device.

[0054] The “machine room” may be configured to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

[0055] According to 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 opening the door.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to generate ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-removing device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket that stores the ice generated from 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 remembers a program and / or data for controlling a refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc., according to the program and / or data stored in the memory.

[0059] The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated while generating control signals to control the components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or 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 operation of an artificial intelligence model. Additionally, the processor may include a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor can receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply unit based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0061] Additionally, the processor can process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to programs and / or data stored in memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor can transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface to display 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 sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memory units.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately provide a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface according to user input.

[0064] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby Access Points (APs). The Access Point (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 be connected to the server through the Wide Area Network (WAN).

[0065] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, 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 can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0067] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0068] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 1, the refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a storage room (20) provided inside the main body (10), a door (30) for opening and closing the storage room (20), and a cooling system for supplying cold air to the storage room (20).

[0070] The main body (10) may include an inner section (11) forming a storage room (20) and an outer section (12) forming the exterior of the refrigerator (1). The outer section (12) may be formed to have the shape of a box with an open front. The outer section (12) may form the top surface, bottom surface, left and right sides, rear surface, etc. of the refrigerator (1). The inner section (11) may have an open front. The inner section (11) may have a storage room (20) provided inside and may be provided on the inner side of the outer section (12). The inner wall of the inner section (11) may form the inner wall of the storage room (20).

[0071] A main body insulation material may be provided between the inner body (11) and the outer body (12) to insulate the space between the inner body (11) and the outer body (12). The main body insulation material may be provided between the inner body (11) and the outer body (12). The main body insulation material can improve the cooling efficiency inside the storage room (20) by preventing heat exchange between the inside of the storage room (20) and the outside of the main body (10). The main body insulation material may include a vacuum insulation panel. However, it is not limited thereto, and for example, the main body insulation material may include insulation materials of various materials such as urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, etc.

[0072] A storage room (20) may be formed inside the main body (10). For example, the storage room (20) may include a refrigerator room maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius for refrigerated storage of food. For example, the storage room (20) may include a freezer room maintained at approximately minus 23 to minus 17 degrees Celsius for frozen storage of food.

[0073] In various embodiments, the storage room (20) may be divided into multiple areas. The storage room (20) may be divided into multiple areas by partitions (15). For example, the storage room (20) may be divided into an upper first storage room (21), a second storage room (22), and a lower third storage room (23) and a fourth storage room (24) by a first partition (17) extending in a horizontal direction. Additionally, the upper storage rooms (21, 22) and lower storage rooms (23, 24) of the storage room (20) may be divided into a left storage room (21, 23) and a right storage room (22, 24) by a second partition (19) extending in a vertical direction. In this case, for example, the upper storage rooms (21, 22) may be used as refrigerator rooms, and the lower storage rooms (23, 24) may both be used as freezer rooms, or one of them may be used as a freezer room and the other as a refrigerator room.

[0074] The method of dividing the storage room (20) as described above and the use of each of the divided storage rooms (21, 22, 23, 24) are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0075] The refrigerator (1) may include a cooling system configured to generate cold air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cold air to the storage room (20). The cooling system may generate cold air using a cooling circulation cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant. As an example, the cooling system may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a blower fan. The cold air generated by the cooling system may be supplied to the storage room (20) through a cold air supply duct formed in the rear part of the inner chamber (11).

[0076] The door (30) may be provided to open and close the storage room (20). The door (30) may be provided to open and close an opening formed on one side of the main body (10). The door (30) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the main body (10).

[0077] The outer surface of the door (30) may form part of the exterior of the refrigerator (1). When the door (30) is closed, the outer surface of the door (30) may form at least part of the front exterior of the refrigerator (1). When the door (30) is closed, the inner surface of the door (30) may face the interior of the storage room (20). The inner surface of the door (30) referred to here means one side of the door (30) facing the storage room (20) when the door (30) is closed to the storage room (20). Additionally, the outer surface of the door (30) referred to here means the other side opposite to the inner surface of the door (30) facing the storage room (20) when the door (30) is closed to the storage room (20), and refers to the front of the door (30) visible when the refrigerator (1) is viewed from the front.

[0078] A door shelf (not shown) capable of storing food may be provided on the inner surface of the door (30). For example, the door shelf (not shown) may be supported by the dike (35) of the door (30). The door shelf (not shown) may be mounted on the dike (35) of the door (30).

[0079] A gasket (100) may be provided on the inner surface of the door (30). The gasket (100) may be provided to cover the gap between the door (30) and the main body (10) to prevent cold air from leaking from the storage room (20). A detailed description of the gasket (100) will be provided later.

[0080] The refrigerator (1) may include an upper door and a lower door arranged side by side in a vertical direction (Z). The refrigerator (1) may include a left door and a right door arranged side by side in a horizontal direction (Y). The refrigerator (1) may include a plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D) that open and close each partitioned storage compartment (21, 22, 23, 24).

[0081] The first storage compartment (21) can be opened and closed by the left upper door (30A). The refrigerator (1) may include a first door (30A) provided to open and close the first storage compartment (21). The first door (30A) may be rotatably provided with respect to the main body (10). For example, the first door (30A) and the third door (30C) may be arranged side by side in a vertical direction (Z).

[0082] The second storage compartment (22) can be opened and closed by the upper right door (30B). The refrigerator (1) may include a second door (30B) provided to open and close the second storage compartment (22). The second door (30B) may be rotatably provided with respect to the main body (10). For example, the third door (30C) and the fourth door (30D) may be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction (Y).

[0083] The third storage compartment (23) can be opened and closed by the left lower door (30C). The refrigerator (1) may include a third door (30C) provided to open and close the third storage compartment (23). The third door (30C) may be rotatably provided with respect to the main body (10).

[0084] The fourth storage compartment (24) can be opened and closed by the right lower door (30D). The refrigerator (1) may include a fourth door (30D) provided to open and close the fourth storage compartment (24). The fourth door (30D) may be rotatably provided with respect to the main body (10). For example, the second door (30B) and the fourth door (30D) may be arranged side by side in a vertical direction (Z). Additionally, the third door (30C) and the fourth door (30D) may be arranged side by side in a horizontal direction (Y).

[0085] The structure or features of the door (30) described below can be applied to each of the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D).

[0086] The refrigerator (1) may include a hinge (40, FIG. 1) connecting the main body (10) and the door (30). The hinge (40, FIG. 1) may be connected to the main body (10) and the door (30), respectively. The hinge (40, FIG. 1) may be provided so that the door (30) can rotate relative to the main body (10). The hinge (40, FIG. 1) may be connected to the outer body (12). The door (30) may be rotatably connected to the main body (10) by the hinge (40, FIG. 1).

[0087] The configuration of the refrigerator (1) described above with reference to FIG. 1 is merely an example of the present disclosure and is not limited thereto. A refrigerator according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided to include various configurations for performing the function of supplying cold air to a storage compartment for storing food.

[0088] For example, in FIG. 1, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment is described as being of the French Door Type, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may include various types of refrigerators, such as a one-door type, a BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer) type in which a refrigerator compartment is placed on the upper side and a freezer compartment is placed on the lower side, a TMF (Top Mounted Freezer) type in which a freezer compartment is placed on the upper side and a refrigerator compartment is placed on the lower side, and a side-by-side type in which a refrigerator and a freezer compartment are placed side by side.

[0089] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the door (30) of the refrigerator (1) may include a door liner (32) and a door panel (31). Additionally, an insulating material (I) may be provided between the door panel (31) and the door liner (32).

[0091] The door panel (31) can form the outer surface of the door (30). The door panel (31) can form the front surface of the door (30). The front surface of the door (30) referred to here means one side of the door (30) facing the front of the refrigerator (1) when the door (30) is closed. In the following, when defining the positional relationship of the components included in the door (30), the direction in which the door panel (31) faces is defined as the front of the door (30), and the opposite direction is defined as the rear of the door (30).

[0092] For example, the door panel (31) may have a roughly flat rectangular plate shape, but the shape is not limited thereto.

[0093] The door liner (32) can be connected to a hinge (40, FIG. 1). The door liner (32) can be rotatably provided to the main body (10) by the hinge (40, FIG. 1). The door liner (32) can rotate relative to the main body (10) to open or close the storage room (20). The door liner (32) can cover at least a portion of the main body (10) when closing the storage room (20).

[0094] The door liner (32) may include a dyke (35). The dyke (35) may be provided in the door liner (32). The dyke (35) may protrude rearward from the door liner (32). The door liner (32) and the dyke (35) may be formed integrally with each other.

[0095] The dike (35) may protrude from the door liner (32) so as to face the storage room (20) when the door (30) is closed. The dike (35) may extend approximately parallel to the vertical direction (Z direction) and the horizontal direction (Y direction). That is, the dike (35) may have an approximately rectangular perimeter. The dike (35) may support a door shelf (not shown). The door liner (32) may be positioned so as to face the main body (10) and / or the storage room (20) when the door (30) is closed. The door liner (32) may cover at least a portion of the main body (10) and / or the storage room (20) when the door (30) is closed.

[0096] The edge portion (36) of the door (30) may extend outward in the horizontal direction (Y direction) or vertical direction (Z) of the liner (32) beyond the dike (35). The edge portion (36) of the door liner (32) may be positioned between the door insulation (I) and the gasket (100).

[0097] The door liner (32) may include a door cap (37). The door cap (37) may form the side of the door. For example, the door cap (37) may combine the door liner (32) and the door panel (31). For example, the door cap (37) may be formed integrally with the door liner (32).

[0098] The door (30) may include a door insulation material (I). The door insulation material (I) may be provided inside the door liner (32). The door insulation material (I) may be placed between the door liner (32) and the door panel (31). An insulating space may be formed between the door liner (32) and the door panel (31), and the door insulation material (I) may be provided within the insulating space. The door insulation material (I) can prevent heat exchange between the inside and outside of the storage room (20) through the door (30) when the door (30) is closed. The door insulation material (I) can improve the insulation performance between the inside of the storage room (20) and the outside of the door (30). The door insulation material (I) may include a vacuum insulation panel.

[0099] Even when the door (30) is closed, a gap may exist between the door (30) and the main body (10), so that cold air inside the storage room (20) may leak through the gap between the door (30) and the main body (10), even though a door insulation material (I) is provided inside the door (30). Therefore, to more efficiently prevent cold air from leaking from the storage room (20), the refrigerator (1) may include a gasket (100). The gasket (100) may include an elastic material so as to be elastically deformable. Additionally, the gasket (100) may include a soft material. The gasket (100) may be attached to the door (30) and arranged to come into contact with the front of the main body (10) when the door (30) is closed. The gasket (100) may be arranged to cover the gap between the door (30) and the main body (10) when the door (30) is closed. The thermal insulation performance between the inside and outside of the storage room (20) can be improved by the gasket (100), and the power consumption of the refrigerator (1) can be reduced.

[0100] FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a part of the configuration of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a part of the configuration of a refrigerator door according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a gasket (100) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be attached to a door (30). The gasket (100) may be attached to the rear of the door (30) facing the storage compartment (20) when the door (30) is closed. The gasket (100) may be fixed to a door liner (32).

[0102] The gasket (100) may be positioned along the edge of the door liner (32). The gasket (100) may be positioned adjacent to the edge of the door liner (32). For example, the gasket (100) may be positioned outside the dike (35). The gasket (100) may be positioned between the dike (35) and the edge of the door liner (32). The edge of the door liner (32) may refer to the edge forming the outer boundary of the door liner (32).

[0103] The gasket (100) may have a shape corresponding to the edge of the door liner (32). For example, the gasket (100) may have a closed-loop shape formed along the perimeter of the door liner (32). The perimeter of the gasket (100) may have a roughly rectangular shape.

[0104] The door liner (32) may include a gasket fastening portion (200). The gasket fastening portion (200) may be provided to secure the gasket (100) to the door liner (32). The gasket (100) may be coupled to the gasket fastening portion (200). Specifically, the gasket (100) may be secured between the central portion (34) of the door liner (32) and the edge of the door liner (32). The gasket (100) may be secured to the door liner (32) by the gasket fastening portion (200).

[0105] For example, the gasket fastening portion (200) may be positioned along the edge of the door liner (32). The gasket fastening portion (200) may be positioned along the circumferential direction of the door liner (32). The gasket fastening portion (200) may be positioned adjacent to the edge of the door liner (32). For example, the gasket fastening portion (200) may be positioned outside the dike (35). The gasket fastening portion (200) may be positioned between the dike (35) and the edge of the door liner (32).

[0106] According to one embodiment, a dike (35) may be provided between the central portion (34) of the door liner (32) and the edge of the door liner (32). Additionally, the portion adjacent to the edge of the door liner (32) may be referred to as the edge portion (36). According to one embodiment, the central portion (34) of the door liner (32), the dike (35), and the edge portion (36) of the door liner (32) may be formed integrally. Accordingly, the central portion (34) of the door liner (32), the dike (35), and the edge portion (36) of the door liner (32) may be collectively referred to as the door liner (32).

[0107] The central portion (34) of the door liner (32) and the edge portion (36) of the door liner (32), separated by the dike (35), can be provided in the inner direction of the door liner (32) and the outer direction of the door liner (32), respectively. For example, the central portion (34) of the door liner (32) can be provided in the inner direction of the door liner (32), and the edge portion (36) of the door liner (32) can be provided in the outer direction of the door liner (32).

[0108] The gasket fastening portion (200) may be formed integrally with the door liner (32). However, it is not limited to the above embodiment, and alternatively, the gasket fastening portion (200) may be provided as a separate component from the door liner (32) and coupled to the door liner (32).

[0109] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the gasket fastening portion (200) may be provided along each of the four edges of the door liner (32). For example, a portion of the gasket fastening portion (200) may be positioned along the edge in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the door (30). For example, a portion of the gasket fastening portion (200) may be positioned along the edge in the horizontal direction (Y direction) of the door (30).

[0110] In the following, the structure or features thereof are described in detail using an example of a gasket fastening part (200) extending along the edge in the horizontal direction (Y direction) of the door (30), and the description may also be applied to a gasket fastening part (200) extending along the edge in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the door (30).

[0111] The gasket fastening portion (200) may protrude from the door liner (32). The gasket fastening portion (200) may have a shape that protrudes from the door liner (32) in a direction toward the main body (10) when the door (30) is closed. When the door insulation material (I) is defined as being placed on the first side of the door liner (32), the gasket fastening portion (200) may protrude from the second side opposite to the first side of the door liner (32). For example, the gasket fastening portion (200) may protrude backward from the door liner (32).

[0112] The gasket fastening portion (200) may protrude from the edge portion (36) of the door liner (32). The gasket fastening portion (200) may protrude from the edge portion (36) of the door liner (32) toward the main body (10). For example, the edge portion (36) of the door liner (32) may be flat so as to be approximately parallel with respect to the vertical direction (Z) and the horizontal direction (Y).

[0113] The gasket fastening portion (200) may be provided to be received in the gasket (100). The gasket fastening portion (200) may be provided to be engaged with the gasket (100). The gasket fastening portion (200) may have the shape of the letter "t" so as to be engaged and fixed to the gasket (100). For example, the gasket fastening portion (200) may include a fastening projection (210) protruding from the door liner (32) and a locking projection (220) extending from the fastening projection (210). The locking projection (220) may engage with the gasket (100). The gasket (100) may be coupled to the liner (32) by engaging with the locking projection (220).

[0114] The direction in which the fastening projection (210) extends from the door liner (32) and the direction in which the catch (220) extends from the fastening projection (210) may be different from each other. The catch (220) may extend from the fastening projection (210) in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the fastening projection (210) extends from the door liner (32). For example, the fastening projection (210) may extend from the door liner (32) in a direction toward the main body (10) when the door (30) is closed. For example, the fastening projection (210) may extend backward from the door liner (32). For example, the fastening projection (210) may extend in a direction approximately perpendicular to the edge portion (36) of the door liner (32). For example, the catch (220) may extend from the fastening projection (210) in a direction approximately parallel to the door liner (32). For example, the catch (220) may protrude in a direction perpendicular to the protrusion direction of the fastening projection (210). That is, the catch (220) may protrude from the fastening projection (210) toward the supporting projection (230) to be described later.

[0115] The fastening projection (210) and the catch (220) may be formed integrally. The catch (220) may be provided on the upper part of the fastening projection (210). The catch (220) may be spaced apart from the door liner (32). The catch (220) may be spaced apart from the door liner (32) so as to be supported by the end of the hook (132) to be described later. The catch (220) may be spaced apart from the door liner (32) at a height corresponding to the height at which the end of the hook (132) to be described later is located.

[0116] The gasket fastening portion (200) may be provided to support the gasket (100). The gasket fastening portion (200) may be provided so that the gasket (100) is securely fastened to the door liner (32). For example, the gasket fastening portion (200) may further include a support projection (230) formed spaced apart from the fastening projection (210). In this case, the support projection (230) may be provided in multiple numbers, and may be provided as a pair of support projections (230) spaced apart from each other on both sides of the fastening projection (210).

[0117] The support projection (230) may be formed to protrude from the door liner (32). The support projection (230) may be provided to support the side of the gasket (100). Accordingly, the support projection (230) may be provided to limit detachment from the gasket fastening part (200) caused by deformation of the gasket (100) when a detachment force is applied to the gasket (100). A detailed explanation of the operating principle in which the support projection (230) of the gasket fastening part (200) limits detachment of the gasket (100) from the gasket fastening part (200) will be described later through other drawings below.

[0118] The gasket (100) may be provided along the outer circumference of the dike (35). In other words, the gasket (100) may be provided to be positioned on the rim portion (36). The gasket (100) may be provided to be positioned at a location corresponding to the location where the gasket fastening portion (200) is formed.

[0119] The gasket (100) may include a fixing part (120) provided to be connected to the gasket connecting part (200). The fixing part (120) may be connected to the gasket connecting part (200). The fixing part (120) may include a connecting groove (130) to accommodate the gasket connecting part (200). The connecting projection (210) of the gasket connecting part (200) may be inserted into the connecting groove (130). Accordingly, the upper part of the connecting projection (210) and the locking projection (220) may be accommodated in an internal space (134) formed in the connecting groove (130). The internal space (134) may refer to a space provided on the upper side (-X direction) of the hook (132) with the hook (132) as a boundary in the connecting groove (130). That is, the catch (220) accommodated in the internal space (134) is provided on the upper side (-X direction) of the hook (132), so that the hook (132) can support the lower side of the catch (220). Accordingly, the fixing part (120) can be connected to the gasket fastening part (200).

[0120] The fixed portion (120) may include a catch (140) to be supported by the gasket fastening portion (200). The catch (140) may be received between the fastening projection (210) and the supporting projection (230) of the gasket fastening portion (200). At this time, one side of the catch (140) may come into contact with the side of the supporting projection (230). Accordingly, the catch (140) is supported by the supporting projection (230) in a direction toward the fastening projection (210), and thus the hook (132) connected to the catch (140) may also be supported in a direction toward the fastening projection (210).

[0121] More specifically, the fixing part (120) may include a fastening groove (130) and a locking member (140). The locking member (140) may be provided on the side of the fastening groove (130). In this case, the locking member (140) may be provided in multiple numbers and may be provided on both sides of the fastening groove (130). For example, the fixing part (120) may include a fastening groove (130) provided in the center of the fixing part (120) and a pair of locking members (140) provided on the inner side (+Z) and outer side (-Z) of the fastening groove (130). In this case, the fixing part (120) may be provided to have a symmetrical shape.

[0122] The fastening groove (130) may include an opening (131), a hook (132), a side wall (133), and an internal space (134). The fastening groove (130) may be formed by the lower surface (122) of the fixing part (120) being recessed. A hook (132) may be provided in the opening (131) of the fastening groove (130), and a side wall (133) may be provided on the side of the fastening groove (130). The hook (132) may be provided in a shape that protrudes toward the inside of the fastening groove (130) from the bottom of the side wall (133). The fastening groove (130) may be divided into an inside and an outside by the hook (132) provided in the opening (131). Accordingly, the fastening groove (130) may include an internal space (134).

[0123] The fastening groove (130) may be provided in a shape symmetrical in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) of the door (30). For example, side walls (133) may be provided on the inner side (Z-direction) and the outer side (-Z-direction) respectively with respect to the center of the fastening groove (130), so that the fastening groove (130) may include a pair of side walls (133). Similarly, a pair of hooks (132) may be provided on the inner side (Z-direction) and the outer side (-Z-direction) respectively with respect to the center of the fastening groove (130). That is, a pair of hooks (132) may be provided to support the lower sides of a pair of catch tabs (220) provided on both sides of the fastening projection (210) accommodated in the internal space (134). Accordingly, the fastening groove (130) of the fixed part (120) and the fastening projection (210) of the gasket fastening part (200) can be engaged with the door liner (32) in a vertical direction (X-axis direction). That is, the gasket (100) and the gasket fastening part (200) can be fastened in a vertical direction (X-axis direction).

[0124] The catch (140) may include an outer wall (143) and a hollow (145). The hollow (145) may be provided along the perimeter of the catch (140). The cross-section of the hollow (145) may be provided in a roughly rectangular shape. Accordingly, the catch (140) may be provided in a shape surrounded by walls that are provided in a shape corresponding to each side of the hollow (145). For example, an upper wall including the upper surface (121) of the fixing part (120) may be provided on the upper side of the hollow (145), and a lower wall including the lower surface (122) of the fixing part (120) may be provided on the lower side of the hollow (145). For example, an outer wall (143) and a side wall (133) may be provided on each side of the hollow (145). The side wall (133) may be located between the catch (140) and the fastening groove (130). The outer wall (143) may be located on the opposite side of the side wall (133) with respect to the hollow (145). However, the outer wall (143) may be connected to the lower wall of the side wall (133) and the catch (140). In other words, the outer wall (143) may be physically connected to the hook (132) and the lower wall of the catch (140).

[0125] The catch (140) can be received between the support projection (230) and the fastening projection (210). At this time, the lower wall of the catch (140) can be in contact with the door liner (32), and the outer wall (143) of the catch (140) can be in contact with the support projection (230). At this time, the hook (132) protruding from the side wall (133) can be supported by contacting the fastening projection (210).

[0126] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the configuration of area A in FIG. 5 and is a drawing intended to explain the operation of the fixing part when the gasket is fastened to the door. For convenience of explanation, configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 may be omitted or simply described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 6, the fastening projection (210) of the gasket fastening portion (200) can pass between two hooks (132) provided in the opening (131) to be received in the internal space (134) of the fastening groove (130) of the fixing portion (120). Accordingly, the fixing portion (120) of the gasket (100) can be provided to be elastically deformable. For example, the fixing portion (120) may include an elastic material.

[0128] For example, the width of the fastening groove (130) of the fixing part (120) can be approximately equal to the total width of the catch (220) provided on the fastening projection (210). For example, the gap between the two hooks (132) of the fastening groove (130) can be approximately equal to the thickness of the fastening projection (210). Accordingly, the gap between the two hooks (132) can be smaller than the total width of the catch (220).

[0129] By receiving the catch (220) in the internal space (134) of the fastening groove (130), the fixing part (120) can be fastened to the gasket fastening part (200). The fastening groove (130) of the fixing part (120) can be configured such that the gap between the two hooks (132) widens so that the catch (220) passes between the two hooks (132) and is received in the internal space (134) of the fastening groove (130). That is, the fastening groove (130) can be configured to allow for elastic deformation.

[0130] For example, the ends of the two hooks (132) provided in the fastening groove (130) are each pressed against the two side walls (133), thereby widening the gap between the two hooks (132).

[0131] For example, the two side walls (133) provided in the fastening groove (130) can be bent and deformed in a direction toward the inside of the hollow (145) provided in each of the two side walls (133), thereby widening the gap between the two hooks (132).

[0132] For example, the hook (132) and the side wall (133) that are in close contact with the side wall (133) are simultaneously bent and deformed in a direction toward the inside of the hollow (145), so that the gap between the two hooks (132) can be widened.

[0133] As the structures of the fastening groove (130) of the fixing part (120) are elastically deformed, the fastening projection (210) can be easily seated in the internal space (134) of the fastening groove (130). That is, the fixing part (120) can be easily fastened to the gasket fastening part (200). In other words, the gasket (100) can be easily coupled to the door liner (32).

[0134] A locking member (140) of the fixing member (120) can be received between the supporting projection (230) and the fastening projection (210) of the gasket fastening member (200). The gasket fastening member (200) may include an inclined surface provided to guide the locking member (140).

[0135] For example, the catch (220) of the fastening projection (210) may include an inclined surface (223) on the upper surface (222). For example, the support projection (230) may include an inclined surface (233) on the upper surface.

[0136] The inclined surface (223) provided on the upper surface (222) of the catch projection (220) of the fastening projection (210) may be provided at both ends of the catch projection (220). The inclined surface (223) provided at both ends of the catch projection (220) may be provided to guide the position of the fastening groove (130) before the fastening groove (130) of the fixing part (120) is fastened.

[0137] For example, when the hook (132) of the fastening groove (130) and the inclined surface (223) of the catch (220) of the fastening projection (210) come into contact, the central axis of the fastening groove (130) may be arranged to coincide with the central axis of the fastening projection (210). Accordingly, while the fixing part (120) is fastened to the gasket fastening part (200), both sides of the fastening groove (130) may be arranged to deform to approximately the same degree.

[0138] The inclined surface (233) of the support projection (230) may be provided to face the direction in which the fastening projection (210) is located. With respect to the fastening projection (210), the inclined surfaces (233) of both support projections (230) provided on the inner and outer sides (Z-axis direction) of the fastening projection (210) may be formed facing each other. The inclined surface (233) of the support projection (230) may be provided on the upper side of the inner surface (231) of the support projection (230).

[0139] The inclined surface (233) of the support projection (230) may be provided to guide the catch (140) of the fixing part (120) into the space between the support projection (230) and the fastening projection (210). The outer lower portion of the catch (140) may be guided to contact the inner surface (231) of the support projection (230) by the inclined surface (233) of the support projection (230).

[0140] For example, during the process of connecting the fixed part (120) and the gasket fastening part (200), the fastening groove (130) of the fixed part (120) may be elastically deformed in a direction that spreads out to both sides. Accordingly, the catch (140) of the fixed part (120) connected to the fastening groove (130) may be further separated in both directions (Z-axis direction) with respect to the center of the fixed part (120). Accordingly, the outer lower end of the catch (140) may not come into direct contact with the inner surface (231) of the support projection (230). That is, as the fixed part (120) spreads out, the gap between the two catch (140) may become larger than the gap between the two support projections (230). At this time, the two catch (140) may be guided into the space between the two support projections (230) by the inclined surface (233) provided on the two support projections (230).

[0141] As the inclined surfaces provided in the gasket fastening portion (200) guide the catch (140) of the fixing portion (120), the fixing portion (120) can be easily fastened to the gasket fastening portion (200). In other words, the gasket (100) can be easily coupled to the door liner (32).

[0142] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the configuration of area A in FIG. 5 and is a drawing intended to explain the operation of the fixing part when a detaching force is applied to the gasket fastened to the door. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 may be omitted or briefly described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 7, when a detachment force is applied to the fixed part (120) in the upward direction (-X direction), the fixed part (120) may be deformed.

[0144] For example, the hook (132) of the fastening groove (130) of the fixing part (120) can be elastically deformed to open at a wider angle from the side wall (133). Accordingly, the entire inner surface of the hook (132) can be arranged to be supported by the lower surface of the catch (220) of the gasket fastening part (200). Additionally, the fixing part (120) can be moved upward (-X direction) as a whole.

[0145] More specifically, as the fixed part (120) is made of a soft material, elastic deformation may occur in the fixed part (120) when a release force is applied to the fixed part (120). When a release force is applied to the fixed part (120) in the upward direction (-X direction), the fixed part (120) may extend in the upward direction (-X direction) as a whole. Alternatively, at least a part of the fixed part (120) may move in the upward direction (-X direction).

[0146] The hook (132) of the fastening groove (130) can be supported in a manner that is in complete contact with the lower surface of the catch (220). If there is no external force supporting the hook (132) toward the fastening projection (210), the hook (132) that was hooked onto the catch (220) can rotate at the end of the catch (220) and detach from the catch (220).

[0147] To prevent the hook (132) from disengaging from the catch (220), the gasket fastening portion (200) may be provided so that deformation of the fixing portion (120) is limited through the support projection (230). For example, the hook (132) of the fixing portion (120) may be provided to be supported toward the fastening projection (210). A catch (140) provided on one side of the fastening groove (130) may be provided to be connected to the hook (132). Accordingly, the supporting force on one side of the catch (140) may be provided to be transmitted to the hook (132).

[0148] The outer wall (143) of the catch (140) can be supported in a direction toward the fastening projection (210) by the support projection (230). At this time, the supporting force by the support projection (230) can be transmitted through the catch (140) to the hook (132) connected to one side of the catch (140). That is, the hook (132) can maintain a firm connection with the catch projection (220) even if a detachment force is applied to the fixing part (120).

[0149] In order for the gasket (100) to be more firmly fixed to the door liner (32), the support projections (230) provided on the door liner (32) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, the support projections (230) may include a first support projection (230a) formed on the inner side relative to the fastening projection (210) and a second support projection (230b) formed on the outer side. The first support projection (230a) may be positioned between the fastening projection (210) and the dike (35), and the second support projection (230b) may be positioned between the fastening projection (210) and the outer edge of the door (30). That is, they may be positioned in the order of the first support projection (230a), the fastening projection (210), and the second support projection (230b) relative to the central part (34) of the door (30).

[0150] The first support projection (230a) and the second support projection (230b) may be arranged facing each other. The first support projection (230a) and the second support projection (230b) may be arranged facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the door liner (32) (Z-axis direction).

[0151] The first support projection (230a) and the second support projection (230b) may have shapes that are symmetrical to each other. Additionally, the first support projection (230a) and the second support projection (230b) may be formed at equal distances from the fastening projection (210).

[0152] In addition, the catch (140) provided on the fixing part (120) of the gasket (100) corresponding to the supporting protrusions (230) provided in plurality may be provided. For example, the catch (140) may include a first catch (140a) and a second catch (140b). The first catch (140a) may be provided on one side of the fastening groove (130) of the fixing part (120) so as to be received between the first supporting protrusion (230a) and the fastening protrusion (210). The second catch (140b) may be provided on the other side of the fastening groove (130) of the fixing part (120) so as to be received between the second supporting protrusion (230b) and the fastening protrusion (210). That is, one side of the fastening groove (130) where the first locking member (140a) is provided may refer to a side wall (133) provided in a direction toward the inner central part (34) of the door (30) based on the center of the fastening groove (130) (e.g., Z direction based on FIG. 4). The other side of the fastening groove (130) where the second locking member (140b) is provided may refer to a side wall (133) provided in a direction toward the outer edge of the door (30) based on the center of the fastening groove (130) (-Z direction).

[0153] The first locking member (140a) and the second locking member (140b) may have shapes that are symmetrical to each other. Additionally, the shapes of the first locking member (140a) and the second locking member (140b), including the hollows formed in each of the first locking member (140a) and the second locking member (140b), may also be symmetrical to each other.

[0154] Finally, the gasket fastening part (200) including a plurality of support protrusions (230) and the fixing part (120) of the gasket (100) including a plurality of locking members (140) can be provided in a shape symmetric to the fastening protrusions (210). As the fixing part (120) and the gasket fastening part (200) are provided in a symmetrical shape and fastened to each other, the critical release force at which the gasket (100) and the gasket fastening part (200) are unfastened can be increased. A detailed description comparing the critical release force of one embodiment of the present invention with the critical release force of an embodiment compared with the present invention will be described later through other drawings below.

[0155] FIG. 8 is a graph of the critical separation force of a gasket according to an embodiment compared with the present invention. FIG. 9 is a graph illustrating the critical separation force of a gasket according to an embodiment compared with the present invention. FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating the critical separation force of a gasket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0156] For convenience of explanation, the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention may be described with reference to FIG. 7 in the following description. Additionally, for convenience of explanation, configurations corresponding to or substantially identical to the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention may be described with reference to FIG. 7 by assigning the same numbering as that of the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] According to an embodiment compared with the present invention with reference to FIG. 8, the fixing part (120) and the gasket fastening part (200) of the gasket (100) may each include a configuration corresponding to a fastening groove (130) and a fastening projection (210). Additionally, they may include a configuration corresponding to a hook (132) provided in the fastening groove (130) and a locking projection (220) provided in the fastening projection (210). However, a configuration corresponding to a locking member (140) and a supporting projection (230) of the embodiment of the present invention may not be provided. In this case, the fixing part (120) of the gasket (100) may require a method such as using a different material to prevent the gasket (100) from detaching from the door liner (32) due to elastic deformation. For example, the materials of the fixing part (120) and the sealing part (110) of the gasket (100) may be made of different materials. For example, the sealing portion (110) may include a soft elastic material identical to the material of the gasket (100) of the embodiment of the present invention, and the fixing portion (120) may include a hard elastic material different from the material of the sealing portion (110). In this case, as the fixing portion (120) includes a hard elastic material, a relatively greater fastening force may be required when fastening the gasket (100) to the door liner (32). That is, the fastening of the gasket (100) and the door liner (32) may be relatively less easy.

[0158] Meanwhile, in order to compare the difference in critical detachment force according to the structure of the fixed part (120), when following an embodiment compared with the present invention, the fixed part (120) may include a soft elastic material. In this case, when a detachment force of 196.2 (mN / mm) is applied, the fastening groove (130) of the fixed part (120) opens and the hook (132) may detach from the catch (220) of the fastening projection (210). That is, when following an embodiment compared with the present invention, the critical detachment force may be 196.2 (mN / mm). At this time, the critical release force may refer to the release force at the point when the hook (132) of the fixing part (120) is released from the catch (220) of the fixing part (210) when a release force is applied in the upward direction (e.g., the -X direction in FIG. 4) while the fixing part (120) is connected to the connecting projection (210).

[0159] Referring to FIG. 9, when following an embodiment compared with the present invention, the fixing part (120) and the gasket fastening part (200) of the gasket (100) may each include a configuration corresponding to a fastening groove (130) and a fastening projection (210). Additionally, it may include a configuration corresponding to a hook (132) provided in the fastening groove (130) and a locking projection (220) provided in the fastening projection (210). It may also include a configuration corresponding to a plurality of locking members (140). However, a configuration corresponding to a plurality of supporting projections (230) may not be provided, and a configuration corresponding to a single supporting projection (230) may be provided.

[0160] In this case, when a detaching force is applied to the fixed part (120) in an upward direction (e.g., the -X direction in FIG. 4) while the fixed part (120) is fastened to the fastening projection (210), the hook (132) connected to the locking member (140) on the side where the support projection (230) is not provided can rotate and detach from the locking projection (220).

[0161] In this case, when a release force of 775.0 (mN / mm) is applied, the fastening groove (130) of the fixing part (120) opens and the hook (132) can be released from the catch (220) of the fastening projection (210). That is, when following an embodiment compared with the present invention, the critical release force may be 775.0 (mN / mm).

[0162] Referring to FIG. 10, a configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention can be described with reference to the configuration of FIG. 7. That is, the catch (220) of the fastening projection (210) is engaged with the hook (132), and at the same time, a plurality of support projections (230) can be provided in a shape symmetrically on both sides with respect to the fastening projection (210). Accordingly, a first catch (140a) and a second catch (140b) can be provided, each accommodated in the space provided between the first support projection (230a), the second support projection (230b), and the fastening projection (210).

[0163] In this case, when a detachment force is applied to the fixed part (120) in an upward direction (e.g., the -X direction in FIG. 4) while the fixed part (120) is fastened to the fastening projection (210), the support projection (230) on both sides of the fastening projection (210) supports the catch (140), thereby preventing the hook (132) connected to the catch (140) from detaching from the catch (220).

[0164] In this case, the hook (132) may be disengaged from the catch (220) of the fastening projection (210) when a disengagement force of 1990.0 (mN / mm) is applied. That is, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the critical disengagement force may be 1990.0 (mN / mm). This means that when compared to the embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 8, if support projections (230) are provided on both sides of the fastening projection (210) to support the catch (140) on both sides of the fastening projection (210) respectively, thereby preventing the hook (132) connected to the catch (140) from being disengaged from the catch (220) of the fastening projection (210), the critical disengagement force may be increased by approximately 10 times compared to the case where such support projections are provided.

[0165] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the configuration of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 may be omitted or briefly described.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 11, the gasket (100) may include a sealing portion (110). The gasket (100) may include a sealing portion (110) that is arranged to come into contact with the main body (10) when the door (30) is closed.

[0167] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the aforementioned fixing part (120) may be provided to be elastically deformable by including an elastic material. It may include the same material as the sealing part (110). That is, the fixing part (120) and the sealing part (110) may include the same soft material. In other words, the fixing part (120) and the sealing part (110) may be formed integrally. For example, a gasket (100) including the fixing part (120) and the sealing part (110) may be provided by a method of injection molding in one step.

[0168] It may be preferable for the sealing part (110) to include a soft material so as to efficiently cover the gap between the door (30) and the main body (10) to prevent cold air leakage. It may also be preferable for the fixing part (120) to include a soft material so as to be easily fastened to the gasket fastening part (200). However, the fixing part (120) containing a soft material may easily deform and detach from the gasket fastening part (200) when a detaching force is applied, so to overcome this, a method to prevent deformation of the fixing part (120) when a detaching force is applied may be applied.

[0169] For example, the fixed portion (120) may include a catch (140) connected to a hook (132). Correspondingly, the gasket fastening portion (200) may include a support projection (230) that supports one side of the catch (140).

[0170] In addition to the configuration of the locking member (140) and the support projection (230), the fixing part (120) and the gasket fastening part (200) may further include additional configurations to prevent detachment from the gasket fastening part (200) caused by the opening of the fixing part (120). For example, when a detachment force is applied to the fixing part (120), the fixing part (120) may further include a rib (146) to counteract the opening deformation of the fixing part (120) together with the support projection (230). For example, the fixing part (120) may include a concave groove (239) formed by being recessed into the inner surface (231) of the support projection (230) that contacts the locking member (140), and the locking member (140) may include a convex part (149) having a shape corresponding to the concave groove (239). Regarding the additional configurations for preventing detachment of the fixing part (120) as described above A more detailed explanation will be provided later through the other drawings below.

[0171] A cover portion (150) may be provided that extends from a catch (140) provided at the side end of a fixed portion (120) and is formed to surround a support projection (230). The cover portion (150) may include a horizontal cover (151) that extends from the outer wall (143) of the catch (140) and covers the upper surface of the support projection (230), and a vertical cover (152) that is connected to the horizontal cover (151) and contacts the outer surface of the support projection (230). The vertical cover (152) may extend from the horizontal cover (151) to the liner (32). Due to the cover portion (150), heat leakage from the fixed portion (120) in the refrigerator (1) can be prevented more effectively.

[0172] The effects of the configurations of the gasket (100) according to the embodiment of the present invention described above can be provided in the following embodiments (see FIG. 12 and FIG. 13) in the same way.

[0173] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the configuration of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a part of the configuration of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those described with reference to FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 11 may be omitted or briefly described.

[0174] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing part (120) may further include a rib (146) that crosses the hollow (145) of the catch (140). That is, the hollow (145) can be separated into two spaces by the rib (146).

[0175] The rib (146) may be provided to suppress deformation of the fixed part (120). Accordingly, the rib (146) may be provided to prevent the fixed part (120) from detaching from the gasket fastening part (200). For example, the rib (146) may be provided to be formed in a direction approximately parallel to the direction in which the hook (132) protrudes. The rib (146) may be provided to connect the lower end of the outer wall (143) of the catch (140) and the upper end of the side wall (133) of the fastening groove (130). A detailed explanation of the specific operating principle regarding the detachment suppression effect of the rib (146) will be provided later.

[0176] Additionally, the rib (146) may be provided so as not to interfere with the fastening of the fixed part (120). For example, the rib (146) may be formed to be spaced apart from the hook (132). In other words, the rib (146) may not be directly connected to the hook (132).

[0177] More specifically, this can be explained with reference to FIG. 6. The fixing part (120) of the gasket (100) may be provided to be elastically deformable by including an elastic material, and when the fastening projection (210) and the catch (220) of the gasket fastening part (200) pass through the space between the two hooks (132) provided in the fastening groove (130), the two hooks (132) are elastically deformed so that the fastening projection (210) and the catch (220) can be received in the internal space (134) of the fastening groove (130). Since the catch (220) received in the internal space (134) is positioned on the upper side (-X direction) of the hook (132), the hook (132) can support the lower end of the catch (220), and the fixing part (120) can be coupled to the gasket fastening part (200).

[0178] The catch (220) inserted into the fastening groove (130) can deform both hooks (132) and both side walls (133) by coming into contact with the lower side of both hooks (132) at the opening (131) of the fastening groove (130). At this time, the lower side of the hook (132) may refer to the point where the hook (132) and the side wall (133) are connected. That is, when the fixing part (120) undergoes elastic deformation, the lower side of the hook (132) receives force in the direction of the inner hollow (145), and the hook (132) and the side wall (133) connected to the hook (132) can be bent and deformed in the direction of the inner hollow (145). At this time, the direction of the force received by the catch (220) to which the lower side of the hook (132) contacts may be approximately from the lower side wall (133) of the fastening groove (130) toward the upper side wall (143) of the catch (140).

[0179] Accordingly, by arranging the rib (146) so as to be spaced apart from the hook (132), the rib (146) supports the space between the lower end of the side wall (133) and the upper end of the outer wall (143), thereby preventing the elastic deformation of the fixing part (120) from being hindered during the fastening process. Accordingly, even if the rib (146) is formed, the ease of fastening, which is a feature of one embodiment of the present invention, can be maintained.

[0180] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a configuration may be provided between the locking member (140) and the support projection (230) to prevent the locking member (140) from moving upward when the fixing member (120) receives a detachment force in the upward direction (-X). For example, the locking member (140) may further include a convex portion (149) on the outer surface of the outer wall (143), and the support projection (230) may further include a concave groove portion (239) provided on the inner surface (231) in a shape corresponding to the convex portion (149) of the locking member (140).

[0181] The convex portion (149) may be formed at the end of the fixed portion (120). The convex portion (149) may be provided on the lower outer surface of the catch (140). The convex portion (149) may extend from the lower end of the outer wall (143) of the catch (140).

[0182] The concave groove (239) is provided in a shape corresponding to the convex portion (149) formed on the catch (140) in the gasket fastening portion (200) and may have a corresponding position. The concave groove (239) may be provided on the lower part of the inner surface (231) of the support projection (230). The concave groove (239) may be formed by the inner surface (231) being sunken at the bottom of the support projection (230). A detailed explanation of the specific operating principle regarding the anti-detachment effect of the convex portion (149) and the concave groove (239) will be described below.

[0183] Refer to FIG. 7 to explain in more detail the operating principle of the anti-detachment effect of the rib (146), the convex portion (149), and the concave portion (239).

[0184] When a release force is applied to the fixed part (120), the fixed part (120) moves upward (-X direction), and the outer wall (143) of the catch (140) in contact with the support projection (230) receives a force further upward, causing the entire structure to bend upward and resulting in deformation. To counteract this deformation

[0185] When the catch (140) is received by the fastening projection (210) and the supporting projection (230) so as to come into contact with the supporting projection (230), the convex portion (149) can be received by the concave groove portion (239). The concave groove portion (239) can support the convex portion (149) in the downward direction (X direction). Accordingly, the concave groove portion (239) can restrict the movement of the catch (140) connected to the convex portion (149) in the upward direction (-X). That is, when a release force is applied to the fixed portion, the movement of the catch (140) in the upward direction (-X) can be restricted by the fastening of the concave groove portion (239) and the convex portion (149).

[0186] Accordingly, the deformation of the fixed part (120) as it spreads out in the left-right direction (Z-axis direction) can be restricted. Accordingly, the gasket (100) can be more firmly fastened to the door liner (32).

[0187] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment comprises a storage compartment (20), a door (30) that opens and closes the storage compartment (20) and includes a door liner (32), a gasket (100) that includes a fastening groove (130) formed along the outer edge of the door (30) and having an opening (131) formed on one side to be coupled to the door (30), and a locking member (140) formed along the circumference of the fastening groove (130) from the side of the fastening groove (130), and a gasket fastening portion (200) formed on the door liner (32), wherein the gasket fastening portion (200) comprises a fastening projection (210) that includes a locking tab (220) provided to be received in the fastening groove (130) and engaged, and a supporting projection (230) formed spaced apart from the fastening projection (210) and provided to support one side of the locking member (140) in a direction toward the fastening groove (130). It includes a gasket fastening part (200).

[0188] The above fastening groove (130) includes a hook (132) provided in the opening (131) and an internal space (134) provided between the hook (132) and the fastening groove (130), and the hook (132) may be provided to support the lower side of the catch (220) of the fastening projection (210) received in the internal space (134).

[0189] The above fastening groove (130) further includes a side wall (133) forming the side of the internal space (134), and the locking member (140) extends from the side wall (133) and is received between the fastening projection (210) and the support projection (230), and can be arranged to come into contact with the support projection (230).

[0190] The above-mentioned stopper (140) may include a hollow (145) formed along the side wall (133).

[0191] The above side wall (133) is provided between the hollow (145) and the hook (132) so as to be elastically deformable together with the hook (132) when the gasket (100) and the gasket fastening part (200) are fastened.

[0192] The hook (132) forms an acute angle with the side wall (133) and is elastically deformed inwardly with the side wall (133) in the hollow (145), and the catch (220) can pass through the hook (132) provided in the opening (131) and be received in the internal space (134).

[0193] The height of the above side wall (133) can be arranged to be longer than the length formed by the protrusion of the above hook (132).

[0194] The fastening projection (210) may protrude vertically from the door liner (32), and the catch (220) may protrude toward the support projection (230) from the upper part of the fastening projection (210).

[0195] The upper surface of the above-mentioned stopper (220) may include an inclined surface (223) at the end.

[0196] The upper surface of the support projection (230) may include an inclined surface (233) provided so that the locking member (140) is guided between the support projection (230) and the fastening projection (210).

[0197] The support projection (230) may be provided to have a height corresponding to the height of the upper part of the fastening projection (210) on which the catch (220) is formed.

[0198] The above-mentioned catch (140) and the above-mentioned hook (132) are respectively a first catch (140a) and a first hook (132a), and the above-mentioned gasket (100) includes a second catch (140b) and a second hook (132b) symmetrically arranged on the opposite side of the first catch (140a) and the first hook (132a) with respect to the above-mentioned fastening projection (210), and the above-mentioned support projection (230) is a first support projection (230a), and the above-mentioned gasket fastening part (200) may include a second support projection (230b) symmetrically arranged on the opposite side of the first support projection (230a) with respect to the above-mentioned fastening projection (210).

[0199] The above-mentioned catch (140) further includes a rib (146) that crosses the hollow (145) diagonally, and the rib (146) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the hook (132) formed in the opening (131).

[0200] The support projection (230) may include a concave groove (239) at the bottom of one side facing the fastening projection (210), and the locking member (140) may include a convex portion (149) corresponding to the concave groove (239) at the bottom of one side in contact with the support projection (230).

[0201] A refrigerator (1) according to the concept of the present invention comprises a main body (10) including a storage room (20), a door (30) including a door liner (32) for opening and closing the storage room (20), a gasket (100) provided along the outer edge of the door (30) and in close contact with the front end of the main body (10), and a gasket fastening part (200) provided protruding from the door liner (32) so as to install the gasket (100) on the door (30). The gasket (100) comprises a sealing part (110) provided to seal the space between the main body (10) and the door (30), and a fixing part (120) provided to be fastened to the gasket fastening part (200). The fixing part (120) has an opening (131) formed toward the door liner (32) and a pair of protruding parts formed on each side of the opening (131). The gasket fastening part (200) includes a fastening groove (130) including a hook (132) and a pair of catch members (140) protruding outward from both sides of the fastening groove (130) respectively toward the outside of the fastening groove (130). The gasket fastening part (200) includes a fastening projection (210) that is received in at least a portion of the fastening groove (130) and a pair of support projections (230) that are spaced apart from the fastening projection (210) in the outer and inner directions of the door (30) respectively to receive the pair of catch members (140). The fastening projection (210) includes a pair of catch members (220) that are provided protruding outward from both sides of the fastening projection (210) and are engaged with the pair of hooks (132) respectively.

[0202] The above-mentioned fixed part (120) and the above-mentioned gasket fastening part (200) can be provided in a shape symmetrical with respect to the above-mentioned fastening projection (210).

[0203] The above gasket (100) may include the same soft elastic material for the fixing part (120) and the sealing part (110).

[0204] The above fixing part (120) has a circumference corresponding to each of the pair of locking members (140) and includes a pair of hollows (145) having a square cross-section inside the pair of locking members (140), and a pair of side walls (133) provided between the pair of hollows (145) and the fastening groove (130), and the pair of side walls (133) can be provided so as to be able to bend into the inner side of the pair of hollows (145) when the fixing part (120) and the gasket fastening part (200) are combined.

[0205] The above pair of stoppers (140) may be provided to be supported by the above pair of support protrusions (230) in a direction toward the fastening groove (130) located at the center of the above fixing part (120) when a release force is applied to the above fixing part (120).

[0206] The above pair of support protrusions (230) are formed to protrude up to the height where the lower surface of the above pair of locking projections (220) is formed, and each upper surface may include an inclined surface at the side edge close to the fastening protrusion (210).

[0207] According to the concept of the present invention, since the gasket fastening portion is formed to protrude from the liner to the opposite side of the vacuum insulation panel, a gasket can be installed even in a refrigerator including a vacuum insulation panel.

[0208] According to the concept of the present invention, in a refrigerator, the fastening projection of the gasket fastening portion is inserted into the fastening groove of the gasket, so that the hook of the fastening groove can support the locking projection of the fastening projection.

[0209] According to the concept of the present invention, by providing catch portions on both sides of the fastening groove portion of the gasket to be supported by a support projection, the detachment of the fastened gasket can be prevented.

[0210] According to the concept of the present invention, a hollow is formed on the inner side of the locking part, and a deformable wall part is positioned between the hollow and the recess, thereby facilitating the fastening of the gasket.

[0211] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. Storage room; A door that opens and closes the storage room and includes a door liner; A gasket comprising a fastening groove formed along the outer edge of the door and having an opening on one side to be coupled to the door, and a locking member formed along the perimeter of the fastening groove on the side of the fastening groove; and A refrigerator comprising: a gasket fastening portion formed on the door liner, the gasket fastening portion including a fastening projection having a locking projection provided to be received in the fastening groove and engaged, and a supporting projection formed spaced apart from the fastening projection and provided to support one side of the locking projection in a direction toward the fastening groove.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above fastening groove includes a hook provided in the opening and an internal space provided between the hook and the fastening groove, and A refrigerator in which the above hook is provided to support the lower side of the locking projection of the above fastening projection accommodated in the above internal space.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above fastening groove further includes a side wall forming the side of the internal space, and A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned catch extends from the above-mentioned side wall and is received between the above-mentioned fastening projection and the above-mentioned support projection, and is arranged to come into contact with the above-mentioned support projection.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned catch is a refrigerator comprising a hollow formed along the side wall.

5. In Paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned side wall is provided between the above-mentioned hollow and the above-mentioned hook, so as to be elastically deformed together with the above-mentioned hook when the above-mentioned gasket and the above-mentioned gasket fastening part are fastened.

6. In Paragraph 5, A refrigerator in which the above hook forms an acute angle with the above side wall and is elastically deformed inwardly along with the above side wall, and the above catch is received in the internal space by passing the above hook provided in the opening.

7. In Paragraph 6, A refrigerator in which the height of the above-mentioned side wall is longer than the length formed by the protruding hook.

8. In Paragraph 3, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned fastening projection protrudes vertically from the door liner and the above-mentioned catch projection protrudes toward the above-mentioned support projection from the upper part of the fastening projection.

9. In Paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which the upper surface of the above-mentioned stopper includes an inclined surface at the end.

10. In Paragraph 3, A refrigerator in which the upper surface of the support projection includes an inclined surface provided to guide the locking member between the support projection and the fastening projection.

11. In Paragraph 3, A refrigerator in which the above support projection is provided to have a height corresponding to the height of the upper part of the fastening projection on which the above locking projection is formed.

12. In Paragraph 2, The above-mentioned catch and the above-mentioned hook are each a first catch and a first hook, and the above-mentioned gasket includes a second catch and a second hook symmetrically arranged on the opposite side of the first catch and the first hook with respect to the fastening projection. A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned support projection is a first support projection, and the above-mentioned gasket fastening portion includes a second support projection symmetrically arranged on the opposite side of the first support projection with respect to the fastening projection.

13. In Paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned catch further includes a rib that crosses the above-mentioned hollow diagonally, and the rib is arranged to be spaced apart from the hook formed in the opening.

14. In Paragraph 4, The above support projection includes a concave groove on the lower side facing the above fastening projection, and A refrigerator comprising a convex portion corresponding to the concave groove portion at the bottom of one side that contacts the support projection.

Images