Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a main body including a storage chamber; a first door provided to open and close a first region of the storage chamber; a second door provided to open and close a second region of the storage chamber; a rotation guide that is provided in the main body and includes a first electrode arranged to receive power from the main body; and a rotatable bar that is coupled to the first door, can rotate relative to the first door, and includes a heater and a second electrode arranged to supply power to the heater. The first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with each other in a state in which the first region is closed by the first door, and the power supplied to the first electrode is supplied to the second electrode so that the heater operates using the power from the main body.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator comprising a rotating bar.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that keeps food fresh, comprising a main body having a storage compartment, a cold air supply unit that supplies cold air to the storage compartment to maintain the internal temperature of the storage compartment lower than the external temperature, and a door for opening and closing the storage compartment.

[0003] Generally, storage rooms are designed with an open front for the entry and exit of food, and this open front is sealed or opened by a door. The door serves to seal the storage room to prevent cold air from leaking out or warm outside air from entering.

[0004] Refrigerators may include various types of doors, for example, French door type refrigerators in which a left door and a right door are installed together. A French door type refrigerator may include a rotating bar rotatably coupled to the left door or the right door to seal the gap between the left door and the right door.

[0005] A heater may be built into the interior of the rotating bar to prevent condensation caused by the temperature difference that occurs when the door is opened or closed. To supply power to this heater, a wire may be extended from the refrigerator body through the door hinge to the interior of the rotating bar.

[0006] However, power supply methods using wires require a structure to accommodate the wires inside the rotating bar, which complicates the internal structure and may degrade thermal insulation performance due to the space required for the wires. Furthermore, the repetitive opening and closing of the door poses risks of electric shock, as well as durability issues such as wire sheath damage and breakage.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of supplying power to a heater of a rotating bar without a wire extending from the main body into the door.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator with improved thermal insulation performance and a simplified structure by not including a separate part or structure for wire extraction inside the door.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator in which a first electrode of a rotating guide and a second electrode of a rotating bar are arranged to come into contact when the door is closed, and power is supplied to a heater of the rotating bar by the contact between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0010] 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.

[0011] A refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises: a main body including a storage compartment; a first door coupled to the main body and rotatable relative to the main body to open and close a first area of ​​the storage compartment; a second door coupled to the main body and rotatable relative to the main body to open and close a second area of ​​the storage compartment; a rotating guide including a first electrode provided on the main body and provided to receive power from the main body; and a rotating bar coupled to the first door and rotatable relative to the first door, and including a heater and a second electrode provided to supply power to the heater. When the second region is closed by the second door, the first door closes the first region, and the gap between the first door and the second door is covered by the rotating bar, so that the rotating guide is provided to guide the rotational movement of the rotating bar, and when the first region is closed by the first door, the first electrode and the second electrode come into contact, and the power supplied to the first electrode is supplied to the second electrode so that the heater operates by power from the main body.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which the door of a refrigerator is open according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 shows a magnified view of part A of Figure 1 from a different angle.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of the upper part of a rotating bar of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation guide shown in FIG. 2, illustrating the state in which the first electrode is positioned at the first position.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rotation guide shown in FIG. 2, illustrating the state in which the first electrode is positioned at the second position.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which, in a refrigerator according to one embodiment, the cap of the rotating bar is inserted into the guide groove of the rotating guide as the first door is closed.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which the first electrode of a rotation guide and the second electrode of a rotation bar are in contact when the first door is closed in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged view of a rotation guide of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates the state in which the connecting member of the rotary guide shown in FIG. 8 is rotated.

[0021] FIG. 10 conceptually illustrates a state in which, in a refrigerator according to one embodiment, when the first door is closed, the first electrode of the rotation guide and the second electrode of the rotation bar are electrically connected through a connecting member.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0024] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] When it is said that one 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0033] The “main body” may include an inner body, an outer body positioned on the outside of the inner body, and an insulating material provided between the inner body and the outer body.

[0034] 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 placed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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).

[0062] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0063] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0064] Refrigerators according to various embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0065] Terms such as "up / down direction" and "front / back direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms "front" and "rear" below may refer to the +X direction and -X direction, respectively, as depicted in the drawings. The terms "up" and "down" below may refer to the +Z direction and -Z direction, respectively, as depicted in the drawings. The terms "left direction" and "right direction" below may refer to the +Y direction and -Y direction, respectively, as depicted in the drawings. The term "vertical direction" below may refer to the Z direction, respectively, as depicted in the drawings, and the term "horizontal direction" below may refer to the Y direction, respectively, as depicted in the drawings.

[0066] FIG. 1 illustrates a state in which the door of a refrigerator is open according to one embodiment.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment 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). The cooling system may also be referred to as a cold air supply device.

[0068] 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).

[0069] A body insulation material may be provided between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12) to insulate the space between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12). The body insulation material may be foamed between the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12). The body insulation material may bond the inner layer (11) and the outer layer (12) together. The body insulation material can prevent heat exchange from occurring between the inside of the storage room (20) and the outside of the body (10), thereby improving the cooling efficiency inside the storage room (20). For example, the body insulation material may include insulation materials of various materials such as urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, and vacuum insulation panels.

[0070] 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 degrees Celsius to minus 17 degrees Celsius for frozen storage of food.

[0071] 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) and lower storage rooms (22, 23) by a first partition (17) extending in a horizontal direction. Additionally, the lower storage rooms (22, 23) of the storage room (20) may be divided into a left second storage room (22) and a right third storage room (23) by a second partition (19) extending in a vertical direction. In this case, for example, the first storage room (21) may be used as a refrigerator, and both the second storage room (22) and the third storage room (23) may be used as freezers, or one of them may be used as a freezer and the other as a refrigerator.

[0072] The method of dividing the storage room (20) as described above and the use of each of the divided storage rooms (21, 22, 23) are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0073] Inside the storage room (20), a shelf (24) on which food can be placed and a drawer (26) for storing food may be provided.

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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.

[0077] A door shelf (38) capable of storing food may be provided on the inner surface of the door (30). For example, the door shelf (38) may be supported by the dike (35) of the door (30). The door shelf (38) may be mounted on the dike (35) of the door (30).

[0078] A gasket (36) may be provided on the inner surface of the door (30). The gasket (36) 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).

[0079] 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).

[0080] The first storage room (21) can be opened and closed by a pair of upper doors (30A, 30B). The refrigerator (1) may include a first door (30A) that opens and closes a part of the first storage room (21) and a second door (30B) that opens and closes another part of the first storage room (21). The first door (30A) may be provided to open and close a first area of ​​the first storage room (21). The second door (30B) may be provided to open and close a second area of ​​the first storage room (21). The first storage room (21) can be opened and closed by the first door (30A) and the second door (30B).

[0081] The first door (30A) and the second door (30B) may be provided to rotate independently of each other with respect to the main body (10). The first door (30A) and the second door (30B) may be arranged side by side in a horizontal direction (Y direction). For example, the first door (30A) may be provided to open and close the left portion of the first storage room (21), and the second door (30B) may be provided to open and close the right portion of the first storage room (21).

[0082] A rotating bar (50) may be provided on one of the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) so as to be rotatable with respect to that door and to cover the gap between the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) when the pair of upper doors (30A, 30B) close the first storage room (21). For example, the rotating bar (50) may be rotatably provided on the first door (30A). Below, the case in which the rotating bar (50) is coupled to the first door (30A) will be described as an example. As described above, the rotating bar (50) may be rotatably provided on the second door (30B) as well as the first door (30A).

[0083] On the upper surface (21a) of the first storage room (21), a rotation guide (100) may be provided to guide the rotation bar (50) so that the rotation bar (50) rotates relative to the first door (30A) when the first door (30A) is opened or closed. The rotation guide (100) may be provided at the front end of the upper surface (21a) of the first storage room (21). The rotation guide (100) may be provided in the central part of the upper surface (21a) of the first storage room (21).

[0084] The second storage compartment (22) 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 second storage compartment (22). The third door (30C) 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) relative to each other.

[0085] The third storage compartment (23) 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 third storage compartment (23). 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).

[0086] The structure or features of the door (30) described below can be applied to each of the plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D).

[0087] The refrigerator (1) may include a hinge (40) connecting the main body (10) and the door (30). The hinge (40) may be connected to the main body (10) and the door (30), respectively. The hinge (40) may be provided so that the door (30) can rotate relative to the main body (10). The hinge (40) may be connected to the outer body (12). The door (30) may be rotatably connected to the main body (10) by the hinge (40).

[0088] The refrigerator (1) may include a plurality of hinges (41, 42, 43) provided to support each of a plurality of doors (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D). For example, the refrigerator (1) may include a pair of upper door hinges (41) coupled to the upper part of the main body (10) to rotatably support the first door (30A) and the second door (30B), respectively. For example, the refrigerator (1) may include a pair of lower door hinges (43) coupled to the lower part of the main body (10) to rotatably support the third door (30C) and the fourth door (30D), respectively. For example, the refrigerator (1) may include a pair of intermediate hinges (42) that are positioned between the upper door hinge (41) and the lower door hinge (43) and coupled to the middle part of the main body (10) (specifically, the first partition (17)) to rotatably support the first door (30A), the second door (30B), the third door (30C), and the fourth door (30D), respectively.

[0089] 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.

[0090] Figure 2 shows a magnified view of part A of Figure 1 from a different angle.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 2, a rotation guide (100) according to one embodiment may be provided to guide the rotational movement of a rotation bar (50) when the first door (30A) is opened or closed. The rotation guide (100) may be placed in a storage room (20) formed by the main body (10). Specifically, the rotation guide (100) may be provided on the upper surface (21a) of the first storage room (21) which is opened and closed by the first door (30A) and the second door (30B). The rotation guide (100) may be placed at the front end of the central side of the upper surface (21a) of the first storage room (21).

[0092] The rotation guide (100) may include a guide groove (101) that is provided to allow the cap (52) of the rotation bar (50) to be inserted and to guide the movement of the cap (52). The guide groove (101) may guide the cap (52) of the rotation bar (50) to rotate as the first door (30A) closes. The guide groove (101) may be formed by indenting a part of the lower surface of the rotation guide (100).

[0093] The rotation guide (100) may include an electrode groove (110) formed on the upper surface (102) of the guide groove (101). The electrode groove (110) may be formed on the upper surface (102) of the guide groove (101). The electrode groove (110) may be formed by indenting a portion of the upper surface (102) of the guide groove (101).

[0094] In the electrode groove (110), a first electrode (60) and a movable member (120) configured to move together with the first electrode (60) may be provided. The movable member (120) may be configured to move in an up-and-down direction within the electrode groove (110). At least a portion of the first electrode (60) may penetrate the movable member (120) and protrude downward from the movable member (120).

[0095] The electrode groove (110) may include a first electrode groove (111) and a second electrode groove (112). The first electrode groove (111) and the second electrode groove (112) may be spaced apart from each other. The movable member (120) may include a first movable member (121) and a second movable member (122). The first movable member (121) may be inserted into the first electrode groove (111). The second movable member (122) may be inserted into the second electrode groove (112).

[0096] The first electrode (60) can be electrically connected to a power supply unit provided inside the main body (10). By being electrically connected to the power supply unit, power can be applied to the first electrode (60). The power supply unit provided in the main body (10) can be electrically connected to a power source outside the refrigerator (1). The first electrode (60) can be provided to supply power to the second electrode (70) by contacting the second electrode (70) to be described later. The first electrode (60) may include a first positive electrode (61) and a first negative electrode (62) arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0097] FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged view of the upper part of a rotating bar of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 3, a rotating bar (50) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a heater (51) provided therein. The heater (51) can prevent condensation that may occur when the first door (30A) and the second door (30B) are closed. The heater can raise the surface temperature of the rotating bar (50) to suppress the condensation of water vapor and prevent dew formation on the front of the refrigerator (1).

[0099] The rotating bar (50) may include a cap (52) provided to protrude upward from the upper surface of the rotating bar (50). The cap (52) may be provided to be movable in an up-and-down direction within a predetermined range relative to the upper surface of the rotating bar (50). The cap (52) may be elastically biased upward by an elastic member provided inside the rotating bar (50).

[0100] According to one embodiment, a magnet (53) may be provided inside the cap (52). The magnet (53) can attract a moving member (120) containing a magnetic material by magnetic attraction. The magnetic attraction of the magnet (53) may be provided to be stronger than the elastic force of the elastic member (130) to be described later.

[0101] A second electrode (70) may be provided on the upper surface of the cap (52). The second electrode (70) may protrude upward from the upper surface of the cap (52). The second electrode (70) may include a second cathode (71) and a second anode (72) that are spaced apart from each other. The second cathode (71) may be provided to be in contact with the first anode (61). The second anode (72) may be provided to be in contact with the first cathode (62).

[0102] The second electrode (70) can receive power from the first electrode (60) by contacting the first electrode (60). The second electrode (70) can supply power to the heater (51) by receiving power from the first electrode (60). The second electrode (70) can apply power to the heater (51) by receiving power through contact with the first electrode (60).

[0103] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary guide illustrated in FIG. 2, showing the state in which the first electrode is positioned at the first position. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary guide illustrated in FIG. 2, showing the state in which the first electrode is positioned at the second position.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a rotary guide (100) according to one embodiment may include a movable member (120) movable in an up-and-down direction and a first electrode (60). The movable member (120) and the first electrode (60) may be arranged to be movable between a first position and a second position. The first position may be a position higher than the second position.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the rotation guide (100) may include an elastic member (130) arranged in an electrode groove (110) to elastically bias a movable member (120) upward. The elastic member (130) may include a first elastic member (131) arranged in a first electrode groove (111) to elastically bias a first movable member (121) upward, and a second elastic member (132) arranged in a second electrode groove (112) to elastically bias a second movable member (122) upward.

[0106] One end of the first elastic member (131) may be connected to a first support member (113) provided on the upper surface of the first electrode groove (111). The other end of the first elastic member (131) may be connected to a second support member (125) provided on the first movable member (121). By being connected to the first support member (113) and the second support member (125), the first elastic member (131) can elastically bias the first movable member (121) upward. The first elastic member (131) can provide elastic force in a direction that brings the first support member (113) and the second support member (125) closer to each other.

[0107] One end of the second elastic member (132) may be connected to a third support member (114) provided on the upper surface of the second electrode groove (112). The other end of the second elastic member (132) may be connected to a fourth support member (126) provided on the second movable member (122). By being connected to the third support member (114) and the fourth support member (126), the second elastic member (132) can elastically bias the second movable member (122) upward. The second elastic member (132) can provide elastic force in a direction that brings the third support member (114) and the fourth support member (126) closer to each other.

[0108] At least a portion of the first electrode (60) may penetrate the movable member (120) and protrude below the movable member (120). To this end, the movable member (120) may have a hole (123, 124) into which the first electrode (60) is inserted.

[0109] The lower end (61a) of the first anode (61) may pass through the first hole (123) formed in the first movable member (121) and be positioned below the first movable member (121). In order for the lower end (61a) of the first anode (61) to move together with the first movable member (121), the diameter of the first hole (123) formed in the first movable member (121) may be provided to be equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the first anode (61). By providing the diameter of the first hole (123) to be equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the first anode (61), the first anode (61) may be press-fitted into the first hole (123). Alternatively, a groove may be formed in the first anode (61) and a protrusion may be formed in the first movable member (121), and the protrusion of the first movable member (121) may be inserted into the groove of the first anode (61) so that the lower end (61a) of the first anode (61) moves together with the first movable member (121).

[0110] The lower end (62a) of the first cathode (62) may pass through the second hole (124) formed in the second movable member (122) and be positioned below the second movable member (122). In order for the lower end (62a) of the first cathode (62) to move together with the second movable member (122), the diameter of the second hole (124) formed in the second movable member (122) may be provided to be equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the first cathode (62). By providing the diameter of the second hole (124) to be equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the first cathode (62), the first cathode (62) may be press-fitted into the second hole (124). Alternatively, a groove may be formed in the first cathode (62) and a protrusion may be formed in the second movable member (122), and the protrusion of the second movable member (122) may be inserted into the groove of the first cathode (62) so that the lower end (62a) of the first cathode (62) moves together with the second movable member (122).

[0111] Referring to FIG. 4, when the movable member (120) is positioned in the first position, the lower end (61a, 62a) of the first electrode (60) may be positioned inside the electrode groove (110) so as not to be exposed to the guide groove (101). When the movable member (120) is positioned in the first position, the lower end (61a, 62a) of the first electrode (60) may be positioned inside the electrode groove (110).

[0112] Referring to FIG. 5, when the movable member (120) moves downward from the first position to the second position, the lower end (61a, 62a) of the first electrode (60) may be exposed to the guide groove (101). When the movable member (120) is in the first position, the lower end (61a, 62a) of the first electrode (60) may be located within the guide groove (101).

[0113] FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which the cap of the rotating bar is inserted into the guide groove of the rotating guide as the first door is closed in a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which the first electrode of the rotating guide and the second electrode of the rotating bar are in contact when the first door is closed in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the process of the first electrode (60) of the rotation guide (100) and the second electrode (70) of the rotation bar (50) coming into contact as the first door (30A) is closed in a refrigerator according to one embodiment is described.

[0115] When the first door (30A) is opened, the movable member (120) and the first electrode (60) may be positioned in a first position as shown in FIG. 4. When the first door (30A) is closed, the cap (52) may be inserted into the guide groove (101) as shown in FIG. 6. When the cap (52) is inserted into the guide groove (101), the lower end (61a, 62a) of the first electrode (60) positioned in the first position may be spaced apart in the vertical direction from the upper end (71a, 72a) of the second electrode (70).

[0116] According to the present disclosure, power is supplied to the heater (51) when the first electrode (60) and the second electrode (70) are in contact, and power supply to the heater (51) can be cut off when the first electrode (60) and the second electrode (70) are not in contact. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6, power supply to the heater (51) may not occur when the lower end (61a, 62a) of the first electrode (60) and the upper end (71a, 72a) of the second electrode (70) are separated.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, after the cap (52) is inserted into the guide groove (101), the moving member (120) can move downward by means of the magnetic attraction between the magnet (53) placed inside the cap (52) and the moving member (120) including a magnetic material. As described above, since the magnetic attraction between the magnet (53) and the moving member (120) is greater than the elastic force of the elastic member (130), the moving member (120) can move downward by means of the magnetic attraction even though the moving member (120) is elastically biased upward. As the moving member (120) moves downward by means of the magnetic attraction between the magnet (53) and the moving member (120), the moving member (120) and the first electrode (60) can be positioned at a second position. Due to the magnetic attraction between the magnet (53) and the moving member (120), the first electrode (60) and the second electrode (70) can be maintained in a state of contact. Specifically, the first positive electrode (61) and the second negative electrode (71) can be in contact, and the first negative electrode (62) and the second positive electrode (72) can be maintained in a state of contact. For example, the bottom (61a) of the first positive electrode (61) and the top (71a) of the second negative electrode (71) can be in contact, and the bottom (62a) of the first negative electrode (62) and the top (72a) of the second positive electrode (72) can be in contact. However, this is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that the first electrode (60) and the second electrode (70) are in contact, and there is no limitation on the location where the first electrode (60) and the second electrode (70) are in contact.

[0118] As the first positive electrode (61) and the second negative electrode (71) are in contact and the first negative electrode (62) and the second positive electrode (72) are in contact, power can be supplied to the heater (51) through the first electrode (60) and the second electrode (70) from inside the main body (10).

[0119] When the first door (30A) is opened, as the cap (52) is withdrawn from the guide groove (101), the gap between the magnet (53) and the movable member (120) increases, and accordingly, the magnetic attraction may not be substantially applied. When the magnetic attraction is not applied, the movable member (120) and the first electrode (60) may move upward by the elastic force of the elastic member (130) and be positioned in the first position. Additionally, the movable member (120) and the first electrode (60) may maintain the state of being positioned in the first position by the elastic force of the elastic member (130).

[0120] There is no risk of electric shock even if the user's body comes into contact with the second electrode (70) that receives power, but there is a risk of electric shock if the user's body comes into contact with the first electrode (60) to which power is applied. To prevent electric shock, the user's body must not come into contact with the first electrode (60), and to this end, the first electrode (60) can be positioned inside the electrode groove (110) so that it is not exposed to the guide groove (101) when the first door (30A) is opened. That is, when the first door (30A) is opened, the first electrode (60) can be maintained in a state where it is not exposed from the outside by being positioned in the first position.

[0121] Due to the above-described structure, the refrigerator (1) according to the present disclosure can supply power to the heater (51) of the rotating bar (50) without a wire extending from the main body (10) into the door (30). In addition, the refrigerator (1) according to the present disclosure does not include a separate part or structure for wire extraction inside the door (30), so the thermal insulation performance can be improved and the structure can be simplified. In addition, the refrigerator (1) according to the present disclosure can prevent electric shock to the user by ensuring that the first electrode (60) to which power is applied is not exposed to the outside.

[0122] FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged view of a rotation guide of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates a state in which the connecting member of the rotation guide illustrated in FIG. 8 is rotated. FIG. 10 conceptually illustrates a state in which, in a refrigerator according to one embodiment, when the first door is closed, the first electrode of the rotation guide and the second electrode of the rotation bar are electrically connected through the connecting member.

[0123] Hereinafter, a rotation guide (100) and a rotation bar (50) of a refrigerator according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a rotary guide (100) according to one embodiment may include an electrode groove (110) formed on the upper surface (102) of a guide groove (101), a connecting member (140) comprising a first part disposed inside the electrode groove (110) and a second part disposed outside the electrode groove, and a shaft (143, 144) that rotatably supports the connecting member (140).

[0125] A first electrode (60) may be disposed inside the electrode groove (110). The first electrode (60) may be provided so that its lower end does not protrude outside the electrode groove (110). In other words, the lower end of the first electrode (60) may be provided to be located within the electrode groove (110).

[0126] The connecting member (140) may be rotatably provided within the electrode groove (110). The connecting member (140) may be rotatably provided around a shaft (143, 144). The shaft (143, 144) may connect the connecting member (140) and the side of the electrode groove (110).

[0127] The connecting member (140) may be made of a conductive material. Accordingly, when the connecting member (140) comes into contact with the first electrode (60) and the second electrode (70), power can be supplied from the first electrode (60) to the heater (51) through the connecting member (140) and the second electrode (70).

[0128] The connecting member (140) may include a first connecting member (141) in which at least a portion is disposed in the first electrode groove (111), and a second connecting member (142) in which at least a portion is disposed in the second electrode groove (112).

[0129] The shaft (143, 144) may include a first shaft (143) that rotatably supports a first connecting member (141) and a second shaft (144) that rotatably supports a second connecting member (142).

[0130] Referring to FIG. 8, when the first door (30A) is opened, the connecting member (140) can be positioned vertically by gravity. When the connecting member (140) is positioned vertically, the connecting member (140) and the first electrode (60) may not come into contact. To this end, the connecting member (140) and the first electrode (60) may be positioned apart.

[0131] When the connecting member (140) is positioned vertically by gravity, the lower end of the connecting member (140) may be located in the guide groove (101). Since no power is applied to the connecting member (140), the user may not be electrocuted even if they come into contact with the connecting member (140).

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, as the first door (30A) closes, the cap (52) is inserted into the guide groove (101), and the second electrode (70) can move the connecting member (140). As the first door (30A) closes, the second electrode (70) can come into contact with the connecting member (140) and rotate the connecting member (140). In other words, the second electrode (70) can push the connecting member (140) to rotate the connecting member (140). The connecting member (140) rotated by the second electrode (70) can come into contact with the first electrode (60) and the second electrode (70). As described above, when the connecting member (140) comes into contact with the first electrode (60) and the second electrode (70), power can be supplied from the first electrode (60) through the connecting member (140) and the second electrode (70) to the heater (51).

[0133] When the first door (30A) is opened, the cap (52) is withdrawn from the guide groove (101), and accordingly, the connecting member (140) can be positioned vertically by gravity. As described above, even if the lower end of the vertically positioned connecting member (140) is located in the guide groove (101), the connecting member (140) does not come into contact with the first electrode (60), so the user may not be electrocuted even if they come into contact with the connecting member (140).

[0134] Due to the above-described structure, the refrigerator (1) according to the present disclosure can supply power to the heater (51) of the rotating bar (50) without a wire extending from the main body (10) into the door (30). In addition, the refrigerator (1) according to the present disclosure does not include a separate part or structure for wire extraction inside the door (30), so the thermal insulation performance can be improved and the structure can be simplified. Furthermore, the refrigerator (1) according to the present disclosure can prevent electric shock to the user by separating the connecting member (140) and the first electrode (60) when the first door (30A) is opened.

[0135] A refrigerator according to one embodiment comprises a main body including a storage compartment; a first door coupled to the main body and rotatable relative to the main body to open and close a first area of ​​the storage compartment; a second door coupled to the main body and rotatable relative to the main body to open and close a second area of ​​the storage compartment; a rotating guide including a first electrode provided on the main body and provided to receive power from the main body; and a rotating bar coupled to the first door and rotatable relative to the first door, including a heater and a second electrode provided to supply power to the heater. When the second region is closed by the second door, the first door closes the first region, and the gap between the first door and the second door is covered by the rotating bar, so that the rotating guide is provided to guide the rotational movement of the rotating bar, and when the first region is closed by the first door, the first electrode and the second electrode come into contact, and the power supplied to the first electrode is supplied to the second electrode so that the heater operates by power from the main body.

[0136] When the first region is closed by the first door, the first electrode and the second electrode can come into contact with each other.

[0137] When the first region is open by the first door, the second electrode is not in contact with the first electrode, and the power supplied to the first electrode can be prevented from being supplied to the second electrode so that the heater does not operate by power from the main body.

[0138] The first electrode may include a first positive electrode and a first negative electrode spaced apart from the first positive electrode.

[0139] The second electrode may include a second cathode and a second anode spaced apart from the second cathode.

[0140] The first electrode and the second electrode may be arranged so that, when the first region is closed by the first door, the second cathode and the first anode are in contact, and the second anode and the first cathode are in contact.

[0141] The above-mentioned rotating bar may include a cap protruding upward from the upper surface of the rotating bar.

[0142] The above cap may be rotatable relative to the first door as the rotating bar rotates.

[0143] The second electrode may be provided on the upper surface of the cap.

[0144] The above-mentioned rotary guide may include a guide groove into which the cap can be inserted.

[0145] The guide groove may be configured such that when the first door closes the first area, the cap is inserted into the guide groove, thereby causing the cap to rotate by the guide groove, and the rotating bar rotates by the rotation of the cap.

[0146] The guide groove may be configured such that when the first door opens the first area, the cap rotates as it separates from the guide groove, and the rotating bar rotates due to the rotation of the cap.

[0147] The first electrode can be provided on the upper surface of the guide groove.

[0148] The above-mentioned rotary guide may include an electrode groove on the upper surface of the guide groove.

[0149] The above-described rotation guide may include a moving member that is coupled with the first electrode inside the electrode groove and is arranged to move together with the first electrode.

[0150] The above-described rotational guide may include an elastic member provided to elastically bias the above-described moving member upward.

[0151] The above moving member may include a magnetic material.

[0152] The above-mentioned rotating bar may include a magnet provided on the inner side of the cap.

[0153] With the first door closed in the first region, the moving member moves toward the cap by the magnetic attraction between the magnet and the magnetic body, and as the moving member moves toward the cap, the first electrode and the second electrode can come into contact.

[0154] The above-mentioned moving member may be configured to be movable between a first position elastically biased upward by the elastic member and a second position moved downward by the magnetic attraction between the magnet and the magnetic body.

[0155] When the above-mentioned moving member is positioned at the first position, the lower end of the first electrode may be provided inside the electrode groove so as not to be exposed to the guide groove.

[0156] The above-described rotary guide may include an electrode groove on the upper surface of the guide groove and a connecting member.

[0157] The above connecting member may include a first portion inside the electrode groove and a second portion that protrudes outside the electrode groove and is exposed inside the guide groove.

[0158] The above connecting member may include a shaft extending between the connecting member and the electrode groove so that the first part can move within the electrode groove.

[0159] The above connecting member may be rotatable around the shaft.

[0160] When the above connecting member rotates in a first direction, the first part may come into contact with the first electrode.

[0161] When the above connecting member rotates in the second direction, the first part may be spaced apart so as not to come into contact with the first electrode.

[0162] With the first region closed by the first door, the connecting member can be rotated by the second electrode so that the first part contacts the first electrode and the second part contacts the second electrode.

[0163] In a state where the first part and the first electrode are in contact and the second part is in contact with the second electrode, the power supplied to the first electrode can be supplied as the second power so that the heater operates by power from the main body.

[0164] As the first door opens the first region, the connecting member rotates around the shaft by gravity, and the first part can be spaced apart from the first electrode so as not to contact the first electrode.

[0165] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a refrigerator can be provided that can supply power to a heater of a rotating bar without a wire extending from the main body into the door.

[0166] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a refrigerator with improved thermal insulation performance and a simplified structure can be provided by not including a separate part or structure for wire extraction inside the door.

[0167] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a refrigerator can be provided in which a first electrode of a rotating guide and a second electrode of a rotating bar are arranged to come into contact when the door is closed, and power is supplied to a heater of the rotating bar by the contact between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0168] 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. A main body including a storage chamber; A first door coupled to the main body and rotatable relative to the main body to open and close a first area of ​​the storage room; A second door coupled to the main body and rotatable relative to the main body to open and close a second area of ​​the storage room; A rotary guide comprising a first electrode provided on the main body and provided to receive power from the main body; and A rotating bar coupled to the first door and rotatable with respect to the first door, comprising a heater and a second electrode arranged to supply power to the heater; The above rotating bar and the above rotating guide are, With the second area closed by the second door, the rotation guide is provided to guide the rotational movement of the rotation bar so that, as the first door closes the first area, the gap between the first door and the second door is covered by the rotation bar. A refrigerator in which the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact while the first region is closed by the first door, and the power supplied to the first electrode is supplied to the second electrode so that the heater operates by power from the main body.

2. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the first electrode and the second electrode are in contact with each other when the first region is closed by the first door.

3. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which, when the first region is opened by the first door, the second electrode is not in contact with the first electrode, and the power supplied to the first electrode is prevented from being supplied to the second electrode so that the heater is not operated by power from the main body.

4. In Paragraph 1, The first electrode above is, The first anode and, It includes a first cathode spaced apart from the first anode, and The second electrode above is, The second cathode and, It includes a second anode spaced apart from the second cathode, and The first electrode and the second electrode are, A refrigerator configured such that, when the first region is closed by the first door, the second cathode and the first anode are in contact, and the second anode and the first cathode are in contact.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned rotating bar includes a cap protruding upward from the upper surface of the rotating bar, and The above cap is rotatable with respect to the first door as the rotating bar rotates, and The above second electrode is a refrigerator provided on the upper surface of the cap.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above-mentioned rotary guide includes a guide groove into which the cap can be inserted, and The above guide groove is, When the first door closes the first area, the cap is inserted into the guide groove so that the cap rotates by the guide groove, and the rotating bar is configured to rotate by the rotation of the cap. A refrigerator configured such that when the first door opens the first region, the cap rotates as it deviates from the guide groove, and the rotating bar rotates by the rotation of the cap.

7. In Paragraph 6, The first electrode is a refrigerator provided on the upper surface of the guide groove.

8. In Paragraph 6, The above rotation guide is, The electrode groove on the upper surface of the above guide groove, and, A moving member configured to be coupled with the first electrode inside the electrode groove and to move together with the first electrode, and A refrigerator comprising an elastic member provided to elastically bias the above-mentioned movable member upward.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned moving member includes a magnetic material, and The above-mentioned rotating bar includes a magnet provided on the inner side of the cap, and A refrigerator in which, with the first door closed in the first region, the moving member moves toward the cap by the magnetic attraction between the magnet and the magnetic body, and the first electrode and the second electrode come into contact as the moving member moves toward the cap.

10. In Paragraph 9, A refrigerator configured such that the moving member is movable between a first position elastically biased upward by the elastic member and a second position moved downward by the magnetic attraction between the magnet and the magnetic body.

11. In Paragraph 10, A refrigerator provided inside the electrode groove so that, when the moving member is positioned at the first position, the lower end of the first electrode is not exposed to the guide groove.

12. In Paragraph 6, The above-described rotary guide includes an electrode groove on the upper surface of the guide groove and a connecting member, and The above connecting member is, The first part inside the electrode groove and, It includes a second portion that protrudes outside the electrode groove and is exposed inside the guide groove, A refrigerator comprising a shaft extending between the connecting member and the electrode groove so that the first part is movable within the electrode groove.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above connecting member is rotatable about the shaft, and When the above connecting member rotates in a first direction, the first part contacts the first electrode, and A refrigerator in which, when the above connecting member rotates in a second direction, the first part is spaced apart from the first electrode so as not to come into contact.

14. In Paragraph 13, With the first area closed by the first door, The connecting member is rotated by the second electrode so that the first part contacts the first electrode and the second part contacts the second electrode, and A refrigerator in which the power supplied to the first electrode is supplied as the second power so that the heater operates by power from the main body, while the first part and the first electrode are in contact and the second part is in contact with the second electrode.

15. In Paragraph 13, A refrigerator in which, as the first door opens the first region, the connecting member rotates around the shaft by gravity, and the first part is spaced apart from the first electrode so as not to contact the first electrode.

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