Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. In the refrigerator, a door opening device which automatically opens a second door with respect to a first door and a door locking device which maintains the locked state of the first door and the second door are provided at the lower end of the second door, and an opening prevention device which prevents the second door from opening from the first door may be provided between the first door and the second door. As such, the second door which is located at the outer side of a door including the first door and the second door can be manually and / or automatically opened as necessary, thereby improving convenience. In addition, as the door locking device maintaining the locked state of the second door is provided at the lower end of the second door, linkage with the door opening device may be improved while restricting a gap between the first door and the second door from widening.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly to an automatic opening device for a refrigerator door.

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator may include a cabinet equipped with a storage compartment and a door for opening and closing the storage compartment.

[0003] The storage room is surrounded by insulating walls so that the interior of the storage room maintains a lower temperature than the exterior, and the storage room can be divided into a refrigerator and / or a freezer depending on the temperature range of the storage room.

[0004] The door is rotatably mounted on the cabinet, and a gasket may be provided between the door and the cabinet. Accordingly, when the door is closed, the gasket is tightly sealed between the door and the cabinet, preventing cold air from leaking from the storage compartment. The greater the sealing force of this gasket, the better the effect of preventing cold air leakage.

[0005] Typically, to increase the sealing force of the gasket, it may be formed from a rubber magnet or equipped with a magnet inside the gasket. However, if the sealing force of the gasket is increased, a correspondingly greater force is required to open the door.

[0006] Accordingly, refrigerators equipped with an automatic door opening function are being developed recently. Prior art Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0119027 (Publication date: Nov. 01, 2018) discloses a refrigerator having a door opening device.

[0007] The door of the refrigerator disclosed in the prior art consists of an inner door that is in close contact with the front of the cabinet and an outer door that is positioned in front of the inner door, and a door opening device is provided in the cabinet and configured to push the inner door open.

[0008] However, the refrigerator disclosed in the prior art has a disadvantage in that it cannot automatically open the outer door because the outer door opens together with the inner door when the inner door is opened.

[0009] Furthermore, in the refrigerator disclosed in the prior art, since the door opening device is provided in the cabinet, in order to open the outer door using the door opening device, it must be possible to open the outer door while avoiding interference with the inner door. This results in the disadvantage that not only is the length of the door opening device increased, but the structure of the door opening device also becomes complex.

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of automatically opening the outer door among a plurality of doors provided on the inner and outer sides.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of automatically and / or manually opening a door located on the outer side among a plurality of doors provided on the inner and outer sides.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which, among a plurality of doors provided on the inner and outer sides, the inner door is opened while maintaining a connected state with the outer door.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can increase reliability by simplifying the device for automatically opening the outer door among a plurality of doors provided on the inner and outer sides, while preventing the gap between the two doors.

[0014] To achieve the objective of the present invention, a refrigerator comprising a cabinet, a first door, a second door, a door locking device, and an opening prevention device may be provided. The cabinet may have a storage compartment. The first door may open and close the storage compartment. The second door may be provided on the outer side of the first door and may be rotatably provided relative to the first door. The door locking device may cause the first door and the second door to be locked or unlocked manually or automatically when the second door is closed. The opening prevention device may be provided so as to be spaced apart from the door locking device in the height direction of the cabinet to suppress the opening between the first door and the second door.

[0015] For example, the door locking device may be provided on the lower side of the second door. The opening prevention device may be provided on the upper side of the second door.

[0016] For example, one end of the second door may be rotatably coupled to the first door. The opening prevention device may be provided so as to be closer to the other end than to one end of the second door.

[0017] As another example, the above-mentioned opening prevention device may include a first magnetic body and a second magnetic body. The first magnetic body may be provided on either the first door or the second door. The second magnetic body may be provided on the door facing the first magnetic body among the first door and the second door, so that an attractive force may be generated between it and the first magnetic body.

[0018] For example, one of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body may be a permanent magnet and the other may be a non-magnetic material.

[0019] Specifically, the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are each permanent magnets, and the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body can be arranged so that opposite polarities face each other.

[0020] Alternatively, at least one of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body may be exposed toward the opposite magnetic body.

[0021] As another example, a door opening device for rotating the second door relative to the first door may be further included. The door opening device may consist of a first magnet unit and a second magnet unit. The first magnet unit may be provided on the first door. The second magnet unit may be provided on the second door so as to face the first magnet unit, and the second door may be automatically opened by interaction with the first magnet unit.

[0022] In this case, the door locking device may include a first member and a second member. The first member may be linked to the door opening device. The second member may rotate in conjunction with the first member and selectively engage or disengage from the first door.

[0023] Additionally, the door opening device may include a driving unit and a moving member. The moving member may be configured to be movable relative to the second door by receiving power from the driving unit. The second magnetic unit may move together with the moving member when the second door is opened, or may move by receiving the moving force from the moving member.

[0024] Additionally, the door opening device may include a driving unit and a moving member. The moving member may be provided to be movable relative to the second door by receiving power from the driving unit. The first magnet unit may be fixed to the first door, and the second magnet unit may be fixed to the second door. A shielding member may be provided between the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit to selectively shield the space between the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit when the moving member moves.

[0025] The refrigerator according to the present invention can increase convenience by allowing the second door, located on the outer side of the door composed of a first door and a second door, to be opened manually and / or automatically as needed.

[0026] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention can improve reliability by preventing the second door from being unintentionally opened when the first door is opened, as the combined state of the first door and the second door is maintained.

[0027] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention can have improved durability by preventing damage to the surface of the first door or the second door during the opening process of the second door.

[0028] In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention is provided with a door locking device at the bottom of the second door that maintains the locked state of the second door, thereby improving interoperability with the door opening device while suppressing the gap between the first door and the second door, and thereby preventing cold air loss between the two doors, which can increase reliability.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator door in a closed state in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the second door of the refrigerator compartment door in an open state in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a front view showing the first door and the second door of the refrigerator compartment door in an open state in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first door and the second door in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment when the door locking device is in the locked position.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a lower part of the first door in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a door opening device built into the second door of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0035] FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic perspective views of a door opening device and a door locking device according to the present embodiment, where FIG. 7A is a view taken from the inside of the second door and FIG. 7B is a view taken from the outside of the second door.

[0036] FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views showing the coupling relationship between the first magnet unit and the first movable member in a door opening device according to the present embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the operation of a door opening device and a door locking device in stages according to the travel distance of a first moving member according to the present embodiment.

[0039] FIGS. 11a to 11c are plan views showing the door opening process of the door opening device according to the present embodiment in steps.

[0040] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the anti-spreading device according to the present embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 13 is a front view showing the opening prevention device assembled in FIG. 12.

[0042] FIG. 14 is a plan view of FIG. 13.

[0043] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a gap prevention device.

[0044] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing another embodiment of a door opening device equipped with a gap prevention device.

[0045] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described in detail based on an embodiment illustrated in the attached drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral as much as possible, even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0046] In addition, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0047] In this specification, the front of the second door is a surface that forms the front exterior of the refrigerator door, and the rear is a surface that faces the first door. The front of the first door forms the front exterior of the first door and is a surface that faces the rear of the second door, and the rear is a surface that faces the cabinet or storage room.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator door in a closed state in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the second door of the refrigerator compartment door in an open state in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a front view showing the first door and the second door of the refrigerator compartment door in an open state in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerator (1) according to the present embodiment may include a cabinet (10) forming a storage room and a refrigerator door for opening and closing the storage room.

[0050] The storage room may include a refrigerator room (11) and a freezer room (15). For example, the refrigerator room (11) may be located above the freezer room (15), but depending on the shape of the refrigerator, the freezer room (15) may be located above the refrigerator room (11), or the freezer room (15) and the refrigerator room (11) may be arranged side by side.

[0051] The refrigerator door may include a refrigerator door (20) for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment (11) and a freezer door (25) for opening and closing the freezer compartment (15).

[0052] For example, the refrigerator door (20) may include a pair of doors (21, 22) arranged side by side. In other words, the refrigerator door (20) may include a first refrigerator door (21) and a second refrigerator door (22) arranged side by side. The first refrigerator door (21) may open and close a part of the refrigerator (11), and the second refrigerator door (22) may open and close another part of the refrigerator (11).

[0053] The freezer door (25) may include a pair of doors (26, 27) arranged on the left and right sides. For example, the freezer door (25) may include a first freezer door (26) and a second freezer door (27) arranged on the left and right sides. The first freezer door (26) may open and close a part of the freezer (15), and the second freezer door (27) may open and close another part of the freezer (15).

[0054] Alternatively, the freezer (15) may be divided into left and right or up and down sections, and the first freezer door (26) may open and close one side of the divided space, and the second freezer door (27) may open and close the other side of the divided space.

[0055] Although not illustrated in the drawing, the refrigerator door (20) and the freezer door (25) can be configured in various ways regarding their number and / or arrangement. For example, the storage room may include only the refrigerator room.

[0056] At least one of the first refrigerator door (21) and the second refrigerator door (22) according to the present embodiment may include a first door (30) that opens and closes at least a part of the refrigerator (11) and a second door (40) that is rotatably provided with respect to the first door (30). In the present embodiment, an example is illustrated in which the first refrigerator door (21) and the second refrigerator door (22) are each composed of the first door (30) and the second door (40).

[0057] The first door (30) can be rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) by a first hinge (51). The second door (40) can be rotatably connected to the first door (30) by a second hinge (53). In other words, the first hinge (51) can connect the cabinet (10) and the first door (30), and the second hinge (53) can connect the first door (30) and the second door (40), respectively.

[0058] The first door (30) is provided with an opening (32). The second door (40) can open and close the opening (32) of the first door (30). For example, the second door (40) can cover the opening (32) from the front of the first door (30). However, in some cases, at least a part of the second door (40) may be received in the opening (32) to cover the opening (32). In the following description, the first door (30) may be referred to as an inner door or a main door, and the second door (40) may be referred to as an outer door or a sub-door.

[0059] The first door (30) may include one or more baskets (33, 34). The baskets (33, 34) may be mounted on the rear of the first door (30) or on the surface forming the opening (32). At least one of the first freezer door (26) and the second freezer door (27) may include a basket (28). In this embodiment, an example is illustrated in which a basket (28) is provided in each of the first freezer door (26) and the second freezer door (27).

[0060] The second door (40) may include a panel assembly (410). For example, the panel assembly (410) may consist of one or more panels formed of glass material or a material that allows light to pass through. Accordingly, when the lighting unit provided in the refrigerator is turned on, the storage compartment or the interior of the first door (30) can be checked by the panel assembly (410) while the second door (40) is closed.

[0061] Meanwhile, the refrigerator compartment (11) may be provided with at least one shelf (12). The refrigerator compartment (11) may be provided with one or more sliding drawers (13). The freezer compartment (15) may be provided with one or more sliding drawers (16).

[0062] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the first door and the second door in a state where the door locking device is in the locked position in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a lower part of the first door in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the first door (30) may be opened manually or automatically. In other words, the first door (30) according to the present embodiment may be opened manually or automatically depending on the user's choice.

[0064] Although not illustrated in the drawings, the cabinet (10) or the first door (30) may be equipped with a main opening device for opening the first door (30). Since the location and / or structure of the main opening device is previously known, a detailed description thereof is omitted. However, in some cases, the main opening device may be excluded.

[0065] The second door (40) may be opened while the first door (30) is closed, or the first door (30) may be opened while the second door (40) is closed. In the latter case, the second door (40) may be prevented from rotating relative to the first door (30) when the first door (30) is opened. Accordingly, the refrigerator door (20) may further include a door locking device (70) that allows the first door (30) and the second door (40) to remain locked or be unlocked.

[0066] The door locking device (70) according to the present embodiment may move from a locked position to an unlocked position or return from an unlocked position to a locked position. In this case, the door locking device (70) may be manually operated by a user or may be automatically operated by a door opening device (60) to be described later.

[0067] For example, when manually opening the second door (40), the user can operate the door lock (70) to move the door lock (70) from the locked position to the unlocked position. When the door lock (70) is moved to the unlocked position, the second door (40) and the first door (30) can be unlocked.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, a handle (45) is formed in a recessed shape on the lower side of the second door (40), for example, on the end opposite the second hinge (53) among the two ends of the second door (40), and a door locking device (70) may be provided on the outside of the handle (45) or on the inside of the handle (45) on the lower side of the second door (40).

[0069] In the locked position of the door lock device (70), the first door (30) and the second door (40) can be locked. In this state, if the user pulls the handle (45), the first door (30) and the second door (40) can be rotated together. On the other hand, if the user pulls the handle (45) while the second door (40) and the first door (30) are unlocked, the second door (40) can be rotated while the first door (30) is closed.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first door (30) may be provided with a locking part (310) for engaging a door locking device (70). The locking part (310) may be formed integrally with a member forming the exterior of the first door (30) or may be coupled to the member. For example, the locking part (310) may be located on the lower side of the first door (30).

[0071] The locking portion (310) may form a space (312) for receiving a part of the door lock (70). The locking portion (310) may include a locking wall (314) for the part of the door lock (70) located in the space (312) to be caught. The front surface of the locking wall (314) may be formed as an inclined surface. Accordingly, during the process of closing the second door (40) after it is opened, the door lock (70) can easily move into the space (312) by moving along the front surface of the locking wall (314).

[0072] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a door opening device built into a second door in a refrigerator according to the present embodiment, FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b are perspective views schematically showing a door opening device and a door locking device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 7a is a view taken from the inside of the second door and FIG. 7b is a view taken from the outside of the second door, FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are perspective views showing the coupling relationship between a first magnet unit and a first moving member in the door opening device according to the present embodiment.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 7b, the door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment may be provided on the second door (40). For example, the door opening device (60) may be installed on the lower side of the second door (40). Accordingly, the door opening device (60) may be positioned adjacent to the door locking device (70).

[0074] The door opening device (60) can be operated so that the second door (40) opens automatically. For example, while the door opening device (60) is operating, the door locking device (70) can be moved to an unlocked position by the door opening device (60). In this case, the door opening device (60) may be formed independently of the door locking device (70), or the door locking device (70) may be formed to form a part of the door opening device (60).

[0075] The door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment may include a case (610), a driving unit (620), and a transmission unit (630). The case (610) is a member that supports or guides the door opening device (60), the driving unit (620) is a member that generates power to operate the door opening device (60), and the transmission unit (630) is a member that transmits the power of the driving unit (620) to a first moving member (640) to be described later.

[0076] The case (610) can be installed on the second door (40). For example, the case (610) can be formed independently from the second door (40) and subsequently assembled. However, in some cases, a part of the case (610) may be excluded, and the wall of the second door (40) may form a part of the case (610). In other words, the case (610) can be understood as forming a part of the second door (40). In the following description, the case (610) may be used interchangeably with the second door (40) or referred to collectively as the second door (40).

[0077] The drive unit (620) can be inserted into and supported by the case (610). For example, the drive unit (620) may be composed of a bidirectional rotary motor and provided inside the case (610). Accordingly, the drive unit (620) can generate bidirectional power to move the first moving member (640), which will be described later, in both directions.

[0078] The transmission unit (630) may be composed of a plurality of gears rotatably supported in the case (610). For example, the plurality of gears may include a driving gear (631) connected to a driving unit (620) and a driven gear (634) connected to a first moving member (640) to be described later. The driven gear (634) may be directly connected to the driving gear (631) or may be connected to the driving gear (631) by one or more intermediate gears (632, 633). This embodiment illustrates an example in which the driven gear (634) is connected to the driving gear (631) by two intermediate gears (632, 633).

[0079] Additionally, the door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment may further include a first moving member (640) and a second moving member (690). The first moving member (640) is a member that receives power from a driving unit (620), and the second moving member (690) is a member that interacts with the first moving member (640) to transmit power from the driving unit (620) to a door locking device (70).

[0080] For example, the first moving member (640) may be formed as a rack to engage with the driven gear (634) of the transmission unit (630). Accordingly, during the automatic opening process of the second door (40), the first moving member (640) moves in the first direction from the first position, which is the initial position, toward the second position, which is the end position, whereas after the automatic opening of the second door (40) is completed, the first moving member (640) can return from the second position to the first position by moving in the second direction, which is the reverse direction of the first direction. Through this, the first moving member (640) can transmit the power of the driving unit (620) to the door locking device (70).

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 7a to 8b, the first moving member (640) according to the present embodiment may include a body (641), a first extension part (642), a rack gear (644), and a second extension part (646). The body (641) is a part that forms the main body of the first moving member (640) and is engaged with the transmission unit (630) to receive power from the driving unit (620); the first extension part (642) is a part that contacts the second moving member (690) to link the door opening device (60) and the door locking device (70); the rack gear (644) is a part that is engaged with the transmission unit (630) to receive power from the driving unit (620); and the second extension part (646) is a part that transmits power from the driving unit (620) to the second magnet unit (650).

[0082] The body (641) according to the present embodiment is formed from a thin plate and can be extended along the width direction (left-right direction) of the second door (40).

[0083] The first extension portion (642) according to the present embodiment may extend from one end of the body (641) or protrude from the upper or lower surface of the body (641). For example, the first extension portion (642) may include a first contact surface (642a) and a second contact surface (642b). The first contact surface (642a) and the second contact surface (642b) may be formed consecutively, such that the first contact surface (642a) is located further towards the end than the second contact surface (642b) as the second moving member (690) is located further away from the first hinge (51).

[0084] The first contact surface (642a) may be formed at an angle. In other words, the first contact surface (642a) may be formed at an angle, and may be formed at an angle with respect to the X-axis and Y-axis. In the following description, the X-axis direction is the left-right direction of the second door (40) in the direction in which the first moving member (640) moves, and the Y-axis direction may be understood as the arrangement direction of the first door (30) and the second door (40) or the front-back direction of the second door (40).

[0085] The first contact surface (642a) can be formed to be inclined in a direction that moves away from the second moving member (690) as it gets closer to the first door (30). Accordingly, when the first moving member (640) moves by the first contact surface (642a), the second moving member (690) moves along the inclined surface, so that the door locking device (70) can be rotated.

[0086] The second contact surface (642b) may be formed in a curved shape. The second contact surface (642b) may form a space for accommodating the second movable member (690). After the door lock (70) is moved to the unlocked position, the first movable member (640) may move further in the first direction while the second movable member (690) is accommodated in the space.

[0087] The rack gear (644) according to the present embodiment meshes with the driven gear (634) described above and may be provided on the upper or lower surface of the body (641). The present embodiment illustrates an example in which the rack gear (644) is formed on the lower surface of the body (641).

[0088] The second extension part (646) according to the present embodiment may include a first part (646a), a second part (646b), and a third part (646c). The first part (646a) extends in the Y-axis direction, which is the arrangement direction of the first door (30) and the second door (40), the second part (646b) extends in the same Y-axis direction as the first part (646a) while being spaced apart from the first part (646a), and the third part (646c) may extend in the X-axis direction intersecting the first part (646a) and / or the second part (646b) to connect the first part (646a) and the second part (646b). In this case, the first part (646a) may be positioned closer to the rack gear (644) than the second part (646b).

[0089] The first part (646a), the second part (646b), and the third part (646c) form a space (646d), and a part of the second magnet unit (650) may be located in the space (646d).

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8b, the door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment may further include a door opening section. The door opening section operates to automatically open the second door (40) and may include a first magnet unit (330) and a second magnet unit (650). The first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) are members that generate repulsive force and / or attractive force when opening and closing the second door (40).

[0091] The first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) are each arranged such that their respective poles are aligned along the arrangement direction of the first door (30) and the second door (40), and the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) may be arranged such that the same pole (or polarity) faces each other.

[0092] For example, the first magnet unit (330) may be arranged so that its N pole faces the second door (40), and the second magnet unit (650) may be arranged so that its N pole faces the first door (30). Accordingly, when the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) overlap in the Y direction, a repulsive force is generated between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650), causing the second door (40) to rotate relative to the first door (30).

[0093] The first magnet unit (330) can be fixed to the first door (30). For example, the first magnet unit (330) may consist of a first magnet housing (332) provided in the first door (30), and a first magnet (334) and a second magnet (336) inserted into the first magnet housing (332).

[0094] The first magnet housing (332) is fixedly coupled to the interior of the first door (30), and the first magnet (334) and the second magnet (336) can be inserted into and fixed to the first magnet housing (332). Accordingly, the first magnet (334) and the second magnet (336) can be fixed to the first door (30).

[0095] The first magnet (334) may be formed to have a first pole, and the second magnet (336) may be formed to have a second pole opposite to the first pole. The first pole may be the N pole and the second pole may be the S pole, or the opposite may be possible. The first magnet (334) and the second magnet (336) may be formed integrally or separately.

[0096] The first magnet (334) and the second magnet (336) can be arranged along the Y-axis direction. In other words, the first magnet (334) can be placed facing the second door (40), and the second magnet (336) can be placed facing away from the second door (40).

[0097] The second magnet unit (650) may be movably provided on the second door (40). For example, the second magnet unit (650) may consist of a second magnet housing (652) that is slidably provided on the second door (40) by the first moving member (640), and a third magnet (654) and a fourth magnet (656) inserted into the second magnet housing (652).

[0098] The second magnet housing (652) is movably provided inside the second door (40), for example, in a case (610) that accommodates a door opening device (60), and the third magnet (654) and the fourth magnet (656) can be inserted into and fixed to the second magnet housing (652). Accordingly, the third magnet (654) and the fourth magnet (656) can be movably provided with respect to the second door (40).

[0099] Additionally, the second magnetic housing (652) may further include a contact portion (658). The contact portion (658) is a part that contacts the second extension portion (646).

[0100] For example, the contact portion (658) may have a contact projection (or first part) (658a) that contacts the second extension portion (646) protruding from one side of the second magnetic housing (652) facing the first moving member (640). The contact projection (658a) may be extended in the Y-axis direction and positioned in the space (646d) formed by the second extension portion (646). Accordingly, the contact projection (658a) may substantially contact the second extension portion (646).

[0101] The width (or length in the X-axis direction) of the contact projection (658a) may be formed to be smaller than the length in the X-axis direction of the distance or space (646d) between the first part (646a) and the second part (646b) of the first moving member (640). Accordingly, at the first position of the first moving member (640), the contact projection (658a) may be spaced apart from the second part (646b) and contact the first part (464a). On the other hand, when the first moving member (640) moves for the automatic opening of the second door (40), the contact projection (658a) may come closer to the second part (646b). In this case, the moving force of the first moving member (640) is not transmitted to the contact projection (658a) before the contact projection (658a) contacts the second part (646b). On the other hand, when the contact projection (658a) is in contact with the second part (646b), the moving force of the first moving member (640) is transmitted to the contact projection (658a), allowing the second magnet unit (650) to move.

[0102] Additionally, the contact portion (658) may be further provided with a reinforcing portion (or second part) (658b) extending in a direction intersecting the contact projection (658a). The reinforcing portion (658b) may be connected to the contact projection (658a) to reinforce the strength of the contact projection (658a). In this case, the reinforcing portion (658b) may be in contact with or separated from the second extension portion (646). Accordingly, the position of the reinforcing portion (658b) may be changed or omitted.

[0103] The third magnet (654) may be formed to have a second pole, and the fourth magnet (656) may be formed to have a first pole. In other words, the third magnet (654) may be formed to have the same pole as the first magnet (334), and the fourth magnet (656) may be formed to have the same pole as the second magnet (336). The third magnet (654) and the fourth magnet (656) may be formed integrally or separately, just like the first magnet (334) and the second magnet (336).

[0104] The third magnet (654) and the fourth magnet (656) can be arranged along the Y-axis direction. In other words, the third magnet (654) can be placed facing the first door (30), and the fourth magnet (656) can be placed facing away from the first door (30). Accordingly, the third magnet (654) is arranged to face each other while having the same polarity as the first magnet (334), so that the second door (40) can be automatically opened by the interaction between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650). Through this, damage to the surface of the first door (30) and / or the second door (40) during the door opening process can be suppressed, and the parts constituting the door opening part are not exposed to the outside of the door, so the appearance of the door can be simple. In addition, abnormal noise caused by the movement of the magnet when opening and closing the second door (40) can be suppressed.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the second moving member (690) is a member that links the door opening device (60) and the door locking device (70). For example, one end of the second moving member (690) may be linked to the first moving member (640), and the other end of the second moving member (690) may be connected to the door locking device (70). Accordingly, the door opening device (60) and the door locking device (70) may be linked to each other by the second moving member (690).

[0106] The second moving member (690) can move in a direction that intersects the first direction as the first moving member (640) moves in the first direction. For example, the second moving member (690) can move in a curved or rotational motion, and accordingly, the door lock (70) can be rotated.

[0107] The second moving member (690) may be formed integrally with or combined with the door locking device (70). For example, if the second moving member (690) is formed integrally with the door locking device (70), the door opening device (60) may be understood to include a single moving member (e.g., the first moving member) (640).

[0108] Specifically, the second moving member (690) may include a moving bar (691) and a connecting part (692). The moving bar (691) is a part that contacts the first moving member (640), and the connecting part (692) is a part that is connected to the door locking device (70).

[0109] The moving bar (691) is extended toward the first moving member (640), and a contact end (691a) may be formed at its end. The contact end (691a) may sequentially contact the first contact surface (642a) and the second contact surface (642b) of the first extension part (642) described above.

[0110] The connecting part (692) can be extended downward from the moving bar (691) toward the door locking device (70). The interior of the connecting part (692) is formed in a hollow tubular shape so that the upper end of the first body (710) of the door locking device (70), which will be described later, can be rotatably inserted.

[0111] Additionally, a coupling hole (692a) may be formed in the coupling portion (692) that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the movable bar (691). Accordingly, the door locking device (70) to be described later may be coupled to the second movable member (690) by a coupling member (693) that penetrates the coupling hole (692a) after the first body (710) is inserted into the coupling portion (692).

[0112] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the timing of the driving force transmission to the door locking device (70) and the timing of the opening of the second door (40) may be set differently. Accordingly, after the door locking device (70) is moved to the unlocked position, the second door (40) may be opened by the interaction between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650).

[0113] In other words, in the case of the present embodiment, the driving force is first transmitted to the door locking device (70) during the process of the first moving member (640) moving by the operation of the driving unit (620), and subsequently, the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) may be positioned to overlap in the Y direction by the additional movement of the first moving member (640). Accordingly, the repulsive force between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) becomes greater than or equal to a reference value, and the second door (40) can be automatically opened.

[0114] Specifically, the door locking device (70) may include a first body (710) and a second body (720). The first body (710) is a part that is coupled to the second movable member (690), and the second body (720) is a part that is locked when locked or unlocked when unlocked.

[0115] The first body (710) may be extended in the vertical direction but formed by being bent in the middle. Accordingly, the length of the second body (720) can be reduced and it can be smoothly connected to the first door (30).

[0116] Additionally, the first body (710) can be rotatably coupled to a supporter (750) provided in the second door (40). For example, a hinge hole (not shown) is formed in the middle of the first body (710) to penetrate in the longitudinal direction of the second movable member (690), and a hinge pin (730) penetrating the supporter (750) can be inserted into the hinge hole. Accordingly, the second body (720), which will be described later, can be locked or unlocked while rotating around the hinge pin (730) together with the first body (710). The supporter (750) can be configured independently from the case (610) or formed integrally with the case (610).

[0117] The second body (720) may be extended from the bottom of the first body (710) and may be extended in a direction that intersects the first body (710). For example, a hook (722) for engaging with a locking part (310) may be formed at one end of the second body (720), and an operating surface (724) for manual operation by a user may be formed at the other end of the second body (720). Accordingly, when the user presses the operating surface (724) upward, the second body (720) rotates around the hinge pin (730) and the hook (722) moves downward, thereby unlocking the door lock device (70).

[0118] Meanwhile, the door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment may be controlled by a control unit (100) of a refrigerator. The control unit (100) may be installed on the control target or spaced apart from the control target. When the control unit (100) is installed on the control target, the control unit (100) may be located inside the control target or outside the control target. For example, the control unit (100) may be provided in a cabinet (10) or in a refrigerator door (20).

[0119] FIG. 9 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to the present embodiment.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 9, the door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment may have a driving unit (620) electrically connected to a control unit (100) together with a sensor unit (102). The sensor unit (102) may be provided on a second door (40) or a first door (30) that forms part of the refrigerator door (20), and in some cases, may be provided on a cabinet (10) or a freezer door (25). The present embodiment illustrates an example in which the sensor unit (102) is provided on the second door (40).

[0121] The sensor unit (102) may be a touch sensor that detects a user's touch on the front of the second door (40), or a knock sensor that detects multiple knocks applied to the front of the second door (40), or a capacitive sensor, a vibration sensor, or a sound wave sensor. Additionally, the sensor unit (102) may include a mechanical switch or a switch that operates by pressure. Accordingly, when a user inputs a door opening command to open the second door (40), the sensor unit (102) can detect this in real time.

[0122] The door locking device and door opening device of the present embodiment as described above can be operated as follows.

[0123] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the operation of a door opening device and a door locking device according to the movement distance of a first moving member according to the present embodiment in steps, and FIG. 11a to 11c are plan views showing the door opening process of a door opening device according to the present embodiment in steps.

[0124] [Manual opening of the second door]

[0125] Referring again to FIG. 9, the user can manually open the second door (40) by directly operating the door lock (70) without inputting a door opening command to the sensor unit (102).

[0126] For example, when manually opening the second door, the user can move the door lock (70) from the locked position to the unlocked position by pressing the operating surface (724) of the door lock (70) in one direction (e.g., upward). At this time, the user can move the door lock (70) to the unlocked position by rotating it in the unlocking direction while the first moving member (640) is in the first position, that is, while the first door (30) and the second door (40) are locked.

[0127] Then, as the hook (722) of the door lock (70) rotates downward, it can be disengaged from the locking wall (314) of the first door (30) and become unlocked. In this state, the user can rotate the second door (40) to open the second door (40). At this time, during the manual movement of the door lock (70), the first moving member (640) and the second magnetic unit (650) can remain in a stationary state.

[0128] [Automatic opening of the second door]

[0129] Referring again to FIG. 9, the user can automatically open the second door (40) by inputting a door opening command to the sensor unit (102).

[0130] First, referring to FIGS. 10 to 11c, when the sensor unit (102) detects a door opening command (S1), the control unit (100) rotates the motor forming the driving unit (620) in the forward direction so that the power of the driving unit (620) can be transmitted to the first moving member (640) through the transmission unit (630). At this time, the operation of the driving unit (620) for opening the second door (40) can be performed while the first door (30) and the second door (40) are each closed. In this case, the opening and closing of the first door (30) can be detected by the first door switch (103) provided in the cabinet (10) or the first door (30), and the opening and closing of the second door (40) can be detected by the second door switch (104) provided in the first door (30) or the second door (40).

[0131] Next, referring to FIGS. 10, 11a, and 11b, the first moving member (640), which receives power from the driving unit (620), moves in a first direction from a first position, which is a closed position, toward a second position, which is an open position. At this time, at the first position of the first moving member (640), the second part (646b) of the first moving member (640) is separated from the contact projection (658a), and as the first moving member (640) moves in the first direction, the second part (646b) may come closer to the contact projection (658a). Before the second part (646b) comes into contact with the contact projection (658a), the moving force of the first moving member (640) is not transmitted to the contact projection (658a), so the second magnet unit (650) remains in a stationary state.

[0132] Then, an attractive force acts between the first magnet (334) of the first magnet unit (330) and the fourth magnet (656) of the second magnet unit (650), so that the second door (40) can be maintained in a closed state.

[0133] Next, referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11b, as the first moving member (640) moves a first distance from a first position (closed position) toward a second position (open position), the lock state between the first door (30) and the second door (40) can be released first (S2).

[0134] For example, as the first moving member (640) moves from a first position to a second position, the first moving member (640) comes into contact with the second moving member (690) and causes the second moving member (690) to rotate. Then, the door lock device (70) rotatably coupled to the second moving member (690) can rotate around the hinge pin (730) and be separated from the locking part (310) to switch to an unlocked state.

[0135] Next, referring to FIGS. 10, FIGS. 11b and FIGS. 11c, the opening of the second door (40) may begin as the first moving member (640) moves from the first position toward the second position by a second distance greater than the first distance (S3).

[0136] For example, when the first moving member (640) moves a second distance from the first position, the second magnet unit (650) may also move together. Then, with the first moving member (640) in the first position, the third magnet (654) and the first magnet (334) may be positioned so as not to overlap in the Y-axis direction. In this state, an attractive force acts between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650), so that the second door (40) can be maintained in a closed state. At this time, if the distance in the Y-axis direction between the first magnet (or second magnet) (334) and the third magnet (or fourth magnet) (654) becomes smaller than the first reference distance, a repulsive force is generated between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650). In this case, there is also a magnetic force between the first magnetic unit (330) and the second magnetic unit (650), so the second door (40) can start opening automatically.

[0137] Next, referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11c, the first moving member (640) can move by a third distance greater than the second distance, reach a second position, and then stop. (S4)

[0138] Next, referring to FIGS. 10 to 11c, after the opening of the second door (40) is completed or after the first moving member (640) stops, the motor is rotated in the reverse direction so that the first moving member (640) can return to the first position, which is the initial position (S5). At this time, the door opening device (60) and the door locking device (700) operate in the reverse order of the operation described above.

[0139] Then, when the second door (40) rotates below a reference angle while the second magnet unit (650) has reached the first position, the second door (40) can be automatically closed by the attractive force between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650).

[0140] Meanwhile, as previously explained, a door locking device (70) is provided between the first door (30) and the second door (40), and the door locking device (70) may be provided at the opposite end of the door opening (first magnet unit and second magnet unit) on the lower side of the second door (40). As a result, the first door (30) and the second door (40) may be separated at the top of the refrigerator door, which is opposite the door locking device, and cold air loss may occur.

[0141] Accordingly, in this embodiment, a gap prevention device (80) that suppresses the gap between the first door (30) and the second door (40) may be included between the first door (30) and the second door (40).

[0142] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the anti-spreading device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 13 is a front view of the anti-spreading device assembled in FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is a plan view of FIG. 13.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the opening prevention device (80) according to the present embodiment may be provided so as to be spaced apart from the door locking device (70) in the height direction (Z direction) of the cabinet (10). For example, the door locking device (70) may be provided on the lower side of the second door (40), and the opening prevention device (80) may be provided on the upper side of the second door (40). Accordingly, even if the door locking device (70) is provided at the bottom of the second door (40), the opening of the upper side of the second door (40) can be effectively suppressed.

[0144] Additionally, one end of the second door (40) may be rotatably coupled to the first door (30), and the opening prevention device (80) may be provided closer to the other end than to one end of the second door (40). For example, the second hinge (53) may be provided at one end in the X direction, and the opening prevention device (80) may be provided at the other end in the X direction. Accordingly, the opening of the end opposite the hinge of the second door (40) can be effectively suppressed.

[0145] Additionally, the opening prevention device (80) can use magnetic force to ensure that the second door (40) is in close contact with the first door (30). For example, the opening prevention device (80) may be composed of a first magnetic body (810) provided on the first door (30) and a second magnetic body (820) provided on the second door (40). Among the first magnetic body (810) and the second magnetic body (820), one may be made of a permanent magnet and the other may be made of a metal having magnetic properties. This embodiment illustrates an example in which the first magnetic body (810) is made of a permanent magnet and the second magnetic body (820) is made of a metal having magnetic properties.

[0146] The first magnetic body (810) and the second magnetic body (820) can be positioned facing each other. For example, the first magnetic body (810) can be positioned at the outer edge of the first door (30), and the second magnetic body (820) can be positioned at the inner edge of the second door (40). Accordingly, the magnetic force capable of suppressing the opening of the second door (40) can be maximized while minimizing the size of the magnet forming the first magnetic body (810).

[0147] Specifically, the first magnetic body (810) has a magnet holder (811) formed on the outer edge of the first door (30), and a fifth magnet (812) forming the first magnetic body (810) can be inserted into the magnet holder (811). The magnet holder (811) may be formed so that the side facing the second door (40) is open, or the four sides may be closed. In the former case, as the side facing the second magnetic body (820) is open, the size of the fifth magnet (812) is minimized while the magnetic force is maximized, thereby effectively suppressing the opening of the second door (40), whereas in the latter case, the fifth magnet (812) inserted into the magnet holder (811) is prevented from coming loose, thereby increasing reliability. This embodiment illustrates an example where the magnet holder (811) is open.

[0148] The second magnetic body (820) is positioned at the inner corner of the second door (40), and may be formed so that the surface facing the first magnetic body (fifth magnet) (810) is exposed from the second door (40), or may be concealed from the second door (40). In the former case, as the surface facing the first magnetic body (810) is exposed, the size of the fifth magnet (812) is minimized while the magnetic force is maximized, thereby effectively suppressing the opening of the second door (40), whereas in the latter case, the second magnetic body (820) is prevented from detaching, thereby increasing reliability. This embodiment illustrates an example in which the first magnetic body is exposed.

[0149] As described above, when a gap prevention device (80) is provided between the first door (30) and the second door (40), even if a door locking device (70) is installed on the lower side of the second door (40), the upper side of the second door (40) can be effectively prevented from opening. Through this, the locked state between the first door (30) and the second door (40) is maintained, and cold air loss in the refrigerator compartment can be effectively prevented.

[0150] Meanwhile, other embodiments of the anti-spreading device are as follows.

[0151] That is, in the above-described embodiment, one of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body is made of a magnet and the other is made of a metal having magnetic properties, but in some cases, both the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body may be made of magnets.

[0152] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of a gap prevention device.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 15, the installation location and installation form of the anti-spreading device (80) according to the present embodiment can be almost identical to the previously described embodiment. For example, the first magnetic body (810) can be provided at the outer edge of the first door (30), and the second magnetic body (820) can be provided at the inner edge. Accordingly, the second door (40) can be prevented from spreading apart from the first door (30) by the magnetic force between the first magnetic body (810) and the second magnetic body (820).

[0154] However, in this embodiment, the first magnetic body (810) and the second magnetic body (820) may be equipped with permanent magnets (812) (822) having different polarities. For example, the first door (30) may be equipped with a first magnet holder (811), and the second door (40) may be equipped with a second magnet holder (821). A fifth magnet (812) may be inserted into the first magnet holder (811), and a sixth magnet (822) may be inserted into the second magnet holder (821). In this case, the fifth magnet (812) and the sixth magnet (822) may be arranged so that their different polarities face each other. Accordingly, when the second door (40) is closed, that is, when the second door (40) is restrained by the first door (30), an attractive force is formed between the fifth magnet (812) of the first magnetic body (810) and the sixth magnet (822) of the second magnetic body (820), thereby more effectively suppressing the opening of the second door (40).

[0155] In addition, in this case, the first magnet holder (811) and the second magnet holder (821) may each have an open facing surface, or they may be formed in a shape that is completely closed. This embodiment illustrates an example in which the first magnet holder (811) and the second magnet holder (821) are open.

[0156] Meanwhile, other embodiments of the door opening device are as follows.

[0157] That is, in the aforementioned embodiments, the second magnet unit, which is movably provided with respect to the second door, changes its position relative to the first magnet unit fixed to the first door, thereby varying the repulsive force between the two magnet units; however, in some cases, the first magnet unit may be fixed to the first door and the second magnet unit may be fixed to the second door, respectively.

[0158] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing another embodiment of a door opening device equipped with a gap prevention device.

[0159] Referring to FIG. 16, the door opening device (60) according to the present embodiment has a basic configuration and a corresponding effect of operation similar to the door opening device (60) of the previously described embodiments. For example, the first magnet unit (330) may be provided on the first door (30), and the second magnet unit (650) may be provided on the second door (40). The first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) may be arranged so that the same polarity faces each other. Accordingly, the second door (40) may be opened by being pushed and rotated relative to the first door (30) by the repulsive force generated between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650).

[0160] However, in this embodiment, a shielding member (660) capable of selectively shielding the space between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) may be provided. For example, the shielding member (660) may be hinge-coupled to the second door (40) so as to rotate by contacting the cam portion (648) provided on the first movable member (640) when the first movable member (640) moves.

[0161] In this case, an elastic member (670) that returns the shielding member (660) to its original position may be provided between the shielding member (660) and the second door (or case accommodating the door opening device) (40).

[0162] As described above, when a shielding member (660) and an elastic member (670) are provided between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650), the space between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) is opened and closed according to the direction of movement of the first moving member (640) moving toward the second door (40), and the second door (40) can be automatically opened and closed toward the first door (30). Accordingly, as the second magnet unit (650) that automatically opens the second door (40) is fixed to the second door (40), the door opening device (60) can be simplified, while increasing reliability and minimizing operating noise.

[0163] For example, when the first moving member (640) moves in a direction (first direction) that unlocks the door lock (70), the space between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) is opened, and a repulsive force may be generated between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650). Accordingly, due to the repulsive force generated between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650), the second door (40) can be automatically opened while rotating relative to the first door (30).

[0164] On the other hand, when the first moving member (640) moves in the direction of returning to its original position (second direction) after unlocking the door lock (70), the shielding member (660) also returns to its original position by the elastic force of the elastic member (670) and can shield the space between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650). Accordingly, the repulsive force between the first magnet unit (330) and the second magnet unit (650) is suppressed, and the second door (40) can be maintained in a closed state while rotating in the opposite direction relative to the first door (30).

Claims

1. A cabinet equipped with a storage room; A first door for opening and closing the above storage room; A second door provided on the outer side of the first door and rotatably provided with respect to the first door; A door locking device that causes the first door and the second door to be locked or unlocked manually or automatically when the second door is closed: and It includes a gap prevention device that suppresses the gap between the first door and the second door, and The above-mentioned opening prevention device is, A refrigerator provided with the above door locking device spaced apart in the height direction of the cabinet.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above door locking device is provided on the lower side of the second door, and The above-mentioned opening prevention device is, A refrigerator provided on the upper side of the second door.

3. In Paragraph 2, One end of the second door is rotatably coupled to the first door, and The above-mentioned opening prevention device is, A refrigerator configured to be closer to the other end than to one end of the second door.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned opening prevention device is, A first magnetic body provided on either one of the first door and the second door; and A refrigerator comprising a second magnetic body provided on the door facing the first magnetic body among the first door and the second door, and generating an attractive force between the second magnetic body and the first magnetic body.

5. In Paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which one of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body is a permanent magnet and the other is a non-magnet.

6. In Paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are each permanent magnets, and the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body are arranged so that opposite polarities face each other.

7. In Paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which at least one of the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body is exposed toward the opposite magnetic body.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 7, It further includes a door opening device that rotates the second door relative to the first door, and The above door opening device is, A first magnet unit provided in the first door; and A refrigerator comprising a second magnetic unit provided on the second door so as to face the first magnetic unit, and which causes the second door to automatically open through interaction with the first magnetic unit.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above door locking device is, A first member linked to the above door opening device; and A refrigerator comprising a second member that rotates in conjunction with the first member and selectively engages or disengages from the first door.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above door opening device is, Driving unit; and It includes a movable member that is movable relative to the second door by receiving power from the above-mentioned driving unit, The above second magnet unit is, A refrigerator that moves together with the moving member or moves by receiving the moving force of the moving member when the second door is opened.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above door opening device is, Driving unit; and It includes a movable member that is movable relative to the second door by receiving power from the above-mentioned driving unit, The first magnet unit is fixed to the first door, and the second magnet unit is fixed to the second door, and Between the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit, A refrigerator equipped with a shielding member to selectively shield the space between the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit when the moving member moves.

Images