Refrigerator

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator comprising: a main body having a storage chamber formed therein; an inner door that is rotatably provided in front of the main body and includes an opening; an outer door that is rotatably provided in front of the inner door to open and close the opening; and a door-opening device that is disposed at the lower end of the outer door and opens the outer door. The door-opening device includes: a shaft that can be coupled to the outer door; and a lever that is provided to be rotatable about the shaft and is accessible from the outside of the outer door, wherein the lever includes an inclined portion provided on the rear surface of the lever, and the inclined portion is inclined such that the lower end is positioned further forward than the upper end.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having an improved structure.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that keeps food fresh by comprising a main body having a storage compartment, a cold air supply device provided to supply cold air to the storage compartment, and a door provided to open and close the storage compartment.

[0003] The refrigerator door may be configured to open and close the storage compartment by rotating around a pivot axis. Additionally, the refrigerator may include a door opening device for opening the door.

[0004] The refrigerator door may include an inner door having an opening and rotatably coupled to the main body, and an outer door rotatably provided relative to the inner door to open and close the opening of the inner door.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator in which an inclined portion is provided on the rear of a lever of a door opening device, which slopes forward toward the bottom.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator comprising an outer door including a gasket in which a magnetic material is accommodated on the inside, and an inner door including a front plate made of metal.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator in which the handle portion of the inner door is positioned further back than the rear end of the outer door.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator comprising a door with a relatively thin thickness.

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

[0010] A refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure comprises a main body having a storage compartment formed therein, an inner door rotatably provided at the front of the main body and including an opening, an outer door rotatably provided at the front of the inner door to open and close the opening, and a door opening device disposed at the lower end of the outer door and provided to open the outer door. The door opening device comprises a shaft coupled to the outer door and a lever rotatably provided with the shaft as a rotation axis and accessible from the outside of the outer door. The lever includes an inclined portion provided at the rear of the lever and inclined such that the lower end is positioned further forward than the upper end.

[0011] A refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure comprises a main body, an inner door rotatably provided at the front of the main body, an outer door rotatably provided at the front of the inner door, and a door opening device disposed at the lower end of the outer door and provided for opening the outer door. The door opening device comprises a rotating shaft rotatably coupled to the outer door, a lever extending downward from the rotating shaft, and a locking part protruding from the lever toward the inner door, the locking part forming a receiving groove provided to receive at least one portion of a locking projection protruding downward from the lower end of the inner door.

[0012] A refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure comprises a main body, an inner door rotatably provided at the front of the main body, an outer door rotatably provided at the front of the inner door, and a door opening device disposed at the lower end of the outer door and provided to open the outer door, comprising a lever accessible from the outside of the outer door. The outer door comprises a gasket provided along the edge of the outer door and a magnetic body received inside the gasket. The inner door comprises a front plate formed on the front surface of the inner door, provided to contact the door gasket, and made of a metal material.

[0013] A refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure comprises a main body having a storage compartment formed therein, an inner door rotatably provided at the front of the main body and including an opening, an outer door rotatably provided at the front of the inner door to open and close the opening, and a door opening device disposed at the lower end of the outer door and provided to open the outer door. The door opening device comprises a shaft connectable to the outer door and a lever rotatably provided with the shaft as a rotation axis and accessible from the outside of the outer door. The lever comprises an inclined portion provided at the rear of the lever, the inclined portion being inclined such that the lower end is positioned further forward than the upper end.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior door of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing all the doors of a refrigerator according to one embodiment open.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a door according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the exterior door being opened in a door according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the outer door and the inner door separated according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an inner door and a hinge device according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an inner door and a hinge device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an external door according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an external door according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a door opening device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' shown in FIG. 4.

[0026] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of area D shown in Figure 12.

[0027] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B' shown in Figure 4.

[0028] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of area E shown in Figure 14.

[0029] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the door opening device illustrated in FIG. 15 rotated.

[0030] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a second gasket according to one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' shown in FIG. 4.

[0032] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C' shown in FIG. 4.

[0033] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a lower cover according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a lower cover according to one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of a door according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of a door according to one embodiment.

[0037] 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.

[0038] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0039] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0040] 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.

[0041] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0046] 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.

[0047] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The “inner body” may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner body may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The “outer body” may form the exterior of the main body and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner body so that an insulating material is disposed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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).

[0077] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0078] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0079] Meanwhile, terms such as "front-back direction," "left-right direction," "upper side," and "lower side" 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.

[0080] For example, the X direction can be defined as the forward direction. For example, the Y direction can be defined as the lateral direction. For example, the Z direction can be defined as the up-down direction. For example, the +X direction can be defined as the forward direction and the -X direction as the rear direction. For example, the +Y direction can be defined as the left direction and the -Y direction as the right direction. For example, the +Z direction can be defined as the upward direction and the -Z direction as the downward direction. In addition, the forward-down direction, the lateral direction, and the up-down direction can each be defined based on the case where both the inner door (100) and the outer door (200) of the refrigerator (1) described later are closed, and the following description is based on the assumption that both the inner door (100) and the outer door (200) of the refrigerator (1) are closed.

[0081] Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0082] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the outer door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment in an open state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the doors of a refrigerator according to one embodiment in an open state.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a storage room (21, 22, 23) formed inside the main body (10), a door (31, 32, 33, 34) for opening and closing the storage room (21, 22, 23), and a cold air supply device (not shown) for supplying cold air to the storage room (21, 22, 23).

[0084] The main body (10) may include an inner body (11) forming storage chambers (21, 22, 23), an outer body (12) coupled to the outside of the inner body (11) to form an outer body, and an insulating material (not shown) provided between the inner body (11) and the outer body (12) to insulate the storage chambers (21, 22, 23). A top cover (90) capable of covering an upper hinge device (800, see FIG. 5) to be described later may be provided on the upper surface of the main body (10).

[0085] The storage rooms (21, 22, 23) can be divided into multiple sections by horizontal partitions (15) and vertical partitions (16). The storage rooms (21, 22, 23) can be divided into an upper storage room (21) and a lower storage room (22, 23) by the horizontal partitions (15), and the lower storage rooms (22, 23) can be divided into a left lower storage room (22) and a right lower storage room (23) by the vertical partitions (16).

[0086] The upper storage room (21) can be used as a refrigerator, and the lower storage rooms (22, 23) can be used as a freezer. However, the division and use of the storage rooms (21, 22, 23) as described above are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0087] In addition, unlike the present embodiment, the refrigerator may be an SBS (Side By Side) type in which the storage compartment is divided into left and right by a vertical partition, an FDR (French Door Refrigerator) type in which the storage compartment is divided into an upper refrigerator compartment and a lower refrigerator compartment by a horizontal partition, or a 1-door type having one storage compartment and one door.

[0088] A shelf (26) and a storage container (27) may be provided inside the storage room (21, 22, 23).

[0089] The cold air supply device can generate cold air using a cooling circulation cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant, and can supply the generated cold air to storage chambers (21, 22, 23).

[0090] The upper storage room (21) can be opened and closed by a pair of doors (31, 32). A pair of doors (31, 32) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (10). A pair of doors (31, 32) may include a left upper door (31) and a right upper door (32).

[0091] One of the pair of doors (31, 32) may be provided with a rotating bar (not shown) that prevents cold air from the storage room (21) from leaking out between the pair of doors (31, 32) when the pair of doors (31, 32) are closed.

[0092] The left lower storage room (22) can be opened and closed by the left lower door (33), and the left lower door (33) can be rotatably connected to the main body (10). The right lower storage room (23) can be opened and closed by the right lower door (34), and the right lower door (34) can be rotatably connected to the main body (10).

[0093] At least one of the doors (31, 32, 33, 34) may be configured as a double door having an inner door and an outer door. For example, the upper right door (32) may include an inner door (100) and an outer door (200).

[0094] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the left upper door (31), the left lower door (33), and the right lower door (34) may each be configured as double doors having an inner door and an outer door. However, for convenience of explanation, only the inner door (100) and the outer door (200) of the right upper door (32) will be examined below, and the configuration and features of the inner door (100) and the outer door (200) described later may also be applied to the inner door and the outer door of the left upper door (31), the left lower door (33), and the right lower door (34), respectively.

[0095] The inner door (100) may be rotatably provided at the front of the main body (10). The inner door (100) may be rotatably connected to the main body (10) through a hinge.

[0096] The inner door (100) may include a door opening (101). The door opening (101) may be formed to penetrate the central part of the inner door (100) in the front-rear direction. Due to this configuration, the door opening (101) may be connected to the upper storage room (21).

[0097] The inner door (100) may include a basket support (102) provided to accommodate a door basket (102a) for holding items. The basket support (102) may protrude from the rear of the inner door (100). The basket support (102) may be provided along the edge of the door opening (101).

[0098] The outer door (200) may be rotatably provided at the front of the main body (10). Specifically, the outer door (200) may be rotatably provided at the front of the inner door (100). The outer door (200) may be rotatably coupled to the inner door (100) through an upper hinge device (800, see FIG. 5) and a lower hinge device (900, see FIG. 5) to be described later. Through this configuration, the outer door (200) can open and close the door opening (101).

[0099] When the outer door (200) is opened, the door opening (101) can be exposed to the outside of the refrigerator (1). Thus, when the outer door (200) is opened, the user can access the door opening (101) and the door basket (102a).

[0100] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a door according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an outer door in an open state according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an outer door and an inner door separated according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an inner door and a hinge device according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of an inner door and a hinge device according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an outer door according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an outer door according to one embodiment.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 10, the inner door (100) may include a first front plate (110). The first front plate (110) may be provided at the front portion of the inner door (100). The first front plate (110) may form the front surface of the inner door (100).

[0102] The first front plate (110) may include a plate opening (111). The plate opening (111) may be provided on the inner side of the first front plate (110). The plate opening (111) may be formed to penetrate the central part of the first front plate (110) in the front-rear direction.

[0103] The inner door (100) may include door caps (120, 130). The door caps (120, 130) may be attached to the upper portion of the first front plate (110) or to the lower portion of the first front plate (110). Specifically, the door caps (120, 130) may include a first door cap (120) attached to the upper portion of the first front plate (110) and a second door cap (130) attached to the lower portion of the first front plate (110). That is, the first door cap (120) may be provided on the upper side of the first front plate (110), and the second door cap (130) may be provided on the lower side of the first front plate (110).

[0104] The first door cap (120) may be provided at the top of the inner door (100). The first door cap (120) may form the upper surface of the inner door (100).

[0105] A second door cap (130) may be provided at the bottom of the inner door (100). The second door cap (130) may form part of the lower surface of the inner door (100).

[0106] The inner door (100) may include a lower cover (140). The lower cover (140) may be provided at the bottom of the inner door (100). The lower cover (140) may form another part of the lower surface of the inner door (100). That is, the lower cover (140) may form the lower surface of the inner door (100) together with the second door cap (130).

[0107] The lower cover (140) can be attached to the lower side of the second door cap (130). The lower cover (140) can cover at least a portion of the second door cap (130).

[0108] The interior door (100) may include a first side chassis (150). The first side chassis (150) may be provided at one end of the interior door (100). The first side chassis (150) may form one side of the interior door (100). Specifically, the first side chassis (150) may form the right side of the interior door (100) at the right end of the interior door (100).

[0109] The first side chassis (150) may be coupled to one side of the first front plate (110). The first side chassis (150) may be provided on one side of the first front plate (110). Specifically, the first side chassis (150) may be provided on the right side of the first front plate (110).

[0110] The inner door (100) may include a second side chassis (160). The second side chassis (160) may be provided at the other end of the inner door (100). The second side chassis (160) may form the other side of the inner door (100). Specifically, the second side chassis (160) may form the left side of the inner door (100) at the left end of the inner door (100).

[0111] The second side chassis (160) can be coupled to the other side of the first front plate (110). The second side chassis (160) can be provided on the other side of the first front plate (110). Specifically, the second side chassis (160) can be provided on the left side of the first front plate (110).

[0112] The interior door (100) may include a trim (170). The trim (170) may be attached to the rear of the first front plate (110). The trim (170) may be provided at the rear of the first front plate (110).

[0113] The trim (170) may extend along the edge of the plate opening (111). Through this configuration, the trim (170) may form a trim opening (171). The trim opening (171) may be formed to penetrate the central part of the trim (170) in the front-rear direction.

[0114] The inner door (100) may include a first door liner (180). The first door liner (180) may be provided at the rear of the first front plate (110) and trim (170).

[0115] The first door liner (180) can form a basket support (102). Specifically, the basket support (102) can be formed by a portion that protrudes rearward from the first door liner (180).

[0116] The first door liner (180) may include a first liner opening (181). The first liner opening (181) may be provided on the inner side of the first door liner (180). The first liner opening (181) may be formed to penetrate the central part of the first door liner (180) in the front-rear direction.

[0117] The plate opening (111), the trim opening (171), and the first liner opening (181) can be connected to each other. The plate opening (111), the trim opening (171), and the first liner opening (181) can form a door opening (101).

[0118] The inner door (100) may include a first gasket (190). The first gasket (190) may be provided to seal the space between the main body (10) and the inner door (100) when the inner door (100) is closed. The first gasket (190) may be attached to the rear of the first door liner (180).

[0119] The first gasket (190) may extend along the edge of the inner door (100). In other words, the first gasket (190) may extend along the edge of the first door liner (180).

[0120] The first front plate (110), the first door cap (120), the second door cap (130), the first side chassis (150), the second side chassis (160), the trim (170), and the first door liner (180) may form a receiving space for accommodating a configuration for insulating the refrigerator (1). For the configuration for insulating the refrigerator (1), insulating materials such as foamed urethane or vacuum insulation panels may be used. However, there are no specific restrictions on the configuration for insulating the refrigerator (1).

[0121] The exterior door (200) may include a second front plate (210). The second front plate (210) may be provided at the front portion of the exterior door (200). The second front plate (210) may form the front surface of the exterior door (200).

[0122] The outer door (200) may include a third door cap (220). The third door cap (220) may be provided at the top of the outer door (200). The third door cap (220) may form the upper surface of the outer door (200).

[0123] The third door cap (220) can be attached to the upper part of the second front plate (210). The third door cap (220) can be provided on the upper side of the second front plate (210).

[0124] The outer door (200) may include a fourth door cap (230). The fourth door cap (230) may be provided at the bottom of the outer door (200). The fourth door cap (230) may form the lower surface of the outer door (200).

[0125] The fourth door cap (230) can be attached to the lower part of the second front plate (210). The fourth door cap (230) can be provided on the lower side of the second front plate (210).

[0126] The exterior door (200) may include a third side chassis (240). The third side chassis (240) may be provided at one end of the exterior door (200). The third side chassis (240) may form one side of the exterior door (200). Specifically, the third side chassis (240) may form the right side of the exterior door (200) at the right end of the exterior door (200).

[0127] The third side chassis (240) may be coupled to one side of the second front plate (210). The third side chassis (240) may be provided on one side of the second front plate (210). Specifically, the third side chassis (240) may be provided on the right side of the second front plate (210).

[0128] The exterior door (200) may include a fourth side chassis (250). The fourth side chassis (250) may be provided at the other end of the exterior door (200). The fourth side chassis (250) may form the other side of the exterior door (200). Specifically, the fourth side chassis (250) may form the left side of the exterior door (200) at the left end of the exterior door (200).

[0129] The fourth side chassis (250) may be coupled to the other side of the second front plate (210). The fourth side chassis (250) may be provided on the other side of the second front plate (210). Specifically, the fourth side chassis (250) may be provided on the left side of the second front plate (210).

[0130] The outer door (200) may include a second door liner (260). The second door liner (260) may be provided at the rear of the second front plate (210).

[0131] The second door liner (260) may include a second liner opening (261). The second liner opening (261) may be provided on the inner side of the second door liner (260). The second liner opening (261) may be formed to penetrate the central part of the second door liner (260) in the front-rear direction.

[0132] The outer door (200) may include a second gasket (270). The second gasket (270) may be provided to seal the space between the inner door (100) and the outer door (200) when the outer door (200) is closed. The second gasket (270) may be attached to the rear of the second door liner (260).

[0133] The second gasket (270) may extend along the edge of the outer door (200). In other words, the second gasket (270) may extend along the edge of the second door liner (260).

[0134] The outer door (200) may include a rear plate (280). The rear plate (280) may be provided at the rear portion of the outer door (200). The rear plate (280) may form the rear surface of the outer door (200).

[0135] The rear plate (280) may be provided at the rear of the second front plate (210). The rear plate (280) may be combined with the second door liner (260) at the front of the second door liner (260).

[0136] The outer door (200) may include an insulation panel (290). The insulation panel (290) may be provided to insulate the refrigerator (1). For example, the insulation panel (290) may include a vacuum insulation panel.

[0137] The insulation panel (290) can be accommodated in the receiving space formed by the second front plate (210), the third door cap (220), the fourth door cap (230), the third side chassis (240), the fourth side chassis (250), the second door liner (260), and the rear plate (280). For example, the insulation panel (290) can be placed in the center of the receiving space.

[0138] The outer door (200) may additionally include a configuration for insulating the refrigerator (1) in addition to the insulation panel (290). For example, the outer door (200) may additionally include a separate insulation panel distinct from the insulation panel (290) or an insulating material such as foamed urethane. The configuration for insulating the refrigerator (1) in addition to the insulation panel (290) may be accommodated in a space other than the space occupied by the insulation panel (290) in the aforementioned accommodation space.

[0139] The outer door (200) may include a door opening device (300). The door opening device (300) may be provided to open the outer door (200).

[0140] The door opening device (300) may be positioned at the bottom of the outer door (200). At least a portion of the door opening device (300) may be provided to be accessible from the outside of the refrigerator (1).

[0141] The outer door (200) may include a touch sensor (400). The touch sensor (400) may be provided to detect a user's touch and open the inner door (100). For example, when the inner door (100) is closed, the user can open the inner door (100) by touching the touch sensor (400).

[0142] The touch sensor (400) may be positioned at the bottom of the outer door (200). At least a portion of the touch sensor (400) may be provided at the bottom of the outer door (200) so that it is accessible from the outside of the refrigerator (1).

[0143] The refrigerator (1) may include an upper hinge device (800). The upper hinge device (800) may be coupled to the upper side of the inner door (100). The upper hinge device (800) may rotatably support the outer door (200).

[0144] The upper hinge device (800) may be provided at one end of the inner door (100). For example, the upper hinge device (800) may be provided at the right end of the inner door (100).

[0145] The upper hinge device (800) may be provided at one end of the outer door (200). For example, the upper hinge device (800) may be provided at the right end of the outer door (200).

[0146] The refrigerator (1) may include a lower hinge device (900). The lower hinge device (900) may be coupled to the lower side of the inner door (100). The lower hinge device (900) may rotatably support the outer door (200).

[0147] The lower hinge device (900) may be provided at one end of the inner door (100). For example, the lower hinge device (900) may be provided at the right end of the inner door (100).

[0148] The lower hinge device (900) may be provided at one end of the outer door (200). For example, the lower hinge device (900) may be provided at the right end of the outer door (200).

[0149] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a door opening device according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' indicated in FIG. 4. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of area D indicated in FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B' indicated in FIG. 4. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of area E indicated in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a view illustrating the door opening device illustrated in FIG. 15 in a rotated state.

[0150] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 16, the door opening device (300) may be positioned at the bottom of the outer door (200). Specifically, the door opening device (300) may be mounted on the fourth door cap (230).

[0151] The door opening device (300) can be accommodated in a first receiving space (S1) provided at the bottom of the outer door (200). Specifically, the receiving space (S1) can be formed in the fourth door cap (230).

[0152] The first receiving space (S1) can be opened downward. Due to this configuration, at least a portion of the door opening device (300) may be accessible from the outside of the outer door (200). Specifically, at least a portion of the door opening device (300) may be accessible from the outside of the outer door (200) through the lower portion of the outer door (200).

[0153] The door opening device (300) may be rotatably provided. Specifically, the door opening device (300) may be rotatably provided around a rotating shaft (310) to be described later.

[0154] The door opening device (300) may be rotatably provided between a first position (P1) where the outer door (200) cannot be opened and a second position (P2) where the outer door (200) can be opened. Further details regarding this will be described later.

[0155] The door opening device (300) may include a rotating shaft (310). The rotating shaft (310) may extend in one direction. For example, the rotating shaft (310) may extend in the left and right directions.

[0156] The rotating shaft (310) can be coupled to the outer door (200). Specifically, the rotating shaft (310) can be rotatably coupled to the outer door (200). Specifically, the rotating shaft (310) can be rotatably coupled to the fourth door cap (230).

[0157] The door opening device (300) may include a lever (320). The lever (320) may be rotatably provided with the rotation shaft (310) as the axis of rotation. That is, the lever (320) may be rotatably provided together with the rotation shaft (310).

[0158] The lever (320) may be provided on the lower side of the rotation shaft (310). Specifically, the lever (320) may extend downward from the rotation shaft (310). That is, the lever (320) may be formed integrally with the rotation shaft (310).

[0159] However, the rotating shaft (310) is not necessarily formed integrally with the lever (320). For example, the rotating shaft (310) and the lever (320) may be formed separately but combined with each other. In this case, the rotating shaft (310) is fixed to the outer door (200), and only the lever (320) may rotate using the rotating shaft (310) as the axis of rotation.

[0160] The lever (320) may be provided to be accessible from the outside of the outer door (200). Specifically, the lever (320) may be accessible from the outside of the outer door (200) through the lower part of the outer door (200).

[0161] The lever (320) may be provided to be graspable. Thus, the user can grasp the lever (320) to rotate the door opening device (300). For example, the user can grasp the lever (320) to rotate the door opening device (300) from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2), thereby enabling the outer door (200) to be opened.

[0162] The lever (320) may include a lever body (321). The lever body (321) may be a part of the lever (320) provided on the inside of the outer door (200). In other words, the lever body (321) may be a part of the lever (320) provided on the inside of the receiving space (S1).

[0163] The lever (320) may include a lever protrusion (322). The lever protrusion (322) may protrude downward from the lever body (321).

[0164] The lever protrusion (322) may be a part of the lever (320) exposed on the outside of the outer door (200). In other words, the lever protrusion (322) may be a part of the lever (320) provided on the outside of the receiving space (S1). Specifically, the lever protrusion (322) may be provided below the outer door (200). Due to this configuration, the lever protrusion (322) may be provided so as to be recognizable from the outside of the refrigerator (1). Thus, the user can roughly determine the location of the door opening device (300) through the lever protrusion (322).

[0165] The lever (320) may include an inclined portion (323). The inclined portion (323) may be provided on the rear side of the lever (320). Specifically, the inclined portion (323) may be provided on the rear side of the lever body (321).

[0166] The inclined portion (323) may be provided to be inclined forward as it approaches the bottom of the lever (320). In other words, the inclined portion (323) may be provided to be inclined forward as it approaches the bottom of the lever body (321). In other words, the inclined portion (323) may be inclined such that the bottom of the inclined portion (323) is positioned further forward than the top of the inclined portion (323). For example, when the door opening device (300) is in the first position (P1), the angle (a) at which the inclined portion (323) is tilted relative to an imaginary line extending in the vertical direction may be approximately 13 degrees. However, the angle (a) at which the inclined portion (323) is tilted is not limited to this.

[0167] The door opening device (300) may include a locking portion (330). The locking portion (330) may protrude rearward from the lever (320). Specifically, the locking portion (330) may protrude rearward from the lever body (321). In other words, the locking portion (330) may protrude from the lever body (321) toward the inner door (100).

[0168] The locking portion (330) may protrude rearward from one end of the lever (320). Specifically, the locking portion (330) may protrude rearward from one end of the lever body (321). For example, the locking portion (330) may protrude rearward from the left end of the lever body (321).

[0169] The locking portion (330) may include an extension portion (331) and a side wall portion (332). The extension portion (331) may extend rearward from the lever (320). In other words, the extension portion (331) may extend rearward from the lever body (321). The side wall portion (332) may be bent upward from the extension portion (331). Specifically, the side wall portion (332) may include a first side wall portion (332a) bent and extended from the left end of the extension portion (331), a second side wall portion (332b) bent and extended from the right end of the extension portion (331), and a third side wall portion (332c) bent and extended from the rear end of the extension portion (331).

[0170] The locking portion (330) may include a receiving groove (333). The receiving groove (333) may be provided to receive at least a portion of the locking projection (141) to be described later. Specifically, when the door opening device (300) is in the first position (P1), the receiving groove (333) may receive at least a portion of the locking projection (141) to be described later.

[0171] The receiving groove (333) can be formed by the extension (331) and the side wall (332). Accordingly, the receiving groove (333) can be opened toward the front and upward.

[0172] The inner door (100) may include a second receiving space (S2) provided to accommodate at least a portion of the locking portion (330). Specifically, when the door opening device (300) is in the first position (P1), at least a portion of the locking portion (330) may be accommodated in the second receiving space (S2). The second receiving space (S2) may be opened toward the front and downward. Specifically, the second receiving space (S2) may be formed in the lower cover (140).

[0173] The inner door (100) may include a locking projection (141). The locking projection (141) may protrude downward from the lower portion of the inner door (100). In other words, the locking projection (141) may protrude downward from one surface provided on the upper side of the second receiving space (S2) among a plurality of surfaces surrounding the second receiving space (S2). Specifically, the locking projection (141) may be formed on the lower cover (140) (see FIG. 21).

[0174] The outer door (200) may include an elastic member (500). The elastic member (500) may be provided in front of the door opening device (300). Specifically, the elastic member (500) may be provided in front of the lever (320). Specifically, the elastic member (500) may be provided in front of the lever body (321). Due to this configuration, the elastic member (500) can press the lever (320) backward. As the lever (320) is pressed backward by the elastic member (500), the door opening device (300) can always be provided in the correct position when the door opening device (300) is in the first position (P1).

[0175] As described above, the door opening device (300) can be mounted on the fourth door cap (230). The fourth door cap (230) may include a plate cover portion (231) that covers the lower rear portion of the second front plate (210) in front of the door opening device (300).

[0176] The elastic member (500) can be positioned between the lever (320) and the plate cover portion (231). Specifically, the elastic member (500) can be positioned between the lever body (321) and the plate cover portion (231).

[0177] The door opening device (300) may include an elastic member mounting portion (340). The elastic member mounting portion (340) may be provided to allow an elastic member (500) to be mounted. The elastic member mounting portion (340) may be formed on the lever (320). Specifically, the elastic member mounting portion (340) may be formed on the lever body (321).

[0178] The elastic member mounting portion (340) may be formed on the other end of the lever (320) opposite to one end of the lever (320). Specifically, the elastic member mounting portion (340) may be formed on the other end of the lever body (321) opposite to one end of the lever body (321).

[0179] That is, the elastic member (500) can be connected to the other end of the lever (320). For example, the elastic member (500) can be connected to the right end of the lever (320).

[0180] As described above, the door opening device (300) may have a relatively simple structure. Accordingly, the door opening device (300) may be provided in a relatively small size. Due to this configuration, the assembly of the refrigerator (1) can be improved, and the material cost of the refrigerator (1) can be reduced.

[0181] Below, with reference to FIGS. 15 and FIGS. 16, the process of the door opening device (300) rotating between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) will be described.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 15, the door opening device (300) may be in a first position (P1). When the door opening device (300) is in the first position (P1), at least one part of the locking part (330) may be received in a second receiving space (S2), and at least one part of the locking projection (141) may be received in a receiving groove (333).

[0183] When the door opening device (300) is in the first position (P1), the upper end of the third side wall portion (332c), which is bent and extended from the rear end of the extension portion (331), may be positioned above the lower end of the locking projection (141). In other words, when the door opening device (300) is in the first position (P1), the height of the upper end of the third side wall portion (332c) may be higher than the height of the lower end of the locking projection (141). Due to this configuration, when the door opening device (300) is in the first position (P1), the locking portion (330) may be prevented from being dislodged from the second receiving space (S2). Accordingly, when the door opening device (300) is in the first position (P1), the outer door (200) may be prevented from being opened by external forces acting on components other than the door opening device (300) or by the self-weight of the outer door (200). That is, when the door opening device (300) is in the first position (P1), the outer door (200) can remain in a closed state.

[0184] Referring to FIG. 16, the door opening device (300) may be in a second position (P2). When the door opening device (300) is in the second position (P2), the locking part (330) may be disengaged from the second receiving space (S2), and the locking projection (141) may be disengaged from the receiving groove (333).

[0185] When the door opening device (300) is in the second position (P2), the upper end of the third side wall (332c) may be located below the lower end of the locking projection (141). In other words, when the door opening device (300) is in the second position (P2), the height of the upper end of the third side wall (332c) may be lower than the height of the lower end of the locking projection (141). Due to this configuration, when the door opening device (300) is in the second position (P2), the outer door (200) may be openable.

[0186] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the door opening device (300) can be rotated from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2). When the door opening device (300) is in the second position (P2), the lever (320) can be positioned further forward than when the door opening device (300) is in the first position (P1). Thus, the user can rotate the door opening device (300) from the first position (P1) to the second position (P2) by pulling the lever (320) forward.

[0187] Additionally, the force with which the user pulls the lever (320) forward can naturally lead to a force that pulls the outer door (200) forward. In other words, the force with which the user pulls the lever (320) forward can naturally lead to a force that opens the outer door (200). Accordingly, the outer door (200) can be opened more easily.

[0188] As described above, the lever (320) may include an inclined portion (323). The inclined portion (323) may be provided to be inclined forward as it extends toward the bottom of the lever (320). Due to this configuration, the lever (320) can be gripped more easily. Accordingly, user convenience in opening the outer door (200) can be further enhanced.

[0189] Additionally, when the door opening device (300) is in the second position (P2), the elastic member (500) can be compressed. Therefore, when the user grasps the lever (320) and rotates the door opening device (300) to the second position (P2), and then releases the lever (320), the lever (320) can rotate backward due to the restoring force of the elastic member (500). Accordingly, the door opening device (300) can return to the first position (P1).

[0190] FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a second gasket according to one embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' indicated in FIG. 4. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view along the line C-C' indicated in FIG. 4.

[0191] Referring to FIGS. 17 through 19, the outer door (200) may include a second gasket (270). The second gasket (270) may include a first gasket portion (271) extending along the upper edge of the outer door (200), a second gasket portion (272) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200), a third gasket portion (273) extending along the left edge of the outer door (200), and a fourth gasket portion (274) extending along the right edge of the outer door (200) (see FIG. 5).

[0192] The outer door (200) may include a magnetic body (600). The magnetic body (600) may be received inside the second gasket (270). The magnetic body (600) may extend along the second gasket (270).

[0193] The magnetic body (600) may include a first magnetic body (610) extending along the first gasket portion (271) from the inside of the first gasket portion (271), a second magnetic body (620) extending along the second gasket portion (272) from the inside of the second gasket portion (272), a third magnetic body (630) extending along the third gasket portion (273) from the inside of the third gasket portion (273), and a fourth magnetic body (640) extending along the fourth gasket portion (274) from the inside of the fourth gasket portion (274). The first magnetic body (610), the second magnetic body (620), the third magnetic body (630), and the fourth magnetic body (640) may be formed integrally or may each be formed separately.

[0194] The inner door (100) may include a first front plate (110). The first front plate (110) may be arranged to contact a second gasket (270). Specifically, when the outer door (200) is closed, the first front plate (110) may contact the second gasket (270).

[0195] Specifically, when the outer door (200) is closed, the first gasket part (271) can come into contact with the upper part of the first front plate (110), the second gasket part (272) can come into contact with the lower part of the first front plate (110), the third gasket part (273) can come into contact with the left part of the first front plate (110), and the fourth gasket part (274) can come into contact with the right part of the first front plate (110).

[0196] The first front plate (110) may include a metal material. For example, the first front plate (110) may include a steel material.

[0197] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the outer door (200) may include a magnetic body (600) that is received inside the second gasket (270), and the first front plate (110) may include a metal material. Accordingly, the first front plate (110) and the second gasket (270) can be brought into close contact with each other by magnetic force. Due to this configuration, when the outer door (200) is closed, the sealing effect between the inner door (100) and the outer door (200) can be increased.

[0198] Additionally, the second gasket (270) may include a plurality of gasket portions (271, 272, 273, 274) extending along the four edges of the outer door (200), and a plurality of magnetic bodies (610, 620, 630, 640) may be accommodated inside each of the plurality of gasket portions (271, 272, 273, 274). Due to this configuration, the sealing effect between the inner door (100) and the outer door (200) by the second gasket (270) can be formed evenly across the entire portion of the second gasket (270).

[0199] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a lower cover according to one embodiment. FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a lower cover according to one embodiment. FIG. 22 is a bottom view of a door according to one embodiment. FIG. 23 is a bottom view of a door according to one embodiment.

[0200] Referring to FIGS. 20 to 23, the inner door (100) may include a lower cover (140). The lower cover (140) may be provided at the bottom of the inner door (100).

[0201] The lower cover (140) may include a front panel (142). The front panel (142) may form the front surface of the lower cover (140). The front panel (142) may form the lower front surface of the interior door (100). The front panel (142) may be provided in front of the second door cap (130).

[0202] The front panel (142) may extend along the lower edge of the interior door (100). For example, the front panel (142) may extend along the left and right directions.

[0203] The front panel (142) can be formed flat. That is, the front panel (142) can be formed without any part protruding forward. Due to this configuration, the thickness of the lower cover (140) along the front-rear direction can be made relatively thin, and the aesthetic appearance of the interior door (100) can be improved.

[0204] The lower cover (140) may include a handle portion (143). The handle portion (143) may extend rearward from the front panel (142).

[0205] A handle portion (143) may be provided to open and close an inner door (100). The handle portion (143) may be grasped to open the inner door (100). For example, a user may grasp the handle portion (143) to open the inner door (100).

[0206] The handle portion (143) may be provided on one side of the lower cover (140). For example, the handle portion (143) may be provided on the left side of the lower cover (140).

[0207] The handle portion (143) may include a handle groove (143a). The handle groove (143a) may be open toward the downward. Due to this configuration, the handle portion (143) can be gripped. For example, a user can grip the handle portion (143) by inserting a finger into the handle groove (143a).

[0208] The lower cover (140) may include a receiving portion (144). The receiving portion (144) may form a second receiving space (S2) provided to receive the locking portion (330). The receiving portion (144) may extend rearward from the front panel (142). The receiving portion (144) may be provided on one side of the handle portion (143).

[0209] The lower cover (140) may include a locking projection (141). The locking projection (141) may be provided on the inner side of the receiving portion (144). The locking projection (141) may protrude downward from the upper wall of the receiving portion (144). In other words, the locking projection (141) may protrude downward from one of the multiple surfaces surrounding the second receiving space (S2) that is provided on the upper side of the second receiving space (S2).

[0210] The lower cover (140) may include a lower panel (145). The lower panel (145) may extend rearward from the bottom of the front panel (142). The lower panel (145) may be provided below the second door cap (130).

[0211] The lower panel (145) may be provided on the other side of the lower cover (140). For example, the lower panel (145) may be provided on the right side of the lower cover (140).

[0212] Referring to FIG. 22, the lower cover (140) may be provided at the rear of the fourth door cap (230). Additionally, the handle portion (143) may be provided at the rear of the fourth door cap (230). Specifically, the front end (143b) of the handle portion (143) may be provided at a rear end (230a) of the fourth door cap (230). That is, the handle portion (143) may not encroach upon the area where the outer door (200) is provided. Due to this configuration, the outer door (200) can be manufactured without being affected by the handle portion (143), and accordingly, the thickness of the outer door (200) in the front-rear direction can be formed thinner.

[0213] The rear end (143c) of the handle portion (143) forming the handle groove (143a) may be positioned closer to the rear end (130b) of the second door cap (130) than to the front end (130a) of the second door cap (130). That is, the handle portion (143) and the handle groove (143a) may be extended by a predetermined length toward the inside of the inner door (100) rather than toward the outside of the inner door (100). Due to this configuration, the thickness of the inner door (100) along the front-rear direction may be made thinner.

[0214] The width of the handle groove (143a) in the front-rear direction may be more than half the width of the second door cap (130) in the front-rear direction. Due to this configuration, the handle groove (143a) can be formed more widely, and user convenience can be increased when the user opens the inner door (100).

[0215] Due to the configuration and features described above, the inner door (100) and the outer door (200) can each have a relatively thin thickness. Through this configuration, the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator (1) can be improved.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 23, a door opening device (300) for opening the outer door (200) and a touch sensor (400) for opening the inner door (100) may be provided at the bottom of the outer door (200). A handle portion (143) for opening the inner door (100) may be provided at the bottom of the inner door (100).

[0217] The door opening device (300) and the handle portion (143) can be arranged side by side. For example, the door opening device (300) and the handle portion (143) can be arranged side by side along the lower edge of the outer door (200). For example, the door opening device (300) and the handle portion (143) can be arranged side by side along the lower edge of the inner door (100).

[0218] The length (L1) of the door opening device (300) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200) may correspond to the length (L2) of the handle portion (143) extending along the lower edge of the inner door (100). In other words, the length (L1) of the door opening device (300) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200) may be nearly identical to the length (L2) of the handle portion (143) extending along the lower edge of the inner door (100). Due to this configuration, the ability to recognize the door opening device (300) and the handle portion (143) by the user may be further improved, and user convenience when opening the outer door (200) and / or the inner door (100) may be increased.

[0219] The handle portion (143) can be positioned behind the touch sensor (400). That is, the handle portion (143) and the touch sensor (400) can be positioned to overlap in the front-rear direction. Since each of the handle portion (143) and the touch sensor (400) is configured to open the inner door (100), the user convenience when opening the inner door (100) can be increased by positioning the handle portion (143) and the touch sensor (400) to overlap in the front-rear direction.

[0220] The length (L3) of the touch sensor (400) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200) may correspond to the length (L2) of the handle portion (143) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200). In other words, the length (L3) of the touch sensor (400) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200) may be nearly identical to the length (L2) of the handle portion (143) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200). Due to this configuration, the possibility of the user recognizing the touch sensor (400) and the handle portion (143) may be further improved, and user convenience when opening the inner door (100) may be increased.

[0221] The door opening device (300) and the touch sensor (400) can be placed side by side. For example, the door opening device (300) and the touch sensor (400) can be placed side by side along the lower edge of the outer door (200).

[0222] The length (L1) of the door opening device (300) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200) may correspond to the length (L3) of the touch sensor (400) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200). In other words, the length (L1) of the door opening device (300) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200) may be nearly identical to the length (L3) of the touch sensor (400) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200). Due to this configuration, the ability to recognize the door opening device (300) and the touch sensor (400) by the user may be further improved, and user convenience during the opening of the outer door (200) and / or the inner door (100) may be increased.

[0223] That is, the length (L1) of the door opening device (300) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200) may correspond to the length (L2) of the handle portion (143) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200) and the length (L3) of the touch sensor (400) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200). For example, the length (L2) of the handle portion (143) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200) and the length (L3) of the touch sensor (400) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200) may not exceed 1.03 times the length (L1) of the door opening device (300) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200). However, the relationship between the lengths of the door opening device (300), the handle portion (143), and the touch sensor (400) is not limited to this.

[0224] A lower hinge device (900) may be provided at the lower part of the outer door (200). The lower hinge device (900) may be provided at one end of the outer door (200). For example, the lower hinge device (900) may be provided at the left end of the outer door (200).

[0225] The lower part of the outer door (200) and the lower part of the inner door (100) can be divided into two areas based on a center line (CL) according to the left and right directions. Specifically, the lower part of the outer door (200) and the lower part of the inner door (100) can be divided into a first area (R1) where a lower hinge device (900) is provided and a second area (R2) opposite to the first area (R1), based on a center line (CL) according to the left and right directions.

[0226] Each of the handle portion (143), door opening device (300), and touch sensor (400) may be provided in the second area (R2). That is, the lower hinge device (900) may be provided on one side of the centerline (CL), and each of the handle portion (143), door opening device (300), and touch sensor (400) may be provided on the other side opposite to one side of the centerline (CL). For example, the lower hinge device (900) may be provided on the right side of the centerline (CL), and each of the handle portion (143), door opening device (300), and touch sensor (400) may be provided on the left side of the centerline (CL).

[0227] The handle portion (143) may be positioned further away from the lower hinge device (900) than the door opening device (300). For example, the handle portion (143) may be provided on the left side of the door opening device (300).

[0228] The handle portion (143) and the door opening device (300) may not overlap in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the handle portion (143) may include a first portion (143d) provided close to the lower hinge device (900), and the door opening device (300) may include a second portion (300a) provided far from the lower hinge device (900), and the first portion (143b) of the handle portion (143) may be positioned further from the lower hinge device (900) than the second portion (300a) of the door opening device (300). Through this configuration, it is possible to prevent the user from confusing the door opening device (300) and the handle portion (143).

[0229] The touch sensor (400) may be positioned further away from the lower hinge device (900) than the door opening device (300). For example, the touch sensor (400) may be provided on the left side of the door opening device (300).

[0230] In the above, we have examined an embodiment in which the handle portion (143) and the touch sensor (400) are each positioned further away from the lower hinge device (900) than the door opening device (300). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the embodiment, the handle portion and the touch sensor may each be positioned closer to the lower hinge device than the door opening device. That is, an embodiment in which the positions of the door opening device (300) and the touch sensor (400) shown in the drawing are swapped, and the handle portion (143) is positioned behind the touch sensor (400) at the swapped position, is also possible.

[0231] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment comprises a main body (10) having storage compartments (21, 22, 23) formed inside, an inner door (100) rotatably provided at the front of the main body (10) and including an opening (101), an outer door (200) rotatably provided at the front of the inner door (100) to open and close the opening (101), and a door opening device (300) disposed at the lower end of the outer door (200) and provided to open the outer door (200). The door opening device (300) includes a shaft (310) that can be coupled to the outer door (200), and a lever (320) that is rotatably provided with the shaft (310) as a rotation axis and is accessible from the outside of the outer door (200). The lever (320) includes an inclined portion (323) provided on the rear of the lever (320), which is inclined such that the lower end is positioned further forward than the upper end.

[0232] The inner door (100) may further include a locking projection (141) protruding downward from the lower portion of the inner door (100). The door opening device (300) may further include a locking portion (330) protruding rearward from the lever (320), and including a receiving groove (333) that opens upward to accommodate at least a portion of the locking projection (141).

[0233] The door opening device (300) may be rotatable between a first position (P1) in which at least one part of the locking projection (141) is received in the receiving groove (333) and a second position (P2) in which the locking projection (141) is disengaged from the receiving groove (333).

[0234] The above-mentioned locking portion (330) may include an extension portion (331) extending rearward from the lever (320), and a side wall portion (332c) that is bent upward from the extension portion (331) and extends upward, forming the receiving groove (333) together with the extension portion (331). When the door opening device (300) is in the first position (P1), the upper end of the side wall portion (332c) may be positioned above the lower end of the locking projection (141).

[0235] The above-described outer door (200) may include a front plate (210) forming the front of the outer door (200), a door cap (230) which is coupled to the lower end of the front plate (210) and on which the door opening device (300) is mounted, and which includes a plate cover portion (231) covering the lower rear end of the front plate (210) in front of the door opening device (300), and an elastic member (500) disposed between the lever (320) and the plate cover portion (231).

[0236] The above-mentioned outer door (200) may include a gasket (270) that contains a magnetic material inside, and a gasket (270) provided along the edge of the outer door (200).

[0237] The inner door (100) may further include a front plate (110) comprising a metal material, which forms the front surface of the inner door (100) and is provided to come into contact with the gasket (270).

[0238] The inner door (100) may further include a lower cover (140) provided at the lower end of the inner door (100). The lower cover (140) may include a front panel (142) that forms the front surface of the lower cover (140) and extends flatly along the lower edge of the inner door (100), and a handle portion (143) that extends rearward from the front panel (142) and includes a handle groove (143a) that opens downward from the handle portion (143).

[0239] The above-mentioned outer door (200) may include a door cap (230) provided at the lower end of the outer door (200). The front end (143b) of the handle portion (143) may be provided at a rear end (230a) of the door cap (230).

[0240] The inner door (100) may further include a door cap (130) which is provided at the lower end of the outer door (200), has the lower cover (140) attached to its lower side, and at least one part of which is covered by the lower cover (140). The rear end of the handle portion (143) may be provided closer to the rear end (130b) of the door cap (130) than to the front end (130a) of the door cap (130).

[0241] The width of the handle groove (143a) in the front-rear direction may be more than half the width of the door cap (130) in the front-rear direction.

[0242] The length (L1) of the door opening device (300) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200) may correspond to the length (L2) of the handle portion (143) extending along the lower edge of the inner door (100).

[0243] The outer door (200) may include a touch sensor (400) for detecting a user's touch and opening the inner door (100). The handle portion (143) may be positioned behind the touch sensor (400). The length (L3) of the touch sensor (400) extending along the lower edge of the outer door (200) may correspond to the length (L2) of the handle portion (143) extending along the lower edge of the inner door (100).

[0244] The refrigerator (1) may further include a hinge device (900) that is coupled to the inner door (100) and rotatably supports the outer door (200) at one end of the outer door (200). The distance from the handle portion (143) to the hinge device (900) may be longer than the distance from the door opening device (300) to the hinge device (900).

[0245] The handle portion (143) may include a first portion (143d) provided close to the hinge device (900). The door opening device (300) may include a second portion (300a) provided far from the hinge device. The distance from the first portion (143d) of the handle portion (143) to the hinge device (900) may be longer than the distance from the second portion (300a) of the door opening device (300) to the hinge device (900).

[0246] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment comprises a main body (10), an inner door (100) rotatably provided in front of the main body (10), an outer door (200) rotatably provided in front of the inner door (100), and a door opening device (300) disposed at the lower end of the outer door (200) and provided to open the outer door (200). The door opening device (300) comprises a rotating shaft (310) rotatably coupled to the outer door (200), a lever (320) extending downward from the rotating shaft (310), and a locking part (330) protruding from the lever (320) toward the inner door (100), wherein the locking part (330) forms a receiving groove (333) provided to receive at least a portion of a locking projection (141) protruding downward from the lower end of the inner door (100).

[0247] The above-mentioned outer door (200) may include an elastic member (500) provided in front of the lever (320) to press the lever (320) backward.

[0248] The elastic member (500) may be coupled to one end of the lever (320), and the locking part (330) may protrude from the other end of the lever (320) opposite to the one end of the lever (320).

[0249] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment comprises a main body (10), an inner door (100) rotatably provided at the front of the main body (10), an outer door (200) rotatably provided at the front of the inner door (100), and a door opening device (300) disposed at the lower end of the outer door (200) and provided to open the outer door (200), the door opening device (300) comprising a lever (320) provided to be accessible from the outside of the outer door (200). The outer door (200) comprises a gasket (270) provided along the edge of the outer door (200), and a magnetic body (600) received inside the gasket (270). The inner door (100) comprises a front plate (110) formed on the front of the inner door (100), provided to contact the door gasket (270), and made of a metal material.

[0250] The lever (320) may include an inclined portion (323) provided on the rear of the lever (320), and may include an inclined portion (323) that slopes forward as it goes toward the bottom of the lever (320).

[0251] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a slanted portion that slopes forward toward the bottom may be provided on the rear surface of the lever of the door opening device. Through this configuration, the lever (320) can be gripped more easily, and user convenience in opening the door can be further increased.

[0252] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a magnetic material is accommodated inside the gasket of the outer door, and the front plate of the inner door may include a metal material. Due to this configuration, when the outer door is closed, the sealing effect between the outer door and the inner door can be increased.

[0253] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the handle portion of the inner door may be provided at a rear end of the outer door. Due to this configuration, the outer door and the inner door may each have a relatively thin thickness.

[0254] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the door may have a relatively thin thickness. Specifically, the outer door and the inner door may each have a relatively thin thickness. Through this configuration, the aesthetic appearance of the refrigerator may be improved.

[0255] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0256] 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 having a storage chamber formed inside; An inner door rotatably provided at the front of the main body and including an opening; An outer door rotatably provided in front of the inner door to open and close the above opening; and It includes a door opening device positioned at the lower part of the above-mentioned outer door and provided to open the above-mentioned outer door, The above door opening device is, A shaft connectable to the above-mentioned external door; and It is provided to be rotatable with respect to the shaft as a rotation axis and includes a lever accessible from the outside of the outer door, The above lever is, A refrigerator comprising an inclined portion provided on the rear of the lever, wherein the lower portion is inclined such that it is positioned further forward than the upper portion.

2. In Paragraph 1, The inner door further includes a locking projection protruding downward from the lower part of the inner door, and A refrigerator in which the door opening device further comprises a locking part that protrudes rearward from the lever, and includes a receiving groove that opens upward to receive at least a portion of the locking projection.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above door opening device is, A refrigerator rotatable between a first position in which at least a portion of the above-mentioned locking projection is received in the receiving groove and a second position in which the above-mentioned locking projection is disengaged from the receiving groove.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned catch is, An extension extending rearward from the above lever; and It includes a side wall portion that is bent from the extension portion and extends upward, and together with the extension portion, forms the receiving groove, and A refrigerator in which, when the door opening device is in the first position, the upper end of the side wall is positioned above the lower end of the locking projection.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above exterior door is, A front plate forming the front of the above-mentioned external door; and A door cap that can be coupled to the lower portion of the front plate and is equipped with the door opening device, comprising a plate cover portion that covers the lower rear portion of the front plate in front of the door opening device; and A refrigerator comprising an elastic member disposed between the lever and the plate cover portion.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above exterior door is, A refrigerator comprising a gasket having a magnetic material inside, and a gasket provided along the edge of the outer door.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above-mentioned interior door is, A front plate comprising a metal material, forming the front of the inner door, and further comprising a front plate arranged to contact the gasket. The above front plate is a refrigerator containing a metal material.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned interior door is, It further includes a lower cover provided at the bottom of the inner door, and The above lower cover is, A front panel forming the front surface of the lower cover and extending flatly along the lower edge of the inner door; and A refrigerator comprising a handle portion extending rearward from the front panel, the handle portion including a handle groove that opens downward from the handle portion.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned outer door includes a door cap provided at the bottom of the above-mentioned outer door, and A refrigerator in which the front end of the handle portion is located behind the rear end of the door cap.

10. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned interior door is, It further includes a door cap provided at the lower end of the above-mentioned outer door, wherein the lower cover is coupled to the lower side and at least one part is covered by the lower cover, and A refrigerator in which the rear end of the handle portion is positioned closer to the rear end of the door cap than to the front end of the door cap.

11. In Paragraph 10, A refrigerator in which the width of the handle groove in the front-rear direction is more than half the width of the door cap in the front-rear direction.

12. In Paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which the length of the door opening device extending along the lower edge of the outer door corresponds to the length of the handle portion extending along the lower edge of the inner door.

13. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned outer door includes a touch sensor for detecting a user's touch and opening the above-mentioned inner door, and The above handle portion is positioned at the rear of the touch sensor, and A refrigerator in which the length of the touch sensor extending along the lower edge of the outer door corresponds to the length of the handle portion extending along the lower edge of the inner door.

14. In Paragraph 8, It includes a hinge device coupled to the inner door and rotatably supporting the outer door at one end of the outer door, A refrigerator in which the distance from the handle part to the hinge device is longer than the distance from the door opening device to the hinge device.

15. In Paragraph 14, The handle portion includes a first stage provided close to the hinge device, and The door opening device includes a second stage arranged far from the hinge device, and A refrigerator in which the distance from the first stage of the handle portion to the hinge device is longer than the distance from the second stage of the door opening device to the hinge device.

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