KR102655652B1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The refrigerator of the present invention includes a cabinet having a storage compartment; a refrigerator door that opens and closes the storage compartment and is rotatably connected to the cabinet by a hinge mechanism; a cover member covering the hinge mechanism; and a door opening device installed on the cover member and including a push member for opening the refrigerator door.

Description

Refrigerator

The present invention relates to refrigerators.

A refrigerator is a home appliance that can store objects such as food at low temperatures in a storage room provided in a cabinet. Since the storage compartment is surrounded by an insulating wall, the inside of the storage compartment can be maintained at a temperature lower than the outside temperature.

Depending on the temperature range of the storage compartment, the storage compartment may be divided into a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment.

The user opens and closes the storage room using the door. To put an object into or take it out of the storage room, the user opens the door. Generally, the door is rotatably installed in a cabinet, and a gasket is provided between the door and the cabinet.

Therefore, when the door is closed, the gasket is in close contact between the door and the cabinet, preventing leakage of cold air from the storage room. As the adhesion of the gasket increases, the effect of preventing cold air leakage can increase.

In order to increase the adhesion of the gasket, the gasket may be formed of a rubber magnet, and a magnet may be provided inside the gasket. However, when the adhesion of the gasket increases, a correspondingly greater force is required when opening the door.

Recently, refrigerators with an auto-closing function have been introduced. This auto-closing function refers to a function that automatically closes the refrigerator door when it is slightly open by using the adhesion force of the gasket, magnetic force, and elastic force caused by the spring.

Additionally, the auto-closing function refers to a function that prevents the refrigerator door from opening on its own even when the refrigerator is slightly tilted forward.

Therefore, it takes more force to open the door of recently provided refrigerators compared to previous refrigerators. This is because, in order to open the door of the refrigerator, the user must pull the door with a force greater than the adhesion force of the gasket, magnetic force, and the elastic force of the spring.

Therefore, recently, a door opening device that automatically opens the door has been proposed.

<Prior literature 1>

Korean Patent Publication No. 1745124 discloses a refrigerator equipped with a door opening device for automatically opening the door of the refrigerator.

In the case of Prior Document 1, the door opening device is located on the upper side of the refrigerator door.

The door opening device includes a push rod capable of moving from an initial position to a door opening position, and a motor for providing power to the push rod.

The push rod is pulled out from inside the refrigerator door to open the refrigerator door, and pushes the cabinet to open the refrigerator door.

However, in the case of Prior Document 1, since the door opening device is provided on the refrigerator door, the length of the push rod is limited within the thickness range of the refrigerator door, so there is a disadvantage in that it is difficult to increase the opening angle of the refrigerator door.

<Prior literature 2>

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-55863 discloses a door opening unit for a refrigerator.

The door opening unit of Prior Document 2 is installed on the ceiling of the refrigerator body. The door opening unit includes a lower case, and the lower case is mounted to be embedded in a portion of the ceiling.

For example, the lower case is fastened to the ceiling with screws while being embedded in the ceiling.

However, in the case of Prior Document 2, the lower case directly fastened to the ceiling comes into contact with the insulating material while the lower case is embedded in the ceiling. If the lower case is fastened before forming the insulating material, the foam entering the refrigerator body In the process of cooling the liquid, a problem occurs in which the lower case changes.

On the other hand, if the foaming liquid is filled into the refrigerator body before fastening the lower case, the opening for inserting the lower case is covered with a separate cover to prevent leakage of the foaming liquid. After foaming is completed, the cover is removed and the lower case is closed. Since it must be fastened to the ceiling, the work has the disadvantage of being cumbersome.

Additionally, since the lower case is directly fastened to the ceiling of the refrigerator body, there is a problem that vibration generated when the door opening unit operates is directly transmitted to the lower case.

The object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which a door opening device can be easily assembled or separated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can fix the position of the door opening device on the upper side of the cabinet without changing the mold for forming the cabinet.

Another object is to provide a refrigerator in which the opening angle of the refrigerator door can be increased.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which vibration of the door opening device is prevented from being transmitted to the cabinet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which the waterproof performance of the drive motor is improved.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which damage to the surface of the refrigerator door is prevented when the refrigerator door is opened using a push member.

The refrigerator of the present invention for solving the above problems includes a cabinet having a storage compartment; a refrigerator door that opens and closes the storage compartment and is rotatably connected to the cabinet by a hinge mechanism; a cover member covering the hinge mechanism; and a door opening device installed on the cover member and including a push member for opening the refrigerator door.

In order to increase the opening angle of the refrigerator door, the push member may be formed in an arc shape centered on the hinge axis of the hinge mechanism.

A refrigerator wherein the door opening device is installed on the cover member at an upper side of the cabinet, and the cover member is coupled to the upper side of the cabinet.

The door opening device may further include a housing for accommodating the push member, and a dustproof member provided in the housing, and the cover member may include an installation protrusion fitted into the dustproof member.

The cover member may include a first cover part that covers the door opening device, and a second cover part that is connected to the first cover part and covers a hinge axis that provides a rotation center of the refrigerator door.

The first cover part includes a cover plate and a peripheral portion extending around the cover plate, and the installation protrusion may protrude from the cover plate.

When the dust-proof member is coupled to the housing, the dust-proof member protrudes upward from the housing, and when the installation protrusion is fitted into the dust-proof member, the dust-proof member contacts the cover plate, and the housing may be spaced apart from the cover plate.

The first cover part may further include an extension rib protruding from the cover plate, and the installation protrusion may be formed integrally with the extension rib.

The door opening device includes a housing for accommodating the push member, a power transmission unit accommodated in the housing, a drive motor connected to the power transmission unit at a lower outer side of the housing, and a motor cover that covers the drive motor. may further include.

The refrigerator of this embodiment is installed inside the cabinet and may further include a recessed motor accommodating portion for accommodating the driving motor.

An opening may be formed in the cabinet to allow the drive motor to pass through the cabinet.

The housing may be provided with a motor connection part to which the motor cover is connected. The connection portion of the motor connection portion and the motor cover may be positioned higher than the upper wall of the cabinet when the drive motor is accommodated in the motor accommodating portion, so that the waterproof performance of the drive motor may be improved.

In this embodiment, a friction prevention portion may be provided on the back of the refrigerator door to prevent direct contact with the push member.

According to the proposed invention, by installing the door opening device on the cabinet side, there is an advantage that the length of the push member can be increased and thus the opening angle of the refrigerator door can be increased.

Additionally, as the push member is formed in an arc shape centered on the hinge axis, the opening angle of the refrigerator door can be increased with a small length of the push member.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the door opening device is coupled to the cover member that covers the hinge, the position of the door opening device can be fixed with respect to the cabinet without changing the conventional mold structure for manufacturing the outer case. There is an advantage.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the door opening device is coupled to the cover member, a separate structure such as a bracket for fixing the door opening device is unnecessary, which has the advantage of simplifying the structure.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the door opening device is coupled to the cover member and then the cover member is coupled to the cabinet, coupling of the door opening device is easy, and the door opening device is separated by separating the cover member from the cabinet. , there is an advantage that the door opening device can be easily separated.

In addition, according to the present invention, there is an advantage that damage to the installation protrusion can be prevented because the installation protrusion to which the dustproof member is coupled is formed integrally with not only the cover plate of the cover member but also the extension rib protruding from the cover plate.

In addition, according to the present invention, the connection portion between the motor connection portion of the housing and the motor cover is positioned higher than the upper wall of the cabinet when the door opening device is installed on the installation bracket, so the liquid falling on the upper wall of the cabinet is Since it cannot flow toward the drive motor, the waterproof performance of the drive motor can be improved.

In addition, according to the present invention, since the friction prevention part is provided on the part of the refrigerator door facing the push member, damage to the surface of the refrigerator door due to direct friction between the refrigerator door and the push member can be prevented.

1 is a perspective view showing the upper structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a plan view of a refrigerator showing a door opening device installed on the upper side of a cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a lower perspective view of a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a lower perspective view of a cover member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a fixing part of a housing to which a vibration isolation member is coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the vibration isolation member is coupled to the fixing portion of the housing.
Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention is seated on a cover member.
Figure 9 is a plan view showing a state in which the door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention is fully installed on the cover member.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along AA of Figure 9.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB of Figure 9.
Figure 12 is a view showing a state in which a guide bracket is installed in a cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a perspective view of a guide bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 is a view showing a state in which the motor cover is located in the motor receiving portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a view showing a friction prevention portion provided on the back of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the refrigerator door is opened by a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the present invention, if detailed descriptions of related known configurations or functions are judged to impede understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Additionally, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is no need for another component between each component. It should be understood that may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the upper structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a plan view of the refrigerator showing a door opening device installed on the upper side of a cabinet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a lower perspective view of a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 4, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10 having a storage compartment, a refrigerator rotatably connected to the cabinet 10 and opening and closing the storage compartment. It may include a door 12.

The storage compartment may include one or more of a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. The refrigerator door 12 may be a single door or may be composed of multiple doors.

When the refrigerator door 12 includes a plurality of doors, the refrigerator door 12 may include an outer door 122 and an inner door 121.

The refrigerator door 12 may be rotatably connected to the cabinet 10 by a hinge mechanism 125.

The refrigerator 1 may further include a door opening device 30 for opening the refrigerator door 12. The door opening device 30 may be fixed in position on the outside of the cabinet 10.

FIG. 2 shows that the door opening device 30 is located on the upper side of the cabinet 10 as an example.

The cabinet 10 may include an outer case 101. Although not shown, the cabinet 10 further includes an inner case forming a storage compartment, and an insulating material may be provided between the inner case and the outer case 101.

For example, the door opening device 30 may be mounted on the upper wall 102 of the outer case 101.

<Basic structure of door opening device>

The door opening device 30 may include a push member 340 that pushes the refrigerator door 12 to open the refrigerator door 12.

In Figure 2, the position of the push member 340 may be referred to as the initial position. In this specification, the position of the push member 340 when opening of the refrigerator door 12 is completed by the push member 340 may be referred to as the door opening position.

The push member 340 may include a curved push rod 341 to increase the opening angle of the refrigerator door 12.

The door opening device 30 includes a drive motor 320 for driving the push member 340, and a power transmission unit 322 for transmitting the power of the drive motor 320 to the push member 340. ) may further be included.

The power transmission unit 322 is not limited, but may include a plurality of gears.

The push rod 341 may include a rack gear 342 to receive power from the driving motor 320. The rack gear 342 may mesh with one gear among a plurality of gears.

For example, the push rod 341 may be formed in an arc shape centered on the hinge axis 126 of the hinge mechanism 125.

The push rod 341 may include an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface having a larger radius than the inner peripheral surface, and a rack gear 342 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface.

The inner peripheral surface is located closer to the hinge axis 126 of the refrigerator door 12 than the outer peripheral surface.

The push member 340 has a first end 343 that contacts the refrigerator door 12 during the opening process of the refrigerator door 12, and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end 341. It may include (344).

At this time, the first end 343 is in direct contact with the refrigerator door 12, or a cover portion 345 such as urethane rubber or silicone is coupled to the push rod 341 to attach to the refrigerator door 12. The cover portion 345 may be contacted.

In FIG. 3 , as an example, the cover portion 345 is shown coupled to the cover coupling portion 341a provided on the push rod 341. When the cover part 345 is coupled to the push rod 341, the first end 343 of the push member 340 is the front part of the cover part 345, and the second end 344 may be an end of the push rod 341.

Although not limited, the length of the first end 343 and the second end 344 may be greater than the thickness of the refrigerator door 12.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the length of the push member 340 is formed to be larger than the thickness of the refrigerator door 12, so that the opening angle of the refrigerator door 12 can be increased.

In addition, even if the push member 340 is formed in a curved shape, the horizontal distance between the first end 343 and the second end 344 in the front-back direction of the refrigerator 1 is the same as that of the refrigerator door 12. It can be formed larger than the thickness.

In particular, when the push member 340 is moved to the door opening position, the length of the push member 340 protruding out of the housing 300, which will be described later, may be larger than the thickness of the refrigerator door 12. You can.

The push member 340 may be disposed in an inclined state on the side wall 103 of the cabinet 10.

With the push member 340 positioned at its initial position, the first end 343 may be arranged to face the refrigerator door 12 .

Also, when the push member 340 is positioned at the initial position, the first end 343 may be located closer to the refrigerator door 12 than the second end 344.

In addition, when the push member 340 is located in the initial position, the second end 344 may be located closer to the side wall 103 of the outer case 101 than the first end 343. .

The door opening device 30 may further include a housing 300 that accommodates the push member 340 and guides the movement of the push member 340.

The housing 300 is not limited, but may include an upper housing 301 and a lower housing 310.

The power transmission unit 322 is located in the space formed by the upper housing 301 and the lower housing 310, and the drive motor 320 is installed on the outside of the housing 300. 322) can be connected to one gear constituting the gear.

A seating portion 312 on which the power transmission unit 322 is seated may be formed in the lower housing 310. A shaft 313 on which a plurality of gears constituting the power transmission unit 322 are rotatably installed may be formed on the seating portion 312.

A guide 311 that guides the movement of the push member 340 may be formed in the upper housing 301 and the lower housing 310.

For example, the driving motor 320 may be installed in the lower housing 310, and when the driving motor 320 is installed in the lower housing 310, the motor cover 330 may be installed on the driving motor 320. It can be fastened to the lower housing 310 to surround it.

The door opening device 30 may further include an opening prevention unit for detecting whether the refrigerator door 12 is manually opened. The open detection unit may include a magnet 346 and a reed switch 123.

The reed switch 123 may include a container forming a predetermined receiving space and a pair of reeds disposed inside the container.

The reed switch 123 may be turned on or off depending on the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet 346.

For example, the reed switch 123 may be turned on when the magnetic field strength is above a certain level, and may be turned off when the magnetic field sensor is below a certain level.

The magnet 346 may be installed in the door opening device 30. As an example, the magnet 346 may be installed at one end of the push rod 341.

When the cover part 345 is coupled to the push rod 341, the magnet 346 may be provided at an end of the push rod 341 or the cover part 345.

The magnet 346 and the reed switch 123 may be located adjacent to each other. For example, the refrigerator doors 12 may be arranged to face each other in a closed state.

The reed switch 123 can recognize the magnetic field generated by the magnet 346 when the magnet 346 is positioned adjacent to it, so that a pair of leads are joined (referred to as an on state). possible).

On the other hand, if the magnet 346 is separated from the reed switch 123 by a certain distance or more, the reed switch 123 cannot recognize the magnetic field generated by the magnet 346, and a pair of reeds It becomes separated (can be said to be in an off state).

A controller (not shown) may determine whether to manually open the refrigerator door 12 based on the state of the reed switch 123. For example, when the reed switch 123 is in the off state, it may be determined that the refrigerator door 12 has been manually opened by the user.

A vibration isolation member 40 may be coupled to the housing 300. The vibration isolation member 40 may be coupled to the lower housing 310, for example. The structure of the vibration isolation member 40 and a method of coupling the vibration isolation member 40 to the housing 300 will be described later.

<Structure of cover member>

Figure 5 is a lower perspective view of a cover member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 5, the door opening device 30 of this embodiment may be installed on the cover member 70.

In the case of the present invention, since the door opening device 30 is installed on the cover member 70, the door opening device 30 is installed on the outside of the cabinet 10 without changing the conventional mold structure for manufacturing the outer case 101. The position of the door opening device 30 can be fixed.

In addition, when the door opening device 30 is installed on the cover member 70, external exposure is blocked by the cover member 70.

However, the push member 340 may protrude from within the cover member 70 to the outside of the cover member 70 during operation of the door opening device 30 .

Therefore, according to this embodiment, there is an advantage that a separate installation bracket for installing the door opening device 30 is not required.

The cover member 70 includes a first cover part 710 that covers the door opening device 30, extends from the first cover part 710, and provides a rotation center of the refrigerator door 12. It may include a second cover part 750 that covers the hinge axis 126.

The first cover part 710 may cover a portion of the hinge mechanism 125. That is, the part of the hinge mechanism 125 located on the cabinet 10 is covered by the first cover part 710, and the part located on the refrigerator door 12 is covered by the second cover part 750. ) can be covered by.

The first cover part 710 may include a cover plate 711 that covers the upper side of the door opening device 30, and a peripheral part 712 extending downward from the cover plate 711.

The peripheral portion 712 may cover the perimeter of the door opening device 30.

The first cover part 710 may include a fastening boss 713 through which a fastening member for fastening to the cabinet 10 passes. The fastening boss 713 may extend downward from the cover plate 711.

Extension ribs 714 protruding downward may be formed on the cover plate 711.

The extended ribs 714 may serve to improve the strength of the cover plate 711.

The first cover part 710 may further include an installation protrusion 715 to be coupled to the vibration isolation member 40. Although not limited, a plurality of installation protrusions 715 may be provided on the first cover portion 710.

The installation protrusion 715 may protrude downward from the cover plate 711. The installation protrusion 715 may be formed integrally with the cover plate 711 and the extension rib 714.

As the installation protrusion 715 is formed integrally with the cover plate 711 and the extension rib 711 as in the present invention, the installation protrusion 715 is caused by the reaction force applied to the push member 340. Damage can be prevented.

A fastening groove 716 for fastening a fastening member (see 50 in FIG. 10) may be formed in the installation protrusion 715.

A reinforcing rib 717 may be formed on the cover plate 711 to connect the cover plate 711 and the extension rib 714.

The first cover portion 710 may include an opening 718 through which the push member 340 passes. As an example, the cover portion 345 of the push member 340 may be positioned in the opening 718 while the push member 340 is positioned in the initial position. That is, the cover part 345 can cover the opening 718.

In this case, foreign substances, etc., can be prevented from entering the inner space of the cover member 70 through the opening 718 while the push member 340 is positioned at the initial position.

<Connection structure of vibration isolation members>

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a fixing part of the housing to which the vibration isolating member is coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a plan view showing a state in which the dust proof member is coupled to the fixing part of the housing.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, recesses 303 and 315 may be formed in the housing 300 to provide a space for the vibration isolation member 40 to be located.

At this time, a first depression 303 may be formed in the upper housing 301 and a second depression 315 may be formed in the lower housing 310. Also, the first depression 303 and the second depression 315 may be formed in the same shape. This is to provide a space in which the fastening member (see 50 in FIG. 10) can move.

A fixing part 304 for fixing the vibration isolation member 40 may be formed in the recessed portions 303 and 315 of the housing 300.

For example, the fixing part 304 may be formed to protrude from the first recessed part 303 of the upper housing 301.

Although not limited, the fixing part 304 may be formed in a “U” shape when viewed from above. Accordingly, the fixing part 304 may form a space 306 in which a part of the vibration isolation member 40 is located.

The vibration isolation member 40 may be formed of a material capable of absorbing vibration. As an example, the vibration isolation member 40 may be made of a rubber material.

For example, the vibration isolation member 40 may be formed in a “U” shape. That is, when the vibration isolation member 40 is viewed from above, one side may be open. The installation protrusion 714 can be fitted into the vibration isolation member 40 by opening the one side.

The vibration isolation member 40 may include an inner peripheral surface 401 and an outer peripheral surface 402, and a slot 403 for receiving the fixing part 304 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the vibration isolation member 40. .

Accordingly, the vibration isolating member 40 can be slidably coupled to the fixing part 304 so that the fixing part 304 is inserted into the slot 403 of the vibration isolating member 40.

The fixing part 304 is provided with a coupling hook to prevent the vibration isolating member 40 from being separated from the fixing part 304 while the fixing part 304 is inserted into the slot 403 of the vibration isolating member 40. 305 is formed, and a hook insertion portion 404 into which the coupling hook 305 is inserted may be formed in the vibration isolation member 40.

For example, the hook insertion portion 404 may be recessed in the slot 403 toward the inner peripheral surface 401.

Since the vibration isolation member 40 is formed in a “U” shape, the inner peripheral surface 401 of the vibration isolation member 40 forms a space 405 in which the installation protrusion 715 is accommodated.

The housing 300 may be installed on the cover member 70 while the vibration isolation member 40 is coupled to the fixing portion 304 of the housing 300.

Therefore, in order to install the housing 300 to the cover member 70, the installation protrusion 715 can be inserted into the space 405 formed by the dustproof member 40.

<How to install the door opening device on the cover member>

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention is seated on a cover member, and Figure 9 is a plan view showing a state in which the door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention is fully installed on the cover member. am.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 9, and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 9.

8 to 10, after aligning the installation protrusion 715 of the cover member 70 with the dustproof member 40 of the door opening device 30, the door opening device 30 is installed on the cover member. Move it to the (70) side so that the installation protrusion 715 is fitted into the vibration isolation member 40.

At this time, the installation protrusion 715 can be inserted into the dustproof member 40 while the cover portion 345 of the push member 340 is positioned in the opening 718 of the cover member 70. there is.

The installation protrusion 715 is inserted into the space 405 of the dustproof member 40, and the dustproof member 40 is seated on the cover plate 711 (the lower surface of the cover plate).

When the dustproof member 40 is seated on the cover plate 711, the housing 300 may be spaced apart from the cover plate 711.

That is, the vibration isolation member 40 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the housing 300 when coupled to the housing 30. Accordingly, the housing 300 can be prevented from contacting the cover plate 711 while the dustproof member 40 is seated on the cover plate 711 .

When the installation protrusion 715 is inserted into the vibration isolation member 40, the fastening member 50 may be fastened to the installation protrusion 715. The fastening member 50 may be fastened to the installation protrusion 715 while being accommodated in the recessed portions 303 and 315 formed in the housing 300.

At this time, the fastening member 50 may be fastened to the installation protrusion 715 with the washer 60 interposed between the head portion of the fastening member 50 and the installation protrusion 715.

The washer 60 may be in contact with the vibration isolation member 40 and may be spaced apart from the installation protrusion 715. Alternatively, it is possible for the washer 60 to contact the installation protrusion 715.

According to the present invention, since the fastening member 50 connects the housing 300 and the cover member 70 with the dustproof member 40 interposed, during the operation of the door opening device 30 Transmission of generated vibration to the cover member 70 can be minimized.

If transmission of vibration to the cover member 70 is minimized, transmission of vibration to the cabinet 10 through the cover member 70 can be minimized.

Additionally, by using the same structure, transmission of vibration generated from the refrigerator 1 to the door opening device 30 can be minimized.

<Guide bracket structure and installation location>

Figure 12 is a diagram showing a guide bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention installed in a cabinet, and Figure 13 is a perspective view of the guide bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 12, and 13, the guide bracket 80 may include an electric wire guide 820 for guiding electric wires, and a motor accommodating part 830 for accommodating the driving motor 320. You can.

The wire guide 820 may guide the wire entering the refrigerator door 12.

The guide bracket 80 may include a plate-shaped bracket body 810. The wire guide 820 may protrude upward from the bracket body 810.

For example, the motor receiving portion 830 may be formed as the upper surface of the bracket body 810 is depressed downward.

The guide bracket 80 may be fixed to the outer case 101 from the inside of the outer case 101.

The guide bracket 80 may be fastened to the upper wall 102 of the outer case 101 by a fastening part 822, for example.

The fastening part 822 may be fastened to the top wall 102 of the outer case 101 while penetrating the top wall 102 of the outer case 101. The fastening portion 822 may be formed on the wire guide 820, for example. The fastening part 822 may include a hook for being caught on the upper wall 102 of the outer case 101 while penetrating through the upper wall 102 .

And, while the guide bracket 80 is fixed to the outer case 101, the space between the outer case 101 and the inner case can be filled with a foaming liquid for forming an insulation material.

In the process of cooling the foaming liquid, the adhesion between the guide bracket 80 and the outer case 101 increases due to expansion of the foaming liquid, so the coupling of the guide bracket 80 and the outer case 101 It can become solid.

The wire guide 820 may be located between the inner peripheral surface of the push member 340 and the hinge axis 126.

Since the bracket body 810 is located on the lower side of the upper wall 102 of the outer case 101, the drive motor 320 accommodates the motor on the upper side of the upper wall 102 of the outer case 101. A first opening 104 may be formed in the top wall 102 of the outer case 101 so that it can be accommodated in the unit 830.

In addition, the wire guide 820 protrudes from the top wall 102 of the outer case 101 so that the wire guide 820 protrudes upward from the top wall 102 of the outer case 101. The second opening 105 may be positioned to become.

<Relative position of motor housing and motor cover>

Figure 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the motor cover according to an embodiment of the present invention is located in the motor receiving portion.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, 12, and 14, the housing 300 may be provided with a cover connection portion 319 to which the motor cover 330 is connected.

As an example, the cover connection part 319 may be provided in the lower housing 310. The cover connection part 319 may protrude from the lower housing 310. Additionally, the cover connection portion 319 may be formed in a rib shape surrounding the drive motor 320.

The driving motor 320 may be connected to the power transmission unit 322 located within the housing 300 on the outside of the housing 300. When the drive motor 320 is connected to the power transmission unit 322, the lowest point of the cover connection part 319 is located higher than the lowest point of the drive motor 320.

Additionally, when the drive motor 320 is connected to the power transmission unit 322, the drive motor 320 protrudes downward from the housing 300. Accordingly, when the drive motor 320 is connected to the power transmission unit 322, the lowest point of the drive motor 320 is located lower than the lowest point of the housing 300.

The motor cover 330 may be connected to the cover connection part 319 while the driving motor 320 is connected to the power transmission part 322.

With the motor cover 330 connected to the cover connection part 319, the door opening device 30 is installed on the cover member 70, and the cover member 70 is installed on the upper side of the cabinet 10. When installed, the motor cover 330 and the driving motor 320 may penetrate the outer case 101 and be accommodated in the motor receiving portion 830 of the guide bracket 80.

As in this embodiment, when the drive motor 320 is accommodated in the motor receiving portion 830 located inside the cabinet 10, the door opening device ( 30) has the advantage that the protrusion height can be minimized.

When the drive motor 320 is accommodated in the motor accommodating portion 830, the connection portion between the motor cover 330 and the cover connection portion 319 is located higher than the upper wall 102 of the outer case 101. do.

The connection portion of the motor cover 330 and the cover connection part 319 is located at a predetermined height (H) above the top wall 102 of the outer case 101.

That is, a part of the motor cover 330 is located within the motor accommodating part 830, and the other part is located outside the outer case 101.

If liquid falls on the top wall 102 of the outer case 101, the fluid may flow into the motor receiving portion 830.

However, in the case of this embodiment, even if the driving motor 320 is located within the motor receiving portion 830, the motor cover 330 covers the driving motor 320, and the motor cover 330 and the cover Since the connecting portion of the connecting portion 319 is located higher than the upper wall 102 of the outer case 101, the liquid flowing into the motor receiving portion 830 cannot flow toward the driving motor 320. Therefore, there is an advantage that the waterproof performance of the drive motor 330 is improved.

<Friction prevention area on the back of the refrigerator door>

Figure 15 is a diagram showing a friction prevention portion provided on the back of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 and 15, in the door opening device 30 of this embodiment, a push member 340 pushes the refrigerator door 12 to open the refrigerator door 12.

Therefore, in order to prevent direct friction between the push rod 341 and the back surface 12a of the refrigerator door 12 while the push member 340 pushes the refrigerator door 12, as described above. The push member 340 may include a cover portion 345 coupled to the push rod 341.

Additionally, a friction prevention portion 124 is provided on the rear surface 12a of the refrigerator door 12 where the cover portion 345 contacts. For example, the friction prevention portion 124 may be a film or a thin glass plate, and may be attached to the back surface 12a of the refrigerator door 12.

<Operation of door opening device>

Below, the operation of the door opening device will be described.

Figure 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the refrigerator door is opened by a door opening device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 16, when the refrigerator 1 is turned on, a controller (not shown) waits for an input of a door opening command.

When it is determined that a door opening command is input, the controller rotates the drive motor 320 in a first direction in order to move the push member 340 from the initial position to the door opening position. ) is controlled.

When the driving motor 320 rotates in the first direction, the power transmission unit 322 transmits the rotational force in the first direction of the driving motor 320 to the push member 340, By pushing the refrigerator door 12, the refrigerator door 12 rotates.

The controller determines whether the push member 340 has reached the door opening position during rotation of the driving motor 320 in the first direction.

The controller may determine whether the push member 340 has reached the door opening position using a sensor (not shown). Alternatively, the controller may determine that the push member 340 has reached the door opening position when the accumulated rotation speed of the driving motor 320 reaches the reference rotation speed.

When the controller determines that the push member 340 has moved to the door opening position, the controller may stop the rotation of the driving motor 320.

When the refrigerator door 12 is rotated at a certain angle, the user can manually increase the opening angle of the refrigerator door 12.

Meanwhile, when the controller detects manual opening of the refrigerator door 12 in the process of opening the refrigerator door 12 or while the drive motor 320 is stopped after the refrigerator door 12 is opened, The controller may rotate the driving motor 320 in a second direction opposite to the first direction so that the push member 340 returns to its initial position.

In this embodiment, since the curved push member 340 is located on the upper side of the cabinet 10 as described above, the opening angle of the refrigerator door 12 by the push member 340 can be increased. there is.

Meanwhile, the controller determines whether a certain amount of time has elapsed when the push member 340 moves to the door opening position and the driving motor 320 is stopped.

When it is determined that a certain period of time has passed since the driving motor 320 was stopped, the controller causes the driving motor 320 to rotate in the second direction in order to return the push member 340 to its initial position. .

Then, the controller determines whether the push member 340 has returned to its initial position, and when it is determined that the push member 340 has returned to its initial position, it stops the driving motor 320.

Meanwhile, when the left and right lengths of the refrigerator door 12 are divided into three regions and divided into three regions, the portion where the hinge axis 126 is connected is called the first region, and the region furthest from the hinge axis 126 is called the first region. is called the third area, and the area between the first area and the third area can be called the second area.

In this embodiment, the push member 340 may press the second area (the middle area) of the refrigerator door 12 to open the refrigerator door 12.

The torque of the drive motor 320 required when the push member 340 presses the second area is the torque of the drive motor 320 required when the push member 340 presses the first area. smaller than

And, when the push member 340 presses the second area, the length of the push member 340 is the length of the push member 340 when the push member 340 presses the first area. It must be formed longer.

In the present invention, the push member 340 presses the second area of the refrigerator door 12, thereby increasing the opening angle of the refrigerator door 12 and driving the refrigerator door 12 to open. The torque of the motor 320 was reduced.

Although not limited, the opening angle of the refrigerator door 12 may be 35 degrees or more when the push member 340 is moved to the door opening position as shown in FIG. 16, and the rear surface 12a of the refrigerator door 12 ) and the front 109 of the cabinet 10 may be more than 160 mm.

Preferably, the opening angle of the refrigerator door 12 may be 37 degrees or more, and the maximum horizontal distance between the rear surface 12a of the refrigerator door 12 and the front 109 of the cabinet 10 may be 170 mm or more. .

1: Refrigerator 10: Cabinet
12: Refrigerator door 20: Installation bracket
30: door opening device
300: Housing 320: Drive motor
322: Power transmission unit 330: Motor cover
340: Push member
40: Anti-vibration member
50: fastening member
70: Cover member 710: First cover part
715: Installation protrusion 750: Second cover portion

Claims (24)

A cabinet forming a storage room inside the outer case;
a door that opens and closes at least a portion of the storage compartment;
a hinge mechanism mounted on the upper surface of the outer case and coupled to the door;
It is fastened to the upper surface of the outer case with a first fastening member,
a cover member forming a space for accommodating at least a portion of the hinge mechanism; and
It is disposed in the space and fastened to the cover member with a second fastening member,
A door opening device including a push member that opens the door,
The cover member is,
a cover plate spaced apart from the upper surface of the outer case;
a peripheral portion extending from the cover plate toward the outer case to form the space;
an opening formed on the front surface of the peripheral portion to enable movement of the push member;
Extension ribs spaced apart from the peripheral portion and extending from the cover plate toward the outer case;
Installation protrusions extending from the extension ribs;
A fastening groove formed on the installation protrusion to which the second fastening member is coupled;
It is spaced apart from the installation protrusion and extends from the cover plate toward the outer case,
It includes a fastening boss to which the first fastening member is coupled,
The door opening device is,
A refrigerator, characterized in that, in the space, the refrigerator is installed to hang from the cover plate by being coupled to the fastening groove extending from the cover plate by the second fastening member.
According to claim 1,
The peripheral portion, the extension rib, and the fastening boss are,
A refrigerator, characterized in that it protrudes from the lower surface of the cover plate toward the outer case.
According to claim 1,
The installation protrusions are,
A refrigerator, characterized in that it is formed integrally with the extension rib.
According to claim 1,
The cover member is,
Further comprising a plurality of reinforcing ribs extending from the cover plate toward the outer case,
A refrigerator, wherein the plurality of reinforcing ribs support the rear of the door opening device.
A cabinet forming a storage room inside the outer case;
a door that opens and closes at least a portion of the storage compartment;
a hinge mechanism mounted on the upper surface of the outer case and coupled to the door;
It is fastened to the upper surface of the outer case with a first fastening member,
a cover member forming a space for accommodating at least a portion of the hinge mechanism; and
It is disposed in the space and fastened to the cover member with a second fastening member,
A door opening device including a push member that opens the door,
The cover member is,
a cover plate spaced apart from the upper surface of the outer case;
a peripheral portion extending from the cover plate toward the outer case to form the space;
an opening formed on the front surface of the peripheral portion to enable movement of the push member;
It is formed to extend from the cover plate toward the outer case,
a plurality of reinforcing ribs supporting the rear of the door opening device;
Installation protrusions spaced apart from the peripheral portion and extending from the cover plate toward the outer case;
A fastening groove formed on the installation protrusion to which the second fastening member is coupled;
It is spaced apart from the installation protrusion and extends from the cover plate toward the outer case,
It includes a fastening boss to which the first fastening member is coupled,
The door opening device is,
In the space, it is coupled to the fastening groove extending from the cover plate by the second fastening member and is installed to hang from the cover plate,
A refrigerator, characterized in that it is supported by the reinforcing rib extending from the cover plate.
The method of claim 4 or 5,
The peripheral portion, the plurality of reinforcing ribs, and the fastening boss are,
A refrigerator, characterized in that it protrudes from the lower surface of the cover plate toward the outer case.
The method of claim 4 or 5,
The plurality of reinforcing ribs are,
Opposite the opening
A refrigerator, characterized in that it extends from the rear of the peripheral portion.
According to claim 7,
The plurality of reinforcing ribs are,
A refrigerator, characterized in that an inclined surface is formed to be inclined toward the front of the cover member at the peripheral portion.
The method of claim 4 or 5,
The plurality of reinforcing ribs are,
A refrigerator characterized in that it is spaced apart from adjacent reinforcing ribs at equal intervals.
According to claim 4,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the plurality of reinforcing ribs are connected to the extension ribs.
According to claim 1 or 5,
With the door closed to the storage compartment,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the front of the peripheral portion is arranged to face the rear of the door.
According to claim 11,
A refrigerator, wherein one side of the peripheral portion is disposed on the same plane as one side of the outer case.
According to claim 1 or 5,
The push member further includes a cover portion covering the opening,
With the door closed to the storage compartment,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the front of the cover portion forms the same plane as the front of the peripheral portion.

According to claim 13,
A refrigerator in which the front of the cover part is made of rubber or silicone.
According to claim 1 or 5,
The door is
A first part to which the hinge mechanism is coupled; and
It includes a second part that contacts the push member during the opening process of the door,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the second part is formed higher than the first part.
According to claim 15,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the first part is recessed in the second part.
According to claim 3 or 5,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the installation protrusion is formed integrally with the cover plate.
According to claim 1 or 5,
The installation protrusions are provided in plural numbers,
A refrigerator, wherein at least one of the plurality of installation protrusions is spaced rearward from the front of the peripheral portion.
According to claim 1 or 5,
The door opening device is,
an upper housing and a lower housing accommodating the push member;
a drive motor disposed in the space between the upper housing and the lower housing; and
A refrigerator comprising a power transmission unit that transmits driving force from the driving motor to the push member.
According to claim 19,
Further comprising a motor cover connected to the housing to accommodate the driving motor,
The refrigerator, wherein the motor cover protrudes from the housing toward the outer case.
According to claim 19,
The push member further includes a rack gear,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the gear of the power transmission unit and the rack gear are interconnected to transmit driving force.
According to claim 1 or 5,
The push member is,
A refrigerator that moves from an initial position where the door is closed to a door open position where the door is opened as the push member protrudes.
According to claim 1 or 5,
A refrigerator further comprising a wire guide that guides the wires accommodated in the space.
According to claim 23,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the wire guide is disposed between the push member and the hinge mechanism.

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