KR102674400B1 - Refrigerator door and refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The refrigerator door of the present invention includes a panel assembly including a plurality of panels spaced apart from each other;
an inner bracket assembly that contacts the rear of the panel assembly and is arranged to surround the periphery of the panel assembly; an outer bracket assembly that covers a portion of the front of the panel assembly and is fastened to the inner bracket assembly; and a door liner assembly coupled to the bracket assemblies, coupled with a gasket, and in contact with the rear of the panel assembly.

Description

Refrigerator door and refrigerator {Refrigerator door and refrigerator}

This specification relates to refrigerators and refrigerator doors.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows food to be stored at low temperatures in an internal storage space shielded by a door. To this end, refrigerators are designed to keep stored food in optimal condition by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle.

Recently, refrigerators are gradually becoming larger and more multi-functional in accordance with changes in eating habits and the trend of higher quality products, and refrigerators equipped with various structures and convenience devices are being released to ensure user convenience and efficient use of internal space. .

The storage space of the refrigerator can be opened and closed by a door. Refrigerators can be classified into various types depending on the arrangement of the storage space and the structure of the door that opens and closes the storage space.

However, in the case of existing refrigerators, there is a problem that the food inside cannot be checked unless the refrigerator door is opened.

In other words, the door must be opened to check whether the desired food is stored in the space inside the cabinet.

To solve this problem, a portion of the front of the refrigerator door may be made of a transparent material, but in this case, insulation problems inside the refrigerator may occur. Also, if the inside of the refrigerator can be seen even when it is not in use, there is a problem in that food is exposed to the outside, resulting in a very poor appearance.

Meanwhile, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0082091, a prior document, discloses a refrigerator door having a panel assembly including transparent glass.

The refrigerator door of the prior literature includes a panel assembly, side frames forming both sides, a door liner, and upper cap decor and lower cap decor forming the upper and lower surfaces.

The panel assembly includes a front panel and a plurality of insulating panels spaced apart from the front panel. Additionally, the end of the door liner contacts the rearmost insulation panel among the plurality of insulation panels, and the end of the side frame contacts the back of the front panel.

Accordingly, a foam space is formed by the side of the panel assembly, the door liner, and the side frame, and the foam liquid is injected into the foam space and hardened to form an insulation material.

In the case of the prior literature, the side of the panel assembly, the door liner, and the side frame are fixed to each other during the process of forming the insulation material.

In the case of these prior documents, since there is a process of forming an insulating material during the door manufacturing process, manufacturing equipment for foaming is required and the manufacturing process is complicated. Additionally, since it requires time for the foaming liquid to elapse, there is a disadvantage in that door assembly is delayed by the time it takes to form the insulation.

In addition, during the curing process of the foaming liquid, the components are fixed to each other, but there is a problem in that the components are deformed by the expansion force of the foaming liquid as the foaming liquid elapses.

The present invention proposes a refrigerator and a refrigerator door that can be assembled without the process of forming an insulation material by injecting and passing a foaming liquid.

Additionally, the present invention proposes a refrigerator and refrigerator door that can maintain thermal insulation performance without the insulation formed during the foaming process.

The refrigerator of the present invention includes a cabinet having a storage compartment; and a refrigerator door rotatably connected to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment.

The refrigerator door of the present invention may include a panel assembly including a plurality of panels spaced apart from each other. The plurality of panels may be made of glass.

The plurality of panels may include a front panel and a plurality of insulation panels located behind the front panel.

The refrigerator door may further include an inner bracket assembly that contacts the rear of the panel assembly and is disposed to surround the periphery of the panel assembly.

The back of the panel assembly is the back of the last insulating panel among the plurality of insulating panels.

The refrigerator door may further include an outer bracket assembly that covers a portion of the front of the panel assembly and is fastened to the inner bracket assembly.

The front of the panel assembly is the front of the front panel. The outer bracket assembly may be spaced apart from the front of the front panel and partially cover the front panel.

The refrigerator door may further include a door liner assembly coupled to the bracket assemblies and to which a gasket is coupled.

The door liner assembly may contact the rear of the panel assembly.

For example, each of the inner bracket assembly and the door liner assembly may be in contact with an insulation panel disposed on the outermost side.

The inner bracket assembly may include a first contact portion in contact with the insulation panel disposed on the outermost side.

The door liner assembly is disposed on the outside of the first contact part to surround the first contact part, and may include a second contact part in contact with the insulation panel disposed on the outermost side.

An end of the second contact portion may be spaced apart from the first contact portion.

Additionally, the second contact portion may be spaced apart from all of the first contact portion.

In this embodiment, the distance from the end of the outermost insulating panel to the end of the first contact part is longer than the distance from the end of the second contact part.

The inner bracket assembly may be formed by assembling a plurality of inner brackets.

The outer bracket assembly may be formed by assembling a plurality of outer brackets.

The door liner assembly may be formed by assembling a plurality of door liners.

The inner bracket assembly may further include a liner connector for connecting two adjacent inner brackets. An end of each inner bracket may include a contact portion inclined at 45 degrees.

The liner connector may be fastened to the two inner brackets while the contact portions of the two adjacent inner brackets are in contact.

The Lanier connector and the inner bracket may include a fastening hole for fastening the fastening member.

Each of the inner brackets may include a connector accommodating portion for accommodating the liner connector.

The door liner assembly may be formed in a square frame shape with an opening.

The door liner assembly may include a liner inner wall defining the opening, a liner outer wall spaced apart from the liner inner wall, and a plurality of connecting walls connecting the liner inner wall and the liner outer wall.

The plurality of connecting walls, the inner wall of the Lanier and the outer wall of the Lanier may form an insulating space.

One of the plurality of connection walls may include a gasket coupling portion for coupling the gasket.

The plurality of connecting walls may include a first connecting wall and a second connecting wall connecting the inner wall of the liner and the outer wall of the liner at a position spaced apart from the first connecting wall.

The first connection wall and the second connection wall may define the connector receiving portion.

The plurality of connection walls may further include a third connection wall. The second connection wall and the third connection wall may form the insulating space.

The third connection wall may include the gasket coupling portion.

In this embodiment, the inner bracket assembly may be formed in a square frame shape with an opening.

The inner bracket assembly may include a bracket inner wall defining the opening, and an inner bracket extension portion extending from the bracket inner wall and contacting a rear surface of the panel assembly.

An intermediate member may be provided between the inner wall of the bracket and the panel assembly.

The inner bracket assembly may include a bracket outer wall spaced apart from the bracket inner wall, and a connecting wall connecting the bracket outer wall and the bracket inner wall.

A portion of the door liner assembly may be positioned between the bracket outer wall and the bracket inner wall.

The liner inner wall may be arranged to face the bracket inner wall.

The outer wall of the liner may be arranged to face the outer wall of the bracket.

The liner inner wall and the bracket inner wall may be spaced apart, the lanier outer wall and the bracket outer wall may be spaced apart, and the connecting wall of the door lanier assembly and the connecting wall of the inner bracket assembly may be spaced apart.

In this embodiment, the outer bracket assembly includes a bracket front wall that contacts the connection wall and covers a portion of the front of the panel assembly, and a bracket side that is bent at the bracket front wall and disposed to face the bracket inner wall. Can include walls.

A sealing member may be provided between the front of the panel assembly and the front wall of the bracket. For example, the sealing member may be made of a rubber material.

The connecting wall and the front wall of the bracket may be fastened to each other by a fastening member.

Additionally, the outer bracket assembly, inner bracket assembly, and door liner assembly can be fastened at once by a single fastening member.

According to this embodiment, the panel assembly can be fixed to the bracket assemblies by combining the inner bracket assembly and the outer bracket assembly without the need for an insulating material formed by foaming liquid.

Therefore, there is an advantage that equipment for filling the foaming liquid is not necessary and waiting time for the foaming liquid to pass is unnecessary.

In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the inner bracket extension contacts the rear of the panel assembly, and a sealing member is provided between the outer wall of the bracket and the front of the panel assembly, so that cooking occurs during the assembly process of the inner bracket assembly and the outer bracket assembly. Gaps due to tolerances can be prevented.

Additionally, since the inner extension of the door liner covers the inner bracket extension, the inner bracket extension can be prevented from being exposed to the outside. Since the inner extension part of the door liner covers the inner bracket extension part and the inner extension part is spaced apart from the inner bracket extension part, direct heat conduction between the door liner and the inner bracket extension part is prevented, thereby improving insulation performance.

Additionally, since the door liner includes an insulating space and an insulating space is also formed between the door liner and the inner bracket, there is an advantage that the insulating performance of the refrigerator door can be improved.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a diagram illustrating the assembly process of the door liner assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 3 (a).
Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 3 (c).
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along AA in Figure 3 (c).
Figure 7 is a view showing the assembly process of the inner bracket assembly and the liner-bracket assembly in which the inner bracket assembly and the door liner assembly are combined according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along BB in Figure 7 (a).
Figure 9 is a diagram showing the assembly process of the panel assembly, liner-bracket assembly, and outer bracket assembly.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC of Figure 9 (a).
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along DD in Figure 9(b).
Figure 12 is a view showing the connecting panel and gasket being assembled.
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along EE of Figure 2.

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, order, 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 of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerator door according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , a refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 11 forming a storage compartment 12 . The cabinet 11 can be opened and closed by the refrigerator door 20.

The storage compartment 12 may be a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment. The storage compartment 12 may include a single space, or may include a plurality of spaces maintained at different temperatures.

Food may be stored in the storage compartment 12, or items such as cosmetics or wine may be stored in addition to food.

Additionally, the refrigerator 1 may be a refrigerator installed independently on the floor or a built-in type refrigerator built into a furniture cabinet.

A machine room 14 may be provided below the cabinet 11. The location of the machine room 14 is not limited to this, and may also be located above the cabinet 11.

The refrigerator door 20 may include a panel assembly 210 including a panel made of glass so that items stored in the storage compartment 12 can be viewed from the outside.

The refrigerator door 20 may further include an inner bracket assembly 250 disposed to surround an edge of the panel assembly 210.

Additionally, the refrigerator door 20 covers a portion of the front of the panel assembly 210 and may further include an outer bracket assembly (see 280 in FIG. 9 ) that is coupled to the inner bracket assembly 250 .

In addition, the refrigerator door 20 may further include a connecting panel 290 coupled to the outer bracket assembly (see 280 in FIG. 9). The outer decor panel (not shown) may be coupled to the outside of the connecting panel 290.

Hereinafter, the structure of the refrigerator door 20 will be described in order of assembly process.

Figure 3 is a diagram explaining the assembly process of the door liner assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 3 (a), Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 3 (c), and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A of Figure 3 (c). am.

3 to 6, the refrigerator door 20 may further include a door liner assembly 230.

A gasket (see 295 in FIG. 12) may be coupled to the door liner assembly 230.

The gasket (see 295 in FIG. 12) is in close contact with the front of the cabinet 11 when the refrigerator door 20 closes the storage compartment 12 and prevents cold air from the storage compartment 12 from leaking to the outside. do.

The door liner assembly 230 can be completed by combining multiple door liners. For example, each door liner may be manufactured through an extrusion process.

For example, the door liner assembly 230 may be formed in a square frame shape including an opening 230a. At least a portion of the panel assembly 210 may be located in the opening 230a.

The door liner assembly 230 may include an upper door liner 231, a lower door liner 232, and a pair of side door liners 233 and 234. The pair of side door liners 233 and 234 may include a right door liner 233 and a left door liner 234.

The upper door liner 231 and the lower door liner 232 may extend in the horizontal direction, and the pair of side liners 233 and 234 may extend in the vertical direction.

The vertical length of the pair of side liners 233 and 234 may be longer than the horizontal length of the upper door liner 231 and the lower door liner 232.

Both sides of the upper door liner 231 may be connected to upper sides of the pair of side door liners 233 and 234, respectively.

Both sides of the lower door liner 232 may be connected to lower sides of the pair of side door liners 233 and 234, respectively.

Each of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 may include a contact surface 235 inclined at approximately 45 degrees.

Accordingly, the contact surfaces 235 of two adjacent door liners come into contact with each other, thereby completing the door liner assembly 230 in the shape of a square frame.

Each of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 may be connected by a liner connector 238.

For example, the liner connector 238 may be formed in a shape such as “┗”. A portion of the liner connector 238 may be in contact with one of two adjacent door liners, and the other portion may be in contact with the other of the two adjacent door liners.

Although not limiting, a portion of the liner connector 238 may be inserted into one of two adjacent door liners, and the other portion may be inserted into the other of the two adjacent door liners.

Each of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 may include a connector receiving portion 243b into which the liner connector 238 is inserted.

The liner connector 238 may be provided with a first fastening hole 238a for fastening the fastening member B1.

Additionally, each of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 may be provided with a second fastening hole 231a for fastening the fastening member B1.

When the liner connector 238 is inserted into the connector receiving portions 243b of two adjacent door liners, the first fastening hole 238a and the second fastening hole 231a are aligned. In this state, when the fastening member B1 is fastened to each fastening hole 238a and 231a, two adjacent door liners are connected by the liner connector 238.

In addition, each door lanier (231, 232, 233, 234) may further include a liner fastening hole (231b). A fastening member (not shown) (for example, a bolt) for coupling the door liner assembly 230 with the inner bracket assembly 250 and the outer bracket assembly 280 may be fastened to the liner fastening hole 231b. .

Each of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 may include a liner inner wall 241 and an outer liner wall 242 spaced apart from the liner inner wall 241.

The liner inner wall 241 may define the opening 230a.

The liner inner wall 241 may be located closer to the panel assembly 210 than the liner outer wall 242 wall.

In this embodiment, the rear direction is close to the storage compartment 12 based on the refrigerator door 20, and the front direction is opposite to the rear direction.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the “front-back” direction can be understood as the thickness direction of the refrigerator door 20.

The front-to-back length of the liner inner wall 241 may be longer than the front-to-back length of the liner outer wall 242.

Each of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 has a front end of the inner wall of the liner 241 (the upper side in FIG. 6) and a front end of the outer wall of the liner 242 (the upper side in FIG. 6). It may further include a first connecting wall 243 connecting the upper part to the upper part.

For example, the liner inner wall 241 and the liner outer wall 242 may be arranged side by side. The first connecting wall 243 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the liner inner wall 241 and the liner outer wall 242 to connect the liner inner wall 241 and the liner outer wall 242. .

The second fastening hole 231a and the liner fastening hole 231b may be formed in the first connection wall 243.

Each of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 has a second connecting wall connecting the liner inner wall 241 and the liner outer wall 242 at a position spaced apart from the first connecting wall 243. (243a) may be further included.

The second connection wall 243a may be arranged parallel to the first connection wall 243. The first connection wall 243 and the second connection wall 243a may form the connector receiving portion 243b.

That is, the liner connector 238 can be inserted between the first connection wall 243 and the second connection wall 243a.

The second fastening hole 231a and the liner fastening hole 231b may also be formed in the second connecting wall 243a.

Each of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 further includes a third connecting wall 244 connecting the rear end 241a of the inner wall 241 of the liner and a point of the outer wall 242. It can be included.

The length from the front end of the liner outer wall 242 to a point on the liner outer wall 242 is shorter than the front-to-back length of the liner inner wall 241.

Accordingly, at least a portion of the third connecting wall 244 connecting the rear end 241a of the inner wall 241 of the liner and a point of the outer wall 242 of the liner may be an inclined wall.

The third connection wall 244 may be provided with a gasket coupling portion 245 to which the gasket is coupled. At least a portion of the gasket engaging portion 245 may be located in a space between the inner wall 241 of the liner and the outer wall 242 of the liner.

A portion 242a of the liner outer wall 242 may form the gasket coupling portion 245.

A portion 242a of the outer wall 242 of the liner may be bent toward the inner wall 241 of the liner.

The liner outer wall 242 may further include an outer extension portion 246 extending in a direction away from the liner inner wall 241 . For example, the outer extension 246 may extend from an end of a portion 242a of the liner outer wall 242.

The outer extension portion 246 may be arranged parallel to the first connection wall 243.

Each of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 further includes an inner extension portion 247 extending from the rear end 241a of the inner wall 241 of the liner in a direction away from the outer wall 242 of the liner. It can be included.

The inner extension 247 may be bent one or more times. The inner extension 247 may include a first extension 247a extending from the rear end 241a of the liner inner wall 241 in a direction intersecting the liner inner wall 241.

For example, the first extension portion 247a may extend in a direction parallel to the first connecting wall 243 or in a direction perpendicular to the inner wall 241 of the liner.

Additionally, the inner extension 247 may further include an inclined extension 248 that is inclined from the first extension 247a.

Additionally, the inner extension 247 may further include a second extension 249 obliquely extending from an end of the inclined extension 248.

For example, the second extension portion 249 may extend parallel to the inner wall 241 of the liner.

Alternatively, the second extension 249 may extend from the end of the first extension 247a.

The door liner assembly 230 may further include a spacer 236 connecting the inner extensions 242 of two adjacent door liners. For example, the spacer 236 may be formed in a shape such as “┗”.

The spacer 236 may be connected to each of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 by, for example, an adhesive means 237. The adhesive means 237 may be, for example, double-sided tape.

A portion of the spacer 236 is disposed to face the first extension 247a of one of the two adjacent door liners, and the remaining portion of the spacer 236 is disposed to face the first extension portion 247a of the other door liner of the two adjacent door liners. It is arranged to face the first extension 247a.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing the assembly process of the inner bracket assembly and the liner-bracket assembly in which the inner bracket assembly and the door liner assembly are combined according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 7(a).

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the inner bracket assembly 250 can be completed by combining multiple inner brackets.

For example, the inner bracket assembly 250 may be formed in a square frame shape with an opening 250a. Also, at least a portion of the panel assembly 210 may be located in the opening 250a.

The inner bracket assembly 250 may include an upper inner bracket 251, a lower inner bracket 252, and a pair of side inner brackets 253 and 254. The pair of side inner brackets 253 and 254 may include a right inner bracket 253 and a left inner bracket 254.

The upper inner bracket 251 and the lower inner bracket 252 may extend in the horizontal direction, and the pair of side inner brackets 253 and 254 may extend in the vertical direction.

The vertical length of the pair of side inner brackets 253 and 254 may be longer than the horizontal length of the upper inner bracket 251 and the lower inner bracket 252.

Two adjacent inner brackets may be connected by the inner bracket connector 255.

For example, the inner bracket connector 255 may be formed in a shape such as “┗”.

A portion of the inner bracket connector 255 may contact one of the two adjacent inner brackets, and the other portion may contact the other one of the two adjacent inner brackets.

Also, the inner bracket connector 255 can be fastened to two inner brackets by a fastening member.

Each of the inner brackets 251, 252, 253, and 254 may include a bracket inner wall 251a and a bracket outer wall 251e spaced apart from the bracket inner wall 251a.

The bracket outer wall 251e may extend parallel to the bracket inner wall 251a.

The bracket inner wall 251a may be located closer to the panel assembly 210 than the bracket outer wall 251e.

The front-to-back length of the bracket inner wall 251a (in the left-right direction based on FIG. 8) may be longer than the front-to-back length of the bracket outer wall 251e.

Additionally, the front end portion of the bracket inner wall 251a and the front end portion of the bracket outer wall 251e may be extended by the connecting wall 251c.

The distance between the bracket inner wall 251a and the bracket outer wall 251e may be greater than the distance between the liner inner wall 241 and the liner outer wall 242.

A first inner bracket hole 251d may be formed in the connecting wall 251c. The first inner bracket hole 251d may be aligned with the liner fastening hole 231b of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234. That is, a fastening member to be fastened to the liner fastening hole (231b) may be fastened to the first inner bracket hole (251d).

A second inner bracket hole 251f may be formed in the bracket outer wall 251e. A fastening member for fastening to the outer bracket assembly 280 may be fastened to the second inner bracket hole 251f.

The inner brackets 251, 252, 253, and 254 have an inner bracket extension 251b (or first contact) extending from the rear end of the bracket inner wall 251a in a direction away from the bracket outer wall 251e. It can be said to be a part) may further be included.

For example, the inner bracket extension portion 251b may extend in a vertical direction from the bracket inner wall 251a.

The left and right lengths (vertical lengths in FIG. 8) of the bracket inner wall 251a may be longer than the left and right lengths of the connecting wall 251c.

When assembly of the inner bracket assembly 250 is completed, the intermediate member 260 may be attached to the inner bracket assembly 250. The intermediate member 260 may be made of polyethylene, for example, but is not limited thereto.

The intermediate member 260 not only improves thermal insulation performance but also prevents a gap between the inner bracket assembly 250 and the panel assembly 210.

For example, the intermediate member 260 may be attached to the inner wall 251a of the bracket using an adhesive means. The adhesive means may include adhesive or double-sided tape.

When assembly of the inner bracket assembly 250 is completed, the inner bracket assembly 250 may be temporarily combined with the door liner assembly 230 to complete the liner-bracket assembly 269.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the assembly process of the panel assembly, liner-bracket assembly, and outer bracket assembly, FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 9(a), and FIG. 11 is a view of FIG. 9(b). This is a cross-sectional view cut along D-D.

9 to 11, the panel assembly 210 may be placed in the opening 250a of the liner-bracket assembly 269.

The panel assembly 210 may include a plurality of panels spaced apart from each other.

As an example, the panel assembly 210 may include a front panel 211 and a plurality of insulation panels 212 and 213 located behind the front panel 211.

The plurality of insulation panels 212 and 213 include, for example, a first insulation panel 212 located on the rear of the front panel 211, and a second insulation panel located on the rear of the first insulation panel 212. It may include a panel 213.

The front panel 211 and each of the insulation panels 212 and 213 may be made of glass.

The annihilation panel 211 may form part of the front exterior of the refrigerator door 20.

The front panel 211 may be colored glass to limit the transmission of at least ultraviolet rays among the light outside the refrigerator 10.

For example, the front panel 211 may be made of dark gray colored glass.

Each of the insulation panels 212 and 213 may be made of low-ε glass with excellent heat insulation rate.

The front panel 211 and the first insulation panel 212 may be spaced apart by a first spacer 214. The first insulation panel 212 and the second insulation panel 213 may be spaced apart by a second spacer 215.

A first insulation space 218a is formed between the front panel 211 and the first insulation panel 212 by the front panel 211, the first insulation panel 212, and the first spacer 214. can be formed.

The first insulation space 218a may be filled with an inert gas such as argon gas for insulation.

A second insulation space is formed between the first insulation panel 212 and the second insulation panel 213 by the first insulation panel 212, the second insulation panel 213, and the second spacer 215. (218b) can be formed.

The second insulation space 218b may be filled with an inert gas such as argon gas for insulation.

A first sealant may be applied to a contact area between the first spacer 214 and the front panel 211 and a contact area between the first spacer 214 and the first insulation panel 212.

In addition, a first sealant is applied to the contact area between the second spacer 215 and the first insulation panel 212 and the contact area between the second spacer 215 and the second insulation panel 213. It can be.

The first sealant may be, for example, butyl sealant.

Each of the spacers 214 and 215 may include hollow spaces 214a and 215a therein. The hollow portions 214a and 215a of each spacer 214 and 215 may be filled with a moisture absorbent.

The moisture absorbent may absorb moisture contained in the gas filled in the insulating spaces 218a and 218b.

The first spacer 214 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the end of the front panel 211 and the end of the first insulation panel 212. Accordingly, the outside of the first spacer 214 between the front panel 211 and the first insulation panel 212 may be filled with the second sealant 216.

Additionally, the second spacer 215 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the end of the first insulation panel 212 and the end of the second insulation panel 213. Accordingly, the second sealant 216 may also be filled on the outside of the second spacer 215 between the first insulation panel 212 and the second insulation panel 213.

The second sealant 216 may be a material different from the first sealant, and may be, for example, a silicon sealant.

In addition, the front panel 211 and the plurality of insulation panels 212 and 213 may be coupled to each other by the first and second sealants 216.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 9, after the panel assembly 210 is assembled, the panel assembly 210 is positioned in the opening 250a of the liner-bracket assembly 269.

And, as shown in (b) of FIG. 9, after the outer bracket assembly 280 is assembled, the outer bracket assembly 280 may be coupled to the inner bracket assembly 250.

The outer bracket assembly 280 can be completed by combining multiple outer brackets.

For example, the outer bracket assembly 280 may be formed in a square frame shape with an opening 280a. At least a portion of the panel assembly 230 may be exposed to the outside through the opening 280a.

The outer bracket assembly 280 may include an upper outer bracket 281, a lower outer bracket 282, and a pair of side outer brackets 283 and 284. The pair of side outer brackets 283 and 284 may include a right outer bracket 283 and a left outer bracket 284.

The upper outer bracket 281 and the lower outer bracket 282 may extend in the horizontal direction, and the pair of side outer brackets 283 and 284 may extend in the vertical direction.

The vertical length of the pair of side outer brackets 283 and 284 may be longer than the horizontal length of the upper outer bracket 281 and the lower outer bracket 282.

Two adjacent outer brackets can be connected by the outer bracket connector 286.

For example, the outer bracket connector 286 may be formed in a shape such as “┗”.

A portion of the outer bracket connector 286 may contact one of the two adjacent outer brackets, and the other portion may contact the other one of the two adjacent outer brackets.

Also, the outer bracket connector 286 can be fastened to two outer brackets by a fastening member.

Each of the outer brackets 281, 282, 283, and 284 may include a bracket front wall 281a and a bracket side wall 281b that is bent and extended from an end of the bracket front wall 281a.

The bracket front wall 281a may be parallel to the connection wall 251c of the inner brackets 251, 252, 253, and 254.

The bracket side wall 281b may extend vertically from the bracket front wall 281a. The bracket side wall 281b may be parallel to the bracket outer wall 251e of the inner brackets 251, 252, 253, and 254.

Each of the outer brackets 281, 282, 283, and 284 may further include a bracket rear wall 281e bent at an end of the bracket side wall 281b.

The bracket rear wall 281e may be bent at an end of the bracket side wall 281b in the direction in which the bracket front wall 281a extends. The bracket rear wall 281e may be parallel to the bracket front wall 281a.

Based on FIG. 11, the length of the bracket rear wall 281e may be shorter than the length of the bracket front wall 281a.

A first outer bracket hole 281c aligned with the first inner bracket hole 251d may be formed in the bracket front wall 281a.

A second outer bracket hole 281d aligned with the second inner bracket hole 251f may be formed in the bracket side wall 281b.

By fastening the fastening member to the first outer bracket hole 281c, the first inner bracket hole 251d, and the liner fastening hole 231b, the outer brackets 281, 282, 283, 284, and the inner bracket 251 , 252, 253, 254) and door liners 231, 232, 233, 234 can be fastened.

As an example, the bracket front wall 281a of the outer brackets 281, 282, 283, 284, the connecting wall 251c of the inner brackets 251, 252, 253, 254, and the door liners 231, 232, 233, 234) can be concluded.

In addition, by fastening the fastening member to the second outer bracket hole 281d and the second inner bracket hole 251f, the outer brackets 281, 282, 283, 284 and the inner brackets 251, 252, 253, 254) can be concluded.

For example, the bracket side wall 281b of the outer brackets 281, 282, 283, and 284 may be fastened to the bracket outer wall 251e of the inner brackets 251, 252, 253, and 254.

At this time, with the sealing member 285 in contact with the front panel 211 of the panel assembly 210, the outer brackets 281, 282, 283, 284 and the inner brackets 281, 282, 283, 284 This can be concluded. The location of the sealing member 285 will be described later with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, the state in which the inner bracket assembly 250 and the outer bracket assembly 280 are fastened may be referred to as the primary door assembly 269a.

Figure 12 is a diagram showing how the connecting panel and gasket are assembled.

Referring to FIG. 12, when the primary door assembly 269a is completed, the connecting panel 290 may be coupled along the perimeter of the outer bracket assembly 280.

The connecting panel 290 may include an upper panel 291, a lower panel 292, and a pair of side panels 293 and 294.

Also, at least a portion of the connecting panel 290 may be covered by a panel cover 296. Also, the gasket 295 may be coupled to the door liner assembly 230.

Additionally, after the connecting panel 290 is completed, the sensor assembly 298 may be coupled to one side of the refrigerator door 20. The sensor assembly 298 may be used, for example, to detect the opening of a refrigerator door.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E of Figure 2.

Referring to FIG. 13, the inner bracket assembly 250 may be in contact with the rear of the panel assembly 210. Additionally, the door liner assembly 230 may also contact the rear of the panel assembly 210.

As an example, the inner bracket assembly 250 may be in contact with an insulation panel located on the outermost side among a plurality of insulation panels.

In this embodiment, the rear of the panel assembly 210 is, for example, a side of the second insulation panel 213 facing the storage compartment 12. The front of the panel assembly 230 is the front of the front panel 210.

The panel assembly 210 is located between the inner bracket extension portion 251b of the inner brackets 251, 252, 253, and 254 and the bracket front wall 281a of the outer brackets 281, 282, 283, and 284. can be located

Additionally, the peripheral portion 210b of the panel assembly 210 may be in contact with the intermediate member 260 attached to the bracket inner wall 251a of the inner brackets 251, 252, 253, and 254. For example, each of the plurality of panels 211, 212, and 213 may be in contact with the intermediate member 260.

The inner bracket extension 251b may be arranged to overlap the panel assembly 210 in the front-to-back direction.

The inner bracket extension 251b may contact the panel assembly 210. For example, the inner bracket extension 251b may contact the second insulation panel 213.

Additionally, the bracket front wall 281a may be arranged to overlap the panel assembly 210 in the front-to-back direction.

For example, the bracket front wall 281a may be arranged to overlap the front panel 211.

The overlap length between the bracket front wall 281a and the front panel 211 is longer than the overlap length between the inner bracket extension portion 251b and the second insulation panel 213.

In this embodiment, the distance between the bracket front wall 281a and the inner bracket extension 251b is longer than the thickness T of the panel assembly 210.

Accordingly, while the inner bracket extension 251b is in contact with the second insulation panel 213, the bracket front wall 281a is spaced apart from the front panel 211.

The gap between the bracket front wall 281a and the front panel 211 can be eliminated by the sealing member 285. The sealing member 285 may be formed of, for example, a rubber material.

The thickness of the sealing member 285 is greater than the gap between the bracket front wall 281a and the front panel 211.

Accordingly, the sealing member 285 is pressed between the bracket front wall 281a and the front panel 211 and comes into contact with the bracket front wall 281a and the front panel 211.

The sealing member 285 includes a first part 285a disposed between the bracket front wall 281a and the front panel 211, and a second part 285b bent at the first part 285a. may include.

The second part 285b protrudes out of the refrigerator door 20 through the opening 280a of the outer brackets 281, 282, 283, and 284. The second portion 285b may be in contact with the outer decor panel (not shown) when the outer decor panel (not shown) is coupled.

A portion of the door liner assembly 230 may be inserted between the bracket inner wall 251a and the bracket outer wall 251e.

The liner inner wall 241 may be disposed to face the bracket inner wall 251a, and the liner outer wall 242 may be disposed to face the bracket outer wall 251e.

Additionally, the first connecting wall 243 of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 may be arranged to face the connecting wall 251c of the inner brackets 251, 252, 253, and 254.

The liner inner wall 241 may be spaced apart from the bracket inner wall 251a. The liner outer wall 242 may be spaced apart from the bracket outer wall 251e. The first connecting wall 243 of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 may be spaced apart from the connecting wall 251c of the inner brackets 251, 252, 253, and 254.

Accordingly, an insulating space S1 may be formed between the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 and the inner brackets 251, 252, 253, and 254.

The inner extension portion 247 of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 may be spaced apart from the inner bracket extension portion 251b.

The inner bracket extension 251b may be located between the inner extension 247 and the panel assembly 230.

The inner extension portion 247 may cover the inner bracket extension portion 251b from the rear side.

For example, the inner bracket extension 251b may be located between the inner extension 247 and the second insulation panel 213.

The inner extension 247 (or a second contact portion) may be in contact with the rear surface of the panel assembly 210.

For example, the second extension part 249 (or the end of the second contact part) of the inner extension part 247 may be in contact with the rear surface of the panel assembly 210.

The second extension 249 may be in contact with the second insulation panel 213.

In a state in which the second extension portion 249 is in contact with the second insulation panel 213, the second extension portion 249 is the inner bracket extension portion 251b in contact with the second insulation panel 213. is separated from

That is, a gap G exists between the second extension part 249 and the inner bracket extension part 251b.

The distance from the end of the second insulation panel 213 to the second extension 249 is longer than the distance from the end of the second insulation panel 213 to the end of the inner bracket extension 251b.

The door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 may be made of metal or plastic. The inner brackets 251, 251, 252, and 253 and the outer brackets 251, 251, 252, and 253 may be made of metal.

The door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 are in direct contact with cold air. Since the inner brackets 251, 251, 252, and 253 are in contact with the outer brackets 251, 251, 252, and 253, they are affected by the temperature of the air outside the refrigerator 10.

In the case of this embodiment, the second extension portion 249 of the door liner (231, 232, 233, 234) and the inner bracket extension portion (251b) are spaced apart, thereby preventing direct heat conduction between them, thereby improving insulation performance. There are advantages to this.

In addition, since the inner extension part 247 and the inner bracket extension part 251b are spaced apart, an insulating space S1 is formed between the inner extension part 247 and the inner bracket extension part 251b, thereby insulating the inner bracket. Heat transfer between the second extension 249 and the inner bracket extension 251b can be minimized by the air inside the space S1.

The bracket front wall 281a may contact the connecting wall 251c of the inner bracket.

On the other hand, at least a portion of the bracket side wall 281b may be spaced apart from the bracket outer wall 251a.

The bracket outer wall 251e and the outer extension portion 246 of the door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 may be spaced apart. At least a portion of the outer extension 246 may be disposed to face the bracket outer wall 251e.

Additionally, the bracket rear wall 281e may be inserted into the space between the outer extension portion 246 and the bracket outer wall 251e. And, to form the insulating space S1, the bracket rear wall 281e may contact the outer extension portion 246.

The door liners 231, 232, 233, and 234 may additionally form an insulating space S2. The insulating space S2 may be defined by the liner inner wall 241, the liner outer wall 242, the second connection wall 243a, and the third connection wall 244.

According to this embodiment, the panel assembly can be fixed to the bracket assemblies by combining the inner bracket assembly and the outer bracket assembly without the need for an insulating material formed by foaming liquid.

Therefore, there is an advantage that equipment for filling the foaming liquid is not necessary and waiting time for the foaming liquid to pass is unnecessary.

In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the inner bracket extension contacts the rear of the panel assembly, and a sealing member is provided between the outer wall of the bracket and the front of the panel assembly, so that cooking occurs during the assembly process of the inner bracket assembly and the outer bracket assembly. Gaps due to tolerances can be prevented.

Additionally, since the inner extension of the door liner covers the inner bracket extension, the inner bracket extension can be prevented from being exposed to the outside. Since the inner extension part of the door liner covers the inner bracket extension part and the inner extension part is spaced apart from the inner bracket extension part, direct heat conduction between the door liner and the inner bracket extension part is prevented, thereby improving insulation performance.

Additionally, since the door liner includes an insulating space and an insulating space is also formed between the door liner and the inner bracket, there is an advantage that the insulating performance of the refrigerator door can be improved.

10: Refrigerator 11: Cabinet
20: refrigerator door 210: panel assembly
230: Door liner assembly 250: Inner bracket assembly
280: Outer bracket assembly

Claims (18)

delete A panel assembly including a plurality of spaced apart panels;
an inner bracket assembly that contacts the rear of the panel assembly and is arranged to surround the periphery of the panel assembly;
an outer bracket assembly that covers a portion of the front of the panel assembly and is fastened to the inner bracket assembly; and
A door liner assembly coupled to the bracket assemblies, coupled with a gasket, and in contact with the rear of the panel assembly,
The panel assembly includes a front panel and a plurality of insulating panels spaced apart from the front panel,
A refrigerator door in which each of the inner bracket assembly and the door liner assembly contacts an insulating panel disposed on an outermost side among the plurality of insulating panels. According to claim 2,
The inner bracket assembly includes a first contact portion in contact with the insulation panel disposed on the outermost side,
The door liner assembly is disposed on the outside of the first contact portion to surround the first contact portion and includes a second contact portion in contact with the insulation panel disposed on the outermost side,
A refrigerator door wherein an end of the second contact portion is spaced apart from the first contact portion. According to claim 3,
A refrigerator door that is longer than the distance from the end of the outermost insulation panel to the end of the first contact part and longer than the distance from the end of the second contact part to the end of the second contact part. A panel assembly including a plurality of spaced apart panels;
an inner bracket assembly that contacts the rear of the panel assembly and is arranged to surround the periphery of the panel assembly;
an outer bracket assembly that covers a portion of the front of the panel assembly and is fastened to the inner bracket assembly; and
A door liner assembly coupled to the bracket assemblies, coupled with a gasket, and in contact with the rear of the panel assembly,
The inner bracket assembly is a refrigerator door formed by assembling a plurality of inner brackets. According to claim 5,
The inner bracket assembly further includes a liner connector for connecting two adjacent inner brackets,
The end of each inner bracket includes a contact portion inclined at 45 degrees,
A refrigerator door in which the liner connector is fastened to the two inner brackets while the contact portions of the two adjacent inner brackets are in contact. According to claim 6,
A refrigerator door wherein each inner bracket includes a connector accommodating portion for accommodating the liner connector. According to claim 7,
The door liner assembly is formed in the shape of a square frame with an opening,
a liner inner wall defining the opening;
a liner outer wall spaced apart from the liner inner wall;
a first connecting wall connecting the liner inner wall and the liner outer wall;
A second connecting wall connecting the inner wall of the liner and the outer wall of the liner at a position spaced apart from the first connecting wall,
A refrigerator door wherein the first connection wall and the second connection wall define the connector receiving portion. A panel assembly including a plurality of spaced apart panels;
an inner bracket assembly that contacts the rear of the panel assembly and is arranged to surround the periphery of the panel assembly;
an outer bracket assembly that covers a portion of the front of the panel assembly and is fastened to the inner bracket assembly; and
A door liner assembly coupled to the bracket assemblies, coupled with a gasket, and in contact with the rear of the panel assembly,
The inner bracket assembly is formed in the shape of a square frame with an opening,
a bracket inner wall defining the opening;
an inner bracket extension extending from the inner wall of the bracket and contacting the rear of the panel assembly;
A refrigerator door wherein an intermediate member is provided between the inner wall of the bracket and the panel assembly. A panel assembly including a plurality of spaced apart panels;
an inner bracket assembly that contacts the rear of the panel assembly and is disposed to surround the periphery of the panel assembly;
an outer bracket assembly that covers a portion of the front of the panel assembly and is fastened to the inner bracket assembly; and
A door liner assembly coupled to the bracket assemblies, coupled with a gasket, and in contact with the rear of the panel assembly,
The inner bracket assembly includes an inner wall of the bracket,
An outer wall of the bracket spaced apart from the inner wall of the bracket,
It includes a connecting wall connecting the outer wall of the bracket and the inner wall of the bracket,
A refrigerator door in which a portion of the door liner assembly is located between the outer wall of the bracket and the inner wall of the bracket. According to claim 10,
The door liner assembly includes a liner inner wall disposed to face the bracket inner wall,
a liner outer wall disposed to face the bracket outer wall;
A refrigerator door comprising a connecting wall that connects the inner wall of the liner and the outer wall of the liner and is disposed to face the outer wall of the bracket. According to claim 11,
The liner inner wall and the bracket inner wall are spaced apart,
The liner outer wall and the bracket outer wall are spaced apart,
A refrigerator door in which the connecting wall of the door liner assembly and the connecting wall of the inner bracket assembly are spaced apart. According to claim 11,
A refrigerator door wherein a plurality of connecting walls connect the liner inner wall and the liner outer wall, and the plurality of connecting walls, the liner inner wall, and the liner outer wall form an insulating space. According to claim 13,
A refrigerator door wherein one of the plurality of connection walls includes a gasket coupling portion for coupling the gasket. According to claim 10,
The outer bracket assembly includes a bracket front wall that contacts the connecting wall and covers a portion of the front of the panel assembly;
It includes a bracket side wall bent from the bracket front wall and disposed to face the bracket inner wall,
A refrigerator door including a sealing member between the front of the panel assembly and the front wall of the bracket. According to claim 15,
A refrigerator door in which the connecting wall and the front wall of the bracket are coupled by a fastening member. A panel assembly including a plurality of spaced apart panels;
an inner bracket assembly that contacts the rear of the panel assembly and is arranged to surround the periphery of the panel assembly;
an outer bracket assembly that covers a portion of the front of the panel assembly and is fastened to the inner bracket assembly; and
A door liner assembly coupled to the bracket assemblies, coupled with a gasket, and in contact with the rear of the panel assembly,
A refrigerator door in which the outer bracket assembly, inner bracket assembly, and door liner assembly are fastened together by a single fastening member. cabinets with storage compartments; and
It includes a refrigerator door rotatably connected to the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment,
The refrigerator door includes a panel assembly including a plurality of panels made of glass;
an inner bracket assembly that contacts a last panel among the plurality of panels and is arranged to surround the periphery of the panel assembly;
an outer bracket assembly that covers a portion of a frontmost panel among the plurality of panels and is fastened to the inner bracket assembly; and
A refrigerator including a door liner assembly coupled to the bracket assemblies, coupled with a gasket, and in contact with a rear side of the panel assembly.

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