KR20150082062A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a display unit which displays an operation condition of the refrigerator. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator comprises a body; a storage room formed in the body; a door including a front plate of a steel material where penetration holes forming a certain shape at the front are formed, and opening and closing the storage room; a display unit including a display member in which a display part facing the penetration holes is formed by having a shape corresponding to the penetration holes inside the door; and an input member separated from the display unit and receiving an operation order of the refrigerator.

Description

Refrigerator {REFRIGERATOR}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator including a display unit for displaying an operating state of a refrigerator.

Generally, a refrigerator is a household appliance having a storage room for storing food and a cold supply device for supplying cold air to the storage room to store food freshly. The storage room is opened and closed by a door, and a door is provided with a display unit for displaying operation information of the refrigerator or receiving an operation command of the refrigerator.

In order to improve the appearance of the refrigerator, there is a refrigerator in which the display unit is hidden inside the door. The front plate of the door is provided so that information displayed on the display unit can be transmitted to the outside. At this time, the structure provided to display information displayed on the display unit from the outside differs depending on the material of the door.

One aspect of the present invention discloses a refrigerator in which an input member and a display member are separated from a door of a refrigerator in which a front plate is made of a metal material and a display unit is hidden therein.

One aspect of the present invention discloses a refrigerator including a lever unit capable of controlling whether or not carbonated water is taken out from a refrigerator having a dispenser.

One aspect of the invention discloses a refrigerator including a door that facilitates engagement of each component of the door.

One aspect of the present invention discloses a refrigerator including a door capable of rotating a guard assembly installed inside a door.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body, a storage chamber formed inside the main body, and a front plate made of steel and having through holes formed in a predetermined shape on the front surface thereof, And a display unit having a door, a display unit having a shape corresponding to the through holes at the inside of the door and facing the through holes, and a display unit provided separately from the display unit, As shown in FIG.

The display unit may further include a display cover provided on a rear surface of the front plate, the display cover providing a space for accommodating the display member in the rear of the through hole.

The door may further include an upper cap forming an upper surface of the door, and the upper cap may be formed with an access hole into and from which the display member is inserted into and unloaded from the accommodation space.

The display cover may be provided with a front opening so that light generated from the display member is emitted to the through holes.

The display unit may further include a front cover positioned between the display member and a rear surface of the front plate, and the front cover may be provided with connection holes at positions corresponding to the through holes.

The front cover may be provided with a cover guide portion on both sides thereof, and the cover guide portion may guide the display member to closely contact the front cover as it goes downward.

The front plate may be formed in a convexly rounded shape, and the front cover may have a shape corresponding to the front plate.

The display unit may be provided with the input member on a door separate from the door provided with the display unit.

The refrigerator further comprises a controller for controlling the refrigerator according to the operation command transmitted from the input member and a connection member for transmitting an electrical signal to the controller in response to the operation command generated in the input member, May be connected to the controller located outside the door through a hinge coupled to the door where the input member is located.

The predetermined shape of the through holes may include at least one of a figure, a letter, a number, and a symbol.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator including a main body, a storage chamber formed inside the main body, a door provided with through holes for opening and closing the storage chamber and forming a predetermined shape on the front surface, A display unit including a display member for displaying information of a refrigerator and an input member for receiving an operation command of the refrigerator, the display unit being located at the rear of the holes, the display unit including: And a display cover provided on the inner side of the display cover.

The display cover may be provided such that the accommodation space is located behind the through holes and the front surface is opened.

The door includes a front plate formed of a steel material, a front plate forming a front surface and a side surface of the door, a through hole formed in a front surface thereof, a rear plate coupled to a rear of the front plate and forming a rear surface of the door, An upper cap coupled to an upper portion of the plate, and a lower cap coupled to a lower portion of the front plate.

The front plate may be provided in a forwardly rounded shape.

The display unit may further include a front cover positioned between the front plate and the display unit, and the front cover may be provided with connection holes at positions corresponding to the through holes.

The front cover may have a shape corresponding to the front plate.

The front cover may be provided with a cover guide portion on both sides thereof, and the cover guide portion may guide the display member to closely contact the front cover as it goes downward.

The predetermined shape of the through holes may include at least one of a figure, a letter, a number, and a symbol.

The refrigerator further comprises a controller for controlling the refrigerator according to the operation command transmitted from the input member and a connection member for transmitting an electrical signal to the controller in response to the operation command generated in the input member, May be connected to the controller located outside the door through a hinge coupled to the door where the input member is located.

According to the idea of the present invention, the front plate of the refrigerator is formed of a metal material, the display unit is hidden inside the door, and the information displayed on the display unit can be seen through the through holes formed in the front plate. Therefore, the feel of the refrigerator can be improved and the deterioration of the touch sensitivity of the input member can be prevented by separating the input member and the display member.

According to the idea of the present invention, a user can more conveniently select water, ice, and carbonated water by using a lever unit in a refrigerator having a dispenser.

According to the idea of the present invention, the joining of the respective components of the door is facilitated, thereby increasing the efficiency of the assembly process and improving the reliability of the product

According to the idea of the present invention, the space in the storage room can be efficiently utilized by including the guard assembly rotatable inside the door.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 with the upper storage compartment opened;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the lever unit of FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 4 is a side view showing the operation of the first lever of FIG. 3; FIG.
5 is a side view showing the operation of the second lever of Fig.
FIG. 6 is a side view showing the operation of the third lever of FIG. 3; FIG.
7 is a perspective view showing a device for generating carbonated water in the refrigerator of FIG.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a process in which the refrigerator of FIG. 1 generates water, ice, and carbonated water and supplies the generated water, ice, and carbonated water to the dispenser.
9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a door and a display unit of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a perspective view showing the front cover of Fig.
11 is a perspective view showing the display member of Fig.
12 is a sectional view of the door of Fig.
Fig. 13 is an exploded view of the display member of the refrigerator of Fig. 9. Fig.
FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the peripheries of the through holes of the front plate of the refrigerator of FIG. 9; FIG.
Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of the peripheries of the through holes of the front plate in a state in which the display member of the refrigerator of Fig. 9 is turned off. Fig.
16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig.
Fig. 17 is a view showing an input member provided in the refrigerator of Fig. 9; Fig.
18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the door of the refrigerator of Fig.
FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a coupling member coupling hole in the front plate of the door of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the connecting member of FIG. 18; FIG.
FIG. 21 is a view showing a coupling member coupling portion of the upper cap and the upper cap of FIG. 18;
FIG. 22 is a view showing a process of joining the front plate and the connecting member of FIG. 18;
FIG. 23 is a view showing a process of coupling the upper cap and the connecting member of FIG. 18;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a tilt guard assembly installed on the rear surface of the door of FIG. 2. FIG.
25 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the tilt guard assembly of FIG.
26 is a bottom view showing the tilt unit of the bottom surface of the door guard assembly of Fig.
27 is a sectional view showing the rotation adjusting member of the tilt unit of Fig.
FIGS. 28 to 30 are views showing the operation in which the tilt guard assembly of FIG. 24 is rotated by the tilt unit.
31 is an exploded perspective view of a tilting guard assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
32 is an exploded perspective view of the tilting guard assembly of Fig. 31 viewed from the bottom;
33 and 34 are views showing the operation in which the tilt guard assembly of FIG. 31 is rotated by the tilt unit.
35 is a perspective view showing the rotary guard assembly of the refrigerator of FIG. 2;
Figure 36 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary guard assembly of Figure 35;
37 is a view showing a rotating operation of the rotary guard assembly of FIG.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upper storage compartment of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 opened.

1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 10, storage rooms 20 and 30 formed in the main body 10, storage rooms 20 and 30, (Not shown) for supplying cold air to the outdoor unit.

The main body 10 includes an inner surface defining the storage rooms 20 and 30, an outer surface coupled with the outer surface of the inner surface to form an outer appearance of the refrigerator, and a heat insulating material disposed between the inner and outer surfaces to insulate the storage rooms 20 and 30 .

The storage rooms 20 and 30 can be partitioned into an upper refrigerator compartment 20 and a lower refrigerator compartment 30 by an intermediate partition 11. The refrigerator compartment 20 can be kept at a temperature of about 3 ° C to refrigerate the food and the freezer compartment 30 can be kept at a temperature of about minus 18.5 ° C to freeze and store the food. The refrigerator compartment 20 may be provided with a shelf 23 on which food can be placed and at least one storage box 27 for enclosing the food.

An ice making chamber 81 capable of generating ice can be formed in the upper corner of the refrigerating chamber 20 so as to be partitioned from the refrigerating chamber 20 by the ice making chamber case 82. The ice making chamber 81 may be provided with an ice making device 80 such as an ice tray for generating ice and an ice bucket for storing ice produced by the ice making tray.

Meanwhile, the refrigerating chamber 20 may be provided with a water tank 70 capable of storing water. The water tank 70 may be provided between the plurality of storage boxes 27 as shown in FIG. 2. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the water in the water tank 70 may be cooled by the cold air inside the refrigerating chamber 20 It may be provided only inside the refrigerating chamber 20 so as to be cooled.

The water tank 70 may be connected to an external water source 40 (Fig. 8) such as water, and may store purified water constants through the water filter 50 (Fig. 8). The water supply pipe connecting the external water supply source 40 and the water tank 70 may be provided with a flow path switching valve 60 and water may be supplied to the ice making device 80 through the flow path switching valve 50 .

The refrigerator compartment 20 and the freezer compartment 30 each have a front surface opened to allow food to be delivered and received. The opened front face of the refrigerating chamber 20 can be opened and closed by a pair of rotary doors 21 and 22 hinged to the main body 10. The opened front face of the freezing chamber 30 can be opened and closed by a pair of rotary doors 31 and 32 hinged to the main body 10. [ On the rear surface of the refrigerating chamber doors 21 and 22, a door guard 24 capable of storing food can be provided.

On the other hand, when the refrigerating compartment doors 21 and 22 are closed at the rear edge of the refrigerating compartment doors 21 and 22, the refrigerating compartment 20 is closed by closing the spaces between the refrigerating compartment doors 21 and 22 and the main body 10 A gasket (not shown) may be provided. When any one of the refrigerating compartment doors 21 and 22 is closed in the refrigerating compartment door 21 of any of the refrigerating compartment doors 21 and 22 to seal the space between the refrigerating compartment door 21 and the refrigerating compartment door 22, A rotating bar (not shown) for interrupting the cool air of the refrigerator can be provided.

The dispenser 100 may be provided on any one of the refrigerating chamber doors 21 of the refrigerating chamber doors 21 and 22 so as to take out water or ice from the outside without opening the refrigerating chamber door 21.

The dispenser 100 displays various kinds of information of the water intake space 101 capable of inserting a container such as a cup to receive water or ice, an input button for operating various settings of the dispenser 100, and the dispenser 100 A control panel 102 provided with a display and a lever unit 110 capable of operating the dispenser 100 to selectively discharge water, ice, and carbonated water.

The dispenser 100 may include an ice chute 103 that connects the ice making device 80 and the water intake space 101 so that the ice produced in the ice making device 80 is discharged into the water intake space 101.

The water intake space (101) is located on the outer surface of the refrigerator compartment door (21). The ice chute 103 is provided in a recessed groove shape in the inward direction in the refrigerating compartment door 21.

The ice chute 103 is located above the water intake space 101. The ice chute 103 connects the water tank 70, the ice making device 80 and the carbonated water generating device 140 located in the refrigerating chamber 20 to the water intake space 101, respectively. Therefore, the ice chute 103 can be provided as a passage through which water, ice, and carbonated water move from the interior of the refrigerating chamber 20 to the water intake space 101.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the lever unit of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a side view showing the operation of the first lever of FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a side view showing the operation of the second lever of FIG. 6 is a side view showing the operation of the third lever of Fig.

3 to 6, a lever unit 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lever unit body 111, an ice discharge unit 112, a first lever 113, a second lever 114 ), And a third lever 115.

The lever unit body 111 is coupled to the upper surface of the dispenser 100. The lever unit body 111 may be provided with one side of the first lever 113, the second lever 114, and the third lever 115, respectively. The lever unit body 111 may include a control panel 102 having a display on the front surface thereof. The control panel 102 provided with the display may display the information of the refrigerator including the state of the dispenser 100. Alternatively, the control panel 102 provided with the display may be provided at a position other than the lever unit body 111.

The lever unit body portion 111 includes an ice discharge portion 112. The ice discharger 112 may be provided in a central region of the lever unit body 111. The ice discharge portion 112 can serve as a passage through which water, carbonated water, and ice move from the inside of the refrigerating chamber 20 to the water intake space 101.

The first lever 113 can be located in the water intake space 101. One side of the first lever 113 may be fixed to the lever unit body 101. The first lever 113 may be located on the rear side of the ice discharge portion 112 with its fixed upper side. The first lever 113 may be provided extending downward from the fixed upper side.

The first lever 113 can be provided to be rotatable about a fixed upper end. The first lever 113 can be provided to be rotatable from the first position D11 to the second position D12. The first position D11 may be located in front of the second position D12. The first lever 113 may include a restoring member (not shown). The restoring member (not shown) may move the first lever 113 positioned between the first position D11 and the second position D12 to the first position D11. Therefore, even when the user moves the first lever 113 from the first position D11, the first lever 113 can return to the first position D11. The restoring member (not shown) may include an elastic member.

According to an example, the first lever 113 may be electrically connected to the controller 150 (FIG. 8). The first lever 113 can transmit an electrical signal to the controller 150 (Fig. 8) whenever the first lever 113 is moved to the first position D11 or the second position D12. The control unit 150 (FIG. 8) may control the refrigerator 1 to perform a predetermined operation according to the change of the position of the first lever 113.

The second lever 114 may be located in the water intake space 101. One side of the second lever 114 may be fixed to the lever unit body 111. The second lever 114 may be located on the rear side of the ice discharge portion 112 with its fixed upper side. The second lever 114 may be positioned between the first lever 113 and the ice discharge portion 112 with the first lever 113 fixed on the upper side. The second lever 114 may be provided extending downward from the fixed upper side. The lower end of the second lever 114 may be provided at a position higher than the lower end of the first lever 113. The second lever 114 may be provided such that the length from the upper end to the lower end is shorter than that of the first lever 113.

The second lever 114 can be provided to be rotatable about a fixed upper end. The second lever 114 may be provided to be rotatable from the third position D21 to the fourth position D22. The third position D21 may be located in front of the fourth position D22. The second lever 114 may include a restoring member (not shown). The restoring member (not shown) may move the second lever 114 positioned between the third position D21 and the fourth position D22 to the third position D21. Therefore, even when the user moves the second lever 114 from the third position D21, the second lever 114 can return to the third position D21. The restoring member (not shown) may include an elastic member.

According to an example, the second lever 114 may be electrically connected to the controller 150 (FIG. 8). The second lever 114 may transmit an electrical signal to the controller 150 (Fig. 8) whenever it is moved to the third position D21 or the fourth position D22. The control unit 150 (FIG. 8) may control the refrigerator 1 to perform a predetermined operation according to the change of the position of the second lever 114.

The third lever 115 can be located in the water intake space 101. The third lever 115 may be provided in a U-shape. Both ends of the third lever 115 can be fixedly installed at the same height. Both ends of the third lever 115 can be fixed to the lever unit body 111.

The third lever 115 may be provided so as to be rotatable about its fixed both ends. The third lever 115 may be provided to be rotatable from the fifth position D31 to the sixth position D32. The fifth position D31 may be provided at a position higher than the sixth position D32. The third lever 115 is stationary only at the fifth position D31 and the sixth position D32. And the third lever 115 is automatically moved to the sixth position D32 when it deviates from the fifth position D31. Further, when the third lever 115 is moved away from the sixth position D32, the third lever 115 is automatically moved to the fifth position D31.

According to an example, the third lever 115 may be electrically connected to the controller 150 (FIG. 8). The third lever 115 may transmit an electrical signal to the controller 150 (Fig. 8) whenever it is moved to the fifth position D31 or the sixth position D32. The controller 150 (FIG. 8) may control the refrigerator 1 to perform a preset operation according to the change of the position of the third lever 115.

A carbonated water generating device 140 for generating carbonated water may be mounted on the rear surface of the refrigerator door 21 provided with the dispenser 100 of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The carbonated water generating device 140 can generate carbonated water from the inside of the refrigerator 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus for generating carbonated water of the refrigerator of FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a process of generating the water, ice, and carbonated water of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 and supplying it to the dispenser.

Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, water is supplied from an external water source 40. The water can be moved from the external water source 40 to the water filter 50 and purified. The purified water is transferred from the water filter (50) to the flow path switching valve (60). The flow path switching valve 60 can selectively move the purified water to the ice maker 80 and the water tank 70. The ice is generated from the water that has been moved into the ice making chamber 81.

The water moved to the water tank 70 is transferred to the valve assembly 145 through the purified water supply passage 70a. The purified water can be moved from the valve assembly 145 to the carbonated water tank 141 via the purified water supply valve 145a or to the water intake area 101 of the dispenser 100 through the purified water discharge valve 145b . The water transferred to the carbonated water tank 141 can be combined with carbon dioxide moved to the carbonated water tank 141 through a separate flow path to generate carbonated water.

The carbon dioxide is provided inside the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 142. According to one example, the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 142 may be provided to be exchangeable. When the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 142 exhausts all of the carbon dioxide therein, it can be replaced with another carbon dioxide gas cylinder 142 to supply carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide is transferred from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 142 to the carbonated water tank 141 through the carbon dioxide supply passage 142a. A carbon dioxide supply valve 142b may be provided in the carbon dioxide supply passage 142a. The carbon dioxide supply valve 142b can regulate the amount of carbon dioxide passing through the carbon dioxide supply passage 142a. The carbon dioxide is supplied into the water stored in the carbonated water tank 141 through the carbon dioxide supply passage 142a. Through this process, carbonated water can be generated.

The generated carbonated water is transferred to the valve assembly 145 through the carbonated water discharge passage 141a. In the valve assembly 145, the carbonated water discharge valve 145c controls the carbonated water supplied to the dispenser 100. [

According to an example, the controller 150 may be electrically connected to the lever unit 110, the valve assembly 145, and the ice maker 80. The lever unit 110 can transmit the operation signals of the first lever 113, the second lever 114, and the third lever 115 to the controller. The control unit can control whether the valve assembly 145 and the ice maker 80 operate by using signals received from the lever unit 110.

The control unit 150 controls the valve assembly 145 to regulate the purified water discharge valve 145b and the carbonated water discharge valve 145c to selectively supply one of the carbonated water, purified water, and ice to the water intake space 101 .

According to one example, the third lever 115 can control whether the carbonated water is discharged or not. When the third lever 115 is in the fifth position D31, the control unit 150 may block the carbonated water discharge valve 145c. At this time, when the first lever 113 moves to the second position D12, the control unit 150 can control the water to be moved to the water intake space 101. In addition, when the second lever 114 moves to the fourth position D22, the controller 150 can control the ice to move to the water intake space 101.

Further, when the third lever 115 is in the sixth position D32, the controller 150 may open the carbonated water discharge valve 145c. At this time, when the first lever 113 moves to the second position D12 or the second lever 114 moves to the fourth position D22, the controller 150 controls the carbonic acid water to be moved into the water intake space 101 can do.

Alternatively, when the third lever 115 is in the sixth position D32, when the first lever 113 is moved to the second position D12, the controller 150 moves the water to the water intake space 101 And controls the carbonated water to be moved into the water intake space 101 when the second lever 114 is moved to the fourth position D22.

When the third lever 115 is in the sixth position D32, the controller 150 controls the first lever 113 to move the carbonated water to the water intake space 101 when the first lever 113 is moved to the second position D12. And controls the ice to move to the water intake space 101 when the second lever 114 is moved to the fourth position D22.

Hereinafter, a door including a display unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a door and a display unit of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the front cover of FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the display member of FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the door of the refrigerator of Fig.

9 to 12, the door 21 includes a front plate 21a that forms a front surface and both sides of the door 21, and a front plate 21b that is coupled to a rear surface of the front plate 21a, An upper cap 21c and a lower cap 21d for sealing the upper and lower ends of the inner space formed between the front plate 21a and the rear plate 21b are formed .

The front plate 21a may be formed by bending one plate to form the front surface and both sides of the door 21. [ The front plate 21a may be provided with a front rounded convex shape.

The front plate 21a may be made of a metal such as steel, aluminum, alloy, PCM, or VCM. The front plate 21a is stronger in strength than a tempered glass plate or a resin plate due to the nature of a metal material and can give a feeling of luxury. The surface of the front plate 21a can be further improved by surface treatment.

That is, hair line processing, mirror polishing processing, or bead blasting processing can be performed on the surface of the front plate 21a. At this time, only one of these processes can be performed on the front plate 21a.

Or the front plate 21a may be subjected to both of the above-mentioned machining operations. That is, the front plate 21a can have both a hairline pattern, gloss, and beads. In this case, the process order may be a sequence of mirror polishing, hairline processing, and bead blasting.

According to an example, the front plate 21a may have a plurality of through holes 229 formed on one side of the front face. The plurality of through holes 229 may be arranged to form a predetermined shape. The predetermined shape may include at least one of a figure, a letter, a number, and a symbol. The plurality of through holes 229 can display information such as the operation state of the refrigerator 1 by the light generated in the display unit 200 described later.

The rear plate 21b can be engaged with both sides of the front plate 21a. The back plate 21b can be vacuum-formed with a resin material. As shown in Fig. 12, the rear plate 21b may have a dike 21f protruding rearward so as to mount the door guard.

The upper cap 21c and the lower cap 21d may each be injection molded of a resin material. After inserting the front plate 21a, the rear plate 21b, the upper cap 21c, and the lower cap 21d, the insulator foam liquid can be injected and foamed into the inner space.

The upper cap 21c may be provided with an access hole 213. The entrance hole 213 can serve as a passage through which the display unit 200, which will be described later, can enter and exit the inside of the door 21.

The upper cap 21c may further include an upper cap cover 214. The upper cap cover 214 may be provided to open and close the upper cap insertion hole 213. With this structure, the display unit 200 described later can be mounted inside the door 21, and the display unit 200 can be prevented from being exposed to the outside.

Between the front plate 21a and the rear plate 21b, a foaming space 21e through which the heat insulating material 39 is foamed is formed. The heat insulating material 39 is for heat insulation of the storage chamber 20, and urethane may be used. The front plate 21a and the rear plate 21b and the upper and lower caps 21c and 21d are firmly coupled to each other by the adhesive force of the foamed liquid when the foaming of the heat insulating material foaming liquid is completed in the foaming space 21e .

The refrigerator (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a display unit (200). The display unit 200 may be provided inside the door 21. [ The display unit 200 may be provided at a position facing the through holes 229 in the interior of the door 21. The display unit 200 generates light and the generated light may be displayed through the through holes 229 in letters, numbers, pictures, symbols, and the like. Accordingly, the display unit 200 can display information such as operation information of the refrigerator.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 200 may include a display cover 210, a front cover 220, and a display member 230.

The display cover 210 may be installed on the rear surface of the front plate 21a. The display cover 210 may be provided at a position facing the through holes 229 from the rear of the front plate 21a. The display cover 210 may be provided in a shape such that the front surface thereof is opened so that the light generated in the display member 230 is emitted to the through holes 229.

The display cover 210 may be coupled with the front plate 21a to form a receiving space 211 therein. The display cover 210 may be provided to accommodate the front cover 220 and the display member 230 in the accommodation space 211.

The display cover 210 may be provided so that the rear surface thereof is brought closer to the front surface plate 21a as it goes downward. The display cover 210 may be provided in a shape such that the front and rear width thereof decreases as the accommodation space 211 is lowered. Accordingly, the display cover 210 can be provided such that the display member 230, which is moved to the receiving space 211, approaches the front plate 21a.

The display cover 210 may be provided with a fixing protrusion 212 for fixing the display member 230 on the inner surface thereof. The fixing protrusion 212 may be provided to press the display member 230 inserted into the accommodation space 211 forward. The fixing protrusion 212 is provided as a member having a restoring force so that the display member 230 positioned in the accommodation space 211 can be brought into close contact with the front side.

The front cover 220 may be provided in the receiving space 211 of the display cover 210. The front cover 220 may be provided to face a plurality of through holes 229 formed in the front plate 21a.

The front cover 220 may have a plurality of connection holes 225 formed in a shape corresponding to the plurality of through holes 229. The plurality of connection holes 225 can serve as a passage through which light generated in the display member 230 can be moved forward of the front plate 21a.

The front cover 220 may be disposed between the display member 230 and the front plate 21a. The front cover 220 may be formed in a shape corresponding to a space provided between the front plate 21a which is rounded in a forward direction and the display member 230 which is provided in a flat surface. The front cover 220 may be provided such that its front surface is in contact with the front plate 21a and its rear surface is in contact with the display member 230. [ Accordingly, the front cover 220 can remove the space generated between the front plate 21a and the display member 230. [

The front cover 220 may include a cover front plate 221, a cover side plate 222, and a cover guide portion 223.

The cover front plate 221 may be provided in a shape corresponding to a space provided between the front plate 21a which is rounded in a forward direction and the display member 230 which is provided in a flat surface. Accordingly, the front cover 220 can be provided so that its front surface is in contact with the front plate 21a and its rear surface is in contact with the display member 230.

The cover front plate 221 may have a plurality of connection holes 225 formed therein. As described above, the cover front plate 221 may be provided such that a plurality of connection holes 225 face a plurality of through holes 229. [

The cover side plates 222 may be provided extending from both sides of the cover front plate 221 rearward. The cover side plate 222 may be provided as a single member bent from the cover front plate 221.

The cover guide portion 223 may be provided by bending inward from one end of the cover side plate 222. The cover guide portion 223 can guide the display member 230 to be brought into close contact with the front cover 220 while being moved to the accommodation space 211. [

According to one example, the cover side plate 222 can be provided in a shape that the distance from the cover front plate 221 decreases as the position moves down. The cover guide portion 223 may be provided in a shape such that the distance from the cover front plate 221 along the rear end of the cover side plate 222 is reduced. The cover side plate 222 and the cover guide portion 223 can guide the display member 230 to be in close contact with the front cover 220 while being moved to the accommodation space 211. [

The display member 230 may be provided to display light in a predetermined shape. The display member 230 may be arranged to face the plurality of through holes 229 of the front plate 21a inside the door 21. [

Fig. 13 is an exploded view of the display member of the refrigerator of Fig. 9. Fig.

Referring to FIG. 13, the display member 230 may include a display unit 239 for generating light. The display unit 239 may include a cover sheet 231, a light source unit 233 for emitting light and a guide unit 232 for guiding the light emitted from the light source unit 233 to the display unit 231b.

The cover sheet 231 may include a display portion 231b that displays the operation information of the refrigerator by becoming bright or dark and a blocking portion 231a that is relatively always kept in a dark state. The display portion 231b may be formed of a transparent material or a fluorescent material, and the blocking portion 231a may be formed of an opaque material.

The cover sheet 231 may be provided separately from the guide portion 232 and may be adhered to one surface of the guide portion 232.

The display unit 231b may be any one of or a combination of pictures, letters, numbers, symbols, and segments that form part of them for displaying the operation information of the refrigerator. Accordingly, when light is projected on the cover sheet 231, pictures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. of the display unit 231b are revealed and the operation information of the refrigerator can be displayed. The display portion 231b may be formed in a shape corresponding to a plurality of through holes 229 formed in the front plate 21a and connection holes 225 provided in the front cover 220. [

The light source unit 233 may include an LED 234 that emits light. The LEDs 234 are provided in a plurality and can be independently controlled.

The guide portion 232 guides the light emitted from the LED 234 toward the cover sheet 231. [ The guide part 232 includes a guide body part 232a formed of a material reflecting light and a guide hole 232b formed to penetrate the guide body part 232a. The guide hole 232b may be formed to gradually increase in size from the LED 234 side toward the cover sheet 231 side as shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the peripheries of the through holes of the front plate of the refrigerator of FIG. 9, and FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the peripheries of the through holes of the front plate when the display member of the refrigerator of FIG. And Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Fig.

14 to 16, when the hidden display unit 200 displays specific information in the door 21, a plurality of front plates 21a of the door 21, as shown in FIG. 14, The information can be displayed through the through holes 229 of the display unit.

The through holes 229 formed in the front plate 21a preferably have a diameter of approximately 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and the distance between the through holes 229 may be approximately 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm. The through holes 51 can be observed almost visually by the user. At this time, it is assumed that the thickness of the front plate 21a is 0.6 mm or less.

These through holes 229 can be formed through etching or laser drilling. When the size of the through hole 229 is in the range of 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm, etching with high precision may be suitable.

When the size of the through hole 229 is 0.2 mm or less, some thermal deformation or burr may be generated, but laser drilling is preferably used. On the other hand, when the size of the through hole 229 is relatively large, the size of the through hole 229 is preferably 0.2 mm or less because the discriminating force is small.

That is, the through holes 229 can be arranged to form shapes such as a picture 229a, a character 229b, and a numeral segment 229c corresponding to a figure, a letter and a numeral segment of the display portion 231b, . Accordingly, when a specific picture, letter, number, symbol, or the like is displayed on the display unit 200 by the light emitted by the LED 234, the specific picture, letter, number, symbol or the like is displayed on the front plate 21a of the door .

Referring again to FIG. 11, the display member 230 may further include a display member handle portion 235. The display member handle portion 235 may be provided on the upper portion of the display member 230. The display member handle portion 235 may be provided to grip the display member 230. Accordingly, the user can move the display member 230 in and out of the door 21 while grasping the display member handle portion 235.

The display member 230 may further include a display member guide portion 237 on a side surface thereof. The display member guide portions 237 may be provided on both sides of the display member 230, respectively. The display member guide unit 237 may be provided to closely contact the display member 230 to the front cover 220 along the cover guide unit 223 of the front cover 220. [

The display member guide unit 237 may have one end positioned in front of the lower ends of both side surfaces of the display member 230 and the other end positioned behind the upper end of both side surfaces of the display member 230. [ The display member guide portion 237 may be formed to have a shape that becomes closer to the front surface of the display member 230 as it goes downward. The display member guide portion 237 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the cover guide portion 223 of the front cover 220.

The refrigerator 1 may further include an input member 270. The input member 270 may be provided so that the user can input an operation command of the refrigerator 1. [

Fig. 17 is a view showing an input member provided in the refrigerator of Fig. 9; Fig.

Referring to FIG. 17, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be provided with the input member 270 separated from the display member 230. The input member 270 may be installed on the door 32 separate from the door 21 on which the display member 230 is installed. The input member 270 may be installed at one side of the lower door 32 and the display member 230 may be installed at the upper door 21.

The input member 270 may be installed on the upper surface of the lower door 32. The input member 270 may be provided on the upper cap 32a of the lower door 32. [ Therefore, the input member 270 can be provided so that the user can input the input member 270 in a state where the lower door 32 is opened. Alternatively, the input member 270 may be provided on the front surface or the other side of the lower door 32.

The input member 270 can receive an operation command of the refrigerator. The input member 270 may be provided by an electrostatic touch sensing method. For example, the input member 270 may have a sensor for measuring a change in charge according to a user's touch.

When the user touches a specific area corresponding to the position of the touch button 271, the sensor senses whether or not the touch is detected by measuring a change in the electric charge flowing on the touch button 271. It is needless to say that the input member 270 may employ various known methods such as a pressure sensitive type, a dome position type, and a proximity sensing (IR) type in addition to the electrostatic type.

Although not shown, the refrigerator 1 includes a controller for controlling the refrigerator 1 in accordance with an operation command transmitted from the input member 270, and an electric signal for an operation command generated by the input member 270 to the controller And may further include a connecting member.

The connecting member may be provided such that the door 32 in which the input member 270 is located is connected to a controller located outside the door 32 through a hinge coupled to the main body 10. [ Through this, an operation command input by the user through the input member 270 can be converted into an electrical signal and transmitted to the controller through the connection member.

If the input member 270 is provided on the same door as the display unit 200, the sensing may be deteriorated. In particular, when the front plate 21a of the door 21 is made of a metal material as in the present invention, the sensing of the input member 270 may be deteriorated due to the display unit 200. [

Accordingly, in the present invention, the input member 270 is provided separately from the display unit 200, so that the sensing sensitivity of the input member 270 can be prevented from deteriorating.

As described above, the through hole 229 is formed in the front plate 21a of the door 21 and the display member 230 is disposed inside the door 21 to hide the door member 21, , And a kitchen appliance such as a cooking appliance.

FIG. 18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1, and FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of the coupling member coupling hole in the front plate of the door of FIG.

18 and 19, the door 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a front plate 310, a rear plate 320, an upper cap 330, a lower cap 340, 350).

The front plate 310 forms front and both sides of the door 300. The front plate 310 may be made of a metal such as steel, aluminum, alloy, PCM or VCM. The front plate 310 may be formed by bending one plate to form the front and both sides of the door 300.

The front plate 310 includes a first front plate coupling portion 312 bent in the inner direction of the door from the top and a second front plate coupling portion 313 extending vertically downward from the first front plate coupling portion 312 . The first front plate coupling portion 312 and the second front plate coupling portion 313 may be formed by bending a single plate member.

According to an example, the front plate 310 may include a coupling member coupling hole 315. [ The coupling member coupling hole 315 may be provided in the second front plate coupling portion 313. A plurality of second front plate engaging portions 313 may be provided. A plurality of connection member engagement holes 315 may be provided at regular intervals in the second front plate engagement portion 313. [

Referring back to FIG. 18, the rear plate 320 is coupled to the rear surface of the front plate 310 to form the rear surface of the door 300. The back plate 320 may be vacuum-formed from a resin material. The rear plate 320 may have a dike (not shown) protruding rearward to mount the door guard.

The upper cap 330 and the lower cap 340 seal the upper and lower ends of the inner space formed between the front plate 310 and the rear plate 320, respectively. The upper cap 330 and the lower cap 340 may each be injection molded of a resin material. The upper cap 330 and the lower cap 340 are coupled to the connecting member 350 to form an inner space formed between the front plate 310 and the rear plate 320, The top and bottom can be sealed.

Hereinafter, the upper cap 330 and the connecting member 350, which seal the upper end of the door 300, will be described in detail.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the connecting member of FIG. 18; FIG.

20, the connecting member 350 may include a first connecting member groove 352, a second connecting member groove 355, a front plate engaging portion 353, and an upper cap engaging hole 357 . The connection member 350 may be configured to be fixedly mounted on the inner upper end of the front plate 310.

 The first connecting member groove 352 is formed along the upper surface of the connecting member 350. The first connection member groove 352 is installed at a position where the second front plate coupling portion 313 of the front plate 310 can be inserted. The first connection member groove 352 may be located on the upper surface of the connecting member 350 from the rim to the inside of the first front plate coupling portion 312 by a width.

The first connection member groove 352 has a front plate engaging portion 353 inside thereof. According to an example, the front plate engaging portion 353 may be provided in the same number as the connecting member engaging holes 315. The front plate engaging portion 353 may be provided at a position overlapping the coupling member coupling hole 315 when the coupling member 350 is fixed to the inner upper end of the front plate 310. [ The connecting member 350 can be engaged with the front plate 310 while the connecting member engaging hole 315 is caught by the lower end of the front plate engaging portion 353. [

According to one example, the front plate latching portion 353 can be provided so that the protruding thickness decreases toward the top. Accordingly, the connecting member engaging hole 315 can be easily provided to engage with the front plate engaging portion 353 while moving from the upper portion to the lower portion.

 The second connecting member groove 355 is provided on the upper surface of the connecting member 350. The second connection member groove 355 may be located inside the first connection member groove 352 at a predetermined distance from the first connection member groove 352.

According to one example, the second coupling member groove 355 may be provided with an upper cap coupling hole 357 inside thereof. The upper cap coupling hole 357 may be provided on the bottom surface of the second connection member groove 355. A plurality of upper cap coupling holes 357 may be provided at regular intervals inside the second connection member groove 355. And the second coupling member groove 355 may be coupled with the upper cap 330 inside thereof.

FIG. 21 is a view showing a coupling member coupling portion of the upper cap and the upper cap of FIG. 18;

Referring to FIG. 21, the upper cap 330 may include a connecting member engaging portion 332 inserted into the second connecting member groove 355. The connection member engaging portions 332 may be provided to extend downward from the front surface and the side surface of the upper cap 300 positioned to face the front plate 310, respectively. The connection member engaging portion 332 may be provided extending from the upper cap 330 with the same length as the depth of the second connection member groove 355. [

According to an example, the connecting member engaging portion 332 may have a connecting member engaging portion 333. According to an example, the connection member latching portion 333 may be provided in the same number as the upper cap coupling hole 357.

According to an example, the connection member latching part 333 may be provided so that the protruding thickness increases toward the upper part. Accordingly, the connecting member latching portion 333 can be shaped to be easily fixedly coupled with the upper cap coupling hole 357 of the connecting member 350 while being moved downward.

The connection member latching portion 333 may be provided at a position overlapping the upper cap coupling hole 357 when the upper cap 330 closes the upper surface of the door 300. [ The upper cap 310 is engaged with the coupling member 350 while the upper cap coupling hole 357 is hooked on the upper end of the coupling member engaging portion 333. The upper cap 310 may be coupled to the connecting member 350 to seal the upper end of the door 300.

Hereinafter, a process in which the upper cap 330 is installed to seal the upper end of the door 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 22 is a view showing a process of joining the front plate and the connecting member of FIG. 18, and FIG. 23 is a view showing a process of joining the top cap and the connecting member of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 22, the connecting member 350 is engaged with the front plate 310. The connecting member 350 may be fixed to the inner upper end of the front plate 310.

The front plate engaging portion 353 can be engaged with the inside of the coupling member engaging hole 315 of the front plate 310. In this case, The front plate engaging portion 353 is provided at a position overlapping the coupling member engaging hole 315. Therefore, when the linking member 350 is moved from the lower side to the upper side of the front plate 310, (353) may be provided so as to be caught in the coupling member engagement hole (315) of the front plate (310). At this time, a part of the second front plate coupling portion 313 of the front plate 310 may be inserted into the first coupling member groove 352 of the coupling member 350. Specifically, the second front plate engaging portion 313 of the front plate 310 is inserted into the first connecting member groove 352, and the front plate engaging portion 353 is inserted into the connecting member engaging hole 352 of the front plate 310 315, the connecting member 350 can be fixedly coupled to the inner upper portion of the front plate 310.

Referring to FIG. 23, the upper cap 330 is coupled to a connection member 350 fixed to the front plate 310.

The upper cap 330 may be engaged while the connection member latching portion 333 is hooked to the inside of the upper cap engagement hole 357 of the connection member 350. [ As described above, since the connection member latching portion 333 is provided at a position overlapping the upper cap engagement hole 357, when the upper cap 330 is moved from the upper side to the lower side of the connection member 350, So that the portion 333 is caught inside the upper cap engaging hole 357 of the connecting member 350. At this time, the connecting member engaging portion 332 of the upper cap 330 may be inserted into the second connecting member groove 355 of the connecting member 350. Specifically, the connecting member engaging portion 332 is inserted into the second connecting member groove 355, and the connecting member engaging portion 333 is coupled to the inside of the upper cap engaging hole 357 of the connecting member 350, The cap 330 may be fixedly coupled to the connecting member 350.

The front panel 310 and the upper cap 330 are coupled to each other through the connecting member 350 so that the front panel 310 and the upper panel 330 are coupled in a forced fit manner, It is possible to prevent the door from being deformed, shifting, and lifting as in the case of assembling the upper cap 330.

Further, the process of assembling the door can be efficiently provided, thereby improving the productivity and improving the reliability of the product.

The process of coupling the front panel 310 and the upper cap 330 of the door through the connecting member 350 has been described above. It is needless to say that the front panel 310 and the lower cap 340 of the door can be coupled through the connecting member 350 in the same manner. Both the upper doors 21 and 22 and the lower doors 31 and 32 of the refrigerator 1 can be provided so that the front plate and the upper cap or the lower cap are coupled using the connecting member 350 have.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a tilt guard assembly installed on the rear surface of the door of FIG. 2, and FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the tilt guard assembly of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 17, the tilt guard assembly 400 includes a tilt body 410, a tray 420, a guard 430, and a tilt unit 450. The tilt guard assembly 400 is installed on the rear surface 21b of the door and is located inside the refrigerating chamber when the door is closed.

The tilt body portion 410 is engaged with the rear surface of the door. The tilt body portion 410 is provided so that its rear surface is in contact with the rear plate 21b of the door. The tilt body 410 is coupled with the tray 420 and the guard 430 to form a storage space.

According to an example, the tilt body 410 includes a fixing hole 411 on the left side and a right side, respectively. The fixing hole 411 on the left side and the fixing hole 411 on the right side are provided at the same height. A plurality of fixing holes 411 may be provided depending on the number of trays 420 provided.

For example, if two or more trays 420 are provided in the tilt guard assembly 400, the fixing holes 411 may be provided on the left side and the right side, respectively, at the height at which the trays 420 are located.

The fixing hole 411 is inserted with a rotation adjusting portion 451 to be described later, through which the tilt body 410 and the tray 420 can be coupled.

The tray 420 may be provided in a flat plate shape having a constant thickness. The tray 420 together with the tilt body 410 may form a storage space on the rear surface of the door. The tray 420 is placed with food located in the storage space at the rear of the door. According to an example, the tray 420 may be provided in plurality.

The tray 420 may have a connection hole 421 on the left side and the right side. The connection holes 421 on the left side and the right side can be provided at the overlapping positions when viewed from the side. The connection hole 421 may be provided at a position where the tray 420 is overlapped with the fixing hole 411 of the tilt body 410 when viewed from the side when the tray 420 is engaged with the tilt body 410 . According to one example, the connection hole 421 may be located behind the side surface of the tray 420.

The tilt body 410 and the tray 420 can be coupled to each other through the connection hole 421 by inserting a rotation control unit 451 to be described later.

The guard portion 430 forms a storage space together with the tray 420 and the tilt body portion 410. The guard portion 430 may include a front guard portion and a side guard portion formed at both ends of the front guard portion and bent rearward of the storage space. The guard portion 430 may be provided so that its bottom surface is fixed to both the upper surface and the both sides of the upper surface of the tray 420.

The guard portion 430 may be provided in a transparent material so that the food placed in the storage space can be viewed from the outside.

FIG. 26 is a bottom view showing the tilt unit on the bottom of the tilt guard assembly of FIG. 24; and FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing the rotation adjusting member of the tilt unit of FIG.

24 to 27, the tilt unit 450 may include a tilt adjustment member 451, a first tilt engagement member 453, a second tilt engagement member 455, and a handle member 457 . The tilt unit 450 can rotate the tray 420 and the guard 430 by a predetermined angle about the tilt adjusting member 451. [

The tilt adjusting member 451 may include a support portion 451a and a rotation shaft 451b.

One side of the support portion 451a is engaged with the bottom surface of the tray 420. [ The supporting portion 451a rotates together with the tray 420 and can transmit the rotating force to the rotating shaft 451b.

 The rotary shaft 451b may be installed at one end of the support portion 451a. The rotary shaft 451b may be coupled to the tilt body 410 at one side and the other side may be coupled to the support 451a. The rotation axis 451b may be provided to be rotatable in the tilt body 410. The rotary shaft 451b can be rotated while being inserted into the connection hole 421 and the fixing hole 411.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rotation shaft 451b may have a locking groove 451c. The engaging groove 451c may be provided in a concave shape on one side of the outer surface of the rotating shaft 451b.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fixing hole 411 has a rotation regulating groove 411a recessed inward. The fixing hole 411 allows the inserted rotation axis 451b to be rotated within a specific range. Specifically, the fixing hole 411 is provided so that one side of the engaging groove 451c of the rotating shaft 451b, which rotates inside the fixing hole 411, is hooked on one side of the rotation adjusting groove 411a. In this way, the angle at which the rotary shaft 451b is inserted into the fixing hole 411 and rotated can be limited.

The first tilt engagement member 453 has a first tilt engagement portion 453a and a tilt guide hole 453b. One side of the first tilt engagement member 453 is fixed to the bottom surface of the tray 420. The first tilt engaging portion 453a may be located behind the bottom surface of the first tilt engaging member 453. [ The first tilt engaging portion 453a may be provided extending vertically downward from the rear of the first tilt engaging member 453. The first tilt engaging portion 453a is in contact with the bottom surface of the tilt body 410 when the tilt guard assembly 400 is rotated by a predetermined angle or more when the tilt guard assembly 400 is rotated. In this way, the first tilt engagement member 453 can limit the rotation of the tilt guard assembly 400.

The tilt guide hole 453b may be located at one side of the first tilt engagement member 453. [ The tilt guide hole 453b can be provided so that the tilt guide portion 455b of the second tilt engagement member 455 described later can be inserted into the tilt guide hole 453b to move forward or backward.

The second tilt engagement member 455 includes a second tilt engagement portion 455a and a tilt guide portion 455b.

And the second tilt engagement portion 455a may be located on the rear side of the second tilt engagement member 455. [ And the second tilt engaging portion 455a may be provided protruding rearward of the second tilt engaging member 455. [ And the second tilt engaging portion 455a may be positioned to contact the bottom surface of the tilt body 410. The second tilt engaging portion 455a can support the tilt guard assembly 400 in a state of supporting the bottom surface of the tilt body 410 so that the tilt guard assembly 400 is not rotated.

The tilt guide portion 455b may be positioned in front of the second tilt engagement member 455. [ The tilt guide portion 455b may be provided extending forward from the front surface of the second tilt engagement member 455. [ A plurality of tilt guide portions 455b may be provided. According to an example, the tilt guide portion 455b may be provided in the same number as the tilt guide hole 453b.

A restoring member 456 may be provided on some or all of the plurality of tilt guide portions 455b. The restoring member 456 may have a cross section larger than that of the tilt guide hole 453b. The restoring member 456 can guide the second tilt engaging member 455 to be moved backward again when the second tilt engaging member 455 is moved forward by the user. The restoring member 456 can guide the second tilt engaging member 455 to be restored to a specific position. The restoring member 456 may include a spring.

According to one example, the second tilt engaging member 455 is provided so as to be movable along the tilt guide portion 455b of the first tilt engaging member 453. The second tilt engagement member 455 can be moved forward or backward independently from the bottom surface of the tray 420. [ The tilt guide portion 455b can be moved forward or backward into the tilt guide hole 453b of the first tilt retaining member 453 fixed to the second tilt retaining member 455. [ Accordingly, the user can rotate the tilt guard assembly 400 by holding the handle member 457 and moving the second tilt engagement member 455, which will be described later.

The handle member 457 may be provided in combination with the second tilt engagement member 455. [ The handle member 457 may be provided in the front of the second tilt engaging member 455. According to one example, the handle member 457 may be provided in the front of the lower surface of the tilt guide portion 455b.

The handle member 457 may have a gripping groove 457a concave on the bottom surface. The user can grip the grip groove 457a of the handle member 457 and move the second tilt engagement member 455 forward or backward together with the handle member 457. [

Hereinafter, a process of rotating the tilt guard assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIGS. 28 to 30 are views showing the operation in which the tilt guard assembly of FIG. 24 is rotated by the tilt unit.

The tilt guard assembly 400 is provided so that the tray 420 is rotatable. The tray 420 can be rotated about the rotation axis 451b of the tilt unit. The tray 420 can be rotated so that the guard portion 430 can open or close the storage space.

Referring to FIG. 28, when the tray 420 is maintained in the closed state, the second tilt engaging portion 455a is provided while supporting the bottom surface 412 of the tilt body. The second tilt engaging portion 455a is engaged with the bottom surface 412 of the tilted body portion to prevent the tray 420 from rotating and the guard portion 430 can be kept closed.

29, when the user pulls the handle member 457 toward the front of the door guard assembly, the second tilt engaging member 455 connected to the handle member 457 is moved forward. As a result, the second tilt engaging portion 455a can not support the bottom surface 412 of the tilt body, and the tray 420 can be rotated so that the guard portion 430 is opened. The rotation shaft 451b is positioned behind the tray 420 so that the tray 420 is automatically rotated if the second tilt engaging portion 455a does not support the bottom surface 412 of the tilt body. / RTI >

Referring to Fig. 27, the tray 420 can not be rotated beyond a certain angle. The rotation of the tray 420 may be restricted while the engaging groove 451c of the rotary shaft 451b is caught by one side of the rotation adjusting groove 411 of the fixing hole 411 when the tray 420 is rotated over a certain angle .

Referring to FIG. 30, when the tray 420 rotates more than a specific angle, the first tilt engagement portion 453a of the first tilt engagement member 453 is caught by the bottom surface 412 of the tilt body. Whereby the tray 420 can be provided so that it can not be rotated beyond a predetermined angle.

As such, the tilt guard assembly 400 can be provided to stop the tray 420 after the tray 420 is rotated to a predetermined angle when the user pulls the handle member 457.

In addition, the user can move the tray 420 and the guard 430 to a position where the storage space is closed. When the user moves the tray 420 and the guard 430 to a position where the storage space is closed, the first tilt engaging portion 453a is moved backward by the restoring member 456 while the bottom surface 412 of the tilt body is moved, Is also moved. For this reason, the tray 420 may be provided to stop at a position to close the storage space.

Another embodiment of the tilting guard assembly will be described below.

FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the tilting guard assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the tilting guard assembly of FIG. 31 viewed from the bottom.

31 and 32, a door guard assembly 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a tilt body 510, a tray 520, a guard portion 530, and a tilt unit 550 .

The tilt body portion 510 is engaged with the rear surface of the door. The tilted body portion 510 is provided so that its rear surface is in contact with the rear plate 21b of the door. The tilted body portion 510 is coupled with the tray 520 and the guard portion 530 to form a storage space.

According to one example, the tilt body 510 may include a tray support 512. The tray supporting portion 512 may be provided to extend forward from the lower end of the tilt body 510. The tray supporting portion 512 may be provided in a flat plate shape whose upper surface is flat.

The tray support 512 may be provided with a buffer hole 513 on one side of its upper surface. A plurality of buffer holes 513 may be provided. The buffer hole 513 can provide a space into which a buffer unit 553 described below is inserted. According to one example, the buffer hole 513 may include a material having elasticity.

The tray 520 may be provided in a flat plate shape having a constant thickness. The tray 520 together with the tilt body 510 may form a storage space on the rear surface of the door. The tray 520 is placed with food located in a storage space on the back side of the door. According to one example, a plurality of trays 520 may be provided.

The guard portion 530 forms a storage space together with the tray 520 and the tilt body portion 510. The guard portion 530 may include a front guard portion and a side guard portion formed at both ends of the front guard portion and bent rearward of the storage space. The guard portion 530 may be provided such that its bottom surface is fixed to both the front side and both sides of the upper surface of the tray 520. [

The guard portion 530 may be provided in a transparent material so that the food placed in the storage space can be viewed from the outside.

The tilt unit 550 may include a tilt rotary shaft 551, a rotary shaft coupling unit 552, a buffer unit 553, and a rotation hook 555.

The tilt rotary shaft 551 may be installed on the bottom surface of the tray supporting portion 512. The tilt rotary shaft 551 may be positioned in front of the bottom surface of the tray supporting portion 512. Two tilt rotary shafts 551 may be provided at symmetrical positions of the tray supports 512. The tilt rotary shaft 551 may be provided so as to be protruded from the bottom surface of the tray supporting part 512 to the left side and the right side.

The rotary shaft coupling portion 552 may be installed in front of the bottom surface of the tray 520. The rotary shaft coupling portion 552 is engaged with the tilt rotary shaft 551 and provides a space through which the tilt rotary shaft 551 can be rotated.

The buffer unit 553 may be installed on one side of the bottom surface of the tray 520. The buffer portion 553 may be provided at a position overlapping the buffer hole 513 located on the upper surface of the tray 520 when viewed from above. More specifically, the buffer unit 553 is provided in a state where the buffer hole 513 is inserted when the storage space is maintained in a closed state. Therefore, the tray 520 can be kept stationary while the storage space is closed.

The rotation stopping jaw 555 may be installed on one side of the tray supporting portion 512 in front of the bottom surface. The rotation stopping jaw 555 may be provided such that one end thereof is engaged with the bottom surface of the tray supporting portion 512 and the other end is extended downward from the one end thereof. The rotation stopping jaw 555 can control the rotation so that the tray 520 is not rotated over a certain angle.

Hereinafter, the operation of rotating the tilt guard assembly 500 will be described in detail.

33 and 34 are views showing the operation in which the tilt guard assembly of FIG. 31 is rotated by the tilt unit.

The tilt guard assembly 500 is provided so that the tray 520 is rotatable. The tray 520 can be rotated about the tilt rotary shaft 551 of the tilt unit. The tray 520 can be rotated so that the guard portion 530 can open or close the storage space.

Referring to FIG. 33, when the tray 520 is maintained in the closed state, the buffer unit 553 is inserted in the buffer hole 513. The buffer portion 553 is inserted into the elastic buffer hole 513 and is provided so as not to escape from the buffer hole 513 unless the user applies a predetermined force. Thus, the tray 520 can be kept closed when there is no force transmitted from the outside.

In addition, the tray 520 has a structure in which the tilt rotary shaft 551 is positioned in front of the tray 520, so that external force is not provided and it is difficult for the tray 520 to rotate automatically.

34, when the user applies a force to the guard portion 530 or the tray 520, the guard portion 530 and the tray 520 may be rotated. When the buffer portion 553 is removed from the buffer hole 513 by the force applied by the user, the guard portion 530 and the tray 520 can be rotated.

The rotation stopping jaw 555 is caught by the front end bottom surface of the tray 520 when the tray 520 is rotated over a certain angle. The tray 520 is rotated relative to the tray supporting part 512 about the tilt rotary shaft 551. When the tray 520 rotates more than a certain angle, the tray 520 is caught on the front end bottom surface of the tray 520 by the rotation stopping step 555. In this way, rotation of the tray 520 can be restricted.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing the rotary guard assembly of the refrigerator of FIG. 2, and FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary guard assembly of FIG. 35.

35 and 36, the rotating guard assembly 600 may include a rotating guard body 610, a tray 620, a guard portion 630, and a body rotating unit 650.

The rotary guard assembly 600 is engaged with the rear plate 21c of the door and is located inside the refrigerator when the door is closed. The rotary guard assembly 600 may be provided to be rotatable about one side coupled to the rear plate 21c of the door.

The rotary guard body portion 610 is engaged with the rear surface of the door. The rotary guard body portion 610 is provided so that its back surface is in contact with the rear plate 21c of the door. According to an example, the rotary guarded body portion 610 may be coupled to the rear surface of the door such that a space is provided between the rear surface of the door and the carbonated water generating device (alehtl).

According to an embodiment of the present invention, one side of the rotation guard body 610 may be coupled with the body rotation unit 650. The body rotation unit 650 may be coupled to an edge portion of one side of the rotation guard body portion 610. The body rotation unit 650 may be installed such that the rotation guard body 610 rotates about the body rotation unit 650.

According to one example, the body part rotating unit 650 may include a rotating unit engaging part 651 and a rotating unit hinge member 653. The rotary unit engaging portion 651 may be coupled to one side of the rotary guard body portion 610.

The rotating unit engaging portion 651 has a hinge member engaging hole 651a. The hinge member engagement holes 651a may be provided on the upper side and the lower side of the rotation unit engagement portion 651, respectively. The hinge member engaging hole 651a is provided so that the hinge member 653 can be inserted and rotated.

The rotation unit hinge member 653 has a rotation unit hinge shaft 653a. The rotation unit hinge member 653 can be engaged with the rotation guard body portion 610 through the hinge member engaging hole 651a of the rotation unit hinge shaft 653a. The rotation unit hinge member 653 may be provided such that the rotation guard body portion 610 can be rotated about the rotation unit hinge member 653. [ A plurality of rotation unit hinge members 653 may be provided corresponding to the number of hinge member engagement holes 651a.

The body rotation unit 650 may further include a door open switch 655. The door open switch 655 may be installed on one side of the rotary guard body 610. The user can adjust the door open switch 655 so that the rotary guard body portion 610 can be fixed to the rear surface of the door or can be rotated. Specifically, the door open switch 655 may fix the rotary guard body portion 610 to the rear surface of the door so that the rotary guard body portion 610 can be kept closed. In addition, the door open switch 655 may switch the rotary guard body portion 610 from the back side of the door to the non-fixed state when the user rotates the rotary guard assembly 600.

37 is a view showing a rotating operation of the rotary guard assembly of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 37, the rotary guard body portion 610 may be provided to be rotated about the rotation unit hinge member 653.

According to one example, the rotary guard assembly 600 may be provided on the rear surface of a door provided with a dispenser (not shown). In a refrigerator for generating carbonated water, a carbonated water generating device (not shown) may be installed on the rear surface of a door provided with a dispenser (not shown). The carbonated water producing device (not shown) must be continuously supplied with the carbon dioxide-containing container in order to supply carbon dioxide. Accordingly, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, a carbonated water generating device (not shown) and a rotating guard assembly 600 may be provided on the rear surface of a door provided with a dispenser (not shown). The carbonated water generating device (not shown) may be positioned between the rear surface of the door and the rotary guard assembly 600. Therefore, when replacing the container into which the carbon dioxide is injected into the carbonated water producing apparatus (not shown), the rotary guard assembly 600 can be rotated to perform the operation related to the carbonated water generating apparatus (not shown).

In the above description, the rotary guard assembly 600 is installed in a door provided with a dispenser (not shown). However, it goes without saying that the rotary guard assembly 600 can be installed in all doors of the refrigerator irrespective of whether a dispenser (not shown) is installed or not.

On the other hand, it is natural that the idea of the present invention is not limited to the shape of the refrigerator but can be applied to all types of refrigerators.

Although the technical idea of the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, the scope of rights of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1: Refrigerator 10: Body
11: refrigerator compartment 12: freezer compartment
21, 22: upper door 21a: front plate
21b: rear plate 21c: upper cap
31, 32: Lower door 21e:
200: display unit 210: display cover
211: accommodation space 220: front cover
223: cover guide portion 229: through hole
230: display member 270: input member

Claims (20)

main body;
A storage chamber formed inside the body;
A door including a front plate made of a steel material and having through holes for forming a predetermined shape on a front surface thereof, the door being opened and closed;
And a display unit having a shape corresponding to the through holes on the inner side of the door and formed with a display unit facing the through holes; And
And an input member provided separately from the display unit and receiving an operation command of the refrigerator. The method according to claim 1,
The display unit
And a display cover provided on a rear surface of the front plate, the display cover providing a space for accommodating the display member in a rear of the through hole. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the door further comprises an upper cap forming an upper surface of the door,
Wherein the upper cap has an access hole in which the display member is inserted into and unloaded from the accommodating space. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the display cover is provided with a front opening so that light generated from the display member is emitted to the through holes. 5. The method of claim 4,
The display unit
And a front cover positioned between the display member and a rear surface of the front plate,
Wherein the front cover is provided with connection holes at positions corresponding to the through holes. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the front cover is provided with cover guides on both sides thereof,
Wherein the cover guide portion guides the display member in close contact with the front cover as it goes downward. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein the front plate is formed in a convexly rounded shape,
Wherein a front surface of the front cover is formed in a shape corresponding to the front plate. The method according to claim 1,
The display unit
Wherein the input member is provided in a door separate from a door provided with the display unit. 9. The method of claim 8,
The refrigerator
A controller for controlling the refrigerator according to the operation command transmitted from the input member; And
Further comprising: a connection member for transmitting an electrical signal for the operation command generated in the input member to the controller,
Wherein the connecting member is connected to the controller located outside the door through a hinge to which the door on which the input member is coupled is coupled. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the predetermined shape of the through holes includes at least one of a figure, a letter, a number, and a symbol. main body;
A storage chamber formed inside the body;
A door provided with through holes for opening and closing the storage chamber and forming a predetermined shape on the front surface;
A display unit located at the rear of the through holes at the inside of the door and including a display member for displaying information of the refrigerator; And
And an input member for receiving an operation command of the refrigerator,
Wherein the display unit further includes a display cover installed inside the door to provide a space for accommodating the display member. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the display cover is disposed such that the accommodation space is located behind the through holes and the front surface is opened. 12. The method of claim 11,
The door
A front plate which is formed of a steel material and forms front and side surfaces of the door, the front through holes are formed on the front surface;
A rear plate coupled to the rear of the front plate and forming a rear surface of the door;
An upper cap coupled to an upper portion of the front plate; And
And a lower cap coupled to a lower portion of the front plate. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the front plate is provided in a forwardly rounded shape. 15. The method of claim 14,
The display unit
And a front cover disposed between the front plate and the display unit,
Wherein the front cover is provided with connection holes at positions corresponding to the through holes. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein a front surface of the front cover is formed in a shape corresponding to the front plate. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein the front cover is provided with cover guides on both sides thereof,
Wherein the cover guide portion guides the display member in close contact with the front cover as it goes downward. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the predetermined shape of the through holes includes at least one of a figure, a letter, a number, and a symbol. 12. The method of claim 11,
The display unit
Wherein the input member is provided in a door separate from a door provided with the display unit. 20. The method of claim 19,
The refrigerator
A controller for controlling the refrigerator according to the operation command transmitted from the input member; And
Further comprising: a connection member for transmitting an electrical signal for the operation command generated in the input member to the controller,
Wherein the connecting member is connected to the controller located outside the door through a hinge to which the door on which the input member is coupled is coupled.

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