WO2015105331A1

WO2015105331A1 - Refrigerator, door assembly therefor, and method for producing door assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015105331A1
Application number: PCT/KR2015/000155
Authority: WO
Inventors: 주선환; 양승용; 정상규
Original assignee: 삼성전자주식회사
Priority date: 2014-01-07
Filing date: 2015-01-07
Publication date: 2015-07-16

Abstract

The present invention relates to a door assembly for opening and closing a storage chamber of a refrigerator, a refrigerator comprising the door assembly, and a method for producing same. A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a main body; a storage chamber located in the interior of the main body and having an open front side; and a door assembly for opening and closing the open front side of the storage chamber, wherein the door assembly comprises: a front plate forming the front side and both lateral sides of the door assembly; a rear plate coupled to both lateral sides of the front plate from the rear thereof; a door cap for covering the top or the bottom of the door assembly; and a connecting member having a first connecting part coupled to the front plate and a second connecting part coupled to the door cap.

Description

Refrigerator, its door assembly, and method of manufacturing door assembly

The present invention relates to a door assembly for opening and closing the storage compartment of the refrigerator.

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance that has a storage compartment for storing food and a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment, and stores the food freshly. The storage compartment is provided in an open front shape, and the open front surface of the storage compartment is opened and closed by a door.

The door of the refrigerator is manufactured by combining a plurality of plates. In general, the door is configured to include a front plate and a front plate forming the front and side and the back plate to form an interior space, and a door cap coupled to the top and bottom of the interior space formed by the front plate and the back plate Is prepared.

The door cap and the front plate are provided with a plurality of coupling members at positions corresponding to each other. The coupling member of the door cap is coupled to the front plate coupling member by the interference fit method. In this process, the shape of the front plate is changed, or between the plurality of plates constituting the door is raised or lifted.

One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator having an improved structure, a door assembly applied thereto, and a door assembly manufacturing method to improve the productivity of the door assembly by simplifying the manufacturing process of the door assembly.

One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator having an improved structure to prevent reciprocation and lifting during a manufacturing process of a door assembly, a door assembly applied thereto, and a door assembly manufacturing method.

One aspect of the present invention is a refrigerator having an improved structure to improve the reliability of the product by preventing deformation and breakage of the door assembly that may occur in the manufacturing process of the door assembly, a door assembly applied thereto, and a door assembly manufacturing method To provide.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body, a storage compartment located inside the main body, the front of which is opened, and a door assembly opening and closing the opened front of the storage compartment, wherein the door assembly includes the door assembly. A front plate forming a front side and both sides of the rear plate, a rear plate coupled to both sides of the front plate at the rear of the front plate, a door cap covering the top or bottom of the door assembly, and a first plate coupled to the front plate And a connecting member having a connecting portion and a second connecting portion coupled to the door cap.

The first connection part may include at least one first locking part, and the front plate may be provided with at least one first coupling hole to which the first locking part is coupled to an upper portion or a lower portion thereof.

The first connection part may further include a first groove formed on one side of the connection member, and the first locking part may be formed on an inner side surface of the first groove.

The front plate includes a first coupling part extending from an upper end to an inner side and a second coupling part extending downward from one side of the first coupling part, wherein the first coupling hole is provided in the second coupling part. Can be.

The front plate may be coupled to the connection member in a state where at least a part of the second coupling part is located inside the first groove.

The second connection part includes at least one second coupling hole, and the door cap has at least one door cap coupling member extending in an inward direction of the door assembly to be coupled to the second coupling hole on an inner side thereof. It may include.

The second connection part may further include a second groove provided in parallel with the first groove, and the second coupling hole may be provided at an inner side of the second groove.

The door cap may be coupled to the connection member with at least a portion of the door cap coupling member positioned inside the second groove.

The second groove may be provided inside the door assembly than the first groove.

The connection member may further include a guide part provided on an outer side of the first coupling part and having a shape corresponding to a space surrounded by the front surface of the front plate, the first coupling part, and the second coupling part.

The door cap may be provided such that its upper surface is positioned at the same height as the upper surface of the front plate.

In addition, the door assembly manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the door assembly manufacturing method for manufacturing a door assembly for opening and closing the storage compartment of the refrigerator, coupling the connecting member to the upper or lower portion of the front plate, the connecting member The door cap is coupled to the rear plate, and the rear plate is coupled to the rear surface of the front plate and the door cap, and the door plate is coupled to the connection member coupled to the front plate to fix the front plate and the door cap.

In the process of coupling the connection member to the front plate, the first engaging portion provided in the connection member may be inserted into the first coupling hole provided on one side of the front plate to be coupled.

The connection member may include a first groove and a first locking portion provided inside the first groove, and in the process of coupling the connection member to the front plate, the first coupling hole provided on one side of the front plate; The inner side of the first groove may be coupled to the first locking part.

In the process of coupling the door cap to the connection member, the door cap coupling member provided in the door cap may be inserted into a second coupling hole provided at one side of the connection member to be coupled.

The connection member further includes a second groove, and a second coupling hole provided inside the second groove, and in the process of coupling the door cap to the connection member, the door cap coupling member provided in the door cap; The inner side of the second groove may be inserted into and coupled to the second coupling hole.

The connecting member further includes a guide part provided at an outer side of the first groove, and in the process of coupling the connecting member to the front plate, the guide part is moved upward along the inner surface of the front plate to the front plate. The connection member can be coupled to.

In addition, the door assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the door assembly for opening and closing the open storage compartment of the refrigerator, the door assembly is a front plate forming the front and both sides of the door assembly, the rear of the front plate A rear plate coupled to both sides of the front plate, a door cap covering the top or bottom surface of the door assembly, and coupled to the front plate and the door cap, respectively, to fix the door cap to one side of the front plate. And a connecting member.

The connection member may include at least one first locking portion, and the front plate may be provided with at least one first coupling hole to which the first locking portion is coupled to an upper portion or a lower portion thereof.

The connection member may further include a first groove formed on one side of the connection member, and the first locking portion may be formed on an inner side surface of the first groove.

The connection member further includes at least one second coupling hole, and the door cap has at least one door cap coupling member extending in an inward direction of the door assembly to be coupled to the second coupling hole on an inner side thereof. It may include.

The connection member may further include a second groove provided in parallel with the first groove, and the coupling hole may be provided at an inner side of the second groove.

According to the spirit of the present invention it is possible to improve the productivity of the door assembly by simplifying the manufacturing process of the door assembly.

According to the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to prevent slack and lifting during the manufacturing process of the door assembly.

According to the spirit of the present invention it is possible to improve the reliability of the product by preventing deformation and damage of the door assembly that may occur in the manufacturing process of the door assembly.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper storage compartment of the refrigerator of FIG. 1.

3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the lever unit of FIG. 1.

4 is a side view illustrating an operation of the first lever of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating an operation of the second lever of FIG. 3.

6 is a side view illustrating an operation of the third lever of FIG. 3.

7 is a perspective view illustrating the carbonated water generating device of the refrigerator of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual view illustrating a process in which the refrigerator of FIG. 1 generates water, ice, and carbonated water and supplies the same to a dispenser.

9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a door and a display assembly of the refrigerator of FIG. 1.

10 is a perspective view illustrating the display housing of FIG. 9.

11 is a perspective view illustrating the display unit of FIG. 9.

12 is a cross-sectional view of the door of the refrigerator of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view illustrating a display unit of the refrigerator of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view illustrating the periphery of the through holes of the front plate of the refrigerator of FIG. 9.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the through holes of the front panel when the display unit of the refrigerator of FIG. 9 is turned off.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB ′ of FIG. 14.

17 is a view illustrating an input member of the display assembly of FIG. 9.

18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a door assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in the refrigerator of FIG. 1.

19 is a perspective view illustrating an inner side surface of the front plate of the door assembly of FIG. 18.

20 is a perspective view illustrating a door cap of the door assembly of FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a connection member of the door assembly of FIG. 18. FIG.

FIG. 22A is a view illustrating a state in which the front plate and the connection member of the door assembly of FIG. 18 are coupled.

22B is a view illustrating a state in which the door cap and the connection member of the door assembly of FIG. 18 are coupled.

23 is a flowchart illustrating a door assembly manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a view illustrating a door cap according to a modification of the door assembly of FIG. 18 from a bottom surface thereof.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view illustrating a cross section of a state in which the door assembly of FIG. 24 is coupled.

26 is a view showing a door assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the door assembly of FIG.

FIG. 28 is a view showing a modification of the door assembly of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the door assembly of FIG. 28 in a coupled state.

30 is a perspective view illustrating the tilt guard assembly installed on the rear surface of the door of FIG. 2.

FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of the tilt guard assembly of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a bottom view illustrating the tilt unit of the bottom of the door guard assembly of FIG. 30. FIG.

33 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a rotation control member of the tilt unit of FIG. 31.

34 to 36 are views illustrating an operation in which the tilt guard assembly of FIG. 30 is rotated by the tilt unit.

37 is an exploded perspective view of the tilting guard assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of the tilting guard assembly of FIG. 37 as viewed from the bottom. FIG.

39 and 40 illustrate an operation in which the tilt guard assembly of FIG. 37 is rotated by the tilt unit.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view illustrating a rotation guard assembly of the refrigerator of FIG. 2.

42 is an exploded perspective view of the rotation guard assembly of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a view illustrating an operation of rotating the rotation guard assembly of FIG. 41.

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

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

1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 10, storage chambers 20 and 30 formed inside the main body 10, and storage chambers 20 and 30. It may include a cold air supply device (not shown) for supplying cold air to.

The main body 10 includes an inner wound forming the storage compartments 20 and 30, an outer wound coupled to an outer side of the inner wound to form an exterior of the refrigerator, and an insulating material disposed between the inner wound and the outer wound to insulate the storage compartments 20 and 30. It may include.

The storage compartments 20 and 30 may be partitioned into an upper refrigerating compartment 20 and a lower freezing compartment 30 by the intermediate partition 11. The refrigerating chamber 20 may be kept at a temperature of approximately 3 ° C. to store food, and the freezing chamber 30 may be kept at a temperature of approximately 18.5 ° C. to freeze and store food. The refrigerating compartment 20 may be provided with a shelf 23 on which food can be placed, and at least one storage box 27 for keeping food in a sealed state.

In addition, an ice making chamber 81 capable of producing ice may 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 case 82. The ice making chamber 81 may be provided with an ice making device 80 such as an ice making tray for generating ice and an ice bucket for storing ice generated in the ice making tray.

On the other hand, the refrigerating chamber 20 may be provided with a water tank 70 for storing water. The water tank 70 may be provided between the plurality of storage boxes 27 as shown in FIG. 2, but the water tank 70 is not limited thereto, and water in the water tank 70 may be cooled by cold air in the refrigerating chamber 20. It is sufficient to be provided only inside the refrigerating chamber 20 to be cooled.

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

The refrigerating chamber 20 and the freezing chamber 30 each have a front surface open to store food in and out. The open front surface of the refrigerating compartment 20 may be opened and closed by a pair of

rotary doors

21 and 22 hinged to the main body 10. The open front surface of the freezing compartment 30 may be opened and closed by a pair of

rotary doors

31 and 32 hinged to the main body 10. The rear surface of the refrigerating

chamber doors

21 and 22 may be provided with a door guard 24 for storing food.

Meanwhile, when the

refrigerating compartment doors

21 and 22 are closed, the

refrigerator compartment doors

21 and 22 are closed between the refrigerating

compartment doors

21 and 22 and the main body 10 to control the cold air of the refrigerating compartment 20. Gaskets (not shown) may be provided. In addition, the refrigerator compartment door 21 of any one of the

refrigerator compartment doors

21 and 22 is sealed between the refrigerator compartment door 21 and the refrigerator compartment door 22 when the

refrigerator compartment doors

21 and 22 are closed. Rotating bar (not shown) to control the cold air may be provided.

In addition, the refrigerator compartment door 21 of any one of the

refrigerator compartment doors

21 and 22 may be provided with a dispenser 100 capable of extracting water or ice from the outside without opening the refrigerator compartment door 21.

The dispenser 100 displays a water intake space 101 through which a container such as a cup can be inserted to take water or ice, an input button for operating various settings of the dispenser 100, and various information of 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 may be included.

In addition, the dispenser 100 may include an ice chute 103 connecting the ice maker 80 and the water intake space 101 to discharge the ice generated by the ice making device 80 into the water intake space 101.

The intake space 101 is located at the outer side of the refrigerating compartment door 21. The ice chute 103 is provided in a concave groove shape in the refrigerating compartment door 21 in its inward direction.

The ice chute 103 is positioned 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, which are located in the refrigerating compartment 20, with the intake space 101, respectively. Accordingly, the ice chute 103 may 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.

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

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

The lever unit body 111 is coupled to the top surface of the dispenser 100. The lever unit body 111 may be provided by coupling 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 provided with a display on the front side. The control panel 102 provided with the display may display 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 part 111 includes an ice discharge part 112. The ice discharge part 112 may be provided in the central area of the lever unit body part 111. The ice discharge part 112 may serve as a passage through which the water, the carbonated water, and the ice are moved from the inside of the refrigerating chamber 20 to the intake space 101.

The first lever 113 may 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 fixed upper side of the first lever 113 may be located behind the ice discharge unit 112. The first lever 113 may be provided extending downward from the fixed upper side.

The first lever 113 may be provided to be rotatable about the fixed upper end. The first lever 113 may 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 restoration 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. Thus, even when the user moves the first lever 113 from the first position D11, the first lever 113 may return to the first position D11. The restoration 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). Each time the first lever 113 is moved to the first position D11 or the second position D12, the first lever 113 may transmit an electrical signal to the controller 150 (FIG. 8). The controller 150 (FIG. 8) may control the refrigerator 1 to perform a preset operation according to a change in 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 fixed upper side of the second lever 114 may be located behind the ice discharge unit 112. An upper side of the second lever 114 fixed to the first lever 113 may be located between the first lever 113 and the ice discharge part 112. The second lever 114 may be provided extending downward from the fixed upper side. The second lever 114 may be provided at a position whose lower end is higher than the lower end of the first lever 113. The second lever 114 may have a length shorter than the first lever 113 from an upper end to a lower end.

The second lever 114 may be provided to be rotatable about the 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 restoration 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. Thus, even when the user moves the second lever 114 from the third position D21, the second lever 114 may return to the third position D21. The restoration 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). Each time the second lever 114 is moved to the third position D21 or the fourth position D22, the second lever 114 may transmit an electrical signal to the controller 150 (FIG. 8). The controller 150 (FIG. 8) may control the refrigerator 1 to perform a preset operation according to a change in the position of the second lever 114.

The third lever 115 may 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 may be fixedly installed at the same height. Both ends of the third lever 115 may be fixedly installed to the lever unit body 111.

The third lever 115 may be provided to be rotatable about the 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 positioned in the stationary state only in the fifth position D31 and the sixth position D32. The third lever 115 is automatically moved to the sixth position D32 when it is out of the fifth position D31. In addition, when the third lever 115 is moved out of 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). Each time the third lever 115 is moved to the fifth position D31 or the sixth position D32, the third lever 115 may transmit an electrical signal to the controller 150 (FIG. 8). The controller 150 (FIG. 8) may control the refrigerator 1 to perform a preset operation according to a change in the position of the third lever 115.

Meanwhile, a carbonated water generating device 140 for generating carbonated water may be mounted on a rear surface of the refrigerating compartment door 21 in which the dispenser 100 of the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided. The carbonated water generating device 140 may generate carbonated water inside the refrigerator 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a carbonated water generating device of the refrigerator of FIG. 1, and FIG. 8 is a conceptual view illustrating a process of generating water, ice, and carbonated water and supplying the same to a dispenser.

7 and 8, water is supplied from an external water supply 40. Water may be moved from the external water supply 40 to the water filter 50 and purified. The purified water is moved from the purified water filter 50 to the flow path switching valve 60. The flow path switching valve 60 may selectively move the purified water to the ice making device 80 and the water tank 70. Ice is produced from the water moved into the ice making chamber 81.

Water moved to the water tank 70 is moved to the valve assembly 145 through the purified water supply flow path (70a). The purified water may be moved from the valve assembly 145 to the carbonated water tank 141 through the purified water supply valve 145a or to the intake region 101 of the dispenser 100 through the purified water discharge valve 145b. . The water moved to the carbonated water tank 141 may generate carbonated water by combining with carbon dioxide moved to the carbonated water tank 141 through a separate flow path.

Carbon dioxide is provided inside the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 142. In one example, the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 142 may be provided to be exchangeable. When the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 142 runs out of carbon dioxide inside, the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 142 may be replaced with another carbon dioxide gas cylinder 142 to supply carbon dioxide.

The carbon dioxide is moved from the carbon dioxide gas cylinder 142 to the carbonated water tank 141 through the carbon dioxide supply passage 142a. The carbon dioxide supply passage 142a may be provided with a carbon dioxide supply valve 142b. The carbon dioxide supply valve 142b may adjust the amount of carbon dioxide passing through the carbon dioxide supply passage 142a. Carbon dioxide is provided inside the water stored in the carbonated water tank 141 through the carbon dioxide supply passage 142a. Carbonated water may be generated through this process.

The generated carbonated water is moved to the valve assembly 145 through the carbonated water discharge passage 141a. The carbonated water discharge valve 145c in the valve assembly 145 controls the carbonated water provided 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 making device 80. The lever unit 110 may transmit operation signals of the first lever 113, the second lever 114, and the third lever 115 to the controller. The controller may control whether the valve assembly 145 and the ice making device 80 are operated by using the signal received from the lever unit 110.

The controller 150 controls the valve assembly 145 to regulate the purified water discharge valve 145b and the carbonated water discharge valve 145c to selectively provide one of the carbonated water, purified water, and ice to the intake space 101. Can be.

According to an example, the third lever 115 may adjust whether the carbonated water is discharged. When the third lever 115 is in the fifth position D31, the controller 150 may block the carbonated water discharge valve 145c. In this case, when the first lever 113 moves to the second position D12, the controller 150 may control water to move to the water intake space 101. In addition, when the second lever 114 is moved to the fourth position D22, the controller 150 may control the ice to move to the water intake space 101.

In addition, when the third lever 115 is in the sixth position D32, the controller 150 may open the carbonated water discharge valve 145c. In this case, 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 carbonated water to move to the intake space 101. can do.

In contrast, when the third lever 115 is in the sixth position D32, the controller 150 moves water to the water intake space 101 when the first lever 113 is moved to the second position D12. If the second lever 114 is moved to the fourth position D22, the carbonated water may be moved to the water intake space 101.

In addition, when the third lever 115 is in the sixth position D32, the controller 150 may move the carbonated water to the water intake space 101 when the first lever 113 is moved to the second position D12. If the second lever 114 is moved to the fourth position D22, the ice may be moved to the water intake space 101.

FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the door and the display assembly of the refrigerator of FIG. 1, FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the display housing of FIG. 9, FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the display unit of FIG. 9, and FIG. 12 is FIG. 9. Section of the door of a refrigerator.

9 to 12, the door 21 is coupled to the front plate 21a that forms the front and both sides of the door 21, the rear surface of the front plate 21a, and the rear surface of the door 21. The rear cap 21b and the upper cap 21c and the lower cap 21d for sealing the upper and lower ends of the internal space formed between the front panel 21a and the rear panel 21b are respectively formed to be combined. Can be.

The front plate 21a may be made of a metal material such as steel, aluminum, alloy, PCM, or VCM. The front plate 21a may be formed by bending one plate member to form the front and both side surfaces of the door 21.

The front plate 21a may have a high strength and a luxurious feel compared to a tempered glass plate or a plastic plate due to the nature of the metal material. The front plate 21a may further improve aesthetics through surface treatment unique to metal.

That is, a hair line processing, a mirror polishing processing, or a bead blast processing may be performed on the surface of the front plate 21a. In this case, only one of these processes may be performed on the front plate 21a.

Alternatively, all of the plurality of processes may be performed on the front plate 21a. That is, the front plate 21a may have both a hairline pattern, glossiness, and beads. In this case, the process sequence may be a mirror polishing process, a hairline process, and a bead blast process.

The back plate 21b may be vacuum molded from a resin material. The back plate 21b may have a dike 21f protruding rearward to mount the door guard.

The upper cap 21c and the lower cap 21d may be injection molded from a resin material, respectively. After the front plate 21a, the rear plate 21b, the upper cap 21c, and the lower cap 21d are combined, the insulation foam can be injected and foamed into the inner space.

That is, the foamed space 21e in which the heat insulating material 39 is foamed is formed between the front plate 21a and the back plate 21b. Insulation material 39 is for the insulation of the storage compartment 20 may be used urethane. When foaming of the insulation foam in the foam space 21e is completed, the front plate 21a, the rear plate 21b, the upper cap 21c and the lower cap 21d are firmly coupled by the adhesive force of the foam liquid. Can be.

The display assembly 200 is provided inside the door 21. The display assembly 200 may display operation information of the refrigerator or receive an operation command of the refrigerator.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display assembly 200 may include a display housing 210, a display guide 220, a display unit 230, and an input member 270.

The display housing 210 has a shape in which the front and top surfaces are open. The display housing 210 may be fixedly installed on an upper surface of the rear surface of the front plate 21a inside the door 21.

The display housing 210 includes an accommodation space 211 therein. The accommodation space 211 may be formed in a groove shape in front of the display housing 210. The accommodation space 211 may provide a space in which the display guide unit 220 and the display unit 230 are accommodated.

The accommodation space 211 may be provided with a fixing protrusion 212 for fixing the display unit 230 by pressing the display unit 230 to the front side. The fixing protrusion 212 may be located at the rear of the display housing 210. The fixing protrusion 212 may protrude forward from the display housing 210. The fixing protrusion 212 may have a substantially smooth curved surface to guide the movement of the display unit 230 inserted from the upper side to the lower side. The fixing protrusion 212 may be provided as an elastic member having an elastic force.

The display guide unit 220 may be installed inside the display housing 210. The display guide part 220 may include a guide part front plate 221, a guide part side plate 222, and a guide support part 223. The display guide unit 220 may guide the display unit 230 to be described later to be in close contact with the rear surface of the front plate 21a.

The guide part front plate 221 may be provided in the same shape as the front surface of the display unit 230. The guide part side plate 222 may be provided to extend rearward from both sides of the guide part front plate 221. The guide support part 223 may be bent inward from one end of the guide part side plate 222.

According to an example, the guide part side plate 222 may be provided such that the length extending from the guide part front plate 221 becomes smaller toward the bottom. When viewed from the side, the guide side plate 222 may be provided in an oblique shape.

The display unit 230 may include a display guide member 237 on the side. The display guide member 237 may extend from both sides of the display unit 230. According to an example, one end of the display guide member 237 may be located at the front of the bottom of both sides of the display unit 230, and the other end may be located at the rear of the top of both sides of the display unit 230. The display guide member 237 may be provided to extend in an oblique direction from the bottom lower front side of the display unit 230 to the upper rear direction.

Injecting and foaming the heat insulating material (39) foam in the foam space (21e) should not penetrate the heat insulating material (39) foam liquid in the accommodating space (211) when the upper cap (21c) is the front of the display housing 63 It may be arranged to be in close contact with the back of the front plate (21a).

Since the display housing 210 is in close contact with the rear surface of the front plate 21a, the accommodation space 211 formed inside the body 61 may be separated from the foam space 21e. That is, the top, bottom, left and right sides and the rear side of the accommodation space 211 may be covered by the display housing 210 and the front side may be covered by the rear surface of the front plate 21a.

Although not shown, a sealing member may be provided on the front surface of the display housing 210 to ensure the sealing of the accommodation space 211 and the foam space 21e. The sealing member may be made of an elastic material such as rubber or an adhesive material such as a tape.

The upper cap 21c may further include a cover 214 that seals the upper cap insertion hole 213 after being inserted into the accommodation space 211 of the display assembly 200 through the upper cap insertion hole 213. .

With this structure, the display assembly 200 may be mounted inside the door 21, and the display assembly 200 is not exposed to the outside. However, when specific information is displayed on the display assembly 200, the information may be displayed to the outside through the plurality of through holes 229 of the front panel 21a.

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

The cover sheet 231 may include a display unit 231b that displays operation information of the refrigerator as it is lightened or darkened, and a blocking unit 231a that is relatively dark at all times. The display unit 231b may be formed of a transparent material or a fluorescent material, and the blocking part 231a may be formed of an opaque material.

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

The display unit 231b may be configured of any one or a combination of pictures, letters, numbers, symbols, and segments forming a part thereof for displaying operation information of the refrigerator. Therefore, when light is shined on the cover sheet 231, the picture, letters, numbers, symbols, and the like of the display unit 231b may be revealed, and operation information of the refrigerator may be displayed.

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

The guide part 232 guides the light emitted from the LED 234 toward the cover sheet 231. The guide portion 232 includes a guide body portion 232a formed of a material that reflects light and a guide hole 232b formed to penetrate the guide body portion 232a. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the guide hole 232b may be formed to gradually increase in size from the LED 234 to the cover sheet 231.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of around the through holes of the front plate of the refrigerator of FIG. 9, and FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of around the through holes of the front plate when the display unit of the refrigerator of FIG. 9 is turned off. It is a figure and FIG. 16 is sectional drawing seen from the line BB 'of FIG.

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

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

The through holes 229 may 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, an etching process with high precision may be suitable.

When the size of the through hole 229 is 0.2 mm or less, some heat deformation or burr may occur, but it is preferable to use laser drilling. On the other hand, in the relatively small shape, since the discriminating force is reduced when the size of the through hole 229 is large, it may be desirable to set the size of the through hole 229 to 0.2 mm or less.

That is, the through holes 229 may be arranged to form shapes of a picture 229a, a letter 229b, a segment 229c, and the like corresponding to a picture of the display unit 231b, a segment of letters and numbers, and the like. . Therefore, when the LED 234 emits light to display specific pictures, letters, numbers, and symbols on the display assembly 200, the specific pictures, letters, numbers, and symbols are displayed on the front panel 21a of the door. Can be.

17 is a view illustrating an input member of the display assembly of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 17, in the display unit according to an exemplary embodiment, the input member 270 may be separated from the display unit 230. The display unit 230 may be provided at a position that is easy for the user to see in the door 21. As described above, the display unit 230 may be located inside the upper door 21.

According to an example, the input member 270 may be located in a door different from the door 270 in which the display unit 230 is located. The input member 270 may be located inside the upper cap 32a of the lower door 32.

The input member 270 may receive an operation command of the refrigerator. The input member 270 may be provided by capacitive touch sensing.

For example, the input member 270 may have a sensor (not shown) 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 may measure whether the touch is performed by measuring a change in electric charge flowing through the touch button 271. In addition to the capacitive type, the input member 270 may be a variety of known methods such as a pressure sensitive type, a Dome positioning type, and a proximity sensing (IR) type.

As such, forming the through hole 229 in the front plate 21a of the door 21 and placing the display unit 230 inside the door 21 to be hidden may not be merely applicable to the refrigerator, but may be cooked. Of course, it can be applied to kitchen appliances such as appliances.

18 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a door assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention in the refrigerator of FIG. 1, and FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating an inner side surface of the front plate of the door assembly of FIG. 18.

18 and 19, the door assembly 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a front plate 310, a rear plate 320, and door caps 330 and 340.

The front plate 310 may form a front side and both side surfaces of the door assembly 300. The front plate 310 may be made of a metal material such as steel, aluminum, alloy, PCM, VCM. The front plate 310 may be provided by bending one plate to form a front surface 311 and both

sides

312 and 313 of the door assembly 300.

As shown in FIG. 19, the front plate 310 extends downwardly from one side of the first coupling part 315 and the first coupling part 315 which extend from the upper end in the inward direction of the door assembly 300. It may include a second coupling portion 316 is provided. The first coupling part 315 and the second coupling part 316 may be formed by bending one plate.

The front plate 310 may include a first coupling hole 317. The first engaging hole 317 may be inserted into the first engaging portion 353 of the connecting member 350 to be described later. For this reason, the front plate 310 and the connection member 350 may be coupled.

The first coupling hole 317 may be provided in the second coupling portion 316. A plurality of first coupling holes 317 may be provided. A plurality of first coupling holes 317 may be provided at the second coupling portion 316 at regular intervals. The first coupling hole 317 may also be provided on the front surface 311 and both side surfaces 312 and 313 of the front plate 310.

The first coupling part 315, the second coupling part 316, and the first coupling hole 317 may also be provided at the lower end of the front plate 310. The first coupling part, the second coupling part, and the first coupling hole provided at the lower end of the front plate 310 may be coupled to the connection member 350 coupled to the lower cap 340.

Referring to FIG. 18 again, the rear plate 320 is coupled to the rear surface of the front plate 310 to form the rear surface of the door assembly 300. The back plate 320 may be coupled to be spaced apart from the front plate 310 to the rear by a predetermined interval. The back plate 320 may be combined with rear ends of both side surfaces 312 and 313 of the front plate 310 to form an inner space.

The back plate 320 may be vacuum molded from a resin material. The back plate 320 may have a dike (not shown) projecting rearward to mount the door guard.

18 to 20, the door caps 330 and 340 may cover the top and bottom surfaces of the door assembly 300. The door caps 330 and 340 may seal the upper and lower ends of the inner space formed by the front plate 310 and the rear plate 320, respectively. The door caps 330 and 340 may be injection molded of a resin material.

The door caps 330 and 340 may include an upper cap 330 covering an upper surface of the door assembly 300 and a lower cap 340 covering a bottom surface of the door assembly 300. The upper cap 330 and the lower cap 340 may have a shape symmetrical to each other. In addition, the upper cap 330 and the lower cap 340 may include the same configuration. Hereinafter, the upper cap 330 will be described as an example, and description of the lower cap 340 will be omitted.

The upper cap 330 may be provided to be coupled to the upper one side of the front plate 310. The upper cap 330 may include a door cap coupling member 333 coupling the upper cap 330 to the coupling member 350 at one side.

The door cap coupling member 333 may extend from the bottom of the upper cap 330 in the inward direction of the door assembly 300. The door cap coupling member 333 may be coupled to the connection member 350 to be described later. Through this, the door cap coupling member 333 may couple the upper cap 330 and the connection member 350.

The door cap coupling member 333 may include a coupling member body 333a and a coupling member protrusion 333b. Coupling member body portion 333a may be provided extending downward from the bottom of the upper cap 330. The coupling member body part 333a may be provided to extend longer than the depth of the second groove 356 so as to pass through the second coupling hole 357 provided in the second groove 356.

The coupling member protrusion 333b may be provided at a lower side of the coupling member body 333a. The coupling member protrusion 333b may be provided to protrude perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the coupling member body 333a. The coupling member protrusion 333b may be provided to be caught by the second coupling hole 357. Through this configuration, the door cap coupling member 333 may be provided to be coupled to the connection member 350.

The upper cap 330 may be provided so that its upper surface is at the same height as the upper surface of the front plate 310 in the state coupled to the connecting member 350 to be described later. The upper cap 330 may be provided to face the second coupling part 316 of the front plate 310 in a state in which it is coupled to the connection member 350 to be described later.

Hereinafter, the connection member 350 of the door assembly 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a connection member of the door assembly of FIG. 18, and FIG. 22A is a view illustrating a state in which the front plate and the connection member of the door assembly of FIG. 18 are coupled, and FIG. 22B is a door cap of the door assembly of FIG. 18. And a connection member are coupled to each other.

18 to 22B, the connection member 350 may include a first connection part 351. The first connection part 351 may be provided such that one side of the front plate 310 is coupled. The first connection part 351 may include at least one first locking part 353. The first locking portion 353 may be provided to be coupled to the first coupling hole 317 provided in the front plate 310. A plurality of first locking portions 353 may be provided at regular intervals from each other.

As shown in FIG. 21, the first connector 351 may further include a first groove 352. The first groove 352 may be formed on one side of the upper surface of the connection member 350. The first groove 352 may be provided in parallel with the front plate 310 to have a predetermined distance. The first groove 352 may be provided at a position corresponding to the second coupling part 316 of the front plate 310. The first groove 352 may be provided to allow the second coupling part 316 to be positioned inside the first groove 352 in a state in which the connection member 350 and the front plate 310 are coupled to each other.

The first locking portion 353 may be provided on the same line as the first groove 352. The first locking portion 353 may be coupled to the first coupling hole 317 with the second coupling portion 316 located inside the first groove 352. Thus, when the second coupling part 316 is inserted into the first groove 352, the first locking part 353 may be automatically coupled to the first coupling hole 317. As such, the first groove 352 may serve to guide the coupling position of the front plate 310.

The connection member 350 may further include a second connection portion 355. The second connection part 355 may be provided so that one side of the upper cap 340 is coupled. The second connection part 352 may include a second coupling hole 357. The second coupling hole 357 may be provided to be coupled to the door cap coupling member 333 of the upper cap 340. The second coupling hole 357 may be provided to be located inside the door assembly 300 than the first locking portion 353. A plurality of second coupling holes 357 may be provided at regular intervals.

As shown in FIG. 21, the second connector 355 may further include a second groove 356. The second groove 356 may be formed at one side of the upper surface of the connection member 350. The second groove 356 may be provided to be parallel to the first groove 352. The second groove 356 may be provided to be located inside the door assembly 300 than the first groove 352 on the upper surface of the connection member 350.

The second coupling hole 357 may be provided at one inner side of the second groove 356. The second coupling hole 357 may be provided at a position corresponding to the door cap coupling member 333 inside the second groove 356 to be coupled to the door cap coupling member 333 of the upper cap 330. have. Since the second groove 356 is positioned side by side inside the first groove 352, and the second coupling hole 357 is provided at one side of the second groove 356, an upper portion coupled to the connection member 350 is provided. The cap 330 may be configured such that the front surface thereof faces the front plate 310 coupled to the connection member 350.

The connection member 350 may further include a guide part 358. The guide part 358 may be provided outside the first groove 352. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the guide part 358 may have a shape corresponding to a space surrounded by the front surface 311, the first coupling part 315, and the second coupling part 316 of the front plate 310. have. Thus, the guide part 358 is the front plate 311, the first coupling portion 315 and the second coupling portion 316 of the front plate 310 in a state in which the front plate 310 and the connecting member 350 are coupled. It can be located in a space surrounded by). Therefore, the user may move the upper portion along the front plate 310 in a state in which the guide portion 358 faces the inner surface of the front plate 310 to couple the connection member 350 and the front plate 310.

Hereinafter, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a door assembly manufacturing method for manufacturing a door assembly for opening and closing the storage compartment of the refrigerator will be described. Hereinafter, the door assembly shown in FIG. 18 will be described for convenience of description, but the spirit of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Referring to Figure 23, the door assembly manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the connection member 350 on the top or bottom of the front plate 310 (S10), the door cap (3) on the connection member 350 330, 340 is coupled (S20), the front plate 310 and the back of the door caps 330, 340 is coupled to the back plate 320 (S30), the connection member coupled to the front plate 310 ( It may include coupling the door caps (330, 340) to 350.

In the process of coupling the front plate 310 and the connection member 350 (S10), the first coupling hole 317 of the front plate 310 may be coupled to the first engaging portion 353 of the connection member 350. Can be. The plurality of first coupling holes 317 respectively provided on the upper and lower portions of the front plate 310 and the first engaging portion 353 of the connection member 350 provided in the corresponding number may be combined. The first locking part 353 provided on the connection member 350 may be inserted into and coupled to the first coupling hole 317 provided on one side of the front plate 310.

For example, the first engaging portion 353 and the first coupling hole 317 may be coupled by inserting the second coupling portion 316 of the front plate 310 into the first hole 352. In this case, the first hole 352 and the second coupling part 316 may guide the coupling of the first locking part 353 and the first coupling hole 317.

In addition, the front plate 310 and the connecting member 350 are moved upward along the front plate 310 in a state in which the guide portion 358 of the connecting member 350 faces the inner surface of the front plate 310. Can be combined. When the guide part 358 is moved upward while facing the inner surface of the front plate 310, the guide part 358 is the front surface 311, the first coupling part 315, and the second surface of the front plate 310. The first locking portion 353 and the first coupling hole 317 may be coupled to each other while being moved inside the space surrounded by the coupling portion 316. In this case, the guide part 358 may guide the coupling of the first locking part 353 and the first coupling hole 317 to more easily couple the front plate 310 and the connection member 350.

In the step S20 of coupling the door caps 330 and 340 to the connection member 350 coupled to the front plate 310, the door cap coupling member 333 of the door caps 330 and 340 is connected to the connection member 350. It can be inserted into the second coupling hole 357 of the). Since the second coupling hole 357 of the connection member 350 is positioned inside the second groove 356, the door cap coupling member 333 is moved into the second groove 356 to move the second coupling hole ( 357).

Coupling the door caps 330 and 340 to the connection member 350 coupled to the front plate 310 (S20) may be performed after the connection member 350 is coupled to the front plate 310. In this case, the door caps 330 and 340 may be coupled to the connection member 350 while the door caps 330 and 340 are moved downward from the top of the connection member 350 fixed to the front plate 310.

Unlike this, the process of coupling the door caps 330 and 340 to the connection member 350 coupled to the front plate 310 may be performed before the front plate 310 is coupled to the connection member 350. have. In this case, the connection member 350 having the door caps 330 and 340 coupled thereto may be coupled to the front plate 310.

After the door caps 330 and 340 are coupled to the connection member 350, the rear plate 320 may be coupled to the rear surface of the front plate 310 and the door caps 330 and 340 (S30). Due to the above-described process, it is possible to manufacture a door assembly 300 provided with an internal space for filling the heat insulating material therein.

As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the front plate 310 and the door caps 330 and 340 may be coupled without the direct coupling between the front plate 310 and the door caps 330 and 340. The front plate 310 and the door caps 330 and 340 may be fixedly coupled by coupling the connection member 350 to the front plate 310 and the door caps 330 and 340, respectively. Therefore, the door caps 330 and 340 may be fixedly coupled to the upper or lower portion of the front plate 310 without changing the shapes of the front plate 310 and the door caps 330 and 340. In addition, the front plate 310 and the door caps (330, 340) due to the combination between the prevention of the occurrence of moxibustion and lifting can improve the reliability of the product. In addition, the assembly process of the front plate 310 and the door caps 330 and 340 may be simplified to improve assembly efficiency. In addition, since the gap between the front plate 310 and the door caps 330 and 340 is not visible on the front side of the refrigerator, it may be excellently provided.

The above has described the process in which the front plate 310 and the upper cap 330 of the door are coupled through the connection member 350. In the same manner, the front plate 310 and the lower cap 340 of the door may be coupled through the connection member 350, of course. In addition, both the

upper doors

21 and 22 and the

lower doors

31 and 32 of the refrigerator 1 may be provided such that the front plate and the upper cap or the lower cap are coupled using the connection member 350 as described above. have.

Hereinafter, a door assembly 301 according to a modification of the present invention will be described.

24 is a view illustrating a door cap of a door assembly according to a modification of the door assembly of FIG. 18, and FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the door assembly of FIG.

24 and 25, the door assembly 301 according to the modification of the door assembly of FIG. 18 includes a front plate 310, a rear plate 320, a door cap 360, and a connecting member 350. It may include. The door assembly 301 is provided with a different configuration of the door cap 360 as compared with the door assembly 300 of FIG. 18, and the other components are provided the same. Hereinafter, the difference from the door assembly 300 of FIG. 18 will be described.

The front end of the door cap 360 may be positioned above the front plate 310 in a state in which the door cap 360 is coupled to the connection member 340. Accordingly, the door cap 360 may be provided such that a bottom surface thereof contacts the top surface of the first coupling part 315 of the front plate 310. According to one example, when viewed from the top of the door cap 360 may be provided at the same position as the front end of the front plate 310.

The door cap 360 may be provided to cover the upper portion of the front plate 310 in a state of being coupled to the connection member 350 as compared with the door cap 330 of FIG. 18. Therefore, the door cap 360 may have a front surface extending from the front of the door cap 330 of FIG. 18, and an upper surface thereof may be higher than the door cap 330 of FIG. 18.

The door cap 360 may be provided with a door cap coupling member 363 on one side of the bottom surface. The door cap coupling member 363 may be located at a rear of a predetermined distance from the front end of the bottom surface of the door cap 360. The door cap coupling member 363 may be provided at a position corresponding to the second coupling hole 357 of the connection member 350.

Hereinafter, a door assembly 302 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a door assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a cross section of the door assembly of FIG.

26 and 27, the door assembly 302 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a front plate 370, a rear plate 320, and a door cap 380. Compared to the door assembly 300 of FIG. 18, the door assembly 302 has the connection member 350 omitted, and the door cap 380 has a different configuration. Since the other configuration is provided in the same manner as the door assembly 300 of FIG. 18, description thereof will be omitted, and a description will be given focusing on differences from the door assembly 300 of FIG. 18.

The front plate 370 extends downwardly from one side of the first coupling part 375 and the first coupling part 375 provided in an inward direction of the door assembly 302 from an upper end ( 376, and a third coupling part 377 extending in an inward direction of the door assembly 302 from one side of the second coupling part 376. The first coupling part 375, the second coupling part 376, and the third coupling part 377 may be formed by bending one plate. The first coupling part 375, the second coupling part 376, and the third coupling part 377 may be provided in plurality.

The front plate 370 may have a door cap coupling hole 378 formed therein. The door cap coupling hole 378 may be coupled to one side of the door cap 380 to be described later. According to an example, the door cap coupling hole 378 may be provided in the third coupling part 377.

The door cap 380 may be provided to be coupled to an upper side of the front plate 370. The door cap 380 may include a door cap coupling member 383 that couples the door cap 380 to the front plate 370 on one side thereof.

The door cap coupling member 383 may include a first door cap coupling portion 383a, a second door cap coupling portion 383b, and a protrusion 383c. The door cap coupling member 383 may be installed on the bottom surface of the body 381 of the door cap 380. The door cap coupling member 383 may be provided at a position corresponding to the first coupling portion 375 of the front plate 370. The door cap coupling member 383 may be provided in the same number as the number of the first coupling portions 375.

The first door cap coupler 383a may extend downward from the bottom of the body 381 of the door cap. The first door cap coupler 383a may be configured such that a lower end thereof is provided at a position lower than the third coupler 377 of the front plate 370.

The second door cap coupler 383b may extend from one side of the first door cap coupler 383a toward the front plate 370. The second door cap coupler 383b may be provided to face the bottom of the third coupler 377 of the front plate 370.

The protrusion 383c may be provided on an upper surface of the second door cap coupling portion 383b. The protrusion 383c may protrude upward and upward from the second door cap coupling portion 383b. The protrusion 383c may be provided to be coupled to the door cap coupling hole 378 provided in the third coupling portion 377 of the front plate 370.

The door assembly 302 may be coupled to the protrusion 383c of the door cap 380 to the door cap coupling hole 378 provided in the third coupling portion 377 of the front plate 370. Due to the above-described configuration, the door assembly 302 may be easily coupled to the front plate 370 and the door cap 380.

Hereinafter, a modification 303 of the door assembly of FIG. 26 of the present invention will be described.

Compared with the door assembly 302 of FIG. 26, the door assembly 303 has some different configurations of the front plate 370 and the door cap 380, and the other configurations are provided in the same manner. Hereinafter, the door assembly 303 will be described based on differences from the door assembly 302 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a view illustrating a modified example of the door assembly of FIG. 26, and FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of a cross section of the door assembly of FIG.

28 and 29, the door assembly 303 may include a front plate 370, a rear plate 320, and a door cap 380.

The front plate 370 extends downwardly from one side of the first coupling part 375 and the first coupling part 375 extending from the upper end in the inward direction of the door assembly 302 ( 376). The first coupling part 375 and the second coupling part 376 may be formed by bending one plate. The first coupling part 375 and the second coupling part 376 may be provided in plurality.

The front plate 370 may have a door cap coupling hole 379 formed therein. The door cap coupling hole 379 may be coupled to one side of the door cap 380 to be described later. According to an example, the door cap coupling hole 379 may be provided in the second coupling part 376.

The door cap 380 may be provided to be coupled to an upper side of the front plate 370. The door cap 380 may include a door cap coupling member 385 coupling the door cap 380 to the front plate 370 on one side thereof.

The door cap coupling member 385 may include a first door cap coupling portion 385a, a second door cap coupling portion 385b, a third door cap coupling portion 385c, and a protrusion 385d. The door cap coupling member 385 may be installed on the bottom surface of the body 381 of the door cap 380. The door cap coupling member 385 may be provided at a position corresponding to the door cap coupling hole 378 of the front plate 370. The door cap coupling member 385 may be provided in the same number as the number of the door cap coupling holes 378.

The first door cap coupler 385a may extend downward from the bottom of the body 381 of the door cap. The first door cap coupler 385a may be configured such that a lower end thereof is provided at a position lower than the second coupler 376 of the front plate 370.

The second door cap coupler 385b may extend from one side of the first door cap coupler 385a toward the front plate 370. The second door cap coupler 385b may be provided to face the bottom of the second coupler 376 of the front plate 370.

The third door cap coupler 385c may extend from one side of the second door cap coupler 385b upward. The third door cap coupler 385c may be provided to be positioned between the front 371 of the front plate 370 and the second coupler 376 in a state where the front plate 370 and the door cap 380 are coupled to each other. Can be.

The protrusion 385d may be provided at one side of the third door cap coupling portion 385c. The protrusion 385d may be provided to face the door cap coupling hole 378. The protrusion 385d may be inserted into the door cap coupling hole 378 to fix the front plate 370 and the door cap 380.

The door assembly 303 may be coupled to the protrusion 385d of the door cap 380 to the door cap coupling hole 378 provided in the second coupling portion 376 of the front plate 370. Due to the above-described configuration, the door assembly 303 may be easily coupled to the front plate 370 and the door cap 380.

30 is a perspective view showing a tilt guard assembly installed on the rear of the door of Figure 2, Figure 31 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the tilt guard assembly of FIG.

30 and 31, the tilt guard assembly 400 includes a tilt body portion 410, a tray 420, a guard portion 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 compartment when the door is closed.

Tilt body portion 410 is coupled to the back of the door. The tilt body portion 410 is provided such that its rear side is in contact with the rear plate 21b of the door. The tilt body part 410 is combined with the tray 420 and the guard part 430 to form a storage space.

According to one example, the tilt body portion 410 includes fixing holes 411 on the left side and the 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. The fixing holes 411 may be provided in plural numbers according to the number of trays 420 provided.

For example, when 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 of each tray 420.

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

The tray 420 may be provided in a flat shape having a predetermined thickness. The tray 420 may form a storage space on the rear surface of the door together with the tilt body 410. The tray 420 puts foods located in the storage space at the back of the door. According to an example, the tray 420 may be provided in plurality.

The tray 420 may be provided with a connection hole 421 on the left side and the right side. The connecting holes 421 on the left side and the right side may be provided at overlapping positions when viewed from the side. In addition, the connection hole 421 may be installed at a position overlapping with the fixing hole 411 of the tilt body portion 410 when viewed from the side while the tray 420 is coupled to the tilt body portion 410. . According to an example, the connection hole 421 may be located behind the side of the tray 420.

The connection hole 421 may be inserted into the rotation control unit 451 to be described later, through which the tilt body portion 410 and the tray 420 may be coupled.

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

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

FIG. 32 is a bottom view illustrating the tilt unit of the bottom of the door guard assembly of FIG. 30, and FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the rotation control member of the tilt unit of FIG. 31.

32 to 33, the tilt unit 450 may include a tilt adjusting member 451, a first tilt locking member 453, a second tilt locking member 455, and a handle member 457. . In the tilt unit 450, the tray 420 and the guard part 430 may rotate the tilt adjusting member 451 at an angle.

The tilt adjustment member 451 may include a support part 451a and a rotation shaft 451b.

One side of the support part 451a is coupled to the bottom of the tray 420. The support part 451a may rotate together with the tray 420 and transmit the rotational force to the rotation shaft 451b.

The rotating shaft 451b may be installed at one end of the support part 451a. The rotating shaft 451b may be provided with one side coupled to the tilt body portion 410 and the other side coupled with the support 451a. The rotating shaft 451b may be provided to be rotatable in the tilt body portion 410. The rotating shaft 451b may be rotated in a state of 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 locking groove 451c may be provided in a concave shape on one side of the outer surface of the rotation shaft 451b.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing hole 411 has a rotation control groove 411a concave inward. The fixing hole 411 allows the inserted rotation shaft 451b to be rotated within a specific range. Specifically, the fixing hole 411 is provided such that one side of the locking groove 451c of the rotating shaft 451b that rotates inward thereof is caught by one side of the rotation adjusting groove 411a. In this way, the rotation shaft 451b is inserted into the fixing hole 411, the angle of rotation can be limited.

The first tilt locking member 453 has a first tilt locking portion 453a and a tilt guide hole 453b. One side of the first tilt locking member 453 is fixedly installed on the bottom surface of the tray 420. The first tilt locking portion 453a may be located behind the bottom of the first tilt locking member 453. The first tilt locking portion 453a may be provided to extend vertically downward from the rear of the first tilt locking member 453. The first tilt locking part 453a is in contact with the bottom surface of the tilt body part 410 when the tilt guard assembly 400 is rotated by a specific angle or more. Through this, the first tilt locking member 453 may limit the rotation of the tilt guard assembly 400.

The tilt guide hole 453b may be located at one side of the first tilt locking member 453. The tilt guide hole 453b may be provided to allow the tilt guide part 455b of the second tilt locking member 455 to be described later to be inserted into the tilt guide hole 453b to move forward or backward.

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

The second tilt locking portion 455a may be located at the rear side of the second tilt locking member 455. The second tilt locking portion 455a may be provided to protrude to the rear of the second tilt locking member 455. The second tilt locking portion 455a may be positioned to contact the bottom surface of the tilt body portion 410. The second tilt locking part 455a may support the tilt guard assembly 400 so that the tilt guard assembly 400 is not rotated while supporting the bottom surface of the tilt body part 410.

The tilt guide part 455b may be located in front of the second tilt locking member 455. The tilt guide part 455b may extend forward from the front surface of the second tilt locking member 455. The tilt guide part 455b may be provided in plurality. According to an example, the tilt guide part 455b may be provided in the same number as the tilt guide hole 453b.

Some or all of the plurality of tilt guide parts 455b may be provided with a restoring member 456. The restoration member 456 may have a cross section larger than a cross section of the tilt guide hole 453b. The restoration member 456 may guide the second tilt locking member 455 to move backward when the second tilt locking member 455 is moved forward by the user. The restoration member 456 may guide the second tilt locking member 455 to be restored to a specific position. Restoration member 456 may include a spring.

According to an example, the second tilt locking member 455 is provided to move along the tilt guide portion 455b of the first tilt locking member 453. The second tilt locking member 455 may be moved forward or backward independently from the bottom of the tray 420. The tilt guide part 455b may be moved forward or backward into the tilt guide hole 453b of the first tilt locking member 453. Accordingly, the user can rotate the tilt guard assembly 400 by holding the handle member 457 to be described later and moving the second tilt locking member 455.

The handle member 457 may be provided in combination with the second tilt locking member 455. The handle member 457 may be provided to be coupled to the front of the second tilt locking member 455. According to an example, the handle member 457 may be provided to be coupled to the front of the lower surface of the tilt guide portion 455b.

The handle member 457 may have a gripping groove 457a that is recessed upwardly at the bottom. The user may grip the gripping groove 457a of the handle member 457 and move the second tilt locking member 455 forward or backward together with the handle member 457.

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

The tilt guard assembly 400 is provided such that the tray 420 is rotatable. The tray 420 may be rotated about an axis of rotation 451b of the tilt unit. The tray 420 may be rotated to allow the guard unit 430 to open or close the storage space.

Referring to FIG. 34, when the tray 420 is kept closed, the second tilt locking part 455a is provided while supporting the bottom 412 of the tilt body part. The second tilt locking portion 455a may be locked to the bottom surface 412 of the tilt body portion to prevent the tray 420 from rotating and maintain the guard portion 430 in a closed state.

Referring to FIG. 35, when the user pulls the handle member 457 forward of the door guard assembly, the second tilt locking member 455 connected to the handle member 457 is moved forward. As a result, the second tilt locking portion 455a does not support the bottom surface 412 of the tilt body portion, and the tray 420 may be rotated to open the guard portion 430. In the embodiment of the present invention, since the rotary shaft 451b is located behind the tray 420, the tray 420 is automatically rotated when the second tilt locking portion 455a does not support the bottom surface 412 of the tilt body portion. Is provided.

Referring to FIG. 33, the tray 420 may not be rotated more than a certain angle. When the tray 420 rotates more than a certain angle, the locking groove 451c of the rotation shaft 451b is caught by one side of the rotation control groove 411 ㅁ of the fixing hole 411, and thus the rotation of the tray 420 may be restricted. .

In addition, referring to FIG. 36, when the tray 420 is rotated by a specific angle or more, the first tilt locking portion 453a of the first tilt locking member 453 may be caught by the bottom surface 412 of the tilt body portion. Through this, the tray 420 may be provided so that the tray 420 cannot be rotated beyond a predetermined angle.

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

In addition, the user may move the tray 420 and the guard unit 430 to a position for closing the storage space. When the user moves the tray 420 and the guard portion 430 to a position to close the storage space, the first tilt locking portion 453a is moved backward by the restoring member 456 and the bottom surface 412 of the tilt body portion The position supporting the is also moved. Because of this, the tray 420 may be provided to stop at a position to close the storage space.

Hereinafter, another embodiment of the tilting guard assembly will be described.

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of the tilting guard assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of the tilting guard assembly of FIG. 37, viewed from the bottom.

37 and 38, the door guard assembly 500 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a tilt body portion 510, a tray 520, a guard portion 530, and a tilt unit 550. .

Tilt body portion 510 is coupled to the back of the door. The tilt body portion 510 is provided such that its rear side is in contact with the rear plate 21b of the door. The tilt body part 510 is combined with the tray 520 and the guard part 530 to form a storage space.

According to an example, the tilt body 510 may include a tray support 512. The tray support 512 may extend forward from the bottom of the tilt body 510. The tray support 512 may be provided in a flat plate shape having an upper surface thereof.

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

The tray 520 may be provided in a flat shape having a predetermined thickness. The tray 520 may form a storage space on the rear surface of the door together with the tilt body 510. The tray 520 puts foods located in the storage space at the back of the door. According to an example, the tray 520 may be provided in plurality.

The guard portion 530 forms a storage space together with the tray 520 and the tilt body portion 510. The guard part 530 may include a front guard part and a side guard part bent to the rear of the storage space at both ends of the front guard part. The guard part 530 may be provided with its bottom surface fixed to both top and front sides of the tray 520.

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

The tilt unit 550 may include a tilt rotation shaft 551, a rotation shaft coupling part 552, a buffer part 553, and a rotation locking jaw 555.

The tilt rotation shaft 551 may be installed on the bottom of the tray support 512. The tilt rotation shaft 551 may be located in front of the bottom of the tray support 512. Two tilt rotation axes 551 may be provided at symmetrical positions of the tray support 512. The tilt rotation shaft 551 may be provided to protrude from the bottom surface of the tray support 512 to the left side and the right side.

The rotary shaft coupling unit 552 may be installed in front of the bottom of the tray 520. The rotary shaft coupling unit 552 is coupled to the tilt rotary shaft 551 and provides a space in which the tilt rotary shaft 551 can be rotated.

The buffer part 553 may be installed at one side of the bottom surface of the tray 520. The buffer unit 553 may be provided at a position overlapping with the buffer hole 513 disposed on the upper surface of the tray 520 when viewed from the top. Specifically, the buffer unit 553 is provided with the buffer hole 513 inserted when the storage space is kept closed. As a result, the tray 520 may be stopped while the storage space is closed.

The rotating locking jaw 555 may be installed at one side in front of the bottom of the tray support 512. Rotating locking step 555 may be provided with one end is coupled to the bottom of the tray support 512, the other end is extended downward from the one end is coupled. The rotation locking jaw 555 may control the rotation so that the tray 520 is not rotated by a predetermined angle or more.

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

The tilt guard assembly 500 is provided such that the tray 520 is rotatable. The tray 520 may rotate about the tilt rotation axis 551 of the tilt unit. The tray 520 may be rotated to allow the guard unit 530 to open or close the storage space.

Referring to FIG. 39, when the tray 520 is maintained in the closed state, the buffer part 553 is provided in the inserted state into the buffer hole 513. The buffer part 553 is inserted into the buffer hole 513 having elasticity and provided so as not to escape from the buffer hole 513 unless a user applies a constant force. As a result, the tray 520 may be kept closed when there is no force transmitted from the outside.

In addition, since the tilt rotation shaft 551 is located in front of the tray 520, the tray 520 has a structure that is difficult to rotate automatically without providing an external force.

Referring to FIG. 40, when the user applies a force to the guard unit 530 or the tray 520, the guard unit 530 and the tray 520 may be rotated. When the buffer unit 553 is removed from the buffer hole 513 by a force applied by the user, the guard unit 530 and the tray 520 may be rotated.

The rotation locking jaw 555 is caught on the bottom surface of the front end of the tray 520 when the tray 520 is rotated more than a certain angle. Since the tray 520 is rotated relative to the tilt support shaft 551 from the tray support part 512, when the tray 520 is rotated by a specific angle or more, the tray 520 is caught on the bottom surface of the front end of the tray 520 by the rotation locking jaw 555 in a stationary state. In this way, rotation of the tray 520 can be limited.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view illustrating a rotation guard assembly of the refrigerator of FIG. 2, and FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view of the rotation guard assembly of FIG. 41.

41 and 42, the rotation guard assembly 600 may include a rotation guard body part 610, a tray 620, a guard part 630, and a body part rotation unit 650.

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

Rotating guard body 610 is coupled to the back of the door. The rotary guard body 610 is provided such that its rear side is in contact with the rear plate 21c of the door. In one example, the rotation guard body 610 may be coupled to the rear surface of the door to provide a space in which the carbonated water generation device (alehtl) can be located between the rear surface of the door.

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

According to an example, the body rotating unit 650 may include a rotating unit coupling part 651 and a rotating unit hinge member 653. Rotating unit coupling portion 651 may be provided coupled to one side of the rotation guard body 610.

The rotating unit coupling portion 651 has a hinge member coupling hole 651a. The hinge member coupling hole 651a may be installed at the upper side and the lower side of the rotation unit coupling part 651, respectively. The hinge member coupling hole 651a is provided to allow the hinge member 653 to be inserted and rotated.

The rotating unit hinge member 653 has a rotating unit hinge axis 653a. The rotation unit hinge member 653 may be coupled to the rotation guard body 610 by the rotation unit hinge shaft 653a passing through the hinge member coupling hole 651a. The rotating unit hinge member 653 may be provided so that the rotating guard body portion 610 may be rotated about the rotating unit hinge member 653. The rotating unit hinge member 653 may be provided in plural numbers corresponding to the number of the hinge member coupling holes 651a.

The body rotating unit 650 may further include a door open switch 655. The door open switch 655 may be installed at one side of the rotation guard body 610. By adjusting the door open switch 655, the user may switch to the state in which the rotation guard body 610 is fixed to the rear surface of the door or rotates. In detail, the door open switch 655 may fix the rotation guard body 610 to the rear surface of the door to maintain the rotation guard body 610 in a closed state. In addition, the door open switch 655 may convert the rotation guard body portion 610 into a state in which it is not fixed at the rear of the door when the user rotates the rotation guard assembly 600.

Referring to FIG. 43, the rotation guard body 610 may be provided to rotate the rotation unit hinge member 653 about its axis.

According to one example, the rotation guard assembly 600 may be provided on the back of the door is installed dispenser (not shown). In a refrigerator that generates carbonated water, a carbonated water generator (not shown) may be installed on a rear surface of a door in which a dispenser (not shown) is installed. The carbonated water generating device (not shown) must be continuously supplied with a carbon dioxide-infused container to supply carbon dioxide. Accordingly, in the refrigerator according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the carbonated water generating device (not shown) and the rotation guard assembly 600 may be provided on the rear surface of the door in which the dispenser (not shown) is installed. The carbonated water generating device (not shown) may be located between the rear surface of the door and the rotation guard assembly 600. Therefore, when the container in which carbon dioxide is injected into the carbonated water generator (not shown) is replaced, the rotation guard assembly 600 may be rotated to perform an operation on the carbonated water generator (not shown).

The rotation guard assembly 600 has been described as being installed in a door in which a dispenser (not shown) is installed. However, the rotation guard assembly 600 may be installed on all doors of the refrigerator regardless of whether a dispenser (not shown) is installed.

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

Although the technical spirit of the present invention has been described above by specific embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various embodiments that can be modified or modified by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims will also belong to the scope of the present invention.

Claims

main body;

A storage compartment located inside the main body and having an open front surface; And

Including; door assembly for opening and closing the open front of the storage compartment;

The door assembly

A front plate forming front and both side surfaces of the door assembly;

A rear plate coupled to both sides of the front plate at the rear of the front plate;

A door cap covering an upper surface or a lower surface of the door assembly; And

And a connection member having a first connection portion coupled to the front plate and a second connection portion coupled to the door cap.
The method of claim 1,

The first connection portion includes at least one first locking portion,

The front plate is a refrigerator provided with at least one first coupling hole coupled to the first engaging portion on the top or bottom.
The method of claim 2,

The first connection portion further comprises a first groove formed on one side of the connection member,

The front panel is coupled to the connection member in a state where at least a portion is located inside the first groove.
The method of claim 3,

The front panel is

A first coupling part extending from an upper end to an inner side thereof; And

And a second coupling part extending downward from one side of the first coupling part.

The first coupling hole is a refrigerator provided in the second coupling portion.
The method of claim 3,

The second connection portion includes at least one second coupling hole,

The door cap is a refrigerator including at least one door cap coupling member extending in an inward direction of the door assembly to be coupled to the second coupling hole on the inner side.
The method of claim 5,

The second connecting portion further includes a second groove provided in parallel with the first groove,

The second coupling hole is provided in one side of the inside of the second groove.
The method of claim 6,

The second groove is provided in the interior of the door assembly than the first groove.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The connecting member

And a guide part provided on an outer side of the first coupling part and having a shape corresponding to a space surrounded by the front surface of the front plate, the first coupling part, and the second coupling part.
The method of claim 1,

The door cap is a refrigerator provided so that the upper surface is located at the same height as the upper surface of the front plate.
In the door assembly manufacturing method for manufacturing a door assembly for opening and closing the storage compartment of the refrigerator,

Coupling the connecting member to the top or bottom of the faceplate;

Coupling a door cap to the connection member;

The rear plate is coupled to the rear surface of the front plate and the door cap,

The door assembly manufacturing method of fixing the front plate and the door cap by coupling the door cap to the connection member coupled to the front plate.
The method of claim 10,

In the process of coupling the connection member to the front plate, the door assembly manufacturing method for inserting and engaging the first engaging portion provided in the connection member in the first coupling hole provided on one side of the front plate.
The method of claim 11,

The front panel is

A first coupling part extending from an upper end to an inner side thereof; And

And a second coupling part formed with the first coupling hole and extending downward from one side of the first coupling part.

In the process of coupling the connection member to the front plate, the door assembly manufacturing the first engaging portion and the first coupling hole in the state in which the second coupling portion is inserted into the first groove provided on one side of the connection member Way.
The method of claim 12,

The connection member may further include a guide part provided on an outer side of the first groove and having a shape corresponding to a space surrounded by the front surface of the front plate, the first coupling part, and the second coupling part.

In the process of coupling the connecting member to the front plate, assembly assembly method for coupling the connecting member to the front plate by moving the guide portion along the inner surface of the front plate to the top.
The method of claim 10,

In the process of coupling the door cap to the connection member, the door assembly manufacturing method for inserting the door cap coupling member provided in the door cap into the second coupling hole provided on one side of the connection member to engage.
The method of claim 14,

The connection member further includes a second groove provided in parallel with the first groove,

In the process of coupling the door cap to the connection member, inserting the door cap coupling member into a second coupling hole provided inside the second groove and coupling the door cap.
The method of claim 15,

The second groove is a door assembly manufacturing method provided in the inside of the door assembly than the first groove.
A door assembly for opening and closing an open storage compartment of a refrigerator,

The door assembly

A front plate forming front and both side surfaces of the door assembly;

A rear plate coupled to both sides of the front plate at the rear of the front plate;

A door cap covering an upper surface or a lower surface of the door assembly; And

And a connecting member coupled to the front plate and the door cap, respectively, and fixing the door cap to one side of the front plate.
The method of claim 17,

The connection member includes at least one first locking portion,

The front plate has a door assembly provided with at least one first coupling hole is coupled to the first engaging portion on the top or bottom.
The method of claim 18,

The front panel is

A first coupling part extending from an upper end to an inner side thereof; And

And a second coupling part extending downward from one side of the first coupling part.

The first coupling hole is a door assembly provided in the second coupling portion.
The method of claim 19,

The first connection portion further comprises a first groove formed on one side of the connection member,

And the front plate is coupled to the connection member with at least a portion of the second coupling part located inside the first groove.
The method of claim 20,

The connection member further includes at least one second coupling hole,

The door cap includes at least one door cap coupling member extending in an inward direction of the door assembly to be coupled to the second coupling hole on an inner surface thereof.
The method of claim 21,

The connection member further includes a second groove provided in parallel with the first groove,

The second coupling hole is a door assembly provided in one side of the second groove.
The method of claim 22,

The second groove is provided in the door assembly of the door assembly than the first groove.
The method of claim 19,

The connecting member

And a guide part provided on an outer side of the first coupling part and having a shape corresponding to a space surrounded by the front surface of the front plate, the first coupling part, and the second coupling part.