U.S. patent application number 17/171337 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-03 for refrigerator and home appliance.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Yang-Yeol GU, Byoungmok KIM, Dongyeong KIM, Yonghan KIM, Chomin LEE, Taecheol PARK, Yongman SEO, Yountae SHIN, Jinyoung SONG, Byungkwan YANG.
Application Number | 20210164723 17/171337 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005387574 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210164723 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Chomin ; et
al. |
June 3, 2021 |
REFRIGERATOR AND HOME APPLIANCE
Abstract
A refrigerator including a main body forming a storage
compartment, and a door configured to open and close the storage
compartment. The door includes a door body rotatably coupled to the
main body and including an insulator therein, a panel body
positioned in a front of the door body, a first trim disposed at a
first edge of the panel body and configured to be coupled to the
door body while being rotated with respect to the door body, and a
second trim disposed at a second edge opposite to the first edge of
the panel body and configured to be coupled to the door body when
the first trim is coupled to the door body.
Inventors: |
LEE; Chomin; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; GU; Yang-Yeol; (Suwon-si, KR) ; KIM;
Dongyeong; (Suwon-si, KR) ; KIM; Byoungmok;
(Suwon-si, KR) ; KIM; Yonghan; (Suwon-si, KR)
; PARK; Taecheol; (Suwon-si, KR) ; SEO;
Yongman; (Suwon-si, KR) ; SONG; Jinyoung;
(Suwon-si, KR) ; SHIN; Yountae; (Suwon-si, KR)
; YANG; Byungkwan; (Suwon-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.,
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
1000005387574 |
Appl. No.: |
17/171337 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16950663 |
Nov 17, 2020 |
|
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|
17171337 |
|
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|
16998908 |
Aug 20, 2020 |
|
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16950663 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25D 23/028 20130101;
F25D 2323/02 20130101; F25D 2201/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F25D 23/02 20060101
F25D023/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 20, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0101998 |
May 27, 2020 |
KR |
10-2020-0063401 |
Claims
1. A refrigerator comprising: a main body; and a door configured to
open and close a front side of the main body, wherein the door
includes: a door body including an upper door cap, the door panel
detachably coupleable to the door body, and including an upper trim
having an upper trim protrusion in which an upper trim hole is
formed, and a fixing member detachably coupleable to the upper door
cap, and including a base portion and a protrusion protruding from
the base portion, wherein, when the door panel is coupled to the
door body with the fixing member coupled to the upper door cap, the
upper trim protrusion is accommodated in the upper door cap, the
base portion of the fixing member covers at least a portion of an
upper surface of the upper door cap, and the protrusion of the
fixing member protrudes downward from the base portion and is
inserted into the upper trim hole to prevent the upper trim
protrusion from being separated from the upper door cap.
2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the upper trim protrusion
includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion spaced apart
from the first protrusion, and when the door panel is coupled to
the door body with the fixing member coupled to the upper door cap,
the first protrusion and the second protrusion are both
accommodated in the upper door cap.
3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the door panel includes a
lower trim having a lower trim groove, the door body includes a
lower door cap having a lower cap protrusion, and, when the door
panel is coupled to the door body, the lower cap protrusion is
accommodated in the lower trim groove.
4. The refrigerator of claim of claim 3, wherein the lower trim
groove includes a first groove and a second groove spaced apart
from the first portion, the lower cap protrusion includes a first
lower cap protrusion and a second lower cap protrusion, and, when
the door panel is coupled to the door body, the first lower cap
protrusion and the second lower cap protrusion are accommodated in
the first groove and the second groove, respectively.
5. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the door body includes a
mounting space to allow the lower trim to move to be coupled to the
lower door cap when the door panel is being coupled to the door
body.
6. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the door body includes
chassis that, when the door panel is coupled to the door body,
support and cover opposite end portions of the door panel.
7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the chassis form a mounting
space together with the lower door cap so that, when the door panel
is coupled to the door body, the door panel is mounted in the
mounting space.
8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the door panel, while
coupled to the door body, protrudes forward further than the
chassis.
9. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the door body includes a
cover having a cover hole through which a fastening member passes
so that the cover is fixed to the chassis.
10. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein, while the door panel is
separated from the door body, a portion of the upper door cap in
which the upper trim protrusion is to be accommodated is
exposed.
11. The refrigerator of claim 9, further comprising: a buffer
member, including a shock absorbing material or a sound absorbing
material, that, when the door panel is coupled to the door body, is
between the door panel and the door body, wherein the door panel
includes magnetic bodies arranged at opposite sides of the buffer
member and extending along opposite side edge portions of the door
panel, and the cover is configured to be attached to the door panel
by magnetic forces of the magnetic bodies.
12. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the door panel includes a
panel body to which the upper trim is attached, and the upper trim
includes a material different from a material forming the panel
body.
13. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein the panel body covers a
portion of the upper door cap in which the upper trim protrusion is
to be accommodated while the door panel is coupled to the door
body.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
16/950,663, filed Nov. 17, 2020, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 16/998,908, filed Aug. 20, 2020, which claims
is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to
Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2019-0101998, filed on Aug. 20,
2019, and 10-2020-0063401, filed on May 27, 2020 in the Korean
Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] The disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a home
appliance, and more particularly, to a refrigerator and a home
appliance with an improved door structure.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0003] Generally, a refrigerator is an appliance that keeps food
fresh by including a main body provided with a storage compartment
therein and a cool air supply system for supplying cool air to the
storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a
refrigerating chamber that is maintained at temperature of about 0
degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius to keep food refrigerated, and
a freezing chamber that is maintained at temperature of about 0
degrees Celsius to -30 degrees Celsius to keep food frozen.
Generally, the storage compartment is provided to have an open
front side for putting in and out of food, and the open front side
of the storage compartment is opened and closed by a door.
[0004] Refrigerators may be classified into several types depending
on the type of storage compartment and door. Specifically,
refrigerators may be classified into a top mounted freezer (TMP)
type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber is formed at an upper
side thereof and a refrigerating chamber is formed at a lower side
thereof by vertically partitioning a storage compartment using a
horizontal partition wall, and a bottom mounted freezer (BMF) type
refrigerator in which a refrigerating chamber is formed at an upper
side thereof and a freezing chamber is formed at a lower side
thereof by vertically partitioning a storage compartment using a
horizontal partition wall. In addition, there are a side by side
(SBS) type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber is formed at
one side thereof and a refrigerating chamber is formed at the other
side thereof by horizontally partitioning a storage compartment
using a vertical partition wall, and a French door refrigerator
(FDR) in which a refrigerating chamber is formed at an upper side
thereof and a freezing chamber is formed at a lower side thereof by
vertically partitioning a storage compartment using a horizontal
partition wall and the refrigerating chamber formed at the upper
side is opened and closed by a pair of doors.
SUMMARY
[0005] It is an aspect of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator
and a home appliance capable of easily changing the design of a
door.
[0006] It is another aspect of the disclosure to provide a
refrigerator and a home appliance capable of preventing an edge of
a door panel from being separated from a door body when the door
panel is fixed to the door body.
[0007] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in
part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious
from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
disclosure.
[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a
refrigerator includes a main body forming a storage compartment,
and a door configured to open and close the storage compartment,
wherein the door includes a door body rotatably coupled to the main
body and including an insulator therein, a panel body positioned in
a front of the door body, a first trim disposed at a first edge of
the panel body and configured to be coupled to the door body while
being rotated with respect to the door body, and a second trim
disposed at a second edge opposite to the first edge of the panel
body and configured to be coupled to the door body when the first
trim is coupled to the door body.
[0009] The door may further include a fixing member coupled to the
second trim and the door body, the fixing member configured to fix
the second trim with respect to the door body when the second trim
is coupled to the door body.
[0010] The door body may include a mounting space formed to allow
the first trim to be rotated when the first trim is coupled to the
door body.
[0011] The first trim may include a first trim groove, and the door
body may include a cap protrusion formed to be inserted into the
first trim groove and configured to support the first trim to
restrict movement of the first trim in a front-rear direction when
the first trim is coupled to the door body.
[0012] The first trim may further include a first trim body fixed
to the panel body, a first trim protrusion protruding to be spaced
apart from the first trim body to form the first trim groove, and a
first trim cut-out portion formed to separate the first trim
protrusion into a plurality of portions.
[0013] The second trim may include a second trim body fixed to the
panel body, a second trim protrusion extending from the second trim
body and configured to be coupled to the door body, and a second
trim cut-out portion formed to separate the second trim protrusion
into a plurality of portions.
[0014] The door may further include a third trim disposed on a
third edge perpendicular to the first edge and the second edge of
the panel body and configured to be fixed to the door body when the
first trim is coupled to the door body.
[0015] The third trim may include a third trim body fixed to the
panel body, a third trim protrusion extending from the third trim
body to be coupled to the door body, and a third trim cut-out
portion formed to separate the third trim protrusion into a
plurality of portions.
[0016] The third trim may include a magnetic body.
[0017] The third trim may include a third trim body fixed to the
panel body, and a third trim protrusion including a material more
flexible than a material of the third trim body and configured to
be coupled to the door body.
[0018] The third trim may include a third trim body fixed to the
panel body, a third trim protrusion protruding from the third trim
toward the door body, and a third trim cover including a material
more flexible than a material of the third trim body and a material
of the third trim protrusion, and the third trim cover configured
to cover an outer side of the third trim protrusion.
[0019] The third trim may include a third trim protrusion having a
portion protruding toward the door body, and the door body may
include a chassis fixing portion configured to support the third
trim protrusion in a direction in which the panel body is coupled
to the door body.
[0020] One of the third trim protrusion and the chassis fixing
portion may include a material having elasticity to be deformable
when the third trim is coupled to the door body.
[0021] The door may further include a buffer member disposed
between the panel body and the door body, and the buffer member
configured to absorb an impact applied to the panel body.
[0022] The door body may include a chassis forming left and right
sides of the door, a lower door cap forming a lower surface of the
door and configured to be coupled to the first trim, an upper door
cap forming an upper surface of the door and configured to be
coupled to the second trim, a case forming a rear surface of the
door, and a cover forming a front surface of the door body and
configured to be covered by the panel body.
[0023] In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a home
appliance includes a main body having an open side, and a door
configured to open and close the open side of the main body,
wherein the door includes a door body rotatably coupled to the main
body, a panel body positioned in a front of the door body, a first
trim disposed at a lower end of the panel body and configured to be
coupled to the door body while being rotated with respect to the
door body, a second trim disposed at an upper end of the panel body
and configured to be coupled to the door body when the first trim
is coupled to the door body, and a third trim disposed at left and
right ends of the panel body, respectively, and configured to be
fixed to the door body when the first trim is coupled to the door
body.
[0024] The first trim may include a first trim body fixed to the
panel body, a first trim protrusion protruding from the first trim
body, and a first trim cut-out portion formed to separate the first
trim protrusion into a plurality of portions.
[0025] The first trim may further include a first trim groove
formed between the first trim body and the first trim protrusion,
and the door body may include a cap protrusion formed to be
inserted into the first trim groove.
[0026] The door body may include a mounting space formed to allow
the first trim to be rotated when the first trim is coupled to the
door body.
[0027] The door may further include a fixing member configured to
penetrate the door body and the second trim to fix the second trim
to the door body when the second trim is coupled to the door
body.
[0028] Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be
advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases
used throughout this patent document: the terms "include" and
"comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without
limitation; the term "or," is inclusive, meaning and/or; the
phrases "associated with" and "associated therewith," as well as
derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within,
interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or
with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with,
interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have,
have a property of or the like.
[0029] Definitions for certain words and phrases are provided
throughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the art
should understand that in many, if not most instances, such
definitions apply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined
words and phrases.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] These and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become
apparent and more readily appreciated from the following
description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings of which:
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigerator according to an embodiment
of the disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a first door illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which a door panel of the
first door illustrated in FIG. 2 is separated from a door body;
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a lower trim illustrated in FIG. 3;
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates an upper trim illustrated in FIG. 3;
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a side trim illustrated in FIG. 3;
[0037] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a door body
illustrated in FIG. 3;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which the lower trim illustrated in FIG. 3 is coupled to the door
body;
[0039] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which the upper trim illustrated in FIG. 3 is coupled to the door
body;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which the side trim illustrated in FIG. 3 is coupled to the door
body;
[0041] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which the door panel illustrated in FIG. 3 is coupled to the door
body;
[0042] FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which the side trim of the
door panel illustrated in FIG. 10 is coupled to a chassis of the
door body;
[0043] FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a process in which an upper
end of the door panel illustrated in FIG. 2 is fixed to the door
body;
[0044] FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a door
panel according to another embodiment of the disclosure;
[0045] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which a lower trim illustrated in FIG. 14 is coupled to a door
body;
[0046] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which an upper trim illustrated in FIG. 14 is coupled to the door
body;
[0047] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which a side trim illustrated in FIG. 14 is coupled to the door
body;
[0048] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which a side trim according to another embodiment of the disclosure
is coupled to the door body;
[0049] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which a side trim according to another embodiment of the disclosure
is coupled to the door body;
[0050] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which a side trim according to another embodiment of the disclosure
is coupled to the door body;
[0051] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which a side trim according to another embodiment of the disclosure
is coupled to the door body;
[0052] FIG. 22 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a first
door according to another embodiment of the disclosure;
[0053] FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a first
door according to another embodiment of the disclosure;
[0054] FIG. 24 illustrates a clothes manager to which a door panel
and a door body according to another embodiment of the disclosure
are applied;
[0055] FIG. 25 illustrates a state in which the door panel
illustrated in FIG. 24 is separated from the door body;
[0056] FIG. 26 illustrates a cooking appliance to which a door
panel and a door body according to another embodiment of the
disclosure are applied;
[0057] FIG. 27 illustrates a state in which the door panel
illustrated in FIG. 26 is separated from the door body;
[0058] FIG. 28 illustrates a dishwasher to which a door panel and a
door body according to another embodiment of the disclosure are
applied; and
[0059] FIG. 29 illustrates a state in which the door panel
illustrated in FIG. 28 is separated from the door body.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] FIGS. 1 through 29, discussed below, and the various
embodiments used to describe the principles of the present
disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only
and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the
disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the
principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in any
suitably arranged system or device.
[0061] Configurations shown in the embodiments and the drawings
described in the present specification are only the preferred
embodiments of the present disclosure, and thus it is to be
understood that various modified examples, which may replace the
embodiments and the drawings described in the present
specification, are possible when filing the present
application.
[0062] Like reference numbers or signs in the various figures of
the application represent parts or components that perform
substantially the same functions.
[0063] The terms used in the present specification are used to
describe the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it
should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following
description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is
provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of
limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents. It is to be understood that the singular forms "a,"
"an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise. It will be understood that when the terms
"includes," "comprises," "including," and/or "comprising," when
used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, figures, steps, components, or combination thereof, but
do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, figures, steps, components, members, or combinations
thereof.
[0064] It will be understood that although the terms first, second,
etc. may be used herein to describe various components, these
components should not be limited by these terms, and the terms are
only used to distinguish one component from another. For example,
without departing from the scope of the disclosure, the first
component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly,
the second component may also be referred to as a first component.
The term "and/or" includes any combination of a plurality of
related items or any one of a plurality of related items.
[0065] In this specification, the terms "front," "rear," "upper,"
"lower," "left," and "right" are defined with reference to the
drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not
limited by these terms.
[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described
in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0067] FIG. 1 illustrates a refrigerator according to an embodiment
of the disclosure.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, a refrigerator 1 includes a main body
10, a storage compartment 20 formed to be vertically partitioned
inside the body 10, a door 100 opening and closing the storage
compartment 20, and a cold air supply device supplying cold air to
the storage compartment 20.
[0069] The main body 10 may include an inner case 11 forming the
storage compartment 20, an outer case 12 coupled to an outer side
of the inner case 11 to form an appearance, and a main body
insulator foamed between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to
insulate the storage compartment 20.
[0070] The cold air supply device may generate cold air using a
cold air circulation cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and
evaporates a refrigerant.
[0071] The storage compartment 20 may be divided into a plurality
of chambers by the partition 15, and a plurality of shelves 25 and
storage containers 26 may be provided inside the storage
compartment 20 to store food and the like.
[0072] The storage compartment 20 may be divided into a plurality
of storage chambers 22, 23, 24 by the partition 15, and the
partition 15 includes a first partition 17 disposed horizontally
inside the storage compartment 20 to divide the storage compartment
20 into an upper storage chamber 22 (or first storage chamber) and
lower storage chambers 23 and 24, and a second partition 19
vertically disposed in the lower storage chambers 23 and 24 to
divide the lower storage chambers 23 and 24 into a second storage
chamber 23 and a third storage chamber 24.
[0073] The partition 15 having a T-shape by the combination of the
first partition 17 and the second partition 19 may divide the
storage compartment 20 into three of spaces. The upper storage
chamber 22 among the upper storage chamber 22 and the lower storage
chambers 23 and 24 divided by the first partition 17 may be used as
a refrigerating chamber, and the lower storage chambers 23 and 24
may be used as freezing chambers.
[0074] Both the lower storage chambers 23 and 24 may be used as
freezing chambers, but the second storage chamber 23 may be used as
a freezing chamber and the third storage chamber 24 may be used as
a refrigerating chamber, and the second storage chamber 23 may be
used as a freezing chamber and the third storage chamber 24 may be
used as both a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber.
[0075] The division of the storage compartment 20 as described
above is exemplified as an example, and each of the storage
chambers 22, 23, and 24 may be used differently from the above
description.
[0076] The storage compartment 20 may be opened and closed by the
door 100. The door 100 may include a pair of first doors 101 (or
upper doors) opening and closing the upper storage chamber 22, a
pair of second doors 102 (or lower doors) opening and closing the
lower storage chamber 23 and 24. The pair of first doors 101 and
the pair of second doors 102 may open and close an open main body
opening 10a of the main body 10.
[0077] A rotating bar 103 may be provided on one of the pair of
first doors 101. The rotating bar 103 may close a gap between the
pair of first doors 101 when the pair of first doors 101 are
closed. The main body 10 may be provided with a rotating bar guide
13 to guide the movement of the rotating bar 103.
[0078] Hereinafter, only one of the first door 101 and one of the
second door 102 will be described for convenience of description,
and descriptions of the remaining first door 101 and second door
102 will be omitted. The first doors 101 and the second doors 102
whose description is omitted may have the same configuration as the
first doors 101 and the second doors 102, respectively, which will
be described below, except that the respective first doors 101 and
second doors 102 are provided in a mutual mirror symmetry. Also,
the same configuration as that of the first door 101 may be applied
to the second door 102, and a detailed description of the
configuration of the second door 102, which is the same as the
configuration of the first door 101, may be omitted.
[0079] The upper storage chamber 22 may be opened and closed by the
first door 101 rotatably coupled to the main body 10. The first
door 101 may be opened and closed through a first door handle 138
(see FIG. 7). The first door handle 138 may be formed by being
recessed on a bottom surface of the first door 101.
[0080] A door shelf 105 for storing food may be provided on a rear
surface of the first door 101. The door shelf 105 may include a
shelf support 107 extending vertically from the first door 101 to
support the door shelf 105 on the left and right sides of the door
shelf 105. The shelf support 107 may be separately configured to be
detachably coupled to the first door 101, and in the present
embodiment, the shelf support 107 protrudes rearward from the rear
surface of the first door 101 to extend in the vertical
direction.
[0081] A first gasket 109 may be provided on an edge of the rear
surface of the first door 101 to seal a gap with the main body 10
when the first door 101 is closed. The first gasket 109 may be
installed in a loop shape along the edge of the rear surface of the
first door 101, and a first magnet may be provided therein.
[0082] The lower storage chambers 23 and 24 may be opened and
closed by the second door 102 rotatably coupled to the main body
10. The second door 102 may be opened and closed through a second
door handle 104. The second door handle 104 may be formed by being
recessed on an upper surface of the second door 102. The second
door 102 may be provided in a sliding manner.
[0083] A second gasket 106 may be provided on an edge of a rear
surface of the second door 102 to seal a gap with the main body 10
when the second door 102 is closed. The second gasket 106 may be
installed in a loop shape along the edge of the rear surface of the
second door 102, and a second magnet may be provided therein.
[0084] FIG. 2 illustrates a first door illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG.
3 illustrates a state in which a door panel of the first door
illustrated in FIG. 2 is separated from a door body. FIG. 4
illustrates a lower trim illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 illustrates
an upper trim illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 illustrates a side trim
illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a
door body illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view
illustrating a state in which the lower trim illustrated in FIG. 3
is coupled to the door body. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view
illustrating a state in which the upper trim illustrated in FIG. 3
is coupled to the door body. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view
illustrating a state in which the side trim illustrated in FIG. 3
is coupled to the door body.
[0085] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first door 101 may include a
door panel 110 and a door body 120. The door panel 110 may be
detachably coupled to the door body 120.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, the door panel 110 may include a panel
body 111, a buffer member 115, and fixing trims 116, 117, and
118.
[0087] The panel body 111 may form an outer shape of the first door
101. The panel body 111 may have a flat plate shape. Various
designs may be provided on a front surface of the panel body 111 to
meet the needs of users. The fixing trims 116, 117, and 118 for
coupling with the door body 120 may be disposed on a rear surface
of the panel body 111.
[0088] The panel body 111 may have a thickness of a predetermined
size or more. The panel body 111 illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10 may
include glass. When the panel body 111 has a thickness greater than
or equal to the predetermined size, an end of the panel body 111
may be finished not to be sharp.
[0089] The buffer member 115 may be disposed on the rear surface of
the panel body 111. The buffer member 115 may be disposed in a
space formed between the door panel 110 and the door body 120. The
buffer member 115 may be configured to prevent an impact from being
transmitted to the door body 120 when the impact is applied to the
door panel 110. Also, the buffer member 115 may be configured to
absorb noise that may be generated in the door panel 110. The
buffer member 115 may include expanded polystyrene.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the fixing trims 116, 117, and
118 may include the lower trim 116, the upper trim 117, and the
side trim 118. The fixing trims 116, 117, and 118 may be attached
to the panel body 111 through an adhesive 108 (see FIGS. 8 to 10).
The fixing trims 116, 117, and 118 may be adhered to the panel body
111 by a poly urethane reactive (PUR) adhesion method. However, the
fixing method of the fixing trims 116, 117, and 118 is not limited
thereto. By the fixing trims 116, 117 and 118, the door panel 110
may be securely coupled to the door body 120 and may be easily
detached from the door body 120.
[0091] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 4 and 8, the lower trim 116
includes a lower trim body 116a, a lower trim protrusion 116b, a
lower trim groove 116c, and a lower trim cut-out portion 116d. The
lower trim 116 may be referred to as the first trim 116. The lower
trim 116 may be disposed on a lower edge of the panel body 111.
[0092] The lower trim body 116a may extend in a substantially
horizontal direction to be fixed to a lower end of the panel body
111. The lower trim body 116a may have a substantially rectangular
plate shape. The lower trim body 116a may be fixed to the panel
body 111 through the adhesive 108.
[0093] The lower trim protrusion 116b may protrude rearward from
the lower trim body 116a. The lower trim protrusion 116b may be
provided such that the lower trim groove 116c is formed, together
with the lower trim body 116a. The lower trim protrusion 116b may
be formed to extend rearward by a predetermined length from the
lower trim body 116a and then extend in a substantially vertical
direction.
[0094] The lower trim groove 116c may be formed between the lower
trim protrusion 116b and the lower trim body 116a. The lower trim
groove 116c may accommodate a lower cap protrusion 139 of a lower
door cap 136. The lower trim groove 116c may be provided to
correspond to a size and/or shape of the lower cap protrusion 139.
As the lower cap protrusion 139 is inserted into the lower trim
groove 116c, the lower end of the panel body 111 may be fixed to
the door body 120.
[0095] The lower trim cut-out portion 116d may be formed at the
lower trim protrusion 116b. The lower trim cut-out portion 116d may
be provided to separate the lower trim protrusion 116b into a
plurality of portions. The portions of the lower trim protrusion
116b separated by the lower trim cut-out portion 116d may be
disposed to be spaced apart from each other along a direction in
which the lower trim protrusion 116b extends. FIG. 4 illustrates
that one of the lower trim cut-out portion 116d is provided, the
number of the lower trim cut-out portions 116d is not limited
thereto. As the lower trim cut-out portion 116d separates the lower
trim protrusion 116b into a plurality of portions, when the panel
body 111 is deformed by heat, the lower trim 116 may be prevented
from being damaged by a deformation force applied to the lower trim
116.
[0096] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, the upper trim 117 may include
an upper trim body 117a, an upper trim protrusion 117b, and an
upper trim hole 117c. The upper trim 117 may be referred to as the
second trim 117. The upper trim 117 may be disposed on an upper
edge of the panel body 111.
[0097] The upper trim body 117a may extend in a substantially
horizontal direction to be fixed to an upper end of the panel body
111. The upper trim body 117a may have a substantially rectangular
plate shape. The upper trim body 117a may be fixed to the panel
body 111 through the adhesive 108.
[0098] The upper trim protrusion 117b may protrude rearward from
the upper trim body 117a. The upper trim protrusion 117b may be
provided to be inserted into an upper coupling groove 132 of an
upper door cap 130. The upper trim protrusion 117b may be fixed by
a fixing member 134 in a state of being inserted into the upper
coupling groove 132.
[0099] The upper trim hole 117c may be formed on the upper trim
protrusion 117b. The upper trim hole 117c may be provided to allow
the fixing member 134 to be inserted. The upper trim hole 117c may
be formed to substantially vertically penetrate the upper trim
protrusion 117b. As the fixing member 134 is inserted into the
upper trim hole 117c in a state in which the upper trim protrusion
117b is inserted into the upper coupling groove 132, the upper end
of the panel body 111 may be fixed to the door body 120.
[0100] An upper trim cut-out portion 117d may be formed at the
upper trim protrusion 117b. The upper trim cut-out portion 117d may
be provided to separate the upper trim protrusion 117b into a
plurality of portions. The portions of the upper trim protrusion
117b separated by the upper trim cut-out portion 117d may be
disposed to be spaced apart from each other along a direction in
which the upper trim protrusion 117b extends. FIG. 5 illustrates
that two of the upper trim cut-out portions 117d are provided, the
number of the upper trim cut-out portions 117d is not limited
thereto. As the upper trim cut-out portion 117d separates the upper
trim protrusion 117b into a plurality of portions, when the panel
body 111 is deformed by heat, the upper trim 117 may be prevented
from being damaged by a deformation force applied to the upper trim
117.
[0101] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 10, the side trim 118 may include a
side trim body 118a, a side trim protrusion 118b, and a side trim
cut-out portion 118d. The side trim 118 may be referred to as the
third trim 118. The side trim 118 may be disposed on edges of the
left and right sides of the panel body 111.
[0102] The side trim body 118a may extend in a substantially
vertical direction to be fixed to a left end and a right end of the
panel body 111, respectively. The side trim body 118a may have a
substantially rectangular plate shape. The side trim body 118a may
be fixed to the panel body 111 through the adhesive 108.
[0103] The side trim protrusion 118b may protrude rearward from the
side trim body 118a. The side trim protrusions 118b may be coupled
to chassis fixing portions 122 of chassis 121 and 126,
respectively. The side trim protrusion 118b may include a material
having a predetermined elasticity so that the side trim protrusion
118b may be restored after being deformed by being pressed by the
chassis fixing portion 122 when coupled to the chassis fixing
portion 122. The side trim protrusion 118b may be provided such
that an elastic force is generated in a direction of coming into
contact with the chassis fixing portion 122 when the side trim 118
is coupled to the door body 120. The side trim protrusion 118b may
have a shape in which at least a portion thereof is bent toward the
chassis fixing portion 122.
[0104] The side trim cut-out portion 118d may be formed at the side
trim protrusion 118b. The side trim cut-out portion 118d may be
provided to separate the side trim protrusion 118b into a plurality
of portions. The portions of the side trim protrusion 118b
separated by the side trim cut-out portion 118d may be disposed to
be spaced apart from each other along a direction in which the side
trim protrusion 118b extends. FIG. 6 illustrates that three of the
side trim cut-out portions 118d are provided, the number of the
side trim cut-out portions 118d is not limited thereto. As the side
trim cut-out portion 118d separates the side trim protrusion 118b
into a plurality of portions, when the panel body 111 is deformed
by heat, the side trim 118 may be prevented from being damaged by a
deformation force applied to the side trim 118.
[0105] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 7, the door body 120 may include
the chassis 121 and 126, the upper door cap 130, the lower door cap
136, a cover 140, and a case 150.
[0106] The chassis 121 and 126 may include a different material
from the upper door cap 130 and the lower door cap 136.
Specifically, the chassis 121 and 126 may include aluminum. The
upper door cap 130 and the lower door cap 136 may include
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin).
[0107] The chassis 121 and 126 may include the first chassis 121
forming a left side surface of the first door 101 and the second
chassis 126 forming a right side surface of the first door 101. The
chassis 121 and 126 may extend in the vertical direction.
Hereinafter, only the first chassis 121 will be described for
convenience of description, and the same structure as the first
chassis 121 may be applied to the second chassis 126.
[0108] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 10, the first chassis 121 may
include the chassis fixing portion 122. The chassis fixing portion
122 may be coupled to the side trim protrusion 118b of the side
trim 118. The chassis fixing portion 122 may include a portion
extending toward the panel body 111 when the door panel 110 is
mounted on the door body 120. The chassis fixing portion 122 may
include a material having a predetermined elasticity so that the
chassis fixing portion 122 may be restored after being deformed by
being pressed by the side trim protrusion 118b when coupled to the
side trim protrusion 118b. The chassis fixing portion 122 may be
provided such that an elastic force is generated in a direction of
coming into contact with the side trim 118 when the side trim 118
is coupled to the door body 120. The chassis fixing portion 122 may
have a shape in which at least a portion thereof is bent toward the
side trim 118.
[0109] The first chassis 121 may include a chassis hole 123. The
chassis hole 123 may be formed such that a fastening member for
coupling with the cover 140 may be coupled thereto. As the cover
140 is aligned with respect to the first chassis 121 so that a
cover hole 142 is located at a position corresponding to the
chassis hole 123 and then the fastening member is inserted into the
cover hole 142 and the chassis hole 123, the cover 140 may be fixed
to the first chassis 121.
[0110] The upper door cap 130 may be coupled to upper ends of the
chassis 121 and 126. The upper door cap 130 may form an upper
surface of the first door 101. The upper door cap 130 may include
an upper cap body 131.
[0111] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, the upper coupling groove 132
may be formed on the upper cap body 131. The upper coupling groove
132 may be formed by being recessed on one surface facing the door
panel 110. The upper coupling groove 132 may be provided to
accommodate a portion of the upper trim 117.
[0112] A passing opening 133 may be formed on an upper surface of
the upper cap body 131. Specifically, the passing opening 133 may
be formed to communicate the upper coupling groove 132 with the
outside when the fixing member 134 is not mounted. The fixing
member 134 may be inserted into the upper coupling groove 132
through the passing opening 133 and then coupled to the upper trim
hole 117c of the upper trim 117. When the insertion of the fixing
member 134 is completed, the passing opening 133 may be covered by
the fixing member 134. The fixing member 134 may be detachably
mounted on the upper cap body 131.
[0113] An upper cap hole 135 may be formed on the upper cap body
131. The upper cap hole 135 may be formed such that a fastening
member for coupling with the cover 140 may be coupled thereto. As
the cover 140 is aligned with respect to the upper door cap 130 so
that the cover hole 142 is located at a position corresponding to
the upper cap hole 135 and then the fastening member is inserted
into the cover hole 142 and the upper cap hole 135, the cover 140
may be fixed to the upper door cap 130.
[0114] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the lower door cap 136 may be
coupled to lower ends of the chassis 121 and 126. The lower door
cap 136 may form the bottom surface of the first door 101. The
lower door cap 136 may include a lower cap body 137.
[0115] The first door handle 138 may be formed on the lower cap
body 137. The first door handle 138 may be formed by being recessed
upward from a bottom surface of the lower door cap 136.
[0116] The lower cap protrusion 139 may be formed on the lower cap
body 137. The lower cap protrusion 139 may protrude upward from a
bottom surface of the lower cap body 137. The lower cap protrusion
139 may be provided to be inserted into the lower trim groove 116c
of the lower trim 116.
[0117] The lower cap body 137 may include an installation guide
137a protruding upward from the bottom surface thereof. The
installation guide 137a may be disposed to be spaced apart from the
lower cap protrusion 139 by a predetermined distance. The
installation guide 137a may guide the lower trim 116 of the door
panel 110 to an installation position when the door panel 110 is
mounted on the door body 120.
[0118] A mounting space 139a may be formed between the installation
guide 137a and the lower cap protrusion 139. Through the mounting
space 139a, the door panel 110 may be rotated such that the lower
cap protrusion 139 is inserted into the lower trim groove 116c in a
state in which a lower end of the door panel 110 is positioned
adjacent to the lower cap protrusion 139. Accordingly, the door
panel 110 may be fixed to the door body 120.
[0119] A lower cap hole 137aa may be formed on the lower cap body
137. The lower cap hole 137aa may be formed such that a fastening
member for coupling with the cover 140 may be coupled thereto. As
the cover 140 is aligned with respect to the lower door cap 136 so
that the cover hole 142 is located at a position corresponding to
the lower cap hole 137aa and then the fastening member is inserted
into the cover hole 142 and the lower cap hole 137aa, the cover 140
may be fixed to the lower door cap 136.
[0120] The chassis 121 and 126, the upper door cap 130, and the
lower door cap 136 may form upper, lower, left, and right surfaces
of the first door 101. The chassis 121 and 126, the upper door cap
130, and the lower door cap 136 may be collectively referred to as
a door frame. The door frame may have a shape in which front and
rear sides thereof are open. FIG. 7 illustrates that the chassis
121 and 126, the upper door cap 130, and the lower door cap 136 are
detachably provided, but the chassis 121 and 126, the upper door
cap 130, and the lower door cap 136 may be integrally formed. That
is, the door frame may be integrally formed.
[0121] The cover 140 may be mounted on the door frame to cover the
open front side of the door frame. The cover 140 may include a
cover body 141.
[0122] The cover body 141 may include the cover holes 142 through
which fastening members pass when the cover 140 is coupled to the
chassis 121 and 126, the upper door cap 130, and the lower door cap
136. Edges of the cover body 141 may be fixed to the chassis 121
and 126, the upper door cap 130, and the lower door cap 136,
respectively, as the fastening members pass through the cover holes
142 and then are coupled to the chassis 121 and 126, the upper door
cap 130, and the lower door cap 136, respectively.
[0123] A bent portion 143 may be provided at a lower end of the
cover body 141. The bent portion 143 may be formed to be bent
rearward from the cover body 141. The bent portion 143 may be
provided to form a step with the cover body 141. The bent portion
143 may form the mounting space 139a together with the lower cap
protrusion 139 and the installation guide 137a. The cover hole 142
for coupling with the lower door cap 136 may be formed on the bent
portion 143.
[0124] The case 150 may be mounted to the door frame to cover the
open rear side of the door frame. The case 150 may include the
first shelf support 107 on which the first door shelf 105 is
mounted.
[0125] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which the door panel illustrated in FIG. 3 is coupled to the door
body. FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which the side trim of the
door panel illustrated in FIG. 10 is coupled to a chassis of the
door body. FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a process in which an
upper end of the door panel illustrated in FIG. 2 is fixed to the
door body.
[0126] A process of assembling the door panel 110 to the door body
120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.
[0127] First, the upper door cap 130 and the lower door cap 136 are
coupled to the upper and lower ends of the chassis 121 and 126,
respectively, to form the door frame. The cover 140 and the case
150 are coupled to the front and rear sides of the door frame,
respectively, to form the door body 120. The insulator 129 is
foamed inside the door body 120.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 11, the door panel 110 may be aligned such
that the lower trim 116 faces the lower cap protrusion 139 of the
door body 120. The door panel 110 may be positioned to extend
toward an upper front from the lower cap protrusion 139. The door
panel 110 is rotated in a state in which an end of the lower cap
protrusion 139 is aligned to be located at an inlet of the lower
trim groove 116c so that the lower cap protrusion 139 may be
inserted into the lower trim groove 116c. Based on the direction
shown in FIG. 11, the door panel 110 may be rotated clockwise to be
firstly coupled to the door body 120 as shown in FIG. 8. As the
mounting space 139a is formed in the lower door cap 136, the door
panel 110 may be rotated and be coupled with respect to the door
body 120.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 12, as the door panel 110 is rotated to be
coupled to the door body 120, the side trim 118 may be coupled to
the chassis 121 and 126. The side trims 118 may be coupled to the
chassis 121 and 126 sequentially from the lower side to the upper
side. Specifically, the side trims 118 may be coupled to the
chassis 121 and 126 while the side trim protrusion 118b and/or the
chassis fixing portion 122 is deformed when the side trim
protrusion 118b comes into contact with the chassis fixing portion
122. When the side trims 118 are coupled to the chassis 121 and
126, respectively, an elastic force may be applied to the side trim
protrusion 118b and the chassis fixing portion 122 in a mutually
contacting direction.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 13, when the coupling of the side trim 118
is completed, the upper trim protrusion 117b of the upper trim 117
may be inserted into the upper coupling groove 132. When the upper
trim protrusion 117b is inserted into the upper coupling groove
132, the fixing member 134 may be inserted into the upper trim hole
117c through the passing opening 133. As the fixing member 134 is
coupled to the passing opening 133 and the upper trim hole 117c,
the door panel 110 may be fixed to the upper door cap 130.
[0131] As the above process is reversed, the door panel 110 may be
separated from the door body 120.
[0132] Through the above-described process, in the refrigerator 1
according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the door panel 110
may be easily coupled to the door body 120 or may be easily
separated from the door body 120.
[0133] FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a door
panel according to another embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 15 is
a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a lower trim
illustrated in FIG. 14 is coupled to a door body. FIG. 16 is a
cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which an upper trim
illustrated in FIG. 14 is coupled to the door body. FIG. 17 is a
cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a side trim
illustrated in FIG. 14 is coupled to the door body.
[0134] A door panel 110' according to another embodiment of the
disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. The
same numbers will be assigned to the same components as those of
the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof
may be omitted.
[0135] Referring to FIG. 14, the door panel 110' according to
another embodiment of the disclosure may include a panel body 111',
the buffer member 115, the fixing trims 116 and 117, and a fixing
trim 118'. The panel body 111' and the side trim 118' of the door
panel 110' according to another embodiment of the disclosure are
different from those of the door panel 110 illustrated in FIG. 3,
and the other components of the door panels 110' may be the same as
those of the door panel 110.
[0136] Unlike the panel body 111 including the glass illustrated in
FIGS. 8 to 10, when the panel body 111' of the door panel 110'
according to another embodiment of the disclosure is formed of a
relatively thin iron plate, an end of the panel body 111' may not
be easily finished so as not to be sharpen like the finishing of
the end of the panel body 111 illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10.
[0137] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 17, in this case, the end of the
panel body 111' may be bent toward a direction of being coupled to
the door body 120. The end portion of the bent panel body 111' may
be referred to as a panel bent portion 111a'.
[0138] Specifically, referring to FIG. 15, the panel bent portion
111a' of a lower end of the panel body 111' may be bent to be
positioned below the lower trim 116. The panel bent portion 111a'
of the lower end of the panel body 111' may be positioned between
the lower trim 116 and a front end portion of the lower cap body
137.
[0139] Referring to FIG. 16, the panel bent portion 111a' of an
upper end of the panel body 111' may be bent to be positioned above
the upper trim 117. The panel bent portion 111a' of the upper end
of the panel body 111' may be positioned between the upper trim 117
and a front end portion of the upper cap body 131.
[0140] Referring to FIG. 17, the panel bent portions 111a' of the
left and right sides of the panel body 111' may be positioned in
chassis accommodating portions 124 of the chassis 121 and 126. The
chassis 121 and 126 may include the chassis accommodating portion
124 formed to accommodate the panel bent portion 111a' of the panel
body 111'. The panel bent portion 111a' may be supported by the
chassis accommodating portion 124 when the door panel 110' is
coupled to the door body 120.
[0141] The chassis 121 and 126 may include the chassis
accommodating portion 124 even when the door panel 110 illustrated
in FIG. 10 is mounted. That is, the chassis 121 and 126 including
the chassis accommodating portion 124 may be compatible with
various types of the door panels 110 and 110'.
[0142] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 17, the side trim 118' may be
disposed at ends of the left and right sides of the panel body
111'. The side trim 118' may be fixed to the panel body 111'
through the adhesive 108. The adhesive 108 may be provided as
double-sided tape. The side trim 118' may allow the ends of the
left and right sides of the door panel 110' to be securely fixed to
the door body 120 when the door panel 110' is coupled to the door
body 120.
[0143] The side trim 118' may include a magnetic body. The side
trim 118' may be provided to generate an attractive force between
the cover 140 and the side trim 118' when the door panel 110' is
coupled to the door body 120. The cover 140 may include steel. As
the side trim 118' comes into contact with and is fixed to the
cover 140 by the attractive force between the side trim 118' and
the cover 140, the opposite side ends of the door panel 110' may be
in close contact with and stably fixed to the door body 120.
[0144] The side trim 118' may extend in a vertical direction along
edges of the left and right sides of the panel body 111'. The side
trim 118' may be disposed to be spaced apart from the panel bent
portion 111a' of the panel body 111'.
[0145] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which a side trim according to another embodiment of the disclosure
is coupled to the door body.
[0146] A side trim 218 according to another embodiment of the
disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 18. The same
numbers will be assigned to the same components as those of the
above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof may
be omitted.
[0147] Referring to FIG. 18, the side trim 218 according to another
embodiment of the disclosure may include a side trim body 218a and
a side trim protrusion 218b. The side trim 218 may include
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin).
[0148] The side trim body 218a may extend in a substantially
vertical direction to be fixed to a left end and right end of the
panel body 111', respectively. The side trim body 218a may have a
substantially rectangular plate shape. The side trim body 218a may
be fixed to the panel body 111' through the adhesive 108.
[0149] The side trim protrusion 218b may protrude rearward from the
side trim body 218a. The side trim protrusions 218b may be coupled
to the chassis 121 and 126, respectively. The side trim protrusion
218b may include a first locking portion 218ba and a second locking
portion 218bb.
[0150] The first locking portion 218ba may be coupled to the
chassis fixing portion 122. The second locking portion 218bb may be
coupled to a chassis locking portion 125. The side trim protrusion
218b may have a shape of extending rearward from the side trim body
218a and then being branched into the first locking portion 218ba
and the second locking portion 218bb. The first locking portion
218ba and the second locking portion 218bb may be branched in
opposite directions.
[0151] The first locking portion 218ba and the second locking
portion 218bb may include a material having a predetermined
elasticity so that the first and second locking portions 218ba and
218bb may be restored after being deformed by being pressed by the
chassis fixing portion 122 and the chassis locking portion 125 when
coupled to the chassis fixing portion 122 and the chassis locking
portion 125. The first locking portion 218ba and the second locking
portion 218bb may be provided such that an elastic force is
generated in a direction of coming into contact with the chassis
fixing portion 122 and the chassis locking portion 125,
respectively, when the side trim 118 is coupled to the door body
120. The first locking portion 218ba may have a shape in which at
least a portion thereof is bent toward the chassis fixing portion
122. The second locking portion 218bb may have a shape in which at
least a portion thereof is bent toward the chassis locking portion
125.
[0152] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which a side trim according to another embodiment of the disclosure
is coupled to the door body.
[0153] A side trim 318 according to another embodiment of the
disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 19. The same
numbers will be assigned to the same components as those of the
above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof may
be omitted.
[0154] Referring to FIG. 19, the side trim 318 according to another
embodiment of the disclosure may include a side trim body 318a and
a side trim protrusion 318b. The configuration of the side trim
body 318a is the same as that of the side trim body 218a
illustrated in FIG. 18.
[0155] The side trim protrusion 318b may protrude rearward from the
side trim body 318a. The side trim protrusions 318b may be coupled
to the chassis 121 and 126. The side trim protrusion 318b may
include a locking portion 318ba. The configuration of the locking
portion 318ba may be substantially the same as that of the second
locking portion 218bb illustrated in FIG. 18. That is, the side
trim protrusion 318b illustrated in FIG. 19 may be configured such
that the first locking portion 218ba is not provided compared to
the side trim protrusion 218b illustrated in FIG. 18.
[0156] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which a side trim according to another embodiment of the disclosure
is coupled to the door body.
[0157] A side trim 418 according to another embodiment of the
disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 20. The same
numbers will be assigned to the same components as those of the
above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof may
be omitted.
[0158] Referring to FIG. 20, the side trim 418 according to another
embodiment of the disclosure may include a side trim body 418a and
a side trim protrusion 418b.
[0159] The side trim body 418a may extend in a substantially
vertical direction to be fixed to the left end and right end of the
panel body 111', respectively. The side trim body 418a may have a
substantially rectangular plate shape. The side trim body 418a may
be fixed to the panel body 111' through the adhesive 108.
[0160] The side trim protrusion 418b may protrude rearward from the
side trim body 418a. The side trim protrusions 418b may be coupled
to the chassis 121 and 126, respectively. The side trim protrusion
418b may include a first locking portion 418ba and a second locking
portion 418bb.
[0161] The first locking portion 418ba may be coupled to the
chassis fixing portion 122. The second locking portion 418bb may be
coupled to the chassis locking portion 125. The first locking
portion 418ba and the second locking portion 418bb may be provided
to face in opposite directions.
[0162] The side trim protrusion 418b may include a material that is
more flexible than the side trim body 418a. Specifically, the side
trim protrusion 418b may include a material having a predetermined
elasticity so that the side trim protrusion 418b may be restored
after being deformed by being pressed by the chassis fixing portion
122 and the chassis locking portion 125 when coupled to the chassis
fixing portion 122 and the chassis locking portion 125. The side
trim body 418a may include hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and the
side trim protrusion 418b may include soft polyvinyl chloride
(PVC).
[0163] The first locking portion 418ba may be provided to be
supported by the chassis fixing portion 122 when the side trim 418
is coupled to the door body 120. The second locking portion 418bb
may be provided to be supported by the chassis locking portion 125
when the side trim 418 is coupled to the door body 120. That is,
the side trim protrusions 418b may be formed to be unfolded after
being constricted in a process of being coupled to the chassis 121
and 126. When the side trim protrusions 418b are coupled to the
chassis 121 and 126, the first locking portion 418ba and the second
locking portion 418bb may be unfolded to be supported by the
chassis fixing portion 122 and the chassis locking portion 125,
respectively.
[0164] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in
which a side trim according to another embodiment of the disclosure
is coupled to the door body.
[0165] A side trim 518 according to another embodiment of the
disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 21. The same
numbers will be assigned to the same components as those of the
above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof may
be omitted.
[0166] Referring to FIG. 21, the side trim 519 according to another
embodiment of the disclosure may include a side trim body 518a, a
side trim protrusion 518b, and a side trim cover 518c.
[0167] The side trim body 518a may extend in a substantially
vertical direction to be fixed to the left end and right end of the
panel body 111', respectively. The side trim body 518a may have a
substantially rectangular plate shape. The side trim body 518a may
be fixed to the panel body 111' through the adhesive 108.
[0168] The side trim protrusion 518b may protrude rearward from the
side trim body 518a. The side trim cover 518c may be provided at an
outer side of the side trim protrusion 518b.
[0169] The side trim cover 518c may be coupled to the side trim
protrusion 518b to cover a circumference of the side trim
protrusion 518b. The side trim cover 518c may include a material
that is more flexible than the side trim protrusion 518b.
Specifically, the side trim cover 518c may include a material
having a predetermined elasticity so that the side trim cover 518c
may be restored after being deformed by being pressed by the
chassis fixing portion 122 and the chassis locking portion 125 when
coupled to the chassis fixing portion 122 and the chassis locking
portion 125. The side trim cover 518c may include a first locking
portion 518ca provided to be locked to the chassis fixing portion
122, and a second locking portion 518cb provided to be locked to
the chassis locking portion 125. The side trim body 518a and the
side trim protrusion 518b may include
acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin), and the side
trim cover 518c may include rubber.
[0170] The side trim cover 518c may be supported by the chassis
fixing portion 122 and the chassis locking portion 125 by being
deformed to be contracted during passing between the chassis fixing
portion 122 and the chassis locking portion 125 and then restored
to be unfold after passing. The chassis fixing portion 122 may
support the first locking portion 518ca, and the chassis locking
portion 125 may support the second locking portion 518cb.
[0171] FIG. 22 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a first
door according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
[0172] A first door 201 according to another embodiment of the
disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 22. The same
numbers will be assigned to the same components as those of the
above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof may
be omitted.
[0173] Referring to FIG. 22, the first door 201 according to
another embodiment of the disclosure may include a door panel 210,
a door body 220, and a door display 260. One of the structures
provided in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3, 14, and 18 to
21 may be applied to a structure in which the door panel 210 is
coupled to the door body 220.
[0174] The door display 260 may be mounted on the door body 220. A
display opening 241a for exposing the door display 260 to the
outside may be formed on a cover body 241 of a cover 240.
[0175] A panel opening 211a for exposing the door display 260 to
the outside may be formed on the door panel 210. The panel opening
211a may be formed slightly larger than a size of the door display
260.
[0176] A display bezel 270 may be mounted on an edge of the panel
opening 211a formed on a panel body 211 of the door panel 210. The
display bezel 270 may cover a gap formed between the panel opening
211a and the door display 260. Specifically, when the panel opening
211a is formed on the panel body 211 of the door panel 210, smooth
finishing of the edge of the panel opening 211a may not be easy. As
such, when the edge of the panel opening 211a is not smoothly
finished, the edge of the panel opening 211a may be smoothly
finished by mounting the display bezel 270 on the panel opening
211a.
[0177] FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a first
door according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
[0178] A first door 301 according to another embodiment of the
disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 23. The same
numbers will be assigned to the same components as those of the
above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof may
be omitted.
[0179] Referring to FIG. 23, the first door 301 according to
another embodiment of the disclosure may include a door panel 310,
a door body 320, and a dispenser 360. One of the structures
provided in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3, 14, and 18 to
21 may be applied to a structure in which the door panel 310 is
coupled to the door body 320.
[0180] The dispenser 360 may be mounted on the door body 320. A
dispenser opening 341a for exposing the dispenser 360 to the
outside may be formed on a cover body 341 of a cover 340.
[0181] A panel opening 311a for exposing the dispenser 360 to the
outside may be formed on the door panel 310. The panel opening 311a
may be formed slightly larger than a size of the dispenser 360.
[0182] A dispenser bezel 370 may be mounted on an edge of the panel
opening 311a formed on a panel body 311 of the door panel 310. The
dispenser bezel 370 may cover a gap formed between the panel
opening 311a and the dispenser 360. Specifically, when the panel
opening 311a is formed on the panel body 311 of the door panel 310,
smooth finishing of the edge of the panel opening 311a may not be
easy. As such, when the edge of the panel opening 311a is not
smoothly finished, the edge of the panel opening 311a may be
smoothly finished by mounting the dispenser bezel 370 on the panel
opening 311a.
[0183] FIG. 24 illustrates a clothes manager to which a door panel
and a door body according to another embodiment of the disclosure
are applied. FIG. 25 illustrates a state in which the door panel
illustrated in FIG. 24 is separated from the door body.
[0184] A clothes manager 4 to which a door panel 410 and a door
body 420 are applied according to another embodiment of the
disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25.
Detailed descriptions of the same configurations as those of the
door panel 110 and the door body 120 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be
omitted.
[0185] Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, the clothes manager 4 may
include a main body 400 forming an appearance and a door 401
rotatably coupled to the main body 400. The clothes manager 4 may
include a clothes management compartment provided inside the main
body 400 to accommodate and manage clothes, a clothes support
member provided inside the clothes management compartment to hang
clothes, and a machine compartment in which a heat exchange device
for dehumidifying or heating air inside the clothes management
compartment is accommodated.
[0186] The door 401 may include a door panel 410 and a door body
420. The door panel 410 may be detachably coupled to the door body
420.
[0187] Referring to FIG. 25, the door panel 410 may include a panel
body 411, a buffer member 415, and fixing trims 416, 417, and
419.
[0188] Various designs may be provided on a front surface of the
panel body 411 to meet the needs of users. The fixing trims 416,
417, and 419 for coupling with the door body 420 may be disposed on
a rear surface of the panel body 411. The buffer member 415 may be
disposed in a space formed between the door panel 410 and the door
body 420.
[0189] The fixing trims 416, 417, and 419 may include the lower
trim 416, the upper trim 417, and the side trim 419. By the fixing
trims 416, 417 and 419, the door panel 410 may be securely coupled
to the door body 420 and may be easily detached from the door body
420.
[0190] Specifically, the lower trim 416 may be coupled to a lower
cap protrusion 439 provided on the door body 420, the upper trim
417 may be coupled to an upper coupling groove 432 provided on the
door body 420, and the side trim 419 may be coupled to a chassis
fixing portion 422 provided on the door body 420.
[0191] The door body 420 may include a door frame 426. The door
frame 426 may include the chassis fixing portion 422 formed on the
left and right side portions thereof. The chassis fixing portion
422 may be coupled to the side trim 419. The door frame 426 may
include the upper coupling groove 432 formed at an upper end
thereof. The upper coupling groove 432 may be formed to accommodate
a portion of the upper trim 417. The door frame 426 may include the
lower cap protrusion 439 formed at a lower end thereof. The lower
cap protrusion 439 may be inserted into the lower trim 416.
[0192] The cover 440 may be mounted to the door frame 426 to cover
an open front of the door frame 426.
[0193] A process of mounting the door panel 410 on the door body
420 or separating the door panel 410 from the door body 420 is the
same as that of mounting the door panel 110 on the door body 120 or
separating the door panel 110 from the door body 120 which is
illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13. That is, the lower trim 416, the
upper trim 417, the side trim 419, the chassis fixing portion 422,
the upper coupling groove 432, and the lower cap protrusion 439,
which are illustrated in FIG. 25, may be configured to be the same
as the lower trim 116, the upper trim 117, the side trim 118, the
chassis fixing portion 122, the upper coupling groove 132, and the
lower cap protrusion 139, which are illustrated in FIG. 3,
respectively.
[0194] In the clothes manager 4 including the door panel 410 and
the door body 420 according to another embodiment of the
disclosure, the door panel 410 may be easily coupled to the door
body 420 or may be easily separated from the door body 420.
Accordingly, the design and/or material of the door 401 of the
clothes manager 4 may be easily changed according to the needs of
users.
[0195] FIG. 26 illustrates a cooking appliance to which a door
panel and a door body according to another embodiment of the
disclosure are applied. FIG. 27 illustrates a state in which the
door panel illustrated in FIG. 26 is separated from the door
body.
[0196] A cooking appliance 5 to which a door panel 510 and a door
body 520 are applied according to another embodiment of the
disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 and 27.
Detailed descriptions of the same configurations as those of the
door panel 110 and the door body 120 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be
omitted.
[0197] Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the cooking appliance 5 may
include a main body 500 forming an appearance and a door 501
provided to open and close an open front of the main body 500. The
cooking appliance 5 may include a cooking chamber formed inside the
main body 500 to cook food.
[0198] A control panel 506 may be installed at an upper front of
the cooking appliance 5. The control panel 506 may include an input
508 and a display 507. The input 508 may be provided to allow a
user to input a command for an operation such as a cooking
function, a cooking mode, and a cooking time of the cooking
appliance 5. As an example, the input 508 may be provided with a
plurality of switches through which the user may select a cooking
mode. The plurality of switches of the input 508 may be provided in
a touch sensing method. The display 507 may be configured to
display conditions set by the user and operation states according
to the conditions, using letters, numbers, and symbols.
[0199] The door 501 may include a door panel 510 and a door body
520. The door panel 510 may be detachably coupled to the door body
520.
[0200] Referring to FIG. 27, the door panel 510 may include a panel
body 511, a buffer member, and fixing trims 516, 517, and 519.
[0201] Various designs may be provided on a front surface of the
panel body 511 to meet the needs of users. The fixing trims 516,
517, and 519 for coupling with the door body 520 may be disposed on
a rear surface of the panel body 511. The buffer member may be
disposed in a space formed between the door panel 510 and the door
body 520.
[0202] The fixing trims 516, 517, and 519 may include the lower
trim 516, the upper trim 517, and the side trim 519. By the fixing
trims 516, 517 and 519, the door panel 510 may be securely coupled
to the door body 520 and may be easily detached from the door body
520.
[0203] Specifically, the lower trim 516 may be coupled to a lower
cap protrusion 539 provided on the door body 520, the upper trim
517 may be coupled to an upper coupling groove 532 provided on the
door body 520, and the side trim 519 may be coupled to a chassis
fixing portion 522 provided on the door body 520.
[0204] The door body 520 may include a door frame 526. The door
frame 526 may include the chassis fixing portion 522 formed on the
left and right side portions thereof. The chassis fixing portion
522 may be coupled to the side trim 519. The door frame 526 may
include the upper coupling groove 532 formed at an upper end
thereof. The upper coupling groove 532 may be formed to accommodate
a portion of the upper trim 517. The door frame 526 may include the
lower cap protrusion 539 formed at a lower end thereof. The lower
cap protrusion 539 may be inserted into the lower trim 516.
[0205] The cover 540 may be mounted to the door frame 526 to cover
an open front of the door frame 526.
[0206] The door 501 may be provided with a see-through window 502
on a front side so that the inside of the cooking chamber may be
seen in a state in which the cooking chamber is closed. The user
may check the cooking process through the see-through window 502
provided on the door 501 during cooking food.
[0207] A panel opening 511a in which the see-through window 502 is
mounted may be formed in the door panel 510. The panel opening 511a
may be formed slightly larger than a size of the see-through window
502.
[0208] A see-through window bezel 570 may be mounted on an edge of
the panel opening 511a formed on the panel body 511 of the door
panel 510. The see-through window bezel 570 may cover a gap formed
between the panel opening 511a and the see-through window 502.
[0209] A process of mounting the door panel 510 on the door body
520 or separating the door panel 510 from the door body 520 is the
same as that of mounting the door panel 110 on the door body 120 or
separating the door panel 110 from the door body 120 which is
illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13. That is, the lower trim 516, the
upper trim 517, the side trim 519, the chassis fixing portion 522,
the upper coupling groove 532, and the lower cap protrusion 539,
which are illustrated in FIG. 27, may be configured to be the same
as the lower trim 116, the upper trim 117, the side trim 118, the
chassis fixing portion 122, the upper coupling groove 132, and the
lower cap protrusion 139, which are illustrated in FIG. 3,
respectively.
[0210] In the cooking appliance 5 including the door panel 510 and
the door body 520 according to another embodiment of the
disclosure, the door panel 510 may be easily coupled to the door
body 520 or may be easily separated from the door body 520.
Accordingly, the design and/or material of the door 501 of the
cooking appliance 5 may be easily changed according to the needs of
users.
[0211] FIG. 28 illustrates a dishwasher to which a door panel and a
door body according to another embodiment of the disclosure are
applied. FIG. 29 illustrates a state in which the door panel
illustrated in FIG. 28 is separated from the door body.
[0212] A dishwasher 6 to which a door panel 610 and a door body 620
are applied according to another embodiment of the disclosure will
be described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29. Detailed
descriptions of the same configurations as those of the door panel
110 and the door body 120 illustrated in FIG. 3 may be omitted.
[0213] Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, the dishwasher 6 may include a
main body 600 forming an appearance and a door 601 provided to open
and close an open front of the main body 600. The dishwasher 6 may
include a washing chamber formed inside the main body 600.
[0214] The door 601 may be provided with a controller 606
configured to control the dishwasher 6. The controller 606 may be
positioned at an upper end of the door 601. A PCB may be installed
in the control 606.
[0215] A display 607 may be disposed on the door 601. The display
607 may be configured to visually display an operating state of the
dishwasher 6. The display 607 is provided to display various
information such as an operating state and an operating time of the
dishwasher 6.
[0216] The door 601 may include a door panel 610 and a door body
620. The door panel 610 may be detachably coupled to the door body
620.
[0217] Referring to FIG. 29, the door panel 610 may include a panel
body 611, a buffer member 615, and fixing trims 616, 617, and
619.
[0218] Various designs may be provided on a front surface of the
panel body 611 to meet the needs of users. The fixing trims 616,
617, and 619 for coupling with the door body 620 may be disposed on
a rear surface of the panel body 611. The buffer member 615 may be
disposed in a space formed between the door panel 610 and the door
body 620.
[0219] The fixing trims 616, 617, and 619 may include the lower
trim 616, the upper trim 617, and the side trim 619. By the fixing
trims 616, 617 and 619, the door panel 610 may be securely coupled
to the door body 620 and may be easily detached from the door body
620.
[0220] Specifically, the lower trim 616 may be coupled to a lower
cap protrusion 639 provided on the door body 620, the upper trim
617 may be coupled to an upper coupling groove 632 provided on the
door body 620, and the side trim 619 may be coupled to a chassis
fixing portion 622 provided on the door body 620.
[0221] The door body 620 may include a door frame 626. The door
frame 626 may include the chassis fixing portion 622 formed on the
left and right side portions thereof. The chassis fixing portion
622 may be coupled to the side trim 619. The door frame 626 may
include the upper coupling groove 632 formed at an upper end
thereof. The upper coupling groove 632 may be formed to accommodate
a portion of the upper trim 617. The door frame 626 may include the
lower cap protrusion 639 formed at a lower end thereof. The lower
cap protrusion 639 may be inserted into the lower trim 616.
[0222] The cover 640 may be mounted to the door frame 626 to cover
an open front of the door frame 626.
[0223] A process of mounting the door panel 610 on the door body
620 or separating the door panel 610 from the door body 620 is the
same as that of mounting the door panel 110 on the door body 120 or
separating the door panel 110 from the door body 120 which is
illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 13. That is, the lower trim 616, the
upper trim 617, the side trim 619, the chassis fixing portion 622,
the upper coupling groove 632, and the lower cap protrusion 639,
which are illustrated in FIG. 29, may be configured to be the same
as the lower trim 116, the upper trim 117, the side trim 118, the
chassis fixing portion 122, the upper coupling groove 132, and the
lower cap protrusion 139, which are illustrated in FIG. 3,
respectively.
[0224] In the dishwasher 6 including the door panel 610 and the
door body 620 according to another embodiment of the disclosure,
the door panel 610 may be easily coupled to the door body 620 or
may be easily separated from the door body 620. Accordingly, the
design and/or material of the door 601 of the dishwasher 6 may be
easily changed according to the needs of users.
[0225] In the above, only the embodiments in which the door panel
detachable from the door body according to the embodiments of the
disclosure are applied to the refrigerator, clothes manager,
cooking appliance, and dishwasher have been described, but the door
panel detachable from the door body according to the embodiments of
the disclosure may be applied to any home appliance in the case of
the home appliance including a door.
[0226] As is apparent from the above, according to the disclosure,
because a refrigerator and a home appliance include a door panel
detachably mounted on a door body, the design of the door can be
easily changed.
[0227] According to the disclosure, because an edge of the door
panel of the refrigerator and the home appliance is fixed to the
door body, the edge of the door panel can be prevented from being
separated from the door body.
[0228] While the disclosure has been particularly described with
reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by
those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and
details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the disclosure.
[0229] Although the present disclosure has been described with
various embodiments, various changes and modifications may be
suggested to one skilled in the art. It is intended that the
present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *