US20080042537A1

US20080042537A1 - Door for Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: US20080042537A1
Application number: US11/629,887
Authority: US
Inventors: Ung Kim; Yae-Yung Kim; O-Bong Choi
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2005-04-20
Filing date: 2006-04-13
Publication date: 2008-02-21
Also published as: EP1872070B1; AU2006237838A1; EP1872070A4; AU2006237838B2; WO2006112633A1; EP1872070A1; MXPA06014549A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a door for a refrigerator. The door for a refrigerator of the present invention comprises a front panel 20 which defines a front surface of the door; first and second side decoration bars 30 and 40 which extend along both side edges of the front panel 20 to define side surfaces of the door, respectively; top and bottom decoration caps 24 and 26 which extend along upper and lower edges of the front panel 20 and are fastened to ends of the side decoration bars 30 and 40 to define top and bottom surfaces of the door, respectively; a panel supporting bar 37 which is installed on each of the side decoration bars 30 and 40 and provided with a supporting portion 39 for supporting each side edge on a rear surface of the front panel 20; and a door liner 22 which is installed opposite to the front panel 20 to define a rear surface of the door. A foam insulating layer is formed within an internal space such that the front panel 20, the decoration caps 24 and 26, the side decoration bars 30 and 40, the panel supporting bar 37 and the door liner 22. According to the door for a refrigerator of the present invention so configured, there are advantages in that the number of parts can be minimized and thus the manufacturing costs can be reduced while an external appearance of the door is decorated at a satisfactory level, and the total weight of the door can be minimized to simplify an installation structure. In particular, since components defining the external appearance of the door can be integrally formed with one another, an assembling structure can be simplified.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator door for selectively opening and closing a storage space within the refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a refrigerator employing a general door. As shown in the figure, a main body 1 of the refrigerator substantially takes the shape of a hexahedron, and freezing and refrigerating chambers (not shown) serving as a storage space are formed side by side within the main body. The freezing and refrigerating chambers are opened and closed by separate doors 3, respectively. Each of door handles 5 is provided along one side end on a front surface of the door 3. The doors 3 are installed to be pivotable about hinges 7 at both side ends on the front surface of the main body 1 of the refrigerator, respectively.
In each door 3, an outer door panel which defines front, top and bottom and both side surfaces of the door and a door liner which forms a rear surface of the door define the external appearance of the door. An insulating layer 3D (refer to FIG. 2B) is formed within an internal space which is defined by the outer door panel and the door liner.
However, since the door 3 whose appearance is defined by the outer door panel and the door liner as described above has simple appearance, there is a problem in that a variety of esthetic feelings cannot be provided to users. In order to solve this problem, a door whose external surfaces except for the rear surface defined by the door liner are decorated with various kinds of members has been suggested.
In particular, such a door is shown in FIG. 2. Referring to this figure, first and second side decoration bars 10 and 12 are fastened to both side surfaces of the door 3 whose appearance is formed by the outer door panel 3D and a door liner 3L. The first and second side decoration bars 10 and 12 are formed into relatively thin and elongate shapes to correspond to both the side surfaces of the door 3.
A top decoration cap 14 is installed on the top surface of the door, and a bottom decoration cap 16 is installed on the bottom surface of the door. The top and bottom decoration caps 14 and 16 are formed into thin and elongate shapes to correspond to top and bottom surfaces of the door 3, respectively.
The description on the fastening of the decoration caps 14 and 16 to the top and bottom surfaces of the door 3, respectively, will be made with reference to the bottom decoration cap 16 by way of example. That is, the bottom decoration cap 16 is fastened to the door using a plurality of fastening screws 17. To this end, a plurality of fastening holes 16′ are bored through the bottom decoration cap 16, and fastening holes 3′ also are bored through the corresponding bottom surface of the door. A plurality of the fastening holes 16′ of the bottom decoration cap 16 are formed in the longitudinal direction of the bottom decoration cap 16.
A front panel 18 is installed on the front surface of the door 3. The front panel 20 may be made of various kinds of materials such as glass or iron plate. The edges of the front panel 18 are inserted into structures formed integrally with the side decoration bars 10 and 12 and the decoration caps 14 and 16, respectively, such that the front door can be mounted onto the front surface of the door 3.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, a display unit 19 is installed in such a manner that it can be exposed to a front surface of the front panel 18. The display unit 19 generally comprises a display cover 19′ which defines an external appearance and a display case 19″ which is recessed into an insulating layer 3S. Components which constitute the display unit 19 are installed within the display cover 19′ and the display case 19″. Seating channels 19′c on which the front panels 18 are seated are formed at upper and lower ends of the display case 19′, respectively.
However, the door for a refrigerator according to the prior art as described above has the following problems.
That is, for the decoration of the door 3 whose external appearance is defined by the outer door panel 3D and the door liner 3L, the side decoration bars 10 and 12, the decoration caps 14 and 16 and the front panel 18 are conventionally fabricated separately and then mounted to the outer door panel 3D. However, there is a problem in that a relatively large number of parts are necessary for the decoration on the external appearance of the door 3 and the man-hour needed for the fabrication of the door 3 is increased, which leads to the increase in manufacturing costs.
There is another problem in that the total weight of the door 3 increases due to the installation of the side decoration bars 10 and 12, the decoration caps 14 and 16, the front panel 18 and the like to the door 3. Accordingly, if the weight of the door 3 increases in this way, the door is likely to sag under its own weight with respect to the main body 1 of the refrigerator. Thus, an additional structure for preventing the sagging phenomenon should be relatively reinforced.
In addition, the front panel 18 may be made of various materials such as glass or iron plate. For example, in a case where the front panel is made of glass, a relatively thick glass should be used to maintain a predetermined degree of strength. On the other hand, in a case where the front panel is made of an iron plate, a relatively thin iron plate should be employed. However, the edges of the front panel 18 should be inserted into and supported by the structures formed integrally with the side decoration bars 10 and 12 and the decoration caps 14 and 16. Therefore, if the thickness of the front panel 18 is changed, the dimensions of structures which are formed in the side decoration bars 10 and 12 and the decoration caps 14 and 16 to receive the edges of the front panel 18 should also be changed. In this case, there is a further problem in that the side decoration bars 10 and 12 and the decoration caps 14 and 16 should be designed in different ways and used according to the types of the front panel 18.
Next, the decoration cap 16 is fastened to the door 3 and the side decoration bars 10 and 12 by means of a plurality of screws 17. However, portions of the screws 17 which are fastened to the door 3 and the side decoration bars 10 and 12 are relatively brought into close contact with the door 3 and the side decoration bars 10 and 12, whereas the other portions of the screws which are not fastened can be spaced apart slightly from the door 3. Thus, there is a still further problem in that the decoration cap 16 may be partially curved when the decoration cap is viewed from the front of the door 3.
Further, since the decoration cap 16 and the side decoration bar 10 and 12 are fastened to the door by means of the screws 17 only, their fastening strength is relatively lowered. Thus, there is also a problem that the decoration caps and the side decoration bars are highly likely to lead to damages due to the foaming pressure or external force.
In addition, the front panel 18 is in a state where it is spaced apart from the front surface of the door, and only the edges thereof are supported by the side decoration bars 10 and 12 and the decoration caps 14 and 16. Therefore, since the front panel 18 rocks back and forth due to a gap defined between the front panel 18 and the outer door panel 3D of the door 3, the front panel 18 may be shaken when a user pushes the front panel 18.
Furthermore, even if the display unit 19 is installed to be exposed to the front of the front panel 18, i.e. even if two or more front panels 18 are used, the portions of the front panels 18 which are connected to the display unit 19 are the seating channels 19 c′ of the display cover 19′. However, since the display unit 19′ is also supported by only the side decoration bars 10 and 12, the shaking and vibration of the front panel 18 occurs.
Moreover, an outer door panel and a door liner are securely placed on a foaming jig and a foaming resin is then injected into an internal space of the door such that the resin can be cured therein. The foaming resin is filled in a space defined between the outer door panel and the door liner while it expands during the curing process. However, there is a problem in that the foaming resin may leak out due to the pressure generated while the foaming resin is filled in the space defined by the outer door panel and the door liner. If the foaming resin leaks out, an empty space may be created between the outer door panel and the door liner. Thus, there is a problem in that the heat insulation performance or strength of the door is deteriorated.
In order to solve the above problems, the foaming operation is carried out in a state where adhesive tapes are attached to leaking portions of the door. However, since an operation for attaching separate adhesive tapes in a preparatory foaming process should be carried out, the material costs are increased and the fabrication man-hour is also increased.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

Accordingly, the present invention is conceived to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a door for a refrigerator with decorated external appearance and minimized number of parts.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a door for a refrigerator with decorated external appearance and minimized weight.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a door for a refrigerator wherein a front panel defining a front external appearance of the door can be mounted to the door irrespective of its thickness.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a door for a refrigerator wherein decoration caps defining the external appearance of the door can be more precisely installed.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a door for a refrigerator wherein engagement strength of side decoration bars which are engaged with both ends of the decoration caps can be relatively increased.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a door for a refrigerator wherein the front panel defining the external appearance of the door can more firmly installed.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a door for a refrigerator wherein the front panel can be more firmly installed particularly when a display unit, a home bar, a dispenser or the like is provided to be exposed to the front of the front panel.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a door for a refrigerator wherein a foaming resin can be prevented from leaking out from the door even while an insulating layer is directly attached to internal surfaces of decorating portions for the external appearance of the door.

TECHNICAL SOLUTION

According to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the objects, there is provided a door for a refrigerator, comprising: a front panel defining a front surface of the door; first and second side decoration bars extending along both side edges of the front panel to define side surfaces of the door, respectively; top and bottom decoration caps extending along upper and lower edges of the front panel and fastened to ends of the side decoration bars to define top and bottom surfaces of the door, respectively; and a door liner installed opposite to the front panel to define a rear surface of the door, wherein a foam insulating layer is formed within an internal space of the door such that the front panel, the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the door liner can be integrally coupled with one another.
Preferably, a panel supporting bar provided with a supporting portion for supporting each side edge of the rear surface of the front panel is installed in each of the side decoration bars to support the front panel in cooperation with the side decoration bars.
Preferably, each of the side decoration bars is formed to extend in a longitudinal direction and comprises: a plate-shaped bar body formed to have a predetermined width and a length corresponding to a length of one side of the front panel; a front surface forming portion formed at one end of the bar body and having a length corresponding to the length of the bar body to support the edge of the front panel; a space adjusting portion provided on the rear of the bar body to allow the panel supporting bar to be mounted thereto; and a screw fastening portion provided on the rear of the bar body to be fastened to the decoration cap.
Preferably, a rear surface forming portion formed opposite to the front surface forming portion to extend, with a predetermined width, in the longitudinal direction of the bar body is further provided on the bar body.
Preferably, the space adjusting portion is provided with a latch at its one surface, and the panel supporting bar is provided with a latch corresponding to the latch of the space adjusting portion, so that a distance between the supporting portion of the panel supporting bar and a rear surface of the front surface forming portion of each of the side decoration bars.
Preferably, the panel supporting bar is formed to extend in a longitudinal direction of each of the side decoration bars and includes: a mounting portion provided with an insertion channel into which the space adjusting portion is inserted, and a supporting portion formed integrally with the mounting portion and brought into contact with the rear surface of the front panel, wherein the insertion channel of the mounting portion is provided with a latch corresponding to the latch of the space adjusting portion.
Preferably, a sectional shape of the latch formed in the space adjusting portion or the panel supporting bar is a polygonal shape including at least a triangle, which can be engaged with each other.
Preferably, a spacer is selectively employed between the front panel and a supporting piece in the top and bottom decoration caps according to the thickness of the front panel.
Preferably, this invention further comprise connecting brackets for connecting the top and bottom decoration caps with the side decoration bars, respectively, wherein fastening screws are fastened to the screw fastening portions of the side decoration bars through the connecting brackets at both ends of the decoration caps to cause the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the connecting brackets to be fastened to one another.
Preferably, the fastening screws are fastened to the side decoration bars through fastening holes formed in portions corresponding to four corners of each of the decoration caps.
Preferably, guide bosses which are inserted into corresponding insertion holes of each of the connecting brackets are formed on each of the decoration caps to guide positions where the connecting brackets are mounted to the decoration caps.
Preferably, the front panel is composed of a glass or iron plate, and the glass or iron plate is painted in a predetermined color or formed with a coating layer.
Preferably, the front panel is composed of at least two glass and/or iron plates, the glass or iron plates are painted in a predetermined color or formed with a coating layer, and a display unit, a home bar, a dispenser or the like is installed between the glass or iron plates to be forwardly exposed.
According to other aspect of the present invention for achieving the objects, there is provided a door for a refrigerator, comprising: a front panel defining a front surface of the door; first and second side decoration bars each having front surface a forming portion brought into contact with an edge on a front surface of the front panel and extending along a side edge of the front panel to define a side surface of the door; top and bottom decoration caps extending along upper and lower edges of the front panel and fastened to ends of the side decoration bars to define top and bottom surfaces of the door, respectively; and a panel supporting bar installed on each of the side decoration bars and provided with a supporting portion for supporting each side edge on a rear surface of the front panel such that a distance between the supporting portion and the front surface forming portion of each of the side decoration bars can be adjusted; and a door liner installed opposite to the front panel to define a rear surface of the door, wherein a foam insulating layer is formed within an internal space of the door to such that the front panel, the side decoration bars, the decoration caps, the panel supporting bar and the door liner can be integrally coupled with one another.
Preferably, each of the side decoration bars is provided with a space adjusting portion having a latch on a surface thereof, and the panel supporting bar is mounted on the space adjusting portion and provided with a latch corresponding to the latch of the space adjusting portion, so that a distance between the supporting portion of the panel supporting bar and a rear surface of the front surface forming portion of each of the side decoration bars can be adjusted.
Preferably, the panel supporting bar includes a mounting portion provided with an insertion channel into which the space adjusting portion is inserted, and a supporting portion formed integrally with the mounting portion and brought into contact with the rear surface of the front panel, wherein the insertion channel of the mounting portion is provided with a latch corresponding to the latch of the space adjusting portion.
Preferably, a sectional shape of the latch formed in the space adjusting portion or the panel supporting bar is a polygonal shape including at least a triangle, which can be engaged with each other.
Preferably, a spacer is selectively employed between the front panel and a supporting piece in the top and bottom decoration caps according to the thickness of the front panel.
Preferably, the supporting portion of the panel supporting bar is further provided with at least one blocking rib which is formed to protrude in the longitudinal direction of the panel supporting portion to prevent a foaming resin from leaking out through between the front panel and the panel supporting portion.
Preferably, this invention further comprise connecting brackets for connecting the top and bottom decoration caps with the side decoration bars, respectively, wherein fastening screws are fastened to the screw fastening portions of the side decoration bars through the connecting brackets at both ends of the decoration caps to cause the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the connecting brackets to be fastened to one another.
Preferably, guide bosses which are inserted into corresponding insertion holes of each of the connecting brackets are formed on each of the decoration caps to guide positions where the connecting brackets are mounted to the decoration caps.
According to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the objects, there is provided a door for a refrigerator, comprising: a front panel defining a front surface of the door; first and second side decoration bars provided with screw fastening portions and extending along both side edges of the front panel to define side surfaces of the door, respectively; top and bottom decoration caps extending along upper and lower edges of the front panel and fastened to ends of the side decoration bars to define top and bottom surfaces of the door, respectively; and connecting brackets for connecting the top and bottom decoration caps with the side decoration bars; and a door liner installed opposite to the front panel to define a rear surface of the door; wherein fastening screws are fastened to the screw fastening portions of the side decoration bars through the connecting brackets at both ends of the decoration caps to cause the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the connecting brackets to be fastened to one another, and an insulating layer is formed by means of a foaming resin within a space defined by the front panel, the door liner, the side decoration bars and the decoration caps, thereby to couple the components integrally with one another.
Preferably, the fastening screws are fastened to the side decoration bars through fastening holes formed in portions corresponding to four corners of each of the decoration caps.
Preferably, each of the connecting brackets is formed such that a portion engaged with each of the decoration caps is substantially orthogonal to a portion engaged with each of the side decoration bars, and the portion engaged with each side decoration bar serves to guide positions where the side decoration bars are engaged with the connecting brackets.
Preferably, guide bosses which are inserted into corresponding insertion holes of each of the connecting brackets are formed on each of the decoration caps to guide positions where the connecting brackets are mounted to the decoration caps.
According to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the objects, there is provided a door for a refrigerator, comprising: a front panel defining a front surface of the door; a case exposed to the front of the front panel and provided with seating channels on which an edge of the front panel is placed; first and second side decoration bars extending along both side edges of the front panel and the case to define side surfaces of the door, respectively; top and bottom decoration caps extending along upper and lower edges of the front panel and fastened to ends of the side decoration bars to define top and bottom surfaces of the door, respectively; and a door liner installed opposite to the front panel to define a rear surface of the door, wherein a foam insulating layer is formed in an internal space such that the front panel, the case, the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the door liner can be attached to the insulating layer and coupled integrally with one another.
Preferably, the case is engaged with a cover, and the cover is installed to partially overlap the edge on a front surface of the front panel.
Preferably, the cover is detachably engaged with the case by means of a hook and a catching jaw.
Preferably, the cover and the case define an external appearance of any one of a display unit, a dispenser and a home bar.
Preferably, a panel supporting bar provided with a supporting portion for supporting each side edge of a rear surface of the front panel is installed in each of the side decoration bars, and the panel supporting bar is positioned within the insulating layer.
Preferably, the supporting portion is further provided with at least one blocking rib which is formed to protrude in the longitudinal direction of the panel supporting bar to prevent a foaming resin from leaking out through between the front panel and the panel supporting bar.
Preferably, a panel supporting bar provided with a supporting portion for supporting each side edge of the rear surface of the front panel is installed in each of the side decoration bars to support the front panel in cooperation with the side decoration bars.
Preferably, each of the side decoration bars is formed to extend in a longitudinal direction and comprises: a plate-shaped bar body formed to have a predetermined width and a length corresponding to a length of one side of the front panel; a front surface forming portion formed at one end of the bar body and having a length corresponding to the length of the bar body to support the edge of the front panel; a space adjusting portion provided on the rear of the bar body to allow the panel supporting bar to be mounted thereto; and a screw fastening portion provided on the rear of the bar body to be fastened to the decoration cap.
Preferably, the space adjusting portion is provided with a latch at its one surface, and the panel supporting bar is provided with a latch corresponding to the latch of the space adjusting portion, so that a distance between the supporting portion of the panel supporting bar and a rear surface of the front surface forming portion of each of the side decoration bars.
Preferably, the panel supporting bar is formed to extend in a longitudinal direction of each of the side decoration bars and includes: a mounting portion provided with an insertion channel into which the space adjusting portion is inserted, and a supporting portion formed integrally with the mounting portion and brought into contact with the rear surface of the front panel, wherein the insertion channel of the mounting portion is provided with a latch corresponding to the latch of the space adjusting portion.
Preferably, wherein a sectional shape of the latch formed in the space adjusting portion or the panel supporting bar is a polygonal shape including at least a triangle, which can be engaged with each other.
Preferably, a spacer is selectively employed between the front panel and a supporting piece in the top and bottom decoration caps according to the thickness of the front panel.
Preferably, this invention further comprise connecting brackets for connecting the top and bottom decoration caps with the side decoration bars, respectively, wherein fastening screws are fastened to the screw fastening portions of the side decoration bars through the connecting brackets at both ends of the decoration caps to cause the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the connecting brackets to be fastened to one another.
Preferably, each of the connecting brackets is formed such that a portion engaged with each of the decoration caps is substantially orthogonal to a portion engaged with each of the side decoration bars, and the portion engaged with each side decoration bar serves to guide positions where the side decoration bars are engaged with the connecting brackets.
Preferably, guide bosses which are inserted into corresponding insertion holes of each of the connecting brackets are formed on each of the decoration caps to guide positions where the connecting brackets are mounted to the decoration caps.
According to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the objects, there is provided a door for a refrigerator, comprising: a front panel defining a front surface of the door; first and second side decoration bars extending along both side edges of the front panel to define side surfaces of the door and causing front surface forming portions and panel supporting portions to define seating channels into which the edges of the front panel are inserted, respectively; top and bottom decoration caps extending along upper and lower edges of the front panel and fastened to ends of the side decoration bars to define top and bottom surfaces of the door, respectively; and blocking ribs formed to protrude from surfaces of the panel supporting portions in a longitudinal direction of the panel supporting portions to prevent a foaming resin from leaking out through the front panel and the panel supporting portions; and a door liner installed opposite to the front panel to define a rear surface of the door, wherein a foam insulating layer is used to formed in an internal space to couple the front panel, the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the door liner integrally with one another.
Preferably, the blocking ribs are formed on the surfaces of the at least one panel support bar.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

In the door for a refrigerator according to the present invention as described above, the following effects can be expected.
First, an insulating layer of a door for a refrigerator defines the external appearance of the door and is formed within a front panel, side decoration bars and decoration caps which have a decorative function. Therefore, the total number of parts of the door can be reduced by decorating the external appearance of the door with the above parts without using a separate outer door panel.
In addition, since the front panel is designed to define the external appearance of the door and adhere directly to the insulating layer, the outer door panel needs not be used and consequently the weight of the door can be relatively lightened. By lightening the weight of the door as such, it is possible to simplify a structure for installing the door to a main body of a refrigerator.
In the meantime, since the front panel, the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the door liner, which are used to define the external appearance of the door, are integrated by the insulating layer, the door can be fabricated using no additional fastening portions or a minimum number of the fastening portions.
In addition, front panels with different thicknesses can be selectively installed in the same doors configured with the same parts. Therefore, since front panels with different thicknesses can be used in a single door, manufacturers can produce doors with various external appearances using common parts.
Further, the decoration caps are fastened at their both ends to the side decoration bars by means of the connecting brackets with fastening screws, and the other portions of the decoration caps are integrally joined to the internal insulating layer. Therefore, since the external appearance of the decoration caps is made flat as a whole, the external appearance of the decoration caps is precisely defined.
Furthermore, the connecting brackets are installed in portions where the decoration caps are engaged with the side decoration bars, and the connecting brackets, the side decoration bars and the decoration caps are simultaneously fastened to one another with fastening screws. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the engagement between the side decoration bars and the decoration caps are made stronger, and thus, the external strength of the door is relatively increased.
Moreover, the side decoration bars are assembled into the connecting brackets in a state where the connecting brackets are first fastened to the decoration caps. In this case, the connecting brackets serve to guide the positions where the side decoration bars are inserted so that the side decoration bars and the connecting brackets can be engaged more precisely with each other.
Next, the internal insulating layer is attached directly to the rear surface of the front panel which defines the front surface of the door. Therefore, since the whole rear surface of the front panel is fixed to the insulating layer, no shaking or vibration occurs in the front panel, so that the front panel can be more firmly fixed.
In addition, since one edge of the front panel is seated on the seating channels of the display case fixed in the insulating layer and is fixed to the insulating layer when a display unit, a home bar, a dispenser or the like is installed to be exposed to the front of the front panel, the front panel can be more firmly installed.
Finally, the front panel, the decoration caps, the side decoration bars and the like, which define the external appearance of the door, have their own decorative functions, and a foaming resin are molded within an internal space defined by the panel, caps and bars. Here, the blocking ribs formed on the panel supporting portions prevent the foaming resin from leaking to the outside through between the front panel and the panel supporting portions of the side decoration bars. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the foaming resin from leaking out while the external appearance of the door is satisfactorily decorated with the minimum number of parts, and thus, the manufacturing costs can be reduced while the heat insulation property and external strength of the door can be sufficiently ensured.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a refrigerator employing a general door;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a door according to a prior art;
FIG. 3 is a sectional perspective view showing the configuration in which a display unit is mounted to a front panel of the door according to the prior art;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a preferred embodiment of a door for a refrigerator according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the sectional configuration of a first side decoration bar and a panel supporting bar according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the sectional configuration of a second side decoration bar and the panel supporting bar according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the configuration of major parts according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a sectional perspective view showing the first side decoration bar and its peripheral configuration according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 9 is a sectional perspective view showing the second side decoration bar and its peripheral configuration according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 10 is a sectional perspective view showing the configuration in which the first side decoration bar and a bottom decoration cap are engaged with each other according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 11 is a sectional perspective view showing the configuration in which the second side decoration bar and the bottom decoration cap are engaged with each other according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 12 is a view showing a case in which the thickness of the front panel is changed according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of another embodiment according to the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a partial sectional perspective view showing the configuration of major parts according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13; and
FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing the configuration according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE

First, the configuration of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 will be described. A front surface of a door is defined by a front panel 20. The front panel 20 may be made of a glass or an iron plate. For example, either a front panel of which esthetic feeling is enhanced by printing predetermined colors on a rear surface of the glass plate or a front panel in which a coating layer is formed on the surface of an iron plate may be used. One sheet of the front panel 20 defines an entire front surface of the door.
A door liner 21, which is generally made of a synthetic resin material, defines a rear surface of the door. The door liner 21 may be formed integrally with a structure for supporting a door basket or formed in the shape of a substantially flat surface, according to types of refrigerators.
A top decoration cap 24 defines a top surface of the door. The top decoration cap 24 is generally made of a synthetic resin material, but not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the top decoration cap may be made of a metallic material. The top decoration cap 24 is provided with a structure for the mounting of top door hinges (not shown). The engagement between the top decoration cap 24 and the front panel 20 or the door liner 21 can be made by inserting one into another. To this end, the top decoration cap 24 may be formed with a structure in which edges of the front panel 20 or door liner 21 can be inserted. However, the front panel 20 or door liner 21 is not necessarily inserted into the top decoration cap 24 and may be configured to come into contact with the top decoration cap in a predetermined region. For reference, since a structure for engagement between the top decoration cap 24 and side decoration bars 30 and 40 to be described later is almost the same as that for engagement between a bottom decoration cap 26 and the side decoration bars 30 and 40, description thereof will be substituted with the following description.
The bottom decoration cap 26 defines a bottom surface of the door. In general, the bottom decoration cap 26 is also made of a synthetic resin material, but not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the top decoration cap may be made of a metallic material. The bottom decoration cap 26 is provided with a structure for the installation of bottom door hinges (not shown).
A plurality of fastening holes 26′ are bored through the bottom decoration cap 26 around both ends thereof, respectively. The fastening holes 26′ are provided to fasten connecting brackets 28 and 28′, which will be described below, to the side decoration bars 30 and 40, respectively. Specifically, among the fastening holes 26′, as shown in FIG. 9, the fastening holes formed at four corners of the bottom decoration cap 26 are provided to fasten the connecting brackets 28 and 28′ to both the side decoration bars 30 and 40 and the bottom decoration cap 26, whereas the other fastening holes are provided to fasten the connecting brackets 28 and 28′ to only the bottom decoration cap 26. Fastening screws 27 are fastened through the fastening holes 26′, respectively. Reference numeral 26 b in FIGS. 10 and 11 designates a guide boss.
Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the connecting brackets 28 and 28′ are provided to further reinforce the engagement between the decoration caps 24 and 26 and the side decoration bars 30 and 40 as will be described below. The connecting brackets 28 and 28′ are substantially formed in the shape of the letter “L,” respectively, and they are formed with three or four fastening holes 29. The connecting brackets are also provided with insertion holes (not designated by reference numerals) for insertion of the guide bosses 26 b. Here, the connecting brackets 28 and 28′ also serve to guide installation positions of the side decoration bars 30 and 40 as will be described below.
The bottom decoration cap 26 is formed with a supporting piece 26 s as can be seen in FIGS. 10 and 11. The supporting piece 26S is a portion which supports one edge on the rear surface of the front panel 20. If the thickness of the front panel 20 is relatively small, a spacer 20′ is inserted between the supporting piece 26S and the front panel 20 to fill up a gap between them.
The first side decoration bar 30 defines one side surface of the door. The first side decoration bar 30 is formed to extend in one direction and has a constant sectional shape as a whole. The first side decoration bar 30 may be formed by extruding metal or a synthetic resin material.
The first side decoration bar 30 has an elongate bar body 31 with a predetermined thickness. One surface of the bar body 31 defines an external side surface of the door. A front surface forming portion 32 extends, with a predetermined width, in the longitudinal direction of the first side decoration bar 30 along one side of the bar body 31. The front surface forming portion 32 is located at the front surface of the door. The front surface forming portion 32 is preferably formed orthogonal to one end of the bar body 31, which is not essential. The rear surface of the front surface forming portion 32 is brought into close contact with the edge on the front surface of the front panel 20 to support the edge of the front panel 20.
A rear surface forming portion 32′ opposite to the front surface forming portion 32 extends, with a predetermined width, in the longitudinal direction along one end of the bar body 31. The rear surface forming portion 32′ is also preferably formed orthogonal to the bar body 31.
A space adjusting portion 34 is formed to protrude from the rear surface of the front surface forming portion 32. The space adjusting portion 34 allows a front panel 20 with various thicknesses to be used herein. The space adjusting portion 34 is formed with a plurality of latches 35. The space adjusting portion 34 also extends in the longitudinal direction of the first side decoration bar 30.
A plurality of screw fastening portions 36 and 36′ are formed at the rear of the bar body 31. The screw fastening portions 36 and 36′ are portions into which screws used for fastening the top and bottom decoration caps 24 and 26 to the first side decoration bar 30 are fastened. The screw fastening portions 36 and 36′ also extend in the longitudinal direction of the first side decoration bar 30.
A panel supporting bar 37 is mounted to the space adjusting portion 34 to support the edge on the rear surface of the front panel 20. The panel supporting bar 37 allows a front panel 20 with different thicknesses to be employed in the door by adjusting the position where the panel supporting bar 37 is mounted to the space adjusting portion 34.
To this end, the panel supporting bar 37 is provided with a mounting portion 38. A long mounting channel 38′ into which the space adjusting portion 34 is inserted is formed in the mounting portion 38 to extend along a longitudinal direction thereof. The internal surface of the mounting channel 38′ is provided with latches 38″ which are selectively latched onto the panel supporting bar 37.
The panel supporting bar 37 is provided with a supporting portion 39. The supporting portion 39, which is a portion on which the rear surface of the front panel 20 is seated, is formed orthogonal to the supporting portion 39. The supporting portion 39 extends, with a predetermined width, in the longitudinal direction of the panel supporting bar 37.
The second side decoration bar 40 defines a side surface opposite to the side surface defined by the first side decoration bar 30. The second side decoration bar 40 is formed to extend in one direction and has a constant sectional shape as a whole. The second side decoration bar 40 may be formed by extruding metal or a synthetic resin material.
The second side decoration bar 40 has an elongate bar body 41 with a predetermined thickness. One surface of the bar body 41 defines an external side surface of the door. A front surface forming portion 42 extends, with a predetermined width, in the longitudinal direction of the second side decoration bar 40 along one side of the bar body 41. The front surface forming portion 42 is located at the front surface of the door. The front surface forming portion 42 is formed to be substantially orthogonal to one end of the bar body 41. The rear surface of the front surface forming portion 42 is brought into close contact with the edge of the front surface of the front panel 20 to support the edge.
A rear surface forming portion 42′ is formed at the other end of the bar body 41 opposite to the front surface forming portion 42 in the second side decoration bar 40. The rear surface forming portion 42′ is also formed orthogonal to the bar body 41. The rear surface forming portion 42′ is formed into one edge of the rear surface of the door.
The rear surface of the bar body 41 and the rear surface of the rear surface forming portion 42′ are formed with screw fastening portions 46 and 46′, respectively. The screw fastening portions 46 and 46′ are portions into which the fastening screws 27 used for fastening the top and bottom decoration caps 24 and 26 to the second side decoration bar 40 are fastened. The screw fastening portions 46 and 46′ also extend in the longitudinal direction of the second side decoration bar 40.
The screw fastening portion 46 is formed with a space adjusting portion 47. One surface of the space adjusting portion 47 is formed with a plurality of latches 48 which are engaged with the latch 38″ of the panel supporting bar 37. The panel supporting bar 37 mounted to the second side decoration bar 40 is formed to be symmetric with the panel supporting bar 37 mounted to the first side decoration bar 30, in view of their sectional structures.
Next, an internal space which is defined by the front panel 20, the door liner 21, the top and bottom decoration caps 24 and 26, and the first and second side decoration bars 30 is filled with a foaming resin which will be formed into an insulating layer (not shown). That is, the foaming resin is cured into the insulating layer, and the aforementioned components are bonded integrally with one another.
Hereinafter, a process of fabricating the door for a refrigerator according to the present embodiment so configured will be described. First, the front panel 20, the top and bottom decoration caps 24 and 26, the panel supporting bar 37 and the first and second side decoration bars 30 and 40, which have been fabricated respectively in individual processes, are placed on a foaming jig.
That is, the side decoration bars 30 and 40 and the top and bottom decoration caps 24 and 26 are fabricated into a rectangular frame using the connecting brackets 28 and 28′. The edges of the front panel 20 are seated on the rear surfaces of the front surface forming portions 32 and 42 of the side decoration bars 30 and 40, respectively, so that they are inserted into the decoration caps 24 and 26. The panel supporting bar 37 is mounted to the space adjusting portions 34 and 47 of the side decoration bars 30 and 40 to support both side edges of the rear surface of the front panel 20.
Here, the connecting brackets 28 and 28′ are positioned so precisely that the guide bosses 26 b can be inserted into their insertion holes, respectively. The decoration caps 24 and 26 and the connecting brackets 28 and 28′ are fastened together using the fastening screws 27. In particular, the fastening screws 27 passing through the fastening holes 26′ formed at four corners of each of the decoration caps 24 and 26 are fastened to the screw fastening portions 36, 36′, 46 and 46′ through the connecting brackets 28 and 28′.
Further, the edge on the rear surface of the front panel 20 are brought into contact with the supporting portion 39 of the panel supporting bar 37, whereas the front surface of the front panel is brought into contact with the rear surfaces of the front surface forming portions 32 and 42 of the side decoration bars 30 and 40. That is, both the side edges of the front panel 20 are supported between the side decoration bar 30 and the panel supporting bar 37 and between the side decoration bar 40 and the panel supporting bar 37. In addition, the upper and lower ends of the front panel 20 are inserted into the decoration caps 24 and 26, respectively, and connected thereto. At this time, the support pieces 26 s of the decoration caps 24 and 26 support the upper and lower ends on the rear surface of the front panel 20. In this case, if the front panel 20 is relatively thin, the spacer 20′ should be used.
In the meantime, a case where a relatively thick front panel 20 is used will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, the latch 38″ of the panel supporting bar 37 is engaged with one of the latches 35 and 48 of the space adjusting portions 34 and 47, which is relatively closer to the tip.
With this engagement, the space between the supporting portion 39 of the panel supporting bar 37 and the front surface forming portions 32 or 42 is relatively increased. Therefore, a relatively thick front panel 20 can be employed herein.
In such a state where the front panel 20, the top and bottom decoration caps 24 and 26, the panel supporting bar 37, and the first and second side decoration bars 30 and 40 are installed while they are engaged with one another, a foaming resin is applied to the rear surface of the front panel 20.
Then, the door liner 21 is covered on the front panel, and the foaming resin is cured under the predetermined temperature condition. Accordingly, the foaming resin is filled and cured in a space defined by the front panel 20, the top and bottom decoration caps 24 and 26, the first and second side decoration bars 30 and 40 and the door liner 21 while the volume of the foaming resin increases. The foaming resin is cured into an insulating layer within the space.
If the foaming resin is cured into the insulating layer as such, the insulating layer is attached to the internal surfaces of the front panel 20, the decoration caps 24 and 26, the side decoration bars 30 and 40, and the door liner 21, thereby serving to couple them with one another.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14. The number of one hundred (100) is added to reference numerals denoting elements used in the previous embodiment described above, and the descriptions and illustration of the same elements as those described in the previous embodiment are omitted herein.
In this embodiment, a front surface of a door is formed with a front panel 120. The front panel 120 may be made of a glass or iron plate. As described in the previous embodiment, one sheet of the front panel 120 may define an entire front surface of the door. However, in the present embodiment, a display unit 122 is installed to be exposed from the front of the front panel 120. Therefore, in the present embodiment, two sheets of the display panels 120 are used on both sides of the display unit 122, respectively. Of course, a home bar, a dispenser or the like may be installed instead of the display unit 122.
In general, a display cover 123 and a display case 123′ define an external appearance of the display unit 122. The display cover 123, which defines a front external appearance of the display unit 122, is installed such that its edges partially overlap front edges of the front panel 120. The display case 123′, which defines a rear external appearance of the display unit 122, is provided within an insulating layer.
The display cover 123 is latched onto the display case 123′ by a hook (not shown). The hook has predetermined elasticity. For example, the hook is formed on the display cover 123 and a catching jaw is formed on the display case 123′, so that they can be engaged with each other. The display cover 123 can be mounted after a foaming resin has been injected into the door and formed into an insulating layer.
Seating channels 123′c are formed at least on the upper and lower edges of the display case 123′, respectively. The seating channels 123′c are portions on which the edges of the front panel 120 are placed. A spacer 122′ may be inserted into each seating channel 123′c according to the thickness of the front panel 120. That is, if a relatively thin front panel 120 is used, the spacer 122′ is inserted into each seating channel 123′c.
The front panel 120 defines a front surface of the door, and a door liner defines a rear surface of the door. The door liner is generally made of a synthetic resin material.
A top decoration cap 124 defines a top surface of the door. The top decoration cap 124 is generally made of a synthetic resin material, but is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the top decoration cap may be made of a metallic material. The top decoration cap 124 is provided with a structure for the mounting of top door hinges (not shown). The engagement between the top decoration cap 124 and the front panel 120 or the door liner can be made by inserting one into another. To this end, the top decoration cap 124 may be formed with a structure in which edges of the front panel 120 or door liner can be inserted. However, the front panel 120 or door liner is not necessarily inserted into the top decoration cap 124 and may be configured to come into contact with the top decoration cap in a predetermined region.
The bottom decoration cap 126 defines a bottom surface of the door. The bottom decoration cap 126 is also generally made of a synthetic resin material, but is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the bottom decoration cap may be made of a metallic material. The bottom decoration cap 126 is provided with a structure for the installation of bottom door hinges (not shown). The configuration in which the bottom decoration cap 126 is engaged with the front panel 120 or door liner is the same as or similar to a case where the top decoration cap 124 is engaged with the front panel or door liner.
A first side decoration bar 130 and a second decoration bar 140 define both side surfaces of the door, respectively. The first and second side decoration bars 130 and 140 are formed to extend in one direction and have a constant sectional shape as a whole. The first and second side decoration bars 130 and 140 may be formed by extruding metal or a synthetic resin material. The configuration of the side decoration bars 130 and 140 and the engagement between the side decoration bars and the decoration caps 124 and 126 are the same as those of the previous embodiment.
Hereinafter, a process of fabricating the door for a refrigerator according to the present embodiment of the present invention so configured will be described. First, the front panel 120, the display case 123′, the top and bottom decoration caps 124 and 128, the panel supporting bar, and the first and second side decoration bars 130 and 140, which haven been fabricated respectively in individual processes, are placed on a foaming jig.
That is, the side decoration bars 130 and 140 and the top and bottom decoration caps 124 and 126 are connected with one another and fabricated into a rectangular frame. The edges of the front panel 120 are seated on the rear surfaces of the front surface forming portions 132 and 142 of the side decoration bars 130 and 140, respectively, so that they are inserted into the decoration caps 124 and 126. The panel supporting bar is mounted to the space adjusting portions of the side decoration bars 130 and 140 to support both side edges of the rear surface of the front panel 120.
Further, the edges of the front panel 120 are inserted into the seating channels 123′c of the display case 123′. If the thickness of the front panel 120 is relatively small, a spacer 122′ is used to fill up a gap.
In such a state where the front panel 120, the display case 123′, the top and bottom decoration caps 124 and 126, the panel supporting bar, and the first and second side decoration bars 130 and 140 are installed while they are engaged with one another, a foaming resin is applied to the rear surface of the front panel 120.
Then, the door liner is covered on the front panel, and the foaming resin is cured under the predetermined temperature condition. Accordingly, the foaming resin is filled and cured in a space defined by the front panel 120, the top and bottom decoration caps 124 and 126, the first and second side decoration bars 130 and 140 and the door liner while the volume of the foaming resin increases. That is, the foaming resin is cured into an insulating layer within the space.
If the foaming resin is cured into the insulating layer as such, the insulating layer is attached to the internal surfaces of the front panel 120, the decoration caps 124 and 126, the side decoration bars 130 and 140, and the door liner, thereby serving to couple them with one another.
In the meantime, FIG. 15 shows the configuration of a further embodiment according to the present invention.
The number of two hundreds (200) is added to reference numerals denoting elements used in the first embodiment described above, and the other elements which are not illustrated in this figure will be described with reference to the previous embodiments.
In this embodiment, a front panel 220 which defines a front panel of a door is made of a glass or iron plate, and a door liner which defines a rear surface of the door is generally made of a synthetic resin material.
Even in the door according to this embodiment of the present invention, a top decoration cap (not shown) and a bottom decoration cap 226 define the top and bottom surfaces of the door, respectively. The configuration in which the top decoration cap and the bottom decoration cap 226 are engaged with the front panel 220, the door liner and the side decoration bars 230 is almost the same as that described in the previous embodiments.
Each side decoration bar 230 defines a side surface of the door. The side decoration bar 230 is formed to extend in one direction and generally has the same sectional shape as shown in FIG. 15.
The side decoration bar 230 has an elongate bar body 231 with a predetermined thickness. One surface of the bar body 231 defines an external side surface of the door. A front surface forming portion 232 extends, with a predetermined width, in the longitudinal direction of the side decoration bar 230 along one side of the bar body 231. The front surface forming portion 232 is located at the front surface of the door. Thus, the front surface forming portion 232 is formed to be substantially orthogonal to one end of the bar body 231. The rear surface of the front surface forming portion 232 is brought into close contact with the edge of the front surface of the front panel 220 to support the edge of the front panel.
A panel supporting bar 234 for supporting the edge on the rear surface of the front panel 220 is formed to protrude from a rear surface of the front surface forming portion 232 and to extend in the longitudinal direction of the bar body 231. The panel supporting portion 234 protrudes farther than the front surface forming portion 232. A seating channel 235 is defined between the panel supporting portion 234 and the front surface forming portion 232. The seating channel 235 is a portion on which the edge of the front panel 220 is placed.
The panel supporting portion 234 is formed a blocking rib 236. The blocking rib 236 extends in the longitudinal direction of the panel supporting portion 234. The blocking rib 236 protrudes from the panel supporting portion 234 to prevent a foaming resin from flowing along the surface of the panel supporting portion 234. A plurality of the blocking ribs 236 may be arranged side by side. The number of the blocking ribs 236 may vary according to design conditions, i.e. the width of the panel supporting portion 234, the gap between panel supporting portion 234 and the front panel 220, the pressure of foaming resin, and the like.
A screw fastening portion 237 is formed at the rear of the bar body 231. The screw fastening portion 237 is a portion into which screws for fastening the top decoration cap and the bottom decoration cap 226 to the side decoration bars 230 are fastened. The screw fastening portion 237 also extends in the longitudinal direction of the side decoration bar 230. A plurality of the screw fastening portions 237 may be formed in one side decoration bar 230.
Now, a process of fabricating the door for a refrigerator according to this embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the front panel 220, the top decoration cap, the bottom decoration cap 226, the side decoration bars 230, which have been fabricated respectively in individual processes, are placed on a foaming jig.
The top decoration cap and the bottom decoration cap 226 and the side decoration bars 230 are connected with one another and fabricated into a rectangular frame using connecting brackets (not shown). Both side edges of the front panel 220 are inserted into the seating channels 235 of the side decoration bars 230 and supported accordingly.
Therefore, both ends of the front panel 220 are supported by the side decoration bars 230. In this case, the front surface forming portion 232 is partially brought into contact with the edge of the front surface of the front panel 220, whereas the panel supporting portion 234 is brought into contact with the edge of the rear surface of the front panel 220. In particular, the blocking ribs 236 of the panel supporting portion 234 come into contact with the rear surface of the front panel 220.
Next, after a foaming resin has been injected into an internal space defined by the front panel 220, the top decoration cap, the bottom decoration cap 226 and the side decoration bars 230, the door liner is covered and the foaming resin then is cured under the predetermined temperature condition. Thus, the foaming resin is filled and cured in the space defined by the front panel 220, the top decoration cap, the bottom decoration cap 226, the side decoration bars 230 and the door liner while the volume of the foaming resin increases. The foaming resin is cured into an insulating layer within the space.
If the foaming resin is cured into the insulating layer as such, the insulating layer is attached to the internal surfaces of the front panel 220, the decoration cap, the decoration caps 226, the side decoration bars 230 and the door liner, thereby serving to couple then with one another.
In the meantime, while the foaming resin is expanded and cured, the foaming resin may be transferred to the seating channels 235 through between the surface of the panel supporting portion 234 and the rear surface of the front panel 220 due to the expansion pressure of the foaming resin and discharged from the seating channels 235 to the outside of the door through between the front surface forming portion 232 and the front panel 220.
However, according to the present invention, the blocking ribs 236 are provided between the rear surface of the front panel 220 and the panel supporting portion 234 to prevent the foaming resin from leaking out through between the front panel 220 and the panel supporting portion 234.
For reference, if the configuration of this embodiment is applied to the previous preferred embodiments, the blocking ribs 236 can be simply formed on the supporting portion 39 of the panel supporting bar 37.
The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and illustrated above but is defined by the appended claims. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made thereto within the technical scope of the invention defined by the claims.
For example, the shapes and engagement pattern of the front panel 20, the top and bottom decoration caps 24 and 26, the first and second side decoration bars 30 and 40 and the door liner, which define the external appearance of the door, can be implemented in various ways in addition to those described the illustrated embodiments.
Further, although the sectional shape of each of the latches 35, 48 and 38″ in the illustrated embodiments is shaped as a right-angled triangle, the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the sectional shape of the latches 35, 48 and 38″ need only to be a polygonal shape including at least the triangular shape, so long as the latches can be engaged with each other.

Claims

1. A door for a refrigerator, comprising:

a front panel defining a front surface of the door;

first and second side decoration bars extending along both side edges of the front panel to define side surfaces of the door, respectively;

top and bottom decoration caps extending along upper and lower edges of the front panel and fastened to ends of the side decoration bars to define top and bottom surfaces of the door, respectively; and

a door liner installed opposite to the front panel to define a rear surface of the door,

wherein a foam insulating layer is formed within an internal space of the door such that the front panel, the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the door liner can be integrally coupled with one another.

2. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein a panel supporting bar provided with a supporting portion for supporting each side edge of the rear surface of the front panel is installed in each of the side decoration bars to support the front panel in cooperation with the side decoration bars.

3. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the side decoration bars is formed to extend in a longitudinal direction and comprises:

a plate-shaped bar body formed to have a predetermined width and a length corresponding to a length of one side of the front panel;

a front surface forming portion formed at one end of the bar body and having a length corresponding to the length of the bar body to support the edge of the front panel;

a space adjusting portion provided on the rear of the bar body to allow the panel supporting bar to be mounted thereto; and

a screw fastening portion provided on the rear of the bar body to be fastened to the decoration cap.

4. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 3, wherein a rear surface forming portion formed opposite to the front surface forming portion to extend, with a predetermined width, in the longitudinal direction of the bar body is further provided on the bar body.

5. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 4, wherein the space adjusting portion is provided with a latch at its one surface, and the panel supporting bar is provided with a latch corresponding to the latch of the space adjusting portion, so that a distance between the supporting portion of the panel supporting bar and a rear surface of the front surface forming portion of each of the side decoration bars.

6. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 5, wherein the panel supporting bar is formed to extend in a longitudinal direction of each of the side decoration bars and includes:

a mounting portion provided with an insertion channel into which the space adjusting portion is inserted, and

a supporting portion formed integrally with the mounting portion and brought into contact with the rear surface of the front panel,

wherein the insertion channel of the mounting portion is provided with a latch corresponding to the latch of the space adjusting portion.

7. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 6, wherein a sectional shape of the latch formed in the space adjusting portion or the panel supporting bar is a polygonal shape including at least a triangle, which can be engaged with each other.

8. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 7, wherein a spacer is selectively employed between the front panel and a supporting piece in the top and bottom decoration caps according to the thickness of the front panel.

9. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 3, further comprising connecting brackets for connecting the top and bottom decoration caps with the side decoration bars, respectively, wherein fastening screws are fastened to the screw fastening portions of the side decoration bars through the connecting brackets at both ends of the decoration caps to cause the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the connecting brackets to be fastened to one another.

10. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 9, wherein the fastening screws are fastened to the side decoration bars through fastening holes formed in portions corresponding to four corners of each of the decoration caps.

11. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 10, wherein guide bosses which are inserted into corresponding insertion holes of each of the connecting brackets are formed on each of the decoration caps to guide positions where the connecting brackets are mounted to the decoration caps.

12. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front panel is composed of a glass or iron plate, and the glass or iron plate is painted in a predetermined color or formed with a coating layer.

13. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front panel is composed of at least two glass and/or iron plates, the glass or iron plates are painted in a predetermined color or formed with a coating layer, and a display unit, a home bar, a dispenser or the like is installed between the glass or iron plates to be forwardly exposed.

14. A door for a refrigerator, comprising:

a front panel defining a front surface of the door;

first and second side decoration bars each having front surface a forming portion brought into contact with an edge on a front surface of the front panel and extending along a side edge of the front panel to define a side surface of the door;

a panel supporting bar installed on each of the side decoration bars and provided with a supporting portion for supporting each side edge on a rear surface of the front panel such that a distance between the supporting portion and the front surface forming portion of each of the side decoration bars can be adjusted; and

wherein a foam insulating layer is formed within an internal space of the door to such that the front panel, the side decoration bars, the decoration caps, the panel supporting bar and the door liner can be integrally coupled with one another.

15. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 14, wherein each of the side decoration bars is provided with a space adjusting portion having a latch on a surface thereof, and the panel supporting bar is mounted on the space adjusting portion and provided with a latch corresponding to the latch of the space adjusting portion, so that a distance between the supporting portion of the panel supporting bar and a rear surface of the front surface forming portion of each of the side decoration bars can be adjusted.

16. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 15, wherein the panel supporting bar includes

17. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 16, wherein a sectional shape of the latch formed in the space adjusting portion or the panel supporting bar is a polygonal shape including at least a triangle, which can be engaged with each other.

18. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 17, wherein a spacer is selectively employed between the front panel and a supporting piece in the top and bottom decoration caps according to the thickness of the front panel.

19. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 16, wherein the supporting portion of the panel supporting bar is further provided with at least one blocking rib which is formed to protrude in the longitudinal direction of the panel supporting portion to prevent a foaming resin from leaking out through between the front panel and the panel supporting portion.

20. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 19, further comprising connecting brackets for connecting the top and bottom decoration caps with the side decoration bars, respectively, wherein fastening screws are fastened to the screw fastening portions of the side decoration bars through the connecting brackets at both ends of the decoration caps to cause the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the connecting brackets to be fastened to one another.

21. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 20, wherein guide bosses which are inserted into corresponding insertion holes of each of the connecting brackets are formed on each of the decoration caps to guide positions where the connecting brackets are mounted to the decoration caps.

22. A door for a refrigerator, comprising:

a front panel defining a front surface of the door;

first and second side decoration bars provided with screw fastening portions and extending along both side edges of the front panel to define side surfaces of the door, respectively;

connecting brackets for connecting the top and bottom decoration caps with the side decoration bars; and

a door liner installed opposite to the front panel to define a rear surface of the door;

wherein fastening screws are fastened to the screw fastening portions of the side decoration bars through the connecting brackets at both ends of the decoration caps to cause the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the connecting brackets to be fastened to one another, and

an insulating layer is formed by means of a foaming resin within a space defined by the front panel, the door liner, the side decoration bars and the decoration caps, thereby to couple the components integrally with one another.

23. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 22, wherein the fastening screws are fastened to the side decoration bars through fastening holes formed in portions corresponding to four corners of each of the decoration caps.

24. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 23, wherein each of the connecting brackets is formed such that a portion engaged with each of the decoration caps is substantially orthogonal to a portion engaged with each of the side decoration bars, and the portion engaged with each side decoration bar serves to guide positions where the side decoration bars are engaged with the connecting brackets.

25. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 24, wherein guide bosses which are inserted into corresponding insertion holes of each of the connecting brackets are formed on each of the decoration caps to guide positions where the connecting brackets are mounted to the decoration caps.

26. A door for a refrigerator, comprising:

a front panel defining a front surface of the door;

a case exposed to the front of the front panel and provided with seating channels on which an edge of the front panel is placed;

first and second side decoration bars extending along both side edges of the front panel and the case to define side surfaces of the door, respectively;

wherein a foam insulating layer is formed in an internal space such that the front panel, the case, the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the door liner can be attached to the insulating layer and coupled integrally with one another.

27. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 26, wherein the case is engaged with a cover, and the cover is installed to partially overlap the edge on a front surface of the front panel.

28. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 27, wherein the cover is detachably engaged with the case by means of a hook and a catching jaw.

29. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 28, wherein the cover and the case define an external appearance of any one of a display unit, a dispenser and a home bar.

30. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 26, wherein a panel supporting bar provided with a supporting portion for supporting each side edge of a rear surface of the front panel is installed in each of the side decoration bars, and the panel supporting bar is positioned within the insulating layer.

31. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 30, where the supporting portion is further provided with at least one blocking rib which is formed to protrude in the longitudinal direction of the panel supporting bar to prevent a foaming resin from leaking out through between the front panel and the panel supporting bar.

32. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 26, wherein a panel supporting bar provided with a supporting portion for supporting each side edge of the rear surface of the front panel is installed in each of the side decoration bars to support the front panel in cooperation with the side decoration bars.

33. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 32, wherein each of the side decoration bars is formed to extend in a longitudinal direction and comprises:

34. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 33, wherein the space adjusting portion is provided with a latch at its one surface, and the panel supporting bar is provided with a latch corresponding to the latch of the space adjusting portion, so that a distance between the supporting portion of the panel supporting bar and a rear surface of the front surface forming portion of each of the side decoration bars.

35. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 34, wherein the panel supporting bar is formed to extend in a longitudinal direction of each of the side decoration bars and includes:

36. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 35, wherein a sectional shape of the latch formed in the space adjusting portion or the panel supporting bar is a polygonal shape including at least a triangle, which can be engaged with each other.

37. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 36, wherein a spacer is selectively employed between the front panel and a supporting piece in the top and bottom decoration caps according to the thickness of the front panel.

38. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 26, further comprising connecting brackets for connecting the top and bottom decoration caps with the side decoration bars, respectively, wherein fastening screws are fastened to the screw fastening portions of the side decoration bars through the connecting brackets at both ends of the decoration caps to cause the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the connecting brackets to be fastened to one another.

39. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 38, wherein each of the connecting brackets is formed such that a portion engaged with each of the decoration caps is substantially orthogonal to a portion engaged with each of the side decoration bars, and the portion engaged with each side decoration bar serves to guide positions where the side decoration bars are engaged with the connecting brackets.

40. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 39, wherein guide bosses which are inserted into corresponding insertion holes of each of the connecting brackets are formed on each of the decoration caps to guide positions where the connecting brackets are mounted to the decoration caps.

41. A door for a refrigerator, comprising:

a front panel defining a front surface of the door;

first and second side decoration bars extending along both side edges of the front panel to define side surfaces of the door and causing front surface forming portions and panel supporting portions to define seating channels into which the edges of the front panel are inserted, respectively;

blocking ribs formed to protrude from surfaces of the panel supporting portions in a longitudinal direction of the panel supporting portions to prevent a foaming resin from leaking out through the front panel and the panel supporting portions; and

wherein a foam insulating layer is used to formed in an internal space to couple the front panel, the side decoration bars, the decoration caps and the door liner integrally with one another.

42. The door for a refrigerator as claimed in claim 41, wherein the blocking ribs are formed on the surfaces of the at least one panel support bar.