Refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator includes: an inner case forming a storage chamber; a duct in the storage chamber, the duct including a duct body and a first coupling portion disposed on a front surface of the duct body; and a partition detachably mounted to a front side of the duct and partitioning the storage chamber into a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, in which the partition includes: a partition body; a second coupling portion provided on a rear surface of the divider body and coupleable to the first coupling portion; a spacer hole provided in the spacer body; and a separator insulating material disposed in the separator body and including an exposed portion exposed through the separator hole; and the separator is configured such that the exposed portion is in close contact with the pipe body in a case where the separator is mounted to the front side of the pipe and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having an improved structure. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is an appliance for keeping food fresh, including a main body having a storage chamber and a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage chamber. The storage chamber includes a refrigerating chamber for refrigerating food and a freezing chamber for freezing food. The storage chamber is typically arranged so that the front side of the storage chamber is opened to store and remove food, and the front side of the storage chamber with the opening is opened or closed by a door.

[0003] This refrigerator uses a compressor, a condenser, an expander and an evaporator to repeat a cooling cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding and evaporating a refrigerant. Both the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber can be cooled by a single evaporator provided on the freezing chamber side, or the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber can each be provided with an evaporator and cooled independently.

[0004] Refrigerators may be classified according to the shapes of storage chambers and doors, and may be classified into top mounted freezer (TMF) type refrigerators, in which a storage chamber is vertically divided by horizontal partition walls to form a freezer chamber at the top and a refrigerating chamber at the bottom, and bottom mounted freezer (BMF) type refrigerators, in which a refrigerating chamber is formed at the top and a freezer chamber is formed at the bottom. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues to be solved

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator capable of implementing one storage chamber as a refrigerating chamber and / or a freezing chamber.

[0007] Furthermore, the present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator capable of preventing cold air conduction between a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber.

[0008] Furthermore, the present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator capable of preventing cool air from a freezing chamber from leaking into a refrigerating chamber.

[0009] The technical tasks to be achieved herein are not limited to the above-mentioned technical tasks, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising: an inner shell, the inner shell forming a storage chamber; a duct, the duct being located in the storage chamber; the duct comprising a duct body and a first connecting portion, the first connecting portion being located on the front surface of the duct body, wherein the duct allows air to flow through the duct; and a partition, the partition being installed in front of the duct in a detachable manner to divide the storage chamber into a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber positioned below the refrigerating chamber, the partition comprising: a partition body; a second connecting portion, the second connecting portion being located on the rear surface of the partition body and being connectable to the first connecting portion; a partition hole, the partition hole being formed in the partition body; and a partition insulator, the partition insulator being located in the partition body and the partition insulator comprising an exposed portion exposed through the partition hole, wherein the partition insulator can be configured so that when the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second connecting portion is connected to the first connecting portion, the exposed portion can be in close contact with the duct body.

[0012] The refrigerator may further include a protrusion protruding from the front surface of the duct body, and wherein, when the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second connecting portion is connected to the first connecting portion, the protrusion may protrude toward the partition and press against the partition.

[0013] One of the first connecting part and the second connecting part may include a connecting protrusion, the other of the first connecting part and the second connecting part may include a connecting groove corresponding to the connecting protrusion, and when the partition is installed in front of the pipe and the second connecting part is connected to the first connecting part, the connecting protrusion can be connected to the connecting groove in a detachable manner.

[0014] The first coupling portion may include an upper groove and a lower groove, the lower groove being spaced apart from the upper groove on the lower side, and the second coupling portion may include an upper protrusion and a lower protrusion, the lower protrusion being spaced apart from the upper protrusion on the lower side, and when the partition is installed in front of the pipe and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the upper protrusion may be inserted into the upper groove and the lower protrusion may be inserted into the lower groove.

[0015] The first coupling portion may include an upper groove and a lower groove, the lower groove being spaced apart from the upper groove on the lower side, the protrusion may be disposed between the upper groove and the lower groove, the second coupling portion may include an upper protrusion and a lower protrusion, the lower protrusion being spaced apart from the upper protrusion on the lower side, and when the partition is installed in front of the pipe and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the upper protrusion may be inserted into the upper groove and the lower protrusion may be inserted into the lower groove.

[0016] The separator body may include: a first separator body having a lower portion; a second separator body, the second separator body being detachably connected to the lower portion; and a parting line located between the first separator body and the second separator body.

[0017] When the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the parting line may be closer to the freezing chamber than to the refrigerating chamber.

[0018] The refrigerator may further include a duct insulator located within the duct body. When the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the duct body and the duct insulator may be in close contact with each other in response to the protrusion being pressed against the partition.

[0019] The protrusion may be disposed at a vertical centerline of the duct body.

[0020] The separator hole may be a first separator hole, the exposed portion may be a first exposed portion, and the first separator hole may be formed on the rear surface of the separator body. The separator may further include: a second separator hole, the second separator hole is located on the side surface of the separator body; and a second exposed portion, the second exposed portion is exposed through the second separator hole, and the second exposed portion is configured so that when the separator is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the second exposed portion can be in close contact with the inner shell.

[0021] The refrigerator may further include an evaporator disposed in the storage chamber. The duct may further include: a first outlet communicating with the refrigerating chamber to allow air that has been heat-exchanged with the evaporator to be supplied to the refrigerating chamber; a first recovery port positioned below the first outlet and communicating with the refrigerating chamber to allow air in the refrigerating chamber to be recovered; a second outlet communicating with the freezing chamber to allow air that has been heat-exchanged with the evaporator to be supplied to the freezing chamber; and a second recovery port positioned below the second outlet and communicating with the freezing chamber to allow air in the freezing chamber to be recovered.

[0022] When the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the partition may be disposed between the first recovery port and the second outlet.

[0023] The protrusion may include a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other.

[0024] The refrigerator may further include a sealing member interposed between the duct and the partition when the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion.

[0025] The refrigerator may further include: a fastener extending from the partition body; and a screw extending through the fastener and into the pipe to maintain a connecting force between the first connecting part and the second connecting part when the partition is installed in front of the pipe and the second connecting part is connected to the first connecting part.

[0026] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising: an inner shell forming a storage chamber; a duct arranged to recover cold air from the storage chamber or discharge cold air into the storage chamber; and a partition detachably mounted in front of the duct and configured to divide the storage chamber into a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber positioned below the refrigerating chamber. The duct comprises: a duct body; and a duct insulator disposed in the duct body; and a protrusion configured to press against the partition by protruding forward from the duct body, thereby preventing a gap from being generated between the duct body and the duct insulator.

[0027] The partition may include a first coupling protrusion and a second coupling protrusion, the first coupling protrusion protruding toward the pipe, the second coupling protrusion being spaced apart from the first coupling protrusion at a lower side and protruding toward the pipe. The pipe may include a first coupling groove and a second coupling groove, the first coupling groove being configured to accommodate the first coupling protrusion, and the second coupling groove being configured to accommodate the second coupling protrusion.

[0028] The protrusion may be disposed between the first coupling groove and the second coupling groove.

[0029] The partition may include: a partition body; a partition hole formed by cutting a portion of the partition body; and a partition insulator disposed in the partition body. A portion of the partition insulator may be exposed to the outside of the partition body through the partition hole.

[0030] The partition body may include a first injection molding and a second injection molding, wherein the second injection molding is detachably coupled to a lower portion of the first injection molding. A parting line formed by combining the first injection molding and the second injection molding may be arranged to be positioned at 1 / 2 of the height of the partition body or positioned below 1 / 2 of the height of the partition body.

[0031] Beneficial Effects

[0032] According to the spirit of the present disclosure, a refrigerator can have improved ease of use.

[0033] According to the spirit of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may implement one storage chamber as a refrigerating chamber, a freezing chamber, or separate refrigerating chamber and freezing chamber.

[0034] According to the spirit of the present disclosure, the refrigerator can prevent cold air leakage between the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber.

[0035] Advantages according to the spirit of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned advantages, and other advantages that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 is a control block diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 is Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of some components of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

[0041] Figure 6 is Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of some structures of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 , viewed from the rear.

[0042] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a partition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 is Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the divider shown in FIG.

[0044] Fig. 9 is Figure 7 A side cross-sectional view of the divider shown in FIG.

[0045] Fig.10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a pipeline according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig.11 is Fig.10 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the pipeline shown in FIG.

[0047] Fig.12 is Fig.10 An enlarged side view of a portion of the pipeline is shown in FIG.

[0048] Fig.13 is Fig.10 An enlarged front view of a portion of the pipeline is shown in FIG.

[0049] Fig.14 is an enlarged front view of a portion of a pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.15 is an enlarged front view of a portion of a pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig.16 is Figure 2 An enlarged view of section "A" is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The various embodiments herein and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0053] In conjunction with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like or related components.

[0054] Unless clearly indicated otherwise in the relevant context, a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of that item.

[0055] In this document, phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B or C" may include any or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrases in the phrases.

[0056] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0057] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “1st,” or “2nd” may be used simply to distinguish a component from other components without limiting the components in other aspects (eg, importance or order).

[0058] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the term "functionally" or "communicatively", it may mean that the component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0059] In addition, as used in the present disclosure, terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "left", "right", "upper", "lower" and the like are defined with reference to the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the shape and position of each component.

[0060] It should be understood that when the terms "includes", "comprising", "having" and / or "containing" are used in this specification, they specify the existence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, parts, components or a combination thereof, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, parts, components or a combination thereof.

[0061] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected to another component,” “coupled to another component,” “supported by another component,” or “in contact with another component,” the component may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component. When a component is indirectly connected to, indirectly coupled to, indirectly supported by, or in contact with another component, the component may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component through a third component, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component through a third component.

[0062] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” or “over” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0063] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body.

[0064] The “body” may include an inner shell, an outer shell positioned outside the inner shell, and a heat insulator provided between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0065] The "inner shell" may include a shell, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming the storage chamber. The inner shell may be formed as one piece, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates together. The "outer shell" may form the appearance of the main body and be coupled to the outside of the inner shell so that the heat insulator is positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0066] The "insulator" can insulate the interior of the storage chamber from the exterior of the storage chamber to maintain the internal temperature of the storage chamber at an appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage chamber. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the insulator may include a foamed insulator. The foamed insulator may be molded by fixing an inner shell and an outer shell with a clamp or the like, and then injecting and foaming a polyurethane foam material as a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to the foam insulation, the insulation may also include a vacuum insulation, or the insulation may be configured to have only a vacuum insulation without a foam insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material, which accommodates the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or pressure close to vacuum. The vacuum insulation may also include an adsorbent for adsorbing gas and water to stably maintain a vacuum state. However, the insulation is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation mentioned above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0068] The "storage chamber" may include a space defined by an inner shell. The storage chamber may also include an inner shell defining the space. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage chamber, and one side of the storage chamber may be opened to enable a user to put in or take out items.

[0069] The refrigerator may include one or more storage chambers. In the case where two or more storage chambers are formed in the refrigerator, the corresponding storage chambers may have different usage purposes and may be maintained at different temperatures.

[0070] The storage chamber may be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to the purpose of use, and includes a "refrigerator," a "freezer," and a "temperature conversion chamber" according to the purpose of use and / or the temperature range. The refrigerator may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for keeping food refrigerated, and the freezer may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for keeping food frozen. "Refrigeration" may be keeping food cold without freezing the food. "Freezing" may be freezing food or keeping food frozen. The temperature conversion chamber may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer according to the user's selection or regardless of the user's selection.

[0071] In addition to "refrigerator", "freezer" and "temperature conversion chamber", the storage chamber may also be referred to by various other terms, such as "vegetable chamber", "fresh-keeping chamber", "cooling chamber" and "ice-making chamber", and the terms used below, such as "refrigerator", "freezer", "temperature conversion chamber", etc., need to be understood as referring to storage chambers with corresponding usage purposes and corresponding temperature ranges.

[0072] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one door configured to open or close an opening side of a storage chamber. A corresponding door may be provided to open and close one or more storage chambers, or a single door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage chambers. The door may be mounted on the front of the body in a rotatable manner or in a slidable manner.

[0073] The "door" can seal the storage chamber in a closed state. Like the main body, the door can include an insulator to insulate the storage chamber in a closed state.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the door may include an outer door panel forming a front surface of the door, an inner door panel forming a rear surface of the door and facing the storage chamber, an upper cover, a lower cover, and a door insulator provided in the door.

[0075] A gasket may be provided on an edge of the inner door panel to seal the storage chamber by closely contacting the front surface of the main body when the door is closed. The inner door panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be fitted.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel, which is detachably connected to the front of the door body and forms the front surface of the door. The door body may include: an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage chamber, an upper cover, a lower cover, and a door insulator provided in the door body.

[0077] Depending on the arrangement of doors and storage compartments, refrigerators may be classified as a French door type refrigerator, a side-by-side type refrigerator, a bottom mounted freezer (BMF) type refrigerator, a top mounted freezer (TMF) type refrigerator, or a one door refrigerator.

[0078] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cool air supply device for supplying cool air to the storage chamber.

[0079] The "cold air supply device" may include a machine, an equipment, an electronic device, and / or a combined system thereof that is capable of generating cold air and directing the cold air to cool the storage room.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cold air supply device can generate cold air by a cooling cycle including compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device may include a cooling cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expander and an evaporator to drive the cooling cycle. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool the storage chamber by heating and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0081] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to a cold air supply device are installed.

[0082] The 'machine room' may be separated and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components installed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. In order to dissipate heat from components installed inside the machine room, the machine room may communicate with the outside of the body.

[0083] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a dispenser disposed on a door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be disposed on the door to allow a user to access or access without opening the door.

[0084] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an ice making device for generating ice. The ice making device may include: an ice making tray storing water; an ice moving device separating ice from the ice making tray; and an ice bucket storing ice generated in the ice making tray.

[0085] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0086] The "controller" may include a memory and a processor, the memory being used to store and / or memorize data and / or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and the processor being used to output a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc., according to the programs and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0087] The memory may store or record various information, data, commands, programs, etc. required for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory may store temporary data generated when a control signal for controlling components included in the refrigerator is generated. The memory may include at least one of a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory or a combination thereof.

[0088] The processor may control the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing a program stored in a memory. The processor may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs the operation of an artificial intelligence (AI) model. In addition, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor may generate a control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage chamber from a temperature sensor, and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage chamber.

[0089] In addition, the processor can process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to the program and / or data memorized / stored in the memory. The user interface can be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor can transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to the user input.

[0090] The processor and the memory may be provided integrally or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0091] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a processor and a memory for controlling all components included in the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories for individually controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may be separately equipped with a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of a user interface according to user input.

[0092] The communication module can communicate with external devices (such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances) via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect a local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can be connected to the server via the WAN.

[0093] The input interface may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive a user input and transfer the received user input to the processor.

[0094] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0095] Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0096] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an example of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the refrigerator 1 may include a main body 10. The refrigerator 1 may include a storage chamber 20 disposed in the main body 10. The refrigerator 1 may include a door 30 configured to open or close the storage chamber 20. The refrigerator 1 may include a cooling system configured to supply cool air to the storage chamber 20.

[0098] The main body 10 may form at least a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator 1. The main body 10 may have an open front to allow a user to put food into and take food out of the storage chamber 20. The main body 10 may include an opening 10a. The opening 10a of the main body 10 may be opened and closed by a door 30.

[0099] The door 30 may be provided to open and close the main body 10. The door 30 may be provided to open and close the opening 10a of the main body 10. The door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10. For example, the door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 by hinges 40 respectively connected to the door 30 and the main body 10.

[0100] The outer surface 31 of the door 30 may form a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator 1. The outer surface 31 of the door 30 may form a front surface of the door 30 when the door 30 is closed.

[0101] The inner surface 32 of the door 30 may be formed on a side opposite to the outer surface 31 of the door 30. When the door 30 is closed, the inner surface 32 of the door 30 may form a rear surface of the door 30. In the closed position of the door 30, the inner surface 32 of the door 30 may be arranged to face the inside of the body 10. In the closed position of the door 30, the inner surface 32 of the door 30 may be arranged to cover the front side of the storage chamber 20.

[0102] The door 30 may include a door insulator 35. The door insulator 35 may be disposed between an outer surface 31 of the door 30 and an inner surface 32 of the door 30. For example, a foaming space may be formed between the outer surface 31 of the door 30 and the inner surface 32 of the door 30, and the door insulator 35 may be foamed and formed in the foaming space. The door insulator 35 may prevent heat exchange between the outer surface 31 and the inner surface 32 of the door 30. The door insulator 35 may improve thermal insulation performance between the interior of the storage chamber 20 and the exterior of the door 30.

[0103] The door insulator 35 may use polyurethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation, vacuum insulation panel, etc., but is not limited thereto. The door insulator 35 may include various materials for improving insulation performance between the storage chamber 20 and the door 30 .

[0104] For example, the door insulator 35 may be made of the same material as the main body insulator 55 to be described later. Alternatively, for example, the door insulator 35 may be made of a material different from that of the main body insulator 55.

[0105] The door 30 may include a door gasket 33. The door gasket 33 may be disposed on the inner surface 32 of the door 30. The door gasket 33 may seal the gap between the door 30 and the main body 10 to prevent cold air from leaking out of the storage chamber 20. The door gasket 33 may be formed along the periphery of the inner surface 32 of the door 30. When the door 30 is closed, the door gasket 33 may be disposed parallel to the opening 10a of the main body 10. The door gasket 33 may be configured to include an elastic material, such as rubber, but is not limited thereto. The door gasket 33 may include various materials for sealing the gap between the door 30 and the main body 10.

[0106] The door 30 may include a door basket 34 in which food may be stored. One or more door baskets 34 may be disposed on the inner surface 32 of the door 30.

[0107] For example, the door 30 may be configured to open and close the entire internal space of the main body 10. In particular, the door 30 may be configured to open and close the storage chamber 20 provided in the main body 10. The door 30 may be configured to open and close the first storage chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 together, as will be described later. In other words, the first storage chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 may be opened and closed by a single door 30, without providing a door for opening and closing the first storage chamber 21 and a door for opening and closing the second storage chamber 22.

[0108] However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above example, and a plurality of doors 30 may be provided to open and close the first storage chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 , respectively.

[0109] For example, when the opening 10a of the body 10 is closed, the door 30 may close the first storage chamber 21 to be described later. In particular, when the opening 10a of the body 10 is closed, the door 30 may cover the front side of the first storage chamber 21.

[0110] For example, when the opening 10a of the body 10 is closed, the door 30 may close the second storage chamber 22 to be described later. In particular, when the opening 10a of the body 10 is closed, the door 30 may cover the front side of the second storage chamber 22.

[0111] For example, when the opening 10a of the body 10 is closed, the door 30 may cover the front side of the first drawer 25 to be described later. When the first drawer 25 is inserted into the first lower storage chamber 21b, the front side of the first drawer 25 may be covered by the door 30. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the door 30 may directly close the first lower storage chamber 21b.

[0112] For example, when the opening 10a of the body 10 is closed, the door 30 may cover the front side of the second drawer 26 to be described later. At a position where the second drawer 26 is inserted into the second storage chamber 22, the front side of the second drawer 26 may be covered by the door 30. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the door 30 may directly close the second storage chamber 22.

[0113] For example, when the opening 10a of the body 10 is closed, the door 30 may cover the front of the first shelf 23. The first shelf 23 may be completely disposed within the body 10, and in a state where the opening 10a of the body 10 is closed, the first shelf 23 may be covered by the door 30, thereby being invisible from the outside.

[0114] For example, when the opening 10a of the body 10 is closed, the door 30 may cover the front side of the second shelf 24. The second shelf 24 may be completely disposed within the body 10, and in a state where the opening 10a of the body 10 is closed, the second shelf 24 may be covered by the door 30, thereby being invisible from the outside.

[0115] The main body 10 may include an outer shell 50. The outer shell 50 may form at least a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator 1. The outer shell 50 may be disposed outside the inner shell 60. The outer shell 50 may be formed in a substantially box shape having a front with an opening. For example, the outer shell 50 may form the top, bottom, left side, right side, and rear of the refrigerator 1.

[0116] The outer shell 50 may be constructed to include a metal material. For example, the outer shell 50 may be manufactured by machining a steel plate material.

[0117] The body 10 may include an inner shell 60. The inner shell 60 may be disposed inside the outer shell 60. The inner shell 60 may form a storage chamber 20. An inner space of the inner shell 60 may be defined as the storage chamber 20. The inner shell 60 may have a shape with an open front. The inner shell 60 may be formed in the shape of a box substantially having an open front.

[0118] The inner housing 60 may include inner walls 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , and 65 .

[0119] In particular, the inner case 60 may include a right wall 61, an upper wall 62, a left wall 63, a lower wall 64, and a rear wall 65. For example, the right wall 61, the upper wall 62, the left wall 63, the lower wall 64, and the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60 may form the storage chamber 20.

[0120] The inner housing 60 can be constructed to include a plastic material. For example, the inner housing 60 can be manufactured by a vacuum forming process. For example, the inner housing 60 can be manufactured by an injection molding process.

[0121] The body 10 may include a body insulator 55. The body insulator 55 may be disposed between the outer shell 10 and the inner shell 60. The body insulator 55 may be disposed to insulate the outer shell 50 and the inner shell 60 from each other. The body insulator 55 may be foamed between the outer shell 50 and the inner shell 60 to allow the outer shell 50 and the inner shell 60 to be coupled to each other. The body insulator 55 may prevent heat exchange between the inside of the storage chamber 20 and the outside of the body 10, thereby improving cooling efficiency in the storage chamber 20.

[0122] The body insulator 55 may include polyurethane foam insulator, expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulator, vacuum insulation panel, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the body insulator 55 may be configured to include various materials.

[0123] The body 10 may include a storage chamber 20. The storage chamber 20 may be formed by an inner shell 60. The storage chamber 20 may be provided as a space inside the inner shell 60. The storage chamber 20 may be provided in a single element. For example, the inner shell 60 may substantially have a box shape with an open front, and the storage chamber 20 may be formed in the inner shell 60.

[0124] The storage chamber 20 may be divided into a plurality of compartments by the partition 70. For example, with the aid of the partition 70, the storage chamber 20 may include a first storage chamber 21 and a second storage chamber 22.

[0125] The body 10 may include a first storage chamber 21 and a second storage chamber 22. The first storage chamber 21 may be disposed above the second storage chamber 22. The first storage chamber 21 may be disposed on the upper side (+Z direction) of the second storage chamber 22. The second storage chamber 22 may be disposed below the first storage chamber 21. The second storage chamber 22 may be disposed below the first storage chamber 21 (-Z direction).

[0126] The first storage chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 may have different temperatures. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first storage chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 may have the same temperature as desired.

[0127] For example, the first storage chamber 21 may include a first upper storage chamber 21a and a first lower storage chamber 21b. The first upper storage chamber 21a may be disposed above the first lower storage chamber 21b. The first upper storage chamber 21a may be disposed above the first lower storage chamber 21b (in the +Z direction). The first lower storage chamber 21b may be disposed below the first upper storage chamber 21a. The first lower storage chamber 21b may be disposed below the first upper storage chamber 21a (in the -Z direction).

[0128] For example, the first upper storage chamber 21a may be provided with a first shelf 23 and a storage container (not shown), food may be placed on the first shelf 23, and food may be stored in the storage container. The first shelf 23 may be provided with at least one or more shelves. The storage container may be provided with at least one or more storage containers.

[0129] For example, the first lower storage chamber 21b may be provided with a first drawer 25. The first drawer 25 may be provided to be introduced into the first lower storage chamber 21b or to be pulled out from the first lower storage chamber 21b through the opening 10a of the main body 10. The first drawer 25 may be provided to be moved in or pulled out in the front-rear direction (X direction). For example, the second shelf 24 may be provided above the first drawer 25 (+Z direction). Food may be placed on the second shelf 24. For example, the first lower storage chamber 21b may be defined by the first drawer 25 and the second shelf 24.

[0130] Unlike the first upper storage chamber 21a, the first lower storage chamber 21b can be prevented from contacting with external air when the door 30 is open relative to the body 10. Therefore, compared with the first upper storage chamber 21a, the first lower storage chamber 21b can be a space for food that needs to be stored for a relatively long time.

[0131] For example, the second storage chamber 22 may be provided with a second drawer 26. The second drawer 26 may be arranged to be introduced into the second storage chamber 22 or to be pulled out from the second storage chamber 22 through the opening 10a of the main body 10. The second drawer 26 may be arranged to be moved in or pulled out in the front-rear direction (X direction). For example, a partition 70 may be arranged above the second drawer 26 (+Z direction). For example, the second storage chamber 22 may be defined by the second drawer 26 and the partition 70. Here, the size of the second storage chamber 22 may vary depending on the position of the partition 70.

[0132] On the other hand, the first storage chamber 21 may be provided as a refrigerating chamber, and the second storage chamber 22 may be provided as a freezing chamber. In this case, the ice maker 27 may be provided in the second storage chamber 22, but this is only an example. The first storage chamber 21 may be provided as a freezing chamber, and the second storage chamber 22 may be provided as a refrigerating chamber. In this case, the ice maker 27 may be provided in the first storage chamber 21.

[0133] Hereinafter, for convenience of description, an example in which the first storage chamber 21 is provided as the refrigerating chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 is provided as the freezing chamber 22 will be mainly described.

[0134] The refrigerating chamber 21 may be configured to refrigerate food. The refrigerating chamber 21 may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for refrigerated storage. For example, the refrigerating chamber 21 may be implemented within a range of -0.5°C to 8.0°C, but this is only an example. The refrigerating chamber 21 may have different temperature ranges. The user may change the temperature range of the refrigerating chamber 21 as desired.

[0135] The freezer 22 may be configured to freeze food. The freezer 22 may be maintained at a suitable temperature for frozen storage. For example, the freezer 22 may be implemented within a range of -24.5°C to -13.0°C, but this is only an example. The freezer 22 may have different temperature ranges. The user may change the temperature range of the freezer 22 as desired.

[0136] The refrigerator 1 may include a partition 70. The partition 70 may be provided in the storage chamber 20. The partition 70 may divide the storage chamber 20 into a plurality of compartments. For example, the partition 70 may divide the storage chamber 20 into a refrigerating chamber 21 and a freezing chamber 22.

[0137] The refrigerator 1 may include a cooling system configured to generate cool air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cool air to the storage chamber 20. The cooling system may generate cool air by using latent heat of evaporation of a refrigerant in the cooling cycle.

[0138] For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a compressor 11. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a condenser (not shown). For example, the refrigerator 1 may include an expansion valve (not shown). For example, the refrigerator 1 may include an evaporator 12. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a fan 13. For example, the cooling system may include at least one of the compressor 11, the condenser, the expansion valve, the evaporator 12, and the fan 13. The cooling system may also be referred to as a cold air generating device.

[0139] The cooling chamber 20b may be provided in the main body 10. The evaporator 12 may be provided in the cooling chamber 20b. The cooling chamber 20b may also be referred to as a cool air forming space 20b.

[0140] A machine room 15 may be provided in the main body 10 . A compressor 11 and a condenser may be provided in the machine room 15 .

[0141] The part constituting the cooling system of the refrigerator 1 may have a relatively significant weight. Therefore, the cooling chamber 20b and the machine room 15 may be arranged in the lower part of the main body 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cooling chamber 20b and the machine room 15 may be arranged in various ways. The part constituting the cooling system may be arranged in different ways to correspond to the position of the cooling chamber 20b and the position of the machine room 15.

[0142] Due to the cold air generated by the evaporator 12, the cooling chamber 20b can be maintained at a relatively low temperature state. On the contrary, due to the heat generated by the compressor 11 and the condenser, the machine room 15 may be maintained at a relatively high temperature state. Therefore, the cooling chamber 20b and the machine room 15 can be formed in a space separated from each other for thermal isolation. For example, the main body insulation body 55 can be provided between the cooling chamber 20b and the machine room 15.

[0143] The evaporator 12 provided in the cooling chamber 20b may generate cool air by evaporating the refrigerant, and the cool air generated by the evaporator 12 may flow through the fan 13. The cool air flowing through the fan 13 may be supplied to the storage chamber 20. The evaporator 12 may generate cool air in the cooling chamber 20b, and the cool air generated by the evaporator 12 may flow from the cooling chamber 20b to the storage chamber 20 through the fan 13.

[0144] The refrigerator 1 may be an indirect cooling refrigerator. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described assuming an indirect cooling refrigerator, but the spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be applied to a direct cooling refrigerator.

[0145] The refrigerator 1 may include a damper 14. The damper 14 may be accommodated in the duct 80. The damper 14 may be configured to open or close a flow path formed in the duct 80. The damper 14 may be configured to adjust the degree of opening of the flow path formed in the duct 80. The damper 14 may be configured to adjust the amount of cold air supplied to the refrigerating chamber 21.

[0146] The refrigerator 1 may include a duct 80. The duct 80 may be configured to allow cool air to flow. The duct 80 may form a flow path through which the cool air flows. The duct 80 may be configured to guide the cool air.

[0147] The duct 80 may be configured to recover cool air inside the storage chamber or discharge cool air into the storage chamber.

[0148] The duct 80 may be provided to collect the cold air in the storage chamber 20 and guide the collected cold air to the evaporator 12. The duct 80 may form a flow path for collecting the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21 to guide the collected cold air to the evaporator 12. The duct 80 may form a flow path for guiding the cold air in the freezing chamber 22 to the evaporator 12.

[0149] The duct 80 may include a first recovery port 310 provided to recover the cold air within the refrigerating chamber 21. The first recovery port 310 may be provided to communicate with the refrigerating chamber 21. For example, the first recovery port 310 may be positioned below a first outlet 320 to be described later.

[0150] The duct 80 may include a second recovery port 410 provided to recover the cold air within the freezing chamber 22. The second recovery port 410 may be provided to communicate with the freezing chamber 22. For example, the second recovery port 410 may be positioned below a second outlet 420 to be described later.

[0151] The duct 80 may be provided to guide the cold air heat-exchanged with the evaporator 12 to the storage chamber 20. The duct 80 may form a flow path for guiding the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 to the refrigerating chamber 21. The duct 80 may form a flow path for guiding the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 to the freezing chamber 22.

[0152] The duct 80 may include a first outlet 320 configured to supply cool air heat-exchanged with the evaporator 12 to the refrigerating chamber 21. The first outlet 320 may be configured to discharge cool air generated by the evaporator 12 into the refrigerating chamber 21. The first outlet 320 may be configured to communicate with the refrigerating chamber 21.

[0153] For example, the first outlet 320 may be positioned above the first recovery port 310. When considering that relatively low temperature cold air may generally move downward by convection, the first outlet 320 may be arranged to communicate with the upper portion of the refrigerating chamber 21. The first recovery port 310 may be positioned away from the first outlet 320 so as not to allow the cold air discharged from the first outlet 320 to be immediately recirculated. The first recovery port 310 may be arranged to communicate with the lower portion of the refrigerating chamber 21, but this is only an example. The first outlet 320 may be positioned below the first recovery port 310.

[0154] The duct 80 may include a second outlet 420 configured to supply the cold air that has exchanged heat with the evaporator 12 to the freezing chamber 22. The second outlet 420 may be configured to discharge the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 to the freezing chamber 22. The second outlet 420 may be configured to communicate with the freezing chamber 22. For example, a boundary 421 of the second outlet 420 may be configured to be protruding.

[0155] For example, the second outlet 420 may be positioned above the second recovery port 410. When considering that relatively low temperature cold air may move downward by convection, the second outlet 420 may be arranged to communicate with the upper portion of the freezing chamber 22. The second recovery port 410 may be positioned away from the second outlet 420 so as not to allow the cold air discharged from the second outlet 420 to be immediately recirculated. The second recovery port 410 may be arranged to communicate with the lower portion of the freezing chamber 22, but this is only an example. The second outlet 420 may be positioned below the second recovery port 410.

[0156] For example, the partition 70 may be disposed between the first recovery port 310 and the second outlet 420 .

[0157] The duct 80 may be provided to partition the storage chamber 20 into a storage space 20a and a cooling chamber 20b. The storage space 20a may be a space in which the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 are formed. The cooling chamber 20b may be a space in which the evaporator 12 is provided. The cooling chamber 20b may be provided behind at least a portion of the storage space 20a.

[0158] For example, when the duct 80 is installed on the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60, the storage chamber 20 may be divided into the storage space 20a and the cooling chamber 20b. For example, when the duct 80 is installed in front of the rear wall 65, the storage space 20a may be a space formed in the storage chamber 20 as the front side of the duct 80. For example, when the duct 80 is installed in front of the rear wall 65, the cooling chamber 20b may be a space formed in the storage chamber 20 as the rear side of the duct 80. For example, the cooling chamber 20b may be formed between the duct 80 and the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60.

[0159] The duct 80 may be configured to accommodate the damper 14 .

[0160] The duct 80 may be configured to accommodate the fan 13 .

[0161] The refrigerator 1 may include a cold air connector 90. The cold air connector 90 may be configured to transfer cold air inside the refrigerating chamber 21 to the evaporator 12. The cold air connector 90 may be connected to the duct 80. One side of the cold air connector 90 may be in communication with the duct 80. The other side of the cold air connector 90 may be in communication with the cooling chamber 20b.

[0162] The cold air connector 90 may be located outside the inner case 60. The cold air connector 90 may be provided between the inner case 60 and the outer case 50. For example, the cold air connector 90 may be configured to be embedded in the main body insulator 55.

[0163] For example, the refrigerator 1 may have only one evaporator 12. At this time, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21 having a relatively higher temperature than that of the freezing chamber 22 must be returned to the cooling chamber 20b and then heat-exchanged with the evaporator 12. At this time, the cold air connector 90 may be required to transfer the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21 to the cooling chamber 20b.

[0164] Figure 3 is a control block diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] refer to Figure 3 , the refrigerator 1 may include a controller 810. The refrigerator 1 may include a sensor device 820. The refrigerator 1 may include a user interface 830. The refrigerator 1 may include a compressor 11. The refrigerator 1 may include a fan 13. The refrigerator 1 may include a damper 14. The refrigerator 1 may include a communication module 840.

[0166] Figure 3 Each element of the illustrated refrigerator 1 may be omitted depending on the embodiment. Figure 3 Elements not shown in the figure may also be included as elements of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0167] The controller 810 may control the operation of the elements of the refrigerator 1. For example, the controller 810 may control the operation of the compressor 11. For example, the controller 810 may control the operation of the fan 13. For example, the controller 810 may control the operation of the damper 14. For example, the controller 810 may control the operation of the user interface 830. For example, the controller 810 may control the operation of the communication module 840. In addition, it should be understood that the controller 810 may control the operation of different elements of the refrigerator 1.

[0168] The controller 810 may include at least one memory 812 storing data in the form of an algorithm and / or program for controlling the operation of the refrigerator 1 .

[0169] The controller 810 may include at least one processor 811 that generates a control signal associated with the operation of the refrigerator 1. The processor 811 may perform operations of elements of the refrigerator 1 using data stored in the memory 812.

[0170] The memory 812 and the processor 811 may be implemented as separate chips. The processor 811 may include one or more processor chips, or may include one or more processing cores. The memory 812 may include one or more memory chips, or may include one or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory 812 and the processor 811 may be implemented as a single chip.

[0171] The controller 810 may process a user input received from the user interface 830 and control elements of the refrigerator 1 based on the processing of the user input.

[0172] The compressor 11 may be disposed in a machine room 15 disposed within the main body 10. The compressor 11 may compress the refrigerant to a high temperature and a high pressure. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 may pass through a condenser (not shown). The compressor 11 may operate a cooling cycle of the refrigerator 1.

[0173] The fan 13 may be installed in the duct 80. The fan 13 may be accommodated in the duct 80. The fan 13 may be provided to circulate the cool air generated in the evaporator 12. The fan 13 may circulate the cool air in the refrigerator 1.

[0174] The damper 14 may be mounted on the duct 80. The damper 14 may be accommodated in the duct 80. The damper 14 may be configured to open and close a flow path formed in the duct 80. For example, when the damper 14 opens the flow path, the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may be supplied to the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. For example, when the damper 14 closes the flow path, the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may be supplied to the freezing chamber 22. In other words, the damper 14 may adjust the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 and the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 by adjusting the amount of cold air supplied to the refrigerating chamber 21 and / or the freezing chamber 22.

[0175] According to various embodiments, the user interface 830 may include an input interface 831 configured to receive a user input and an output interface 832 for displaying information related to the operation of the refrigerator 1. The user interface 830 may be implemented as a control panel.

[0176] For example, the input interface 831 may include at least one of a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch screen, or a button. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may include various well-known input devices for receiving user input.

[0177] For example, the output interface 832 may output information related to the refrigerator 1 through a display, voice, etc. For example, the output interface 832 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker, but is not limited thereto. The output interface may include various well-known output devices for displaying information related to the refrigerator 1.

[0178] The sensor device 820 may be configured to detect various states of the refrigerator 1 .

[0179] The sensor device 820 may include a first temperature sensor 821 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21. The first temperature sensor 821 may be disposed in the refrigerating chamber 21. For example, the first temperature sensor 821 may be detachably mounted on the front surface of the duct 80 exposed to the refrigerating chamber 21 (see Figure 4 In the case where the partition 70 divides the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 (the freezing chamber 22 is positioned below the refrigerating chamber 21 ), the first temperature sensor 821 may be positioned above the partition 70 .

[0180] The controller 810 may control the operation of the damper 14 based on information obtained from the first temperature sensor 821. In response to the first temperature sensor 821 detecting the first predetermined condition, the controller 810 may operate the damper 14 or stop the operation of the damper 14. For example, the controller 810 may control the operation of the damper 14 to open the flow path formed in the duct 80 based on the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 being higher than the first predetermined temperature.

[0181] The sensor device 820 may include a second temperature sensor 822 configured to detect the temperature of the freezing chamber 22. The second temperature sensor 822 may be disposed in the freezing chamber 22. For example, the second temperature sensor 822 may be detachably mounted on the front surface of the duct 80 exposed to the freezing chamber 22 (see Figure 4 In the case where the partition 70 divides the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 (the freezing chamber 22 is positioned below the refrigerating chamber 21 ), the second temperature sensor 822 may be positioned below the partition 70 .

[0182] The controller 810 may control the operation of the damper 14 based on the information obtained from the second temperature sensor 822. In response to the second temperature sensor 822 detecting the second predetermined condition, the controller 810 may operate the damper 14 or stop the operation of the damper 14. For example, the controller 810 may control the operation of the damper 14 to close the flow path formed in the duct 80 based on the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 being higher than the second predetermined temperature.

[0183] The communication module 840 may be configured for communication between the refrigerator 1 and one or more external devices. The communication module 840 may send information about the refrigerator 1 to the external device. The communication module 840 may receive a user command from the external device. The communication module 840 may include various well-known communication devices.

[0184] Figure 4 is a perspective view of some components of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of some components of the refrigerator shown in FIG. Figure 6 is Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of some structures of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 , viewed from the rear.

[0185] The inner housing 60 may not be divided into a refrigerating interior housing and a freezing interior housing (see Figure 5 and Figure 6). In other words, the inner shell 60 may form the storage chamber 20 provided as a single space. That is, the storage chamber 20 may be formed as one space and may not be divided into a storage chamber formed by the refrigerating chamber inner shell and a storage chamber formed by the freezing chamber inner shell. The storage chamber 20 may be partitioned into a plurality of compartments by the partition 70. Each of the plurality of compartments may be referred to in different ways depending on the temperature to be implemented.

[0186] The duct 80 may be disposed inside the storage chamber 20. The duct 80 may be disposed on the inner side of the inner case 60 behind the partition 70. For example, at least a portion of the duct 80 may be disposed at the front side of the evaporator 12.

[0187] The duct 80 may be detachably mounted on the inner side of the inner case 60. For example, the duct 80 may be detachably coupled to the rear wall 65 and / or the two side walls 61 and 63 of the inner case 60.

[0188] The duct 80 may extend in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the main body 10. The duct 80 may extend along the vertical direction (Z direction) of the inner shell 60. The duct 80 may extend along the vertical direction (Z direction) of the storage chamber 20. The duct 80 may extend along the up-down direction (Z direction). The duct 80 may extend along the height direction of the storage chamber 20 between the evaporator 12 and the partition 70. A portion of the duct 80 may correspond to the refrigerating chamber 21, and another portion of the duct 80 may correspond to the freezing chamber 22. A portion of the duct 80 may be exposed to the refrigerating chamber 21, and another portion of the duct 80 may be exposed to the freezing chamber 22.

[0189] The duct 80 may include a first coupling portion 500 configured to couple the duct 80 with the partition 70 (see Figure 5 ). The first coupling portion 500 may be formed on one side of the duct 80 facing the partition 70. For example, the first coupling portion 500 may be formed on the front surface of the duct 80. The first coupling portion 500 may correspond to a second coupling portion 750 of the partition 70 to be described later. The first coupling portion 500 may be detachably coupled to the second coupling portion 750 of the partition 70 to be described later. Details thereof will be described later.

[0190] The evaporator 12 may be disposed in the storage chamber 20. For example, the evaporator 12 may be disposed between the duct 80 and the inner shell 60. The evaporator 12 may be disposed at the rear side of the duct 80. The evaporator 12 may be disposed in front of the rear wall 65 of the inner shell 60. The evaporator 12 may be disposed in the cooling chamber 20b (see Figure 2). The evaporator 12 may be configured to perform heat exchange with the cold air flowing into the cooling chamber 20b. The evaporator 12 may be configured to perform heat exchange with the cold air flowing into the cooling chamber 20b after being recovered from the refrigerating chamber 21. The evaporator 12 may be configured to perform heat exchange with the cold air flowing into the cooling chamber 20b after being recovered from the freezing chamber 22.

[0191] The partition 70 may be disposed in front of the duct 80. The partition 70 may be detachably mounted on the duct 80. For example, the partition 70 may be detachably coupled to the front surface of the duct 80.

[0192] The partition 70 may include a second coupling portion 750 configured to couple the partition 70 with the pipe 80 (see Figure 6 ). The second coupling portion 750 may be formed on one side of the partition 70 facing the duct 80. For example, the second coupling portion 750 may be formed on the rear surface of the partition 70. The second coupling portion 750 may correspond to the first coupling portion 500 of the duct 80. The second coupling portion 750 may be detachably coupled to the first coupling portion 500 of the duct 80. Details thereof will be described later.

[0193] For example, one of the first coupling portion 500 and the second coupling portion 700 may include a coupling protrusion, and the other of the first coupling portion 500 and the second coupling portion 700 may include a coupling groove corresponding to the coupling protrusion.

[0194] The partition 70 may be detachably mounted on the body 10. The partition 70 may be detachably mounted on the inner case 60. For example, the partition 70 may be detachably coupled to at least one of the left wall 63 and the right wall 61 of the inner case 60.

[0195] For example, the inner housing 60 may include a separator mounting portion 67 to which the separator 70 is detachably coupled. For example, the separator mounting portion 67 may be formed on at least one of the two side walls 61 and 63 of the inner housing 60. For example, the separator mounting portion 67 may include a guide rail 671. For example, the separator 70 may slide along the guide rail 671. For example, the separator 70 may be configured to allow the separator 70 to be pulled into and out of the inner housing 60. For example, the separator mounting portion 67 may include a first support protrusion 672 formed on the upper side of the guide rail 671 to support the upper surface of the separator 70. For example, the separator mounting portion 67 may include a second support protrusion 673 formed on the lower side of the guide rail 671 to support the lower surface of the separator 70. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples, and the inner housing 60 may have various shapes so that the separator 70 can be installed.

[0196] As the position for installing the partition 70 changes, the ratio of the refrigerating chamber 21 to the freezing chamber 22 can be changed. This allows the user to set the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 at a desired ratio. For example, if there are more refrigerated foods than frozen foods, the space of the freezing chamber 22 can be reduced to ensure the space of the refrigerating chamber 21. For example, if there are more frozen foods than refrigerated foods, the space of the refrigerating chamber 21 can be reduced to ensure the space of the freezing chamber 22. Therefore, the convenience of use of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

[0197] The cold air connector 90 may be provided at the rear of the inner case 60. The cold air connector 90 may be detachably mounted on the outer side of the inner case 60. The cold air connector 90 may be detachably coupled to the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60.

[0198] The cold air connector 90 may extend along the arrangement direction of the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. For example, the cold air connector 90 may have a shape extending in the vertical direction (Z direction). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and when the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 are arranged side by side, the cold air connector 90 may have a shape extending in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0199] For example, the cold air connector 90 may include a connector body 91 forming the exterior of the cold air connector 90. A flow path through which the cold air flows may be formed inside the connector body 91.

[0200] For example, the cold air connector 90 may include an inlet 92 formed on one side of the connector body 91. The inlet 92 may include an inlet hole 921 configured to receive cold air recovered from the refrigerating chamber 21. The inlet hole 921 may be configured to communicate with the refrigerating chamber 21. The inlet hole 921 may be configured to communicate with the first recovery flow path 330. The inlet hole 921 may be configured to communicate with the first guide hole 66a formed in the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60.

[0201] For example, the cold air connector 90 may include an outlet 93 formed on the other side of the connector body 91. The outlet 93 may include an outlet hole 931, which is arranged to discharge the cold air introduced into the cold air connector 90 into the cooling chamber 20b. The outlet hole 931 may be arranged to communicate with the cooling chamber 20b. The outlet hole 931 may be arranged to communicate with the second guide hole 66b formed in the rear wall 65 of the inner housing 60.

[0202] The refrigerator 1 may include a first sealing member 16. The first sealing member 16 may be disposed between the partition 70 and the duct 80. For example, the first sealing member 16 may be disposed between the rear surface of the partition 70 and the front surface of the duct 80. For example, the first sealing member 16 may be disposed to cover the rear portion of the partition 70. For example, the first sealing member 16 may be disposed to cover the rear and side portions of the partition 70. For example, the first sealing member 16 may be attached to the partition 70, and the partition 70 to which the first sealing member 16 is attached may be mounted on the duct 80. The first sealing member 16 may be disposed as a part of the partition 70.

[0203] The first sealing member 16 may be configured to seal between the partition 70 and the duct 80. The first sealing member 16 may be configured to prevent cold air from flowing between the partition 70 and the duct 80. When the partition 70 divides the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, the first sealing member 16 may be configured to prevent heat exchange between the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. When the partition 70 divides the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, the first sealing member 16 may be configured to prevent cold air from the freezing chamber 22 from flowing into the refrigerating chamber 21.

[0204] The first sealing member 16 may include an insulating material. For example, polyurethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation, vacuum insulation panels, etc. may be used as the first sealing member 16. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first sealing member 16 may include different materials for improving thermal insulation performance.

[0205] The refrigerator 1 may include a second sealing member 17. The second sealing member 17 may be disposed between the duct 80 and the inner housing 60. For example, the second sealing member 17 may extend along the height direction of the duct 80. For example, the second sealing member 17 may be provided in a pair. For example, the second sealing member 17 may be attached to the rear body 120 of the duct body 100 of the duct 80, and the duct 80 to which the second sealing member 17 is attached may be mounted on the inner housing 60. The second sealing member 17 may be provided as a part of the duct 80.

[0206] The second sealing member 17 may be configured to seal between the duct 80 and the inner housing 60. The second sealing member 17 may be configured to prevent cold air from flowing between the duct 80 and the inner housing 60. When the partition 70 divides the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, the second sealing member 17 may be configured to prevent heat exchange between the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. When the partition 70 divides the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, the second sealing member 17 may be configured to prevent cold air from the freezing chamber 22 from flowing into the refrigerating chamber 21.

[0207] The second sealing member 17 may include a heat insulating material. For example, polyurethane foam insulation, EPS insulation, vacuum insulation panel, etc. may be used as the second sealing member 17. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second sealing member 17 may include different materials for improving thermal insulation performance.

[0208] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example of a partition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the divider shown in FIG. Fig. 9 is Figure 7 A side cross-sectional view of the divider shown in FIG.

[0209] The partition 70 may include a partition body 710. The partition body 710 may be provided to form at least a portion of the exterior of the partition 70. The partition body 710 may be provided to accommodate a partition insulator 730 to be described later. The partition body 710 may form a space in which the partition insulator 730 is provided.

[0210] The divider body 710 may also be referred to as a divider case 710 , a divider housing 710 , and a divider frame 710 .

[0211] For example, the partition body 710 may have a substantially box shape. For example, the partition body 710 may include a front surface 710a, a rear surface 710b, an upper surface 710c, a lower surface 710d, a right surface 710e, and a left surface 710f.

[0212] The divider body 710 may be provided as one configuration, or the divider body 710 may be formed by assembling two or more configurations.

[0213] For example, the partition body 710 may include a first partition body 711 and a second partition body 712 detachably coupled to a lower portion of the first partition body 711. The partition body 710 may be formed by assembling the first partition body 711 and the second partition body 712.

[0214] For example, the first separator body 711 may include a first hook portion 7111, and the second separator body 712 may include a second hook portion 7121 that can be engaged with the first hook portion 7111. For example, the first hook portion 7111 may be provided as a plurality of first hook portions, and the second hook portion 7121 may be provided as a plurality of second hook portions corresponding to the plurality of first hook portions 7111. In the accompanying drawings, it can be seen that the first hook portion 7111 may include a hook groove, and the second hook portion 7121 may include a hook protrusion fixed to the hook groove, but is not limited thereto. Contrary to what is shown, it is also feasible that the second hook portion 7121 may include a hook groove, and the first hook portion 7111 may include a hook protrusion fixed to the hook groove. In addition, the first separator body 711 and the second separator body 712 may be engaged by various known coupling methods.

[0215] Meanwhile, the present disclosure is not limited to the above example, and the first partition body 711 and the second partition body 712 may be integrally formed.

[0216] For example, the partition body 710 may be manufactured by an injection molding method. The partition body 710 may be referred to as a partition injection molding part 710. For example, each of the first partition body 711 and the second partition body 712 may be manufactured by an injection molding method. The first partition body 711 may be referred to as a first injection molding part 711. The second partition body 712 may be referred to as a second injection molding part 712.

[0217] The partition 70 may include a partition hole 720. The partition hole 720 may be formed by cutting a portion of the partition body 710. The partition hole 720 may be formed by penetrating a portion of the partition body 710.

[0218] For example, at least one separator hole 720 may be provided. For example, the separator hole 720 may be provided as a plurality of separator holes. For example, the plurality of separator holes 720 may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the plurality of separator holes 720 may be arranged along at least a portion of the periphery of the separator body 710.

[0219] For example, the partition hole 720 may include a first partition hole 721. The first partition hole 721 may be formed on one side of the partition body 710 facing the duct 80. The first partition hole 721 may be formed on the rear surface 710b of the partition body 710.

[0220] For example, the separator hole 720 may include a second separator hole 722. The second separator hole 722 may be formed on one side of the separator body 710 facing the right wall 61 of the inner housing 60. The second separator hole 722 may be formed on one side of the separator body 710 facing the left wall 63 of the inner housing 60. The second separator hole 722 may be formed on a side surface of the separator body 710. The second separator hole 722 may be formed on the right surface 710e of the separator body 710 and / or on the left surface 710f of the separator body 710.

[0221] For example, the first partition body 711 may include a first cutout portion 7112, and the second partition body 712 may include a second cutout portion 7122. When the first and second partition bodies 711 and 712 are assembled, the first and second cutout portions 7112 and 7122 may form the partition hole 720.

[0222] For example, the first partition body 711 may include a first a-cut portion 7112a, and the second partition body 712 may include a second a-cut portion 7122a. When the first partition body 711 and the second partition body 712 are assembled, the first a-cut portion 7112a and the second a-cut portion 7122a may form a first partition hole 721.

[0223] For example, the first partition body 711 may include a first b-cut portion 7112b, and the second partition body 712 may include a second b-cut portion 7122b. When the first partition body 711 and the second partition body 712 are assembled, the first b-cut portion 7112b and the second b-cut portion 7122b may form a second partition hole 722.

[0224] The partition 70 may include a partition insulator 730. The partition insulator 730 may be disposed within the partition body 710. When the partition 70 divides the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, the partition insulator 730 may prevent heat exchange between the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22.

[0225] For example, the partition insulator 730 may be a polyurethane foam insulator, an EPS insulator, a vacuum insulation panel, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the partition insulator 730 may include various materials.

[0226] The partition insulator 730 may be exposed through the partition hole 720. A portion of the partition insulator 730 may be exposed to the outside of the partition body 710 through the partition hole 720.

[0227] The partition insulator 730 may include one or more first exposed portions 731. The first exposed portions 731 may each be exposed through the first partition hole 721. The first exposed portion 731 may be exposed toward the duct 80. The first exposed portion 731 may be exposed to the rear of the partition body 710 through the first partition hole 721. The first exposed portion 731 may be disposed to face the duct body 100 of the duct 80. The first exposed portion 731 may be disposed to be in close contact with the duct body 100 of the duct 80. The first exposed portion 731 may be disposed to be in close contact with a third exposed portion 131 of the duct insulator 130 of the duct 80, which will be described later.

[0228] For example, the first exposed portion 731 may protrude rearward through the first partition hole 721 (see Fig. 9 ). For example, the first exposed portion 731 may be provided to be connected to the rear surface 710b of the partition body 710 without a step. As a result, the contact area between the partition insulator 730 and the partition body 710 may be increased, and the assemblability of the partition 70 may be improved.

[0229] The partition insulator 730 may include a second exposed portion 732. The second exposed portion 732 may be exposed through the second partition hole 722. The second exposed portion 732 may be exposed toward at least one of the two side walls 61 and 63 of the inner shell 60. The second exposed portion 732 may be exposed to one side of the partition body 710 through the second partition hole 722. The second exposed portion 732 may be disposed to face at least one of the two side walls 61 and 63 of the inner shell 60. The second exposed portion 732 may be disposed to be in close contact with at least one of the two side walls 61 and 63 of the inner shell 60.

[0230] For example, the second exposed portion 732 may protrude laterally through the second separator hole 722. For example, the second exposed portion 732 may be provided to be connected to the right surface 710e or the left surface 710f of the separator body 710 without a step. As a result, the contact area between the separator heat insulator 730 and the separator body 710 may be increased, and the assemblability of the separator 70 may be improved.

[0231] The refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 may be formed as a storage chamber 20 which is a single space divided by a partition 70. Due to the temperature difference between the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, such a structure may cause leakage of cold air and / or heat conduction between the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. In other words, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 and the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 may not be constantly maintained. For example, the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 may rise. In order to prevent heat conduction between the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, the partition insulator 730 may include at least one exposed portion.

[0232] For example, the first exposed portion 731 of the partition insulator 730 may be exposed through the first partition hole 721 so as to be in close contact with the duct body 100 of the duct 80. As a result, not only the partition body 710 and the duct body 100 may be in contact with each other, but also the partition insulator 730 and the duct body 100 may be in contact with each other. At the portion where the partition insulator 730 contacts the duct body 100, leakage of cold air and / or heat conduction between the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 may be effectively prevented.

[0233] For example, each of the separator body 710 and the duct body 100 can be provided as an injection molded part. When there is a portion where the separator insulator 730 contacts the duct body 100, the thermal conductivity can be lower than the position where the injection molded parts 710 and 100 contact each other as a whole. For example, the surface of the separator insulator 730 can be rougher than the surface of each of the separator body 710 and the duct body 100. Since the surface of the separator insulator 730 is provided with a relatively rough surface, eddy currents can occur in response to the cold air flowing between the separator 70 and the duct 80. Therefore, the cold air in the freezing chamber 22 flows between the separator 70 and the duct 80 with difficulty. For example, the separator insulator 730 can be made of a material that is more flexible than each of the separator body 710 and the duct body 100. Therefore, compared with when the separator body 710 and the duct body 100 are in contact with each other as a whole, when there is a portion where the separator insulator 730 contacts the duct body 100, the sealing force can be improved. Therefore, the partition 70 can effectively prevent cold air leakage and / or heat conduction between the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 by including the first exposed portion 731. Therefore, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 and the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 can be maintained constant, and thus the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

[0234] For example, the second exposed portion 732 of the partition insulator 730 can be exposed through the second partition hole 722 so as to be in close contact with the inner shell 60. As a result, not only the partition body 710 and the inner shell 60 can contact each other, but also the partition insulator 730 and the inner shell 60 can contact each other. That is, there may be a portion where the partition insulator 730 contacts the inner shell 60. As described above for the first exposed portion 731 of the partition 70, because the partition 70 includes the second exposed portion 732, the thermal conductivity between the inner shell 60 and the partition 70 can be reduced. Because the partition 70 includes the second exposed portion 732, the cold air leakage between the inner shell 60 and the partition 70 can be effectively prevented. In addition, because the partition 70 includes the second exposed portion 732, the airtightness between the inner shell 60 and the partition 70 can be improved. As a result, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 and the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 can be maintained constant, and thus the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

[0235] The partition 70 may include a parting line 713. For example, the parting line 713 may be formed by coupling the first partition body 711 with the second partition body 712.

[0236] For example, the parting line 713 may be arranged to be positioned at about 1 / 2 of the height H of the separator body 710 or below about 1 / 2 of the height H of the separator body 710. For example, the parting line 713 may be positioned on the center line C of the separator 70 or below the center line C. The center line C of the separator 70 may include a horizontal line passing through the center of the upper surface 710c and the lower surface 710d of the separator body 710. For example, the parting line 713 may be arranged to be closer to the freezer compartment 22 rather than closer to the refrigerating compartment 21. As a result, the parting line 713 may prevent heat conduction between the refrigerating compartment 21 and the freezer compartment 22 as much as possible.

[0237] For example, the first partition body 711 may be adjacent to the refrigerating chamber 21, and the second partition body 712 may be adjacent to the freezing chamber 22. The cold air in the freezing chamber 22 may be conducted to the refrigerating chamber 21 through the second partition body 712 and the first partition body 711. The parting line 713 may define the first partition body 711 and the second partition body 712, and the parting line 713 may be arranged to prevent heat conduction between the first partition body 711 and the second partition body 712. As a result, the parting line 713 may be arranged to be located at the center of the area between the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, or to be arranged to be adjacent to the freezing chamber 22, so as to prevent the cold air from being transferred from the freezing chamber 22 to the refrigerating chamber 21 as much as possible. Since the parting line 713 is located at a relatively low position compared to the case when the parting line 713 is adjacent to the refrigerating chamber 21, the amount of cold air transferred from the freezing chamber 22 to the refrigerating chamber 21 may be relatively small.

[0238] However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples, and the position of the parting line 713 may be changed as needed. For example, when the freezer compartment is positioned above the refrigerator compartment, the parting line 713 may be arranged to be positioned at about 1 / 2 of the height H of the partition body 710, or positioned above about 1 / 2 of the height H of the partition body 710. For example, when the freezer compartment is positioned above the refrigerator compartment, the parting line 713 may be positioned at or above the center line C of the partition 70.

[0239] The partition 70 may include a second coupling portion 750. The second coupling portion 750 may be provided to be coupled with the first coupling portion 500 of the duct 80. The second coupling portion 750 may be formed on a rear surface 710b of the partition body 710.

[0240] For example, the second coupling portion 750 may include one or more upper protrusions 751 and one or more lower protrusions 752 spaced apart from the one or more upper protrusions 751 at a lower side.

[0241] The upper protrusions 751 of the second coupling part 750 may each protrude toward the duct 80. The upper protrusions 751 of the second coupling part 750 may have a shape that protrudes backward. The upper protrusions 751 of the second coupling part 750 may protrude backward from the rear surface 710b of the partition body 710. For example, the upper protrusions 751 of the second coupling part 750 may have a shape that extends in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0242] The upper protrusion 751 of the second coupling part 750 may be configured to correspond to the upper groove 510, which will be described later, of the first coupling part 500. The upper protrusion 751 of the second coupling part 750 may be detachably coupled to the upper groove 510 of the first coupling part 500. The upper protrusion 751 of the second coupling part 750 may be configured to be inserted into the upper groove 510 of the first coupling part 500.

[0243] The lower protrusions 752 of the second coupling part 750 may each protrude toward the duct 80. The lower protrusions 752 of the second coupling part 750 may have a shape that protrudes backward. The lower protrusions 752 of the second coupling part 750 may protrude backward from the rear surface 710b of the partition body 710. For example, the lower protrusions 752 of the second coupling part 750 may have a shape that extends in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0244] The lower protrusion 752 of the second coupling part 750 may be provided to correspond to the lower groove 520, which will be described later, of the first coupling part 500. The lower protrusion 752 of the second coupling part 750 may be detachably coupled to the lower groove 520 of the second coupling part 750. The lower protrusion 752 of the second coupling part 750 may be inserted into the lower groove 520 of the second coupling part 750.

[0245] The upper protrusion 751 may also be referred to as a first coupling protrusion 751 . The lower protrusion 752 may also be referred to as a second coupling protrusion 752 .

[0246] The partition 70 may include one or more fastening bodies 740. The fastening body 740 may be configured to maintain a fastening force between the first coupling portion 500 and the second coupling portion 750. The fastening body 740 may be coupled to the pipe 80 in a detachable manner. The fastening body 740 may be configured to be in close contact with the pipe body 100 of the pipe 80. The fastening body 740 may extend from the partition body 710. In the accompanying drawings, the fastening body 740 is illustrated as extending downward from the lower surface 710d of the partition body 710, but is not limited thereto. The fastening body 740 may extend from a portion of the partition body 710 and be fastened to the pipe 80, but is not limited in shape and arrangement.

[0247] For example, the fastening body 740 may be provided to be threadedly coupled with the pipe 80. For example, the fastening body 740 may include a first fastening hole 741, and the pipe 80 may include one or more second fastening holes 140. In a state where the first fastening hole 741 overlaps with the second fastening hole 140, a fastening member (not shown) may be provided to be fastened to the first fastening hole 741 and the second fastening hole 140.

[0248] Fig.10is a perspective view of an example of a pipeline according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 is Fig.10 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the pipeline shown in FIG. Fig.12 is Fig.10 An enlarged side view of a portion of the pipeline is shown in FIG. Fig.13 is Fig.10 An enlarged front view of a portion of the pipeline is shown in FIG.

[0249] The duct 80 may include a duct body 100. The duct body 100 may form at least a portion of the exterior of the duct 80. The duct body 100 may form a flow path through which cool air flows.

[0250] For example, the duct body 100 may include a front body 110 and a rear body 120 .

[0251] The front body 110 may be coupled to the front of the rear body 120. The front body 110 may be disposed to face the storage chamber 20. The front body 110 may be disposed to be exposed toward the storage chamber 20. The front body 110 may be disposed to face the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. The front body 110 may be exposed toward the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. For example, the front body 110 may form a front surface of the duct 80. The front surface 101 of the front body 110 may be a front surface of the duct 80.

[0252] The rear body 120 may be coupled to the rear of the front body 110. The rear body 120 may be disposed to face the rear surface of the inner shell 60. The rear body 120 may be disposed to face the rear wall 65 of the inner shell 60. In a state where the duct 80 is mounted on the inner shell 60, the rear body 120 may be covered by the front body 110 and not exposed to the storage chamber 20. For example, the rear body 120 may form the rear surface of the duct 80. The rear surface 102 of the rear body 120 may be the rear surface of the duct 80.

[0253] The front body 110 may be detachably coupled to the rear body 120. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the front body 110 and the rear body 120 may be provided in an integral or one-piece form.

[0254] For example, the duct body 100 may be manufactured by injection molding. The duct body 100 may be referred to as a duct injection molding 100. For example, the front body 110 and the rear body 120 may be separately manufactured by injection molding. For example, the front body 110 may be referred to as a front injection molding 110. For example, the rear body 120 may be referred to as a rear injection molding 120.

[0255] The duct body 100 may include a duct hole 111. The duct hole 111 may be formed by cutting a portion of the duct body 100. The duct hole 111 may be formed by penetrating a portion of the duct body 100.

[0256] For example, the duct hole 111 may be formed on one side of the duct body 100 facing the partition 70. For example, the duct hole 111 may be formed in the front body 110. For example, as a portion of the front body 110 is penetrated, the duct hole 111 may be formed. For example, the duct hole 111 may be formed on the front surface of the duct body 100.

[0257] The duct 80 may include a duct insulator 130. At least a portion of the duct insulator 130 may be disposed within the duct body 100. The duct insulator 130 may be disposed between the front body 110 and the rear body 120. The duct insulator 130 may be disposed to support at least one of the front body 110 and the rear body 120. The duct insulator 130 may be disposed to fix the front body 110 to the rear body 120. For example, when the front body 110 is coupled to the rear body 120, the duct insulator 130 may be disposed to be in surface contact with at least one of the front body 110 and the rear body 120.

[0258] The duct insulator 130 may be provided to block the cold air flowing in the duct 80. The duct insulator 130 may prevent the cold air flowing in the duct 80 from leaking out of the duct 80. The duct insulator 130 may be provided to insulate between the front body 110 and the rear body 120. The duct insulator 130 may prevent heat exchange between the front body 110 and the rear body 120. Therefore, the temperature of the cold air flowing in the duct 80 may be maintained constant.

[0259] For example, the duct insulator 130 may include at least one of EPS insulation, polyurethane foam insulation, and vacuum insulation panel. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the duct insulator 130 may include different materials for improving insulation performance of the duct 80 .

[0260] The duct insulator 130 may be exposed through the duct hole 111. A portion of the duct insulator 130 may be exposed to the outside of the duct body 100 through the duct hole 111.

[0261] The duct insulator 130 may include one or more third exposed portions 131. The third exposed portion 131 may be exposed through the duct hole 111. The third exposed portion 131 may be exposed to the partition 70. The third exposed portion 131 may be exposed to the front side of the duct 80 through the duct hole 111. The third exposed portion 131 may be disposed to face the partition body 710. The third exposed portion 131 may be disposed to face the rear surface 710b of the partition body 710. The third exposed portion 131 may be disposed to be in close contact with the partition body 710. The third exposed portion 131 may be disposed to be in close contact with the first exposed portion 731 of the partition insulator 730 of the partition 70.

[0262] In summary, the third exposed portion 131 of the duct insulator 130 may be disposed in close contact with the partition 70 through the duct hole 111. Therefore, not only the duct body 100 and the partition 70 may contact each other, but also the duct insulator 130 and the partition 70 may contact each other.

[0263] As described above with respect to the first exposed portion 731 and the second exposed portion 732 of the partition 70, the duct insulator 130 may include the third exposed portion 131, and thus may reduce the thermal conductivity between the duct 80 and the partition 70. The duct insulator 130 may include the third exposed portion 131, and thus may effectively prevent the leakage of cold air between the duct 80 and the partition 70. The duct insulator 130 may include the third exposed portion 131, and thus may improve the airtightness between the duct 80 and the partition 70.

[0264] For example, the third exposed portion 131 may be provided to protrude forward through the duct hole 111. For example, the third exposed portion 131 may be provided to be connected to the front surface of the duct body 100 without a step. For example, the third exposed portion 131 may be provided to be connected to the front surface 101 of the front body 110 without a step. As a result, the contact area between the duct insulator 130 and the duct body 100 may be increased, and the assemblability of the duct 80 may be improved.

[0265] The duct 80 may include a first coupling portion 500. The first coupling portion 500 may be provided to be coupled with the second coupling portion 750 of the partition 70. The first coupling portion 500 may be formed on the front surface of the duct body 100. The first coupling portion 500 may be formed on the front body 110.

[0266] For example, the first coupling portion 500 may include an upper groove 510 and a lower groove 520 spaced apart from the upper groove 520 at a lower side.

[0267] The upper groove 510 of the first coupling part 500 may have a shape that is recessed rearward. The upper groove 510 of the first coupling part 500 may be formed by recessing a portion of the front surface of the duct body 100.

[0268] The upper groove 510 of the first coupling part 500 may be provided to correspond to the upper protrusion 751 of the second coupling part 750. The upper groove 510 of the first coupling part 500 may be detachably coupled to the upper protrusion 751 of the second coupling part 750. The upper groove 510 of the first coupling part 500 may be provided to receive the upper protrusion 751 of the second coupling part 750.

[0269] The lower groove 520 of the first coupling part 500 may have a shape that is recessed rearward. The lower groove 520 of the first coupling part 500 may be formed by recessing a portion of the front surface of the duct body 100.

[0270] For example, when the boundary 421 of the outlet 420 protrudes, the lower groove 520 may have a relatively concave shape. However, the present disclosure is only an example and is not limited thereto.

[0271] The lower groove 520 of the first coupling part 500 may be provided to correspond to the lower protrusion 752 of the second coupling part 750. The lower groove 520 of the first coupling part 500 may be detachably coupled to the lower protrusion 752 of the second coupling part 750. The lower groove 520 of the first coupling part 500 may be provided to receive the lower protrusion 752 of the second coupling part 750.

[0272] The upper groove 510 may also be referred to as a first coupling groove 510 . The lower groove 520 may also be referred to as a second coupling groove 520 .

[0273] The duct 80 may include the second fastening hole 140. When a fastening member (not shown) is fastened to the first fastening hole 741 and the second fastening hole 140, the partition 70 and the duct 80 may be more stably coupled.

[0274] The duct 80 may include a cover plate 200 arranged in front of the duct body 100. The cover plate 200 may be detachably mounted on the front surface of the front body 110. The cover plate 200 may be configured to cover at least a portion of the front body 110. The cover plate 200 may be configured to be exposed to the storage chamber 20. However, if the cover plate 200 is omitted, the front body 110 may be exposed to the storage chamber 20.

[0275] The design of the cover plate 200 can be freely changed. Therefore, when the design of the cover plate 200 is changed, the external design of the duct 80 and the internal design of the refrigerator 1 can be implemented in different ways. The cover plate 200 can be freely replaced by the user as needed.

[0276] The duct 80 may include a protrusion 600. The protrusion 600 may be formed on the duct body 100. The protrusion 600 may protrude forward from the duct body 100. The protrusion 600 may protrude from the front surface of the duct body 100 toward the partition 70.

[0277] The protrusion 600 may be provided to press the partition 70. The protrusion 600 may press the partition 70 in a state where the second coupling portion 750 of the partition 70 is coupled to the first coupling portion 500 of the duct 80. The protrusion 600 may be provided to press the rear surface side of the partition 70. The protrusion 600 may be provided to press the rear surface 710b of the partition body 710. The protrusion 600 may be provided to press the first exposed portion 731 of the partition insulator 730 exposed through the first partition hole 720.

[0278] The protrusion 600 of the duct 80 may press the partition 70 forward in a state in which the duct 80 and the partition 70 are coupled to each other, and the partition 70 may press the duct 80 backward by a repulsive force.

[0279] As a result, the duct 80 and the partition 70 may be in closer contact, and the flow of cold air between the duct 80 and the partition 70 may be reduced or prevented.

[0280] In addition, the force of the partition 70 pressing against the pipe 80 can prevent a gap from being generated between the pipe body 100 and the pipe insulator 130. With the force of the partition 70 pressing against the pipe 80, the pipe body 100 and the pipe insulator 130 can be brought into closer contact.

[0281] For example, the duct 80 may be coupled to the inner housing 60, wherein the second sealing member 17 is attached to the duct 80. For example, a pair of the second sealing members 17 may be attached to the side surface or the rear surface of the duct 80. For example, in a state where the duct 80 is mounted on the inner housing 60, the duct body 100 may be bent due to the repulsive force of the second sealing member 17, thereby causing a gap to appear between the duct body 100 and the duct insulator 130. For example, the front body 110 may be curved so that the central portion of the front surface protrudes convexly, thereby forming a gap between the front body 110 and the duct insulator 130. As described above, the protrusion 600 may press the partition 70, and thus the duct body 100 and the duct insulator 130 may be in close contact with each other. As the protrusion 600 presses the partition 70 forward, the partition 70 may press the protrusion 600 backward by means of the repulsive force, and thus the duct body 100 and the duct insulator 130 may be in close contact with each other. As a result, the protrusion 600 may prevent a gap from being formed between the duct body 100 and the duct insulator 130 .

[0282] For example, the protrusion 600 may be disposed between the upper groove 510 and the lower groove 520. In a state where the duct 80 is coupled to the partition 70, the protrusion 600 may be disposed to be positioned between a portion where the upper groove 510 and the upper protrusion 751 are coupled together (hereinafter referred to as a first portion) and a portion where the lower groove 520 and the lower protrusion 752 are coupled together (hereinafter referred to as a second portion). The protrusion 600 may be disposed to press the partition 70 between the first portion and the second portion. The protrusion 600 may be disposed to be in close contact with the partition 70 between the first portion and the second portion.

[0283] For example, the protrusion 600 may be disposed at the center of the duct body 100 in the left-right direction. For example, the protrusion 600 may be disposed on the vertical center line V of the duct body 100.

[0284] For example, the protrusion 600 may have a shape extending in the vertical direction (Z direction). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the shape of the protrusion 600 is not limited as long as the protrusion 600 can protrude to press the partition 70 in a state where the duct 80 is coupled to the partition 70 .

[0285] Fig.14 is an enlarged front view of a portion of a pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0286] refer to Fig.14 , the protrusion 600 may be provided as a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions 600a, 600b, and 600c may be spaced apart from each other. Fig.14 In the embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 600a, 600b and 600c are shown to be arranged along the left-right direction (Y direction), but are not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of protrusions 600a, 600b and 600c may be arranged along the vertical direction (Z direction). In addition, Fig.14 The number of protrusions in FIG. 600 is shown as three (ie, 600a, 600b, and 600c), but is not limited thereto. For example, the number of protrusions 600 may be two or less, or four or more.

[0287] Fig.15 is an enlarged front view of a portion of a pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0288] refer to Fig.15 , the protrusion 600d may have a shape extending in the left-right direction (Y direction). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the protrusion 600d may have a shape extending in different directions as long as the protrusion 600d protrudes toward the partition 70. In addition, Fig.15The protrusion 600d in FIG. 1 is shown as one, but is not limited thereto. For example, two or more protrusions 600d may be provided.

[0289] Fig.16 is Figure 2 An enlarged view of section "A" is shown in FIG.

[0290] refer to Fig.16 , the duct 80 and the partition 70 may be coupled together. The front portion of the duct 80 and the rear portion of the partition 70 may be coupled to each other. The first coupling portion 500 of the duct 80 and the second coupling portion 750 of the partition 70 may be coupled.

[0291] For example, the duct 80 and the partition 70 may be coupled in at least two parts. For example, the duct 80 and the partition 70 may be coupled at the upper part and the lower part. For example, the upper protrusion 751 and the upper groove 510 may be coupled at the upper part, and the lower protrusion 752 and the lower groove 520 may be coupled at the lower part. As a result, the duct 80 and the partition 70 may be coupled more stably.

[0292] For example, the upper protrusion 751 may be inserted into the upper groove 510. The lower protrusion 752 may be inserted into the lower groove 520. In the drawings, it is shown that the upper protrusion 751 and the lower protrusion 752 are formed in the partition 70, and the upper groove 510 and the lower groove 520 are formed in the duct 80, but it is not limited thereto. Contrary to what is shown in the drawings, the upper protrusion and the lower protrusion may be formed in the duct 80, and the upper groove and the lower groove may be formed in the partition 70.

[0293] The protrusion 600 may be configured to squeeze the separator 70 when the duct 80 is coupled to the separator 70. The protrusion 600 may be configured to squeeze the separator 70 between the portion where the upper groove 510 and the upper protrusion 751 are coupled together (i.e., the first portion) and the portion where the lower groove 520 and the lower protrusion 752 are coupled together (i.e., the second portion). The protrusion 600 may be configured to be in close contact with the separator body 710 and / or in close contact with the separator insulator 730 exposed through the separator hole 720. In response to the protrusion 600 being pressed against the separator 70, a repulsive force may be generated. As the duct 80 is coupled to the separator 70, the duct 80 may be arranged to be pressed against the separator 70, and the separator 70 may be arranged to be pressed against the duct 80.

[0294] By using the structure described above, the coupling force between the partition 70 and the duct 80 can be improved. Therefore, the cold air in the freezer chamber 22 or the cold air in the refrigerator chamber 21 cannot easily flow between the partition 70 and the duct 80. Heat conduction between the freezer chamber 22 and the refrigerator chamber 21 can be prevented as much as possible. The freezer chamber 22 and the refrigerator chamber 21 can be more reliably insulated. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator 1 can be maintained. In addition, the adhesion between the duct body 100 and the duct insulator 130 of the duct 80 can be improved. No gap will appear between the duct body 100 and the duct insulator 130. External deformation of the duct body 100, such as forward bending, will not occur.

[0295] In the drawings, the partition 70 and the duct 80 are shown in close contact with the first sealing member 16 interposed therebetween, but this is only an example. The partition 70 and the duct 80 may be provided in direct close contact with each other.

[0296] While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: an inner housing, the inner housing forming a storage chamber; a duct located in the storage chamber, the duct including a duct body and a first coupling portion located on a front surface of the duct body, wherein the duct allows air to flow through the duct; and a partition member detachably mounted in front of the duct to divide the storage chamber into a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber positioned below the refrigerating chamber, the partition member comprising: The separator body, a second coupling portion, the second coupling portion being located on a rear surface of the partition body and being capable of coupling to the first coupling portion, a separator hole formed in the separator body, and A separator insulator, the separator insulator is located in the separator body, and the separator insulator includes an exposed portion exposed through the separator hole, wherein the separator insulator is configured so that when the separator is installed in front of the pipe and the second connecting portion is connected to the first connecting portion, the exposed portion is in close contact with the pipe body.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: a protrusion protruding from the front surface of the duct body, and Wherein, when the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the protrusion protrudes toward the partition and is pressed against the partition.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: One of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion includes a coupling protrusion, The other of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion includes a coupling groove corresponding to the coupling protrusion, and When the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the coupling protrusion is detachably coupled to the coupling groove.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The first connecting portion comprises: Upper groove, and a lower groove spaced apart from the upper groove at a lower side, and The second connecting part comprises: upper protrusion, and a lower protrusion spaced apart from the upper protrusion at a lower side, and When the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the upper protrusion is inserted into the upper groove and the lower protrusion is inserted into the lower groove.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein: The first connecting portion comprises: Upper groove, and a lower groove spaced apart from the upper groove at a lower side, The protrusion is disposed between the upper groove and the lower groove, The second connecting part comprises: upper protrusion, and a lower protrusion spaced apart from the upper protrusion at a lower side, and When the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the upper protrusion is inserted into the upper groove and the lower protrusion is inserted into the lower groove.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The separator body comprises: a first divider body having a lower portion; a second partition body detachably coupled to the lower portion; and A parting line is located between the first separator body and the second separator body.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein: When the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the parting line is closer to the freezing chamber than to the refrigerating chamber.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising: a pipe insulation located within the pipe body, and When the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the duct body and the duct insulator are in close contact with each other in response to the protrusion being pressed against the partition.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein: The protrusion is disposed at a vertical centerline of the duct body.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The separator hole is a first separator hole, The exposed portion is a first exposed portion, The first partition hole is formed on the rear surface of the partition body, and The separator also includes: a second separator hole, the second separator hole being located on a side surface of the separator body, and A second exposed portion, the second exposed portion is exposed through the second partition hole, and the second exposed portion is configured so that when the partition is installed in front of the pipe and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the second exposed portion is in close contact with the inner shell.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: an evaporator, the evaporator being disposed in the storage chamber; and The pipeline also includes: a first outlet communicating with the refrigerating chamber to allow air having exchanged heat with the evaporator to be supplied to the refrigerating chamber; a first recovery port positioned below the first outlet and in communication with the refrigerating chamber to allow recovery of air in the refrigerating chamber; a second outlet communicating with the freezing chamber to allow air having exchanged heat with the evaporator to be supplied to the freezing chamber; and A second recovery port is positioned below the second outlet and communicates with the freezing chamber to allow recovery of air in the freezing chamber.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein: When the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion, the partition is disposed between the first recovery port and the second outlet.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein: The protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions spaced apart from each other.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: A sealing member is interposed between the duct and the partition when the partition is installed in front of the duct and the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: a fastening body extending from the divider body; and A screw extends through the fastener and into the pipe to maintain a coupling force between the first coupling part and the second coupling part when the partition is installed in front of the pipe and the second coupling part is coupled to the first coupling part.

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