Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes: an inner case including a storage compartment; the evaporator is used for generating cold air; and an air duct provided at a rear portion of the storage compartment to supply cold air to the storage compartment. The air duct includes: a cooling space in which the evaporator is mounted; and a contact portion protruding rearward from an edge of the cooling space such that a contact surface thereof is in contact with one surface of the inner case, recessed from the contact surface, and forming a channel in which a wire can be placed. The contact portion includes: a first inner surface and a second inner surface forming a channel; a first protrusion protruding from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface; and a second protrusion protruding from the second inner surface toward the first inner surface, in which an end portion of the second protrusion is closer to the first inner surface than an end portion of the first protrusion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a refrigerator including a wire retaining structure. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a refrigerator (an appliance used to keep food fresh) consists of a main body with storage compartments and a cold air supply system for supplying cold air to the storage compartments. The storage compartments include a refrigerator compartment that keeps food refrigerated at a temperature of about 0°C to 5°C and a freezer compartment that keeps food frozen at a temperature of about 0°C to -30°C.

[0003] The cold air supplied to the refrigerator's storage compartment undergoes heat exchange in the evaporator before being introduced into the compartment. The cold air passing through the evaporator can be guided through air ducts and moved into the storage compartment.

[0004] The air duct through which the cold air flows can include multiple flow paths to direct the cold air to different parts of the storage compartment. Furthermore, some of these flow paths can be equipped with dampers configured to open or close the flow paths, thus selectively opening and closing a given flow path. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a refrigerator including a structure for positioning wires while maintaining a tight fit between the air duct and the inner shell.

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a refrigerator including a structure capable of effectively accommodating and supporting wires.

[0008] The technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description other technical tasks not mentioned.

[0009] Technical solutions

[0010] Various aspects of embodiments of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments presented.

[0011] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a refrigerator may include: an inner shell including a storage compartment; an evaporator configured to generate cold air; and an air duct located at the rear of the storage compartment and configured to supply the cold air generated by the evaporator to the storage compartment. The air duct may include: a cooling space recessed at the rear of the air duct, in which the evaporator is mounted; and a contact portion projecting rearward from an edge of the cooling space such that a contact surface of the contact portion contacts a surface of the inner shell, forming a channel recessed from the contact surface, in which an electrical wire may be disposed. The contact portion may include: a first inner surface forming the channel; a second inner surface forming the channel and facing the first inner surface; a first protrusion projecting from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface; and a second protrusion projecting from the second inner surface toward the first inner surface. The end of the second protrusion is closer to the first inner surface than the end of the first protrusion.

[0012] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be spaced apart from each other.

[0013] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the channel may include: a first channel located between an end of a first protrusion and a second inner surface; a second channel located between an end of a second protrusion and a first inner surface; and a connecting portion formed by side surfaces of a first protrusion and a second protrusion spaced apart from each other, and connecting the first channel and the second channel.

[0014] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the channel may be recessed from the contact surface in the forward direction of the refrigerator. The diameter of the connecting portion may decrease in the forward direction.

[0015] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the diameter of the first end of the connecting portion at the contact surface can be larger than the diameter of the wire. The diameter of the second end of the connecting portion can be smaller than the diameter of the wire.

[0016] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sum of the protruding lengths of the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be longer than the diameter of the channel.

[0017] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the passage may include an opening that opens rearward toward the refrigerator to allow insertion of a wire. The contact portion may include a leading portion extending downward from the first protrusion to cover a portion of the opening.

[0018] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the downward-facing end of the leading portion may be spaced apart from the second inner surface.

[0019] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the distance between the end of the leading portion and the second inner surface can be greater than the diameter of the wire.

[0020] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when arranged in a channel, the wire may include a first portion that contacts a first protrusion and a second portion that is different from the first portion and contacts a second protrusion.

[0021] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the air duct may include: an air guide channel configured to guide cold air into a storage compartment; and an air damper configured to open or close the air guide channel. When wires are arranged in the duct, a first end of the wire may be connected to the air damper.

[0022] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator may further include a power source disposed on the side of the contact surface opposite to the damper and connectable to a second end of a wire.

[0023] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerator may further include a sealing member disposed between the inner shell and the contact portion.

[0024] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a sealing member can be attached to a contact surface to cover an opening.

[0025] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the sealing member may include thermal insulation material.

[0026] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a refrigerator includes: an inner shell forming a storage compartment; an evaporator configured to generate cold air; a fan configured to direct the cold air into the storage compartment; an air duct including a guide channel configured to direct the cold air into the storage compartment, and a contact portion disposed on the rear side of the storage compartment and in contact with the inner shell; an air damper configured to open or close the guide channel; a power source disposed on the opposite side of the air damper relative to the contact portion and configured to supply power to the air damper; and a wire arranged to pass through the contact portion and connect the air damper and the power source. The contact portion includes a contact surface in contact with a surface of the inner shell, a channel formed recessed in the contact surface to allow installation of a wire, a first inner surface forming the channel, a second inner surface forming the channel and facing the first inner surface, a first protrusion projecting from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface in a first direction, and a second protrusion projecting from the second inner surface toward the first inner surface in a second direction, wherein the end of the second protrusion is closer to the first inner surface than the end of the first protrusion.

[0027] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a refrigerator includes: an inner shell forming a storage compartment; an air duct including a contact portion that contacts the inner shell and is mountable within the inner shell; and a wire arranged to pass through the contact portion. The contact portion includes: a contact surface contacting a surface of the inner shell; a channel in which the wire is arranged, wherein the channel is formed to be recessed from the contact surface and divides the contact surface into a first contact surface and a second contact surface different from the first contact surface; a first protrusion forming a portion of the channel and projecting in a first direction from a first inner surface adjacent to the first contact surface toward a second inner surface forming another portion of the channel and adjacent to the second contact surface; and a second protrusion projecting in a second direction from the second inner surface toward the first inner surface and arranged to be spaced apart from the first protrusion. Attached Figure Description

[0028] These and / or other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 These are views showing a portion of the inner shell, fan, wiring, and air duct in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The exploded diagram.

[0033] Figure 5 They are from different angles. Figure 4 The view.

[0034] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view showing a portion of the contact area of ​​an air duct in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7 It's from another perspective. Figure 6 The view.

[0036] Figure 8 It is cut along line a-a'. Figure 6 A sectional view.

[0037] Figure 9 It is cut along line b-b'. Figure 6 A sectional view.

[0038] Figure 10 It is cut along line c-c'. Figure 6 A sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to the particular embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

[0040] In the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0041] Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the relevant context, the singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more items.

[0042] In this disclosure, 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” and “at least one of A, B or C” can include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrases in the phrase.

[0043] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0044] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “primary,” or “secondary” may be used only to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other ways (e.g., importance or order).

[0045] Furthermore, as used in this disclosure, the terms “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” etc., are defined with reference to the accompanying drawings and are not intended to limit the shape and position of any element.

[0046] It will be understood that when the terms “comprising,” “including,” “including,” and / or “containing” are used in this disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified feature, graphic, step, operation, component, element, or combination thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, graphics, steps, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof.

[0047] When a given element is referred to as "connected to another element," "coupled to another element," "supported by another element," or "in contact with another element," it should be understood that it can be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it should be understood that it can be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element through a third element.

[0048] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or there may be an intermediate element present.

[0049] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of this disclosure may include a body.

[0050] The “body” may include an inner shell, an outer shell located outside the inner shell, and insulation provided between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0051] The “inner shell” may include a shell, panel, panel, or lining that forms the storage compartment (also known as a storage room). The inner shell may be formed as a single unit or may be formed by assembling multiple panels together. The “outer shell” may form the appearance of the main body and is coupled to the outside of the inner shell, such that insulation is located between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0052] The "insulation element" can insulate the interior of a storage compartment from its exterior to maintain the interior temperature at a suitable level, unaffected by the external environment. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the insulation element may include a foamed insulation element. The foamed insulation element can be molded by fixing the inner and outer shells with clamps or the like, then injecting polyurethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer shells and allowing it to foam.

[0053] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in addition to foamed insulation, the insulation may also include a vacuum insulation, or may consist only of a vacuum insulation instead of a foamed insulation. A vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material, wherein the cladding material contains the core material and seals the interior with vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation is not limited to the foamed or vacuum insulation described above, and may include various materials capable of providing insulation.

[0054] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an inner shell. A storage room may also include an inner shell defining a space corresponding to the storage room. A storage room can store various items, such as food, medicine, cosmetics, etc., and may be configured to be open on at least one side for the placement and retrieval of items.

[0055] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. In the case of two or more storage compartments in a refrigerator, each compartment may have a different purpose and may be maintained at a different temperature. Therefore, the individual storage compartments may be separated by partition walls including insulation.

[0056] Storage compartments can be maintained within an appropriate temperature range depending on their intended use, and can be categorized as "refrigerated compartments," "freezer compartments," and "variable temperature compartments" based on their intended use and / or temperature range. Refrigerated compartments can be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food refrigerated, and freezer compartments can be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food frozen. "Refrigeration" can mean keeping food refrigerated without freezing it; for example, a refrigerator compartment can be maintained within a range of 0 to 7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" can mean freezing food or keeping food frozen, and for example, a freezer compartment can be maintained within a range of -20 to -1 degrees Celsius. A variable temperature compartment can be used as either a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment, depending on or without considering the user's choice.

[0057] In addition to “refrigeration room,” “freezer room,” and “variable temperature room,” storage rooms can also be referred to by various terms such as “vegetable room,” “fresh food room,” “cooling room,” and “ice-making room.” Furthermore, terms such as “refrigeration room,” “freezer room,” and “variable temperature room” used below will be understood as referring to storage rooms with corresponding intended uses and corresponding temperature ranges.

[0058] A refrigerator according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one door configured to open or close an opening side of a storage compartment. Individual doors may be provided to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted to the front of the body.

[0059] The "door" can seal the storage compartment when closed. Like the main body, the door may include insulation to keep the storage compartment insulated when closed.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the door may include an outer door panel forming the front surface of the door, an inner door panel forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, a top cover, a bottom cover, and a door insulation element provided therein.

[0061] Gaskets can be provided on the edges of the inner door panel to seal the storage compartment by making close contact with the front surface of the body when the door is closed. The inner door panel may include a rearwardly projecting embankment to allow for fitting of a door basket for storing items.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front of the door body and forming the front surface of the door. The door body may include an outer door panel forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door panel forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, a top cover, a bottom cover, and door insulation provided therein.

[0063] Based on the arrangement of the doors and storage compartments, refrigerators can be classified as French door refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, bottom-mounted freezer (BMF) refrigerators, top-mounted freezer (TMF) refrigerators, or single-door refrigerators.

[0064] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment.

[0065] "Cold air supply equipment" can include machines, devices, electronic equipment and / or combinations thereof capable of generating and directing cold air to cool storage rooms.

[0066] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a cold air supply device can generate cold air through a cooling cycle including the compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant. For this purpose, the cold air supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to drive the refrigeration cycle. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool the storage compartment through heating and cooling effects of the Peltier effect.

[0067] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a machine compartment in which at least some components belonging to a cold air supply device are installed.

[0068] The "machine room" can be separated from and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components installed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. To dissipate heat from the components installed in the machine room, the machine room can be connected to the outside of the main structure.

[0069] A refrigerator according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door to allow a user to enter without opening the door.

[0070] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an ice-making device for producing ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray for storing water, an ice-moving device for separating ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket for storing the ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0071] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0072] The “controller” may include a memory for storing and / or recording data and / or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor for outputting control signals for controlling cold air supply equipment, etc., based on the programs and / or data stored in the memory.

[0073] The memory can store or record various information, data, instructions, programs, etc., required for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated when control signals are produced to control components included in the refrigerator. The memory can include at least one or a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory.

[0074] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. It can control the refrigerator's components by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs artificial intelligence (AI) model calculations. Furthermore, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and so on. The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling air supply equipment. For example, the processor can receive temperature information from a temperature sensor in the refrigerator compartment and generate cooling control signals based on this information to control the operation of the cooling air supply equipment.

[0075] Furthermore, the processor can process user input from the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored in memory. The user interface can be provided with both input and output interfaces. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor can send display control signals and image data to the user interface in response to user input for displaying images on the user interface.

[0076] The processor and memory may be provided as a whole 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 memory modules.

[0077] A refrigerator according to embodiments 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 components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory for controlling the operation of a cold air supply device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Furthermore, the refrigerator may be provided with separate processors and memories for controlling the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0078] 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 the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user equipment is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user equipment can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0079] Input interfaces can include buttons, touchscreens, microphones, etc. Input interfaces can receive user input and pass the received user input to the processor.

[0080] Output interfaces can include displays, speakers, etc. Output interfaces can output various notifications, messages, and information generated by the processor.

[0081] In the following, various embodiments according to this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Figure 1 This is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0083] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The refrigerator 1 may include a cabinet 10 forming a storage compartment 20 and a door 30 configured to open or close the storage compartment 20.

[0084] The enclosure 10 may include an outer shell 11 and inner shells 13a and 13b coupled to the inside of the outer shell 11. The outer shell 11 may be formed of a metallic material.

[0085] Inner shells 13a and 13b can form storage chamber 20. In this example, inner shells 13a and 13b can be formed by injection molding of a plastic material. Inner shells 13a and 13b can include a first inner shell 13a forming the upper storage chamber 21 and a second inner shell 13b forming the lower storage chamber 23.

[0086] Thermal insulation can be provided between the outer shell 11 and the inner shells 13a and 13b. In one example, the insulation can be polyurethane foam insulation, and vacuum insulation panels can be used together if necessary.

[0087] The housing 10 may include an intermediate member 17 disposed between the first inner shell 13a and the second inner shell 13b. The intermediate member 17 may be configured to divide the storage compartment 20 into an upper storage compartment 21 and a lower storage compartment 23.

[0088] The intermediate member 17 may include an intermediate heat-insulating element to prevent heat exchange between the upper storage chamber 21 and the lower storage chamber 23. The intermediate heat-insulating element may be configured to prevent cold air from being lost to the outside from a portion of the rear side of the lower storage chamber 23.

[0089] Storage compartment 20 can be configured to open at the front to allow for the placement and retrieval of food. Storage compartment 20 may include an upper storage compartment 21 and a lower storage compartment 23.

[0090] The upper storage compartment 21 can be used as a cold storage compartment 21, in which food is kept refrigerated at a temperature of about 5°C. The upper storage compartment 21 can be referred to as the first storage compartment 21.

[0091] The lower storage compartment 23 can be used as a freezer compartment, in which food is kept frozen at a temperature of about 5°C to -30°C. The lower storage compartment 23 can be referred to as the second storage compartment 23.

[0092] In the example, a first fan 110 that generates airflow into the first storage compartment 21 and a first evaporator 120 that cools the airflow can be arranged in the first storage compartment 21. In the example, a second fan 280 that generates airflow into the second storage compartment 23 and a second evaporator 282 that cools the airflow can be arranged in the second storage compartment 23. The refrigerator 1 may include a compressor 18 that compresses refrigerant.

[0093] Although fans 110 and 280 and evaporators 120 and 282 are shown in the drawings as being located in the first storage chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 23 respectively to cool the storage chamber 20, this is merely exemplary, and it is also possible to use a method in which the fans and evaporators are installed only in the first storage chamber 21 or the second storage chamber 23, and the cooling airflow flows to the storage chambers where no fans and evaporators are installed to cool the storage chambers.

[0094] The first storage room 21 can accommodate the storage container 27, which includes a separate storage space 272.

[0095] The storage container 27 may include a container body 273 forming a storage space 272 and a container lid 271 formed on one side of the container body 273 and configured to open or close the storage space 272. The storage space 272 may be separated from the first storage chamber 21 by the container body 273 and the container lid 271.

[0096] In the example, container inlet hole 274 (see...) Figure 5 A portion of the airflow discharged through the air duct 100 (described later) can be formed on the rear side of the container body 273 and enter the container inlet port 274. This will be described in more detail later.

[0097] The inner shells 13a and 13b may include a first cooling space 132, which is formed on the inner surfaces of the inner shells 13a and 13b forming the first storage chamber 21 to accommodate the first evaporator 120. In this example, the first cooling space 132 may be formed at the rear (-X direction) of the first storage chamber 21. The first cooling space 132 may have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the first evaporator 120.

[0098] The inner shells 13a and 13b may include a first fan receiving slot 131 in which a first fan 110 is housed. As an example, the first fan receiving slot 131 may be located on the upper side (+Z portion) of the first evaporator 120.

[0099] In response to the operation of the first fan 110, airflow can enter the first cooling space 132 from the first storage chamber 21 and pass through the first evaporator 120. The airflow can be cooled during its passage through the first evaporator 120.

[0100] The airflow through the first evaporator 120 can flow from the first cooling space 132 to the first fan housing 131, and then through the first fan 110 and out to the first storage chamber 21.

[0101] The inner shells 13a and 13b may include a second cooling space 283 formed on the inner surface of the second inner shell 13b forming the second storage chamber 23 to accommodate the second evaporator 282. In an example, the second cooling space 283 may be formed on the rear side of the second storage chamber 23. The second cooling space 283 may include a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the second evaporator 282.

[0102] The second inner housing 13b may include a second fan receiving slot 281, in which a second fan 280 is housed. As an example, the second fan receiving slot 281 may be located above the second evaporator 282.

[0103] In response to the operation of the second fan 280, airflow can enter the second cooling space 283 from the second storage chamber 23 and pass through the second evaporator 282. The airflow can be cooled as it passes through the second evaporator 282.

[0104] Airflow through the second evaporator 282 can flow from the second cooling space 283 to the second fan housing 281, and then into the second fan 280. The cooling airflow flowing into the second fan 280 can be discharged into the second storage chamber 23.

[0105] In the example, refrigerator 1 may include an air duct 100 configured to direct airflow introduced into fan 110 to storage compartment 21. Fan 110 and evaporator 120 may be mounted in air duct 100, and air duct 100 may also include an air guide duct 156 that directs air drawn into fan 110 to storage compartment 20.

[0106] The air duct 100 can be installed in the inner shells 13a and 13b so as to contact one surface of the inner shells 13a and 13b forming the storage chamber 20. The air duct 100 will be described later.

[0107] The open front of the storage room 20 can be opened and closed via a door 30. The storage room 20 may be provided with shelves 25 on which food can be placed.

[0108] The upper door 31 can be configured to open or close the first storage compartment 21. The upper door 31 can be coupled to the housing 10 so as to be able to rotate in the left-to-right direction (+-Y direction). The rear surface of the upper door 31 can be provided with an upper door guard for food storage. A hinged cover can be provided on a portion of the housing 10 to which the upper door 31 is coupled. The upper door 31 can be referred to as the first door 31.

[0109] The lower door 33 can be configured to open or close the lower storage compartment 23. The lower door 33 can be referred to as the second door 33. The lower door 33 can be coupled to the housing 10 so that it can rotate in a left-to-right direction. The rear surface of the lower door 33 can be provided with a lower door guard for food storage.

[0110] Figure 3 These are views showing a portion of the inner shell, fan, wiring, and air duct in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The exploded diagram. Figure 5 They are from different angles. Figure 4 The view.

[0111] For ease of description, the refrigerator 1 according to various embodiments will be described below with reference to the first inner shell 13a and the air duct 100 installed in the first storage compartment 21, the first inner shell 13a being part of the inner shells 13a and 13b forming the first storage compartment 21. This is only by way of example, and the air duct 100 described below may also be installed in the second inner shell 13b forming the second storage compartment 23.

[0112] refer to Figures 3 to 5 The refrigerator 1 may include an air duct 100 configured to direct airflow generated by the fan 110 into the first storage compartment 21.

[0113] The air duct 100 can be installed in the first inner shell 13a. The air duct 100 can be arranged to separate the first storage chamber 21 and the first cooling space 132. The air duct 100 can be arranged to separate the first storage chamber 21 and the first fan housing 131.

[0114] The air duct 100 may include: an air duct cover 160 arranged to directly contact a surface 13a' of the first inner shell; an air duct plate 140 arranged on the front side of the air duct cover 160 and coupled to the air duct cover 160; and an air duct insulation 150 arranged between the air duct cover 160 and the air duct plate 140.

[0115] The duct cover 160 may include a cover body 161 forming the appearance. The cover body 161 may be mounted on the first inner shell 13a such that a rear surface thereof contacts the front surface of the first inner shell 13a. The shape of the cover body 161 may be formed to correspond to the shape of a surface 13a' of the first inner shell.

[0116] The duct cover 160 may include a second guide housing 162 forming a portion 156a of the air guide channel 156. The second guide housing 162 may be formed to extend vertically on the right side of the cover 161. Therefore, the air guide channel 156 may also be formed to extend vertically (in the +-Z direction) on the right side of the cover 161.

[0117] In the example, the first fan 110 can be positioned and operated at the center of the upper side (+Z side) of the duct cover 160. The second guide housing 162 may include an air duct inlet 163 and an air duct outlet 165. The air duct inlet 163 is located on the upper right (+Y side) (+Z direction) side of one end of the duct cover 160 and is formed to open toward the first fan 110. The air duct outlet 165 is located on the lower right (+Y side) (-Z direction) side of the other end of the duct cover 160 and is formed to open toward the front (+X direction).

[0118] The air guide duct 156 can be extended to connect with the aforementioned air guide duct inlet 163 and air guide duct outlet 165.

[0119] The first fan receiving slot 131 that houses the first fan 110 can communicate with the air guide channel inlet 163. Therefore, a portion of the airflow discharged through the first fan 110 can be introduced into the air guide channel inlet 163.

[0120] The airflow flowing through the air guide channel inlet 163 can then pass through the air guide channel 156 and be discharged forward through the air guide channel outlet 165. As will be described later, the airflow discharged through the air guide channel outlet 165 can be introduced into the container inlet hole 274 (described later) formed in the storage container 27 to cool the storage space 272 of the storage container 27.

[0121] The duct cover 160 may include a cover inlet hole 166 that opens downward on the underside of the cover body 161.

[0122] With the air duct 100 installed in the first inner shell 13a, when the first fan 110 is operating, air from the first storage chamber 21 can be introduced into the rear surface of the air duct cover 160 through the cover inlet hole 166 and pass through the first evaporator 120.

[0123] Air cooled by the first evaporator 120 can be drawn into the first fan 110 and discharged back into the first storage chamber 21 to cool the first storage chamber 21.

[0124] The air duct 100 may include a damper 170, which is configured to open or close the air duct 156. In the example, the damper 170 may be located on the front side of the cover 161.

[0125] The damper 170 can be installed between the air guide duct inlet 163 and the air guide duct outlet 165. In other words, the damper 170 can be installed on the air guide duct 156.

[0126] In response to the opening of the air duct 156 by the damper 170, a portion of the airflow discharged from the first fan 110 can be introduced into the air duct inlet 163 and discharged to the air duct outlet 165 through the air duct 156.

[0127] The duct cover 160 may include a power supply 180 configured to supply power to the damper 170. The power supply 180 may be located at the rear of the cover 161. In other words, the damper 170 may be located at the front of the cover 161, and the power supply 180 supplying power to the damper 170 may be located at the rear of the cover 161.

[0128] In the example, the wire L connecting the damper 170 and the power supply 180 can be arranged to pass through the slit 167 to connect the damper 170 and the power supply 180, the slit 167 being formed as a cover 161 penetrating the duct cover 160.

[0129] The duct plate 140 can be coupled to the duct cover 160 to cover the front side of the cover 161. The duct plate 140 may include: a plate body 141 forming the exterior; a first plate exhaust port 142 formed at the center of the upper side of the plate body 141 to communicate with the first fan receiving slot 131 and the first storage chamber 21; and a second plate exhaust port 145 opening towards the front and communicating with the air guide channel outlet 165 of the duct cover 160.

[0130] The second plate vent 145 can be formed as a space surrounded by a connecting member 144 connected to the container inlet 274 of the storage container 27.

[0131] In the example, the air duct plate 140 may have an approximately rectangular shape, but is not limited to this.

[0132] Based on the air duct plate 140 coupled to the air duct cover 160, the plate 141 can separate the first fan receiving slot 131 and the air guide channel 156 from the first storage chamber 21.

[0133] The air duct plate 140 may include a plate inlet hole 143 formed at the lower center. The plate inlet hole 143 can communicate the first storage chamber 21 with the cover inlet hole 166. Therefore, the first storage chamber 21 can communicate with the first cooling space 132 and the first fan receiving slot 131 through the plate inlet hole 143 and the cover inlet hole 166.

[0134] The first plate exhaust port 142 can communicate with the first fan receiving slot 131. Therefore, in response to the operation of the first fan 110, air from the first storage chamber 21 can be introduced into the plate inlet port 143, pass through the cover inlet port 166, be cooled in the first evaporator 120, and then be discharged forward by the first fan 110, passing through the first plate exhaust port 142 and discharged into the first storage chamber 21.

[0135] The second plate exhaust port 145 can communicate with the air duct outlet 165 of the air duct cover 160. Therefore, in response to the operation of the first fan 110, air from the first storage chamber 21 can be introduced into the plate inlet port 143, pass through the cover inlet port 166, be cooled in the first evaporator 120, and then be introduced into the air duct outlet 156 by the first fan 110. The air that passes through the air duct outlet 156 and is discharged forward through the air duct outlet 165 can be discharged into the storage space 272 of the storage container 27 through the second plate exhaust port 145.

[0136] The duct insulation 150 may include an insulation body 151 forming the appearance. In an example, the insulation body 151 may include an insulation material.

[0137] The air duct insulation 150 can be disposed between the air duct plate 140 and the air duct cover 160, so that the air duct insulation 150 can separate and insulate the first cooling space 132 from the first storage chamber 21. As a result, the temperature of the cooling air passing through the first evaporator 120 can be prevented from rising due to the temperature of the first storage chamber 21.

[0138] The duct insulation 150 may include a first insulation vent 152 formed in the upper center of the insulation body 151.

[0139] The first heat-insulating vent 152 can connect the first fan receiving slot 131 with the first plate vent 142. Therefore, the first fan receiving slot 131 can be connected to the first storage chamber 21 through the first heat-insulating vent 152 and the first plate vent 142, so that the airflow generated from the first fan 110 can flow into the first storage chamber 21.

[0140] The duct insulation 150 may include a first guide housing 153 forming the remainder of the air guide passage 156.

[0141] In the example, the first guide housing 153 may be formed on the lower right side of the heat insulation 151. In other words, when the duct heat insulation 150 contacts the duct cover 160, the first guide housing 153 may be positioned to correspond to the position of the second guide housing 162.

[0142] The second heat-insulating exhaust vent 155 can be formed on the lower right side of the air duct insulation 150. The second heat-insulating exhaust vent 155 can communicate with the aforementioned air guide channel outlet 165 and the second plate exhaust vent 145. In addition, the container inlet vent 274 of the storage container 27 can be formed on the rear side of the container body 273 to penetrate the container body 273.

[0143] Finally, the first fan receiving slot 131 can be connected to the storage space 272 of the storage container 27 through the air guide channel 156, the air guide channel outlet 165, the second heat insulation exhaust hole 155, and the second plate exhaust hole 145, so that the airflow generated by the first fan 110 can flow into the storage space 272 of the storage container 27.

[0144] Figure 6 This is an enlarged view showing a portion of the contact area of ​​the air duct in a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Figure 7 It's from another perspective. Figure 6 The view. Figure 8 It is cut along line a-a'. Figure 6 A sectional view.

[0145] refer to Figures 6 to 8 The air duct 100 may include a contact portion 200 arranged to contact a surface 13a' of the first inner housing when mounted in the first inner housing 13a. The contact portion 200 may be formed on the rear surface of the air duct cover 160.

[0146] More specifically, the contact portion 200 may have a contact surface that protrudes rearward from the edge of the first cooling space 132 and contacts one surface of the inner shells 13a and 13b.

[0147] The first cooling space 132 can be cooled by the air passing through the first evaporator 120 to have a lower temperature than the surrounding environment, and it is necessary to prevent the escape of the cooled air. Therefore, when the duct cover 160 is arranged to be in close contact with the inner shells 13a and 13b through the contact surface, the first cooling space 132 can be separated from the space other than the first cooling space 132, thereby minimizing the escape of cooling air.

[0148] As described above, the damper 170 can be connected to a power source 180 to receive power. In this case, the power source 180 can be positioned on the opposite side of the damper 170 relative to the contact surface, such that the wire L connecting the power source 180 and the damper 170 can be arranged to pass through the contact portion 200.

[0149] In the accompanying drawings, the conductor L is shown passing through the contact portion 200 in the left-right direction (+-Y direction), but this is only for example. In the example, the conductor L can extend in various directions, including forward (+X direction), backward (-X direction), from left to right (+-Y direction), and up and down (+-Z direction), to connect multiple configurations that need to be electrically connected to each other, and can be arranged to bend, fold, fold, or twist to transmit electrical signals and power, etc.

[0150] The structure for allowing the wire L to pass through the contact portion 200 will be described below.

[0151] The contact portion 200 may include: a channel 230, which is formed to be recessed in the contact surface for accommodating the wire L; and protrusions 240 and 250, which protrude from the inside of the channel to support and retain the wire L, thereby preventing the wire L passing through the channel 230 from deviating from the channel 230.

[0152] The channel 230 may be formed as a recess from the rearward-facing contact surfaces 211 and 221 toward the front (+X direction). The channel 230 may be formed in a portion of the contact surfaces 211 and 221.

[0153] In the example, channel 230 can be configured to extend in the left-right direction (+-Y direction). In one example, the diameter of channel 230 can be greater than or equal to the diameter L of the conductor L.

[0154] In the example, contact surfaces 211 and 221 can be arranged to extend in the vertical direction (+-Z direction), and channel 230 can be formed to be recessed in contact surfaces 211 and 221 to extend in the horizontal direction (+-Y direction). As a result, contact surfaces 211 and 221 can be divided into upper contact surface 211 and lower contact surface 221 by channel 230.

[0155] The upper contact surface 221 may be referred to as the first contact surface 211, and the lower contact surface 221 may be referred to as the second contact surface 221. Furthermore, the portion of the contact portion 200 on which the first contact surface 211 is positioned may be referred to as the first contact area 210, and another portion of the contact portion 200 on which the second contact surface 221 is positioned may be referred to as the second contact area 220.

[0156] Protrusions 240 and 250 can protrude from inner surfaces 210a and 220a respectively, and can press against the wire L passing through channel 230.

[0157] For ease of description, this article will show and describe two protrusions, 240 and 250.

[0158] In the example, protrusions 240 and 250 may include a first protrusion 250 protruding from the inner surface 210a of the channel 230 along a first direction and a second protrusion 240 protruding from the inner surface 220a of the channel 230 along a second direction different from the first direction.

[0159] The inner surface 210a of channel 230 may be referred to as the first inner surface 210a, and the inner surface 220a of channel 230 may be referred to as the second inner surface 220a.

[0160] In the example, the first direction can be downward (-Z direction), and the second direction can be upward (+Z direction).

[0161] As previously mentioned, the fact that the protrusions are formed in two directions, downward and upward respectively, is only one of the various embodiments. In the example, the protrusions may also be formed in three directions, protruding sequentially upward, downward and upward, with adjacent protrusions protruding in the same direction, such that the wire L is caught, and three or more protrusions protrude from one surface of the channel 230.

[0162] Furthermore, the direction in which the protrusion protrudes can include all directions other than downward (-Z direction) or upward (+Z direction) as described above, such as the front-back direction (+-X direction) and the left-right direction (+-Y direction), and it should be understood that the protrusion can also protrude in various directions other than those described above as needed.

[0163] The first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 can be formed to press against the first part L1 and the second part L2 of the conductor L, respectively (see...). Figure 9 Therefore, the wire L passing through channel 230 can be placed more reliably within channel 230, and the wire L can be prevented from deviating from channel 230.

[0164] The lengths d4 and d5 of the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 are such that each protruding end 251a does not contact the inner surface 220a of the channel 230.

[0165] Channel 230 may include a first channel 231 formed by the ends 250a of a first protrusion spaced apart from each other and a second inner surface 220a. In an example, channel 230 may include a first through hole 261 opening toward damper 170 to allow a wire L extending from damper 170 to be inserted into the first channel 231. In an example, the first through hole 261 may be formed to be open on the side of contact portion 200.

[0166] Although the shape of the end portion 250a of the first protrusion is shown in the accompanying drawings as having an approximately planar shape, this is merely an example, and the end portion 250a of the first protrusion can be formed in various ways, such as including a shape that approximates a vertex. This can also be applied to the end portion 240a of the second protrusion, which will be described later.

[0167] In the example, a wire L connected to and extending from damper 170 can pass through first through hole 261 and be inserted into first channel 231.

[0168] The channel 230 may include a second channel 232 formed by the ends 240a of the second protrusions spaced apart from each other and a first inner surface 210a, and a connecting portion 233 disposed between the first channel 231 and the second channel 232 to connect the first channel 231 and the second channel 232.

[0169] In the example, the wire L inserted into the first channel 231 can pass through the connecting portion 233 and be inserted into the second channel 232.

[0170] In the example, the connected portion 233 can be a space formed by the side surfaces 250b of a first protrusion spaced apart from each other and the side surfaces 240b of a second protrusion facing the side surfaces 250b of the first protrusion.

[0171] The second channel 232 may include a second through hole 262, which is formed on the side of the contact portion 200 and opens toward the power supply 180. A wire L inserted into the second channel 232 can pass through the second through hole 262 and be connected to the power supply 180. Therefore, the wire L can pass through the contact portion 200 and connect the damper 170 and the power supply 180.

[0172] In one example, power supply 180 may include: a power terminal 183 electrically connected to a wire L extending from a component requiring power; a power housing 181 housing the power terminal 183; and a power connection hole 182 formed on one side of the power housing 181 to connect the wire L to the power terminal 183. In this example, the wire L extending from the damper 170 and passing through the contact portion 200 may be connected to the power terminal 183 to supply power to the damper 170.

[0173] In the example, channel 230 may include an opening 234 that opens rearward (in the -Z direction). Opening 234 may be part of channel 230 formed on the same line as the contact surface. Opening 234 may be formed between the first contact region 210 and the second contact region 220. Opening 234 may be formed between the first contact surface 211 and the second contact surface 221 to allow for a gap between the first contact surface 211 and the second contact surface 221.

[0174] In one example, wire L can be inserted into channel 230 through opening 234. The wire L inserted into opening 234 can be arranged such that one side of wire L passes through first through-hole 261, the other side passes through second through-hole 262, and the portion of wire L between one and the other side lies on channel 230. Therefore, the user can more easily insert wire L into channel 230.

[0175] In the example, the contact portion 200 may include a guide portion 251 extending downward (in the -Z direction) from the first protrusion 250 to cover a portion of the opening 234. The guide portion 251 may be arranged on the same line as the rear surface of the first protrusion 250.

[0176] In the example, the thickness of the guide portion 251 in the front-back direction can be made thinner than the thickness of the first protrusion 250 in the front-back direction. The portion of the opening 234 covered by the guide portion 251 can be the portion communicating with the first channel 231. Therefore, the guide portion 251 can prevent the wire L arranged in the channel 230 from deviating from the opening 234.

[0177] The guiding portion 251 can extend such that one end 251a of the guiding portion does not contact the inner surface of the channel 230. In other words, the length d6-d4-d1 along which the guiding portion 251 extends can be shorter than the distance d2 between the end 250a of the first protrusion and the second inner surface 220a. In other words, the guiding portion 251 can be formed such that one end 251a of the guiding portion is spaced apart from the second inner surface 220a.

[0178] The distance d1 between one end 251a of the guide portion and the second inner surface 220a can be greater than the diameter L of the wire L. Therefore, the wire L can be inserted into the channel 230 through the portion of the opening 234 not covered by the guide portion 251. In the example, one end 251a of the guide portion can be the downward-facing end 251a of the guide portion.

[0179] For ease of description, although the guide portion 251 is described above as extending from the first protrusion 250, the guide portion 251 may also extend from the second protrusion 240 to cover the portion of the opening 234 that connects to the second channel 232.

[0180] The refrigerator 1 may include a sealing member 190 disposed between the inner shells 13a and 13b and the contact surfaces 211 and 221. In an example, the sealing member 190 may include an elastic material.

[0181] Since the air duct 100 is installed in the first inner shell 13a, the sealing member 190 can be disposed between the first inner shell 13a and the contact surfaces 211 and 221 to improve the contact between the air duct 100 and the first inner shell 13a. As a result, cold air in the first cooling space 132 can be prevented from escaping through the contact surfaces.

[0182] In the example, the sealing member 190 may include thermal insulation material. Therefore, the first cooling space 132 can be prevented from being heated by heat conducted from spaces other than the first cooling space 132.

[0183] In the example, sealing member 190 may be attached to the contact surface to cover opening 234. Because sealing member 190 is configured to cover opening 234, it prevents the wire L disposed in channel 230 from deviating from channel 230 through opening 234. Sealing member 190 may connect first contact surface 211 and second contact surface 221. Sealing member 190 may connect first contact area 210 and second contact area 220.

[0184] Figure 9 It is cut along line b-b'. Figure 6 A sectional view. Figure 10 It is cut along line c-c'. Figure 6 A sectional view.

[0185] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 The channel 230 can be formed to be recessed from the contact surfaces 211 and 221 toward the front (+X direction). Therefore, the connecting portion 233 connecting the first channel 231 and the second channel 232 can be formed in a direction extending from back to front.

[0186] The diameter d7 of the end of the connecting portion 233 adjacent to the contact surface can be formed to be larger than the diameter L of the wire L. In other words, the diameter d7 of the end of the connecting portion 233 that forms part of the opening 234 can be formed to be larger than the diameter L of the wire L. In other words, the diameter d7 of the rear end of the connecting portion 233 can be formed to be larger than the diameter L of the wire L. Therefore, the wire L inserted through the opening 234 can smoothly pass through the rear side of the connecting portion 233 and be disposed in the connecting portion 233.

[0187] The diameter d8 at the other end of the connecting portion 233 can be formed to correspond to the diameter L of the wire L. In other words, the diameter d8 at the front end of the connecting portion 233 can be formed to correspond to the diameter L of the wire L. Therefore, in response to the wire L provided in the connecting portion 233 moving to the front (+X direction) of the connecting portion 233, the wire L can be more stably positioned in the connecting portion 233.

[0188] In the example, the diameter d8 of the other end of the connecting portion 233 can be formed to be smaller than the diameter L of the wire L. In other words, the diameter d8 of the front end of the connecting portion 233 can be formed to be smaller than the diameter L of the wire L. Therefore, in response to the wire L disposed in the connecting portion 233 moving to the front end of the connecting portion 233, the wire L can be positioned more stably in the connecting portion 233.

[0189] Finally, the diameter of the connecting portion 233 can have a cross-section that decreases forward from the contact surface. Therefore, it can more stably accommodate wires L with various diameters.

[0190] In the example, the sum of the protruding length d4 of the first protrusion 250 and the protruding length d5 ​​of the second protrusion 240 can be longer than the diameter d6 of the channel 230. In other words, the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 can protrude such that their respective ends do not contact each other. In other words, the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 can protrude from staggered positions. In other words, the position of the first protrusion 250 in the left-right direction (+-Y direction) can be different from the position of the second protrusion 240 in the left-right direction (+-Y direction).

[0191] In the example, the position of the end 250a of the first protrusion 250 in the vertical direction (+-Z direction) can be lower than the position of the end 240a of the second protrusion 240 in the vertical direction (+-Z direction). Therefore, when the wire passes through the first channel 231 and the connecting portion 233 to the second channel 232, the wire L can be bent to pass through the ends 250a of the first protrusion 250 and the ends 240a of the second protrusion 240, which have different heights, and can contact the ends 250a of the first protrusion 250 and the ends 240a of the second protrusion 240, respectively.

[0192] As described above, since the diameter L of the wire L is arranged to be larger than the diameter d8 of the other end of the connecting portion 233, the wire L can be inserted and fixed to the other end of the connecting portion 233 to be placed inside the channel 230. Furthermore, as described above, when the wire L contacts the end 250a of the first protrusion 250 and the end 240a of the second protrusion 240, the wire L can be more stably placed inside the channel 230 by the frictional force generated by the contact between the wire L and the protrusions 240 and 250.

[0193] Therefore, the positions of the first channel 231 formed by the first protrusion 250 in the vertical direction (+-Z direction) and the second channel 232 formed by the second protrusion 240 in the vertical direction (+-Z direction) can be different from each other. Therefore, the wire L passing through the channel 230 can be arranged to bend when passing through the first channel 231 and the second channel 232.

[0194] The wire L arranged in the channel 230 can be bent by a first portion L1 pressed by the first protrusion 250 and a second portion L2 pressed by the second protrusion 240. As described above, the first portion L1 and the second portion L2 can be portions of different wires L. Therefore, the wire L can be pressed and supported by the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 to be stably arranged in the channel 230.

[0195] Refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes: inner shells 13a and 13b forming a storage compartment 20; an evaporator 120 configured to generate cold air; and an air duct 100 provided at the rear of the storage compartment 20 to supply the cold air generated by the evaporator 120 to the storage compartment 20. The air duct 100 may include: a cooling space formed to be recessed at the rear of the air duct 100 to allow the evaporator 120 to be installed; and a contact portion 200 having contact surfaces 211 and 221 that project rearward from the edge of the cooling space and contact one surface of the inner shells 13a and 13b. The contact portion 200 may include: a channel 230 formed to be recessed in the contact surface to allow for the arrangement of wires; a first inner surface 210a forming the channel 230; a second inner surface 220a forming the channel 230 and facing the first inner surface; a first protrusion 250 projecting from the first inner surface 210a toward the second inner surface 220a in a first direction; and a second protrusion 240 projecting from the second inner surface 220a toward the first inner surface 210a in a second direction, wherein the end 240a of the second protrusion is closer to the first inner surface 210a than the end 250a of the first protrusion.

[0196] The first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 can be spaced apart from each other.

[0197] The channel 230 may include: a first channel 231 formed by the ends 250a of a first protrusion spaced apart from each other and a second inner surface 220a; a second channel 232 formed by the ends 240a of a second protrusion spaced apart from each other and a first inner surface 210a; and a connecting portion 233 formed by the side surfaces 250b of the first protrusion 250 and the side surfaces 240b of the second protrusion 240 spaced apart from each other, and connecting the first channel 231 and the second channel 232.

[0198] The channel 230 can be formed to be recessed forward from the contact surface, and the diameter of the connecting portion 233 can decrease as it moves forward from the contact surface.

[0199] The diameter of one end of the connecting portion 233 adjacent to the contact surface can be formed to be larger than the diameter L of the wire L, and the diameter of the other end of the connecting portion 233 can be formed to be smaller than the diameter L of the wire L.

[0200] The sum of the protruding length d4 of the first protrusion 250 and the protruding length d5 ​​of the second protrusion 240, d4+d5, can be longer than the diameter d6 of the channel 230.

[0201] The channel 230 may include an opening 234 that opens rearward to allow insertion of the wire L, and the contact portion 200 may also include a guide portion 251 that extends downward from the first protrusion 250 to cover a portion of the opening 234.

[0202] The downward-facing end 251a of the leading portion can extend to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the channel 230.

[0203] The distance d1 between one end 251a of the leading part and the inner surface of the channel 230 can be greater than the diameter L of the wire L.

[0204] The conductor L may include a first portion L1 that contacts the first protrusion 250 and a second portion L2 that is different from the first portion L1, wherein the second portion L2 contacts the second protrusion 240.

[0205] The air duct 100 may also include: an air guide channel 156 configured to guide cold air to the storage chamber 20; and an air damper 170 configured to open or close the air guide channel 156, and one end of the wire L may be connected to the air damper 170.

[0206] The refrigerator 1 may also include a power supply 180, which is arranged on the opposite side of the damper 170 relative to the contact surface and can be connected to the other end of the wire L.

[0207] The refrigerator 1 may also include a sealing member 190, which is arranged between the inner shells 13a and 13b and makes the air duct 100 in close contact with the inner shells 13a and 13b.

[0208] The sealing member 190 can be attached to the contact surface to cover the opening 234.

[0209] The sealing member 190 may include thermal insulation material.

[0210] The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment may include: inner shells 13a and 13b forming a storage compartment 20; an evaporator 120 configured to generate cold air; a fan 110 configured to allow cold air to flow into the storage compartment 20; an air duct 100 including a guide channel 156 configured to guide cold air into the storage compartment 20 and a contact portion 200 disposed on the rear side of the storage compartment 20 and in contact with the inner shells 13a and 13b; an air damper 170 configured to open or close the guide channel 156; a power supply 180 disposed on the opposite side of the air damper 170 relative to the contact portion 200 and configured to supply power to the air damper 170; and a wire L arranged to pass through the contact portion 200 and connect the air damper 170 and the power supply 180. The contact portion 200 may include: a contact surface that contacts one surface of the inner housings 13a and 13b; a channel 230 that is formed recessed in the contact surface to allow for the installation of wires; a first inner surface 210a that forms the channel 230; a second inner surface 220a that forms the channel 230 and faces the first inner surface; a first protrusion 250 that protrudes from the first inner surface 210a toward the second inner surface 220a in a first direction; and a second protrusion 240 that protrudes from the second inner surface 220a toward the first inner surface 210a in a second direction, wherein the end 240a of the second protrusion 240 is closer to the first inner surface 210a than the end 250a of the first protrusion.

[0211] The first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 may be spaced apart from each other in a third direction.

[0212] The channel 230 may include: a first channel 231 formed by the ends 250a of a first protrusion spaced apart from each other and a second inner surface 220a; a second channel 232 formed by the ends 240a of a second protrusion spaced apart from each other and a first inner surface 210a; and a connecting portion 233 formed by the side surfaces 250b of the first protrusion 250 and the side surfaces 240b of the second protrusion 240 spaced apart from each other, and connecting the first channel 231 and the second channel 232.

[0213] The channel 230 may include an opening 234 that opens to the rear to allow insertion of a wire L, and the contact portion 200 may also include a guide portion 251 that extends downward from the first protrusion 250 to cover a portion of the opening 234.

[0214] Refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes: inner shells 13a and 13b forming a storage compartment 20; an air duct 100 including a contact portion 200 that contacts and can be installed in the inner shells 13a and 13b; and a wire L arranged to pass through the contact portion 200. The contact portion 200 may include: a contact surface that contacts one surface of the inner shells 13a and 13b; a channel 230 on which the wire L is arranged, wherein the channel 230 is formed to be recessed from the contact surface and to divide the contact surface into a first contact surface 211 and a second contact surface 221 different from the first contact surface 211; a first protrusion 250 forming a portion of the channel 230 and protruding in a first direction from a first inner surface 210a adjacent to the first contact surface 211 toward another portion of the channel 230 and adjacent to the second inner surface 220a of the second contact surface 221; and a second protrusion 250 protruding in a second direction from the second inner surface 220a toward the first inner surface 210a and arranged to be spaced apart from the first protrusion 250.

[0215] According to the concept of this disclosure, the channel in which the wires are arranged can be formed as a recess in the contact surface, thus eliminating the need for a separate structure for fixing or supporting the wires, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the refrigerator.

[0216] According to the concept of this disclosure, the wire can be held on the protrusion, so the wire is pressed and elastically supported, thereby preventing the wire from deviating from the channel.

[0217] The effects obtained from this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains from the following description.

[0218] While this disclosure has been specifically described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: The inner shell includes storage compartments; An evaporator is configured to produce cold air; as well as An air duct, located at the rear of the storage compartment and configured to supply the storage compartment with the cold air generated by the evaporator, the air duct comprising: A cooling space is recessed behind the air duct, and the evaporator is installed in the cooling space. A contact portion, projecting rearward from the edge of the cooling space such that the contact surface of the contact portion contacts the surface of the inner shell, and forming a channel recessed from the contact surface, in which wires can be arranged, the contact portion comprising: The first inner surface forms the channel. The second inner surface forms the channel and faces the first inner surface. The first protrusion protrudes from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface, and The second protrusion extends from the second inner surface toward the first inner surface. The end of the second protrusion is closer to the first inner surface than the end of the first protrusion.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The first protrusion and the second protrusion are spaced apart from each other.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The channel includes: The first channel is located between the end of the first protrusion and the second inner surface. The second channel is located between the end of the second protrusion and the first inner surface, and The connecting portion is formed by the side surfaces of the first protrusion and the second protrusion, which are spaced apart from each other, and connects the first channel with the second channel.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The channel is recessed from the contact surface in the forward direction of the refrigerator, and The diameter of the connected portion decreases in the forward direction.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The diameter of the connecting portion at the first end of the contact surface is larger than the diameter of the wire, and The diameter of the second end of the connecting portion is smaller than the diameter of the wire.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The sum of the protruding lengths of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is longer than the diameter of the channel.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The channel includes an opening that opens rearward toward the refrigerator to allow insertion of the wire, and The contact portion includes a guide portion, wherein the guide portion extends downward from the first protrusion to cover a portion of the opening.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein, The downward-facing end of the leading portion is spaced apart from the second inner surface.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein, The distance between the end of the leading portion and the second inner surface is greater than the diameter of the wire.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, When arranged in the channel, the wires include: The first part contacts the first protrusion, and The second part is different from the first part and contacts the second protrusion.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The air duct includes: An air duct is configured to guide the cold air into the storage compartment, and The damper is configured to open or close the air guide channel, and When the wire is laid in the channel, the first end of the wire can be connected to the damper.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, further comprising: A power source is disposed on the side of the contact surface opposite to the damper and can be connected to the second end of the wire.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 7, further comprising: A sealing member is arranged between the inner shell and the contact portion.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein, The sealing member is attached to the contact surface to cover the opening.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein, The sealing component includes thermal insulation material.

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