Refrigerator

Abstract

Refrigerator that features: a cabinet (10) comprising an outer enclosure (101) which defines an external appearance of the cabinet (10) and an inner enclosure (102) which is arranged inside the outer enclosure (101) and which defines a storage space inside; a rollbond evaporator (500) which is provided in the storage room; an evaporator cover module (400) arranged on the inner housing (102) and designed to cover the evaporator (500), wherein the evaporator cover module (400) defines a surface of the storage space; and a cold air supply module (300) designed to communicate with the evaporator cover module (400) and designed to supply cold air from the evaporator cover module (400) to the storage space, the evaporator cover module (400) has: a back plate (102b) with a planar shape and which defines one surface of the storage space, a first insulating element (440) arranged on a rear surface of the backplate (102b), and a second insulating element (450) spaced apart from the first insulating element (440) and arranged on a front surface of the inner housing (102), and wherein the first insulating element (440) and the second insulating element (450) define a heat exchange space (460) which is designed to accommodate the evaporator (500) between the first insulating element (440) and the second insulating element (450), wherein the inner housing (102) of the cabinet (10) is made of a metal material.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] Generally, refrigerators are household appliances for storing food at a low temperature in a storage space covered by a door. To do this, refrigerators cool the interior of the storage space using cool air, which is generated by exchanging heat with a refrigerant circulated through a refrigeration circuit, to keep food in optimal condition.

[0003] In recent years, with changes in dietary habits and gentrification of products, refrigerators have become increasingly multifunctional, and refrigerators with various structures and convenience devices have been released for the comfort of users and for the efficient use of indoor space.

[0004] Likewise, in recent years, a built-in refrigerator has been developed in which the same panel is attached to a refrigerator door as a furniture or wall surface in order to have a sense of uniformity when the furniture or wall surface is within a room in which the refrigerator is arranged.

[0005] A built-in refrigerator, in particular a refrigerator in which cold air is supplied to several rooms using an evaporator, is disclosed in KR 10 2006 0 132 770 A.

[0006] However, in the refrigerator having the above-described structure, in the case of a refrigeration compartment with a relatively large volume consisting of multiple compartments, it is difficult to effectively perform cooling, and it is also difficult to individually control the temperature of each compartment. When multiple compartments are cooled by a single refrigeration cycle, the amount of refrigerant in the single refrigeration cycle also increases, leading to limitations such as circuit oversizing and non-compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

[0007] When multiple fin evaporators are arranged, the storage space in the refrigerator can be reduced by multiple evaporators, and the storage space in the refrigerator can also be reduced due to the arrangement of an independent fan, a motor, and the like.

[0008] Even if the insulation thickness in a built-in refrigerator is sufficient, cold air loss can occur in the storage compartment inside the refrigerator. If the intention is to protect the space inside the refrigerator, the insulation thickness may be thin, resulting in insulation limitations.

[0009] Also, if a water path arranged to supply water to the interior of the refrigerator passes between an outer case and an inner case, the insulation performance at the corresponding position may become weak, and the workability in assembling and arranging the water passage will be deteriorated.

[0010] US 2016 / 0 223 245 A1 shows a refrigerator with an outer and an inner casing and an evaporator. The evaporator is covered by a cover module. A cold air supply module is provided. Further prior art is provided in WO 2016 / 036 005 A1, US 2012 / 0 285 193 A1, and EP 0 793 066 A2.

[0011] Embodiments provide a refrigerator improved in insulation performance.

[0012] Embodiments also provide a refrigerator that is excellent in assembly workability and improved in productivity.

[0013] Embodiments also provide a refrigerator capable of minimizing a loss in storage capacity of a space in the refrigerator.

[0014] In one embodiment, a refrigerator is provided as defined in claim 1. Preferred developments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0015] The roll bond evaporator can be fixed and mounted in a state where it is spaced from a surface of the inner casing corresponding to a rear surface of the storage space.

[0016] The roll bond evaporator may have a size corresponding to the heat exchange space and be arranged to be spaced apart from the first insulating member and the second insulating member.

[0017] The inner housing may be provided by coupling together a plurality of plates defining at least one surface of the storage space.

[0018] An evaporator fixing member passing through the inner casing and the second insulating member to hold and mount the roll-bonded evaporator thereon may be disposed on a back surface of the inner casing, and the evaporator fixing member may fix the evaporator so that the roll-bonded evaporator is disposed at a position spaced apart from the first insulating member and the second insulating member.

[0019] The evaporator fixing member may include: a holding plate tightly fixed to the back surface of the inner casing; and a boss portion extending from the holding plate through the inner casing and the second insulating member to come into contact with the evaporator, wherein a coupling member extending through the evaporator may be coupled to the boss portion.

[0020] A radiation layer made of metal material for radiating cold air of the evaporator may be arranged on each of the surfaces of the first insulating member and the second insulating member defining the interior of the heat exchange space.

[0021] A pair of side channels defining both ends of the heat exchange space and made of an insulating member may be arranged on both left and right ends of the evaporator.

[0022] The side channels may be arranged on both sides of a rear surface of the back plate, and all of the first insulating member, the second insulating member and the evaporator may be arranged in a region between the side channels.

[0023] An adhesive member having elasticity may be arranged on each of the side channels, and the adhesive member may adhere to a front surface of the inner casing to seal the heat exchange space between the side channels.

[0024] A pipe guide part recessed to receive a water supply pipe for supplying water extending in a longitudinal direction of the side channel may be arranged in each of the side channels.

[0025] The pipe guide part can be open at the upper and lower ends of the side channel so that the water supply pipe is introduced into the storage room through the pipe guide part.

[0026] The filter may be arranged on an outer upper surface of the cabinet, and the water supply pipe connected to the filter may pass through the cabinet and is inserted into the pipe guide part.

[0027] Each of the side channels may include: a channel holding part defining the heat exchange space on one side of the evaporator; and a channel front part extending from the channel holding part to define the recessed tube guide part, wherein the channel holding part has a thickness greater than that of the channel front part to prevent the water supply pipe from being directly cooled by the evaporator.

[0028] A recessed portion in which a water tank connected to the water supply pipe is accommodated may be defined in a floor surface of the storage room.

[0029] The recessed part may be arranged on the front side of a suction hole opened in a lower end of the evaporator cover module and cooled by the cold air sucked to the suction hole.

[0030] The water supply pipe may be branched through valves inside the recessed part, wherein the water supply hole may include: a dispenser pipe connected to a dispenser arranged inside the storage space; and an ice maker pipe connected to an ice maker arranged inside a freezer compartment independent of the storage space, wherein all of the dispenser pipe, the ice maker pipe, the water tank, and the valves may be connected to each other inside the recessed part.

[0031] A dispenser pipe guide line that guides the dispenser pipe from a side surface of the recessed part to the dispenser and an ice maker pipe guide line that guides the ice maker pipe from the side surface of the recessed part to the ice maker may be arranged on a side surface of the inner casing, and the dispenser pipe guide line and the ice maker pipe guide line may be hidden in an insulating member filled between the inner casing and the outer casing.

[0032] The cabinet may include a refrigeration compartment and a freezer compartment, the roll bond evaporator may be arranged in the refrigeration compartment and a fin evaporator may be arranged in the freezer compartment.

[0033] The roll bond evaporator and the fin evaporator can each be connected to compressors to form independent refrigeration cycles.

[0034] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings and from the claims. Fig. 1 is a view illustrating an installation state of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator. Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a part of doors of the refrigerator is opened. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator. Fig. 5 is a cutaway perspective view showing a cabinet of the refrigerator. Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a cold air supply module and an evaporator cover module according to an embodiment are coupled to each other. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure between the cold air supply module and the evaporator cover module. Fig. 8 is a perspective view seen from a bottom side of the cold air supply module. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the cold air supply module viewed from a front side. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the cold air supply module seen from a rear side. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure between an evaporator cover module and a roll bond evaporator viewed from the front. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure between an evaporator cover module and the roll bond evaporator as viewed from the rear side. Fig. 13 is a transverse cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the evaporator cover module and the roll bond evaporator are assembled. Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the evaporator cover module and the roll bond evaporator are coupled to each other. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an evaporator fastener according to one embodiment. Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of a section A of Fig. 4. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold air flow state in a refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold air flow state in the evaporator cover module and the cold air supply module. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold air flow state in the cold air supply module. Fig. 20 is a view illustrating a cooling state inside the cooling compartment. Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing an arrangement of a water supply pipe of the refrigerator. Fig. 22 is a partial perspective view illustrating an arrangement and a connection structure of a water tank according to an embodiment. Fig. 23 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which a back plate in Fig. 22 away. Fig. 24 is one along the line 23-23' from Fig. 22 taken cross-sectional view. Fig. 25 is a schematic view showing an entire water supply path of the refrigerator.

[0035] Hereinafter, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the proposed embodiments, and other regressive inventions or other embodiments included within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure can be easily proposed by adding, modifying, deleting, and the like other elements.

[0036] Fig. 1 is a view illustrating an installation state of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the refrigerator. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which part of doors of the refrigerator is opened.

[0037] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment may be a built-in refrigerator mounted with a sense of uniformity with furniture installed in an interior space or between walls where an exterior is provided.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1, in the state in which it is installed, can have a sense of uniformity with the furniture 2. Thus, a front external appearance of the refrigerator 1 can be formed by a panel 3 made of the same material or texture as the furniture. In the state in which the refrigerator 1 is installed, the panels 3 can be arranged around the refrigerator 1 on the same plane as the front surface of the furniture 2.

[0039] The refrigerator 1 may have an external appearance defined by a cabinet 10 defining a storage space and doors 21, 22, and 23 covering an open front surface of the cabinet 10. The doors 21, 22, and 23 may be in a state in which the panel 3 is mounted. The panel 3 and the doors 21, 22, and 23 may be provided as separate parts.

[0040] The storage space may be divided into multiple compartments within the cabinet 10. As shown in the drawings, the storage space may include an upper refrigerated compartment 12, a lower freezer compartment 13, and a changeover compartment 14 between the refrigerated compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13. The refrigerated compartment 12 may be maintained at a temperature of a refrigerated range, and the freezer compartment 13 may be maintained at a subzero temperature to store food in a frozen state. Likewise, the changeover compartment 14 may be switched between the refrigerated compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13 according to a selective flow of cold air. The changeover compartment 14 may be maintained at a predetermined temperature as needed.

[0041] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the structure of the storage space according to this embodiment, but can be applied to a refrigerator with various storage space structures which is divided into at least two storage spaces.

[0042] The doors may include a refrigerator compartment door 21, a freezer compartment door 22, and a change compartment door 23, each of which opens the storage compartments independently. The door configurations can be provided in a variety of ways to match the configurations of the storage compartments.

[0043] For example, the refrigerator compartment doors 21 may be provided in a pair to cover the refrigerator compartment 12. The refrigerator compartment doors 21 may be arranged on both left and right sides and pivotally connected to the cabinet 10 by hinge devices 15 to open and close the refrigerator compartment 12.

[0044] Both the left and right sides of the pair of refrigerator compartment doors 21 may be provided independently rotatable. Thus, the one refrigerator compartment 12 can be partially or completely opened and closed using the pair of refrigerator compartment doors 21. The hinge devices 15 may be arranged on the upper and lower ends of the refrigerator compartment door 21 so that the refrigerator compartment door 21 is rotatable. Since the refrigerator 1 is provided as a built-in type installed in the form of the cabinet 2, the hinge devices must not interfere with the cabinet 2 to which the panel 3 is adjacent when the refrigerator compartment door 21 is opened and closed.

[0045] A cover device 24 may be arranged between the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 21. In the state where the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 21 are closed, the cover device 24 may cover a gap between the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 21 to prevent cold air from leaking into the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0046] The freezer compartment door 22 and the removable compartment door 23 can be slidably inserted and retracted to open and close the freezer compartment 13 and the removable compartment 14. Likewise, a receiving member can be coupled to the freezer compartment door 22 and the removable compartment door 23 to provide a drawer-like structure. The freezer compartment door 22 can be directly or indirectly coupled to an insertion / retraction device, such as a rail, disposed inside the cabinet 10 to be inserted and retracted like a drawer.

[0047] The panel 3 can be mounted on the front surfaces of the refrigerator compartment door 21, the freezer compartment door 22, and the removable compartment door 23. Thus, when the refrigerator 1 is installed, the external appearance of the refrigerator 1 can be defined by the panel 3. Likewise, since the gap between the doors is very close to each other, the refrigerator 1 can be considered a part of the cabinet 2 when the panel 3 is installed on the front surfaces of the refrigerator compartment door 21, the freezer compartment door 22, and the removable compartment door 21.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator.

[0049] As shown in the drawing, the cabinet 10 may include an outer casing 101 defining its outer surface and an inner casing 102 spaced apart from the outer casing 101 to define its inner surface. The inner casing 102 may be made of a metal material, such as stainless steel, to define at least a portion of an inner surface of the refrigerator. Due to the arrangement of the inner casing 102, an elegant image can be presented when viewing the interior of the refrigerator 1, and the interior of the refrigerator 1 can be more effectively cooled.

[0050] Likewise, the entire area inside the refrigerator 1 can be cooled by conduction. An insulating member 103 can be filled between the outer casing 101 and the inner casing 102 to insulate the interior of the refrigerator 1 from the exterior of the refrigerator 1. Likewise, a spacer 104, which is mounted to hold both sides of the inner casing 102 and the outer casing 101 before a foaming solution is injected to form the insulating member 103, can be arranged between the inner casing 102 and the outer casing 101. The spacer 104 can maintain a predetermined distance between the inner casing 102 and the outer casing 101 to maintain the overall shape.

[0051] Two partition walls 11 and 111 may be arranged on the upper and lower sections of the cabinet 10 within the cabinet 10. The change compartment 14 and the freezer compartment 13 may be divided by the partition walls 11 and 111.

[0052] Likewise, a machine room 16 may be defined in a lower end of the cabinet 10, i.e., a bottom of the freezer compartment 13. Compressors 161 and 162 and a condenser (not shown) constituting the refrigeration cycle may be provided in the machine room 16. The compressors 161 and 162 may be provided in pairs, i.e., including a first compressor 161 constituting a first refrigeration cycle for cooling the freezer compartment 13 and a second compressor 162 constituting a second refrigeration cycle for cooling the refrigerator compartment 12. That is, the freezer compartment 13 and the refrigerator compartment 12 may be individually cooled by the independent refrigeration cycles.

[0053] As described above, the two refrigeration cycles can be provided separately to effectively cool the spaces independently. Also, the separate refrigeration cycles can be provided such that the compressors 161 and 162 are designed to have appropriate capacities, thereby reducing the sizes, i.e., heights, of the compressors 161 and 162. Thus, a volume occupied by the machine room 16 can be minimized to maximize a capacity of the storage space in the cabinet 10. Furthermore, the refrigeration cycles can be provided separately to reduce an amount of refrigerant supplied to each of the refrigeration cycles, so that the refrigerant having explosiveness is used more stably.

[0054] A first evaporator 134 constituting the first refrigeration cycle may be disposed at a rear side of the freezer compartment 13. Generally, the first evaporator 134 may be provided as a thin tube type. Likewise, the fine tube may be referred to as an evaporator. Also, a freezer compartment ventilation grille 133 may be disposed at a rear side of the freezer compartment, and the first evaporator 134 and a freezer compartment ventilation fan 135 may be provided in an internal space defined by the freezer compartment ventilation grille 133. The cold air within the freezer compartment evaporator 134 may be supplied into the freezer compartment 13 in a concentrated manner by the freezer compartment ventilation fan 135, passing through the freezer compartment ventilation grille 133.

[0055] A freezer drawer 131 capable of being inserted and retracted together with the freezer door 22 may be provided in the freezer door 22. Likewise, an ice maker 132 for making ice may be provided in the freezer compartment 13.

[0056] A change compartment drawer 141 capable of being inserted and retracted together with the change compartment door 23 may be provided in the change compartment 14. A change compartment ventilation grille 142 may be provided on a rear side of the change compartment 14. Likewise, a change compartment duct 111a communicating with a space in which the first evaporator 134 is arranged may be provided on a rear side of the change compartment ventilation grille 142. The change compartment duct 111a may provide a passage for introducing the cold air from the first evaporator 134 into the change compartment 14.

[0057] An air damper 143 may be provided in the change compartment duct 111a. The air damper 143 may be configured to open and close the change compartment duct 111a. The supply of cold air into the change compartment 14 can be selectively adjusted according to an opening degree of the air damper 143 or the opening / closing of the air damper 143. In this way, the interior of the change compartment 14 can be maintained at a predetermined temperature by the air damper 143. A change compartment ventilation fan (not shown) may be further provided in a space defined by the change compartment duct 111a or the change compartment ventilation grille 142. The supply of cold air into the change compartment 14 can be performed more efficiently by the change compartment ventilation fan. Also, the change compartment ventilation fan may be interlocked with the operation of the air damper 143.Alternatively, the exchange compartment 14 may have a separate independent cooling structure through a thermoelectric element or a refrigeration cycle.

[0058] The evaporator cover module 400 may be arranged on the rear surface of the refrigeration compartment 12. The evaporator cover module 400 may be arranged on the rear surface of the refrigeration compartment 12. Likewise, a space in which the second evaporator 500 is arranged may be defined between the evaporator cover module 400 and the rear surface of the inner casing 102. The second evaporator 500 may have a plate shape as the roll-bond evaporator. Thus, the second evaporator 500 may be referred to as a roll-bond evaporator or a plate evaporator. The second evaporator 500 may be arranged between the evaporator cover module 400 and the inner casing 102 to cool air flowing along the space in which the second evaporator 500 is housed.

[0059] A cold air supply module 300 may be arranged on the upper surface of the refrigeration compartment 12. The refrigeration compartment fan 370 may be provided in the cold air supply module 300 to forcibly supply the cold air into the refrigeration compartment 12. Likewise, the cold air supply module 300 may be connected to the evaporator cover module 400, and air within the refrigeration compartment 12 may be cooled by passing through the interior of the evaporator cover module 400 and then being supplied to the refrigeration compartment 12 through the cold air supply module 300.

[0060] A display module 123 for displaying an operating state of the refrigerator 1 may be further disposed on the upper surface of the refrigerating compartment 12. Lighting devices 124 and 125 for illuminating the interior of the refrigerator 1 may be further provided in the display module 123 and the cold air supply module 300.

[0061] A plurality of shelves and drawers may be provided in the refrigerator compartment 12. A door basket 212 may be arranged on the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment door 21 to provide various storage spaces in the refrigerator 1.

[0062] Fig. Figure 5 is a cutaway perspective view showing the cabinet of the refrigerator.

[0063] A structure of the cabinet 10 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawing. The cabinet 10 may include an outer casing 101 that defines an external appearance of both surfaces and the rear surface, except for the front surface, of the refrigerator 1, and an inner casing 102 that is arranged such that it is spaced apart from the outer casing 101 to define the interior of the storage space.

[0064] Although the inner casing 102 contains the cooling compartment in Fig. 5, in addition to the refrigerating compartment 12, the freezing compartment 13 and the exchange compartment 14, which are provided separately, can be defined by the inner casing 102.

[0065] The outer casing 101 may be made of a metal material, such as stainless steel, and constructed such that a plate material is bent to form both the left and right surfaces and the rear surface of the refrigerator 1. Likewise, the outer casing 101 may be further bent to define at least a portion of the front surface of the cabinet 10 that comes into contact with the rear surfaces of the doors 21, 22, and 23.

[0066] The inner casing 102 may be arranged such that it is spaced apart from the outer casing 101 and defines the inner surface of the refrigerating compartment 12. The inner casing 102 may also be made of a metal material, such as stainless steel, and may also be made of a plate material, such that each of the surfaces of the refrigerating compartment 12 is defined by the inner casing with the independent plate shape.

[0067] That is, the inner housing 102 may include left and right panels 102a, a rear panel 102b, a top panel (not shown), and a bottom panel 102c, each defining left and right surfaces, a rear surface, and top and bottom surfaces, each of which is provided as a single panel. The panels may contact each other to define a shape of the inner surface of the refrigeration compartment 12.

[0068] The inner housing 102 can be provided in such a way that a lighting device and storage elements, such as a drawer and a shelf, arranged therein can be easily mounted. Likewise, additional shaping, such as forming and cutting, can be performed for the entry of wires or the water supply pipe 600.

[0069] Likewise, the insulating member 103 can be arranged between the inner casing 102 and the outer casing 101 to insulate the interior of the refrigerated compartment 12. The insulating member 103 can be foamed and molded by filling it with a foaming solution. When the outer casing 101 and the inner casing 102 are assembled together, the foaming solution can be injected.

[0070] A corner retaining member 105 may be disposed between the edges of the inner housing 102 and the outer housing 101. The corner retaining member 105 may be disposed to retain each edge of the inner housing 102 and the edge of the outer housing 101. Specifically, the corner retaining member 105 may be disposed to retain ends of the side plate 102a and the back plate 102b of the inner housing 102, which are connected to each other. The corner retaining member 105 may be formed by injection molding a plastic material to retain the edges of the inner housing 102 and the outer housing 101 so that the edges are not deformed. Likewise, a plurality of openings may be defined in the corner retaining member 105. Thus, when the foaming solution is injected, the foaming solution can pass through the plurality of openings.

[0071] Likewise, a spacer 104 may further be arranged between the inner housing 102 and the outer housing 101 to maintain a distance between the inner housing 102 and the outer housing 101.

[0072] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the cold air supply module and the evaporator cover module are coupled to each other according to an embodiment. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a coupling structure between the cold air supply module and the evaporator cover module.

[0073] As shown in the drawings, the cold air supply module 300 can be coupled to the evaporator cover module 400 to communicate with the passageway through which the cold air is supplied. Likewise, the cold air supply module 300 can be disposed on an upper end of the refrigeration compartment 12 to define an external appearance of at least a portion of the upper surface of the refrigeration compartment 12. The evaporator cover module 400 can be disposed on the rear surface of the refrigeration compartment 12 to define an external appearance of at least a portion of the rear surface of the refrigeration compartment 12.

[0074] The evaporator cover module 400 can be coupled to a rear end of a lower surface of the cold air supply module 300. In this state, the evaporator cover module 400 can define the upper and rear surfaces of the refrigeration compartment 12. Likewise, the evaporator cover module 400 and the cold air supply module 300 can communicate with each other. Thus, the cold air can flow along the evaporator cover module 400 and the cold air supply module 300.

[0075] The evaporator cover module 400 may have a size corresponding to that of the rear surface of the refrigerating compartment 12, and a suction hole 411 may be defined in the evaporator cover module 400 to allow the air within the refrigerating compartment 12 to be introduced into the evaporator cover module 400. Likewise, a space in which the second evaporator 500 is housed may be provided in the evaporator cover module 400.

[0076] The cold air supply module 300 may have a size corresponding to that of the upper surface of the refrigerating compartment 12, and a refrigerating compartment ventilation fan 370 may be provided in the cold air supply module 300. The refrigerating compartment ventilation fan 370 may be provided on a rear side adjacent to the evaporator cover module 400. Thus, the cold air supply module 300 may have a shape having a thickness that gradually increases from the front to the rear. Likewise, a plurality of discharge openings 317 and 318 may be arranged on the lower surface of the cold air supply module 300 to discharge the cold air passed through the cold air supply module 300 to the interior of the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0077] The cold air supply module 300 can be mounted on the upper surface of the refrigerating compartment 12 in the state where the evaporator cover module 400 is mounted inside the refrigerating compartment 12. The rear end of the lower surface of the cold air supply module 300 and the upper end of the evaporator cover module 400 can be connected to each other by mounting the cold air supply module 300.

[0078] Hereinafter, a structure of the cold air supply module 300 will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view from the bottom of the cold air supply module. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the cold air supply module seen from the rear. Fig. 10 a perspective exploded view of the cold air supply module seen from a front side

[0080] As shown in the drawings, the cold air supply module 300 may include a lower housing 310 and an upper housing 390 defining its external appearance, and a passage forming part 30 between the upper housing 390 and the lower housing 310.

[0081] The lower housing 310 may be injection-molded using a plastic material and include a base 311 defining its lower surface and edges 312 extending upward from both side surfaces and a front surface of the base 311.

[0082] Discharge ports 317 and 318 through which the cold air is discharged may be disposed on a front end and both side ends of the base 311, respectively. The discharge ports 317 and 318 may include a front discharge port 317 disposed on a front end of the base 311 and side discharge ports 318 disposed on both side ends of the base 311. Each of the front discharge port 317 and the side discharge port 318 may have a lattice shape.

[0083] The front discharge opening 317 may extend longitudinally from one end to the other end of the front end of the base 311. Thus, the cold air discharged from the front discharge opening 317 can be supplied downward from the front end of the upper surface of the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0084] The side discharge openings 318 may be arranged on both side ends of the base 311, that is, the front portion of the base 311. That is, the side discharge openings 318 may each extend rearward from both ends of the front discharge opening 317 to an approximately central portion of the base 311. Thus, the side discharge openings 318 may be provided downward from front portions of both side ends of the upper surface of the refrigerating compartment 12, respectively.

[0085] A base plate 320 may be mounted on the base 311. The base plate 320 may be made of the same material as the inner casing 102 and have a plate shape to define an external appearance of the lower surface of the cold air supply module 300 exposed to the interior of the refrigeration compartment 12.

[0086] The base plate 320 may be made of a plate-shaped stainless material. A portion of the base plate 320 corresponding to the front discharge opening 317 and the side discharge openings 318 may be cut. Thus, when the base plate 320 is mounted on the base, the base plate 320 may define the upper surface of the refrigerated compartment 12. Here, the front discharge opening 317 and the side discharge openings 318 may be exposed.

[0087] A bent portion 321 may be provided on either end of the base plate 320. The bent portion 321 may be coupled to an edge of the base 311 to firmly maintain the coupled state between the base plate 320 and the base 311. A rear end of the base plate 320 may extend upward toward a light cover 314, which will be described below. Also, a sensor hole 322 may be defined in a center side of the base plate 320.

[0088] A sensor mounting part 319 corresponding to the sensor hole 322 may be arranged on one side of the base 311. The sensor mounting part 319 may be configured to mount a temperature sensor for measuring an internal temperature of the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0089] A plurality of upwardly extending retaining lugs 315 may extend inside the base 311. The retaining lugs 315 may pass through the passage formation portion 330 and then be coupled to a fan mount 360, which will be described below. The retaining lugs 315 may hold the fan mount 360 and may be provided in multiple locations along a perimeter of the fan mount 360.

[0090] The passage forming part 330 may be filled into the base 311 and mounted on the base 311 to provide a flow passage for the cold air. The passage forming part 330 may be made of a Styrofoam material with insulating properties and mounted on the base 311 in the state in which the passage forming part 30 is formed.

[0091] The passage forming part 330 may include an upper part 340 and a lower part 350 as a whole. The upper part 340 may define an upper portion of the passage forming part 330 and be filled in an upper space of the base 311. Likewise, the lower part 350 may define a lower portion of the passage forming part 330 and be filled in a lower space of the base 311. Thus, when the passage forming part 330 is mounted on the lower housing 310, an upper passage 333 and a lower passage 332 may be provided. The upper passage 333 and the lower passage 332 may communicate with each other through a communication hole 331.

[0092] In detail, the upper part 340 may define an upper periphery of the passage forming part 330 to provide the upper passage 333 opened upward.

[0093] A rear end of the upper part 340 may protrude further than a rear end of the base 311. Thus, an inlet part 341 may be disposed between the rear end of the base 311 and the upper part 340. The open upper end of the evaporator cover module 400 may be inserted into or contact with the inlet part 341. In this way, the cold air flowing upward along the evaporator cover module 400 can be introduced into the passage formation part 330. Likewise, the inlet part 341 may have a rounded bottom surface. In this way, the cold air flowing vertically upward can flow along a rounded guide surface 341a of the inlet part 341 and then be guided in a direction that crosses the evaporator cover module 400.

[0094] A discharge guide surface 342 may be disposed on the upper part 340. The discharge guide surface 342 may guide the cold air blown by the refrigeration compartment ventilation fan 370 to allow the cold air to flow to the front discharge opening 317 and the side discharge openings 318. The discharge guide surface 342 may define a rear surface of the upper passage 333 and have a predetermined curvature to connect the rear ends of the side discharge openings arranged on both sides. Here, the discharge guide surface 342 may be disposed at a rear side of the refrigeration compartment ventilation fan 370. Likewise, a portion of the discharge guide surface 342 may define a portion of the connection hole 331.

[0095] A front opening 343 may be defined in a front end of the upper part 340. The front opening 343 may define a front end of the upper passage 333 and be defined at a position appropriate to communicate with the front discharge opening 137. A distribution part 343a for distributing air passing through the front opening 343 may extend rearward from an approximately central portion of the front opening 343. The distribution part 343a may be configured to divide the front opening 343 and have both inclined side surfaces.

[0096] Likewise, a lateral opening 344 may be defined in each of both side ends of the upper part 340. The lateral opening 344 may define a portion of both side ends of the upper passage 333 and be defined at a corresponding position to communicate with each of the lateral discharge openings 318.

[0097] The lower part 350 may define a bottom surface of the passage forming part 330. That is, the lower part 350 may provide a passage through which the cold air introduced into the cold air supply module 300 is discharged via the refrigeration compartment fan 370 to the front discharge opening 317 and the side discharge openings 318.

[0098] In detail, the lower part 350 may be arranged at a position corresponding to a space of the upper passage 333 and filled into a space between the upper part 340 and the base 311. Thus, in the state where the passage forming part 330 is mounted, an upper surface of the lower part 350 may define the upper passage 333, and a lower surface of the lower part 350 may come into contact with the base 311 and be filled into the lower case 310.

[0099] Here, a front end and both side ends of the lower part 350 may extend upward to the front opening 343 and the side openings to provide passages through which the front opening 343 communicates with the front discharge opening 317 and the side openings 344 communicate with the side discharge openings 318.

[0100] Likewise, the rear end of the lower part 350 may define a front portion of the connecting hole 331. The rear end of the lower part 350 may be recessed forward in a rounded shape to define a portion of the lower passage 332.

[0101] The connection hole 331 may be defined by the rear end of the lower part 350 and the discharge guide surface 342. The connection hole 331 may have a shape whose width gradually decreases from its center in both lateral directions, and whose two ends come into contact with each other. The connection hole 331 may have a size that accommodates the refrigerator compartment ventilation fan 370 at its center.

[0102] A boss hole 335 through which the retaining boss 315 passes may be defined along the connecting hole 331. An upper end of the retaining boss, which extends upward by passing through the boss hole 335, may be coupled to the fan bracket 360 by a screw.

[0103] The fan mount 360 may be mounted to cover the connection hole 331. The fan mount 360 may include a cover 361 having a shape corresponding to the connection hole 331 and a support edge 362 defining a perimeter of the cover 361.

[0104] A plurality of bracket coupling parts 365 may be arranged along the exterior of the cover 361. The bracket coupling part 365 may be arranged at a position corresponding to a boss hole 335 defined in the lower part 350 and coupled to an upper end of the retaining boss 315 passing through the boss hole 335.

[0105] An orifice 363 may be defined at a center of the panel. The orifice 363 may be arranged in a position corresponding to the refrigerator compartment ventilation fan 370 and essentially serve as a suction passage for air. Thus, a periphery of the orifice 363 may extend in the same shape as a funnel orifice, so that air is sucked in more smoothly.

[0106] A fan mount 364 may be disposed outside the opening 363. The fan mount 364 may hold the refrigerator compartment ventilation fan 370 and be coupled to a ventilation fan coupling part 371.

[0107] Although not shown in detail, a blower motor 380 having a turbo blower structure may be mounted at a center of the refrigeration compartment ventilation fan 370 so that air is sucked in a shaft direction and discharged in a circumferential direction. Similarly, a plurality of blades 372 may be arranged in the circumferential direction on the refrigeration compartment ventilation fan 370. Thus, the air within the lower passage, which is sucked in through the orifice 363, may be discharged into the upper passage 333 while being discharged in the circumferential direction by the refrigeration compartment ventilation fan 370.

[0108] The mounting edge 362 may extend along a rear end of the shroud from the fan mount 360. The mounting edge 362 may be tightly secured to the discharge guide surface 342. Likewise, the mounting coupling portion 365, which protrudes vertically, may be disposed along an upper end of the mounting edge 362. The mounting coupling portion 365 may be coupled to an upper end of the retaining lug 315, which passes through the upper portion 340.

[0109] The fan holder 360 and the refrigerator compartment ventilation fan 370 cannot protrude outside the passage forming part 330 in the state in which they are accommodated in the upper passage 333 and covered by the upper case 390.

[0110] The upper housing 390 may define the upper surface of the cold air supply module 300 and cover the open upper surface of the passage forming part 330. In the state where the upper housing 390 is assembled, the upper housing 390 may cover the upper passage 333 and also cover the fan bracket 360 disposed on the upper passage and the cooling compartment ventilation fan 360.

[0111] Likewise, an upper housing mounting part 345, which is recessed in a space corresponding to the upper housing 390, may be arranged on the upper surface of the passage forming part 330. In the state in which the upper housing 390 is mounted, the upper surface of the upper housing 390 may have the same plane as the upper surface of the passage forming part 330 on the upper housing mounting part 345.

[0112] When the cold air supply module 300 is mounted inside the refrigeration compartment 12, the upper surfaces of the upper housing 390 and the passage forming part 330 can come into contact with the upper surface of the inner housing 102. Likewise, both left and right ends of the cold air supply module 300 can come into contact with both left and right surfaces of the inner housing 102. Likewise, a rear end of the cold air supply module 300, specifically the inlet part 341, can come into contact with the evaporator cover module 400 to provide a passage through which cold air flows.

[0113] The evaporator cover module 400 is described below in more detail with reference to the drawing.

[0114] Fig. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure between the evaporator cover module and the roll-bond evaporator as seen from the front. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling structure between the evaporator cover module and the roll bond evaporator seen from the rear.

[0115] As shown in the drawing, the evaporator cover module 400 may be disposed on an inner rear surface of the refrigeration compartment 12. The evaporator cover module 400 may define the rear surface of the refrigeration compartment 12 and also provide a space in which the second evaporator 500 is mounted and a cold air flow space.

[0116] The evaporator cover module 400 may include the back plate 410, the first insulating member, a second insulating member 450, and side channels 430.

[0117] In detail, the back plate 410 may define an external appearance of the evaporator cover module 400, ie, define the rear surface of the refrigeration compartment 12. The back plate 410, like the inner housing 102, may be formed from a metal material, such as stainless steel.

[0118] A suction hole 411 may be defined in a lower portion of the back plate 410. The suction hole 411 may be defined by a plurality of holes extending through the back plate 410 and having a grid shape.

[0119] An air purification module 420 may be mounted on the suction hole 411. The air purification module 420 may be configured to purify air using a filter or a catalyst and may be detachably disposed on the suction hole 411.

[0120] The back plate 410 may be made of a plate-shaped material and may have both side surfaces curved to define a heat exchange space 460 in which the back plate 410 is spaced from the back surface of the inner casing 102. The heat exchange space 460 may be a space between the first insulating member 440 and the second insulating member 450 and may also be defined as a space in which the second evaporator 500 is disposed.

[0121] In detail, an upper curved portion 412 and a lower curved portion 413 may be disposed on both side ends of the back plate 410. The upper curved portion 412 may be bent rearward such that both curved ends of the upper curved portion 413 are spaced apart from the inner casing 102. In this way, a shelf mounting member 470, on which shelves 121 arranged in the refrigerating compartment 12 are mounted, may be disposed between the upper curved portion 412 and the side surface of the inner casing 102.

[0122] The lower bent part 413 may be bent backward, that is, may be bent backward in a state where it comes into contact with both side surfaces of the inner case 102. Thus, a width between the upper bent parts 412 may be smaller than that between the lower bent parts 413. That is, an outer surface of the lower bent part 413 may protrude further from an outer surface of the upper bent part 412. Here, a protruding distance may correspond to a protruding distance of the shelf mounting member 470.

[0123] Likewise, the lower curved portion 413 may have a height determined depending on a length of the shelf mounting member 470. The lower curved portion 321 may extend from a lower end of the shelf mounting member to a lower end of the back plate 410.

[0124] The side channels 430 may be arranged on both inner left and right sides of the back plate 410. The side channels 430 may cover both left and right sides in the rear space of the back plate 410 to define a space between both left and right sides in which the second evaporator 500 is arranged.

[0125] Each of the side channels 430 may be made of an insulating member, such as a foamed plastic. In a state where the side channels 430 are formed, the side channels 430 may be assembled and mounted on the back plate 410. Likewise, the side channels 430 may be fixed and mounted inside the refrigerating compartment 12 in a state where the back plate 410 and the first insulating member 440 are all coupled.

[0126] A distance between the side channels 430 arranged on both left and right sides may correspond to a width of the second evaporator 500. A rear space of the back plate 410 defined by the side channels 430 may have a horizontal width corresponding to that of the second evaporator 500. Thus, air passing through the heat exchange space 560 can be effectively cooled by passing through the second evaporator 500.

[0127] The side channels 430 may extend vertically along the back plate 410 and have one side with a shape corresponding to each of the upper curved part 412 and the lower curved part 413 of the back plate 410, and the other side defining a side surface of the heat exchange space 460 in which the second evaporator 500 is accommodated.

[0128] The side channel 430 may have a thickness corresponding to a height of each of the upper bent part 412 and the lower bent part 413, and may come into contact with the inner case 102 to define a space in which the second evaporator 500 is arranged.

[0129] The side channel 430 may include a channel holding part 433 and a pipe guide part 432.

[0130] The channel holding part 433 can define one side of the side channel 430 that comes into contact with one side of the second evaporator 500, and can hold a rear wall of the inner casing 102 and the back plate 410. That is, a thickness of the evaporator cover module 400 and a thickness of a passage of the space in which the second evaporator 500 is arranged can be determined by the channel holding part 433.

[0131] The channel holding part 433 may extend from an upper end to a lower end of the side channel 430 to separate the interior of the evaporator cover module 400 from the exterior. Likewise, the upper end of the channel holding part 433 may further protrude from the back plate 410 to provide a channel coupling part 431.

[0132] Likewise, the channel holding part 433 may be arranged on one side of the pipe guide part 432 and have a predetermined width to prevent the cold air of the second evaporator 500 from being excessively transferred to the pipe guide part 432. Thus, even if the water supply pipe 600 is arranged in the pipe guide part 432, freezing of the water supply pipe 600 can be prevented.

[0133] A vertically extending pipe guide portion 432 may be disposed on a rear surface of each of the side channels 430. The pipe guide portion 432 may be recessed from an upper end to a lower end of the side channel 430 and provided to accommodate a water supply pipe 600 or wires leading to the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0134] The pipe guide part 432 may extend vertically along a lateral end of the channel holding part 433 and be arranged in a vertical length direction of the side channel 430. Likewise, a portion corresponding to the pipe guide part 432 may have a thickness significantly smaller than that of the channel holding part 433 to correspond to a thickness of the first insulating member 440.

[0135] As described above, the side channel 430 can ensure the heat exchange space within the evaporator cover module 400 and the space in which the water supply pipe 600 is arranged by the shape of the side channel 430.

[0136] A stepped duct coupling part 431 may be disposed on an upper end of the side duct 430. The duct coupling part 431 may be inserted into the inlet part 341 of the passage formation part 330 when the cold air supply module 300 and the evaporator cover module 400 are coupled together. Thus, the cold air supply module 300 and the evaporator cover module 400 can be maintained in the state where the cold air supply module 300 and the evaporator cover module 400 are coupled together within the refrigeration compartment 12, and the passages between the cold air supply module 300 and the evaporator cover module 400 can also be communicated with each other.

[0137] The first insulating member 440 may be disposed on the back surface of the back plate 410. The first insulating member 440 may have a plate shape and be made of a thin-thickness insulating member. The first insulating member 440 may be made of a vacuum insulating member or a high-density foam material.

[0138] The first insulating member 440 may extend from an upper end of the suction hole 411 to the upper end of the back plate 410 and have a size that comes into contact with both ends of the side channel 430. In this way, the first insulating member 440 may be mounted in such a way that a large amount of cold air generated in the second evaporator is prevented from conducting heat through the back plate 410 to affect the temperature inside the refrigerator.

[0139] That is, if the first insulating member 440 is not provided, air may be cooled by the second evaporator 500 due to the structural characteristics of the back plate 410, which is located adjacent to the second evaporator 500 and has a subzero temperature. As a result, the surface of the back plate 410 may freeze, or the rear portion in the refrigeration compartment 12 may be excessively cooled. However, the first insulating member 440 may be provided to minimize the transfer of cold air generated in the second evaporator 500 to the back plate 410, thereby preventing the back plate 410 from freezing.

[0140] Likewise, the second evaporator 500 can be arranged on a rear side of the first insulating element 440. The second evaporator 500 can be arranged in the heat exchange space 460 defined by the side channels 430 and the first insulating element 440.

[0141] The second evaporator 500 may be a roll-bonded evaporator in which a refrigerant passage 520 is provided by a pair of plates 510 connected to overlap each other. That is, the second evaporator 500 may have a plate shape housed in the heat exchange space 460. The second evaporator may have a thin thickness and a plate shape due to the structural characteristics of the roll-bonded evaporator.

[0142] The second evaporator may have a width corresponding to the horizontal width of the heat exchange space 460 and be arranged above the suction hole 411. Thus, the cold air introduced into the suction hole 411 can move upward along the second evaporator 500 and then be cooled.

[0143] The refrigerant passage 520, which protrudes from an outer surface of the second evaporator 500, may have a serpentine shape with both ends repeatedly bent several times. Likewise, the refrigerant passage 520 may have a structure extending in a horizontal direction. Thus, the refrigerant can flow slowly in the heat exchange space 460 to more effectively cool the air flowing along the interior of the heat exchange space 460.

[0144] Likewise, a plurality of evaporation holes 511 may be further defined in the second evaporator 500. The evaporation holes 511 may be holes to which a screw 537 is coupled for fastening and mounting the second evaporator 500. The evaporation holes 511 may be provided in multiples at a position corresponding to an evaporator fastening member 530, which will be described below.

[0145] The second insulating member 450 may be made of the same material as the first insulating member 440 and, like the first insulating member 440, may have a plate shape. The second insulating member 450 may have a size equal to or larger than that of the second evaporator 500 to cover the back of the second evaporator 500. The second insulating member 450 may be attached to an outer surface of the inner housing 102.

[0146] The second insulating member 450 may be configured to prevent the cold air of the second evaporator 500 from leaking to the back surface of the inner casing 102 and have a size capable of defining the back surface of the heat exchange space 460.

[0147] Thus, the cold air flowing rearward from the second insulating member 450 can be blocked by the second insulating member 450 and prevented from being transferred to the inner casing 102. In particular, when the inner casing 102 is made of a metal material and the second insulating member 450 is not provided, cold air may unnecessarily leak through the inner casing 102 to the space other than the cooling space. However, the second insulating member 450 can be provided to prevent the cold air from leaking.

[0148] A plurality of insulation holes 451 may be defined in the second insulation member 450. The insulation holes 451 may be open so that the evaporator fixing member 530 is inserted for fixing and mounting the second evaporator 500 and is defined in a position corresponding to the evaporator holes 511.

[0149] In the state where the evaporator cover module 400 is mounted inside the refrigerating compartment 12, the second evaporator 500 can be arranged in a space between the first insulating member 440 and the second insulating member 450. Here, the first insulating member 440 and the second insulating member 450 can be maintained with a predetermined gap therebetween, so that the air cooled by the second evaporator 500 flows smoothly.

[0150] Fig. 13 is a transverse cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the evaporator cover module and the roll-bonded evaporator are assembled. The assembled structure of the second evaporator 500 and the evaporator cover module 400 on the rear side of the refrigerating compartment 12 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawing.

[0151] As shown in the drawing, the rearmost wall of the refrigerating compartment 12 may be defined by the back plate 102b of the inner casing 102, and the back plate 102b may be coupled to the left and right plates 102a to define the interior of the refrigerating compartment 12. Likewise, the evaporator cover module 400 may be disposed on the front side of the back plate 102b to define a space in which the second evaporator 500 is housed and a space in which the cold air flows.

[0152] The shelf mounting member 470 can be arranged on either left or right side of the evaporator cover module 400. The shelf mounting member 470 can extend in a vertical direction, and a plurality of mounting holes 471 can be vertically defined in the shelf mounting member. Thus, the user can mount the cantilevered shelf 121 at a desired height. The shelf mounting member 470 can be arranged in a space between the evaporator cover module and the side plate and can be arranged at the same height as the front surface of the evaporator cover module 400.

[0153] Likewise, the side channel 430 can be arranged on either side end of the evaporator cover module 400, that is, on either side of the second evaporator 500. The side channel 430 can be foamed and molded using an insulating member. In the molded state, the side channel can be arranged on either side of the evaporator cover module 400.

[0154] In the side channel 430, the back plate 410 and the back plate 102b may be spaced apart from each other and held by the channel holding part 433 to isolate the heat exchange space 460 in which the second evaporator 500 is accommodated from the pipe guide part 432 in which the water supply pipe 600 is accommodated.

[0155] When the side channel 430 is mounted, the pipe guide portion 432 may be defined between the shelf mounting portion 470 and the back plate 102b. Likewise, the pipe guide portion 432 may be vertically open to allow the pipe guide portion 432 to be inserted and retracted.

[0156] That is, the water supply pipe 600 may extend vertically in the interior space along the side channel 430. Thus, water may be introduced from the upper end of the refrigerating compartment 12 to pass through the pipe guide part 432 and then guided upward to the lower end of the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0157] The first insulating member 440, the second evaporator 500, and the second insulating member 450 may be arranged sequentially forward and backward in the space between the side channels 430. Here, the first insulating member may be attached to the rear surface of the back plate 410, and the second insulating member 450 may be attached to the front surface of the back plate 102b.

[0158] Thus, the heat exchange space 460 in which the second evaporator 500 is disposed may be arranged in a space between the first insulating member 440 and the second insulating member 450. That is, the heat exchange space 460 may have a thickness determined by the thickness of the first insulating member 440 and the second insulating member 450. The outer surface of the second evaporator 500 and the first and second insulating members 450 may be sufficiently spaced apart from each other so that the air flows smoothly in the state in which the second evaporator 500 is disposed.

[0159] In this state, the air sucked into the suction hole 411 can flow upward and be cooled by the second evaporator 500 while passing through the heat exchange space 460 defined by the first insulating member 440, the second insulating member 450, and the side channels 430. The heat exchange space 460 can have a width and a thickness substantially equal to the width and thickness of the second evaporator 500 in the state where a distance is maintained where water droplets are not formed by surface tension when the defrost water flows along the second evaporator. Thus, air passing through the heat exchange space 460 can be sufficiently cooled while passing through the entire second evaporator 500.

[0160] The second insulating member 450 can prevent the cold air generated in the second evaporator 500 from penetrating backward and being transferred to the back plate 102b of the inner casing 102. When the cold air from the second evaporator 500 is transferred to the back plate 102b, due to the characteristics of the inner casing made of the metal material, the cold air can be quickly transferred to the entire surface of the back plate 102b and then distributed to the other of the inner casing 102 or the insulating member 103 connected to the back plate 102b, that is, in all directions.

[0161] Since the back plate 102b is substantially covered by the evaporator cover module 400 but not covered by the back wall exposed to the refrigerating compartment 12, the transfer of the cold air may deteriorate the efficiency of the second evaporator 500, thereby deteriorating the cooling performance.

[0162] Thus, heat transfer to the back of the second evaporator 500 can be prevented by the second insulating member 450. Thus, the cold air generated in the second evaporator 500 can be fully utilized to cool the air passing through the heat exchange space 460, and thus the air flowing to cool the interior of the refrigerator can be effectively cooled.

[0163] Radiation layers 441 and 452 may be disposed between the first insulating member 440 and the second insulating member 450. The radiation layers 441 and 452 may be disposed on the inner surface of the heat exchange space 460, that is, the entire back surface of the first insulating member 440 and the entire front surface of the second insulating member 450.

[0164] Each of the radiating layers 441 and 452 can be made of a metal material such as aluminum, and adhered by a structure such as a thin plate or sheet, or formed by various methods of application, coating, deposition, and the like. The cool air generated in the second evaporator 500 can be radiated through the radiating layers 441 and 452 onto the surfaces of the first insulating member 440 and the second insulating member 450 without penetrating the first insulating member 440 and the second insulating member 450 to further cool the air moving along the interior of the heat exchange space 460. That is, the cool air generated in the second evaporator 500 can completely flow into the interior of the heat exchange space 460 without being lost through the first insulating member 440 and the second insulating member 450 to cool the air.

[0165] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing a state in which the evaporator cover module and the roll-bond evaporator are coupled together. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the evaporator fastening element according to an embodiment. Fig. 16 an enlarged view of a section A of Fig. 4.

[0166] As shown in the drawings, the evaporator fixing member 530 may be disposed on a back side of the evaporator cover module 400. The evaporator fixing member 530 may be configured such that the second evaporator 500 is fixed and mounted inside the evaporator cover module 400.

[0167] The evaporator fixing member 530 may be provided in multiples to fully fix the second evaporator 500 and maintain a certain distance between the second evaporator 500 and the evaporator cover module 400. The evaporator fixing members 530 may be arranged at upper and lower ends and a center to fix and hold the second evaporator 500.

[0168] More detailed information can be found in Fig. As shown in Figure 14, a pair of evaporator fixing members 530 may be arranged on both left and right ends at the upper and lower ends of the second evaporator 500, and a pair of evaporator fixing members 530 may be arranged in the center in a state where the evaporator fixing members 530 are spaced apart from each other. Thus, the second evaporator 500 can be stably fixed and mounted on an entire surface of the evaporator fixing member 530.

[0169] Furthermore, the second evaporator 500 can be maintained at a predetermined distance inside the heat exchange element 460 by the evaporator fixing member 530. That is, it can prevent the second evaporator 500 from changing its position or prevent a distance between an inner wall of the heat exchange space 460 and the second evaporator 500 from narrowing due to the deformation of the evaporator cover module 400 during use. Thus, when the second evaporator 500 is defrosted, although water droplets are generated, the water droplets are not formed between the second evaporator 500 and the inner wall of the heat exchange space 460, but flow downward. Also, the flow resistance generated when the cold air flows can be prevented from increasing.

[0170] It is preferable that the distance between the outer surface of the second evaporator 500 and the heat exchange space 460 be sufficient to prevent defrost water from being generated due to surface tension. The second evaporator 500 can be held at a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the heat exchange space 460 by the evaporator fixing member 530.

[0171] The evaporator mounting member 530 can be coupled by passing through the inner housing 102 on the back side of the inner housing 102, and can sequentially pass through the second insulating member 450 and the second evaporator 500. Thus, the second evaporator 500 can be held on the inner housing 102 by the evaporator mounting member 530. Alternatively, the evaporator mounting member 530 can be mounted on the second insulating member 450.

[0172] As in Fig. 15, the evaporator attachment member 530 may include a boss portion 531 and a handle 534.

[0173] The extension part 531 may define a front portion of the evaporator mounting member 530 and protrude forward from a center of the support plate 533. The extension part 531 may have a length by which the extension part 531 passes through the inner housing 102 and the second insulating member 450 to support the second evaporator 500.

[0174] Likewise, a boss hole 335 may be defined at a center of a front surface of the boss part 531, and the screw 537 passing through the evaporator hole 531 may be coupled to a boss part hole 532 to hold the second evaporator 500. That is, distances between the second evaporator 500 and the first insulating member 440 and the second insulating member 450 can be adjusted by the extension length of the boss part 531. In this embodiment, the boss part 531 may be arranged such that the second evaporator 500 is located at an approximately central portion between the first insulating member 440 and the second insulating member 450.

[0175] The retaining plate 533 may have a plate shape at a rear end of the extension part 531 so as to extend in a circumferential direction of the extension part 531 and come into surface contact with the inner housing 102. The retaining plate 533 may have various shapes capable of coming into contact with the inner housing 102. In this embodiment, the retaining plate 533 may have a rectangular plate shape. When the evaporator fixing member 530 is thus mounted, the evaporator fixing member 530 can adhere to a rear surface of the inner housing 102.

[0176] The handle 534 may project rearwardly from the center of the support plate 533, and may include a handle shaft 535 in the center of the support plate 533 and a handle ridge 536 extending upwardly and downwardly from an outer surface of the handle shaft 535.

[0177] The grip rib 536 may extend from the outer surface of the handle shaft 535 to an outer end of the support plate 533. That is, the grip rib 536 may protrude to a predetermined height so that the user holds the grip rib 536 using his or her hand.

[0178] The handle 534 may have a structure of the handle rib 535 extending from the protruding handle shaft 535. In this way, the user can hold the handle 534 to insert the handle 534 such that the boss portion 531 passes through the inner housing 102 and the second insulating member 450, thereby realizing the easy assembly process.

[0179] Furthermore, the handle 534 may be exposed to the space between the inner casing 102 and the outer casing 101, in which the insulating member 103 is provided. When a foaming solution is injected to form the insulating member 103, the outer surface of the handle 534 may be buried in the insulating member 103, and thus the evaporator fixing member 530 can be maintained in the fixed state without being separated.

[0180] When the evaporator cover module 400 is mounted, the evaporator cover module 400 can be adhered to the back plate 102b by an adhesive member 434 disposed on the back surface of the channel holding part 433 of the side channel 430. Here, at least a portion of the adhesive member 434 can be made of a material with elasticity. Even if the back plate 102b is slightly curved due to the foaming of the insulating member 103, the side channel 430 can be adhered to the back plate 102b in a case where it is tightly attached. Thus, the leakage of the air flowing through the heat exchange space 460 within the evaporator cover module 400 can be prevented, and the evaporator cover module 400 can also be more firmly adhered and fixed to the back plate 102b.

[0181] Even in the case where the evaporator cover module 400 is mounted, the water supply pipe 600 can be accommodated in the pipe guide part 432 of the side channel 430.

[0182] Hereinafter, a flow of the cold air in the refrigerator having the above-described structure according to the current embodiment will be described.

[0183] Fig. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold air flow condition in a refrigerating compartment of the refrigerator. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold air flow state in the evaporator cover module and the cold air supply module. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold air flow state in the cold air supply module. Fig. 20 is a view showing a cooling state inside the refrigerator compartment.

[0184] As shown in the drawings, the interior of the storage space of the refrigerator 1 can be cooled to a predetermined temperature by operating the refrigeration cycle.

[0185] To cool the interior of the refrigeration compartment 12 to a predetermined temperature, the refrigeration cycle is driven by the second compressor 162 and the second evaporator 500. When the refrigeration compartment ventilation fan 370 provided in the cold air supply module 300 is driven, a flow of cool air within the refrigeration compartment 12 can also begin to cool the interior of the refrigerator 1.

[0186] Specifically, when the second compressor 162 is driven, the second evaporator 500 may be in a low-temperature state and also in a state capable of generating cold air. When the refrigeration compartment ventilation fan 370 is driven in this state, the cold air may be sucked in by the evaporator cover module 400 and discharged through the cold air supply module 300. The suction hole 411 of the evaporator cover module 400 may be defined in a lower end portion of the refrigeration compartment 12 to suck in the cold air present in the lower portion of the refrigeration compartment 12. Likewise, the cold air may move upward along the heat exchange space 460 within the evaporator cover module 400.

[0187] Here, the second evaporator 500 is arranged in the heat exchange space 460, and the cold air is introduced into the cold air supply module 300 after being sufficiently cooled while moving along the heat exchange space 460.

[0188] The cold air introduced into the cold air supply module 300 can be forced by the refrigeration compartment fan 370 and discharged through the discharge holes 317 and 318 of the cold air supply module 300. Here, the cold air supply module 300 can be arranged on the upper surface of the refrigeration compartment 12 to supply the cold air to the bottom of the refrigeration compartment 12.

[0189] Likewise, the front discharge opening 317 of the cold air supply module 300 can be arranged on the same extension line between the shelf 121 and the drawer within the refrigerating compartment 12 and the door basket 212 within the refrigerating compartment door 21. Thus, the cold air discharged from the cold air supply module 300 can flow toward the bottom of the refrigerating compartment 12 without being blocked by the receiving elements arranged on the refrigerating compartment 12 and the refrigerating compartment door or the food accommodated in the receiving elements.

[0190] Thus, the cold air within the refrigeration compartment 12 can move upward through the rear surface of the refrigeration compartment 12 from the bottom of the refrigeration compartment 12 and then move forward from the top of the refrigeration compartment 12 to move again toward the bottom of the refrigeration compartment 12 to circulate. The entire cooling within the refrigeration compartment 12 can be achieved by the method described above.

[0191] A cold air flow condition in an upper portion of the refrigerating compartment 12 is described with reference to Fig. 18. Since the upper end of the evaporator cover module 400 is coupled to the lower end of the cold air supply module 300, the cold air flowing upward within the heat exchange space 460 can be introduced into the cold air supply module 300 through the inlet part 341.

[0192] The cold air passing through the upper end of the evaporator cover module 400 can be introduced through the inlet part 341 into the lower passage 332 within the cold air supply module 300. Here, the guide surface 341a can be arranged on the inner surface of the inlet part 341, which communicates with the lower passage 332. The guide surface 341a can have a rounded curved shape and can be connected to the lower passage 332, which is parallel to the upper end, extends in the vertical direction, and is open into it. Thus, the cold air flowing upward through the evaporator cover module 400 can be smoothly introduced into the cold air supply module 300.

[0193] Likewise, a lighting device mounting part 313, on which the lighting device 125 is mounted, may be arranged on the lower case 110 in a direction facing the guide surface 341a. The lighting device mounting part 313 may be recessed to have a curved surface at a position corresponding to the guide surface 341a to more smoothly guide the introduction of cold air together with the guide surface 341a.

[0194] The lower passage 332 may be a space between the upper part 340 of the passage forming member 330 and the lower housing 310 and define a lower space of the refrigerating compartment ventilation fan 370. Thus, the cold air introduced through the inlet part 341 can flow from the bottom of the refrigerating compartment ventilation fan 370 into the interior of the refrigerating compartment ventilation fan 370.

[0195] The refrigeration compartment ventilation fan 370 may be a centrifugal fan that draws air in a central direction and discharges the air in a circumferential direction. A fan with a high air volume, such as a turbo blower, may be used as the refrigeration compartment ventilation fan 370. Here, the rotating shaft of the refrigeration compartment ventilation fan 370 may be arranged vertically, and the lower surface of the refrigeration compartment ventilation fan 370 may be arranged parallel to the upper surface of the refrigeration compartment to minimize installation space.

[0196] The air sucked in the wave direction can be discharged by the rotation of the refrigerator compartment ventilation fan 370 in the circumferential direction and then move along the upper passage 333 and discharged downward through the discharge openings 317 and 318.

[0197] The cold air flow within the cold air supply module 300 is described with reference to Fig. 17. The cold air sucked in the shaft direction of the refrigerator compartment ventilation fan 370 can be discharged by rotating the refrigerator compartment ventilation fan 370 in the circumferential direction.

[0198] Here, part of the cold air blown by the refrigerating compartment ventilation fan 370 can flow along the discharge guide surface 342 to flow toward the side discharge opening 318. Likewise, the remaining cold air blown by the refrigerating compartment ventilation fan 370 can flow forward along the upper passage 333 to flow toward the front discharge opening 317. That is, the cold air discharged in the circumferential direction of the refrigerating compartment ventilation fan 370 can flow along the upper passage 333 and then be discharged through the front discharge opening 317 and the side discharge openings 318.

[0199] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 20, in the flow of cold air for cooling the interior of the refrigerating compartment 12, the cold air sucked through the suction hole 411 from the lower end of the refrigerating compartment 12 can flow upward along the heat exchange space 460 within the evaporator cover module 400. Similarly, the cold air introduced from the upper end of the heat exchange space 460 into the cold air supply module 300 can flow through the upper passage to the side discharge ports 318 and the front discharge port 317 by the operation of the refrigerating compartment ventilation fan 370.

[0200] The front discharge opening 317 and the side discharge openings 318 may be arranged at the front end of the upper surface and both side surfaces of the front portion of the refrigerating compartment 12 to discharge the cold air into the interior of the refrigerating compartment 12. Likewise, the downwardly discharged cold air from the lower end of the refrigerating compartment 12 may flow again to the suction hole 411.

[0201] As described above, the cold air discharged from the front discharge opening 317 and the side discharge openings 318 can flow downward along the front end and both side ends of the refrigerating compartment 12 to define a wall of the cold air and thereby three-dimensionally cool the entire interior of the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0202] Specifically, most of the cold air generated in the second evaporator 500 covered by the evaporator cover module 400 can be blocked by the first insulating member 440, but some of the cold air can be discharged to the outside via the first insulating member 440. Thus, the rear wall of the refrigeration compartment 12 cannot be in an extremely low temperature state, such as the temperature of the second evaporator 500. However, the cold air with an appropriate temperature necessary for cooling the refrigeration compartment 12 can directly cool the rear wall of the refrigeration compartment 12 via the first insulating member 440.

[0203] Therefore, as in Fig. 20, the back surface as well as the upper surface, the lower surface, the front surface and the left and right surfaces of the refrigerating compartment 12 are cooled to cool the entire inner surfaces of the refrigerating compartment 12 three-dimensionally.

[0204] Hereinafter, a structure in which water is supplied to an ice maker and a dispenser of the refrigerator according to an embodiment will be described.

[0205] Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing a layout of the water supply pipe of the refrigerator.

[0206] As shown in the drawing, the dispenser 122 may be arranged in the refrigerator compartment 12 so that the user dispenses purified water through a nozzle 122a exposed inside the refrigerator. The dispenser 122 may be provided on the wall of one of the two surfaces of the interior surface. That is, the dispenser 122 may be mounted on one side of the side panel.

[0207] Likewise, the ice maker 132 may be disposed inside the freezer compartment 13. The ice maker may be provided as an auto-icer capable of receiving water that is automatically supplied to make ice.

[0208] Likewise, a main controller 18 may be disposed on the top surface of the cabinet 10. The main controller 18 may be configured to control overall operation of the refrigerator 1. The main controller 18 may control valves 720, 730, and 750 for supplying water to the dispenser 122 and the ice maker 132, as well as the refrigeration circuit of the refrigerator 1.

[0209] A filter 17 may be arranged in the cabinet 10. The filter 17 may be arranged inside or outside the cabinet 10. The filter 17 may be arranged on an upper surface of the exterior of the cabinet 10, taking into account the convenience of the piping connection and installation environments of the built-in refrigerator 1. The filter 17 may be covered by an openable filter cover 172. The filter 17 may be mounted so that it is replaceable after the filter cover 172 is opened. Likewise, the filter 17 may be detached from a filter head 171 connected to the water supply pipe 600. Purified water can be supplied through the filter 17 connected to the filter head 171.

[0210] A water tank 700 may be arranged inside the cooling compartment 12. The water tank 700 is configured to store the purified water. The water tank 700 may be connected to the dispenser 122 to supply cold water to the dispenser 122. The water tank 700 may store water to allow a predetermined amount of water to be dispensed seven or eight times. Here, the water may be stored in a state where it is cooled by the cold air in the cooling compartment 12. Thus, when the user manipulates the dispenser 122, the water that is always cooled can be dispensed.

[0211] The water supply pipe 600 for supplying water to the refrigerator 1 may include a water inlet pipe 610 extending from a water supply source 4 outside the refrigerator to the interior of the cabinet 10 and connected to the filter head 171, a water outlet pipe 620 arranged from the filter head 171 to the water tank 700, a dispenser pipe 630 arranged from the water tank 700 to the dispenser 122, and an ice maker pipe 640 arranged from the water tank 700 to the ice maker 132.

[0212] The water inlet pipe 610 may be connected to the water supply source 4, such as a water supply system, and may be led through the rear surface of the cabinet 10 or the interior of the machine room 16 to the interior of the cabinet 10. Here, the water inlet pipe 610 may pass through the outer casing 101 and the inner casing 102. The water inlet pipe 610 may pass through a water inlet pipe guide 760, which is arranged to be protected from the insulating member 103, to extend upward to the upper surface of the cabinet 10. If necessary, the water inlet pipe 610 may be led from the interior of the machine room 16 to the upper surface of the cabinet 10 upward to the outside of the cabinet 10.

[0213] Although not shown in detail, the water inlet valve 750, which is led upward within the engine room 16 and is opened and closed according to the supply of water from the water supply source 4, may be connected to the water inlet pipe 610.

[0214] One end of the water inlet pipe 610 is connected to the filter head 171. In the state where the filter 16 is mounted on the filter head 171, water supplied from the water inlet pipe 610 can be supplied into the filter 17 and thus purified.

[0215] The water purified in the filter can be reintroduced into the water outlet pipe 620 through the filter head 171. The filter 17 and the filter head 171 can all be arranged on the upper surface of the cabinet 19. Thus, the water inlet pipe 610 and the water outlet pipe 620 can be arranged to extend to the upper surface of the exterior of the cabinet 10.

[0216] The water outlet pipe 620 may pass through the upper surface of the inner casing 102 and then be introduced into the refrigeration compartment 12. Here, the water outlet pipe 620 may be guided downward along a pipe guide part 432 provided in the side channel 430 of the evaporator cover module 400. The water outlet pipe 620 may be guided along the guide channel 430 from the upper end to the lower end of the refrigeration compartment 12. Thus, the water outlet pipe 620 may substantially pass through the interior of the refrigeration compartment 12 to perform primary cooling by the cold air of the refrigeration compartment 12.

[0217] Likewise, the water outlet pipe 620 may branch from the lower surface of the refrigerating compartment 12. Thus, the branched pipe of the water outlet pipe 620 may be connected sequentially to the water tank 700 and the dispenser 122, and the other pipe may be connected to the ice maker 132. The connection structure of the water supply pipe 600 on the lower surface of the refrigerating compartment 12 will be described in more detail below.

[0218] The dispenser tube 630 may pass through the side wall of the refrigerated compartment 12, i.e., the side plate 102a, so that it extends upward along the exterior of the inner casing 102 to the dispenser 122. Here, since the dispenser tube 630 passes through the space between the outer casing 101 and the inner casing 102, in which the insulating member is disposed, the dispenser tube 630 may pass through the dispenser tube guide line 770 disposed on the outer surface of the inner casing 102 to lead to the dispenser 122. The dispenser tube guide line 770 may be arranged such that it allows its two ends to communicate with a dispenser tube hole 741 defined in the side plate 102a and the transmitter 122 disposed on the side plate 102a.

[0219] Thus, the dispenser tube 630 connected to the dispenser 122 may have a structure that passes through the side plate 102a and is then connected to the dispenser 122 via the exterior of the inner housing 102. Thus, the connection of the tubes of the dispenser 122 can be easily performed inside the inner housing 102.

[0220] The icemaker tube 640 may pass through the side wall of the refrigerating compartment 12, i.e., the side plate 102a, so that it extends along the exterior of the inner casing 102 upward to the icemaker 132. Since the icemaker tube 640 passes through the space between the outer casing 101 and the inner casing 102, in which the insulating member is disposed, the icemaker tube 640 may pass through the icemaker tube guide line 780 disposed on the outer surface of the inner casing 102 to lead to the icemaker 132. The ice maker pipe guide line 780 may be arranged to allow its both ends to communicate with an ice maker pipe hole 742 defined in the side plate 102a and the surface from the side to the top of the inner case 102 defining the inner surface of the freezing compartment 13.

[0221] Thus, the ice maker pipe 640 connected to the ice maker 132 may have a structure that passes through the side plate 102a and then connects to the ice maker 132 located inside the freezer compartment 13 via the exterior of the inner case 102. Thus, the pipe connection between the water tank 700 inside the refrigerator compartment 12 and the ice maker 132 inside the freezer compartment 13 can be easily performed.

[0222] Hereinafter, the connection structure of the water supply pipe 600 inside the refrigerating compartment 12 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0223] Fig. 22 is a partial perspective view illustrating an arrangement and connection structure of a water tank according to an embodiment. Fig. 23 is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the back plate is in Fig. 22 away Fig. 5 is one along the line 23-23' from Fig. 22 taken cross-sectional view.

[0224] As shown in the drawings, the rear wall of the refrigerating compartment 12 may be defined by the evaporator cover module 400 and cooled by the second evaporator 500 provided in the evaporator cover module 400.

[0225] Likewise, the side channels 430 may be arranged on both ends of the evaporator cover module 400, and the water outlet pipe 620, which forms the water supply pipe 600, may then be guided through the side channels 430.

[0226] The side channels 430 include a channel holding part 433 and a channel bending part 435 arranged on both sides to provide the pipe guide part 432 for guiding the water outlet pipe 620 and a channel front part 436 connecting front ends of the channel holding part 433 and the channel bending part 435.

[0227] Here, the channel holding part 433 may have a thickness greater than that of the water outlet pipe 620. Likewise, the channel holding part 433 may extend sufficiently to define the heat exchange space 460 and adhere to the back plate 102b through the adhesive member 434. Likewise, the channel holding part 433 may have a thickness sufficient to prevent the cold air of the second evaporator 500 from penetrating the pipe guide part.

[0228] The channel bend portion 435 may contact the bend portions 412 and 413 of the back plate 410. Likewise, the channel bend portion 435 may extend rearwardly as needed to contact the back plate 102b.

[0229] The channel front part 436 can connect the channel holding part 433 to the channel bending part 435 and be tightly fixed to the back surface of the back plate 410. Here, the channel front part 436 can have a thickness smaller than that of each of the channel bending part 435 and the channel holding part 433, that is, a thickness corresponding to the first insulating member 433. The pipe guide part 432, in which the water outlet pipe 620 is arranged so as to be spaced apart from the back plate 102b, can be arranged inside the guide channel 430 through the channel front part 436.

[0230] That is, the water outlet pipe 620 may be disposed inside the side channels 430 and may not be directly affected by the second evaporator 500 because the channel holding part 433 has a relatively thick thickness. Likewise, the water outlet pipe 620 may be primarily cooled by the cold water introduced into the channel front part 436 with a relatively thin thickness or the pipe guide part 432, so that the water in the water outlet pipe 620 is cooled to a proper temperature.

[0231] A recessed recessed portion 127 may be defined in the lower surface of the refrigerating compartment 12. The recessed portion 127 may provide a space in which the water tank 700, the valves 720 and 730 connected to the water tank 700, and a portion of the pipes constituting the water supply pipe are accommodated. The lower plate 102c may be bent several times to define the recessed portion 127.

[0232] The recessed portion 127 may define the lower surface of the refrigerating compartment 12. Thus, at least a portion of the recessed portion 127 may be covered by the receiving member, such as the drawer 128, disposed on the lower surface of the refrigerating compartment 12. Likewise, in the structure in which the drawer 128 is not provided, the recessed portion 127 may be covered by a separate plate-shaped cover.

[0233] Likewise, the recessed portion 127 may be defined in the front of the suction hole 411. Thus, the recessed portion 127 may be arranged on the flow path of the cold air sucked into the suction hole 411. As a result, the water tank 700 provided in the recessed portion 127 can be cooled by the cold air sucked into the suction hole 411. That is, the water stored in the water tank 700 can be stored in the state of being cooled to substantially the same temperature as the refrigerated compartment 12.

[0234] The water tank 700 may be provided in a roll or coil form in which the tubes are wound multiple times. Due to this structure, the introduced water can be discharged first after being cooled. Thus, the cooling performance of the water discharged to the dispenser 122 can be ensured, and contamination of the water standing in the water tank 700 can also be fundamentally prevented. The water tank 700 may have a length appropriate to a storage amount of required water and have a structure repeatedly wound in a circular shape.

[0235] A first opening 124a and a second opening 124b may be defined in a rear end of the recessed portion 127. The first opening 124a may be located directly below the side channel 430 outside the recessed portion 127, and the second opening 124b may be located inside the recessed portion 127 to communicate with the first opening 124a. Thus, the water outlet pipe 620, which is guided downward through the side channel 430, can be guided into the recessed portion 127.

[0236] A branch connector 710 may also be disposed on one end of the water outlet pipe 620. The branch connector 710 may be connected to the water tank 700 and the ice maker valve 720. That is, the water supplied through the water outlet pipe 620 may be supplied to the water tank 700 and the ice maker valve 720 through the branch connector 710.

[0237] The branch connector 710 and the water tank 710 may be directly connected to each other. Thus, the water supplied to the water tank 700 through the water outlet pipe 620 can be stored in the water tank 700 and then cooled.

[0238] Likewise, the branch connector 710 and the ice maker valve 720 may be connected to each other by the connecting pipe 641. Thus, the water supplied to the ice maker valve 720 through the water outlet pipe 620 may be supplied through the connecting pipe 641.

[0239] The ice maker valve 720 can be opened and closed to supply water to the ice maker 132. The ice maker valve 720 can control a flow rate to supply a fixed amount of water. A pump can be added to efficiently supply the water to the ice maker 132.

[0240] The ice maker tube 640 may be connected to an outlet of the ice maker valve 720. The ice maker tube 640 may pass through an ice maker tube hole 742 defined in the side plate 102a and then be inserted into the ice maker tube guide line 780. Likewise, the ice maker tube 640 may be inserted through the ice maker tube guide line 780 into the freezer compartment 12 in which the ice maker is arranged and then connected to the ice maker 132. That is, the ice maker tube 640 may have a structure in which the ice maker tube 640 is inserted through the ice maker tube guide line 780, one end is connected to the ice maker 132, and the other end is connected to the ice maker valve 720.

[0241] Likewise, a dispenser valve 730 may be disposed on the outlet of the water tank 700. The dispenser valve 730 may be opened and closed to supply water to the dispenser 122. The dispenser valve 720 may detect a flow rate of water to be supplied and control the supply of water according to the flow rate, and a water pump may be added to effectively supply the water to the dispenser 122.

[0242] The dispenser tube 630 may be connected to an outlet of the dispenser valve 730. The dispenser tube 630 may pass through a dispenser tube hole 741 defined in the side plate 102a and then be inserted into the dispenser tube guide line 770. Likewise, the dispenser tube 630 may be guided through the dispenser tube guide line 770 to the dispenser 122 and connected to the dispenser 122. That is, the dispenser tube 630 may have a structure in which the dispenser tube 630 is inserted through the dispenser tube guide line 770 and has one end connected to the dispenser 122 and the other end connected to the dispenser valve 730.

[0243] The ice maker tube hole 742 and the dispenser tube hole 741 may be defined in a hole retaining plate 740 mounted on the side plate 102a. The hole retaining plate 740 may be injection-molded and mounted on the side plate 102a. Likewise, an outer surface of the hole retaining plate 740 may be connected to the ice maker tube guide line 780 and the dispenser tube guide line 770. Thus, when the ice maker tube 640 and the dispenser tube 630 are inserted into the ice maker tube hole 741 and the dispenser tube hole 741, the ice maker tube 640 and the dispenser tube 630 can be smoothly guided along the ice maker tube guide line 780 and the dispenser tube guide line 770 to the ice maker 132 and the dispenser 122.

[0244] Hereinafter, a water supplying method according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0245] Fig.25 is a schematic view showing an entire water supply path of the refrigerator.

[0246] As shown in the drawing, water supplied by the water supply source 4 is introduced into the interior of the engine room 16 through the water inlet pipe 610. The water inlet valve 750 may be disposed in a water inlet pipe 610 within the engine room 16. Water introduced through the water inlet valve 750 may be adjusted to be maintained at a specified pressure.

[0247] The water outlet pipe 610 may be guided upward to the upper surface of the cabinet 10 through an inlet pipe guide line 760. The inlet pipe 610 may be connected to the filter 17 on the upper surface of the cabinet 10. The water supplied to the filter 17 through the water inlet pipe 610 may be purified by the filter 17, and the purified water may be introduced into the refrigeration compartment 12 through the water outlet pipe 620.

[0248] Here, the water outlet pipe 620 can be guided from the upper end through the side channels 430 arranged on both sides of the evaporator cover module 400 to the lower end of the refrigeration compartment 12. Thus, the water passing through the water outlet pipe 620 can be primarily cooled by the cold air in the space of the refrigeration compartment 12.

[0249] The water outlet pipe 620 may extend upward toward the interior of the recessed portion 127 of the refrigerating compartment 12 and be branched into the icemaker valve 720 and the water tank 700 through the branch connector 710. The branch connector 710 may have one side connected to the icemaker valve 720 through the connecting pipe 641 to supply water to the icemaker valve 720. Likewise, the other side of the branch connector 710 may be connected to the water tank 700 to always store and cool a fixed amount of water in the water tank 700.

[0250] When a signal to supply water to the ice bin 132 occurs, the ice bin valve 720 may also be opened to supply the specified amount of water through the ice maker pipe 640 to the ice maker 132, thereby making ice.

[0251] Likewise, when a signal to supply water to the dispenser 122 occurs, the dispenser valve 730 may be opened to supply chilled water to the dispenser 122 through the dispenser tube 630 so that the user dispenses a desired amount of water.

[0252] The following results can be expected in the refrigerator according to the proposed embodiments.

[0253] The entire inner casing which defines the interior of the refrigerator can be made of the metal material, so that the refrigerator is manufactured with the simpler structure, and also the external appearance of the refrigerator can be more elegant.

[0254] However, in the above-described structure, if the roll-bonded evaporator is arranged on the rear wall surface inside the refrigerator, the cold air may not be transferred to the storage space but may be transferred to the rear wall surface of the inner casing, degrading the cooling performance. Thus, the cold air transferred to the rear can be blocked by the plate-shaped insulating member arranged on the evaporator cover module to prevent heat loss and also prevent the cooling efficiency from deteriorating.

[0255] In particular, since the roll-bonded evaporator is located on the rear wall next to the cold air supply module, the cold air wall can be defined across the entire surface of the refrigerator compartment. This prevents the penetration of heat loads and also allows for three-dimensional cooling of the refrigerator interior.

[0256] Likewise, a radiant layer may be disposed on the back surface and front surface of the first insulating member and the second insulating member, which are arranged at the front and back sides with the evaporator between them. The radiant layer may be provided as a thin metal plate or sheet, such as aluminum. Thus, the cold air from the evaporator cannot penetrate the insulating member but can be radiated onto the surface to minimize the loss of cold air in the heat exchange space in which the evaporator is housed, thereby maximizing the cooling efficiency.

[0257] Since the roll-bonded evaporator is arranged as described above and the heat exchange space is provided using the insulating element, the interior of the refrigeration compartment can be cooled independently, and the interior of the refrigerator can also be cooled evenly by the cold air. Likewise, the roll-bonded evaporator can be used to secure the space of the rear wall of the refrigerator, thereby increasing storage capacity.

[0258] Also, the side channels may be arranged on both ends of the evaporator cover module in which the evaporator is housed, and the spaces on both sides of the evaporator may be covered by the side channels to cool all the air passing through the heat exchange space through the evaporator, thereby greatly improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0259] Also, the pipe guide part for guiding the water supply pipe may be arranged inside the side channel, and the water supply pipe may be arranged along the pipe guide part to prevent the thickness loss of the insulating member defining the cabinet from occurring.

[0260] Thus, the insulation performance of the refrigerator can be improved, and the water supply pipe can be arranged in the refrigerator such that the insulation member has a relatively thin thickness to ensure the storage space.

[0261] In particular, since the water supply pipe is located within the side channels, it may be unnecessary to provide additional space for the water supply pipe. Thus, the loss of storage space due to the location of the water supply pipe in the refrigerator can be prevented.

[0262] In addition, the arrangement of the water supply pipe can be carried out together when the evaporator cover module is mounted in the refrigerator to improve workability and productivity.

[0263] In addition, the water supply pipe is arranged in the refrigerator to primarily cool the cold air in the refrigerator, and also, while the water is introduced into the water tank, the water can be cooled to improve the cooling performance of the cold water.

[0264] In addition, the structure of the side channel in which the water supply pipe is arranged can be divided by the evaporator to prevent the water supply pipe from freezing through the evaporator, and the water flowing along the water supply pipe can be cooled to the appropriate temperature.

[0265] In addition, the water supply pipe may be connected to the water tank and the valves in the refrigerator, and the water passage pipe may be inserted and retracted through the guide pipe fixed to the outer surface of the cabinet in the refrigerator to provide the simpler connection structure with the dispenser and the ice maker.

Claims

[1] Refrigerator that has: a cabinet (10) having an outer casing (101) defining an external appearance of the cabinet (10) and an inner casing (102) disposed inside the outer casing (101) and defining a storage space therein; a roll bond evaporator (500) provided in the storage room; an evaporator cover module (400) disposed on the inner housing (102) and configured to cover the evaporator (500), the evaporator cover module (400) defining a surface of the storage space; and a cold air supply module (300) configured to communicate with the evaporator cover module (400) and configured to supply cold air from the evaporator cover module (400) to the storage space, wherein the evaporator cover module (400) comprises: a back plate (102b) having a planar shape and defining a surface of the storage space, a first insulating member (440) disposed on a back surface of the back plate (102b), and a second insulating element (450) spaced from the first insulating element (440) and disposed on a front surface of the inner housing (102), and wherein the first insulating element (440) and the second insulating element (450) define a heat exchange space (460) constructed to accommodate the evaporator (500) between the first insulating element (440) and the second insulating element (450), wherein the inner casing (102) of the cabinet (10) is made of a metal material. [2] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the evaporator (500) is configured to couple to the evaporator cover module (400) in a state where the evaporator (500) is spaced apart from a surface of the inner case (102) defining a rear surface of the storage space. [3] The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the evaporator (500) is arranged in the heat exchange space (460), and wherein the evaporator (500) is spaced apart from the first insulating member (440) and the second insulating member (450). [4] The refrigerator of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the inner casing (102) comprises a plurality of plates coupled together and defining one or more surfaces of the storage space. [5] The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the evaporator cover module (400) further comprises an evaporator fixing member (530) disposed on the rear surface of the inner case (102), configured to pass through the inner case (102) and the second insulating member (450) to couple with the evaporator (500), and configured to hold the evaporator (500), and wherein the evaporator fixing member (530) is configured to hold the evaporator (500) in a position spaced apart from the first insulating member (440) and the second insulating member (450). [6] The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the evaporator fixing member (530) comprises: a retaining plate (533) configured to couple to the rear surface of the inner housing (102); a projection portion (531) extending from the support plate (533) toward the evaporator (500), configured to contact the evaporator (500), and configured to pass through the inner casing (102) and the second insulating member (450); and a coupling element passing through the evaporator (500) and configured to couple to the attachment portion (531). [7] The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the evaporator cover module (400) further comprises a radiation layer (441, 452) made of a metal material, disposed on a surface of each of the first insulating member (440) and the second insulating member (450), and configured to restrict heat transfer from cold air in the heat exchange space (460) to each of the first insulating member (440) and the second insulating member (450), and wherein the radiation layer (441, 452) of each of the first insulating member (440) and the second insulating member (450) faces an interior of the heat exchange space (460). [8] The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the evaporator cover module (400) further comprises a pair of side channels (430) each defining side ends of the heat exchange space (460), which are made of an insulating material and which are each disposed on lateral sides of the evaporator (500). [9] The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the pair of side channels (430) are respectively disposed on lateral sides of a rear surface of the back plate (102b), and wherein the first insulating member (440), the second insulating member (450) and the evaporator (500) are disposed between the pair of side channels (430). [10] The refrigerator according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the evaporator cover module (400) further comprises an adhesive member (434) disposed on each of the pair of side channels (430), made of an elastic material and configured to couple to a front surface of the inner case (102), the adhesive member (434) being configured to seal the heat exchange space (460) between the pair of side channels (430). [11] The refrigerator according to claim 8, 9 or 10, further comprising a water supply pipe (600) configured to supply water to the refrigerator, wherein each side channel (430) defines a pipe guide portion (432) recessed from a surface of each side channel (430) configured to receive the water supply pipe (600) and extending in a longitudinal direction of each side channel (430). [12] The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the pipe guide part (432) defines openings opened at upper and lower ends of each side channel (430) and allowing the water supply pipe (600) to enter the storage space through the pipe guide part (432). [13] The refrigerator according to claim 12, further comprising a filter (17) disposed on an outer upper surface of the cabinet (10), wherein the water supply pipe (600) is configured to connect to the filter (17), to pass through the cabinet (10) and to enter the pipe guide part (432). [14] A refrigerator according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein each of the side channels (430) comprises: a channel holding part (433) defining at least a portion of the heat exchange space (460) and facing toward one side of the evaporator (500); and a channel front part (436) extending from the channel holding part (433) and defining the tube guide part (432), wherein a thickness of the channel holding part (433) is greater than a thickness of the channel front part (436), and wherein the channel holding part (433) is constructed to separate the water supply pipe (600) from the heat exchange space (460) and to restrict heat transfer from the evaporator (500) to the water supply pipe (600). [15] A refrigerator according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a water tank (700) configured to receive water from the water supply pipe (600), wherein the cabinet (10) defines a recessed portion (127) disposed on a lower surface of the storage space and configured to receive the water tank (700). [16] The refrigerator according to claim 15, wherein the evaporator cover module (400) defines a suction hole disposed at a lower end of the evaporator cover module (400) and configured to receive cold air from the storage space, and wherein the recessed portion (127) is disposed at a front side of the suction hole (411) and configured to be cooled by cold air entering the suction hole (411). [17] A refrigerator according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising: a dispenser (122) disposed in the storage space and configured to dispense water; a freezer compartment (13) defined by the cabinet (10) and constructed to operate independently of the storage space; and an ice maker (132) arranged inside the freezer compartment (13) and constructed to produce ice, wherein the water supply pipe (600) comprises a plurality of pipes and a plurality of valves (720, 730, 750) each connected to the plurality of pipes, wherein the plurality of tubes comprises a dispenser tube (630) configured to connect to the dispenser (122) and an ice maker tube (640) configured to connect to the ice maker (132), and wherein the dispenser tube (630), the ice maker tube (640), the water tank (700) and the plurality of valves (720, 730, 750) are connected to each other and arranged inside the recessed part (127). [18] A refrigerator according to claim 17, further comprising: a third insulating member (103) disposed between the inner casing (102) and the outer casing (101); a dispenser tube guide line (770) arranged on a side surface of the inner housing (102) and configured to guide the dispenser tube (630) from a side surface of the recessed part (127) to the dispenser (122); and an ice maker pipe guide line (780) arranged on the side surface of the inner housing (102) and constructed to guide the ice maker pipe from the side surface of the recessed part (127) to the ice maker (132), wherein the dispenser piping (770) and the ice maker piping (780) are constructed to be covered by the third insulating member (103) between the inner casing (102) and the outer casing (101). [19] Refrigerator according to one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the cabinet (10) has a cooling compartment (12) and a freezing compartment (13), wherein the roll bond evaporator (500) is arranged on the cooling compartment (12), and wherein the refrigerator further comprises a fin evaporator (134) arranged on the freezer compartment (13). [20] A refrigerator according to claim 19, further comprising: a first compressor (161) configured to connect to the roll bond evaporator (500) and defining a first refrigeration circuit; and a second compressor (162) configured to connect to the finned evaporator (134) and defining a second refrigeration circuit independent of the first refrigeration circuit.

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