Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes an outer case forming an exterior thereof, an inner case forming a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment arranged below the first storage compartment, a foam insulation arranged between the inner case and the outer case, an evaporator configured to supply cold air to the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, and a cold air connector coupled to the inner case and forming a flow path therein to guide the cold air inside the first storage compartment to the evaporator, wherein the inner case includes a coupling wall having a guide hole communicating with the flow path of the cold air connector to allow the cold air inside the first storage compartment to move to the cold air connector, and a protruding wall arranged on one side of the coupling wall and protruding rearwardly, and the cold air connector includes a connecting wall facing the coupling wall and having an inlet through which the cold air from the first storage compartment flows in, and an elastic plate extending rearwardly from the connecting wall to contact the protruding wall and being pressed by the protruding wall in a direction away from the protruding wall.

Description

[TECHNICAL FIELD]

[0001] The disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly to a refrigerator including a cold air connector.[BACKGROUND ART]

[0002] In general, a refrigerator, an appliance for keeping food fresh, includes a main body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply system for supplying cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment in which the food is kept refrigerated at a temperature of about 0°C to 5°C, and a freezing compartment in which the food is kept frozen at a temperature of about 0°C to -30°C. The storage compartment is typically arranged to have an open front side for receiving food, and the open front side of the storage compartment is opened and closed by a door.

[0003] The refrigerator uses a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to repeat a cooling cycle in which the refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated. At this time, both the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment may be cooled by one evaporator installed on the freezing compartment side, or the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment may each be provided with an evaporator and cooled independently.

[0004] The refrigerator may be categorized according to the shape of the storage compartment and the door, and may be classified into a top mounted freezer (TMF) type refrigerator in which the storage compartment is vertically divided by a horizontal partition to form a freezing compartment on an upper side and a refrigerating compartment on a lower side, and a bottom mounted freezer (BMF) type refrigerator in which the refrigerating compartment is formed on an upper side and a freezing compartment on a lower side.[DISCLOSURE][TECHNICAL PROBLEM]

[0005] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure of a cold air connector that is more easily coupleable to an inner case.

[0006] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure that may prevent foam insulation entering between a cold air connector and an inner case from entering the inner case.

[0007] Technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.[TECHNICAL SOLUTION]

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes an outer case forming an exterior thereof, an inner case forming a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment arranged below the first storage compartment therein, a foam insulation arranged between the inner case and the outer case, an evaporator configured to supply cold air to the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, and a cold air connector coupled to the inner case and forming a flow path therein to guide the cold air inside the first storage compartment to the evaporator. The inner case includes a coupling wall having a guide hole communicating with the flow path of the cold air connector to allow the cold air inside the first storage compartment to move to the cold air connector, and a protruding wall arranged on one side of the coupling wall and protruding rearwardly. The cold air connector includes a connecting wall facing the coupling wall and having an inlet through which the cold air from the first storage compartment flows in, and an elastic plate extending rearwardly from the connecting wall to contact the protruding wall and being pressed by the protruding wall in a direction away from the protruding wall.

[0009] The elastic plate may be bent rearwardly from the connecting wall to be supported by a side portion of the protruding wall. The connecting wall may include a first surface facing the coupling wall and a second surface being a rear surface of the first surface. The cold air connector may further include a reinforcing rib protruding from the second surface and connected to the elastic plate to increase the rigidity of the elastic plate.

[0010] The elastic plate may include a bending portion bent and connected to the connecting wall. The reinforcing rib may be connected to the bending portion to increase the rigidity of the bending portion.

[0011] The inner case may further include a fixing protrusion protruding from the protruding wall to prevent the elastic plate from moving rearwardly with respect to the inner case. The elastic plate may include a fixing portion into which the fixing protrusion is configured to be inserted.

[0012] The fixing protrusion may include a catch portion formed to be caught on the elastic plate, and a connecting portion connecting the catch portion and the protruding wall.

[0013] The cold air connector may further include a guide rib configured to surround the inlet.

[0014] The inner case may include a coupling wall forming a guide hole configured to communicate with the inlet. The guide rib may be inserted into the guide hole and be configured to interfere with the inner case to prevent movement of the cold air connector in one direction with respect to the inner case. The guide rib may protrude from the connecting wall facing the coupling wall toward the inner case.

[0015] The inner case may include a coupling wall having a guide hole communicating with a flow path of the cold air connector to allow the cold air inside the first storage compartment to move to the cold air connector. The cold air connector may further include a recessed portion recessed from the connecting wall to form a spacing between the connecting wall facing the coupling wall and the coupling wall.

[0016] The recessed portion may extend along a perimeter of the inlet.

[0017] The connecting wall may include a first surface facing the coupling wall. The cold air connector may further include a cover portion protruding from one end of the first surface toward the coupling wall to cover the foam insulation introduced through between the inner case and the cold air connector.

[0018] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a damper configured to open or close a inflow of the cold air generated by the evaporator into the first storage compartment and arranged on a rear side of the first storage compartment. The cold air connector may include an inlet portion having the inlet. The inlet portion may be arranged on one side of the damper.

[0019] The cold air connector may further include an outlet portion coupled to the inner case to allow the cold air within the flow path to flow into the inner case.

[0020] The outlet portion may include a recessed portion forming a spacing with the inner case and recessed in a direction away from the inner case to prevent an inflow of the foam insulation into the inner case through between the inner case and the cold air connector.

[0021] The inner case may further include a downward protrusion protruding to be coupleable to the outlet portion. The outlet portion may include an insertion hole configured to allow the downward protrusion to be inserted therein.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes an outer case forming an exterior thereof, an inner case forming a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment therein, the second storage compartment arranged below the first storage compartment, a foam insulation arranged between the inner case and the outer case, an evaporator arranged below the inner case and configured to supply cold air to the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, and a cold air connector forming a flow path therein and coupled to a rear side of the inner case to guide cold air inside the first storage compartment to the evaporator. The inner case includes a coupling wall having a guide hole communicating with the flow path of the cold air connector to allow the cold air inside the first storage compartment to move to the cold air connector. The cold air connector includes a connecting wall having a guide rib forming along a perimeter of an inlet through which the cold air from the first storage compartment flows in, and an elastic plate extending from the connecting wall and being pressed in a direction away from the inner case so as to be elastically biased toward the inner case.

[0023] The inner case may further include a fixing protrusion configured to prevent the elastic plate from moving in one direction with respect to the inner case. The elastic plate may include a fixing portion into which the fixing protrusion is inserted.

[0024] The guide rib may be inserted into the guide hole and configured to interfere with the inner case.

[0025] The connecting wall may include a recessed portion to form a spacing between the connecting wall and the coupling wall.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes an outer case forming an exterior thereof, an inner case forming a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment therein, the second storage compartment arranged below the first storage compartment, a foam insulation arranged between the inner case and the outer case, an evaporator configured to supply cold air to the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, and a cold air connector forming a flow path therein and coupled to the inner case to guide cold air inside the first storage compartment to the evaporator. The inner case includes a coupling wall having a guide hole configured to allow the cold air inside the first storage compartment to move to the flow path of the cold air connector. The cold air connector includes a guide rib inserted into the guide hole and extending to surround an inlet communicating with the guide hole, and a recessed portion recessed from the connecting wall to form a spacing between a connecting wall facing the coupling wall and the coupling wall.[ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS]

[0027] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the inner case and the cold air connector may be more easily coupled together, thereby facilitating replacement and repair of parts or the like inside the refrigerator.

[0028] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the position of the cold air connector with respect to the inner case may be fixed before the foam insulation is foamed, such that the coupling of the inner case and the cold air connector may be more stable.

[0029] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the foam insulation that may be introduced between the inner case and the cold air connector may be prevented from being introduced into the inner case, so that cold air from the storage compartment may flow more smoothly through the cold air connector to the evaporator.

[0030] The effects to be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be apparent to those of skilled in the art from the following description.[DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS]

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a rear view of an inner case and a cold air connector of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the inner case and the cold air connector shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the inner case and the cold air connector shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cold air connector shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of portion A of the cold air connector coupled to the inner case shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of portion A of the cold air connector coupled to the inner case shown in FIG. 4 from a different angle. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II' shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a coupling plate shown in FIG. 10 being pressed by the inner case. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of portion C of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of portion D of FIG. 10. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a guide rib of FIG. 10 interfering with a coupling wall of the inner case. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the inner case and the cold air connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the inner case and the cold air connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the inner case and the cold air connector, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of portion B of the inner case and the cold air connector shown in FIG. 4 from the below. [MODES OF THE INVENTION]

[0032] Various embodiments of the present document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0033] In addition, the same reference numerals or signs shown in the drawings of the disclosure indicate elements or components performing substantially the same function.

[0034] Also, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, the terms "including", "having", and the like are used to specify features, figures, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, figures, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0035] It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", "primary", "secondary", etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, but elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, a first element may be termed as a second element, and a second element may be termed as a first element. The term of "and / or" includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

[0036] Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of any element.

[0037] Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 may include a main body 10, a storage compartment 20 arranged within the main body 10, a door 30 configured to open or close the storage compartment 20, and a cooling system configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment 20.

[0040] The main body 10 may be formed with an open front to allow a user to place food into and remove food from the storage compartment 20. In other words, the main body 10 may include an opening 10a formed in a front side of the main body 10. The opening 10a of the main body 10 may be opened and closed by the door 30.

[0041] The door 30 may be arranged to open or close the main body 10. The door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10. In particular, the door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 by a hinge 40, which is connected to the door 30 and the main body 10, respectively.

[0042] An outer surface 31 of the door 30 may form a portion of an exterior of the refrigerator 1. In a closed position of the door 30, the outer surface 31 of the door 30 may form a front surface of the door 30.

[0043] An inner surface 32 of the door 30 may be formed on a side opposite to the outer surface 31 of the door 30. In the closed position of the door 30, the inner surface 32 of the door 30 may form a rear surface of the door 30. In the closed position of the door 30, the inner surface 32 of the door 30 may be arranged to face an inside of the main body 10. In the closed position of the door 30, the inner surface 32 of the door 30 may be arranged to cover a front side of the storage compartment 20.

[0044] A foaming space may be formed between the outer surface 31 of the door 30 and the inner surface 32 of the door 30, and a door insulation 35 may be foamed therein. The door insulation 35 may prevent heat exchange between the outer surface 31 and the inner surface 32 of the door 30. The door insulation 35 may improve the thermal insulation performance between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the door 30.

[0045] The door insulation 35 may include, for example, urethane foam insulation, FPS insulation, vacuum insulation, and the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the door insulation 35 may be configured to include a variety of materials.

[0046] In an example, the door insulation 35 may be formed from the same material as a main body insulation 55, which will be described below. Alternatively, in an example, the door insulation 35 may be formed of different materials than the main body insulation 55.

[0047] The inner surface 32 of the door 30 may be provided with a door gasket 33 configured to seal a gap between the door 30 and the main body 10 to prevent cold air from leaking from the storage compartment 20. The door gasket 33 may be arranged along a perimeter of the inner surface 32 of the door 30. The door gasket 33 may be arranged to be aligned with the opening 10a of the main body 10 in a state in which the door 30 is closed. The door gasket 33 may be configured to include an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0048] The inner surface 32 of the door 30 may be provided with a door basket 34 for storing food items.

[0049] The door 30 may be provided as a single door, rotatably coupled to the main body 10 to open or close the main body 10. In other words, the single door 30 may be configured to open or close an entire interior space of the main body 10.

[0050] The door 30 may close first storage compartments 21 and 22 in response to closing of the opening 10a of the main body 10. The door 30 may cover a front side of the first storage compartments 21 and 22 when the opening 10a of the main body 10 is closed.

[0051] The door 30 may cover a front side of a refrigerating compartment drawer 25 and a freezing compartment drawer 27, which will be described later, in response to the closing of the opening 10a of the main body 10. When the door 30 is closed, the front sides of the refrigerating compartment drawer 25 and the freezing compartment drawer 27 may be closed by the door 30 at a position in which they are inserted into the first lower storage compartment 22 and a second storage compartment 23, respectively. When the opening 10a of the main body 10 is closed, the door 30 may not directly close the first lower storage compartment 22 and the second storage compartment 23, but may cover the front sides of a first lower storage compartment drawer 25 that closes the first lower storage compartment 22 and a second storage compartment drawer 27 that closes the second storage compartment 23, thereby covering the front side of the storage compartment 20.

[0052] The door 30 may cover a front side of the shelf 24 in response to the closing of the opening 10a of the main body 10. In other words, the shelf 24 may be entirely placed within the main body 10, and when the opening 10a of the main body 10 is closed, the shelf 24 may be covered by the door 30 and not visible.

[0053] The main body 10 may include an outer case 50 forming the exterior of the refrigerator 1, an inner case 60 forming the storage compartment 20, and the main body insulation 55 arranged between the outer case 50 and the inner case 60.

[0054] The outer case 50 may be formed to have the shape of a box with a substantially open front. The outer case 50 may form upper and lower surfaces, left and right side surfaces, and a rear surface of the refrigerator 1.

[0055] The outer case 50 may be configured to include a metallic material. In an example, the outer case 50 may be manufactured by machining a steel plate material.

[0056] The inner case 60 may have an open front. The inner case 60 may have the storage compartment 20 therein and may be arranged on an inner side of the outer case 50. The inner case 60 may include inner walls 61, 62, 63, 64 and 65.

[0057] The inner case 60 may include a right wall 61, an upper wall 62, a left wall 63, a lower wall 64, and a rear wall 65. The right wall 61, the upper wall 62, the left wall 63, the lower wall 64, and the rear wall 65 may form an inner wall of the storage compartment 20.

[0058] The inner case 60 may be configured to include a plastic material. In an example, the inner case 60 may be manufactured by a vacuum molding process. In an example, the inner case 60 may be manufactured by an injection molding process.

[0059] The main body insulation 55 may be configured to thermally insulate the outer case 50 and the inner case 60 from each other. The main body insulation 55 may bond the outer case 50 and the inner case 60 together by being foamed between the outer case 50 and the inner case 60. The main body insulation 55 may prevent heat exchange from occurring between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the main body 10, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the interior of the storage compartment 20.

[0060] The main body insulation 55 may use, for example, urethane foam insulation, EPS insulation, vacuum insulation, and the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the main body insulation 55 may be formed from a variety of materials.

[0061] The interior space of the main body 10 may include the first storage compartments 21 and 22 and the second storage compartment 23. The second storage compartment 23 may be arranged below (-Z direction) the first storage compartments 21 and 22. The first storage compartments 21 and 22 may include the first upper storage compartment 21 and the first lower storage compartment 22. The third storage compartment 23 may be arranged below (-Z direction) the first lower storage compartment 22. The first storage compartments 21 and 22 may be a refrigerating compartment, and the second storage compartment 23 may be a freezing compartment.

[0062] The first lower storage compartment 22 may be formed by the first lower storage compartment drawer 25 and the shelf 24. The second storage compartment 23 may be formed by a horizontal partition 26 and the second storage compartment drawer 27.

[0063] The first lower storage compartment 22 may be the refrigerating compartment 22. The first lower storage compartment drawer 25 may be the refrigerating compartment drawer 25. The second storage compartment 23 may be the freezing compartment 23. The second storage compartment drawer 27 may be the freezing compartment drawer 27. An ice making device 28 may be provided inside the second storage compartment 23.

[0064] The first storage compartments 21 and 22 and the second storage compartment 23 may be supplied with cold air generated by a cold air supply device. The first storage compartments 21 and 22 and the second storage compartment 23 may each be arranged to communicate with a cooling chamber 15. The cold air generated by the cold air supply device may flow from the cooling chamber 15 to the first storage compartments 21 and 22 and the second storage compartment 23.

[0065] The storage compartment 20 may be formed on the inside of the main body 10. The storage compartment 20 may include the refrigerating compartments 21 and 22 maintained at about 0 to 5 degrees Celsius to keep food refrigerated, and the freezing compartment 23 maintained at about -30 to 0 degrees Celsius to keep food frozen.

[0066] The refrigerating compartments 21 and 22 may be arranged on an upper side (the Z direction) of the freezing compartment 23. The first upper storage compartment 21 may be arranged on an upper portion of the interior space of the main body 10.

[0067] The cold air entering the storage compartment 20 from the cooling chamber 15 may be maintained at a temperature suitable for storing food in the refrigerating compartments 21 and 22 and the freezing compartment 23, respectively.

[0068] The first upper storage compartment 21 may be provided with the shelves 24 on which food may be placed, and storage containers (not shown) for storing food and the like.

[0069] In the first lower storage compartment 22, the refrigerating compartment drawer 25 may be withdrawn through the opening 10a of the main body 10, and thus food may be placed therein. Food may be placed on the shelves 24 arranged on the upper side (Z direction) of the first lower storage compartment 22.

[0070] In the second storage compartment 23, the freezing compartment drawer 27 may be withdrawn toward a front (X direction) of the main body 10, and thus food may be inserted and stored.

[0071] The first lower storage compartment 22 and the second storage compartment 23 may be arranged to be inserted into or removed from the interior of the main body 10. In particular, the first lower storage compartment 22 and the second storage compartment 23 may be arranged inside the refrigerating compartment drawer 25 and the freezing compartment drawer 27, respectively.

[0072] In response to the refrigerating compartment drawer 25 being withdrawn forward (X direction), the refrigerating compartment 22 may be opened, and in response to the refrigerating compartment drawer 25 being inserted rearward (-X direction), the refrigerating compartment 22 may be closed. In response to the freezing compartment drawer 27 being withdrawn forward (X direction), the freezing compartment 23 may be opened, and in response to the freezing compartment drawer 27 being inserted rearward (-X direction), the freezing compartment 23 may be closed.

[0073] In contrast to the first upper storage compartment 21, the first lower storage compartment 22 may be a space for food that needs to be stored for a relatively long period of time as it may prevent the food from coming into contact with outside air even when the door 30 is opened with respect to the main body 10.

[0074] The refrigerating compartments 21 and 22 and the freezing compartment 23 may be maintained at temperatures suitable for refrigerating and freezing food, respectively.

[0075] As such, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be arranged such that the refrigerating compartments 21 and 22 are on the upper side of the freezing compartment 23 (Z direction). In other words, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be a bottom mounted freezer (BMF) type refrigerator.

[0076] The refrigerator 1 may include a cooling system that generates cold air using a cooling cycle and supplies the generated cold air to the storage compartment 20.

[0077] The cooling system may generate cold air by using the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant in the cooling cycle. The cooling system may include a compressor 11, a condenser (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown), an evaporator 12, a blower fan 13.

[0078] The main body 10 may be provided with the cooling chamber 15 and a machine chamber 16 for which the cooling system is arranged. For example, the cooling chamber 15 may include the evaporator 12 that generates cold air and the blower fan 13 that allows the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 to flow. The machine chamber 16 may include the compressor 11, the condenser, and the like.

[0079] The cooling chamber 15 may be arranged on the rear (-X direction) of the storage compartment 20. The cooling chamber 15 may be positioned at the rear (-X direction) of the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60.

[0080] The parts of the refrigerator 1 constituting the cooling system may have a relatively substantial weight. Accordingly, the cooling chamber 15 and the machine chamber 16 may be arranged at a lower portion of the main body 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cooling chamber 15 and the machine chamber 16 may be arranged in various ways, and the parts constituting the cooling system may be arranged in various ways to correspond to the positions of the cooling chamber 15 and the machine chamber 16.

[0081] The cooling chamber 15 may be maintained at a relatively low temperature because cold air is generated by the evaporator 12. In contrast, the machine chamber 16 may be maintained at a relatively high temperature state because heat is generated by the compressor 11, the condenser, and the like. Accordingly, the cooling chamber 15 and the machine chamber 16 are formed in separate spaces and may be insulated from each other. For example, the main body insulation 55 may be foamed between the cooling chamber 15 and the machine chamber 16.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 2, the evaporator 12 arranged in the cooling chamber 15 may evaporate the refrigerant to generate cold air, and the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may be circulated by the blower fan 13. A portion of the cold air circulated by the blower fan 13 may be supplied to the storage compartment 20. The evaporator 12 may generate cold air in the cooling chamber 15, and the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may be flowed by the blower fan 13 from the cooling chamber 15 to the storage compartment 20. The cooling chamber 15 may be arranged to communicate with each of the first storage compartments 21 and 22 and the second storage compartment 23.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be an indirect cooling refrigerator. Hereinafter, for ease of description, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described as an indirect cooling refrigerator, but the ideas of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and may be applied to a direct cooling refrigerator.

[0084] The evaporator 12, the blower fan 13, and the like arranged in the cooling chamber 15 may be referred to as a cold air supply device in that they generate and circulate cold air and supply cold air to the storage compartment 20.

[0085] Only one evaporator 12 may be arranged in the cooling chamber 15. The blower fan 13 may be configured such that the cold air generated by the one evaporator 12 flows to the first storage compartments 21 and 22 and the second storage compartment 23, respectively. In such a case, the cold air generated by one evaporator 12 may have a certain range of temperature. Accordingly, to maintain different temperatures in the refrigerating compartments 21 and 22 and the freezing compartment 23, the amount of cold air introduced may be provided differently. In an example, a damper 14 may be arranged on an upper side (Z direction) of the blower fan 13 to regulate the amount of cold air directed to the refrigerating compartments 21 and 22.

[0086] The damper 14 may be configured to open or close a flow path of cold air directed from the cooling chamber 15 to the refrigerating compartments 21 and 22. The refrigerating compartments 21 and 22 may be provided with a refrigerating compartment temperature sensor (not shown) configured to measure a temperature of the refrigerating compartments 21 and 22, and a controller (not shown) of the refrigerator 1 may receive an output value of the refrigerating compartment temperature sensor to control the opening and closing of the damper 14.

[0087] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various configurations may be configured to maintain different temperatures in the refrigerating compartments 21 and 22 and the freezing compartment 23 differently from each other. In an example, two or more evaporators (not shown) may be provided in the cooling chamber 15.

[0088] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the inner case and a cold air connector of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the inner case and the cold air connector shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the inner case and the cold air connector shown in FIG. 3.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the refrigerator 1 (see FIG. 2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may have only one evaporator 12, so that it needs to return the cold air in the refrigerating compartments 21 and 22, which has a relatively higher temperature compared to the freezing compartment 23, to the cooling chamber 15 for heat exchange.

[0090] Since the cold air supplied to and heat exchanged in the refrigerating compartments 21 and 22 is required to be returned to the cooling chamber 15, a cold air connector 100 may be coupled to the rear portion of the inner case 60. The cold air connector 100 may be configured to transfer the cold air in the refrigerating compartments 21 and 22 to the evaporator 12. The cold air connector 100 may be coupled to the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60.

[0091] The rear wall 65 may include a coupling wall 65a coupled to the cold air connector 100, a fixed wall 65b, and a protruding wall 65c. The rear wall 65 may include an upper rear wall 65d and a lower rear wall 65e. The protruding wall 65c may be arranged on one side of the coupling wall 65a and may protrude rearwardly. The protruding wall 65c may be arranged between the upper rear wall 65d and the lower rear wall 65e and may protrude rearwardly.

[0092] The cold air connector 100 may be arranged on one side of the rear (-X direction) of the inner case 60. Since such a structure allows the protruding wall 65c forming a space in which the damper 14 is arranged to be positioned at least a portion of the rear wall 65, the cold air connector 100 may be positioned on one side of the protruding wall 65c for structural reasons, such as the volume of the storage compartment 20.

[0093] The cold air connector 100 may include a cold air connector frame 101 and a cold air connector cover 102. The cold air connector frame 101 may form an inlet 111 (see FIG. 6) through which cold air inside the refrigerating compartments 21 and 22 is introduced and an outlet 121 through which cold air inside the cold air connector 100 is discharged to deliver to the evaporator 12. The cold air connector cover 102 may be coupled to the rear (-X direction) of the cold air connector frame 101 to form a flow path 119 (see FIG. 9) within the cold air connector 100.

[0094] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cold air connector shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of portion A of the cold air connector coupled to the inner case shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of portion A of the cold air connector coupled to the inner case shown in FIG. 4 from a different angle. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I' shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II' shown in FIG. 7.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, the cold air connector 100 may have the shape of a duct extending along a vertical direction (Z direction). The cold air connector 100 may include an inlet portion 110 arranged on an upper side thereof and an outlet portion 120 arranged on a lower side thereof.

[0096] The inlet portion 110 of the cold air connector 100 may be a portion of a duct that is coupled to the inner case 60 and allows cold air in the first lower storage compartment 22 (see FIG. 2) to flow into the cold air connector 100. The outlet portion 120 of the cold air connector 100 may be positioned lower (-Z direction) than the inlet portion 110 and coupled to the inner case 60, and may be a portion of a duct that discharges cold air into the inner case 60 so as to guide the cold air in the cold air connector 100 to the evaporator 12.

[0097] The inlet portion 110 may include the inlet 111 configured to communicate with a guide hole 60a (see FIG. 9) of the inner case 60. The size of the inlet 111 may be arranged to be smaller than the guide hole 60a. The inlet 111 may be formed in an approximately rectangular shape.

[0098] A first guide rib 113 may be formed along an edge of the inlet 111. Accordingly, the first guide rib 113 may be formed to extend along the perimeter of the approximately rectangular shape and may protrude toward the inner case 60 for insertion into the guide hole 60a.

[0099] The inlet portion 110 may include a first connecting wall 112 that forms the inlet 111 and faces the coupling wall 65a of the inner case 60. The first guide rib 113 may be provided on an inner edge of the first connecting wall 112, and a first recessed portion 114 may be formed on an outer side of the first guide rib 113.

[0100] The first recessed portion 114 may extend along the perimeter of the inlet 111. The first recessed portion 114 may be recessed in the first connecting wall 112 in a direction away from the inner case 60. The first recessed portion 114 may extend along the perimeter of the inlet 111. In other words, the first recessed portion 114 may be formed in a rectangular shape including an opening. According to such a structure, the foam insulation 55 (see FIG. 2) introduced into the recessed portion 114 may flow in the direction of the extension of the first recessed portion 114 and the pressure may be reduced.

[0101] The inlet portion 110 may include a coupling plate 115 that is bent from the first connecting wall 112 as a configuration for coupling to the inner case 60. The coupling plate 115 may extend from a portion connected to the first connecting wall 112 to a portion away from the first connecting wall 112, and may have a relatively thin thickness.

[0102] The coupling plate 115 may be a relatively thin thickness compared to an area facing the inner case 60, and thus may be elastic. The coupling plate 115 may include a first coupling plate 116 that is bent rearward (-X direction) from one end of the first connecting wall 112, and a second coupling plate 117 that is bent forward (X direction) from the other end of the first connecting wall 112.

[0103] The first coupling plate 116 may be an elastic plate 116 configured to be elastically biased. The elastic plate 116 may be bent rearwardly from the connecting wall 112 so as to be supported by a side portion of the protruding wall 65c.

[0104] The first coupling plate 116 may include at least one first fixing portion 116a. The second coupling plate 117 may include a second fixing portion 117a. The first fixing portion 116a may be a portion cut out of the first coupling plate 116. The first fixing portion 116a is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and may be provided in the shape of a hole, like the second fixing portion 117a. In addition, the second fixing portion 117a may be a portion cut out of the second coupling plate 117.

[0105] The outlet portion 120 may include the outlet 121 configured to allow cold air to be discharged. The outlet portion 120 may include a second connecting wall 122 arranged outside the perimeter of the outlet 121 to form the outlet 121. A second guide rib 123 may be arranged on an inner edge of the second connecting wall 122. The second guide rib 123 may be a rib having an approximately rectangular shape and may be a rib protruding toward the inner case 60.

[0106] The outlet portion 120 may include a second recessed portion 124 arranged in the front (X direction) of the second connecting wall 122. The second recessed portion 124 may be a recessed portion formed in the second connecting wall 122 in a direction away from the inner case 60.

[0107] The shape of the second recessed portion 124 may be similar to the shape of the first recessed portion 114 so as to correspond to the purpose of the first recessed portion 114. The second recessed portion 124 may extend along the perimeter of the outlet 121.

[0108] The outlet portion 120 may include a lower plate 125 extending forward (in the X direction) from the second connecting wall 122 toward the downward (-Z direction). The lower plate 125 or the second connecting wall 122 may include a coupling hole 125a.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 7, the inlet portion 110 of the cold air connector 100 may be coupled to the protruding wall 65c and the coupling wall 65a. When the first coupling plate 116 is coupled to the protruding wall 65c and the inlet 111 is positioned to correspond to the guide hole 60a, the cold air connector 100 may be temporarily fixed to the inner case 60.

[0110] The first coupling plate 116 may include the first fixing portion 116a into which a first fixing protrusion 66 protruding from the protruding wall 65c is inserted. The first fixing protrusion 66 may be configured to prevent the first coupling plate 116 from moving rearward relative to the inner case 60.

[0111] The first fixing protrusion 66 may include a catch portion 66a formed to be caught on the first coupling plate 116 and a connecting portion 66b connecting the catch portion 66a and the protruding wall 65c.

[0112] In response to insertion of the first fixing protrusion 66 into the first fixing portion 116a, the first coupling plate 116 may be restrained from moving rearward relative to the inner case 60.

[0113] The first coupling plate 116 may include a reinforcing rib 116b for increasing rigidity due to its thin thickness. The reinforcing rib 116b may protrude from the second surface 112b, which is a rear surface of a first surface 112a (see FIG. 12) facing the inner case 60 of the first connecting wall 112, and extend to the first coupling plate 116. The reinforcing ribs 116b may be provided in a plurality, and may be provided in a relatively large number, particularly on a portion of the first fixing portion 116a that may be less rigid. The first coupling plate 116 may have a thin thickness so as to be elastic, so that the rigidity of the first coupling plate 116 may be improved due to the configuration of the reinforcing ribs 116b, and thus the durability may be improved.

[0114] The first coupling plate 116 may include a bending portion 116b that is bent and connected to the first connecting wall 112. The bending portion 116b may connect the first connecting wall 112 and the first coupling plate 116, and may be arranged to bend the first coupling plate 116 from the first connecting wall 112.

[0115] The reinforcing rib 116b may be connected to the bending portion 116b to reinforce the rigidity of the bending portion 116b where the rigidity may be weak.

[0116] As shown in FIG. 8, the inlet portion 110 of the cold air connector 100 may be coupled to the left wall 63 of the inner case. The cold air connector 100 may be coupled to the inner case 60 such that the second coupling plate 117 surrounds at least a portion of the left wall 63.

[0117] The second coupling plate 117 may include the second fixing portion 117a into which a first fixing protrusion 67 protruding from the left wall 63 is inserted. The second coupling plate 117 may include a reinforcing rib 117b arranged to increase rigidity. In particular, the reinforcing rib 117b may be arranged around the second fixing portion 117a that may be vulnerable.

[0118] In response to insertion of the first guide rib 113 into the guide hole 60a, the first connecting wall 112 of the cold air connector 100 may face the coupling wall 65a of the inner case. At this time, the first coupling plate 116 may be coupled to the first fixing protrusion 66, and the second coupling plate 117 may be coupled to the second fixing protrusion 67.

[0119] In this case, the first coupling plate 116 may be coupled face-to-face to the protruding wall 65c. The second coupling plate 117 may be coupled face-to-face to the left wall 63.

[0120] Since the first coupling plate 116 is supported by the protruding wall 65c, the inlet portion 110 may be prevented from moving to the right (Y direction). Similarly, since the second coupling plate 117 is supported by the left wall 63, the inlet portion 110 may be prevented from moving to the right (Y direction).

[0121] By the structure in which the first coupling plate 116 and the first fixing protrusion 66 are engaged with each other, the inlet portion 110 may be prevented from being pushed rearward (-X direction). Similarly, by the structure in which the second coupling plate 117 and the second fixing protrusion 67 are coupled with each other, the inlet portion 110 may be prevented from being pushed rearward (-X direction) and the inner case 60 and the cold air connector 100 may be fixed in position without wobbling so that the guide hole 60a corresponds to the inlet 111.

[0122] Such a structure may cause the cold air connector 100 and the inner case 60 to be coupled to each other such that the coupling wall 65a forming the guide hole 60a and the first connecting wall 112 face each other and the guide hole 60a and the inlet 111 to communicate with each other, so that the cold air inside the inner case 60 may be smoothly transferred to the cold air connector 100.

[0123] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the j oining plate shown in FIG. 10 being pressed by the inner case. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of portion C shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of portion D shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the guide rib shown in FIG. 10 interfering with the coupling wall of the inner case.

[0124] Hereinafter, a structure of the coupling wall 65a of the inner case 60 and the cold air connector 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 11, the first coupling plate 116 may be pressed to the left (-Y direction) by the protruding wall 65c. The first coupling plate 116 may be pressed by the protruding wall 65c in a direction away from the inner case 60 (see FIG. 4). The first coupling plate 116 may have a relatively small thickness compared to the area in contact with the protruding wall 65c. The first coupling plate 116 may have an elastic force that causes one end to return to its original position centered on a bending portion 116c (see FIG. 7).

[0126] The first coupling plate 116 may be elastically biased toward the protruding wall 65c such that it is prevented from moving in one direction (Y direction) relative to the inner case 60 (see FIG. 4). The first coupling plate 116 may be prevented from being pressed into its original position, so that the coupling with the inner case 60 may be relatively strengthened.

[0127] More specifically, the protruding wall 65c may support and push the first coupling plate 116 in a direction away from the protruding wall 65c, and the first coupling plate 116 may be elastically biased by the protruding wall 65c and receive an elastic force to return to its original position. The elastic force of the coupling plate 116 and the pressing force of the protruding wall 65c may be arranged in opposite directions, so that the surface-to-surface coupling force of the protruding wall 65c and the coupling plate 116 may be relatively strong.

[0128] According to such a structure, even when the inner case 60 is a thin film with a thickness of about 1.0 mm, it is possible to prevent the parts from being damaged during the coupling or decoupling of the cold air connector 100 and the inner case 60. In addition, even when the position of the cold air connector 100 needs to be adjusted, it may be relatively easy for a user to readjust the position of the cold air connector 100 without damaging the inner case 60.

[0129] In addition, the cold air connector 100 may be coupled to the inner case 60 with a relatively strong coupling force, so that the introduction of the foam insulation 55 through between the cold air connector 100 and the inner case 60 may be relatively reduced.

[0130] Although not shown in the drawings, the second coupling plate 117 may also have an elastic force to return to its original position in response to the first coupling plate 116, so that the elastic force of the second coupling plate 117 to return to its original position may be opposite to the force pressing on the coupling plate 117 of the left wall 63, so that the coupling force between the second coupling plate 117 and the left wall 63 may be improved.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 10, and FIG. 12, the main body insulation 55 may be foamed between the inner case 60 and the outer case 50. The main body insulation 55 may be referred to as the foam insulation 55. The foam insulation 55 may be foamed while the cold air connector 100 is fixed to the inner case 60, and in this case, the foam insulation 55 may be introduced into a gap between the first coupling plate 116 of the cold air connector 100 and the protruding wall 65c of the inner case 60.

[0132] The direction of flow of the foam insulation 55 flowing through the gap between the cold air connector 100 and the inner case 60 may be seen in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 12. Once the foam insulation 55 is allowed to enter the guide hole 60a and the inlet 111, the flow of cold air from the first lower storage compartment 22 to the cold air connector 100 may be obstructed.

[0133] To address such a situation, the cold air connector 100 may include the first recessed portion 114 that forms a spacing between the cold air connector 100 and the coupling wall 65a of the inner case 60 and is recessed in a direction away from the coupling wall 65a to prevent the foam insulation 55 from flowing into the guide hole 60a through between the inner case 60 and the cold air connector 100. The first recessed portion 114 may be formed in the first connecting wall 112.

[0134] Since the first recessed portion 114 extends along the extension direction of the first guide rib 113, the foam insulation 55 may be introduced through the gap between the coupling wall 65a and the first connecting wall 112, but the introduction speed may be slowed down by the pressure drop due to the spacing of the recessed portion 114. By such a structure, the foam insulation 55 may be prevented from flowing into the guide hole 60a, and thus the flow of the cold air between the cold air connector 100 and the inner case 60 may be performed smoothly.

[0135] Meanwhile, the first recessed portion 114 may be formed on the first surface 112a facing the inner case 60 of the first connecting wall 112, and may include a cover portion 114a that protrudes toward the coupling wall 65a to cover the foam insulation 55 into which one end of the first surface 112a is introduced. The other end of the first surface 112a may include a recessed formation portion 114b that protrudes toward the rear wall 65a to form the recessed portion 114.

[0136] The cover portion 114a and the recessed formation portion 114b may form the recessed portion 114. The cover portion 114a may prevent the foam insulation 55 introduced into through the gap between the coupling wall 65a and the first connecting wall 112 from entering the guide hole 60a.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 13, in contrast to FIG. 12, which is one side with respect to the guide hole 60a, the first recessed portion 114 for preventing the foam insulation 55 from entering from the other side will be described.

[0138] Similarly, the foam insulation 55 may be introduced into through the spacing between the cold air connector 100 and the left side (-Y direction) of the inner case 60. The foam insulation 55 may flow at a relatively high velocity through the gap between the coupling wall 65a and the first connecting wall 112 and then flow at a relatively low velocity due to the pressure drop within the first recessed portion 114.

[0139] The direction of flow of the foam insulation 55 may be as shown by the arrow, and the velocity at which the foam insulation 55 flows vertically (Z direction) within the first recessed portion 114 may be faster, the velocity at which the foam insulation 55 flows into the guide hole 60a may be relatively slower. Furthermore, because the configuration of the cover portion 114a prevents the foam insulation 55 flowing within the first recessed portion 114 from flowing into the guide hole 60a, the cold air within the first storage compartments 21 and 22 (see FIG. 2) may flow more smoothly to the cold air connector 100, thereby performing heat exchange more efficiently in the evaporator 12.

[0140] With reference to FIG. 14, a structure in which the first guide rib 113 is prevented from moving in one direction (-Y direction) while being inserted into the guide hole 60a of the inner case 60 (see FIG. 4) will be described. The first guide rib 113 may protrude from the first connecting wall 112 toward the inner case 60 (see FIG. 10) and may be inserted into the guide hole 60a. When the first guide rib 113 is moved to one side with respect to the inner case 60, it may interfere with the inner case 60. In other words, the guide rib 113 may perform the role of a stopper from the perspective of the cold air connector 100.

[0141] According to such a structure, the cold air connector 100 may be prevented from being moved to one side, particularly, to the left (-Y direction) with respect to the inner case 60, the coupling of the cold air connector 100 and the inner case 60 may be stable before the foam insulation 55 is foamed.

[0142] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the inner case and the cold air connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 15, compared to FIG. 14, a length by which a first guide rib 313 protrudes toward a coupling wall 265a may be relatively shorter, and the role of the stopper may be performed instead by a second fixing protrusion 267.

[0143] The second fixing protrusion 267 may protrude from a left wall 263. The second fixing protrusion 267 may protrude in one direction from the left wall 263 to be caught by a second coupling plate 317.

[0144] The second fixing protrusion 267 may further include a stopper 267a. The stopper 267a may be a protrusion that protrudes forward (X direction) or rearward (-X direction) from the second fixing protrusion 267, and may be configured to prevent the second coupling plate 317 from moving in one direction with respect to the inner case.

[0145] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the inner case and the cold air connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 16, compared to FIG. 14, a length by which a first guide rib 513 protrudes toward a coupling wall 465a may be relatively shorter, and the role of the stopper may be performed instead by a stopper 512c.

[0146] A first connecting wall 512 of the cold air connector may face the coupling wall 465a of the inner case. The first connecting wall 512 may include a recessed portion 514 formed on one surface facing the coupling wall 465a.

[0147] The first connecting wall 512 may include a structure inserted into the coupling wall 465a to prevent movement in one direction (particularly, -Y direction) with respect to the coupling wall 465a. In other words, the first connecting wall 512 may further include a stopper 512c protruding toward the coupling wall 465a.

[0148] Correspondingly, the coupling wall 465a may further include a stopper groove 465aa formed on one surface facing the first connecting wall 512 into which the stopper 512c is inserted. According to such a structure, the stopper 512c may move in one direction (Y direction) only up to a predetermined distance in a state in which it is inserted into the stopper groove 465a, and beyond the predetermined distance, the stopper 512c may be caught on one end of the stopper groove 465a, thereby preventing movement in one direction with respect to the inner case of the cold air connector.

[0149] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the inner case and the cold air connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 17, compared to FIG. 14, a length by which a first guide rib 713 protrudes toward a coupling wall 665a may be relatively shorter, and the role of the stopper may be performed by a stopper 712c instead.

[0150] FIG. 17 shows a change in the position of the stopper of FIG. 16. Referring to FIG. 17, a first connecting wall 712 arranged between a guide hole 660a and a second fixing protrusion 667 may include the stopper 712c that protrudes from one side facing the coupling wall 665a toward the coupling wall 665a.

[0151] The coupling wall 665a may include a stopper groove 665aa arranged on one side facing the first connecting wall 712 into which the stopper 712c is inserted. A width of the stopper groove 665aa may be wider than that of the stopper 712c.

[0152] When the cold air connector moves in one direction (Y direction) in a state in which the stopper 712c is inserted into the stopper groove 665aa and coupled to the inner case, it may interfere with one end of the stopper groove 665aa. According to such a structure, the cold air connector inserted into the inner case may be prevented from moving in one direction with respect to the inner case, thereby facilitating more reliable coupling.

[0153] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of portion B of the inner case and the cold air connector shown in FIG. 4 from the below. Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 18, a cold air connector 110 may include the outlet portion 120 arranged below the inlet portion 110.

[0154] The outlet portion 120 may be coupled such that the outlet 121 communicates with a communication hole (not shown) of the inner case 60. The inner case 60 may include a downward protrusion 68 protruding in one direction for securing the outlet. The downward protrusion 68 may be inserted into the outlet portion 120 to secure the position of the outlet portion 120.

[0155] The outlet portion 120 may include an insertion hole 125a formed in the lower plate 125 to allow the downward protrusion 68 to be inserted.

[0156] By adjusting the outlet portion 120 of the cold air connector 100 to be positioned below the inner case 60 so that the downward protrusion 68 is inserted into the insertion hole 125a, coupling the first fixing protrusion 66 to the first coupling plate 116 as shown in FIG. 7 and coupling the second fixing protrusion 67 to the second coupling plate 117 as shown in FIG. 8, the coupling of the inner case 60 and the cold air connector 100 may be completed.

[0157] While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: an outer case forming an exterior thereof; an inner case forming a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment therein, the second storage compartment arranged below the first storage compartment; a foam insulation arranged between the inner case and the outer case; an evaporator configured to supply cold air to the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment; and a cold air connector coupled to the inner case and forming a flow path therein to guide the cold air inside the first storage compartment to the evaporator, wherein the inner case comprises: a coupling wall having a guide hole communicating with the flow path of the cold air connector to allow the cold air inside the first storage compartment to move to the cold air connector; and a protruding wall arranged on one side of the coupling wall and protruding rearwardly, and wherein the cold air connector comprises: a connecting wall facing the coupling wall and having an inlet through which the cold air from the first storage compartment flows in, and an elastic plate extending rearwardly from the connecting wall to contact the protruding wall and being pressed by the protruding wall in a direction away from the protruding wall.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the elastic plate is bent rearwardly from the connecting wall to be supported by a side portion of the protruding wall.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the connecting wall comprises a first surface facing the coupling wall and a second surface being a rear surface of the first surface, and wherein the cold air connector further comprises a reinforcing rib protruding from the second surface and connected to the elastic plate to increase the rigidity of the elastic plate.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the elastic plate comprises a bending portion bent and connected to the connecting wall, and wherein the reinforcing rib is connected to the bending portion to increase the rigidity of the bending portion.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the inner case further comprises a fixing protrusion protruding from the protruding wall to prevent the elastic plate from moving rearwardly with respect to the inner case, and wherein the elastic plate comprises a fixing portion into which the fixing protrusion is configured to be inserted.

6. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the fixing protrusion comprises a catch portion formed to be caught on the elastic plate; and a connecting portion connecting the catch portion and the protruding wall.

7. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the cold air connector further comprises a guide rib configured to surround the inlet.

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the guide rib is inserted into the guide hole, configured to interfere with the inner case to prevent movement of the cold air connector in one direction with respect to the inner case, and protrudes from the connecting wall facing the coupling wall toward the inner case.

9. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the cold air connector further comprises a recessed portion recessed from the connecting wall to form a spacing between the connecting wall facing the coupling wall and the coupling wall.

10. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the recessed portion extends along a perimeter of the inlet.

11. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the connecting wall comprises a first surface facing the coupling wall, and wherein the cold air connector further comprises a cover portion protruding from one end of the first surface toward the coupling wall to cover the foam insulation introduced through between the inner case and the cold air connector.

12. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising a damper configured to open or close an inflow of the cold air generated by the evaporator into the first storage compartment and arranged on a rear side of the first storage compartment, wherein the cold air connector comprises an inlet portion forming the inlet, and the inlet portion is arranged on one side of the damper.

13. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the cold air connector further comprises an outlet portion coupled to the inner case to allow the cold air within the flow path to flow into the inner case.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the outlet portion comprises a recessed portion forming a spacing with the inner case and recessed in a direction away from the inner case to prevent an inflow of the foam insulation into the inner case through between the inner case and the cold air connector.

15. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the inner case further comprises a downward protrusion protruding to be coupleable to the outlet portion, and the outlet portion comprises an insertion hole configured to allow the downward protrusion to be inserted therein.

Images