refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cabinet in which a storage space is formed; and a door configured to open and close the storage space, wherein the door comprises: a door liner forming a rear surface of the door and having a liner opening; a panel assembly forming at least a portion of a front surface of the door and configured to shield the liner opening so as to allow viewing of a rear space of the door; and an insulation material filled inside the door, wherein the panel assembly comprises a plurality of panels spaced apart from each other in a front-rear direction, and a protruded part and a recessed part are formed around a periphery of the panel assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.[Background Art]

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance configured to store food at a low temperature within a storage compartment that is shielded by a refrigerator door. The refrigerator utilizes cold air generated by heat exchange between a refrigerant circulating through a refrigeration cycle and the interior of the storage compartment, thereby cooling the storage space to maintain stored food in an optimal condition.

[0003] Recently, in accordance with changes in dietary habits and the trend toward product advancement, refrigerators have been increasingly enlarged and diversified in function. Various structures and convenience features have been developed to enhance user convenience and enable efficient use of the internal storage space.

[0004] For example, there has been introduced a refrigerator having a structure in which a transparent panel assembly is provided on a door, allowing a user to see a storage space located behind the door even when the door is closed. In such refrigerators, a thermal insulation layer is provided in the panel assembly to maintain thermal insulation performance.

[0005] However, although the thermal insulation layer can effectively block heat passing directly through the panel assembly, it cannot prevent heat transfer along the periphery of the panel assembly or through a spacer constituting part of the panel assembly. As a result, the thermal insulation performance of the door is degraded, and power consumption increases.

[0006] Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance configured to store food at a low temperature within a storage compartment that is shielded by a refrigerator door. The refrigerator utilizes cold air generated by heat exchange between a refrigerant circulating through a refrigeration cycle and the interior of the storage compartment, thereby cooling the storage space to maintain stored food in an optimal condition.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a refrigerator configured to improve power efficiency by enhancing the thermal insulation performance of a door having transparency that allows viewing of an interior storage space.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a refrigerator configured to prevent heat loss through a panel assembly of the door.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a refrigerator in which a heater for preventing condensation on the door is structurally improved.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a refrigerator configured to prevent foaming agent from being insufficiently filled within the door.

[0011] Still another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a refrigerator configured to prevent cold air loss from the storage space by blocking heat transfer between a plurality of panels comprising the panel assembly.[Technical Solution]

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator may include a cabinet having a storage space; and a door configured to open and close the storage space, wherein the door includes: a door liner forming a rear surface of the door and having a liner opening; a panel assembly forming at least a portion of a front surface of the door and configured to cover the liner opening so as to allow viewing of a rear space of the door; and an insulation material filled inside the door, wherein the panel assembly comprises a plurality of panels spaced apart from each other in a front-rear direction, and a protruded part and a recessed part are formed around a periphery of the panel assembly.

[0013] The panel assembly may include a front panel forming a front surface of the panel assembly; a rear panel forming a rear surface of the panel assembly; an intermediate panel disposed between the front panel and the rear panel; a first spacer connecting the front panel and the intermediate panel to form a sealed first insulation layer; and a second spacer connecting the intermediate panel and the rear panel to form a sealed second insulation layer.

[0014] The first spacer may be disposed closer to a center of the panel assembly than the second spacer, and the second insulation layer may be formed to protrude outward further than the first insulation layer.

[0015] The second insulation layer may protrude further outward than the first insulation layer.

[0016] The protruded part may be formed by outer surfaces of the intermediate panel, the rear panel, and the second spacer, and the recessed part may be formed by outer surfaces of the front panel, the intermediate panel, and the first spacer.

[0017] The first insulation layer and the second insulation layer may be in a vacuum state or filled with an insulating gas.

[0018] A stepped portion having a reduced thickness may be formed at an outer end of the intermediate panel, and the stepped portion may be formed between the outer end of the intermediate panel and the first spacer.

[0019] The intermediate panel and the rear panel may be formed to have the same size and may protrude further outward than the first spacer.

[0020] The recessed part may be disposed further forward than the protruded part, and a heater configured to contact and heat the front panel may be provided inside the recessed part.

[0021] The protruded part and the recessed part may be formed along at least one surface among an upper surface, a lower surface, and left and right side surfaces of the periphery of the panel assembly.

[0022] The panel assembly may include a front panel forming a front surface of the panel assembly; a vacuum panel disposed behind the front panel and forming a vacuum insulation layer; and a first spacer connecting the front panel and the vacuum panel to form a sealed first insulation layer.

[0023] The protruded part may be formed by the vacuum panel protruding outward beyond the first spacer, and the recessed part may be formed by the front panel, a front surface of the vacuum panel, and the first spacer.

[0024] The vacuum panel may include a first panel spaced apart rearward from the front panel; a second panel disposed behind the first panel; a third spacer sealing a periphery between the first panel and the second panel to form the vacuum insulation layer; and a plurality of supporting members disposed between the first panel and the second panel to maintain a gap therebetween.

[0025] The first panel may be made of a glass material, the second panel may be made of an insulating glass material, and the thickness of the first panel may be smaller than that of the second panel.

[0026] The panel assembly may include a front panel forming a front surface of the panel assembly; a first vacuum panel disposed behind the front panel and forming a sealed first vacuum insulation layer; and a second vacuum panel disposed behind the first vacuum panel and forming a sealed second vacuum insulation layer.

[0027] The protruded part may be formed by the second vacuum panel protruding outward beyond the first vacuum panel, and the recessed part may be formed by the front panel, the first vacuum panel, and a front surface of the second vacuum panel.

[0028] The first vacuum panel may include a first panel adhered to a rear surface of the front panel; a second panel formed in the same size as the first panel and disposed behind the first panel; and a third spacer connecting the first panel and the second panel to form the first vacuum insulation layer, and the second vacuum panel may include a third panel adhered to a rear surface of the second panel; a fourth panel formed in the same size as the third panel and disposed behind the third panel; and a fourth spacer connecting the third panel and the fourth panel to form the second vacuum insulation layer.

[0029] The third panel may be formed to have a smaller thickness than the fourth panel.

[0030] The door may further include an outer plate forming a front surface of the door and made of a metallic material, the outer plate having a plate opening, and a front surface of the panel assembly covering the plate opening.

[0031] The door may include a main door configured to open and close the storage space and having an opening; and a sub door provided in front of the main door and configured to open and close the opening, and the panel assembly is provided in the sub door.

[0032] In another aspect, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cabinet in which a storage space is formed; and a door for opening and closing the storage space.

[0033] The door includes: a door liner forming a rear surface of the door and having a liner opening; a transparent front panel forming a front surface of the door; a transparent rear panel spaced apart rearward from the front panel and configured to shield the liner opening; and an insulating member provided between the front panel and the rear panel, and wherein the insulating member may be disposed along the periphery of the front panel and the rear panel to block heat of the rear panel from being transmitted to the front panel.

[0034] In another aspect, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cabinet in which a storage space is formed; and a door for opening and closing the storage space.

[0035] The door includes: a door liner forming a rear surface of the door and having a liner opening; a transparent front panel forming a front surface of the door; a transparent rear panel disposed rearward of and spaced apart from the front panel to shield the liner opening; and a spacer connecting the front panel and the rear panel to form an insulating layer, and wherein insulating members made of an insulating material may be respectively provided between the spacer and the rear panel, and between the spacer and the front panel, to block heat transfer to the spacer.[Advantageous Effect]

[0036] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention provides the following effects.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a protrude part and a recessed part are formed along the peripheral surface of the panel assembly having a thermal insulation layer, such that the heat transfer path on the outer side of the thermal insulation layer is diverted. As a result, heat transfer can be reduced, loss of cold air inside the storage compartment can be prevented, and power consumption can be improved.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the present invention, heat resistance is increased in one of the panels comprising the panel assembly, thereby reducing heat transfer through the panel assembly.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the present invention, heat loss can be minimized by reducing the addition of extra components and by changing the size and arrangement structure of the panels comprising the panel assembly.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an injection port for injecting foaming agent to form an insulating material inside the door is overlapped with the protrusion of the panel assembly, thereby allowing the insulating foam to be evenly filled and ensuring the thermal insulation of the door.

[0041] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, a heater bracket on which a heater for heating the front surface of the panel assembly is mounted is configured to be rotatable, or a surface-type heater is mounted, thereby improving the assembling ability and productivity of the panel assembly.[Description of Drawings]

[0042] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view illustrating the refrigerator of FIG. 1 with a door in an open state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the door of the refrigerator. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the door. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a panel assembly, which is one component of the door. FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a mounting process of a heater bracket, which is one component of the door. FIG. 9 is a rear view illustrating the heater bracket. FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the heater bracket. FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an arrangement of the heater bracket according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view illustrating an arrangement of a heater of the panel assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a surface-type heating element attached to the panel assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a door according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating the door. FIG. 19 is a rear view illustrating the panel assembly, which is one component of the door. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the panel assembly. FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly. FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a door according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating the door. FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the panel assembly, which is one component of the door. FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly. FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a door according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the door. FIG. 30 is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating a door according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heat transfer path of the door. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heat transfer path according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heat transfer path according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heat transfer path according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating a door according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator having a sub-door in an open state according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 37 is a front view illustrating other refrigerators to which the embodiment of the present invention is applied. [Best Mode]

[0043] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein, which merely exemplify the inventive concept. Other embodiments or modifications, including additions, alterations, or omissions of components, may be easily conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0044] In the following embodiments, for ease of explanation and understanding, a refrigerator having a refrigerating compartment provided above a freezing compartment will be described as an example. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited thereto, and is applicable to all types of refrigerators having a door including a panel assembly. Moreover, the present invention may also be applied to other electronic appliances having a door including a panel assembly, not limited to refrigerators.

[0045] In addition, in the drawings and the following descriptions, identical reference numerals may be used to denote the same or equivalent components among the multiple embodiments of the present invention in order to avoid redundant explanation.

[0046] Before describing the embodiments in detail, directions will be defined as follows. In the embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the direction toward which the front surface of the door faces is defined as the front direction, the direction toward the cabinet from the front surface of the door is defined as the rear direction, the direction toward the floor on which the refrigerator is installed is defined as the downward direction, and the direction away from the floor is defined as the upward direction.

[0047] In describing the panel assembly, the direction toward the center of the panel assembly is defined as the inner direction, and the direction from the center toward the peripheral surface of the panel assembly is defined as the outer direction.

[0048] Furthermore, when describing directions not defined above, such directions may be redefined with reference to the corresponding drawings.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view illustrating the refrigerator of FIG. 1 with a door in an open state.

[0050] As shown in the drawings, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10, in which a storage space is formed, and a door 20 configured to open and close the storage space. In one example, the storage space may be vertically partitioned such that a refrigerating compartment 11 is provided at an upper portion of the cabinet 10 and freezing compartments 12 and 13 are provided at a lower portion of the cabinet.

[0051] The refrigerating compartment 11 may be formed as a single space and may be opened and closed by a pair of refrigerating compartment doors 20a. The freezing compartments 12 and 13 may be provided below the refrigerating compartment 11. Each of the freezing compartments 12 and 13 may be divided into left and right sections to form independent storage spaces, which may be controlled at different temperatures. Each of the freezing compartments may be opened and closed by a pair of freezing compartment doors 20.

[0052] Meanwhile, the refrigerating compartment 11 may be referred to as an upper storage space, and the freezing compartments 12 and 13 may be referred to as lower storage spaces.

[0053] The door 20 may include a refrigerating compartment door 20a configured to open and close a refrigerating compartment 11, and a freezing compartment door 20b configured to open and close freezing compartments 12, 13. A pair of the refrigerating compartment doors 20a and a pair of the freezing compartment doors 20b may be provided on left and right sides, respectively.

[0054] The refrigerating compartment door 20a may be referred to as an upper door, and the freezing compartment door 20b may be referred to as a lower door.

[0055] At least one of the doors 20 may include a panel assembly 30 configured to allow viewing of a storage space located behind the door. For example, the panel assembly 30 may be provided on the refrigerating compartment door 20a, and may be provided on both of the left and right refrigerating compartment doors 20a. Of course, the panel assembly 30 may also be provided on the freezing compartment door 20b, and may be installed on at least one of the four doors 20 in total.

[0056] The panel assembly 30 may form at least a portion of a front surface of the refrigerating compartment door 20a. The panel assembly 30 may include a plurality of panels 31, 32, and 33, each of which may be made of a transparent material so as to allow viewing through the panel assembly. A front surface of the panel assembly 30 may include a transparent part 311 that allows viewing of the interior, and an opaque part 312 formed around the transparent part 311.

[0057] The opaque part 312 may be referred to as a bezel portion.

[0058] The opaque part 312 may be formed in black color to conceal components located at the rear side from being exposed.

[0059] For example, the opaque part 312 may be formed by printing.

[0060] Hereinafter, the structure of the refrigerating compartment door 20a will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the refrigerating compartment door 20a will be simply referred to as the door 20.

[0061] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the door of the refrigerator, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the door, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a panel assembly, which is one component of the door.

[0062] As shown in the drawings, the door 20 may include a panel assembly 30 forming a front surface of the door, a door liner 21 forming a rear surface of the door, and an insulating material 26 filled between the panel assembly 30 and the door liner 21.

[0063] The door 20 may include an upper cap deco 22 and a lower cap deco 23 forming an upper surface and a lower surface of the door, respectively. The upper cap deco 22 and the lower cap deco 23 may be coupled to the panel assembly 30 and the door liner 21.

[0064] The door 20 may further include a side frame 24 forming left and right side surfaces of the door.

[0065] An foaming agent may be injected into a closed space formed by the coupling of the upper cap deco 22, the lower cap deco 23, the panel assembly 30, the door liner 21, and the side frame 24, thereby forming the insulating material 26.

[0066] The door liner 21 forms a rear surface of the door 20 and may include a liner opening 211 formed at a central portion thereof.

[0067] The liner opening 211 may penetrate through the door liner 21 and may come into contact with a rear surface of the panel assembly 30. In other words, the rear surface of the panel assembly 30 may cover the liner opening 211. The liner opening 211 may be in communication with a storage space located behind the door 20, thereby allowing the storage space to be viewed through the panel assembly 30. A size of the liner opening 211 may correspond to or be slightly larger than a size of the transparent part 311.

[0068] The door liner 21 may form a door dike 213 that protrudes rearward along a periphery of the liner opening 211. A door storage member may be mounted on an inner region of the door dike 213, and the door storage member may also be viewed through the panel assembly 30.

[0069] Meanwhile, the door 20 may include a lighting device 25. The lighting device 25 may illuminate a storage space located behind the panel assembly 30, allowing the storage space to be selectively visible through the transparent part 311.

[0070] That is, when the lighting device 25 is turned on (ON), the storage space becomes illuminated and thus visible through the transparent part 311. When the lighting device 25 is turned off (OFF), the storage space is not visible, and the transparent part 311 may appear as an opaque black color, similar to the opaque part 312.

[0071] The lighting device 25 may be provided behind the panel assembly 30, and may be installed on the door 20 or within the storage space. For example, the lighting device 25 may be mounted on the door liner 21, positioned at an upper end of the liner opening 211, and configured to emit light downward.

[0072] The lighting device 25 may include a light-emitting member 252, a light case 251, and a light cover 253. The light-emitting member 252 may include a substrate on which a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted. The light case 251 may be mounted on the door liner 21 and may form a space for accommodating the light-emitting member 252. The light case 251 may also be disposed in contact with a rear surface of the panel assembly 30.

[0073] The light cover 253 may shield an open lower surface of the light case 251 and allow light emitted from the light-emitting member 252 to be transmitted therethrough.

[0074] The lighting device 25 may also be provided on left and right sides of the liner opening 211, rather than at an upper end of the door 20. Alternatively, the lighting device 25 may be installed not on the door 20, but on one side of a storage space of the cabinet 10.

[0075] The panel assembly 30 may include a plurality of panels 31, 32, and 33 that are spaced apart from each other in a front-rear direction.

[0076] The panel assembly 30 may also include a plurality of thermal insulation layers 30a and 30b. The thermal insulation layers 30a and 30b may be referred to as thermal insulation spaces or thermal insulation regions.

[0077] A front surface of the panel assembly 30 may form at least a portion of a front surface of the door 20. For example, the front surface of the panel assembly 30 may form an entire front surface of the door 20. A rear surface of the panel assembly 30 may cover the liner opening 211 and may form a portion of a rear surface of the door 20.

[0078] In detail, the panel assembly 30 may include a front panel 31 forming a front surface, a rear panel 33 forming a rear surface, and an intermediate panel 32 disposed between the front panel 31 and the rear panel 33. The front panel 31, the rear panel 33, and the intermediate panel 32 may be made of glass material and may be formed in a rectangular plate shape.

[0079] For example, the front panel 31 may be formed of tempered glass. The front panel 31 may form an entire front surface of the door 20. A transparent part 311 may be formed at a central portion of the front panel 31, and an opaque part 312 may be formed around the transparent part 311. A size of the transparent part 311 may be smaller than those of the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33. Further, the size of the transparent part 311 may be smaller than that of the liner opening 211.

[0080] The intermediate panel 32 may be provided behind the front panel 31. The intermediate panel 32 may be made of low-emissivity (Low-E) glass. Of course, the intermediate panel 32 may alternatively be made of clear glass. The intermediate panel 32 may have a thickness that satisfies both thermal insulation performance and workability. For example, the thickness of the intermediate panel 32 may be approximately 4 mm.

[0081] The intermediate panel 32 may be smaller than the front panel 31, but larger than the liner opening 211. Further, the intermediate panel 32 may be formed to have a size identical to that of the rear panel 33.

[0082] A first spacer 341 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32. The first spacer 341 may be formed along a periphery of the intermediate panel 32 and may maintain a spacing between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32. The first spacer 341 may be formed in a rectangular frame shape having a central opening, with a front surface of the spacer adhered to the front panel 31 and a rear surface of the spacer adhered to the intermediate panel 32. The first spacer 341 may be made of a TPS (Thermoplastic Spacer) material, that is, a thermally insulating plastic material. Alternatively, the first spacer 341 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum. An interior of the first spacer 341 may be filled with a desiccant, thereby removing moisture within the first thermal insulation layer 30a and improving the thermal insulation performance.

[0083] Accordingly, when the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32 are adhered to the first spacer 341, a sealed first thermal insulation layer 30a may be formed between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32. The first thermal insulation layer 30a may provide a structure that enables thermal insulation under a vacuum state. Furthermore, a thermal insulating gas may be injected into the first thermal insulation layer 30a to further enhance the thermal insulation performance. For example, the thermal insulating gas may be argon (Ar) gas.

[0084] A thickness of the first thermal insulation layer 30a may be approximately 12 mm to 14 mm, which provides optimal thermal insulation efficiency while minimizing an increase in the door volume. To achieve this, a thickness of the first spacer 341 may also be formed to be approximately 12 mm to 14 mm.

[0085] Meanwhile, an outer end of the intermediate panel 32 may protrude outward beyond the first spacer 341. That is, the first spacer 341 may be positioned inwardly from an edge of the intermediate panel 32 toward a central portion thereof. In addition, the first spacer 341 may be located outward of the liner opening 211.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 11, the first spacer 341 may be positioned at a location spaced outward by a predetermined distance L1 from an inner end of the opaque part 312. That is, the first spacer 341 may be disposed outward of the transparent part 311, and thus may be positioned behind the opaque part 312 so as to be concealed from external view. The first spacer 341 may be located between an outer end of the intermediate panel 32 and the inner end of the opaque part 312.

[0087] A sealant 342 may be applied to an outer surface of the first spacer 341. The sealant 342 may fill a space between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32, and may seal between the first spacer 341 and the front and intermediate panels to maintain airtightness. The sealant 342 may be formed of a silicone material. Alternatively, the sealant 342 may be omitted, and the first spacer 341 may be disposed to a region corresponding to the area where the sealant 342 is applied.

[0088] The rear panel 33 may be disposed behind the intermediate panel 32. The rear panel 33 may be made of low-emissivity (Low-E) glass. The rear panel 33 may be formed to have a thickness of approximately 4 mm so as to satisfy both thermal insulation performance and workability. The rear panel 33 may have a size identical to that of the intermediate panel 32. Accordingly, when viewed from the rear, the rear panel 33 and the intermediate panel 32 may be in an overlapping state.

[0089] A second spacer 343 may be disposed between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33. The second spacer 343 may space apart the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33 to maintain a constant gap therebetween. The second spacer 343 may be made of the same material and shape as the first spacer 341, except that its size and placement position are different.

[0090] A front surface of the second spacer 343 may be adhered to the intermediate panel 32, and a rear surface of the second spacer 343 may be adhered to the rear panel 33. Accordingly, when the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33 are adhered to the second spacer 343, a sealed second thermal insulation layer 30b may be formed between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33. The second thermal insulation layer 30b may provide a structure that enables thermal insulation under a vacuum state. Furthermore, a thermal insulating gas may be injected into the second thermal insulation layer 30b to further enhance thermal insulation performance. For example, the thermal insulating gas may be argon (Ar) gas.

[0091] Meanwhile, the second spacer 343 may be disposed along a periphery of the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33. The second spacer 343 may be arranged along edges of the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 11, the second spacer 343 may be positioned at a location spaced outward by a predetermined distance L2 from an end of the first spacer 341 or the sealant 342. The second spacer 343 may be located between an inner end of the opaque part 312 and an outer end of the rear panel 33. In addition, the second spacer 343 may be positioned farther outward than the first spacer 341. That is, the first spacer 341 may be positioned between the inner end of the opaque part 312 and the second spacer 343.

[0093] Both the first spacer 341 and the second spacer 343 may be disposed behind the opaque part 312, and thus may be concealed by the opaque part 312 when viewed from the front side.

[0094] Meanwhile, a sealant 344 may be applied to an outer surface of the second spacer 343. The sealant 344 may fill a space between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33, and may seal between the second spacer 343 and the intermediate and rear panels to maintain airtightness. The second spacer 343 may be positioned slightly inward relative to the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33, and an outer surface of the sealant 344 may form a coplanar surface with edges of the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33. Alternatively, the sealant 344 may be omitted, and the second spacer 343 may be extended to a region corresponding to the sealant 344 area.

[0095] Peripheries of the intermediate panel 32, the rear panel 33, and the second spacer 343 may all protrude outward beyond a periphery of the first spacer 341. Accordingly, a portion of the intermediate panel 32, the rear panel 33, and the second spacer 343 that protrudes outward relative to the first spacer 341 may be referred to as a protruded part 301.

[0096] In addition, due to the structure of the protruded part 301, a recessed part 302 may be formed between a rear surface of the front panel 31, a front surface of the intermediate panel 32, and an outer surface of the first spacer 341. An insulation material 26 may be filled inside the recessed part 302, and a heater 44, which will be described later, may be disposed therein to prevent condensation. Furthermore, the heat transfer path of the panel assembly 30 may be increased by the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302.

[0097] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6, the upper cap deco 22 may be provided with an injection port 221 through which a foaming agent is injected for forming the insulation material 26. When viewed from above, the injection port 221 may be at least partially overlapped with one of the left and right ends of the protruded part 301. In other words, the injection port 221 may be located vertically above and correspond to one side end of the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33. Accordingly, the foaming agent injected through the injection port 221 may be branched by the protruded part 301, and the foaming agent may thus be evenly filled into a region between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32.

[0098] When the foaming agent is injected through the injection port 221, a high pressure may be generated. If the protruded part 301 is positioned too close to the injection port 221, the flow of the foaming agent may be disturbed or may flow backward. To prevent this, the protruded part 301 may be extended to a position spaced apart from the injection port 221 by a predetermined distance. For example, the predetermined distance may be 50 mm or more.

[0099] The injection port 221 may be provided in at least one or more. In addition, the injection port 221 may also be formed in the lower cap deco 23, and in this case as well, the injection port 221 may be located vertically below and correspond to one of the left and right ends of the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33.

[0100] A heater bracket 40 and a heater 44 may be provided on a rear surface of the front panel 31. The heater 44 may be disposed along a periphery of the transparent part 311 and located behind the opaque part 312. By heating the heater 44, a portion of the front panel 31 may be heated, thereby preventing condensation on a front surface of the panel assembly 30.

[0101] The heater 44 may be mounted on the heater bracket 40, and the heater bracket 40 may be disposed along an outer surface of the first spacer 341. In addition, the heater bracket 40 may be embedded in the insulation material 26 while being attached to the front panel 31.

[0102] Hereinafter, the structure of the heater bracket 40 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0103] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a mounting process of a heater bracket, which is one component of the door, and FIG. 9 is a rear view illustrating the heater bracket, and FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the heater bracket.

[0104] As shown, the heater bracket 40 may be disposed along a periphery of the panel assembly 30. The heater bracket 40 may be attached to a rear surface of the front panel 31 and may be located outward of the transparent part 311. The heater bracket 40 may also be arranged along an outer side of the first spacer 341.

[0105] The heater bracket 40 may be formed by injection molding using a plastic material. The heater bracket 40 may have a rectangular frame shape including an upper side, a lower side, and left and right sides. In this case, the heater bracket 40 may be formed by coupling a plurality of separate parts together.

[0106] The heater bracket 40 may be disposed inside the recessed part 302, which is defined by outer surfaces of the front panel 31, the intermediate panel 32, and the first spacer 341. The heater bracket 40 may be inserted and mounted into the recessed part 302 from an outer side toward an inner side. Furthermore, the heater bracket 40 may be fixed inside the recessed part 302 by connecting its plural components together.

[0107] In one example, the heater bracket 40 may include a lower part 41 forming a bottom portion of the heater bracket 40, a pair of side parts 42 forming left and right sides, and an upper part 43 forming a top portion. The heater bracket 40 may thus have a rectangular frame shape by coupling the lower part 41, the side parts 42, and the upper part 43 together.

[0108] The lower part 41 and the upper part 43 may be rotatably connected with respect to the side parts 42. At upper and lower ends of each side part 42, a shaft connecting portion 421 may be formed. Each shaft connecting portion 421 may have a connection hole 422 formed through it.

[0109] At both ends of the lower part 41 that are connected to the side parts 42, connection shafts 411 may be provided to be coupled with the shaft connecting portions 421. Each connection shaft 411 may protrude through the connection hole 422. Accordingly, the pair of side parts 42 may be rotated with respect to both ends of the lower part 41.

[0110] The upper part 43 may be provided as a pair, and each of the pair of upper parts 43 may be connected to an upper end of the side parts 42 disposed on the left and right sides. The pair of upper parts 43 may be formed to have the same length, and end portions of the pair of upper parts 43 facing each other may be connected together during assembly of the heater bracket 40. At one end of the upper part 43 connected to the upper end of the side part 42, a connection shaft 431 may be formed, which is coupled to the shaft connecting portion 421. The connection shaft 431 may protrude through the connection hole 422. Accordingly, the pair of upper parts 43 may be rotated with respect to the upper ends of the side parts 42.

[0111] Meanwhile, the heater bracket 40 may include an adhesion part 401 and a heater mounting part 402. The adhesion part 401 may have a flat shape that contacts a rear surface of the front panel 31, and may be adhered to the front panel 31.

[0112] The heater mounting part 402 may be formed along one end of the adhesion part 401, and may be positioned closer to the first spacer 341 among both ends of the adhesion part 401. A heater groove 403, in which the heater 44 is accommodated, may be formed in the heater mounting part 402. The heater mounting part 402 may be thicker than the adhesion part 401 so that the heater groove 403 can be formed therein. The heater groove 403 may be recessed in a front surface of the heater bracket 40, which faces the front panel 31.

[0113] The adhesion part 401 and the heater mounting part 402 may be formed in each of the lower part 41, the side parts 42, and the upper part 43, and may have the same cross-sectional structure.

[0114] Meanwhile, the heater 44 may be configured, for example, as a wire heater. The heater groove 403 may be recessed in a shape corresponding to the heater 44 so that the heater 44 can be inserted and accommodated therein.

[0115] Rotation grooves 412 and 432 may be further formed at both ends of the lower part 41 and the upper part 43, respectively. The rotation grooves 412 and 432 may be formed along the peripheries of the connection shafts 411 and 431, respectively. The rotation grooves 412 and 432 may be recessed from the front surfaces of the lower part 41 and upper part 43, and may be connected to the heater groove 403.

[0116] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10, the heater 44 may be extended in a state of being accommodated in the heater groove 403 formed in the side part 42. The heater 44 may be guided into the lower part 41 and upper part 43 through the rotation grooves 412 and 432, and may be further guided into the heater grooves 403 of the lower part 41 and upper part 43.

[0117] The heater groove 403 of the upper part 43 may be exposed through the end portions of the pair of upper parts 43 facing each other. The heater 44 may be inserted into or withdrawn from the heater groove 403 through the open ends of the pair of upper parts 43.

[0118] Accordingly, even when the lower part 41 and the upper part 43 are rotated, the heater 44 may remain received in the heater groove 403 and the rotation grooves 412 and 432, thereby maintaining a state in which the heater 44 is mounted to the heater bracket 40.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 9, in the process of mounting the heater bracket 40, the heater bracket 40 may be mounted to the panel assembly 30 in a state where the lower part 41 and the upper part 43 are rotatably connected to both ends of the side part 42. At this time, the heater 44 may also be in a state of being inserted into the heater groove 403 and the rotation grooves 412 and 432 of the heater bracket 40.

[0120] For the mounting of the heater bracket 40, the lower part 41 is inserted into the inside of the recessed part 302 that is opened downward. At this time, the side parts 42 and the upper parts 43 are rotated to be positioned farther outward than both ends of the lower part 41, so that they do not interfere with the panel assembly 30 during the mounting process of the lower part 41.

[0121] In a state where the lower part 41 is inserted into the recessed part 302, both side parts 42 may be rotated about both ends of the lower part 41. The side parts 42 are rotated and inserted into the inside of the recessed part 302 that is open to both lateral sides.

[0122] In a state where the lower part 41 and the side parts 42 are inserted into the recessed part 302, the upper parts 43 may be rotated about the upper ends of the side parts 42. The upper parts 43 are rotated and inserted into the inside of the recessed part 302 that is open upward. The pair of upper parts 43 may be brought into contact with each other at their ends by rotation and thereby fixed together.

[0123] Even during the process in which the lower part 41, side parts 42, and upper parts 43 are rotated relative to each other for the mounting of the heater bracket 40, the heater 44 disposed in the rotation grooves 412 and 413 may remain mounted to the heater bracket 40 without being separated.

[0124] The heater bracket 40 may be adhered to the front panel 31 inside the recessed part 302. When the heater bracket 40 is mounted, the heater 44 may be in contact with the front panel 31 to heat the periphery of the transparent part 311.

[0125] Hereinafter, the heat transfer state of the panel assembly 30 in the refrigerator 1 having the above-described structure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0126] FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly.

[0127] As shown, when the door 20 is in a closed state, the cold air of the refrigerating compartment may be blocked by the insulation layers 30a and 30b of the panel assembly 30, thereby preventing heat transfer directly to the front surface of the door 20 along the shortest path. However, in the peripheral region of the panel assembly 30 where the insulation layers 30a and 30b are not formed, heat transfer by conduction may occur.

[0128] That is, the first spacer 341 and the second spacer 343 disposed at the outer ends of the insulation layers 30a and 30b have relatively lower thermal insulation performance than the insulation layers 30a and 30b, and thus heat transfer may occur through these spacers. However, by designing the structure such that the heat transfer path from the rear panel 33 to the front panel 31 is diverted, the overall heat transfer path is increased, thereby minimizing the loss of cold air.

[0129] In detail, through the liner opening 211, the cold air of the refrigerating compartment may come into contact with the rear panel 33. The heat of the rear panel 33 may be blocked by the second insulation layer 30b and thus may not be directly transmitted forward, but may instead be conducted upward along the rear panel 33. Then, the heat of the rear panel 33 may move forward at the upper end of the rear panel 33 through the second spacer 343, and may be transferred to the intermediate panel 32.

[0130] The heat at the upper portion of the intermediate panel 32 may be transferred downward along the intermediate panel 32 and transmitted to the first spacer 341 at a position where the intermediate panel 32 is in contact with the first spacer 341. The heat transmitted to the first spacer 341 may then be transferred along the first spacer 341 to the front panel 31.

[0131] As described above, the cold air inside the refrigerating compartment may not be directly transmitted forward along the shortest path due to the insulation layers 30a and 30b, but instead moves along a diverted heat transfer path formed by the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302 that are provided around the panel assembly 30. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the cold air of the refrigerating compartment from being directly transferred to the front panel 31 and lost along the shortest distance.

[0132] Meanwhile, for ease of explanation and understanding, the above description has illustrated the heat transfer path at the upper portion of the panel assembly 30 as an example. However, the same heat transfer path as described above may be provided along the entire periphery of the panel assembly 30 where the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302 are formed.

[0133] Of course, the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302 may be partially formed, including one end of the panel assembly 30. In this case, the heat transfer path as described above may be formed in the region of the panel assembly 30 where the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302 are provided.

[0134] Furthermore, when the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302 are formed at two or more portions along the periphery of the panel assembly 30 such that the heat transfer path is formed in multiple areas, it is also possible that the lengths of the respective heat transfer paths are formed to be different from each other.

[0135] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various other embodiments are also possible. Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings of the present embodiment, the components that are identical or corresponding to those of the previously described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a detailed description and illustration thereof will be omitted. In addition, components that are not illustrated or are omitted may be understood with reference to the configurations of the previously described embodiments.

[0136] Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0137] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating an arrangement of the heater bracket according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged view illustrating an arrangement of a heater of the panel assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] As shown, the panel assembly 30 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include, as in the previously described embodiment, a front panel 31, an intermediate panel 32, and a rear panel 33. The front panel 31 may include a transparent part 311 and an opaque part 312.

[0139] A first spacer 341 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32 to form a first insulation layer 30a. A second spacer 343 may be provided between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33 to form a second insulation layer 30b.

[0140] The intermediate panel 32, the rear panel 33, and the second spacer 343 may extend farther outward than the first spacer 341, thereby forming the protruded part 301. In front of the protruded part 301, the front panel 31, the intermediate panel 32, and the first spacer 341 may be arranged, thereby forming the recessed part 302.

[0141] In addition, a heater 44 and a heater bracket 45, on which the heater 44 is mounted, may be provided along the periphery of the panel assembly 30. The heater 44 and the heater bracket 45 may be formed on the rear surface of the front panel 31, and may be positioned within the opaque part 312 so as not to be exposed to the outside. Further, the heater 44 and the heater bracket 45 may be located inside the recessed part 302.

[0142] The heater 44 may be formed in a wire shape. The heat generated by the heater 44 may heat the periphery of the transparent part 311, thereby preventing condensation on the front panel 31. In particular, the heater 44 may be disposed along the heat transfer path, thereby more effectively preventing condensation.

[0143] The heater bracket 45 may be composed of a plurality of pieces and may be disposed inside the recessed part 302 so as to secure the heater 44. For example, the heater bracket 45 may be composed of four brackets and may be arranged along the periphery of the first spacer 341.

[0144] The heater bracket 45 may include an upper bracket 451 disposed along the upper side of the transparent part 311, a lower bracket 452 disposed along the lower side of the transparent part 311, and side brackets 453 disposed along both lateral sides of the transparent part 311.

[0145] The upper bracket 451 may correspond to the length of the upper side of the transparent part 311, the lower bracket 452 may correspond to the length of the lower side of the transparent part 311, and the side brackets 453 may correspond to the length of the lateral sides of the transparent part 311.

[0146] The upper bracket 451 and the lower bracket 452 may be spaced apart from the upper and lower ends of the side brackets 453, respectively. The upper bracket 451, the lower bracket 452, and the side brackets 453 may have the same cross-sectional shape.

[0147] A heater receiving groove 450 may be formed on the front surfaces of the upper bracket 451, the lower bracket 452, and the side brackets 453. The heater 44 may be accommodated in the heater receiving groove 450. That is, the heater 44 may be disposed along the heater receiving groove 450, and when the upper bracket 451, the lower bracket 452, and the side brackets 453 are mounted, the heater 44 may be brought into close contact with the front panel 31.

[0148] Meanwhile, the upper and lower ends of the side brackets 453 may be spaced apart from the ends of the upper bracket 451 and the lower bracket 452, respectively. Accordingly, the heater 44 may be bent at the upper and lower ends of the side brackets 453 and may be arranged to extend toward the upper bracket 451 and the lower bracket 452.

[0149] By mounting the heater 44 and the heater bracket 45, the periphery of the transparent part 311 can be heated, thereby preventing condensation in the region where the first spacer 341 is in contact.

[0150] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a surface-type heating element attached to the panel assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] As illustrated, the panel assembly 30 according to a third embodiment of the present invention may include a front panel 31, an intermediate panel 32, and a rear panel 33.

[0152] A first spacer 341 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32 to form a first insulation layer 30a. A second spacer 343 may be provided between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33 to form a second insulation layer 30b. In addition, a sealant 344 may be provided on the outer surfaces of the first spacer 341 and the second spacer 343.

[0153] The intermediate panel 32, the rear panel 33, and the second spacer 343 may extend further outward than the first spacer 341, thereby forming a protruded part 301. In front of the protruded part 301, the front panel 31, the intermediate panel 32, and the first spacer 341 may be disposed, thereby forming a recessed part 302.

[0154] Meanwhile, the front panel 31 may include a transparent part 311 and an opaque part 312. A heater 46 may be provided along the periphery of the transparent part 311. The heater 46 may be a surface heating element having a plate, sheet, or film shape.

[0155] The heater 46 may be disposed along the periphery of the transparent part 311, and the front surface of the heater 46 may be adhered to the rear surface of the front panel 31. The rear surface of the heater 46 may be bonded to the front surface of the first spacer 341. That is, the heater 46 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the first spacer 341.

[0156] The heater 46 may be extended further inward relative to the first spacer 341. In other words, a portion of the heater 46 may be positioned within the first insulation layer 30a. The heater 46 may also extend further outward from the first spacer 341, and a portion of the heater 46 may be positioned within the recessed part 302. The heater 46 may be made of a transparent film material.

[0157] By the heat generated from the heater 46, the periphery of the transparent part 311 can be heated, thereby preventing condensation on the front panel 31. In particular, since the heater 46 is provided along the heat transfer path, condensation can be more effectively prevented.

[0158] FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] As illustrated in the drawings, the panel assembly 30 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention may include a front panel 31, an intermediate panel 32, and a rear panel 33.

[0160] A first spacer 341 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32 to form a first insulation layer 30a. A second spacer 343 may be provided between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33 to form a second insulation layer 30b, and a sealant may also be provided.

[0161] The intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33 may be extended further outward relative to the first spacer 341 to form a protruded part 301. A recessed part 302 may be formed in front of the protruded part 301. The recessed part 302 may be defined by a space between the front panel 31, the rear panel 33, and the outer surface of the first spacer 341, and may be recessed inward along the periphery of the panel assembly 30. Inside the recessed part 302, a heater bracket 40, on which a heater 44 is mounted, may be provided.

[0162] Meanwhile, a stepped part 322 may be formed at the outer end of the intermediate panel 32. The stepped part 322 may be formed along the periphery of the intermediate panel 32 and may have a thickness D2 that is smaller than the overall thickness D1 of the intermediate panel 32. In addition, the thickness D2 of the stepped part 322 may be smaller than the thickness D3 of the second spacer 343.

[0163] In detail, the stepped part 322 may be formed on the front surface of the intermediate panel 32. The stepped part 322 may be formed in a region corresponding to the recessed part 302 and may extend between the outer end of the intermediate panel 32 and the first spacer 341. When the sealant 342 is applied, the stepped part 322 may be formed between the outer end of the intermediate panel 32 and the sealant 342. Alternatively, the stepped part 322 may be formed on the rear surface of the intermediate panel 32, which is in contact with the second spacer 343.

[0164] Referring to the heat transfer path of the panel assembly 30, the rear panel 33 may be in contact with the cold air of the storage compartment. The heat of the rear panel 33 may be blocked from moving forward by the second insulation layer 30b and may instead be transferred upward along the rear panel 33. The heat of the rear panel 33 may then be transferred from the upper end of the rear panel 33 to the upper end of the intermediate panel 32 through the second spacer 343.

[0165] The heat at the upper end of the intermediate panel 32 may be transferred downward along the intermediate panel 32 and then transmitted to the first spacer 341. Subsequently, the heat transferred to the first spacer 341 may travel along the first spacer 341 and be conveyed to the front panel 31.

[0166] At this time, the heat transferred to the intermediate panel 32 passes through the stepped portion 322 in the process of moving toward the first spacer 341. The stepped portion 322 is formed to have a thickness D2 that is thinner than the overall thickness D1 of the intermediate panel 32. Accordingly, the stepped portion 322 has a greater thermal resistance, and its heat transfer performance is reduced.

[0167] Therefore, the heat transferred through the second spacer 343 and passing through the stepped portion 322 is significantly reduced by the thermal resistance of the stepped portion 322 before being transferred to the first spacer 341. Then, the heat transferred through the first spacer 341 is finally directed toward the front panel 31.

[0168] As described above, the cold air inside the storage compartment is transferred along a diverted heat transfer path formed by the protruded part and the recessed part provided around the periphery of the panel assembly 30. In addition, the heat transferred along the panel assembly 30 may be further reduced as it passes through the stepped portion 322, due to the increased thermal resistance of the stepped portion 322. Accordingly, it is possible to minimize the loss of cold air being transferred to the front panel 31.

[0169] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] As illustrated in the drawings, the panel assembly 30 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may include the front panel 31, the intermediate panel 32, and the rear panel 33. A first spacer 341 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32, thereby forming a first insulation layer 30a. A second spacer 343 may be provided between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33, thereby forming a second insulation layer 30b. The first insulation layer 30a and the second insulation layer 30b may be evacuated or filled with an insulating gas.

[0171] The front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32 may be formed to have the same size, and the first spacer 341 may be arranged along the periphery of the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32. A sealant 342 may be applied to the outer surface of the first spacer 341.

[0172] The rear panel 33 may be formed to have a smaller size than the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32. A second spacer 343 may be disposed between the front panel 31 and the rear panel 33. The second spacer 343 may be arranged along the periphery of the rear panel 33, and a sealant 344 may be applied to the outer surface of the second spacer 343. The second spacer 343 may have the same structure as the first spacer 341, except for its positional arrangement.

[0173] Accordingly, the outer end of the first insulation layer 30a may be positioned further outward than the outer end of the second insulation layer 30b. That is, relative to the second insulation layer 30b, the first insulation layer 30a may be formed in a stepped manner such that the second insulation layer 30b is positioned inward.

[0174] The front panel 31 may be formed of a tempered glass material.

[0175] The front panel 31 may include a transparent part 311 and an opaque part 312. The size of the transparent part 311 may be smaller than that of the rear panel 33 and the liner opening 211. That is, the inner edge of the opaque part 312 may extend further inward than the rear panel 33 and the second spacer 343. Accordingly, when viewing the rear side of the door through the transparent part 311, the edge of the rear panel 33 and the second spacer 343 may not be directly exposed.

[0176] Relative to the second spacer 343, the front panel 31, the intermediate panel 32, and the first spacer 341 may protrude further outward to form a protruded part 301. Relative to the first spacer 341, the intermediate panel 32 and the second spacer 343 may be positioned further inward to form a recessed part 302.

[0177] Meanwhile, the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302 may be formed along the periphery of the panel assembly 30. In addition, the protrusion and recess depths of the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302 may differ between the upper and lower sides or between the left and right sides.

[0178] Of course, the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302 may also be formed only on a portion of the periphery of the panel assembly 30.

[0179] Both the first spacer 341 and the second spacer 343 may be positioned within the region of the opaque part 312. The opaque part 312 may extend inward from the edge of the front panel 31 and may extend further inward than the second spacer 343. That is, the distance L3 from the outer edge of the front panel 31 to the transparent part 311 may be greater than the distance L4 from the outer edge of the front panel 31 to the inner edge of the second spacer 343.

[0180] When examining the heat transfer path of the panel assembly 30, the cold air inside the storage space comes into contact with the rear panel 33, and the heat of the rear panel 33 is prevented from moving forward by the second insulation layer 30b. Instead, the heat may be transferred upward along the rear panel 33 and then conducted to the second spacer 343.

[0181] The heat that has passed through the second spacer 343 is transferred to the intermediate panel 32, and the heat in the intermediate panel 32 is prevented from moving forward by the first insulation layer 30a, instead being transferred upward along the intermediate panel 32. The heat transferred upward along the intermediate panel 32 may then be conducted to the front panel 31 through the first spacer 341.

[0182] In this way, the heat transfer path of the panel assembly 30 is protruded upward and diverted by the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302, thereby providing an indirect heat transfer path.

[0183] Accordingly, the cold air in the storage space cannot be directly transferred to the front panel 31 along the shortest path, but instead moves along the diverted heat transfer path, minimizing the loss of cold air.

[0184] FIG. 17 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a door according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating the door, and FIG. 19 is a rear view illustrating the panel assembly, which is one component of the door, and FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the panel assembly.

[0185] As illustrated, the door 20 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention may include a panel assembly 30, a door liner 21, an upper cap deco 22, a lower cap deco 23, and a side frame 24. An insulation material 26 may be filled inside the door 20.

[0186] In a state where the panel assembly 30 is mounted to the door 20, the panel assembly 30 may form the front surface of the door 20 and shield the liner opening 211 of the door liner 21.

[0187] The panel assembly 30 may be composed of a plurality of panels 31. For example, the panel assembly 30 may include a front panel 31 and a vacuum panel 35.

[0188] The front panel 31 may form the front surface of the door 20. The front panel 31 may form at least a portion of the front surface of the door 20. The front panel 31 may include a transparent part 311 through which the storage space at the rear of the door 20 can be viewed, and an opaque part 312 formed around the transparent part 311. The front panel 31 may be made of tempered glass.

[0189] The vacuum panel 35 may be formed smaller in size than the front panel 31 but larger than the liner opening 211. The vacuum panel 35 may be referred to as vacuum insulation glass (VIG).

[0190] A first spacer 341 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the vacuum panel 35. The first spacer 341 may be referred to as a vacuum spacer. By the first spacer 341, a first insulation layer 30a may be formed between the front panel 31 and the vacuum panel 35. The first insulation layer 30a may be in a vacuum state or filled with an insulating gas.

[0191] The front surface of the first spacer 341 may be in contact with the rear surface of the front panel 31, and it may be arranged along the outer side of the transparent part 311, that is, along the opaque part 312. The rear surface of the first spacer 341 may be in contact with the front surface of the vacuum panel 35. In this case, the first spacer 341 may be positioned further inward than the outer edge of the vacuum panel 35. The first spacer 341 may also be positioned further inward than a third spacer 353 of the vacuum panel 35.

[0192] Accordingly, the outer edge of the vacuum panel 35 may protrude further outward than the first spacer 341. The portion of the vacuum panel 35 that protrudes outward relative to the first spacer 341 may be referred to as the protruded part 301. Based on the outer edge of the vacuum panel 35, a recessed part 302 may be formed in the space defined by the front panel 31, the vacuum panel 35, and the first spacer 341. The panel assembly 30 may thus have a diverted heat transfer path formed by the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302.

[0193] A heater bracket 40 accommodating a heater 44 may be mounted inside the recessed part 302. The insulation material 26 filled inside the door 20 may also be filled up to the interior of the recessed part 302.

[0194] To form the insulation material 26, an injection port 221 for injecting a foaming liquid may be formed in the upper cap deco 22. The injection port 221 may be disposed on an extension line of both side edges of the vacuum panel 35. Accordingly, the foaming liquid injected through the injection port 221 may be branched by the edge of the vacuum panel 35 during injection and evenly filled up to the interior of the recessed part 302.

[0195] In addition, the door liner 21 may be provided with a lighting device 25 configured to selectively make the transparent part 311 of the front panel 31 appear transparent.

[0196] The vacuum panel 35 may include a first panel 351, a second panel 352, and a third spacer 353. The first panel 351 and the second panel 352 may have the same size and shape, and may be spaced apart from each other with the third spacer 353 interposed therebetween. At least one of the first panel 351 and the second panel 352 may be made of insulating glass. For example, the first panel 351 disposed at the front may be formed of clear glass, and the second panel 352 disposed at the rear may be formed of low-emissivity (Low-e) glass.

[0197] The third spacer 353 may be formed along the peripheries of the first panel 351 and the second panel 352 and may allow the first panel 351 and the second panel 352 to be bonded together in a vacuum state. In this case, the third spacer 353 may extend inward from the edges of the first panel 351 and the second panel 352, but be positioned farther outward than the first spacer 341.

[0198] The third spacer 353 may be made of an adhesive material and may seal the space between the first panel 351 and the second panel 352 in an airtight manner. Therefore, the third spacer 353 may also be referred to as a sealing member. In addition, the third spacer 353 is made of a material different from that of the first spacer 341 and may be referred to as a vacuum spacer to distinguish it from the first spacer 341.

[0199] For example, the third spacer 353 may be made of a frit material. The third spacer 353 may be composed of frit glass or glass sealant. When formed of a frit material, the third spacer 353 may be bonded between the first panel 351 and the second panel 352 through a firing process, thereby hermetically joining the first panel 351 and the second panel 352 together.

[0200] In a state where the third spacer 353 has been subjected to a firing process between the first panel 351 and the second panel 352, a vacuum insulation layer 30c may be formed between the first panel 351, the second panel 352, and the third spacer 353. The vacuum insulation layer 30c may prevent cold air at the rear of the vacuum panel 35 from being transmitted toward the front.

[0201] Meanwhile, a plurality of supporting members 354 may be provided inside the vacuum insulation layer 30c. The front surfaces of the supporting members 354 may be in contact with the first panel 351, and the rear surfaces may be in contact with the second panel 352. The supporting members 354 may be formed to have a height corresponding to the thickness of the vacuum insulation layer 30c. The supporting members 354 may be made of a transparent material and may be arranged at regular intervals throughout the entire region of the vacuum insulation layer 30c.

[0202] The vacuum insulation layer 30c may be formed with a thickness that can effectively prevent the cold air in the storage space from being transmitted. For example, the thickness of the vacuum insulation layer 30c may be approximately 0.1 mm to 1 mm. If the thickness of the vacuum insulation layer 30c is less than 0.1 mm, the first panel 351 and the second panel 352 may deform and come into contact with each other during the evacuation process. On the other hand, if it exceeds 1 mm, the size of the supporting members 354 increases, which may cause a decrease in insulation performance due to heat transfer and a reduction in the visibility of the transparent region. Therefore, the thickness of the vacuum insulation layer 30c may be formed to be approximately 0.1 mm to 1 mm. The thicknesses of the third spacer 353 and the supporting members 354 may also be the same as that of the vacuum insulation layer 30c, and may be approximately 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0203] An exhaust hole 355 may be formed in the second panel 352. The exhaust hole 355 may communicate with the vacuum insulation layer 30c to evacuate air from the vacuum insulation layer 30c, thereby maintaining it in a vacuum state. The exhaust hole 355 may be located in a region inward of the third spacer 353 to allow air to be discharged from the vacuum insulation layer 30c.

[0204] At this time, the exhaust hole 355 may be positioned outward of the first spacer 341 and may be located on the protruded part 301. Accordingly, the exhaust hole 355 may be concealed by the opaque portion 312 positioned at the front.

[0205] A hole cover 356 may be provided at the exhaust hole 355. The hole cover 356 may be made of a material that seals the exhaust hole 355 after the air inside the vacuum insulation layer 30c has been evacuated. For example, the hole cover 356 may be made of a frit material. The hole cover 356, when installed, may also be concealed by the opaque portion 312.

[0206] Hereinafter, the heat transfer path of the panel assembly 30 having the above-described structure will be described.

[0207] FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly.

[0208] As shown, the rear surface of the vacuum panel 35, that is, the second panel 352, comes into contact with the cold air in the storage space. At this time, the cold air is blocked by the vacuum insulation layer 30c and the first insulation layer 30a, preventing it from being directly transmitted toward the front.

[0209] Accordingly, the heat of the second panel 352 may be transferred upward along the second panel 352. The heat of the second panel 352 may then be transferred from the upper end of the second panel 352 to the third spacer 353, and through the third spacer 353, it may be transferred to the upper end of the first panel 351.

[0210] The heat transferred to the upper end of the first panel 351 may be conducted downward along the first panel 351. The heat of the first panel 351 is blocked from moving forward by the first insulation layer 30a, but it may be transferred forward through the first spacer 341 and then transmitted to the front panel 31.

[0211] As described above, the heat of the storage space is diverted along a heat transfer path that includes the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302 formed around the panel assembly 30. During this diverted transfer along the heat transfer path, the amount of heat transmitted is minimized, thereby reducing the loss of cold air from the storage space to a minimum.

[0212] FIG. 22 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0213] As illustrated, the panel assembly 30 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is configured in the same manner as the sixth embodiment described above, except for the structure of the vacuum panel 35.

[0214] The panel assembly 30 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention may include the front panel 31, the vacuum panel 35, and the first spacer 341. The vacuum panel 35 may include a first panel 357, a second panel 352, and a third spacer 353. The first panel 357 may be formed of clear glass, and the second panel 352 may be formed of low-emissivity (Low-E) glass.

[0215] Specifically, the first panel 357 and the second panel 352 may be formed to have the same size, and a vacuum insulation layer 30c may be formed between the first panel 357 and the second panel 352. In this case, the thickness D4 of the first panel 357 may be smaller than the thickness D3 of the second panel 352. For example, the second panel 352 may be formed of low-E glass having a thickness of 4 mm, while the first panel 357 may be formed of clear glass having a thickness of 3 mm. In particular, since the first panel 357 is made of clear glass, a coating layer can be omitted compared with the low-E glass, thereby allowing a reduction in thickness.

[0216] The thickness of the second panel 352 may be approximately 4 mm, which is considered suitable in view of insulation efficiency and weight. If the thickness of the first panel 357 is made excessively thin, the first panel 357 may deform during the evacuation process of the vacuum insulation layer 30c. Therefore, it is preferable that the first panel 357 be formed to have a thickness of about 3 mm so as to prevent deformation while enhancing thermal resistance performance.

[0217] In such a structure, the panel assembly 30, which comes into contact with the cold air of the storage space, allows heat transfer to occur along the heat transfer path formed on its peripheral surface.

[0218] In particular, the heat of the second panel 352, which is in contact with the cold air of the storage space, may not move forward due to the vacuum insulation layer 30c but may move upward and be transferred to the third spacer 353. Then, the heat of the third spacer 353 may be transferred to the first panel 357.

[0219] At this time, the first panel 357 may have increased thermal resistance due to its reduced thickness. Accordingly, the amount of heat passing through the first panel 357 can be further reduced, thereby decreasing the heat transferred from the first panel 357 to the first spacer 341.

[0220] That is, heat transfer occurs along a diverted heat transfer path formed around the periphery of the panel assembly 30 by the structure of the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302, while the reduced thickness of the first panel 357 increases thermal resistance. As a result, heat transfer through the panel assembly 30 can be minimized. Therefore, the loss of cold air from the storage space being transmitted to the front panel 31 can be minimized.

[0221] FIG. 23 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a door according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 24 is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating the door, and FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the panel assembly, which is one component of the door.

[0222] As illustrated, the panel assembly 30 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is configured in the same manner as the sixth embodiment described above, except that it differs only in the structure of the panel assembly 30.

[0223] The door 20 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention may include a door liner 21 having a liner opening 211 formed therein, and a panel assembly 30 that covers the liner opening 211 and forms the front surface of the door 20.

[0224] The door 20 may include an upper cap deco 22 in which an injection port 221 is formed, and may further include a lower cap deco 23 and side frames 24. An insulating material 26 may be formed in an internal space of the door 20 by a foaming agent injected through the injection port 221. In addition, the door 20 may further include a lighting device 25.

[0225] Meanwhile, the panel assembly 30 may include a front panel 31 forming the front surface, a first vacuum panel 36, and a second vacuum panel 37 sequentially arranged behind the front panel 31.

[0226] The front panel 31 may form at least a portion of the front surface of the door 20. The front panel 31 may include a transparent portion 311 that overlaps at least partially with the liner opening 211, allowing the interior of the storage space to be visible. The front panel 31 may further include an opaque portion 312 formed around the transparent portion 311 and extending to the outer edge of the front panel 31.

[0227] Behind the front panel 31, a first vacuum panel 36 including a first vacuum insulation layer 30d may be disposed. Behind the first vacuum panel 36, a second vacuum panel 37 including a second vacuum insulation layer 30e may be provided.

[0228] Specifically, the first vacuum panel 36 and the second vacuum panel 37 may each have a smaller size than the front panel 31. In addition, the first vacuum panel 36 may have a smaller size than the second vacuum panel 37.

[0229] Accordingly, a recessed part 302 may be formed between the rear surface of the front panel 31 and the front surface of the second vacuum panel 37, that is, on the outer side of the first vacuum panel 36. The periphery of the second vacuum panel 37 may protrude further outward relative to the outer edge of the first vacuum panel 36, thereby forming a protruded part 301. Thus, a heat transfer path may be formed along the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302 around the periphery of the panel assembly 30, through which heat is conducted. The heat transfer path may be configured to provide a diverted route from the storage space to the front panel 31.

[0230] In addition, the first vacuum panel 36 and the second vacuum panel 37 may have the same structure as the vacuum panel 35 of the aforementioned embodiment, except for their arrangement positions and sizes.

[0231] Specifically, the first vacuum panel 36 may include a first panel 361, a second panel 362, and a third spacer 363 provided between the first panel 361 and the second panel 362.

[0232] The first panel 361 and the second panel 362 may be formed to have the same size and may be arranged parallel to each other in the front-rear direction. The third spacer 363 may be formed along the periphery of the first panel 361 and the second panel 362.

[0233] When the third spacer 363 is subjected to a firing process between the first panel 361 and the second panel 362, a first vacuum insulation layer 30d may be formed between the first panel 361, the second panel 362, and the third spacer 363.

[0234] Meanwhile, a plurality of first supporting members 364 may be provided within the first vacuum insulation layer 30d. The front surfaces of the first supporting members 364 may contact the first panel 361, and the rear surfaces may contact the second panel 362, thereby allowing the first panel 361 and the second panel 362 to maintain a uniform spacing from each other over their entire surfaces.

[0235] An exhaust hole 365 may be formed in the first panel 361. The exhaust hole 365 may be in communication with the first vacuum insulation layer 30d to evacuate the air therein, thereby allowing the first vacuum insulation layer 30d to be maintained in a vacuum state. The exhaust hole 365 may be sealed by a hole cover 366. The exhaust hole 365 and the hole cover 366 may be located in a region inward of the third spacer 363 so that the air within the first vacuum insulation layer 30d can be discharged. In addition, the exhaust hole 365 and the hole cover 366 may be formed on the first panel 361 so as not to interfere with the second vacuum panel 37. Furthermore, the exhaust hole 365 and the hole cover 366 may be positioned in an area concealed by the opaque portion 312.

[0236] Meanwhile, an adhesive member 367 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the first vacuum panel 36. The adhesive member 367 may be made of a transparent material and formed to have a size corresponding to that of the first panel 361. For example, the adhesive member 367 may be formed in a film or sheet shape and made of an optically clear adhesive (OCA).

[0237] In addition, an adhesive member 377 may also be disposed between the first vacuum panel 36 and the second vacuum panel 37 so that the first vacuum panel 36 and the second vacuum panel 37 can be bonded to each other.

[0238] The second vacuum panel 37 may be disposed behind the first vacuum panel 36 and may have the same structure as the first vacuum panel 36. That is, the second vacuum panel 37 may include a third panel 371, a fourth panel 372, a fourth spacer 373, and second supporting members 374.

[0239] The fourth panel 372 may be provided with an exhaust hole 375 and a hole cover 376. The exhaust hole 375 and the hole cover 376 may be formed on the fourth panel 372 at positions that do not interfere with the first vacuum panel 36.

[0240] The third panel 371 and the fourth panel 372 may be formed to have the same size and may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction, thereby forming a second vacuum insulation layer 30 therebetween. In addition, the third panel 371 and the fourth panel 372 may be formed larger than the first vacuum panel 36.

[0241] That is, the upper and lower ends and both left and right sides of the third panel 371 and the fourth panel 372 may protrude outward beyond the first vacuum panel 36 to form a protruded part 301. In addition, the upper and lower ends and both left and right sides of the first panel 361 and the second panel 362 may be recessed inward relative to the second vacuum panel 37 to form a recessed part 302. Accordingly, a heat transfer path that diverts along the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302 at the periphery of the panel assembly 30 may be formed.

[0242] Such a structure of the panel assembly 30 may form the first vacuum insulation layer 30d, the second vacuum insulation layer 30, the recessed part 302, and the protruded part 301, while having an overall significantly reduced thickness compared to the foregoing embodiments.

[0243] FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly.

[0244] As illustrated, the rear surface of the panel assembly 30, that is, the fourth panel 372, is in contact with the cold air of the storage compartment. At this time, the heat of the storage compartment is blocked by the first vacuum insulation layer 30d and the second vacuum insulation layer 30, thereby preventing direct heat transfer toward the front.

[0245] Accordingly, the heat of the fourth panel 372 is transferred upward along the fourth panel 372 and then transferred to the third panel 371 through the fourth spacer 373 at the upper end of the fourth panel 372. The heat at the upper end of the third spacer 373 is then transferred downward along the third panel 371.

[0246] The heat transferred to the lower end of the third panel 371 may be transferred to the second panel 352, which is in contact with the third panel 371. The heat transferred to the upper end of the second panel 352 may be transferred to the upper end of the first panel 361 through the third spacer 363. The heat transferred to the first panel 361 may then be conducted to the front panel 31, which is in contact with the first panel 361.

[0247] At this time, due to the first vacuum insulation layer 30d and the second vacuum insulation layer 30, the heat of the storage compartment cannot be directly transferred to the front panel 31 along the shortest path. The heat is diverted and transferred to the front panel 31 along the heat transfer path formed by the protruded part 301 and the recessed part 302. Accordingly, the amount of heat transferred to the front panel 31 is minimized, thereby minimizing the loss of cold air from the storage compartment.

[0248] FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a heat transfer path of the panel assembly according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0249] As illustrated in the drawings, the panel assembly 30 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention is configured in the same manner as the eighth embodiment described above, except that it differs only in the structures of the first panel 368 and the third panel 378.

[0250] The panel assembly 30 according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention may include the front panel 31, the first vacuum panel 36, and the second vacuum panel 37. The first vacuum panel 36 may include a first panel 368, a second panel 362, and a third spacer 363, while the second vacuum panel 37 may include a third panel 378, a fourth panel 372, and a fourth spacer 373. The first panel 368 and the third panel 378 may be formed of clear glass, and the second panel 362 and the fourth panel 372 may be formed of low-emissivity (Low-E) glass.

[0251] A first vacuum insulation layer 30d may be formed between the first panel 368 and the second panel 362. In this case, the thickness D6 of the first panel 368 may be smaller than the thickness D5 of the second panel 362. For example, the second panel 362 may be formed of 4 mm thick low-emissivity glass, and the first panel 368 may be formed of 3 mm thick clear glass. Accordingly, the cross-sectional area of the first panel 368 may be smaller than that of the second panel 362.

[0252] A second vacuum insulation layer 30 may be formed between the third panel 378 and the fourth panel 372. In this case, the thickness D6 of the third panel 378 may be smaller than the thickness D5 of the fourth panel 372. For example, the fourth panel 372 may be formed of 4 mm thick low-emissivity glass, and the third panel 378 may be formed of 3 mm thick clear glass. Accordingly, the cross-sectional area of the third panel 378 may be smaller than that of the fourth panel 372. The first panel 368 and the third panel 378 may have the same thickness D6, and the second panel 362 and the fourth panel 372 may have the same thickness D5.

[0253] A protruded part 301 and a recessed part 302 may be formed along the periphery of the panel assembly 30 to provide a diverted heat transfer path.

[0254] In such a structure, the panel assembly 30, which comes into contact with the cold air of the storage compartment, conducts heat along the heat transfer path.

[0255] In particular, the heat of the fourth panel 372, which is in contact with the cold air of the storage compartment, may be prevented from moving forward by the second vacuum insulation layer 30 and instead move upward along the fourth panel 372. The heat of the fourth panel 372 may then be transferred to the third panel 378 through the fourth spacer 373. At this time, the third panel 378 may have a structure with a reduced thickness. Accordingly, the thermal resistance of the heat moving downward along the third panel 378 may increase, and thus the amount of heat passing through the third panel 378 may be further reduced.

[0256] The heat moving downward along the third panel 378 may be transferred to the first panel 368 through the upper end of the second panel 362 and the third spacer 363. In this case, the first panel 368 also has a structure with a reduced cross-sectional area, which increases the thermal resistance of the heat being transferred. Consequently, the amount of heat transferred through the first panel 368 to the front panel 31 can be further reduced. Therefore, the transfer of cold air from the storage compartment to the front panel 31 can be minimized.

[0257] Of course, it is also possible that only the third panel 378 is formed to be thinner than the second panel 362 and the fourth panel 372, while the first panel 368 is formed to have the same thickness as the second panel 362.

[0258] FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a door according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 29 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the door.

[0259] As illustrated, the door 50 according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention may include an outer plate 51, a door liner 52, and a panel assembly 30.

[0260] The outer plate 51 may be formed of a metallic material and may form a portion of the front exterior of the door 50. A plate opening 511 may be formed in the outer plate 51 such that the front surface of the panel assembly 30 is exposed therethrough. A plate bent portion 512 bent inwardly may further be formed along the plate opening 511.

[0261] The door liner 52 may be formed by injection molding a plastic material and may form the rear exterior of the door 50. A gasket 56 may be mounted along the periphery of the door liner 52. A liner opening 521 may be formed in the door liner 52 such that the rear surface of the panel assembly 30 is exposed therethrough. A lighting device 57 may be provided at an upper portion of the liner opening 521.

[0262] The panel assembly 30 may have the same structure as those described in the foregoing embodiments. For example, the panel assembly 30 may include a front panel 31, an intermediate panel 32, and a rear panel 33. A first spacer 341 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32, and a second spacer 343 may be provided between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33, thereby forming a first insulation layer 30a and a second insulation layer 30b. The front panel 31 may cover the plate opening 511, and the rear panel 33 may cover the liner opening 521.

[0263] Meanwhile, a heater bracket 55 may be provided along the periphery of the panel assembly 30. The heater bracket 55 may include an upper bracket 551, a lower bracket 552, and side brackets 553, which are mounted respectively to the upper, lower, and both lateral sides of the panel assembly 30. A bent portion groove 555 into which the plate bent portion 512 is inserted may be formed in the heater bracket 55. Accordingly, when the heater bracket 55 is mounted, the panel assembly 30 may be maintained in a fixed state with respect to the outer plate 51.

[0264] A heater groove 554, in which the heater 44 is mounted, may be formed in the heater bracket 55. The heater 44, when received in the heater groove 554, may come into contact with the front panel 31 and heat the front panel 31. The heater bracket 55 may be positioned outside the first spacer 341, that is, on the inner side of the recessed part 302.

[0265] The door 20 may include an upper cap deco 22 forming an upper surface, a lower cap deco 23 forming a lower surface, and side frames 24 forming both lateral sides. When the door 20 is assembled, a foaming agent may be injected into the interior of the door 20 to form an insulation material 26. The insulation material 26 may be filled so as to come into contact with the peripheral surface of the panel assembly 30. That is, the insulation material 26 may fill the inside of the recessed part 302 and may be in contact with the outer surface of the protruded part 301.

[0266] In addition, a diverted heat transfer path may be formed by the protruded shape of the protruded part 301 and the recessed shape of the recessed part 302. Accordingly, the cold air within the storage space may not be directly transmitted to the front panel 31 due to the first insulation layer 30a and the second insulation layer 30b, but instead may be transmitted along an extended, diverted heat transfer path, thereby providing an advantage of preventing the loss of cold air.

[0267] FIG. 30 is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating a door according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heat transfer path of the door.

[0268] As illustrated, the door 20 of the refrigerator 1 according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention may include a panel assembly 30 forming the front surface of the door 20, a door liner 21 forming the rear surface, and an insulation material 26 filled between the panel assembly 30 and the door liner 21. The door 20 may include an upper cap deco 22 forming the upper surface and a lower cap deco 23 forming the lower surface. The door 20 may further include side frames 24 forming both lateral sides of the door 20. An insulation material 26 may be provided inside the door 20.

[0269] The door liner 21 may be provided with an inner opening 211 that is shielded by the rear surface of the panel assembly 30. The door liner 21 may include a door dike 213 protruding rearward along the periphery of the liner opening 211.

[0270] Meanwhile, the door 20 may include a lighting device 25. The lighting device 25 may be provided at the rear of the panel assembly 30 and may be located at the upper portion of the liner opening 211.

[0271] The panel assembly 30 may include a front panel 31 and a rear panel 33 that are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The panel assembly 30 may further include an intermediate panel 32 disposed between the front panel 31 and the rear panel 33. The panel assembly 30 may include a plurality of insulation layers 30a, 30b.

[0272] The front panel 31 may form the entire front surface of the door 20. A transparent portion 311 may be formed at the center of the front panel 31, and an opaque portion 312 may be formed around the periphery of the transparent portion 311.

[0273] Meanwhile, an insulating member 34 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the rear panel 33. The insulating member 34 may maintain a predetermined distance between the front panel 31 and the rear panel 33, and may form the insulation layers 30a, 30b. Therefore, the insulating member 34 may also be referred to as a spacer.

[0274] The insulating member 34 may block heat transfer between the front panel 31 and the rear panel 33. For this purpose, the insulating member 34 may be formed of an insulating material. The insulating member 34 may be made of a material that provides sufficient strength to connect the front panel 31 and the rear panel 33 while also satisfying thermal insulation performance. For example, the insulating member 34 may be made of a plastic material and may be formed of a TPS (Thermo Plastic Spacer) material.

[0275] In the mounted state, the insulating member 34 may form the peripheral surface of the panel assembly 30 and may be in contact with the insulation material filled inside the door 20. The insulating member 34 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular frame having a central opening.

[0276] The insulating member 34 may include a first insulating part 345, a second insulating part 346, and a connecting part 347. The connecting part 347 may connect the first insulating part 345 and the second insulating part 346. The first insulating part 345, the second insulating part 346, and the connecting part 347 may be integrally molded and may constitute a single component.

[0277] The first insulating part 345 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32. The first insulating part 345 may be formed along the periphery of the intermediate panel 32 and may maintain a spacing between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32. The front surface of the first insulating part 345 may be bonded to the front panel 31, and the rear surface thereof may be bonded to the intermediate panel 32.

[0278] When the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32 are bonded to the first insulating part 345, a sealed first insulation layer 30a may be formed between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32. The first insulation layer 30a may provide an insulation structure in a vacuum state. An insulating gas may be injected into the first insulation layer 30a to further improve its insulation performance. For example, the insulating gas may be argon (Ar).

[0279] The second insulating part 346 may be provided between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33. The second insulating part 346 may keep the intermediate panel 32 spaced apart at a predetermined distance. The second insulating part 346 may be formed to have the same size and shape as the first insulating part 345.

[0280] The front surface of the second insulating part 346 may be bonded to the intermediate panel 32, and the rear surface of the second insulating part 346 may be bonded to the rear panel 33. Accordingly, when the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33 are bonded to the second insulating part 346, a sealed second insulation layer 30b may be formed between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33. The second insulation layer 30b may provide an insulation structure in a vacuum state. An insulating gas may be injected into the second insulation layer 30b to further improve insulation performance. For example, the insulating gas may be argon (Ar).

[0281] The insulating parts 345, 346 may be further provided according to the number of panels 31, 32, 33 constituting the panel assembly 30. That is, in the embodiment of the present invention, two insulating parts 345, 346 are provided between the three panels 31, 32, 33; however, the panel assembly 30 may be configured with four or more panels, in which case three or more insulating parts may be provided.

[0282] The first insulating part 345 may be positioned inwardly, spaced apart from the edges of the intermediate panel 32 and the front panel 31. Likewise, the second insulating part 346 may be positioned inwardly, spaced apart from the edges of the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33.

[0283] Accordingly, when the first insulating part 345 is mounted to the intermediate panel 32 and the front panel 31, a first recessed portion 349a and a second recessed portion 346a may be formed along the periphery of the panel assembly 30. The insulation material 26 filled in the door 20 may fill the first recessed portion 349a and the second recessed portion 346a and may be in contact with the insulating member 34 and the periphery of the panel assembly 30.

[0284] Meanwhile, the first insulating part 345 and the second insulating part 346 may be connected by the connecting part 347. The connecting part 347 may connect the first insulating part 345 and the second insulating part 346, and at the same time, may be fixedly mounted to the intermediate panel 32.

[0285] The connecting part 347 may protrude so as to connect one end of the first insulating part 345 and one end of the second insulating part 346, which are spaced apart from each other. The connecting part 347 may be formed to extend beyond the outer edge of the intermediate panel 32.

[0286] Specifically, the connecting part 347 may extend outward from the ends of the first insulating part 345 and the second insulating part 346, and an insertion groove 347a may be formed therein. The insertion groove 347a may be formed to have a size corresponding to the thickness of the intermediate panel 32. Accordingly, the intermediate panel 32 may be inserted into the insertion groove 347a. Through the engagement between the intermediate panel 32 and the insertion groove 347a, the insulating member 34 may be fixedly mounted to the panel assembly 30.

[0287] In addition, the connecting part 347 may connect the first insulating part 345 and the second insulating part 346 while bypassing the intermediate panel 32, thereby forming a diverted heat transfer path when heat travels from the second insulating part 346 to the first insulating part 345.

[0288] Meanwhile, first and second sealing parts 348, 349 may be respectively formed at the ends of the first and second insulating parts 345, 346 spaced apart from the connecting part 347. The first sealing part 348 may extend from the first insulating part 345 and may extend in a state of being in contact with the rear surface of the front panel 31. Accordingly, the first sealing part 348 and the first insulating part 345 may be surface-contacted with the rear surface of the front panel 31 and closely adhered over a larger area, thereby ensuring a higher degree of airtightness.

[0289] The second sealing part 349 may extend from the second insulating part 346 and may extend in a state of being in contact with the front surface of the rear panel 33. Accordingly, the second sealing part 349 and the second insulating part 346 may be in surface contact with the rear panel 33 and be closely adhered over a larger area, thereby ensuring a higher degree of airtightness.

[0290] Meanwhile, the first sealing part 348, the second sealing part 349, and the connecting part 347 may protrude to the same height. Therefore, by mounting the insulating member 34, the connecting part 347 may be coupled to the intermediate panel 32, and the first sealing part 348 and the second sealing part 349 may be sealingly coupled to the front panel 31 and the rear panel 33, respectively.

[0291] In addition, the first sealing part 348 and the second sealing part 349 may form additional heat transfer paths for thermal conduction. Furthermore, first and second recessed portions 349a, 346a may be formed between the connecting part 347 and the first and second sealing parts 348, 349.

[0292] The insulating member 34 may be positioned so as to be covered by the opaque portion 312 when viewed from the front. That is, the insulating member 34 may be disposed further outward than the transparent portion 311 and thus may be located behind the opaque portion 312 so as to be hidden from external view.

[0293] A heater 44 may be provided on the rear surface of the front panel 31. The heater 44 may be fixed to the rear side of the front panel 31 by a heater bracket 40. The heater bracket 40 may be disposed along the periphery of the insulating member 34.

[0294] As shown in FIG. 31, when the door 20 is in a closed state, the cold air in the storage space may be blocked by the insulating layers 30a, 30b of the panel assembly 30, thereby preventing it from being directly transmitted to the front surface of the door 20 along the shortest path. However, at the peripheral region of the panel assembly 30 where the insulating layers 30a, 30b are not formed, heat transfer by conduction may occur.

[0295] That is, the insulating member 34 disposed at the outer ends of the insulating layers 30a, 30b may have relatively lower insulation performance compared to the insulating layers 30a, 30b, allowing heat transfer to occur. However, since the insulating member 34 is made of an insulating material, it can minimize heat transfer, and furthermore, by the increase of the heat transfer path and heat resistance due to the sealing parts 348, 349 and the connecting part 347, it is possible to minimize the loss of cold air.

[0296] Specifically, through the liner opening 211, the cold air in the storage space may contact the rear panel 33. The heat of the rear panel 33 may be blocked by the second insulating layer 30b and thus may not be transmitted forward, but instead may move laterally along the rear panel 33. Then, the heat of the rear panel 33 may move from the end of the rear panel 33 to the second insulating part 346 through the second sealing part 349. In the second insulating part 346, the heat may move along the connecting part 347 and, without passing through the intermediate panel 32, may bypass the intermediate panel 32 and move to the first insulating part 345.

[0297] The heat transferred to the second insulating part 346 may move along the second insulating part 346, then move laterally again along the first sealing part 348, and the heat that passes through the insulating member 34 may finally be transmitted to the front panel 31.

[0298] At this time, the insulating member 34 may be made of an insulating material. Accordingly, by providing increased thermal resistance, heat transfer between the rear panel 33 and the front panel 31 can be minimized, thereby preventing cold air within the storage space from being lost due to conduction.

[0299] Furthermore, the insulating member 34, by means of the sealing parts and the connecting part 347, can further extend the path of heat transferred from the end of the rear panel 33 to the front panel 31, thus minimizing the amount of heat transmitted through the insulating member 34 to the front panel 31. Therefore, the loss of cold air inside the storage compartment can be reduced by minimizing the heat transferred to the front panel 31 through the panel assembly 30.

[0300] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heat transfer path according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

[0301] As shown, the door 20 of the refrigerator according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention may include a panel assembly 30 and a door liner 21. The door liner 21 may include a liner opening 211 that is covered by the panel assembly 30. The door 20 may include side frames 24 that form both left and right side surfaces of the door 20. An insulating material 26 may be filled inside the door 20.

[0302] The panel assembly 30 may include a front panel 31, an intermediate panel 32, and a rear panel 33. A first spacer 341 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32 to form a first insulation layer 30a. A second spacer 343 may be provided between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33 to form a second insulation layer 30b. Sealants 342, 344 may also be provided on the outer surfaces of the first spacer 341 and the second spacer 343.

[0303] A heater 44 may be provided on the rear surface of the front panel 31.

[0304] The front panel 31 may include a transparent portion 311 and an opaque portion 312. The opaque portion 312 may shield the first spacer 341, the second spacer 343, the sealants 342, 344, and the heater 44 so that they are not exposed forward.

[0305] Meanwhile, a contact portion 331 may be formed at the outer edge of the front surface of the rear panel 33. The contact portion 331 may extend from a position where it contacts the second spacer 343 to the end of the rear panel 33. The contact portion 331 may be inclined by a predetermined angle (α) such that it gradually faces rearward with respect to the front surface of the front panel 31 as it extends outward. That is, the contact portion 331 may be inclined so that it faces rearward toward the outside of the rear panel 33. Accordingly, the distance between the front and rear surfaces of the rear panel 33 becomes narrower toward the outer side. Therefore, when heat transferred along the rear panel 33 moves along the contact portion 331, a longer heat transfer path may be provided.

[0306] In addition, a contact portion 321 may also be formed at the outer edge of both the front and rear surfaces of the intermediate panel 32. The contact portion 321 on the front surface of the intermediate panel 32 may contact the first spacer 341, and the contact portion 321 on the rear surface of the intermediate panel 32 may contact the second spacer 343. The contact portion 321 may extend from the position where it contacts the first spacer 341 and the second spacer 343 to the edge of the intermediate panel 32.

[0307] The contact portion 321 on the rear surface of the intermediate panel 32 may be inclined by a predetermined angle (α) such that it faces forward with respect to the front surface of the front panel 31 as it extends outward, while the contact portion 321 on the front surface of the intermediate panel 32 may be inclined by the predetermined angle (α) such that it faces rearward with respect to the front surface of the front panel 31 as it extends outward. In other words, the contact portion 321 may be inclined so as to face forward and rearward toward the outer side of the rear panel 33. Accordingly, the distance between the front and rear surfaces of the intermediate panel 32 becomes narrower toward the outer side. Therefore, when heat transferred through the first spacer 341 and the second spacer 343 moves along the contact portion 321, a longer heat transfer path may be provided.

[0308] Examining the heat transfer state of the panel assembly 30 in the refrigerator 1 having the above-described structure, when the door 20 is closed, the cold air in the storage space is blocked by the insulation layers 30a, 30b of the panel assembly 30, while heat transfer by conduction may occur at the periphery where the insulation layers 30a, 30b are not formed.

[0309] That is, the heat of the rear panel 33, which contacts the cold air in the storage space, may move toward the outer edge of the rear panel 33 and may be transferred to the intermediate panel 32 through the second spacer 343. At this time, a contact portion 331 may be formed at the outer edge of the rear panel 33 where it contacts the second spacer 343. Therefore, the heat traveling through the rear panel 33 has a relatively longer heat transfer path at the contact portion 331 and can be transferred to the second spacer 343 through the contact portion 331.

[0310] The heat transferred through the second spacer 343 may pass through the contact portion 321 of the intermediate panel 32 and then be transferred to the first spacer 341. At this time, the heat passing through the contact portions 321 on the front and rear surfaces of the intermediate panel 32 has a relatively longer heat transfer path at the contact portion 321, and the heat may be transferred to the first spacer 341 through the contact portion 321. The heat transferred to the first spacer 341 may finally be transferred to the front panel 31.

[0311] As described above, in the process where heat moves from the rear panel 33 to the second spacer 343, from the second spacer 343 to the intermediate panel 32, and then to the first spacer 341, it passes through the contact portions 331, 321. Due to the increased length of the heat transfer path resulting from the shape of the contact portions 331, 321, the amount of heat transfer is reduced, thereby preventing the loss of cold air from the storage space.

[0312] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heat transfer path according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0313] As illustrated, the door 20 of the refrigerator according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention may include a panel assembly 30 and a door liner 21. The door liner 21 may include a liner opening 211 that is covered by the panel assembly 30. The door 20 may include side frames 24 that form the left and right sides of the door 20. An insulation material 26 may be filled inside the door 20.

[0314] The panel assembly 30 may include a front panel 31, an intermediate panel 32, and a rear panel 33. A first spacer 341 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32 to form a first insulation layer 30a. A second spacer 343 may be provided between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33 to form a second insulation layer 30b. Sealants 342, 344 may also be provided on the outer surfaces of the first spacer 341 and the second spacer 343.

[0315] In addition, a heater 44 may be provided on the rear surface of the front panel 31.

[0316] The front panel 31 may include a transparent portion 311 and an opaque portion 312. The opaque portion 312 may shield the first spacer 341, the second spacer 343, the sealants 342, 344, and the heater 44 so that they are not exposed forward.

[0317] Meanwhile, a contact portion 332 may be formed at the outer front edge of the rear panel 33. The contact portion 332 may extend from the position where it contacts the second spacer 343 to the edge of the rear panel 33. The contact portion 332 may have a stepped shape recessed toward the rear. The contact portion 332 may also be referred to as a stepped portion.

[0318] That is, the thickness of the contact portion 332 may be formed to be thinner than the thickness of the central portion of the rear panel 33. In other words, the central portion of the rear panel 33 and the contact portion 332 may have a height difference H of a predetermined value. Therefore, when the heat transferred through the rear panel 33 moves along the contact portion 332, a longer heat transfer path may be provided.

[0319] A contact portion 322 may also be formed at the outer front and rear edges of the intermediate panel 32. The contact portion 322 on the front surface of the intermediate panel 32 may contact the first spacer 341, and the contact portion 322 on the rear surface of the intermediate panel 32 may contact the second spacer 343. The contact portion 322 may extend from the position where it contacts the first spacer 341 and the second spacer 343 to the edge of the intermediate panel 32. In addition, the contact portion 332 may have a stepped shape recessed toward the rear. The contact portion 332 may also be referred to as a stepped portion.

[0320] That is, the thickness of the contact portion 332 may be formed to be thinner than the thickness of the central portion of the intermediate panel 32. In other words, the central portion of the intermediate panel 32 and the contact portion 332 may have a height difference H of a predetermined value. In this case, the contact portions 332 may be formed in a stepped shape on both the front and rear surfaces of the intermediate panel 32. Therefore, when the heat transferred through the second spacer 343 and the first spacer 341 moves along the contact portion 332, a longer heat transfer path may be provided.

[0321] In a refrigerator 1 having the structure described above, when examining the heat transfer state of the panel assembly 30, the cold air inside the storage space may be blocked by the insulation layers 30a, 30b of the panel assembly 30 when the door 20 is closed, while heat conduction may occur in the peripheral regions where the insulation layers 30a, 30b are not formed.

[0322] That is, the heat from the rear panel 33, which is in contact with the cold air inside the storage space, may move toward the outer edge of the rear panel 33 and be transferred to the intermediate panel 32 through the second spacer 343. At this time, a contact portion 332 may be formed at the outer edge of the rear panel 33 that contacts the second spacer 343. Accordingly, the heat transferred through the rear panel 33 may have a relatively longer heat transfer path at the contact portion 332 and may be transferred to the second spacer 343 through the contact portion 332.

[0323] The heat transferred through the second spacer 343 may pass through the contact portion 322 of the intermediate panel 32 and then be transferred to the first spacer 341. At this time, the heat passing through the contact portions 322 on the front and rear surfaces of the intermediate panel 32 may have a relatively longer heat transfer path at the contact portions 322 and may be transferred to the first spacer 341 through the contact portions 322. The heat transferred to the first spacer 341 may finally be transferred to the front panel 31.

[0324] As described above, during the process in which heat moves from the rear panel 33 to the second spacer 343, from the second spacer 343 to the intermediate panel 32, and then to the first spacer 341, the heat passes through the contact portions 332, 322. Due to the increased heat transfer path resulting from the shape of the contact portions 332, 322, the amount of heat transfer is reduced, thereby preventing loss of cold air from the storage space.

[0325] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a heat transfer path according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0326] As illustrated, the door 20 of the refrigerator according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention may include a panel assembly 30 and a door liner 21. The door liner 21 may include a liner opening 211 that is covered by the panel assembly 30. The door 20 may include side frames 24 that form the left and right sides of the door 20. An insulation material 26 may be filled inside the door 20.

[0327] The panel assembly 30 may include a front panel 31, an intermediate panel 32, and a rear panel 33. A first spacer 341 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32 to form a first insulation layer 30a. A second spacer 343 may be provided between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33 to form a second insulation layer 30b. Sealants 342, 344 may also be provided on the outer surfaces of the first and second spacers 341, 343.

[0328] A heater 44 may be provided on the rear surface of the front panel 31.

[0329] The front panel 31 may include a transparent portion 311 and an opaque portion 312. The opaque portion 312 may shield the first spacer 341, the second spacer 343, the sealants 342, 344, and the heater 44 so that they are not exposed forwardly.

[0330] Meanwhile, a contact portion 333 may be formed at the outer front edge of the rear panel 33. The contact portion 333 may extend from a position contacting the second spacer 343 to the edge of the rear panel 33. The contact portion 333 may have an uneven surface shape formed by fine protrusions, and may be referred to as an uneven portion.

[0331] That is, the outer edge of the rear panel 33 where the contact portion 333 is formed may have an uneven shape to increase the surface area at the contact portion 333. The contact portion 333 may be formed by surface treatment of the rear panel 33. Of course, as needed, a separate film or sheet having an uneven surface may be attached to the rear panel 33 to form the contact portion 333 having the uneven shape.

[0332] A contact portion 323 may also be formed at the outer edges of the front and rear surfaces of the intermediate panel 32. The contact portion 323 on the front surface of the intermediate panel 32 may contact the first spacer 341, and the contact portion 323 on the rear surface of the intermediate panel 32 may contact the second spacer 343. The contact portion 323 may extend from a position contacting the first and second spacers 341, 343 to the edge of the intermediate panel 32. The contact portion 323 may have an uneven surface shape formed by fine protrusions, and may be referred to as an uneven portion.

[0333] That is, an uneven shape may be formed at the outer edge of the intermediate panel 32 where the contact portion 323 is provided, so as to increase the surface area at the contact portion 323. The contact portion 323 may be formed by surface treatment of the intermediate panel 32. Of course, as needed, a separate film or sheet having an uneven surface may be attached to the intermediate panel 32 to form the contact portion 323 having the uneven shape.

[0334] In the refrigerator 1 having the above-described structure, the heat transfer state of the panel assembly 30 will now be described. When the door 20 is in a closed state, the cold air of the storage space is blocked by the insulation layers 30a, 30b of the panel assembly 30, while heat transfer by conduction may occur in the peripheral regions where the insulation layers 30a, 30b are not formed.

[0335] That is, heat from the rear panel 33, which contacts the cold air of the storage space, may move toward the outer edge of the rear panel 33 and be transferred to the intermediate panel 32 through the second spacer 343. At this time, a contact portion 333 may be formed at the outer edge of the rear panel 33 that contacts the second spacer 343. Accordingly, the heat moving through the rear panel 33 travels along a relatively longer heat transfer path at the contact portion 333, and heat transfer to the second spacer 343 may occur through the contact portion 333.

[0336] The heat transferred through the second spacer 343 may pass through the contact portion 323 of the intermediate panel 32 and then be transmitted to the first spacer 341. At this time, the heat passing through the contact portions 323 on the front and rear surfaces of the intermediate panel 32 travels along a relatively longer heat transfer path at the contact portions 323, and the heat may be transferred to the first spacer 341 through the contact portions 323. The heat transferred to the first spacer 341 may finally be transmitted to the front panel 31.

[0337] As described above, in the process where heat moves from the rear panel 33 to the second spacer 343, from the second spacer 343 to the intermediate panel 32, and then to the first spacer 341, the heat passes through the contact portions 333, 323. Due to the increase in the heat transfer path length according to the shapes of the contact portions 333, 323, the amount of heat transfer is reduced, thereby preventing the cold air of the storage space from being lost.

[0338] FIG. 35 is a lateral cross-sectional view illustrating a door according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0339] As shown in the drawings, the door 20 of the refrigerator according to the fifteenth embodiment of the present invention may include a panel assembly 30 and a door liner 21. The door liner 21 may include a liner opening 211 that is covered by the panel assembly 30. The door 20 may include side frames 24 forming the left and right sides of the door 20, and an insulating material 26 may be filled inside the door 20.

[0340] The panel assembly 30 may include a front panel 31, an intermediate panel 32, and a rear panel 33. A first spacer 341 may be provided between the front panel 31 and the intermediate panel 32 to form a first insulation layer 30a. A second spacer 343 may be provided between the intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33 to form a second insulation layer 30b.

[0341] In addition, insulating members 381, 382, 383 may be provided in the first spacer 341 and the second spacer 343 to block heat transfer through the first and second spacers 341, 343.

[0342] The intermediate panel 32 and the rear panel 33 may be formed to have the same size, and may be formed smaller than the front panel 31. The first spacer 341, the second spacer 343, and the insulating members 381, 382, 383 may be shielded by the opaque portion 312 formed on the front panel 31.

[0343] The insulating members 381, 382, 383 may be formed in a plate or sheet shape and may be provided at the ends of the first spacer 341 and the second spacer 343. The insulating members 381, 382, 383 may be formed of a thermally insulating material. For example, the insulating members 381, 382, 383 may be made of a material having higher thermal insulation performance than at least the panels 31, 32, 33 and the spacers 341, 343. The insulating members 381, 382, 383 may be composed of a plurality of members, and at least one of them may be disposed on the first spacer 341 and the second spacer 343.

[0344] Specifically, a first insulating member 381 may be provided on the front surface of the first spacer 341. The first insulating member 381 may be disposed between the front surface of the first spacer 341 and the rear surface of the front panel 31. The first insulating member 381 may be made of an adhesive material, thereby sealing between the first insulating member 381 and the front panel 31.

[0345] The first insulating member 381 may protrude across the inner and outer sides of the first spacer 341. That is, one end of the first insulating member 381 may protrude inwardly of the first spacer 341 and extend into the region of the first insulation layer 30a. The other end of the first insulating member 381 may protrude outwardly of the first spacer 341, pass through the sealant 342, and be exposed to the periphery of the panel assembly 30.

[0346] A second insulating member 382 may be provided on the rear surface of the first spacer 341. The second insulating member 382 may be disposed between the rear surface of the first spacer 341 and the front surface of the intermediate panel 32. The second insulating member 382 may also be made of an adhesive material, thereby sealing between the second insulating member 382 and the intermediate panel 32.

[0347] The second insulating member 382 may protrude across the inner and outer sides of the first spacer 341. That is, one end of the second insulating member 382 may protrude inwardly of the first spacer 341 and extend into the region of the first insulation layer 30a. The other end of the second insulating member 382 may protrude outwardly of the first spacer 341, pass through the sealant 342, and be exposed to the periphery of the panel assembly 30.

[0348] Meanwhile, the second insulating member 382 may include a main insulating portion 382a and an auxiliary insulating portion 382b. The main insulating portion 382a may be formed in a flat plate shape and may extend parallel to the intermediate panel 32. The auxiliary insulating portion 382b may be bent from an end of the main insulating portion 382a.

[0349] The main insulating portion 382a may be formed such that both surfaces thereof are in contact with the first spacer 341 and the intermediate panel 32. The main insulating portion 382a may extend from the inside of the first insulation layer 30a to the end of the intermediate panel 32.

[0350] The auxiliary insulating portion 382b may be formed to be bent perpendicularly from the end of the main insulating portion 382a. The auxiliary insulating portion 382b may extend so as to shield the side surface of the intermediate panel 32. That is, by the main insulating portion 382a and the auxiliary insulating portion 382b, the intermediate panel 32 may be thermally insulated from the first spacer 341.

[0351] Meanwhile, the third insulating member 383 may be formed in the same shape as the second insulating member 382, except for the mounting position. The third insulating member 383 may insulate between the rear panel 33 and the second spacer 343.

[0352] The third insulating member 383 may include a main insulating portion 383a disposed between the front surface of the rear panel 33 and the rear surface of the second spacer 343, and an auxiliary insulating portion 383b that is bent from an end of the main insulating portion 383a to shield the side surface of the rear panel 33.

[0353] In addition, an insulating member having the same shape as the third insulating member 383 may further be provided between the second spacer 343 and the intermediate panel 32.

[0354] In a refrigerator 1 having such a structure, when the door 20 is in a closed state, the cold air in the storage space may be blocked by the insulation layers 30a, 30b of the panel assembly 30, while heat conduction may occur in the peripheral region where the insulation layers 30a, 30b are not formed.

[0355] That is, the heat of the rear panel 33, which is in contact with the cold air of the storage space, may move toward the outer end of the rear panel 33 and be transferred to the second spacer 343. In this case, the third insulating member 383 may thermally insulate between the rear panel 33 and the second spacer 343, thereby minimizing the heat transferred to the second spacer 343.

[0356] Then, the heat transferred to the second spacer 343 may be transmitted to the intermediate panel 32 and further transferred through the intermediate panel 32 to the first spacer 341. In this case, the second insulating member 382 may thermally insulate between the intermediate panel 32 and the first spacer 341, thereby minimizing the heat transferred to the first spacer 341.

[0357] The heat transferred to the first spacer 341 may then be transmitted through the first spacer 341 to the front panel 31. In this case, the first insulating member 381 may thermally insulate between the first spacer 341 and the front panel 31, thereby minimizing the heat transferred to the front panel 31.

[0358] The second insulating member 382 and the third insulating member 383 may also shield the side surfaces of the rear panel 33 and the intermediate panel 32 by means of the auxiliary insulating portions 382b, 383b, thereby blocking heat transfer through the ends of the rear panel 33 and the intermediate panel 32.

[0359] Accordingly, during the process in which heat moves from the rear panel 33 through the second spacer 343, the intermediate panel 32, and the first spacer 341 to the front panel 31, the heat may be thermally insulated by the first insulating member 381, the second insulating member 382, and the third insulating member 383. Therefore, heat transfer from the rear panel 33 to the front panel 31 can be minimized, and loss of cold air from the storage space can be prevented.

[0360] FIG. 36 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator having a sub-door in an open state according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0361] As illustrated, at least one of the doors 20a of the refrigerator according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention may have a double-door structure composed of a main door 60 and a sub door 50. For example, the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 20a may both be configured as double-door structures.

[0362] In detail, the main door 60 is pivotally coupled to the cabinet 10 by a hinge device. The main door 60 may be configured to open and close the refrigerating compartment 11 by rotation. An opening 600 may be formed in the main door 60. The opening 600 may penetrate the main door 60 in the front-rear direction and may be in communication with the refrigerating compartment 11. Therefore, even when the main door 60 is in a closed state, access to the refrigerating compartment 11 may be possible through the opening 600.

[0363] Meanwhile, a door storage space 610 having a door storage member 612 may be provided inside the opening 600. At least a portion of the door storage member 612 may be exposed through the opening 600. Accordingly, the door storage space 610 and the door storage member 612 may be visible through the panel assembly 30.

[0364] The sub door 50 may be pivotally coupled to the main door 60 by a hinge device. The sub door 50 may shield the front of the main door 60 by rotation. The sub door 50 may open and close the opening 600.

[0365] The sub door 50 may include a panel assembly 30 configured to allow viewing of the storage spaces 610, 11 located behind the door 20 through the opening 600. The panel assembly 30 may be configured according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0366] In addition, a transparent display may be provided between a plurality of panels constituting the panel assembly 30, allowing a screen to be displayed. Therefore, through the panel assembly 30 of the sub door 50, both viewing of the storage spaces 610, 11 and screen display may be possible.

[0367] Although not illustrated, the panel assembly 30 may be configured to have a diverted heat transfer path, as described in the foregoing embodiments, thereby minimizing loss of cold air from the storage space.

[0368] Such a double-door structure may be applied to the refrigerating compartment door 20a among the refrigerating compartment door 20a and the freezing compartment door 20b. In addition, only one of the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 20a may be configured as a double-door structure. Furthermore, the panel assembly 30 may be disposed only on one of the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 20a. Of course, if necessary, the freezing compartment door may also be configured to have a double-door structure.

[0369] Meanwhile, the panel assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the doors including the panel assembly, may be applicable to various types of refrigerators having different structures.

[0370] FIG. 37 is a front view illustrating other refrigerators to which the embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0371] As shown in FIG. 37(a), a refrigerator 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 10 that forms a storage space and a door 20 that opens and closes the storage space.

[0372] The storage space may include a refrigerating compartment 11 and a freezing compartment 12 that are formed on the left and right sides, respectively. The door 20 may include a refrigerating compartment door 20a for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 11 and a freezing compartment door 20b for opening and closing the freezing compartment 12. The refrigerating compartment door 20a and the freezing compartment door 20b may be arranged side by side on the left and right sides.

[0373] The refrigerating compartment door 20a may be provided with the panel assembly 30, as described in the foregoing embodiments, and may be configured to allow viewing of the storage space. The refrigerating compartment door 20a may also have a double-door structure including a main door and a sub door, as described in the tenth embodiment.

[0374] Additionally, the panel assembly 30 may also be provided in the freezing compartment door 20b.

[0375] As shown in FIG. 37(b), a refrigerator 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 10 that forms a storage space and a door 20 that opens and closes the storage space.

[0376] The storage space may be partitioned into upper and lower sections to form an upper storage space 11a and a lower storage space 12a. For example, the upper storage space 11a may be a refrigerator compartment, and the lower storage space 12a may be a freezing compartment.

[0377] The door 20 may include an upper door 20c configured to open and close the upper storage space 11a by rotation, and lower doors 20d, 20e configured to open and close the lower storage space 12a by sliding in and out.

[0378] The upper door 20c may be provided with the panel assembly 30, as described in the foregoing embodiments, and may be configured to allow viewing of the storage space. The upper door 20c may also have a double-door structure including a main door and a sub door, as described in the tenth embodiment.

[0379] As shown in FIG. 37(c), a refrigerator 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 10 that forms a storage space and a door 20 that opens and closes the storage space.

[0380] The storage space may be partitioned into upper and lower sections to form an upper storage space 11b and a lower storage space 12b. For example, the upper storage space 11b may be a freezing compartment, and the lower storage space 12b may be a refrigerator compartment.

[0381] The door 20 may include an upper door 20f configured to open and close the upper storage space 11b by rotation, and a lower door 20g configured to open and close the lower storage space 12b by rotation.

[0382] The lower door 20g may be provided with the panel assembly 30, as described in the foregoing embodiments, and may be configured to allow viewing of the storage space. The lower door 20g may also have a double-door structure including a main door and a sub door, as described in the tenth embodiment.

[0383] As shown in FIG. 37(d), a refrigerator 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 10 in which a storage space is formed, and a door 20h for opening and closing the storage space 11c.

[0384] The storage space 11c may be configured as a single compartment, and the storage space 11c may be opened and closed by the rotatable door 20h.

[0385] The door 20g may be provided with the panel assembly 30, as described in the foregoing embodiments, and may be configured to allow viewing of the storage space. The door 20h may also have a double-door structure including a main door and a sub door, as described in the tenth embodiment.

[0386] Meanwhile, the panel assembly and the door including the panel assembly according to embodiments of the present invention may also be applicable to various types of home appliances in addition to refrigerators. For example, the panel assembly and the door including the panel assembly according to embodiments of the present invention may be applied to home appliances provided with a door for opening and closing a cabinet space, such as a washing machine, a dryer, a plant cultivator, an air conditioner, a styler (clothing care device), or a cooking appliance.[Industrial applicability]

[0387] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention has high industrial applicability, since it provides advantages of reducing heat loss and improving power consumption efficiency.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet having a storage space; and a door configured to open and close the storage space, wherein the door comprises: a door liner forming a rear surface of the door and having a liner opening; a panel assembly forming at least a portion of a front surface of the door and configured to cover the liner opening so as to allow viewing of a rear space of the door; and an insulation material filled inside the door, wherein the panel assembly comprises a plurality of panels spaced apart from each other in a front-rear direction, and a protruded part and a recessed part are formed around a periphery of the panel assembly.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the panel assembly comprises: a front panel forming a front surface of the panel assembly; a rear panel forming a rear surface of the panel assembly; an intermediate panel disposed between the front panel and the rear panel; a first spacer connecting the front panel and the intermediate panel to form a sealed first insulation layer; and a second spacer connecting the intermediate panel and the rear panel to form a sealed second insulation layer.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the first spacer is disposed closer to a center of the panel assembly than the second spacer, and the second insulation layer is formed to protrude outward further than the first insulation layer.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the protruded part is formed by outer surfaces of the intermediate panel, the rear panel, and the second spacer, and the recessed part is formed by outer surfaces of the front panel, the intermediate panel, and the first spacer.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer are in a vacuum state or filled with an insulating gas.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein a stepped portion having a reduced thickness is formed at an outer end of the intermediate panel, and the stepped portion is formed between the outer end of the intermediate panel and the first spacer.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the recessed part is disposed further forward than the protruded part, and a heater configured to contact and heat the front panel is provided inside the recessed part.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the panel assembly comprises: a front panel forming a front surface of the panel assembly; a vacuum panel disposed behind the front panel and forming a vacuum insulation layer; and a first spacer connecting the front panel and the vacuum panel to form a sealed first insulation layer.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the protruded part is formed by the vacuum panel protruding outward beyond the first spacer, and the recessed part is formed by the front panel, a front surface of the vacuum panel, and the first spacer.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the vacuum panel comprises: a first panel spaced apart rearward from the front panel; a second panel disposed behind the first panel; a third spacer sealing a periphery between the first panel and the second panel to form the vacuum insulation layer; and a plurality of supporting members disposed between the first panel and the second panel to maintain a gap therebetween.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the panel assembly comprises: a front panel forming a front surface of the panel assembly; a first vacuum panel disposed behind the front panel and forming a sealed first vacuum insulation layer; and a second vacuum panel disposed behind the first vacuum panel and forming a sealed second vacuum insulation layer.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the protruded part is formed by the second vacuum panel protruding outward beyond the first vacuum panel, and the recessed part is formed by the front panel, the first vacuum panel, and a front surface of the second vacuum panel.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the first vacuum panel comprises: a first panel adhered to a rear surface of the front panel; a second panel formed in the same size as the first panel and disposed behind the first panel; and a third spacer connecting the first panel and the second panel to form the first vacuum insulation layer, and the second vacuum panel comprises: a third panel adhered to a rear surface of the second panel; a fourth panel formed in the same size as the third panel and disposed behind the third panel; and a fourth spacer connecting the third panel and the fourth panel to form the second vacuum insulation layer.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the door further comprises an outer plate forming a front surface of the door and made of a metallic material, the outer plate having a plate opening, and a front surface of the panel assembly covering the plate opening.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the door comprises: a main door configured to open and close the storage space and having an opening; and a sub door provided in front of the main door and configured to open and close the opening, and the panel assembly is provided in the sub door.

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