Adiabatic body

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a main body that forms the exterior of the refrigerator. The main body includes at least two panels configured to be vacuum adiabatic bodies. A door is rotatably installed on a surface of the main body. A hinge is installed on a third panel, which forms a third surface of the refrigerator, among the at least two panels. The hinge rotatably supports the door. The hinge includes a hinge coupler coupled to the third panel. A hinge reinforcing plate is disposed between the hinge coupler and the third panel. The hinge reinforcing plate can prevent a first case of the third panel from being deformed due to a load applied to the hinge coupler.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an insulator and, more particularly, to a refrigerator provided with an insulator.[Background Art]

[0002] As related prior art for solving the problem of door sagging, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1432301 (published on August 20, 2014; hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document") discloses a refrigerator that prevents the door from sagging by reinforcing the rigidity of a bracket. The refrigerator of the Patent Document includes: a bracket coupled to a hinge; side reinforcing members provided at both corners of a main body and connected to the bracket; and a reinforcing portion formed by bending upward a predetermined portion of the bottom surface of the bracket so as to connect to the bracket's surface and bottom surface. When the bracket, side reinforcing members, and reinforcing portion of the Patent Document are applied to a conventional foam-insulated refrigerator, they can be joined by drilling holes into the foamed insulation or the main body. However, when applied to a vacuum adiabatic refrigerator, there is a risk of vacuum leakage if welding or hole drilling is performed on the surface of a vacuum insulator of the main body. Furthermore, if a first case of the vacuum insulator, which is made of metal material, is increased beyond a certain thickness to reinforce strength, heat transfer through the first case occurs, thereby degrading thermal insulation performance. Thus, it is difficult to simultaneously achieve both improved thermal insulation performance and reinforced strength.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator including a structure capable of solving the aforementioned problems.

[0004] A first objective is to provide a refrigerator including a structure that can maintain the thermal insulation performance of a main body configured to be a vacuum insulator, while reinforcing the strength of a hinge and / or preventing door sagging.

[0005] A second objective is to provide a refrigerator including a structure that can prevent cold air leakage and / or vacuum leakage caused by deformation of a first case made of metallic material.

[0006] A third objective is to provide a refrigerator including a structure that can in another embodiment secure the strength of the hinge.[Technical Solution]

[0007] An insulator of the present disclosure may be provided as a single insulator. For example, the insulator may include: a first wall extending in one direction; and a second wall extending in a direction different from the one direction. In another example, the insulator of the present disclosure may include a first insulator and a second insulator. The second insulator may be provided as a separate component distinct from the first insulator. The second insulator may be connected to the first insulator by a connector. In the present disclosure, the connector may be defined as a joint. The second insulator may include a portion extending in the same direction as the first insulator. The second insulator may include a portion extending in a direction different from the first insulator. The insulator may be provided in the form of a panel.

[0008] The refrigerator of the present disclosure may include at least one panel. A plurality of the panels may be connected by a joint. The present disclosure may include a first panel forming a first surface (e.g., side surface) of the refrigerator. Optionally, the present disclosure may include a second panel forming a second surface (e.g., rear surface) of the refrigerator. Optionally, the present disclosure may include a third panel forming a third surface (e.g., top surface) of the refrigerator. Optionally, the present disclosure may include a fourth panel forming a fourth surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the refrigerator. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth panels may include a plurality of parts. The panel may be an insulator or a vacuum insulator. The first panel may include one first panel forming one of first surfaces of the refrigerator, and another first panel forming another of second surfaces of the refrigerator. At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth panels may provide at least a portion of a wall forming a storage compartment of the refrigerator. At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth panels may provide at least a portion of a wall forming the main body of the refrigerator.

[0009] The present disclosure may be provided with: a main body forming the exterior of the refrigerator and / or including at least one panel configured to be a vacuum insulator; and a door installed to open and close an opening of the main body. A hinge may be provided which is installed on the third panel forming the third surface of the refrigerator, among the panels, to support the door. The hinge may include a hinge coupler coupled to the third panel. The hinge may include a hinge shaft coupled to the door. The hinge may include a hinge connector connecting the hinge coupler and the hinge shaft. The hinge may include a hinge reinforcing plate disposed between the hinge coupler and the third panel. The hinge reinforcing plate may be disposed on the third panel. The vacuum insulator may include: a first plate facing the inside of the refrigerator; and a second plate facing the outside of the refrigerator. The vacuum insulator may include a vacuum space formed between the first plate and the second plate. The vacuum insulator may include a support for holding the vacuum space. The supporter may include a first support plate disposed to face the first plate. The supporter may include a second support plate disposed to face the second plate. The supporter may include at least two bars disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate and / or holding the vacuum space. The hinge reinforcing plate may be disposed between the hinge coupler and the second plate. The hinge reinforcing plate may be disposed between the second plate and the second support plate. A reinforcing plate receiver may be formed to protrude from the second plate so as to receive the hinge reinforcing plate. A reinforcing plate coupler may be formed to be recessed in the second support plate so as to receive the hinge reinforcing plate. A bent portion may be formed to protrude toward the first plate from the hinge reinforcing plate. The hinge coupler and the hinge reinforcing plate may be coupled to the third panel by a fastener protruding from the second plate. The fastener may be implemented as a bolt, and / or the bolt may be disposed to overlap or be adjacent to an imaginary line passing through the center of the bars. The hinge coupler may include a first coupling hole to an L-th coupling hole, and / or the fastener may include a first bolt to an L-th bolt formed to penetrate the first coupling hole to the L-th coupling hole, respectively. The at least two bars may include a first bar to an M-th bar sequentially disposed to be spaced apart in a first direction of the third panel. The at least two bars may include a first bar to an N-th bar sequentially disposed to be spaced apart in a second direction of the third panel.

[0010] A fastener for coupling the hinge coupler and the hinge reinforcing plate may be provided. The fastener may include a first bolt, a second bolt, and / or a third bolt.

[0011] The fastener may include a first bolt disposed to overlap or be adjacent to a first bar among at least two bars spaced apart in a first direction of the third panel and a second bar among at least two bars spaced apart in a second direction of the third panel.

[0012] The fastener may include a second bolt disposed between the second bar and a third bar among the at least two bars spaced apart in the first direction of the third panel, and / or disposed to overlap or be adjacent to the second bar among the at least two bars spaced apart in the second direction of the third panel.

[0013] The fastener may include a third bolt disposed to overlap or be adjacent to the first bar among the at least two bars spaced apart in the first direction of the third panel and a fourth bar among the at least two bars spaced apart in the second direction of the third panel.

[0014] The third panel may include an extension portion extending from the second plate toward the door. The extension portion may include a first extension portion extending in one direction (e.g., horizontally) from the second plate. The extension portion may include a second extension portion extending in another direction (e.g., vertically) from the first extension portion. An end portion of the hinge reinforcing plate may extend along the second plate to an end portion of the first extension portion.

[0015] The third panel may include an insulation reinforcing portion extending from the first plate toward a surface of the first extension portion and / or the second extension portion so as to surround a surface of the second plate. The third panel may include a decoration surrounding a surface of the insulation reinforcing portion and / or another surface of the insulation reinforcing portion.

[0016] The first plate and / or the second plate may be formed of a metallic material, and / or the supporter may be formed of a plastic material.

[0017] The present disclosure may be provided with: a main body forming the exterior of the refrigerator and / or including at least one panel configured to be a vacuum insulator; and a door for opening and closing an opening of the main body. A hinge may be provided which is installed on the third panel forming the third surface of the refrigerator, among the panels, to support the door. The hinge may include a hinge coupler coupled to the third panel. The hinge may include a hinge shaft coupled to the door. The hinge may include a hinge connector connecting the hinge coupler and / or the hinge shaft. The hinge coupler may include a hinge coupling body in which a coupling hole is formed. The hinge coupler may include a hinge extension portion extending from the hinge coupling body toward an end portion of the third panel. The hinge coupler may include a hinge extension portion coupled to an end portion of the third panel. The hinge coupler may include a bending portion that is formed to be bent at the hinge extension portion so as to surround one end of the second panel coupled to a portion (e.g., rear end) of the third panel.

[0018] Optionally, a bead portion may be formed to protrude from the third panel. The bead portion may extend along the third panel. The bead portion may include a plurality of parts. A no-bead portion, where the bead portion is not formed, may be disposed between at least two bead portions disposed adjacent to each other on the third panel. A coupling hole may be formed to penetrate the hinge coupler, and / or a fastener may be formed to protrude from the bead portion or the no-bead portion and penetrate through the coupling hole.[Advantageous Effects]

[0019] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the following effects can be achieved.

[0020] A hinge coupler may be installed on a surface of the main body. A hinge reinforcing plate may be installed on the first case of the third panel, which is configured to be a vacuum insulator, so as to reinforce the strength of the hinge coupler. The hinge reinforcing plate may be disposed on the second plate, which is the first case of the third panel.

[0021] The hinge coupler itself may include a reinforcing structure without the hinge reinforcing plate. For example, the hinge coupler may be further provided with an extension portion which extends. The extension portion may extend to an end portion (e.g., rear end portion or lateral end portion) of the third panel. A portion (e.g., rear end portion) of the extension portion may be coupled to a portion (e.g., rear end portion) of the third panel. A bending portion formed to be bent in one direction (e.g., vertically) may be further provided at a portion (e.g., end portion) of the extension portion. The extension portion may be formed to be laid over a portion of the second plate of the third panel. The bending portion may be formed so as to be laid over a portion of the second panel or the first panel.

[0022] Meanwhile, in order to enhance the strength of the hinge coupler, the third panel may include a bead portion formed in a bead shape. The bead portion is formed to protrude from the second plate of the third panel. At least two bead portions may be disposed to be spaced apart in one direction (e.g., left-right direction) of the third panel.

[0023] According to this configuration, the hinge reinforcing plate, the hinge coupler, or the hinge reinforcing structure of the third panel can reinforce the strength of the hinge. The hinge reinforcing plate, the extension and bending structure of the hinge coupler, or the bead structure of the third panel can prevent deformation of the first case of the vacuum insulator while maintaining thermal insulation performance without increasing the thickness of the second plate, which is the first case of the vacuum insulator, thereby ensuring the reliability of opening and closing of the door.

[0024] It is possible to improve the sealing reliability of the refrigerator by preventing sagging of the door. In addition, it is possible to ensure the performance and reliability of the refrigerator by preventing leakage of cold air and vacuum caused by deformation of the first case.[Description of Drawings]

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a conceptual view for explaining a vacuum insulator provided in the refrigerator of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a conceptual view for explaining a third plate provided in the plate of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a conceptual view for explaining a heat transfer resistor provided in the plate of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a refrigerator according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a conceptual view showing the refrigerator in FIG. 5 viewed from various angles. For example, FIG. 6a shows a three-dimensional shape of a portion of the refrigerator, FIG. 6b shows a right-side view of the refrigerator, FIG. 6c shows a plan view of the refrigerator, and FIG. 6d shows a front view of the refrigerator. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6b, showing a configuration in which a hinge reinforcing plate is coupled to the main body, as viewed from one side (e.g., the right side), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 6b, showing a configuration in which the hinge reinforcing plate is coupled to the main body, as viewed from the front, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the hinge reinforcing plate is coupled to the main body, as viewed from one side (e.g., the right side), according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration in which the hinge reinforcing plate is coupled to the main body as in FIG. 9, as viewed from the front. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the hinge reinforcing plate is coupled to the main body, as viewed from one side (e.g., the right side), according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the hinge reinforcing plate is coupled to the main body, as viewed from one side (e.g., the right side), according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a conceptual view showing the configuration in which the hinge reinforcing plate is coupled to the main body as in FIG. 12, as viewed from the front. FIG. 14 is a conceptual view showing a structure in which the length of a hinge coupler is extended and / or an end portion of the hinge coupler is bent, according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG 14a is a perspective view showing the hinge coupler in an extended state, and FIG. 14b is a plan view showing the hinge coupler in an extended state. FIG. 15 is a conceptual view showing the hinge in FIG. 14 viewed from various angles. FIG. 15a is a plan view showing the hinge as viewed from above. FIG. 15b is a front view showing the hinge as viewed from the front. FIG. 15c is a side view showing the hinge as viewed from the side. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 14, showing a bending portion that is bent at a rear end portion of the hinge coupler. FIG. 17 is a conceptual view showing a hinge installed on a portion of the main body where a bead portion is formed, according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17a is a perspective view showing the bead portion formed on a second plate of a third panel. FIG. 17b is a plan view showing the bead portion formed on the second plate of the third panel as in FIG. 17a, as viewed from above. FIG. 17c is a conceptual view showing the hinge coupled to one end (e.g., upper end) of the main body as in FIG. 17b, as viewed from the side. FIG. 17d is a conceptual view showing the hinge coupled to one end (e.g., upper end) of the main body as in FIG. 17b, as viewed from the front. FIGS. 18a and 18b are cross-sectional views taken along line XVIIIB-XVIIIB of FIG. 17b, showing a conceptual view in which the hinge coupler is coupled to a surface of the third panel where the bead portion is not formed. FIG. 18c is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIIIC-XVIIIC of FIG. 17b, showing a conceptual view in which the hinge coupler is coupled to a surface of the third panel where the bead portion is formed. FIG. 19a is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIXA-XIXA of FIG. 17b, showing the third panel where the bead portion is formed, as viewed from the front. FIGS. 19b and 19c are cross-sectional views taken along line XIXB-XIXB of FIG. 17b, showing the hinge coupler installed on the surface of the third panel where the bead portion is formed. [Mode for Invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, a common description which describes portions commonly defined across all embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0027] Optionally, an insulator of the present disclosure may be provided as a single insulator. For example, the insulator may include: a first wall extending in one direction; and a second wall extending in a direction different from the one direction. Optionally, the insulator of the present disclosure may include a first insulator and a second insulator. The second insulator may be provided as a separate component distinct from the first insulator. The second insulator may be connected to the first insulator by a connector. In the present disclosure, the connector may be defined as a joint. The second insulator may include a portion extending in the same direction as the first insulator. The second insulator may include a portion extending in a direction different from the first insulator. The second insulator may include a portion connected to the first insulator, or may include a portion disposed to overlap the first insulator in at least one direction. The insulator may be a vacuum insulator including a vacuum space, or a non-vacuum insulator which does not include a vacuum space. The insulator may be a combination of the vacuum insulator and the non-vacuum insulator. The vacuum space provided in the second insulator may include a portion extending in the same direction as the vacuum space provided in the first insulator. The vacuum space provided in the second insulator may include a portion extending in a direction different from the vacuum space provided in the first insulator. The vacuum space provided in the second insulator may include a portion disposed to overlap the vacuum space provided in the first insulator in at least one direction. The insulator may be provided in the form of a panel. In the present disclosure, for example, the following description will be given with respect to a "panel", and an embodiment in which the term "panel" is replaced with the term "insulator" may also be included within the present disclosure. For example, in the present disclosure, the following description assumes that at least two panels of the main body form the exterior of the refrigerator, it may be understood or interpreted that at least two adiabatic bodies of the main body form the exterior of the refrigerator.

[0028] Optionally, the refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a main body. The main body may include at least one storage compartment. The main body may further include a partition that separates a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment. A first storage compartment joint may include a first sub chamber joint, a second sub chamber joint, and / or a third sub chamber joint. The second storage compartment joint may be provided on one side of the second storage compartment. The second storage compartment joint may include a first joint, a second joint, and / or a third joint.

[0029] The partition may include the vacuum insulator and / or the non-vacuum insulator. The refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a door. The refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a machine room disposed on one side of the main body. In the machine room, one or more of the following may be arranged: a compressor, heat-dissipating components (e.g., a condenser, a heat-dissipating portion of a thermoelectric module, or a heat sink that exchanges heat with the heat-dissipating portion of the thermoelectric module), and a cooling fan. The machine room may include at least one of the following: a first cover (e.g., side cover) forming at least a portion of a first surface (e.g., side surface) for the machine room, a second cover (e.g., back cover) forming at least a portion of a second surface (e.g., rear surface), a third cover (e.g., upper cover) forming at least a portion of a third surface (e.g., top surface), a fourth cover (e.g., bottom cover) forming at least a portion of a fourth surface (e.g., bottom surface), and a fifth cover (e.g., front cover) forming at least a portion of a fifth surface (e.g., front surface). One or more of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth covers may be provided as a single component or as multiple components. The machine room of the refrigerator of the present disclosure may include the insulator.

[0030] The panel may include one or more of a first plate, a second plate, and a side plate. A vacuum space may be provided between the first plate and the second plate. The refrigerator of the present disclosure may include at least one panel. The present disclosure may include: a first panel forming at least a portion of a first surface (e.g., side surface) of the refrigerator; a second panel forming at least a portion of a second surface (e.g., rear surface) of the refrigerator; a third panel forming at least a portion of a third surface (e.g., top surface) of the refrigerator; a fourth panel forming at least a portion of a fourth surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the refrigerator; and a fifth panel forming at least a portion of a fifth surface (e.g., front surface) of the refrigerator. One or more of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth surfaces of the refrigerator may provide at least a portion of a wall forming the main body or at least a portion of a wall forming the door. One or more of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth panels may be provided as a single component or as multiple components. The joint may be provided to connect corners of the refrigerator or to connect a first wall and a second wall which form the refrigerator's wall. The joint may be provided to connect the panel to another component (e.g., another panel). The joint may be provided to connect at least two or more of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth panels. One or more of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth panels may include a plurality of parts, and the joint may be provided to connect the plurality of panels to each other. The joint may include a first surface, a second surface, and / or a third surface. The first surface of the joint may cover at least a portion of at least one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth panels. The second surface of the joint may cover at least a portion of at least another one of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth panels. The third surface of the joint may be connected to the first surface of the joint and / or the second surface of the joint. The third surface of the joint may be connected to a corner of the first surface of the joint and / or a corner of the second surface of the joint. The third surface of the joint may be formed to be inclined with respect to at least one of the first surface of the joint and the second surface of the joint. At least some of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth panels may be provided as a panel including a first thermal insulation performance per unit thickness, and at least some others of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth panels may be provided as a panel including a second thermal insulation performance per unit thickness. The first thermal insulation performance and the second thermal insulation performance may be different from each other.

[0031] The insulator or refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a duct. The duct may include a first duct, a second duct, and / or a third duct. The first duct may supply cold air to the first storage compartment or the second storage compartment. The second duct may receive an evaporator. The third duct may be connected to be communicated to the first duct and the second duct. The third duct may include a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, a fourth surface, and / or a fifth surface. The first surface of the third duct may surround the first surface of the joint. The second surface of the third duct may surround the second surface of the joint. The third surface of the third duct may surround the third surface of the joint. The third duct may further include a fourth surface. The fourth surface of the third duct may be disposed to extend from the first surface of the third duct or face the second storage compartment. The fifth surface of the third duct may be disposed to extend from the second surface of the third duct or to face the evaporator.

[0032] The insulator or refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a block. The block may include a portion extending in the same direction as one or more of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth panels. The block may include a portion extending in a different direction from one or more of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth panels. The block may include a first surface (e.g., left surface), a second surface (e.g., right surface), a third surface (e.g., rear surface), a fourth surface (e.g., bottom surface), a fifth surface (e.g., top surface), and a sixth surface (e.g., front surface). Some of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth surfaces of the refrigerator may be provided in the form of a panel, and some others of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth surfaces of the refrigerator may be provided in the form of a block. The block may be provided as the non-vacuum insulator. For example, the block may be a block cover and / or polyurethane (PU) foam filling the inside of the block cover. The block may include one or more of a first block portion (e.g., side block portion), a second block portion (e.g., rear block portion or front block portion), and a third block portion (e.g., bottom block portion or top block portion). Each of the first, second, and third block portions may include a plurality of parts. At least two or more of the first, second, and third block portions may be connected and provided as the joint. The third block portion may form one surface of the first storage compartment and / or may form one surface of the machine room. The third block portion may be provided as a partition, or may form one surface of the first storage compartment.

[0033] The insulator or refrigerator of the present disclosure may include an insulation reinforcing portion. The insulation reinforcing portion may include a portion connected to one side of the block or a portion formed to protrude from the block.

[0034] The insulator or refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a hinge. The hinge may be disposed on one side of the insulator. The hinge may be disposed on the main body and / or door of the refrigerator.

[0035] The hinge may include one or more of: a hinge coupler that is coupled to at least one of the insulator, the main body of the refrigerator, and the door of the refrigerator; a hinge shaft; and a hinge connector that protrudes and extends from the hinge coupler. The hinge may include one or more of: a first hinge (e.g., upper hinge) disposed on one side of a wall forming the first storage compartment; a second hinge (e.g., middle hinge) disposed on the partition; and a third hinge (e.g., lower hinge) on a wall forming the second storage compartment. The insulator or refrigerator of the present disclosure may include one or more of: a hinge reinforcing frame for reinforcing the strength of the hinge; a cover to which the hinge is coupled; and a hinge reinforcing plate that is configured to be connected to or received in the panel. The hinge reinforcing frame may include one or more of first, second, third, and fourth frame portions. At least two of the first, second, third, and fourth frame portions may extend in different directions.

[0036] The insulator or refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a support frame. The support frame may support one surface of the panel. The support frame may include a coupling portion. The block may be supported on the machine room by the support frame. The support frame may include a first support frame and / or a second support frame.

[0037] The insulator or refrigerator of the present disclosure may include an inner cover. The inner cover may be disposed between the cover of the machine room and the hinge reinforcing frame (e.g., the first frame portion).

[0038] The insulator or refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a decoration. The decoration may be disposed on a surface of the insulator. The decoration may be disposed on a surface of the main body and / or door of the refrigerator. For example, the decoration may be disposed on an outer surface of the insulator or on an outer surface of the refrigerator.

[0039] The insulator or refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a hot line. The hot line may be disposed on a surface of the insulator. The decoration may be disposed on a surface of the main body and / or door of the refrigerator. The hot line may be disposed between the decoration and the surface of the insulator. The hot line may be disposed between the decoration and the surface of the refrigerator and / or between the decoration and the surface of the door.

[0040] The insulator or refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a casing. The casing may be an exterior casing or an interior casing. The exterior casing may be connected to the second plate. The exterior casing may be provided to cover at least a portion of the second plate. The exterior casing may be provided in contact with the second plate or spaced apart from the second plate by a predetermined distance. The interior casing may be connected to the first plate. The interior casing may be provided to cover at least a portion of the first plate. The interior casing may be provided in contact with the first plate or spaced apart from the first plate by a predetermined distance.

[0041] The insulator or refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a drawer and / or a drawer guide. The drawer guide may be provided with a first storage compartment drawer guide provided in the first storage compartment. The first storage compartment drawer guide may include at least one of a first plate (e.g., side plate), a second plate (e.g., bottom plate), a third plate (e.g., top plate), and a fourth plate (e.g., middle plate).

[0042] The drawer guide may include a second storage compartment drawer guide provided in the second storage compartment.

[0043] The insulator or refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a shelf and / or a shelf support frame.

[0044] [Detailed Description for Implementing the Invention] is divided into the foregoing [Common Description] and the following [Description Based on Drawings]. In the [Detailed Description for Implementing the Invention], each specific matter described for implementing the invention may be understood as an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the [Detailed Description for Implementing the Invention], a combination of at least two or more of the specific matters described for implementing the invention may also be understood as an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, in the [Detailed Description for Implementing the Invention], each paragraph of the [Common Description] section or the section described based on the drawings, as well as a combination of such paragraphs, may be understood as an embodiment of the present disclosure. In another example, in the [Detailed Description for Implementing the Invention], each sentence of the [Common Description] section or the section described based on the drawings, as well as a combination of such sentences, may be understood as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Hereinafter, based on each drawing, the [Description Based on Drawings] section describing the present disclosure will be set forth.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the insulator 10 of the present disclosure may include plates 11, 12, and 14. In the present disclosure, the term "plate" may refer to at least one of the first plate 11, the second plate 12, and the side plate 14. Optionally, the insulator of the present disclosure may include a vacuum space 15. The vacuum space 15 may be formed by walls provided by the plates 11, 12, and 14. The vacuum space 15 may include a thickness in a first direction. The plates 11, 12, and 14 may include: the first plate 11; and the second plate 12. The first plate 11 may include a portion extending in a direction different from the first direction. The second plate 12 may include a portion extending in another directiondifferent from the first direction. Optionally, the plates may include a side plate 14 including a portion extending in the first direction. For example, the insulator 10 of the present disclosure may be provided such that the first plate 11, the second plate 12, and the side plate 14 may be each provided as separate components, and the separate components may be provided to be connected to one another. In another example, the insulator 10 of the present disclosure may be provided such that at least two of the first plate 11, the second plate 12, and the side plate 14 are integrally provided, and such that the separate components are connected to one another. In yet another example, the insulator 10 of the present disclosure may be provided such that portions connecting the first plate 11, the second plate 12, and the side plate 14 are each integrally provided. In this case, the first plate 11 may be provided as a separate component, and the separate components may be provided to be connected to one another. Alternatively, the second plate 12 may be provided as a separate component, and the separate components may be provided to be connected to one another. Alternatively, the side plate 14 may be provided as a separate component, and the separate components may be provided to be connected to one another. Optionally, the insulator 10 of the present disclosure may include a third plate disposed on at least a portion of the insulator 10 or connected to at least a portion of the plates 11, 12, 14. The third plate may include a portion provided to be thinner than or equal in thickness to the plates 11, 12, and 14. The third plate may include a portion provided to be thicker than the plates 11, 12, and 14. The third plate may be disposed in the vacuum space 15 or disposed outside the vacuum space 15. Examples of the third plate may include a heat transfer resistor 23, 26a, 26b, and 34, a deformation resistor 13, and the like, as described in the present disclosure.

[0047] Optionally, the insulator 10 of the present disclosure may include a heat transfer resistor 23, 26a, 26b, and 34 (thermal insulator) for reducing the amount of heat transfer between a first space provided adjacent to the first plate 11 and a second space provided adjacent to the second plate 12, or for reducing the amount of heat transfer between the first plate 11 and the second plate 12. A heat transfer resistor that reduces the amount of heat transfer by conduction may be defined as a conduction resistance sheet 26a and 26b, and a heat transfer resistor that reduces the amount of heat transfer by radiation may be defined as a radiation resistance sheet 23. The heat transfer resistor 23, 26a, 26b, and 34 may be provided as a porous material 34 or as a filler 34. A filler whose inside is filled with a porous material may be defined as the porous material 34. The heat transfer resistor 23, 26a, 26b, and 34 may include at least one of the radiation resistance sheet 23, the porous material 34, the filler 34, and the conduction resistance sheet 26a and 26b, or a mixture of at least two thereof. The heat transfer resistor 23, 26a, 26b, and 34 may be provided so as not to be connected to at least a portion of the plates 11, 12, and 14 or make contact with the plates 11, 12, and 14. A shield 24 may be provided for insulation outside the heat transfer resistor 23, 26a, 26b, and 34. A connecting frame 17 may be provided outside the heat transfer resistor 23, 26a, 26b, and 34. The insulator 10 may include a conduit penetrating the vacuum space 15. The conduit may be formed by providing a pipe wall 32 as a separate component, or may be provided in such a manner that the pipe wall 32 is omitted and only a through-hole is formed in the plate. The side plate 14 may be provided adjacent to the conduit, or the heat transfer resistor 23, 26a, 26b, and 34 may be provided adjacent to the conduit.

[0048] Optionally, the insulator 10 of the present disclosure may include a deformation resistor 13 connected to at least a portion of the plates 11, 12, and 14 to increase the internal deformation resistance of the plates 11, 12, and 14. When the deformation resistor is provided in the form of a plate, the deformation resistor may be referred to as a deformation resistant plate.

[0049] Optionally, the insulator 10 of the present disclosure may include a supporter 19 that is connected to at least a portion of the plates 11, 12, and 13 and holds the vacuum space 15. The supporter 19 may include a bar 20 including a portion extending in the first direction, which is the thickness direction of the vacuum space 15. The supporter 19 may include a support plate 22 including a portion extending in a direction different from the first direction. The supporter 19 may include a plurality of bars 20 and a connecting plate 21 connecting the plurality of bars 20. The supporter 19 may include at least one of the bars 20, the connecting plate 21, and the support plate 22 or a combination of at least two thereof.

[0050] Optionally, the insulator 10 of the present disclosure may include a component coupling portion that provides a portion on which the components 24, 28, and 32 are disposed or supported. For example, when the component coupling portion is provided in the form of a plate, the component coupling portion may be referred to as a component coupling plate. A component connected to the component coupling portion may include a pass-through component configured to penetrate at least a portion of the insulator 10 or at least a portion of the plates 11, 12, and 14. A component connected to the component coupling portion may include a surface component configured to be connected to a surface of the insulator 10 or to be connected to a surface of the plates 11, 12, and 14. The pass-through component may be a component that forms a path through which a fluid (e.g., electricity, refrigerant, water, and air) passes. The pass-through component may be provided in the form of a tube. The tube may include a straight tube and / or a curved tube. The tube may include a plurality of parts, or may extend in one direction. The pass-through component may include at least one of the tube, a first lead extension, and a second lead extension. In the present disclosure, the term "fluid" is defined as any kind of object that flows. The fluid may include a moving solid, liquid, gas, and electricity. The pass-through component may be a component that forms a path through which a refrigerant for heat exchange passes, such as a suction line heat exchanger (SLHX) or a refrigerant pipe. The SLHX may be understood as a suction line heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a refrigerant that has passed through the evaporator and a refrigerant before being introduced into the evaporator. The pass-through component may be a wire that supplies electricity to the apparatus. The pass-through component may be a component that forms a path through which air can pass, such as a duct or port along whose surface fluid flows. The port may include an exhaust port that provides a path for air to escape from a space formed between the first plate 11 and the second plate 12, in order to form the vacuum space 15. The pass-through component may be a path through which a fluid such as cooling water, hot water, ice, and defrosting water can pass. Examples of the surface component may include peripheral insulation, a side panel, injected foam, pre-prepared resin, a hinge, a latch, a basket, a drawer, a shelf, a light, a sensor, an evaporator 7, a front decoration, a hotline, a heater, an outer cover, and an inner cover.

[0051] Through FIGS. 1 to 4, the terms plate, first plate, second plate, side plate, third plate, vacuum space, heat transfer resistor, conduction resistance sheet, radiation resistance sheet, porous material, filler, component coupling portion, joint, support, bar, support plate, connecting plate, deformation resistor, deformation resistance plate, component coupling portion, component coupling plate, pass-through component, surface component, duct, and port have been defined. In the present disclosure, when the above terms are used for portions other than the portions with respect to which the explanations of FIGS. 1 to 4 are described, the terms used shall be interpreted as defined in FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0052] In the present disclosure, the expression "object A is connected to object B" may be defined as object A being directly connected to at least a portion of object B, or at least a portion of object A being connected to at least a portion of object B through an intermedium disposed between objects A and B. In a modification, the expression "object A is connected to object B" may include object A and object B being integrally prepared in such a manner as to be connected by the aforementioned method. In the present disclosure, examples of connection may include supporting, combining, and sealing, as described below. In the present disclosure, the expression "object A is supported by object B" may be defined as object A being restricted in movement in one or more of the +X, -X, +Y, -Y, +Z, and -Z axis directions by object B. In the present disclosure, examples of supporting may include combining and sealing, as described below. In the present disclosure, the expression "object A is combined with object B" may be defined as object A being restricted in movement in one or more of the X, Y, and Z axis directions by object B. In the present disclosure, an example of combining may include sealing, as described below. In the present disclosure, the expression "object A is sealed to object B" may be defined as a state in which movement of fluid is not permitted at a portion where object A and object B are connected. In the present disclosure, at least a portion of one or more objects, i.e., object A and object B, may be defined as including: a portion of object A, the entirety of object A, a portion of object B, the entirety of object B, a portion of object A and a portion of object B, a portion of object A and the entirety of object B, the entirety of object A and a portion of object B, and the entirety of object A and the entirety of object B. In the present disclosure, the expression "plate A may be a wall defining space A" may be defined as at least a portion of plate A being a wall forming at least a portion of space A. That is, at least a portion of plate A may be a wall forming space A, or plate A may be a wall forming at least a portion of space A. In the present disclosure, a central portion of an object may be defined as a portion located in the center when the object is divided into three equal parts along the lengthwise direction of the object. A peripheral portion of the object may be defined as a portion located on one side or the other side of the central portion among the three equal parts. The peripheral portion of the object may include a surface adjoining the central portion and a surface opposite thereto. The surface opposite thereto may be defined as a border or corner of the object. In the present disclosure, the degree of deformation resistance indicates the extent to which the object resists deformation, which may be defined as a value determined by a shape including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, and the processing method of the object. In the present disclosure, the degree of heat transfer resistance indicates the extent to which the object resists heat transfer, which may be defined as a value determined by a shape including the thickness of the object, the material of the object, and the processing method of the object. In the present disclosure, the degree of heat transfer resistance may be defined as at least one of the degree of conduction resistance, the degree of radiation resistance, and the degree of convection resistance or a combination of at least two thereof. In the following description, the terms "upper side," "lower side," "right side," "left side," "front side," and "rear side" shall be understood with reference to the coordinate system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5. An example of "+Z" may mean "upper side," an example of "-Z" may mean "lower side," an example of "+Y" may mean "right side," an example of "-Y" may mean "left side," an example of "+X" may mean "front side," and an example of "-X" may mean "rear side." In this specification, the front-rear direction as used herein may be an example of the X-axis direction, the left-right direction may be an example of the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction may be an example of the Z-axis direction.

[0053] The insulator 10 of the present disclosure may be applied to a refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1 may include a main body 2 provided with a cavity 9 for storing storage items, and a door 3 provided to open and close the main body 2. A cold source for supplying cold air to the cavity 9 may be provided. For example, the cold source may be an evaporator 7 that evaporates refrigerant to take heat. The refrigerator may include a compressor 4 that compresses the refrigerant. The refrigerator may include a condenser 5 that condenses the compressed refrigerant. The condenser 5 may be connected to an expander 6 that expands the condensed refrigerant.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the exterior of a refrigerator according to the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a conceptual view showing the refrigerator in FIG. 5 viewed from various angles. For example, FIG. 6a shows a three-dimensional shape of a portion of the refrigerator, FIG. 6b shows a right-side view of the refrigerator, FIG. 6c shows a plan view of the refrigerator, and FIG. 6d shows a front view of the refrigerator.

[0056] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6b, showing a configuration in which a hinge reinforcing plate 130 is coupled to a portion of the main body 100, as viewed from one side (e.g., the right side), according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 6b, showing a configuration in which the hinge reinforcing plate 130 is coupled to a portion of the main body 100, as viewed from the front, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] The refrigerator according to the present disclosure includes the main body 100 and / or a door 108 and 109.

[0059] The main body 100 forms the exterior of the refrigerator. The main body 100 may include at least two panels 101, 102, 103, and 104.

[0060] For example, the panels 101, 102, 103, and 104 including the main body 100 may include a second panel 101, a third panel 102, a first panel 103, and / or a fourth panel 104. For example, the second panel 101 forms the rear surface of the refrigerator. The third panel 102 forms the top surface of the refrigerator. The first panel 103 forms the side surface of the refrigerator. The first panel 103 may include one first panel 1031 and another first panel 1032 that are disposed to face each other in one direction. The fourth panel 104 forms the bottom surface or lower surface of the refrigerator.

[0061] A machine room (not shown) may be installed at a portion of the fourth panel 104.

[0062] The vacuum insulator 131 may form a portion of at least one of the second panel 101, the third panel 102, the first panel 103, the fourth panel 104, or the door 108 and 109. In this embodiment, the vacuum insulator is illustrated as applied to the second panel 101, the third panel 102, the first panel 103, and the door 108 and 109.

[0063] A storage compartment is formed inside the main body 100. The storage compartment includes a first storage compartment 105 and / or a second storage compartment 106. The second storage compartment 106 may be maintained at a preset first temperature, for example, -20 °C, although it is not limited to the preset first temperature. The first storage compartment 105 may be maintained at a preset second temperature, for example, +5 °C, although it is not limited to the preset second temperature.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first storage compartment 105 and the second storage compartment 106 are illustrated as arranged respectively on one side (e.g., the upper side) and the other side (e.g., the lower side) of the main body 100. However, the positions of the first storage compartment 105 and the second storage compartment 106 may be reversed.

[0065] The second storage compartment 106 and the first storage compartment 105 may be sectioned off by a partition 107. The partition 107 extends in one direction (e.g., horizontally) between one 1031 of the first panels and another 1032 of the first panels. The partition 107 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the third panel 102 and / or the fourth panel 104 and the main body 100.

[0066] The partition 107 may be positioned between one-third and two-thirds of the height in one direction (e.g., upward) from the fourth panel 104, when the height (vertical distance) between the fourth panel 104 and the third panel 102 is divided into three equal parts. In this embodiment, the partition 107 is illustrated as disposed approximately one-third of the height in one direction (e.g., upward) from the fourth panel 104.

[0067] The door 108 and 109 includes a first storage compartment door 108 and / or a second storage compartment door 109.

[0068] The first storage compartment door 108 may be movably installed on one side (e.g., the upper side) of the main body 100 so as to open and close the first storage compartment 105. One side (e.g., the left side or the right side) of the first storage compartment door 108 may be movably coupled to the main body 100 by a hinge 110. In this embodiment, the right side of the first storage compartment door 108 is illustrated as coupled to the main body 100 by the hinge 110.

[0069] However, when a plurality of main bodies are arranged adjacent to each other in one direction, a first hinge may be installed on one side (e.g., the right side) of the main body on one side (e.g., the right side), and / or one side (e.g., the right side) of the first storage compartment door on one side (e.g., the right side) may be coupled to the first hinge. A second hinge may be installed at the other side (e.g., the left side) of the main body on the other side (the left side), and / or the other side (e.g., the left side) of the first storage compartment door on the other side (e.g., the left side) may be coupled to the second hinge.

[0070] The second storage compartment door 109 may be movably or slidably installed on one side (e.g., the lower side) of the main body 100 so as to open and close the second storage compartment 106. In this embodiment, the second storage compartment door 109 is illustrated as movably installed on the main body 100.

[0071] The hinge 110 includes a first hinge 110 (upper hinge) installed on the third panel 102, a second hinge 111 (middle hinge) installed on the partition 107, and / or a third hinge 112 (lower hinge) installed on a portion of the fourth panel 104 (or a portion of the machine room).

[0072] The first surface and / or second surface of the first storage compartment door 108 is movably installed on a surface of the main body 100 by the first hinge 110 and / or the second hinge 110.

[0073] The first surface and / or second surface of the second storage compartment door 109 is movably installed on a surface of the main body 100 by the second hinge 111 and / or the third hinge 112.

[0074] Unless otherwise specified in the following description, the hinge 110 refers to the first hinge 110.

[0075] The hinge 110 is configured to include a hinge coupler 113, a hinge connector 114, and / or a hinge shaft 115.

[0076] The hinge coupler 113 is coupled to the main body 100. For example, the hinge coupler 113 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The hinge coupler 113 is installed on a portion (e.g., front end portion) of the third panel 102. The hinge coupler 113 may be coupled in a stacked manner to a portion of the second plate 117a of the third panel 102 so as to be exposed to the outside of the main body 100. Accordingly, the hinge coupler 113 exposed to the outside of the main body 100 can simplify the structure of the hinge 110 and enable coupling of the hinge 110 and the third panel 102.

[0077] A surface of the hinge coupler 113 may be connected to the second plate 117a of the third panel 102. The surface of the hinge coupler 113 may be exposed to the outside. One surface of the hinge coupler 113 is disposed to be spaced apart in one direction from the first panels 1031 and 1032.

[0078] The hinge coupler 113 includes coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133. The coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133 are formed to penetrate the hinge coupler 113. The coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133 are configured to receive a fastener which will be described later.

[0079] The fastener may be formed to protrude from the first plate 116a of the third panel 102 which will be described later. The fastener is configured to couple the hinge coupler 113 and the first plate 116a of the third panel 102. The coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133 may be extended in one direction so as to adjust the position of the hinge 110. For example, in a state where the hinge coupler 113 and the fastener are inserted such that the fastener penetrates through the coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133, the hinge coupler 113 is movable in one direction.

[0080] However, the width of the coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133 in one direction (e.g., left-right direction) may be formed to correspond to the diameter of the fastener and / or, in a state where the fastener is coupled to the hinge coupler 113 by penetrating through the coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133, the hinge coupler 113 may be restrained from moving in one direction.

[0081] The fastener may include bolts 134, 135, and 136. A nut is coupled to the fastener that penetrates through the coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133, so that the hinge coupler 113 and the third panel 102 can be coupled together.

[0082] The coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133 may include a first coupling hole 1131, a second coupling hole 1132, and / or a third coupling hole 1133.

[0083] The first coupling hole 1131 and the second coupling hole 1132 are disposed in one direction to be spaced apart from one end (e.g., the right end) of the third panel 102 by the same distance. However, the first coupling hole 1131 and the second coupling hole 1132 are disposed to be spaced apart in one direction of the hinge coupler 113.

[0084] The first coupling hole 1131 and the second coupling hole 1132 are disposed to be spaced apart in one direction from one end (e.g., the front end) of the third panel 102 by different distances.

[0085] For example, the first coupling hole 1131 is disposed to be spaced apart from one end (e.g., the front end) of the third panel 102 by a first distance. The second coupling hole 1132 is disposed to be spaced apart from one end (e.g., the front end) of the third panel 102 by a second distance. Here, the first distance is smaller than the second distance.

[0086] The first coupling hole 1131 and the second coupling hole 1132 may be aligned along an imaginary extension line extending in one direction. The distance between the first coupling hole 1131 and the second coupling hole 1132 may be greater than the distance in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction) between one end (e.g., the front end) of the hinge coupler 113 and the first coupling hole 1131 and / or the distance in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction) between the other end (e.g., the rear end) of the hinge coupler 113 and the second coupling hole 1132.

[0087] The third coupling hole 1133 is disposed to be spaced apart from one end (e.g., the right end) of the third panel 102 by a distance different from that by which the first coupling hole 1131 and the second coupling hole 1132 are spaced apart therefrom. The third coupling hole 1133 may be positioned further away in one direction (e.g., rearward) from the other end (e.g., the front end) of the third panel 102 than the first coupling hole 1131, and / or may be positioned further away in another direction (e.g., forward) than the second coupling hole 1132. However, the distance in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction) between the first coupling hole 1131 and the third coupling hole 1133 may be shorter than the distance (e.g., front-rear direction) between the second coupling hole 1132 and the third coupling hole 1133.

[0088] A portion of the first storage compartment door 108 may be positioned higher than the third panel 102.

[0089] The hinge connector 114 is configured to connect the hinge coupler 113 and the hinge shaft 115. One end (e.g., the upper end) of the hinge shaft 115 is formed to protrude above a surface of the first storage compartment door 108. A portion of the hinge shaft 115 is positioned higher than the hinge coupler 113.

[0090] To connect the hinge coupler 113 and the hinge shaft 115, the hinge connector 114 may include a first hinge connector 1141, a second hinge connector 1142, and / or a third hinge connector 1143. The first hinge connector 1141 extends from a portion (e.g., the front end) of the hinge coupler 113.

[0091] The length of the first hinge connector 1141 in one direction (e.g., left-right direction) extends longer than the width of the first hinge connector 1141 in another direction (e.g., up-down direction). The width of the first hinge connector 1141 in another direction (e.g., up-down direction) may be formed to correspond to the gap or height difference between the third panel 102 and the first storage compartment door 108. The first hinge connector 1141 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate whose horizontal length in one direction (e.g., left-right direction) is longer than the vertical length.

[0092] The second hinge connector 1142 extends from a portion (e.g., the upper end) of the first hinge connector 1141. The second hinge connector 1142 may be formed in the shape of a triangular plate.

[0093] When the hinge 110 is viewed from above, one surface (e.g., the right surface) of the second hinge connector 1142 forms the same plane as one surface (e.g., the right surface) of the hinge coupler 113. Another surface (e.g., the left surface) of the second hinge connector 1142 is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the one surface (e.g., the right surface) of the second hinge connector 1142.

[0094] The third hinge connector 1143 extends to protrude in one direction from a portion (e.g., front end portion) of the second hinge connector 1142 toward the hinge shaft 115. A hinge shaft receiver 1144 is provided at a portion (e.g., right end portion) of the third hinge connector 1143 so as to receive the hinge shaft 115. The hinge shaft receiver 1144 is formed to penetrate the third hinge connector 1143 so as to surround the hinge shaft 115.

[0095] The hinge shaft 115 is inserted into and coupled to the hinge shaft receiver 1144 at a portion (e.g., upper right end portion) of the first storage compartment door 108.

[0096] The hinge shaft coupling portion may be installed to be embedded in the first storage compartment door 108. The hinge shaft coupling portion receives the hinge shaft 115. The hinge shaft coupling portion surrounds and is coupled to the hinge shaft 115. The hinge shaft coupling portion is coupled to the first storage compartment door 108 so that the first storage compartment door 108 can move relative to the hinge shaft 115. The hinge shaft coupling portion may be implemented as a bearing or the like. However, the hinge shaft coupling portion is not limited to a bearing, but may be any means that allows the refrigerator door 108 and 109 to move relative to the hinge shaft 115.

[0097] The vacuum insulator includes a first plate 116a and 116b, a second plate 117a and 117b, a side plate 119a and 119b, and a supporter 120.

[0098] The first plate 116a and 116b is disposed to face the storage compartment, which is an internal space of the main body 100. The first plate 116a and 116b may be referred to as an inner case. The first plate 116a and 116b is made of a metallic material to minimize heat penetration and heat leakage. The first plate 116a and 116b may include a thin thickness of several mm or less, for example.

[0099] The second plate 117a and 117b is disposed to be spaced apart from the first plate 116a and 116b by a predetermined distance and / or to face the outside of the main body 100. The second plate 117a and 117b may be referred to as a first case. The second plate 117a and 117b is made of a metallic material to minimize heat penetration and / or heat leakage. The second plate 117a and 117b may include a thin thickness of several mm or less, for example.

[0100] The first plate 116a and 116b and the second plate 117a and 117b may include different thicknesses. The thickness of the first plate 116a and 116b may be formed to be thinner than the thickness of the second plate 117a and 117b.

[0101] To minimize heat transfer caused by the temperature difference between the internal space and external space of the storage compartment, a vacuum space 123 is formed between the first plate 116a and 116b and the second plate 117a and 117b.

[0102] The side plate 119a and 119b extends from the first plate 116a and 116b or the second plate 117a and 117b so as to form one surface (e.g., a side surface) of the vacuum space 123, thereby connecting the first plate 116a and 116b and the second plate 117a and 117b. In this embodiment, the side plate 119a and 119b is illustrated as extending from the first plate 116a and 116b.

[0103] The side plate 119a and 119b may include a first curved portion 1191, a second curved portion 1192, and / or a straight portion 1193.

[0104] The first curved portion 1191 is formed to bend at 90 degrees with a predetermined curvature from one end of the first plate 116a and 116b toward the second plate 117a and 117b. The first curved portion 1191 may be formed in an arc shape and / or connected to the first plate 116a and 116b.

[0105] The second curved portion 1192 is formed to bend at 90 degrees with a predetermined curvature from one end of the second plate 117a and 117b toward the first plate 116a and 116b. The second curved portion 1192 may be formed in an arc shape and / or connected to the second plate 117a and 117b.

[0106] The length of the first plate 116a and 116b is shorter than the length of the second plate 117a and 117b. Accordingly, the first curved portion 1191 and the second curved portion 1192 may be formed to bend in opposite directions.

[0107] The straight portion 1193 may extend in one direction (e.g., vertically) with respect to the first plate 116a and 116b and the second plate 117a and 117b. It may be disposed between the first plate 116a and 116b and the second plate 117a and 117b, and may be connected to the first curved portion 1191 and the second curved portion 1192.

[0108] For example, on one side (e.g., an inner side of the right end portion) of the third panel 102 where the hinge 110 is installed, the straight portion 1193 extends in one direction (e.g., vertically) between one end (e.g., the right end) of the first plate 116a and 116b and one end (e.g., the right end) of the second plate 117a and 117b, and is connected to the first curved portion 1191 and the second curved portion 1192 (see FIG. 8).

[0109] The first curved portion 1191 bends counterclockwise from the first plate 116a and 116b toward the second plate 117a and 117b and / or is connected to the first plate 116a and 116b and one side of the straight portion 1193. The second curved portion 1192 bends clockwise from the first plate 116a and 116b toward the second plate 117a and 117b and / or is connected to the other side of the straight portion 1193 and the second plate 117a and 117b.

[0110] A sealing portion may be formed between the second curved portion 1192 and the second plate 117a and 117b. The sealing portion may be formed by spot welding or the like, and may seal the vacuum space 123.

[0111] Extension portions 118a and 118b may be further provided outside the sealing portion on one end of the second plate 117a and 117b. The extension portions 118a and 118b may be formed to be bent. The bent extension portions 118a and 118b are disposed to overlap so as to couple different panels, for example, the third panel 102 and the other first panel 1032.

[0112] The extension portion 118a extending from the third panel 102 may be bent inward into the extension portion 118b extending from the other first panel 1032, and / or conversely, the extension portion 118b extending from the other first panel 1032 may be bent to cover the extension portion 118a extending from the third panel 102. The two overlapping extension portions 118a and 118b may be coupled to each other by a plurality of rivets or the like.

[0113] The supporter 120 includes a first support plate 121, a bar 124, and / or a second support plate 122. The first support plate 121 is disposed to be connected to one surface of the first plate 116a and 116b, and is configured to support the first plate 116a and 116b. Here, the one surface of the first plate 116a and 116b refers to a side surface that faces the vacuum space 123, among both side surfaces of the first plate 116a and 116b. The first support plate 121 extends in the direction in which the vacuum space 123 extends.

[0114] The second support plate 122 is disposed to be connected to one surface of the second plate 117a and 117b, and is configured to support the second plate 117a and 117b. Here, the one surface of the second plate 117a and 117b refers to a side surface that faces the vacuum space 123, among both side surfaces of the second plate 117a and 117b. The second support plate 122 extends in the direction in which the vacuum space 123 extends.

[0115] The first support plate 121 and the second support plate 122 are disposed to face each other and / or to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0116] The bar 124 extends in one direction (e.g., vertically) with respect to the first support plate 121 and the second support plate 122. At least two bars 124 are each connected to the first support plate 121 and the second support plate 122. One end of the bar 124 is connected to the first support plate 121 and / or the other end of the bar 124 is connected to the second support plate 122. The supporter 120 may be made of a plastic material.

[0117] Through this, the supporter 120 can maintain the shape and vacuum of the vacuum space 123.

[0118] The first plate 116a and 116b and / or second plate 117a and 117b of the vacuum insulator are made of a metallic material, and thus heat transfer occurs easily due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the storage compartment. To minimize the heat transfer, a joint or an insulation block may be provided on the first plate 116a and 116b. Here, the surface of the first plate 116a and 116b refers to a side surface that faces the storage compartment, among both side surfaces of the first plate 116a and 116b.

[0119] The joint is disposed at a corner where at least two of the panels including the main body 100, among the second panel 101, the third panel 102, the first panel 103, and the fourth panel 104, are connected. The joint may be formed by injecting a polyurethane foaming liquid into the inside of a joint cover and molding the foam so as to provide an insulating function.

[0120] The first storage compartment joint 125 may include a first joint 1251, a second joint 1252, and / or a third joint 1253, depending on the installation position. The first storage compartment joint 125 may include a first joint 1251 disposed at a corner where the third panel 102 and the second panel 101 are connected, a second joint 1252 disposed at a corner where the second panel 101 and the first panel 103 are connected, and / or a third joint 1253 disposed at a corner where the third panel 102 and the first panel 103 are connected.

[0121] For example, since the greatest amount of heat transfer may occur at the corner where the first plate 116a of the third panel 102 and the first plate 116a and 116b of the second panel 101 are connected, it is necessary to increase the thickness of insulation material at the corner in order to minimize heat transfer.

[0122] To this end, the first joint 1251 may be formed to include the largest thickness at 45 degrees, which corresponds to half of the 90-degree angle formed between the first plate 116a of the third panel 102 and the first plate 116a and 116b of the second panel 101.

[0123] The joint may be formed in a triangular shape, a quadrangular shape, or a combination of polygonal shapes.

[0124] An insulation block may be disposed on a surface of any one of the panels among the second panel 101, the third panel 102, the first panel 103, and the fourth panel 104, i.e., on the first plate 116a and 116b. The insulation block may also be formed on the door 108 and 109.

[0125] The insulation block may be formed by injecting a polyurethane foaming liquid into the inside of a block cover and molding the foam so as to provide an insulating function.

[0126] An insulation reinforcing portion 1254 may be further provided on a surface of the main body 100. The insulation reinforcing portion 1254 is configured to minimize heat transfer between the door 108 and 109 and the surface of the main body 100. The insulation reinforcing portion 1254 may extend from the joint or the insulation block so as to surround the surface of the main body 100.

[0127] For example, the insulation reinforcing portion 1254 may extend from the third joint 1253 so as to surround a surface of the third panel 102.

[0128] A decoration 126 (front decoration) may be further provided on the surface of the main body 100. The decoration 126 is configured to surround a portion of the joint or the insulation reinforcing portion 1254. The decoration 126 may be manufactured using a plastic material. The decoration 126 may further include a hotline receiving portion 1261.

[0129] The hotline receiving portion 1261 may be disposed between the decoration 126 and the insulation reinforcing portion 1254. The insulation reinforcing portion 1254 may surround the hotline so as to block heat exchange between the cold air and the hotline. The insulation reinforcing portion 1254 may reinforce the insulating function of the vacuum insulator by surrounding the surface of the third panel 102.

[0130] The hotline may be surrounded by the decoration 126 and / or the insulation reinforcing portion 1254 and / or disposed on the surface of the third panel 102, thereby emitting heat so as to minimize dew condensation caused by the temperature difference between the outside air and the cold air.

[0131] A gasket 127 may be installed on a surface of the first storage compartment door 108. The gasket 127 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber. The gasket 127 is configured to prevent leakage of cold air between the refrigerator door 108 and 109 and the main body 100 when the first storage compartment door 108 is closed.

[0132] In order to maintain the thermal insulation performance of the vacuum insulator while reinforcing the strength of the hinge 110, the hinge reinforcing plate 130 is provided between the hinge coupler 113 and the main body 100. The hinge reinforcing plate 130 may be formed of a metallic material.

[0133] The hinge reinforcing plate 130 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The hinge reinforcing plate 130 may be the same size as, or slightly larger in size than, the hinge coupler 113. For example, a portion (e.g., a rear end portion) of the hinge reinforcing plate 130 may extend slightly longer than a portion (e.g., a rear end portion) of the hinge coupler 113.

[0134] The hinge reinforcing plate 130 may be disposed on the third panel 102. The hinge reinforcing plate 130 may be disposed between the second plate 117a of the third panel 102 and the hinge coupler 113. One surface and another surface of the second plate 117a and 117b form flat surfaces.

[0135] A surface of the hinge reinforcing plate 130 may be coupled to a surface of the second plate 117a of the third panel 102. The surface of the hinge reinforcing plate 130 is attached to a surface of the hinge coupler 113.

[0136] Coupling holes 131, 132, and 133 may be provided in the hinge reinforcing plate 130. The coupling holes 131, 132, and 133 may be formed to correspond to the coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133 of the hinge coupler 113. Alternatively, the coupling holes 131, 132, and 133 may be formed to penetrate the hinge reinforcing plate 130 so that a fastener can pass therethrough. The size of the coupling holes 131, 132, and 133 may be formed to correspond to the diameter of the fastener.

[0137] The coupling holes 131, 132, and 133 may include a first coupling hole 131, a second coupling hole 132, and / or a third coupling hole 133. The first coupling hole 131 may be disposed to correspond to and / or overlap the first coupling hole 1131. The second coupling hole 132 may be disposed to correspond to and / or overlap the second coupling hole 1132. The third coupling hole 133 may be disposed to correspond to and / or overlap the third coupling hole 1133.

[0138] The fastener may include bolts 134, 135, and 136 and / or a nut. The bolts 134, 135, and 136 may be formed to protrude from the first plate 116a of the third panel 102. A portion of the bolts 134, 135, and 136 may be connected to the first plate 116a and 116b by welding, an adhesive, or the like.

[0139] The bolts 134, 135, and 136 may include a first bolt 134, a second bolt 135, and / or a third bolt 136. The first bolt 134 is configured to penetrate through the first coupling hole 131 and the first coupling hole 1131. The second bolt 135 is configured to penetrate through the second coupling hole 132 and the second coupling hole 1132. The third bolt 136 is configured to penetrate through the third coupling hole 133 and the third coupling hole 1133.

[0140] The bolts 134, 135, and 136 may be extended. The bolts 134, 135, and 136 may include a closed curve-shaped (e.g., circular) cross-section. The bolts 134, 135, and 136 may be disposed to coincide with or be adjacent to an imaginary line passing through the center of the bar 124 of the supporter 120. The bolts 134, 135, and 136 may be disposed to overlap the bar 124 of the supporter 120. Through this, the bolts 134, 135, and 136 and the bar 124 of the supporter 120 may be disposed to overlap or be adjacent to each other on the same line, thereby not only better withstanding and supporting the load applied to the hinge coupler 113, but also improving the durability of the hinge coupler 113.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 7, at least two bars 124 including the supporter 120 of the third panel 102 may be disposed in one direction to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The at least two bars 124 may include a first bar 1241a to an N-th bar, which are sequentially disposed from one side (e.g., a front end portion) of the third panel 102 toward the other side (e.g., a rear end portion), where N is a natural number of 2 or greater.

[0142] For example, the first bolt 134 may be aligned with an imaginary first line passing through the center of the first bar 1241a. The second bolt 135 may be disposed between an imaginary second line and an imaginary third line respectively passing through the centers of the second bar 1242a and third bar 1243a. The third bolt 136 may be disposed between the imaginary first line and the imaginary second line respectively passing through the centers of the first bar 1241a and the second bar 1242a.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 8, at least two bars 124 including the supporter 120 of the third panel 102 may be disposed in one direction to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The at least two bars 124 may include a first bar 1241b to an M-th bar, which are arranged from one side (e.g., a right end portion) of the third panel 102 toward the other side (e.g., a left end portion), where M is a natural number of 2 or greater.

[0144] For example, the first bolt 134 and the second bolt 135 may be disposed on the same line in one direction, and / or the first and second bolts 134 and 135 each may be aligned with an imaginary first line passing through the center of the second bar 1242b. The third bolt 136 may be disposed adjacent to an imaginary second line passing through the center of the fourth bar 1244b.

[0145] The nut may be coupled to the bolts 134, 135, and 136. When the bolts 134, 135, and 136 and the nut are coupled, the coupling between the hinge coupler 113 and the third panel 102 is completed.

[0146] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, a panel forming the main body 100 of the refrigerator is configured to be a vacuum insulator. Since the door 108 and 109 is coupled to a portion of the main body 100, load may be concentrated on the hinge coupler 113. The hinge reinforcing plate 130 is coupled between the hinge coupler 113 and the third panel 102, thereby reinforcing the strength of the hinge 110. The hinge reinforcing plate 130 prevents deformation of the second plate 117a of the vacuum insulator while maintaining thermal insulation performance without increasing the thickness of the second plate 117a, thereby ensuring the reliability of opening and closing of the door 108 and 109.

[0147] It is possible to improve the sealing reliability of the refrigerator by preventing sagging of the door 108 and 109. In addition, it is possible to ensure the performance and reliability of the refrigerator by preventing leakage of cold air and vacuum caused by deformation of the first case.

[0148] Other components are identical or similar to those of the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 above, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0149] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which a hinge reinforcing plate 230 is coupled to the main body 100, as viewed from one side (e.g., the right side), according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0150] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration in which the hinge reinforcing plate 230 is coupled to the main body 100 as in FIG. 9, as viewed from the front.

[0151] This embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 8 in that the hinge reinforcing plate 230 is received in the second plate 217a, which is the first case of the vacuum insulator.

[0152] A portion of the second plate 217a protrudes to receive the hinge reinforcing plate 230. A reinforcing plate receiver 218 is formed to protrude from the second plate 217a. The protrusion height of the reinforcing plate receiver 218 is formed to correspond to the thickness of the hinge reinforcing plate 230. The reinforcing plate receiver 218 is formed to correspond to the shape of the hinge reinforcing plate 230.

[0153] The reinforcing plate receiver 218 is configured to surround at least one surface of the hinge reinforcing plate 230.

[0154] A surface of the reinforcing plate receiver 218 is connected to a surface of the hinge coupler 113. The surface of the reinforcing plate receiver 218 is disposed to be connected to a surface of the hinge reinforcing plate 230. The surface of the hinge reinforcing plate 230 is disposed to be connected to a surface of the second support plate 122 of the supporter 120.

[0155] Coupling grooves 231, 232, and 233 may be formed in the hinge reinforcing plate 230. The coupling grooves 231, 232, and 233 may define the points at which the bolts 134, 135, and 136 begin to protrude from the hinge reinforcing plate 230. The coupling grooves 231, 232, and 233 may be concavely formed in the hinge reinforcing plate 230 to correspond to the coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133 of the hinge coupler 113. The coupling grooves 231, 232, and 233 may be formed to correspond to the diameters of the bolts 134, 135, and 136.

[0156] The coupling grooves 231, 232, and 233 may include a first coupling groove 231, a second coupling groove 232, and / or a third coupling groove 233. The first coupling groove 231 is disposed to correspond to the first coupling hole 1131. The second coupling groove 232 is disposed to correspond to the second coupling hole 1132. The third coupling groove 233 is disposed to correspond to the third coupling hole 1133.

[0157] A plurality of through-holes are formed in the reinforcing plate receiver 218. The through-holes are disposed to correspond to the coupling grooves 231, 232, and 233 of the hinge reinforcing plate 230. The bolts 134, 135, and 136 may protrude from the coupling grooves 231, 232, and 233 of the hinge reinforcing plate 230 and / or may pass through the through-holes of the reinforcing plate receiver 218 and the coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133 of the hinge coupler 113.

[0158] The bolts 134, 135, and 136 may include a first bolt 134, a second bolt 135, and / or a third bolt 136.

[0159] The first bolt 134 is inserted and coupled into the first coupling groove 231. The second bolt 135 is inserted and coupled into the second coupling groove 232. The third bolt 136 is inserted and coupled into the third coupling groove 233.

[0160] The first bolt 134 passes through the first coupling hole 1131 and is coupled to a first nut. The second bolt 135 passes through the second coupling hole 1132 and is coupled to a second nut. The third bolt 136 passes through the third coupling hole 1133 and is coupled to a third nut.

[0161] Through this, the bolts 134, 135, and 136 and the nuts may include the hinge coupler 113 and / or the hinge reinforcing plate 230 coupled to a portion of the third panel 102.

[0162] The hinge reinforcing plate 230 reinforces the strength against the load applied to the hinge coupler 113, thereby preventing deformation of the second plate 217a and preventing sagging of the door 108 and 109.

[0163] The second plate 217a includes a first extension portion 2191 and / or a second extension portion 2192. The first extension portion 2191 extends in one direction (e.g., horizontally) from the second plate 217a. The second extension portion 2192 extends in another direction (e.g., vertically) from a portion (e.g., the front end) of the first extension portion 2191. The second extension portion 2192 is disposed at a portion (e.g., the front end) of the second plate 217a.

[0164] The hinge connector 114 and the second extension portion 2192 of the second plate 217a may be disposed to overlap.

[0165] The hinge reinforcing plate 230 is disposed to be spaced apart from one end (e.g., the front end) of the second plate 217a of the third panel 102 by a predetermined distance.

[0166] The spacing distance between the one end (e.g., the front end) of the second plate 217a and one end (e.g., the front end) of the hinge reinforcing plate 230 is smaller than the spacing distance between the one end (e.g., the front end) of the second plate 217a and the first bar 1241a.

[0167] The spacing distance between the one end (e.g., the front end) of the second plate 217a and the one end (e.g., the front end) of the hinge reinforcing plate 230 is smaller than the spacing distance between the one end (e.g., the front end) of the second plate 217a and the side plate 119a and 119b.

[0168] The hinge reinforcing plate 230 may extend in the lengthwise direction of the vacuum space 123 of the third panel 102. Alternatively, the hinge reinforcing plate 230 may extend in one direction of the third panel 102. A portion of the hinge reinforcing plate 230 extends along the second support plate 122 and / or is disposed to overlap the second support plate 122. Another portion of the hinge reinforcing plate 230 is disposed to overlap a portion of the insulation reinforcing portion 1254.

[0169] A space portion 220 may be formed on a surface of the reinforcing plate receiver 218 that surrounds a surface of the hinge reinforcing plate 230. The space portion 220 may be formed between one end portion (e.g., front end portion) of a surface of the hinge coupler 113, one end portion (e.g., front end portion) of a surface of the second plate 217a, and a surface of the reinforcing plate receiver 218.

[0170] The length of another portion of the hinge reinforcing plate 230 overlapping the insulation reinforcing portion 1254 which is a non-vacuum insulator is shorter than the length of a portion of the hinge reinforcing plate 230 overlapping the second support plate 122 which is a vacuum insulator. Through this, the hinge reinforcing plate 230, which is formed of a metallic material, is configured such that the portion overlapping the non-vacuum insulator is made shorter, while the portion of the hinge reinforcing plate 230 overlapping the vacuum insulator is made relatively longer. As a result, the strength of the hinge coupler 113 coupled to the vacuum insulator can be increased, while minimizing deterioration of thermal insulation performance that may occur due to an increase in the length of the hinge reinforcing plate 230.

[0171] Other components are identical or similar to those of the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0172] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the hinge reinforcing plate 330 is coupled to the main body 100, as viewed from one side (e.g., the right side), according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] This embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10 in that the hinge reinforcing plate 330 is received in the second plate 117a of the third panel 102 while being provided in a recessed portion of the supporter 120.

[0174] The second plate 117a forms a flat surface without a protruding portion for receiving the hinge reinforcing plate 330.

[0175] A first portion of the second plate 117a may overlap the hinge reinforcing plate 330. A second portion of the second plate 117a does not overlap the hinge reinforcing plate 330. The first portion and second portion of the second plate 117a form the same plane.

[0176] However, a portion of the supporter 120 is formed to be recessed to receive the hinge reinforcing plate 330.

[0177] The supporter 120 includes a reinforcing plate coupler 323 which is formed to be recessed on one side of the second support plate 322.

[0178] The reinforcing plate coupler 323 of the supporter 120 surrounds and / or is connected to at least one surface of the hinge reinforcing plate 330. The second plate 117a surrounds and / or is connected to a surface of the hinge reinforcing plate 330.

[0179] The reinforcing plate coupler 323, which is a first portion of the second support plate 322, may be disposed to overlap the hinge reinforcing plate 330. A second portion of the second support plate 322 is disposed not to overlap the hinge reinforcing plate 330.

[0180] The reinforcing plate coupler 323 is positioned lower than the second portion of the second support plate 322 with respect to the first plate 116a. The distance (e.g., height) between the reinforcing plate coupler 323 and the first plate 116a is smaller than the distance (e.g., height) between the second portion of the second support plate 322 and the first plate 116a.

[0181] The length of a bar disposed between the reinforcing plate coupler 323 and the first plate 116a is shorter than the length of a bar disposed between the second portion of the second support plate 322 and the first plate 116a.

[0182] The hinge reinforcing plate 330 may extend toward a surface of the insulation reinforcing portion 1254. The hinge reinforcing plate 330 may extend to the surface of the insulation reinforcing portion 1254 that surrounds a surface of the third panel 102. A surface of the hinge reinforcing plate 330 may be connected to the surface of the insulation reinforcing portion 1254. The surface of the hinge reinforcing plate 330 and the surface of the insulation reinforcing portion 1254 may form the same plane.

[0183] Through this, the load applied to the hinge coupler 113 is transmitted simultaneously to the hinge reinforcing plate 330 and the insulation reinforcing portion 1254, whereby the load is distributed to the hinge reinforcing plate 330 and the insulation reinforcing portion 1254, thus efficiently reinforcing the strength of the hinge 110.

[0184] Other components are identical or similar to those of the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0185] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which the hinge reinforcing plate 430 is coupled to the main body 100, as viewed from one side (e.g., the right side), according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0186] FIG. 13 is a conceptual view showing the configuration in which the hinge reinforcing plate 430 is coupled to the main body 100 as in FIG. 12, as viewed from the front.

[0187] This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 11 in that the hinge reinforcing plate 430 is provided with a bent portion 431 and 432.

[0188] The hinge reinforcing plate 430 may be disposed between the second plate 117a and the reinforcing plate coupler 423 of the second support plate 422.

[0189] The bent portion 431 and 432 is formed on one end of the hinge reinforcing plate 430. The bent portion 431 and 432 may extend along the one end of the hinge reinforcing plate 430. The width of the bent portion 431 and 432 in one direction (e.g., vertical direction) is smaller than the length of the bent portion 431 and 432 in another direction (e.g., horizontal direction). The protrusion length of the bent portion 431 and 432 protruding from one end of the hinge reinforcing plate 430 is greater than the thickness of the reinforcing plate coupler 423 and / or shorter than the length of a bar disposed between the reinforcing plate coupler 423 and the first support plate 121.

[0190] The bent portion 431 and 432 may include a first bent portion 431 and / or a second bent portion 432. The first bent portion 431 is formed to be bent in one direction from one side (e.g., front end) of the hinge reinforcing plate 430. The second bent portion 432 is formed to be bent in one direction from the other side (e.g., rear end) of the hinge reinforcing plate 430. The first bent portion 431 and the second bent portion 432 may be formed to face each other in one direction.

[0191] Through this configuration, the bent portion 431 and 432 can further enhance the strength of the hinge reinforcing plate 430.

[0192] Other components are identical or similar to that of the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 11, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0193] FIG. 14 is a conceptual view showing a structure in which the length of a hinge coupler 513 is extended and / or an end portion of the hinge coupler 513 is bent, according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG 14a is a perspective view showing the hinge coupler 513 in an extended state, and FIG. 14b is a plan view showing the hinge coupler 513 in an extended state.

[0194] FIG. 15 is a conceptual view showing the hinge 510 in FIG. 14 viewed from various angles. FIG. 15a is a plan view showing the hinge 510 as viewed from above. FIG. 15b is a front view showing the hinge 510 as viewed from the front. FIG. 15c is a side view showing the hinge 510 as viewed from the side.

[0195] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 14, showing a bending portion 516 that is bent at a portion (e.g., rear end portion) of the hinge coupler 513.

[0196] This embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 13 in that the hinge coupler 513 itself is provided with a structure capable of reinforcing strength without the addition of the hinge reinforcing plate 130, 230, 330, and 430.

[0197] The length of the hinge coupler 513 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction) according to this embodiment is extended much longer than the length of the hinge coupler 513 according to the embodiments of FIG. 5 to 13.

[0198] For example, the length of the hinge coupler 513 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction) according to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 13 may be three to five times the distance between two bars disposed adjacent to each other in one direction.

[0199] The length of the hinge coupler 513 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction) according to this embodiment may be twenty times or more the distance between two bars disposed adjacent to each other in one direction.

[0200] The hinge coupler 513 may be formed longer than or equal to the length of the third panel 102 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction).

[0201] The hinge coupler 513 includes a hinge coupling body 514, a hinge extension portion 515, and / or a bending portion 516.

[0202] The hinge coupling body 514 is formed in a plate shape. The coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133 are formed to penetrate the hinge coupling body 514. The coupling holes 1131, 1132, and 1133 include a first coupling hole 1131, a second coupling hole 1132, and / or a third coupling hole 1133.

[0203] The first bolt 134 protruding from the second plate 117a penetrates through the first coupling hole 1131, and / or the second bolt 135 protruding from the second plate 117a penetrates through the second coupling hole 1132, and / or the third bolt 136 protruding from the second plate 117a penetrates through the third coupling hole 1133.

[0204] The first coupling hole 1131 is disposed to overlap the first bar 1241a among the bars 124 spaced apart in one direction. The second coupling hole 1132 is disposed between the second bar 1242a and the third bar 1243a among the bars spaced apart in one direction.

[0205] The hinge extension portion 515 extends from a portion (e.g., rear end portion) of the hinge coupling body 514 to, for example, one end (e.g., upper end) of the second panel 101 in which the second coupling hole 1132 is located. The length of the hinge extension portion 515 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction) is extended longer than the length of the hinge coupling body 514 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction).

[0206] A first coupling hole 5151 is formed at a portion (e.g., rear end portion) of the hinge extension portion 515.

[0207] An extension portion 118b may extend from a portion of the second plate 117b, which is the first case of the second panel 101. The extension portion 118b of the second panel 101 may include a first extension portion 1181 and / or a second extension portion 1182. The first extension portion 1181 extends in one direction (e.g., upward) from the second plate 117b. The second extension portion 1182 extends from one end (e.g., upper end) of the first extension portion 1181. A second coupling hole 5152 is formed to penetrate the second extension portion 1182. The first coupling hole 5151 and the second coupling hole 5152 are disposed to overlap.

[0208] A fastener 517 such as a screw may penetrate through the first coupling hole 5151 and / or the second coupling hole 5152 to be coupled to the hinge extension portion 515 and one end (e.g., upper end) of the second panel 101.

[0209] Through this, one side (e.g., front end portion) and / or the other side (e.g., rear end portion) of the hinge coupler 513 may be firmly and stably coupled to a portion (e.g., front end portion) of a surface of the third panel 102 and / or to a portion of the second panel 101. The hinge coupling body 514, which is one side (e.g., front end portion) of the hinge coupler 513, may be coupled to a portion (e.g., front end portion) of the surface of the third panel 102 by the first bolt 134, the second bolt 135, and / or the third bolt 136, or a portion (e.g., rear end portion) of the hinge extension portion 515, which is the other side (e.g., rear end portion) of the hinge coupler 513, may be coupled to the second plate 117b of the second panel 101 by the fastener 517.

[0210] The bending portion 516 is formed to be bent at a portion (e.g., rear end) of the hinge extension portion 515. The bending portion 516 extends in one direction (e.g., vertically) with respect to the hinge extension portion 515.

[0211] Through this, the hinge extension portion 515 and / or the bending portion 516 may be coupled to at least one of the third panel 102 and the second panel 101, thereby increasing the coupling area and reinforcing the strength of the hinge 510 without the need for the hinge reinforcing plate 130, 230, 330, and 430. The hinge extension portion 515 and / or the bending portion 516 can prevent deformation of the first case of the vacuum insulator while maintaining thermal insulation performance without increasing the thickness of the second plate 117a, which is the first case of the insulator, thereby ensuring the reliability of opening and closing of the door 108 and 109.

[0212] It is possible to improve the sealing reliability of the refrigerator by preventing sagging of the door 108 and 109. In addition, it is possible to ensure the performance and reliability of the refrigerator by preventing leakage of cold air and vacuum caused by deformation of the first case.

[0213] Other components are identical or similar to those of the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 13, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0214] FIG. 17 is a conceptual view showing a hinge 610 installed on a portion of the main body 100 where a bead portion 6171 is formed, according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17a is a perspective view showing the bead portion 6171 formed on a second plate 617a of a third panel 602. FIG. 17b is a plan view showing the bead portion 6171 formed on the second plate 617a of the third panel 602 as in FIG. 17a, as viewed from above. FIG. 17c is a conceptual view showing the hinge 610 coupled to one end (e.g., upper end) of the main body 100 as in FIG. 17b, as viewed from the side. FIG. 17d is a conceptual view showing the hinge 610 coupled to one end (e.g., upper end) of the main body 100 as in FIG. 17b, as viewed from the front.

[0215] FIGS. 18a and 18b are cross-sectional views taken along line XVIIIB-XVIIIB of FIG. 17b, showing a conceptual view in which the hinge coupler 113 is coupled to a surface of the third panel 602 where the bead portion 6171 is not formed. FIG. 18c is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIIIC-XVIIIC of FIG. 17b, showing a conceptual view in which the hinge coupler 113 is coupled to a surface of the third panel 602 where the bead portion 6171 is formed.

[0216] FIG. 19a is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIXA-XIXA of FIG. 17b, showing the third panel 602 where the bead portion 6171 is formed, as viewed from the front. FIGS. 19b and 19c are cross-sectional views taken along line XIXB-XIXB of FIG. 17b, showing the hinge coupler 113 installed on the surface of the third panel 602 where the bead portion 6171 is formed.

[0217] This embodiment differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 16 in that the bead portion 6171 is formed on a surface of the main body 100 where the hinge 510 is installed.

[0218] The term "bead" refers to an elongated and convex trace generated at a welded area during welding. The bead portion 6171 is named to indicate that it is formed in a bead shape.

[0219] The bead portion 6171 is formed in multiple parts on a surface of the third panel 602. In this embodiment, the bead portion 6171 is illustrated as extending in one direction.

[0220] The bead portion 6171 is formed to protrude from the second plate 617a of the third panel 602. At least two bead portions 6171 are arranged in one direction at regular intervals, spaced apart from each other. The bead portion 6171 may be formed by pressing the second plate 617a of the third panel 602.

[0221] The bead portion 6171 may be formed by locally plastically deforming the second plate 617a into a bead shape without changing its thickness.

[0222] A no-bead portion 6172 is formed between two bead portions 6171 adjacent to each other in one direction. The no-bead portion 6172 is named to indicate a portion where the bead portion 6171 is not formed. The bead portion 6171 is positioned higher than the no-bead portion 6172.

[0223] A connecting portion 6173a and / or 6173b is formed on one surface (e.g., the left surface) and / or another surface (e.g., the right surface) of the bead portion 6171. The connecting portion 6173a and 6173b extends in one direction of the third panel 602 so as to connect the bead portion 6171 and the no-bead portion 6172. One side of the connecting portion 6173a and 6173b is connected to the bead portion 6171, and / or the other side of the connecting portion 6173a and 6173b is connected to the no-bead portion 6172.

[0224] A plurality of no-bead portions 6172 may form the same first plane. The bead portion 6171 may form a second plane higher than the same first plane.

[0225] The length of the bead portion 6171 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction) is formed to be smaller than the length of the second plate 617a of the third panel 602 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction). The length of the bead portion 6171 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction) may be formed to be smaller than the length of the no-bead portion 6172 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction).

[0226] The length of the bead portion 6171 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction) may be extended longer than the length of the supporter 120 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction). The length of the bead portion 6171 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction) may be formed longer than the spacing distance between the first bar 1241a and the N-th bar. The length of the bead portion 6171 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction) may be extended longer than the length of the first support plate 121 or the second support plate 322 in one direction (e.g., front-rear direction). A portion (e.g., front end portion) of the bead portion 6171 may be disposed to overlap the insulation reinforcing portion 1254 which surrounds a surface of the vacuum space 123 of the third panel 602.

[0227] Accordingly, the bead portion 6171 formed of a metallic material is configured such that the length of the bead portion 6171 overlapping the non-vacuum insulator is made shorter, while the length of the bead portion 6171 overlapping the vacuum insulator is made relatively longer. In this manner, it is possible to increase the strength of the hinge coupler 113 coupled to the vacuum insulator while minimizing deterioration of thermal insulation performance caused by the increase in the length of the bead portion 6171.

[0228] The width of the bead portion 6171 in one direction (e.g., left-right direction) may be formed to be smaller than or equal to the spacing distance between two adjacent bars. If the width of the bead portion 6171 in one direction (e.g., left-right direction) is greater than the spacing distance between two adjacent bars, the bead portion 6171 may be crushed. If the width of the bead portion 6171 in the left-right direction is excessively smaller than the spacing distance between two adjacent bars, the width of the no-bead portion 6172 in the left-right direction becomes longer, which may reduce the strength of the third panel 602.

[0229] Preferably, the bead portion 6171 may be disposed between at least two bars 124 adjacent in one direction. It is desirable that the bead portion 6171 be arranged not to overlap at least two bars 124 spaced apart in one direction.

[0230] The connecting portion 6173a and 6173b may be disposed adjacent to a vertical line passing through the center of the bars 124.

[0231] The non-bead portion 6172 may be formed to be greater than or equal to the spacing distance between two bars 124 adjacent in one direction (e.g., left-right direction).

[0232] The bolts 134, 135, and 136 may be formed to protrude from either the bead portion 6171 or the non-bead portion 6172. The first bolt 134 and / or the second bolt 135 may be formed on the non-bead portion 6172. The third bolt 136 may be formed on the bead portion 6171, or may protrude from the second support plate 322, and / or may be formed to penetrate the bead portion 6171.

[0233] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18c, the third bolt 136 is illustrated as protruding from the second support plate 322 and / or formed to penetrate through the bead portion 6171. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the third bolt 136 is illustrated as protruding from the bead portion 6171.

[0234] The first bolt 134 may pass through the first coupling hole 1131 of the hinge coupler 113 and be coupled to a first nut. The second bolt 135 may pass through the second coupling hole 1132 of the hinge coupler 113 and be coupled to a second nut. The third bolt 136 may pass through the third coupling hole 1133 of the hinge coupler 113 and be coupled to a third nut.

[0235] Other components are identical or similar to those of the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0236] However, the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 19 may be cross-combined with each other, so long as they do not contradict each other.

[0237] For example, a bead structure for reinforcing the hinge 610 of the third panel 602 according to this embodiment may be applied to the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16.

[0238] Therefore, according to the present disclosure, a hinge coupler 113 may be installed on a surface of the main body 100. The hinge reinforcing plate 130, 230, 330, and 430 may be installed on the first case of the third panel 602, which is configured as a vacuum insulator, so as to reinforce the strength of the hinge coupler 113. The hinge reinforcing plate 430 may be disposed on the second plate 117a and 217a, which is the first case of the third panel 602.

[0239] For example, the hinge reinforcing plate 130 may be disposed between the hinge coupler 113 and the second plate 117a of the third panel 102 and 602.

[0240] In another example, the hinge reinforcing plate 230, 330, and 430 may be received in the second plate 117a and 217a of the third panel 102. The hinge reinforcing plate 430 is disposed between the second plate 117a and 217a and the second support plate 122 of the supporter 120. In yet another example, the hinge reinforcing plate 230 may be installed to be received in the reinforcing plate receiver 218 protruding from a portion of the second plate 217a. In a further example, the second plate 117a may be formed in a flat plate shape. The hinge reinforcing plate 330 may be installed to be received in the reinforcing plate coupler 323 which is formed to be recessed in the second support plate 322 of the supporter 120. In a further example, the hinge reinforcing plate 430 may be installed to be received in the reinforcing plate coupler 423 which is formed to be recessed in the second support plate 422 of the supporter 120. The bent portion 431 and / or 432 may be formed at one end and / or the other end of the hinge reinforcing plate 430.

[0241] The hinge coupler 513 itself may be provided with a reinforcing structure without the hinge reinforcing plate 130, 230, 330, and 430. For example, the hinge coupler 513 may be further provided with a hinge extension portion 515 which extends. The hinge extension portion 515 may extend to an end portion (e.g., rear end portion or lateral end portion) of the third panel 602. A portion (e.g., rear end portion) of the hinge extension portion 515 may be coupled to a portion (e.g., rear end portion) of the third panel 602. The bending portion 516 formed to be bent in one direction (e.g., vertically) may be further provided at a portion (e.g., end portion) of the hinge extension portion 515. The hinge extension portion 515 may be formed so as to be laid over a portion of the second plate 117a of the third panel 102. The bending portion 516 may be formed so as to be laid over a portion of the second panel 101 or the first panel 103.

[0242] In another example, in order to enhance the strength of the hinge coupler 613, the third panel 602 may include a bead portion 6171 formed in a bead shape. The bead portion 6171 is formed to protrude from the second plate 617a of the third panel 602. At least two bead portions 6171 may be disposed to be spaced apart in one direction of the third panel 602. The non-bead portion 6172 where no bead portion 6171 is formed may be provided between at least two bead portions 6171 adjacent in the direction in which they are spaced apart. The bead portions 6171 and the non-bead portion 6172 may be arranged in one direction of the third panel 602 or alternately.

[0243] According to this configuration, the reinforcing structure of the hinge reinforcing plate 130, 230, 330, and 430, the hinge coupler 513, or the hinge 610 of the third panel 602 can reinforce the strength of the hinge 510. The hinge reinforcing plate 130, 230, 330, and 430, the extension and bending structure of the hinge coupler 513, or the bead structure of the third panel 602 can prevent deformation of the first case of the vacuum insulator while maintaining thermal insulation performance without increasing the thickness of the second plate 117a, 217a, and 617a, which is the first case of the vacuum insulator, thereby ensuring the reliability of opening and closing of the door 108 and 109.

[0244] It is possible to improve the sealing reliability of the refrigerator by preventing sagging of the door 108 and 109. In addition, it is possible to ensure the performance and reliability of the refrigerator by preventing leakage of cold air and vacuum caused by deformation of the first case.

[0245] [DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MAIN ELEMENTS]1:refrigerator2:main body3:door4:compressor5:condenser6:expander7:evaporator8:machine room9:cavity10:vacuum insulator10a:first vacuum insulator10b:second vacuum insulator11:first plate11a:first portion11b:second portion11c:extended portion11d:branched portion12:second plate12a:first portion12b:second portion12c:third portion12d:extended portion12e:branched portion13:third plate14:side plate14a:first portion14b:second portion14c:extended portion14d:branched portion15:vacuum space16:vacuum space extension portion16a:X-direction extension portion16b:Y-direction extension portion17:connecting frame18:sealing bar19:support20:bar21:connecting plate22:support plate23:radiation resistance sheet25:shield26:conduction resistance sheet28:additional insulator29a:central insulator29b:peripheral insulator30:joint31:port32:conduit33:film34:porous material100:main body101:second panel102:third panel103:first panel1031:one first panel1032:another first panel104:fourth panel105:first storage compartment106:second storage compartment107:partition108:first storage compartment door109:second storage compartment door110:first hinge111:second hinge112:third hinge113:hinge coupler1131:first coupling hole1132:second coupling hole1133:third coupling hole114:hinge connector1141:first hinge connector1142:second hinge connector1143:third hinge connector1144:hinge shaft receiver115:hinge shaft116a, 116b, 116c:first plate117a, 117b, 117c:second plate118a, 118b:extension portion1181:first extension portion1182:second extension portion119a, 119b:side plate1191:first curved portion1192:second curved portion1193:straight portion120:supporter121:first support plate122:second support plate123:vacuum space124:bar1241a,1241b: first bar1242a, 1242b:second bar1243a, 1243b:third bar1244a, 1244b:fourth bar125:first storage compartment joint1251:first joint1252:second joint1253:third joint1254:insulation reinforcing portion126:decoration1261:hot line receiver127:gasket130:hinge reinforcing plate131:first coupling hole132:Second coupling hole133:Third coupling hole134:first bolt135:second bolt136:third bolt217a, 217b, 217c:second plate218:reinforcing plate receiver2191:first extension portion2192:second extension portion220:space portion230:hinge reinforcing plate231:first coupling groove232:second coupling groove233:third coupling groove330:hinge reinforcing plate322:second support plate323:reinforcing plate coupler422:second support plate423:reinforcing plate coupler430:hinge reinforcing plate431:first bent portion432:second bent portion510:hinge513:hinge coupler514:hinge coupling body515:hinge extension portion5151:first coupling hole5152:second coupling hole516:bending portion517:fastener602:third panel610:hinge617a:second plate6171:bead portion6172:non-bead portion6173a, 6173b:connecting portion

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a main body including a panel configured to be a vacuum insulator; a door movably installed on a surface of the main body; and a hinge movably supporting the door.

2. The refrigerator of claim 15, wherein the hinge reinforcing plate is disposed on the third panel.

3. The refrigerator of claim 15, wherein the vacuum insulator includes: a first plate facing an inside of the refrigerator; a second plate facing an outside of the refrigerator; and a supporter disposed between the first plate and the second plate to hold a vacuum space formed between the first plate and the second plate, the supporter includes: a first support plate disposed to face the first plate; a second support plate disposed to face the second plate; and at least two bars connected to the first support plate and the second support plate and holding the vacuum space.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the hinge reinforcing plate is disposed between the hinge coupler and the second plate.

5. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the hinge reinforcing plate is disposed between the second plate and the second support plate.

6. The refrigerator of claim 3 or 5, wherein a reinforcing plate receiver is formed to protrude from the second plate to receive the hinge reinforcing plate.

7. The refrigerator of claim 3 or 5, wherein a reinforcing plate coupler is formed to be recessed in the second support plate to receive the hinge reinforcing plate.

8. The refrigerator of claim 3 or 5, wherein a bent portion is formed to protrude toward the first plate from the hinge reinforcing plate.

9. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the hinge coupler and the hinge reinforcing plate are fastened to the third panel by a fastener protruding from the second plate.

10. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the fastener is implemented as a bolt, and the bolt is disposed to overlap or be adjacent to an imaginary line passing through the center of the bars.

11. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the hinge coupler includes a first fastening hole to an L-th fastening hole, and the fastener includes a first bolt to an L-th bolt that are formed to penetrate through the first fastening hole to the L-th fastening hole, respectively.

12. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the at least two bars include a first bar to an M-th bar sequentially disposed to be spaced apart from a front end of the third panel toward a rear end thereof, and include a first bar to an N-th bar sequentially disposed to be spaced apart from a right end of the third panel toward a left end thereof, and the fastener which fastens the hinge coupler and the hinge reinforcing plate includes: a first bolt disposed to overlap or be adjacent to the first bar among the at least two bars spaced apart in one direction of the third panel and the second bar among the at least two bars spaced apart in one direction of the third panel; a second bolt disposed between the second bar and the third bar among the at least two bars spaced apart in one direction of the third panel, and disposed to overlap or be adjacent to the second bar among the at least two bars spaced apart in one direction of the third panel; and a third bolt disposed to overlap or be adjacent to the first bar among the at least two bars spaced apart in one direction of the third panel and the fourth bar among the at least two bars spaced apart in one direction of the third panel.

13. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the third panel includes an extension portion extending from the second plate toward the door, the extension portion includes: a first extension portion horizontally extending from the second plate; and a second extension portion vertically extending from a front end of the first extension portion, wherein a front end of the hinge reinforcing plate extends along the second plate to the front end of the first extension portion.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the third panel includes: an insulation reinforcing portion extending from the first plate toward surfaces of the first extension portion and the second extension portion to surround a surface of the second plate; and a decoration surrounding a surface of the insulation reinforcing portion.

15. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the panel includes a third panel forming a third surface of the refrigerator, and the hinge is installed on the third panel, the hinge includes: a hinge coupler coupled to the third panel; a hinge shaft coupled to the door; a hinge connector connecting the hinge coupler and the hinge shaft; and a hinge reinforcing plate disposed between the hinge coupler and the third panel.

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