refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes an inner case including a storage compartment; an evaporator to generate cold air; and a duct at rear of the storage compartment to supply the cold air to the storage compartment, the duct including a cooling space in which the evaporator is installed, and a contact portion protruding rearwardly from an edge of the cooling space so that a contact surface contacts a surface of the inner case, and forming a passageway recessed from the contact surface in which an electric wire is arrangeable, the contact portion including a first and second inner surfaces forming the passageway, a first protrusion from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface, and a second protrusion protruding from the second inner surface toward the first inner surface, wherein an end of the second protrusion is closer to the first inner surface than an end of the first protrusion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure relates to a refrigerator including a wire holding structure.[Background Art]

[0002] In general, a refrigerator, an appliance for keeping food fresh, includes a main body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply system for supplying cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment in which the food is kept refrigerated at a temperature of about 0°C to 5°C, and a freezing compartment an inner surface.

[0003] Cold air supplied to the storage compartment of the refrigerator may be heat exchanged in an evaporator and introduced into the storage compartment. The cold air passing through the evaporator may be guided through a duct and move into the storage compartment.

[0004] The duct through which the cold air flows may include a plurality of flow paths to flow the cold air to different parts of the storage compartment. And, some of the plurality of flow paths may be provided with dampers configured to open or close the flow paths, thereby selectively opening and closing given flow paths.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0005] An embodiment of the disclosure provides a refrigerator including a structure for positioning wires while maintaining a tight fit between the duct and the inner case.

[0006] An embodiment of the disclosure provides a refrigerator including a structure capable of effectively receiving and supporting wires.

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

[0008] Aspects of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator may include an inner case including a storage compartment; an evaporator configured to generate cold air; and a duct at rear side of the storage compartment and configured to supply the cold air generated by the evaporator to the storage compartment. The duct may include a cooling space recessed in a rear side of the duct, and in which the evaporator is installed, and a contact portion protruding rearwardly from an edge of the cooling space so that a contact surface of the contact portion contacts a surface of the inner case, and forming a passageway recessed from the contact surface in which an electric wire is arrangeable. The contact portion may include a first inner surface forming the passageway, a second inner surface forming the passageway and facing the first inner surface, a first protrusion protruding from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface, a second protrusion protruding from the second inner surface toward the first inner surface. An end of the second protrusion is closer to the first inner surface than an end of the first protrusion.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be spaced apart from each other.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the passageway may include a first passageway between the end of the first protrusion and the second inner surface, a second passageway between the end of the second protrusion and the first inner surface, and a communicating portion formed by a side surface of the first protrusion and a side surface of the second protrusion spaced apart from each other, and communicating the first passageway with the second passageway.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the passageway may be recessed from the contact surface in a forward direction of the refrigerator. A diameter of the communicating portion may decrease in the forward direction.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a diameter of a first end of the communicating portion at the contact surface may be larger than a diameter of the electric wire. A diameter of a second end of the communicating portion may be smaller than the diameter of the electric wire.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a sum of a protruding length of the first protrusion and a protruding length of the second protrusion may be longer than a diameter of the passageway.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the passageway may include an opening that is open toward a rearward direction of the refrigerator to allow insertion of the electric wire. The contact portion may include a lead portion that extends downwardly from the first protrusion to cover a portion of the opening.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an end of the lead portion facing downward may be spaced apart from the second inner surface.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a distance between the end of the lead portion and the second inner surface may be greater than a diameter of the electric wire.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, when arranged in the passageway, the electric wire may include a first portion in contact with the first protrusion, and a second portion different from the first portion and in contact with the second protrusion.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the duct may include a guide passage configured to guide the cold air to the storage compartment, and a damper configured to open or close the guide passage. A first end of the electric wire may be connectable to the damper when the electric wire is arranged in the passageway.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator may further include a power supply arranged on a side of the contact surface opposite to the damper, and connectable to a second end of the electric wire.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator may further include a sealing member arranged between the inner case and the contact portion.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sealing member may be attached to the contact surface to cover the opening.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the sealing member may include an insulating material.

[0024] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a refrigerator includes an inner case forming a storage compartment, an evaporator configured to generate cold air, a fan configured to cause the cold air to flow into the storage compartment, a duct including a guide passage configured to guide the cold air into the storage compartment and a contact portion disposed on a rear side of the storage compartment and in contact with the inner case, a damper configured to open or close the guide passage, a power supply disposed on the opposite side of the damper with respect to the contact portion and configured to supply power to the damper, and an electric wire arranged to pass the contact portion and connecting the damper and the power supply. The contact portion includes a contact surface in contact with one surface of the inner case, a passageway formed to be recessed in the contact surface to allow installation of the electric wire, a first inner surface forming the passageway, a second inner surface forming the passageway and facing the first inner surface, a first protrusion protruding in a first direction from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface, and a second protrusion protruding in a second direction from the second inner surface toward the first inner surface, wherein an end of the second protrusion is closer to the first inner surface than an end of the first protrusion.

[0025] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a refrigerator includes an inner case forming a storage compartment, a duct including a contact portion in contact with the inner case and installable in the inner cases, and an electric wire arranged to pass the contact portion. The contact portion includes a contact surface in contact with one surface of the inner case, a passageway in which the wire is arranged, wherein the passageway is formed to be recessed from the contact surface and separates the contact surface into a first contact surface and a second contact surface distinct from the first contact surface, a first protrusion forming a portion of the passageway and protruding in a first direction from a first inner surface adjacent to the first contact surface toward a second inner surface forming another portion of the passageway and adjacent to the second contact surface, and a second protrusion protruding in a second direction from the second inner surface toward the first inner surface and arranged to be spaced apart from the first protrusion.[Description of Drawings]

[0026] These and / or other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings listed below. FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 3 is a view showing a portion of the inner case, the fan, wires, and the duct separately in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a view of FIG. 4 from a different angle. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating a portion of a contact portion of the duct, in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 7 is a view of FIG. 6 from another angle. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, cut along the a-a' line. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 cut along the b-b' line. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 cut along the c-c' line. [Modes of the Invention]

[0027] Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

[0028] In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0029] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0030] In the disclosure, phrases, such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0031] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] Terms such as "1st", "2nd", "primary", or "secondary" may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0033] Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of any element.

[0034] It will be understood that when the terms "includes", "comprises", "including", and / or "comprising" are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0035] When a given element is referred to as being "connected to", "coupled to", "supported by" or "in contact with" another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

[0036] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0037] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body.

[0038] The "main body" may include an inner case, an outer case positioned outside the inner case, and an insulation provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0039] The "inner case" may include a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment (also referred to as a storage room). The inner case may be formed as one body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates together. The "outer case" may form an appearance of the main body, and be coupled to an outer side of the inner case such that the insulation is positioned between the inner case and the outer case.

[0040] The "insulation" may insulate an inside of the storage compartment from an outside of the storage compartment to maintain inside temperature of the storage compartment at appropriate temperature without being influenced by an external environment of the storage compartment. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a foaming insulation. The foaming insulation may be molded by fixing the inner case and the outer case with jigs, etc. and then injecting and foaming urethane foam as a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner case and the outer case.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to a foaming insulation, or may be configured only with a vacuum insulation instead of a forming insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material accommodating the core material and sealing the inside with vacuum or pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulation is not limited to the above-mentioned foaming insulation or vacuum insulation, and may include various materials capable of being used for insulation.

[0042] The "storage compartment" may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include the inner case defining the space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may store a variety of items, such as food, medicines, cosmetics, and the like, and the storage compartment may be configured to be open on at least one side for insertion and removal of the items.

[0043] The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. In a case in which two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different purposes of use, and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, the respective storage compartments may be partitioned by a partition wall including an insulation.

[0044] The storage compartment may be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to a purpose of use, and may include a "refrigerating compartment", a "freezing compartment", and a "temperature conversion compartment" according to purposes of use and / or temperature ranges. The refrigerating compartment may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food refrigerating, and the freezing compartment may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food frozen. The "refrigerating" may be keeping food cold without freezing the food, and for example, the refrigerating compartment may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. The "freezing" may be freezing food or keeping food frozen, and for example, the freezing compartment may be maintained within a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degrees Celsius. The temperature conversion compartment may be used as either a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment according to or regardless of a user's selection.

[0045] The storage compartment may also be referred to by various terms, such as "vegetable compartment", "freshness compartment", "cooling compartment", and "ice-making compartment", in addition to "refrigerating compartment", "freezing compartment", and "temperature conversion compartment", and the terms, such as "refrigerating compartment", "freezing compartment", "temperature conversion compartment", etc., as used below are to be understood as representing storage compartments having the corresponding purposes of use and the corresponding temperature ranges.

[0046] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one door configured to open or close the open side of the storage compartment. The respective doors may be provided to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted to the front of the main body.

[0047] The "door" may seal the storage compartment in a closed state. The door, like the main body, may include an insulation to insulate the storage compartment in a closed state.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the door may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation provided therein.

[0049] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the inner door plate to seal the storage compartment by coming into close contact with the front surface of the main body when the door is closed. The inner door plate may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be fitted.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel that is detachably coupled to the front of the door body and forming the front surface of the door. The door body may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided therein.

[0051] The refrigerator may be classified as French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF), Top Mounted Freezer (TMF), or Single Door Refrigerator according to the arrangement of the doors and the storage compartments.

[0052] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment.

[0053] The "cold air supply device" may include a machine, an apparatus, an electronic device, and / or a combination system thereof, capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage compartment.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may generate cold air through a cooling cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of refrigerants. To this end, the cold air supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to drive the refrigeration cycle. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment by heating and cooling actions through the Peltier effect.

[0055] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a machine compartment in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are installed.

[0056] The "machine compartment" may be partitioned and insulated from the storage compartment to prevent heat generated by the components installed in the machine compartment from being transferred to the storage compartment. To dissipate heat from the components installed in the machine compartment, the machine compartment may communicate with outside of the main body.

[0057] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door to allow access by the user without opening the door.

[0058] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice-making device that produces ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-moving device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice-bucket that stores ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0059] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0060] The "controller" may include a memory for storing and / or recording data and / or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor for outputting control signals for controlling the cold air supply device, etc. in accordance with the programs and / or data stored in the memory.

[0061] The memory may store or record various information, data, instructions, programs, and the like necessary for operation of the refrigerator. The memory may store temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0062] The processor may control the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs an artificial intelligence (AI) model operation. In addition, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control an operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0063] Furthermore, the processor may process a user input of a user interface and control an operation of the user interface in accordance with the programs and / or data memorized / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided with an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive the user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor may transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to the user input.

[0064] The processor and memory may be provided integrally or may be provided separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0065] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a processor and a memory for controlling all of the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories for individually controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device in accordance with to an output of the temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may be separately provided with a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the user interface in accordance with the user input.

[0066] A communication module may communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances via a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN) to which a refrigerator or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The refrigerator or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN.

[0067] The input interface may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive the user input and pass the received user input to the processor.

[0068] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, and the like. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, and the like generated by the processor.

[0069] Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] FIG. 1 is a view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 may include a cabinet 10 forming a storage compartment 20, and a door 30 configured to open or close the storage compartment 20.

[0072] The cabinet 10 may include an outer case 11 and inner cases 13a and 13b coupled to an inner side of the outer case 11. The outer case 11 may be formed of a metallic material.

[0073] The inner cases 13a and 13b may form the storage compartment 20. In an example, the inner cases 13a and 13b may be formed by injection molding of a plastic material. The inner cases 13a and 13b may include the first inner case 13a forming an upper storage compartment 21 and the second inner case 13b forming a lower storage compartment 23.

[0074] An insulation may be provided between the outer case 11 and the inner cases 13a and 13b. In an example, the insulation may be urethane foam insulation, and a vacuum insulation panel may be used together as required.

[0075] The cabinet 10 may include an intermediate member 17 disposed between the first inner case 13a and the second inner case 13b. The intermediate member 17 may be configured to partition the storage chamber 20 into the upper storage compartment 21 and the lower storage compartment 23.

[0076] The intermediate member 17 may include an intermediate insulation therein to prevent heat exchange between the upper storage compartment 21 and the lower storage compartment 23. The intermediate insulation may be configured to prevent cold air from being lost to the outside from a portion of a rear side of the lower storage compartment 23.

[0077] The storage compartment 20 may be configured to be open at a front side to allow food to be taken in and out. The storage compartment 20 may include the upper storage compartment 21 and the lower storage compartment 23.

[0078] The upper storage compartment 21 may be used as the refrigerating compartment 21 in which the food is kept refrigerated at a temperature of about 0°C to 5°C. The upper storage compartment 21 may be referred to as a first storage compartment 21.

[0079] The lower storage compartment 23 may be used as a freezing compartment in which the food is kept frozen at a temperature of about 0°C to -30°C. The lower storage compartment 23 may be referred to as a second storage compartment 23.

[0080] In an example, a first fan 110 that generates airflow flowing into the first storage compartment 21 and a first evaporator 120 that cools the airflow may be arranged in the first storage compartment 21. In an example, a second fan 280 that generates airflow flowing into the second storage compartment 23 and a second evaporator 282 that cools the airflow may be arranged in the second storage compartment 23. The refrigerator 1 may include a compressor 18 that compresses a refrigerant.

[0081] While the fans 110 and 280 and the evaporators 120 and 282 are shown in the drawings as being positioned in the first storage compartment 21 and the second storage compartment 23, respectively, to cool the storage compartment 20, but this is by way of example only, and it is also possible to use of a method in which a fan and an evaporator are installed only in either the first storage compartment 21 or the second storage compartment 23, and the cooled airflow flows to the storage compartment where the fan and evaporator are not installed to cool the storage compartment.

[0082] The first storage compartment 21 may accommodate a storage container 27 including a separate storage space 272 therein.

[0083] The storage container 27 may include a container body 273 forming the storage space 272 and a container cover 271 formed on one side of the container body 273 and configured to open or close the storage space 272. The storage space 272 may be partitioned from the first storage compartment 21 by the container body 273 and the container cover 271.

[0084] In an example, a container inlet hole 274 (see FIG. 5) may be formed on a rear side of the container body 273 into which a portion of the airflow discharged through a duct 100, which will be described later, may enter. This will be described in more detail later.

[0085] The inner cases 13a and 13b may include a first cooling space 132 formed on an inner surface of the inner cases 13a and 13b forming the first storage compartment 21 to receive the first evaporator 120. In an example, the first cooling space 132 may be formed at a rear (-X direction) of the first storage compartment 21. The first cooling space 132 may have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the first evaporator 120.

[0086] The inner cases 13a and 13b may include a first fan receiving groove 131 in which the first fan 110 is received. In an example, the first fan receiving groove 131 may be positioned on an upper side (+Z portion) of the first evaporator 120.

[0087] In response to operation of the first fan 110, airflow may enter the first cooling space 132 from the first storage compartment 21 and pass through the first evaporator 120. The airflow may be cooled while passing through the first evaporator 120.

[0088] The airflow passing through the first evaporator 120 may flow from the first cooling space 132 to the first fan receiving groove 131, and then may pass through the first fan 110 and exit to the first storage compartment 21.

[0089] The inner cases 13a and 13b may include a second cooling space 283 formed on an inner surface of the second inner case 13b forming the second storage compartment 23 to receive the second evaporator 282. In an example, the second cooling space 283 may be formed on a rear side of the second storage compartment 23. The second cooling space 283 may include a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the second evaporator 282.

[0090] The second inner case 13b may include a second fan receiving groove 281 in which the second fan 280 is received. In an example, the second fan receiving groove 281 may be positioned on an upper side of the second evaporator 282.

[0091] In response to operation of the second fan 280 operates, airflow may enter the second cooling space 283 from the second storage compartment 23 and pass through the second evaporator 282. The airflow may be cooled as it passes through the second evaporator 282.

[0092] The airflow passing through the second evaporator 282 may flow from the second cooling space 283 to the second fan receiving groove 281, and then may flow into the second fan 280. The cooling airflow flowing into the second fan 280 may be discharged into the second storage compartment 23.

[0093] In an example, the refrigerator 1 may include the duct 100 configured to guide the airflow introduced into the fan 110 to the storage compartment 21. The fan 110 and the evaporator 120 may be installed in the duct 100, and the duct 100 may further include a guide passage 156 that guides air drawn into the fan 110 to the storage compartment 20.

[0094] The duct 100 may be installed in the inner cases 13a and 13b so as to be in contact with one surface of the inner cases 13a and 13b forming the storage compartment 20. The duct 100 will be described later.

[0095] The open front of the storage compartment 20 may be opened and closed by the door 30. The storage compartment 20 may be provided with a shelf 25 on which food may be placed.

[0096] An upper door 31 may be configured to open or close the first storage compartment 21. The upper door 31 may be coupled to the cabinet 10 so as to be rotatable in a left-to-right direction (+-Y direction). A rear surface of the upper door 31 may be provided with an upper door guard for food storage. A hinge cover may be provided on a portion of the cabinet 10 to which the upper door 31 is coupled. The upper door 31 may be referred to as the first door 31.

[0097] A lower door 33 may be configured to open or close the lower storage compartment 23. The lower door 33 may be referred to as the second door 33. The lower door 33 may be coupled to the cabinet 10 so as to be rotatable in the left-to-right direction. A rear surface of the lower door 33 may be provided with a lower door guard for food storage.

[0098] FIG. 3 is a view showing a portion of the inner case, the fan, wires, and the duct separately in a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a view of FIG. 4 from a different angle.

[0099] For ease of description, the refrigerator 1 according to various embodiments will be described below with reference to the first inner case 13a, which is a portion of the inner cases 13a and 13b forming the first storage compartment 21, and the duct 100 installed in the first storage compartment 21. This is by way of an example only, and it is also possible for the duct 100 described below to be installed in the second inner case 13b forming the second storage compartment 23.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the refrigerator 1 may include the duct 100 configured to guide airflow generated by the fan 110 into the first storage compartment 21.

[0101] The duct 100 may be installed in the first inner case 13a. The duct 100 may be arranged to partition the first storage compartment 21 and the first cooling space 132. The duct 100 may be arranged to partition the first storage compartment 21 and the first fan receiving groove 131.

[0102] The duct 100 may include a duct cover 160 arranged to be in direct contact with one surface 13a' of the first inner case, a duct plate 140 arranged in a front side of the duct cover 160 and coupleable to the duct cover 160, and a duct insulation 150 arranged between the duct cover 160 and the duct plate 140.

[0103] The duct cover 160 may include a cover body 161 forming an exterior. The cover body 161 may be installed on the first inner case 13a such that one surface of a rear side thereof is in contact with the front surface of the first inner case 13a. The shape of the cover body 161 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the one surface 13a' of the first inner case.

[0104] The duct cover 160 may include a second guide housing 162 forming a portion 156a of the guide passage 156. The second guide housing 162 may be formed to extend in a vertical direction on the right side of the cover body 161. Accordingly, the guide passage 156 may also be formed to extend in the vertical direction (+-Z direction) on the right side of the cover body 161.

[0105] In an example, the first fan 110 may be positioned and operated in the center of the upper side (+Z side) of the duct cover 160. The second guide housing 162 may include a guide passage inlet 163 disposed on the right (+Y side) upper side (+Z direction), at one end of the duct cover 160, and formed to be open toward the first fan 110, and a guide passage outlet 165 disposed on the right (+Y side) lower side (-Z direction), the other end of the duct cover 160, and formed to be open toward the front (+X direction).

[0106] The guide passage 156 may be extended to communicate with the guide passage inlet 163 and the guide passage outlet 165 described above.

[0107] The first fan receiving groove 131 in which the first fan 110 is received may communicate with the guide passage inlet 163. Accordingly, a portion of the airflow discharged through the first fan 110 may be introduced into the guide passage inlet 163.

[0108] The airflow flowing through the guide passage inlet 163 may then pass through the guide passage 156 and be discharged forwardly through the guide passage outlet 165. As will be described later, the airflow discharged through the guide passage outlet 165 may be introduced into the container inlet hole 274 (described later) formed in the storage container 27 to cool the storage space 272 of the storage container 27.

[0109] The duct cover 160 may include a cover inlet hole 166 that is open downwardly on a lower side of the cover body 161.

[0110] In a case where the duct 100 is installed in the first inner case 13a, when the first fan 110 operates, air from the first storage compartment 21 may be introduced to a rear surface of the duct cover 160 through the cover inlet hole 166 and pass through the first evaporator 120.

[0111] The air cooled by passing through the first evaporator 120 may be drawn into the first fan 110 and discharged back into the first storage compartment 21 to cool the first storage compartment 21.

[0112] The duct 100 may include a damper 170 configured to open or close the guide passage 156. In an example, the damper 170 may be positioned on a front side of the cover body 161.

[0113] The damper 170 may be installed between the guide passage inlet 163 and the guide passage outlet 165. In other words, the damper 170 may be disposed on the guide passage 156.

[0114] In response to opening of the guide passage 156 opened by the damper 170, a portion of the airflow discharged from the first fan 110 may be introduced into the guide passage inlet 163 and may be discharged through the guide passage 156 to the guide passage outlet 165.

[0115] The duct cover 160 may include a power supply 180 configured to supply power to the damper 170. The power supply 180 may be arranged at the rear side of the cover body 161. In other words, the damper 170 may be arranged at the front side of the cover body 161, and the power supply 180 that supplies power to the damper 170 may be arranged at the rear side of the cover body 161.

[0116] In an example, a wire L connecting the damper 170 and the power supply 180 may be arranged to pass through a slit 167 formed to penetrate the cover body 161 of the duct cover 160 to connect the damper 170 and the power supply 180.

[0117] The duct plate 140 may be coupled to the duct cover 160 to cover the front side of the cover body 161. The duct plate 140 may include a plate body 141 forming an exterior, a first plate exhaust hole 142 formed at the center of the upper side of the plate body 141 to communicate with the first fan receiving groove 131 and the first storage compartment 21, and a second plate exhaust hole 145 open toward the front and communicating with the guide passage outlet 165 of the duct cover 160.

[0118] The second plate exhaust hole 145 may be formed as a space surrounded by a connecting member 144 connected to the container inlet hole 274 of the storage container 27.

[0119] In an example, the duct plate 140 may have an approximately rectangular shape, but is not limited thereto.

[0120] Based on the duct plate 140 being coupled to the duct cover 160, the plate body 141 may partition the first fan receiving groove 131 and the guide passage 156 from the first storage compartment 21.

[0121] The duct plate 140 may include a plate inlet hole 143 formed at the lower center. The plate inlet hole 143 may communicate the first storage compartment 21 with the cover inlet hole 166. Accordingly, the first storage compartment 21 may communicate with the first cooling space 132 and the first fan receiving groove 131 through the plate inlet hole 143 and the cover inlet hole 166.

[0122] The first plate exhaust hole 142 may communicate with the first fan receiving groove 131. Accordingly, in response to the operation of the first fan 110, the air from the first storage compartment 21 may be introduced into the plate inlet hole 143, pass through the cover inlet hole 166, be cooled in the first evaporator 120, and then be discharged forwardly by the first fan 110, pass through the first plate exhaust hole 142, and be discharged to the first storage compartment 21.

[0123] The second plate exhaust hole 145 may communicate with the guide passage outlet 165 of the duct cover 160. Accordingly, in response to the operation of the first fan 110, air from the first storage compartment 21 may be introduced into the plate inlet hole 143, pass through the cover inlet hole 166, be cooled in the first evaporator 120, and then be introduced into the guide passage outlet 156 by the first fan 110. The air passing through the guide passage outlet 156 and being discharged forwardly through the guide passage outlet 165 may be discharged into the storage space 272 of the storage container 27 through the second plate exhaust hole 145.

[0124] The duct insulation 150 may include an insulation body 151 forming an exterior appearance. In an example, the insulation body 151 may include an insulation material.

[0125] The duct insulation 150 may be disposed between the duct plate 140 and the duct cover 160, and thus the duct insulation 150 may partition and insulate the first cooling space 132 from the first storage compartment 21. As a result, the temperature of the cooled air passing through the first evaporator 120 may be prevented from being raised by the temperature of the first storage compartment 21.

[0126] The duct insulation 150 may include a first insulation exhaust hole 152 formed in the upper center of the insulation body 151.

[0127] The first insulation exhaust hole 152 may communicate the first fan receiving groove 131 with the first plate exhaust hole 142. Consequently, the first fan receiving groove 131 may communicate with the first storage compartment 21 through the first insulation exhaust hole 152 and the first plate exhaust hole 142, so that the airflow generated from the first fan 110 may flow into the first storage compartment 21.

[0128] The duct insulation 150 may include a first guide housing 153 forming the remaining portion of the guide passage 156.

[0129] In an example, the first guide housing 153 may be formed on the lower right side of the insulation body 151. Stated differently, the first guide housing 153 may be formed to be positioned corresponding to the position of the second guide housing 162 when the duct insulation 150 is in contact with the duct cover 160.

[0130] A second insulation exhaust hole 155 may be formed on the lower right side of the duct insulation 150. The second insulation exhaust hole 155 may communicate with the guide passage outlet 165 and the second plate exhaust hole 145 described above. In addition, the container inlet hole 274 of the storage container 27 may be formed on the rear side of the container body 273 to penetrate the container body 273.

[0131] Finally, the first fan receiving groove 131 may be in communication with the storage space 272 of the storage container 27 through the guide passage 156, the guide passage outlet 165, the second insulation exhaust hole 155, and the second plate exhaust hole 145, so that the airflow generated by the first fan 110 may flow into the storage space 272 of the storage container 27.

[0132] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a portion of a contact portion of the duct in the refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view of FIG. 6 from another angle. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 taken along the a-a' line.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the duct 100 may include a contact portion 200 arranged to contact one surface 13a' of the first inner case when installed in the first inner case 13a. The contact portion 200 may be formed on the rear surface of the duct cover 160.

[0134] More specifically, the contact portion 200 may have a contact surface that protrudes rearwardly from an edge of the first cooling space 132 and contacts one surface of the inner cases 13a and 13b.

[0135] The first cooling space 132 may be cooled by the air passing through the first evaporator 120 to have a temperature lower than the surroundings, and it is necessary to prevent the cooled air from escaping. Accordingly, when the duct cover 160 is arranged to be in close contact with the inner cases 13a and 13b by the contact surface, the first cooling space 132 may be partitioned from a space other than the first cooling space 132, thereby minimizing the escape of the cooled air.

[0136] As described above, the damper 170 may be connected to the power supply 180 to receive power. In this case, the power supply 180 may be disposed on the opposite side of the damper 170 with respect to the contact surface, so that the wire L connecting the power supply 180 and the damper 170 may be arranged to pass through the contact portion 200.

[0137] In the drawings, the wire L is shown as passing through the contact portion 200 in the left-to-right direction (+-Y direction), but this is by way of example only. In an example, the wire L may extend in a variety of directions, including forward (+X direction), backward (-X direction), left-to-right (+-Y direction), and up-and-down (+-Z direction), to connect a plurality of configurations that are required to be electrically connected to each other, and may be arranged to curve, bend, fold, or twist to transmit electrical signals and power, and the like.

[0138] Hereinafter, a structure for allowing the wire L to pass through the contact portion 200 will be described.

[0139] The contact portion 200 may include a passageway 230 formed to be recessed in the contact surface for the wire L to be disposed, and protrusions 240 and 250 protruding from an inner side of the passageway to support and hold the wire L so as to prevent the wire L passing through the passageway 230 from being deviated from the passageway 230.

[0140] The passageway 230 may be formed to be recessed from contact surfaces 211 and 221 facing rearward toward the front (+X direction). The passageway 230 may be formed in a portion of the contact surfaces 211 and 221.

[0141] In an example, the passageway 230 may be formed to extend in the left-right direction (+-Y direction). In an example, the diameter of the passageway 230 may be greater than or equal to the diameter 1 of the wire L.

[0142] In an example, the contact surfaces 211 and 221 may be arranged to extend in the up-and-down direction (+-Z direction), and the passageway 230 may be formed to be recessed in the contact surfaces 211 and 221 so as to extend in the left-right direction (+-Y direction). As a result, the contact surfaces 211 and 221 may be separated by the passageway 230 into the upper contact surface 211 and the lower contact surface 221.

[0143] The upper contact surface 221 may be referred to as the first contact surface 211, and the lower contact surface 221 may be referred to as the second contact surface 221. In addition, a portion of the contact portion 200 on which the first contact surface 211 is positioned may be referred to as a first contact area 210, and another portion of the contact portion 200 on which the second contact surface 221 is positioned may be referred to as a second contact area 220.

[0144] The protrusions 240 and 250 may protrude from inner surfaces 210a and 220a, respectively, and may press against the wire L passing through the passageway 230.

[0145] For ease of description, the two protrusions 240 and 250 will be showed and described herein.

[0146] In an example, the protrusions 240 and 250 may include the first protrusion 250 protruding in a first direction from the inner surface 210a of the passageway 230, and the second protrusion 240 protruding in a second direction different from the first direction from the inner surface 220a of the passageway 230.

[0147] The inner surface 210a of the passageway 230 may be referred to as the first inner surface 210a, and the inner surface 220a of the passageway 230 may be referred to as the second inner surface 220a.

[0148] In an example, the first direction may be downward (-Z direction), and the second direction may be upward (+Z direction).

[0149] As previously described, the fact that the protrusions are formed in two and the protrusion directions are downward and upward, respectively, is only one of various embodiments. In an example, it may also be possible that the protrusions are formed in three and protrude sequentially upward, downward, and upward, that neighboring protrusions protrude in the same direction so that the wire L is caught, and that three or more protrusions protrude from one surface of the passageway 230.

[0150] Furthermore, the direction in which the protrusions protrude may include all directions in addition to the downward (-Z direction) or upward (+Z direction) described above, such as the front-to-back direction (+-X direction) and the left-to-right direction (+-Y direction), and it should be understood that the protrusions may also protrude in various directions other than the directions described above as needed.

[0151] The first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 may be formed to press against a first portion L1 and a second portion L2 of the wire L, respectively (see FIG. 9). Accordingly, the wire L passing through the passageway 230 may be more reliably seated within the passageway 230, and the wire L may be prevented from deviating from the passageway 230.

[0152] The lengths d4 and d5 by which the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 protrude may be such that each protruding end 251a does not contact the inner surface 220a of the passageway 230.

[0153] The passageway 230 may include a first passageway 231 formed by an end 250a of the first protrusion and the second inner surface 220a, which are spaced apart from each other. In an example, the passageway 230 may include a first through-hole 261 open toward the damper 170 for allowing the wire L extending from the damper 170 to be inserted into the first passageway 231. In an example, the first through-hole 261 may be formed to be open on a lateral side of the contact portion 200.

[0154] While the shape of the end 250a of the first protrusion is shown in the drawings as having approximately the shape of a plane, but this is by way of example only, and the end 250a of the first protrusion may be formed in a variety of ways, such as including approximately the shape of a vertex or the like. This may also be applied to an end 240a of the second protrusion, which will be described later.

[0155] In an example, the wire L connected to the damper 170 and extending from the damper 170 may pass through the first through hole 261 and be inserted into the first passageway 231.

[0156] The passageway 230 may include a second passageway 232 formed by the end 240a of the second protrusion and the first inner surface 210a, which are spaced apart from each other, and a communicating portion 233 disposed between the first passageway 231 and the second passageway 232 to communicate the first passageway 231 with the second passageway 232.

[0157] In an example, the wire L inserted into the first passageway 231 may pass through the communicating portion 233 and be inserted into the second passageway 232.

[0158] In an example, the communicating portion 233 may be a space formed by a side surface 250b of the first protrusion and a side surface 240b of the second protrusion facing the side surface 250b of the first protrusion, which are spaced apart from each other.

[0159] The second passageway 232 may include a second through-hole 262 formed on the lateral side of the contact portion 200 and open toward the power supply 180. The wire L inserted into the second passageway 232 may pass through the second through-hole 262 and be connected to the power supply 180. Accordingly, the wire L may pass through the contact portion 200 and connect the damper 170 and the power supply 180.

[0160] In an example, the power supply 180 may include a power terminal 183 electrically connected to the wire L extending from components requiring power supply, a power case 181 accommodating the power terminal 183, and a power communication hole 182 formed on one side of the power case 181 to connect the wire L to the power terminal 183. In an example, the wire L extending from the damper 170 and passing through the contact portion 200 may be connected to the power terminal 183 to supply power to the damper 170.

[0161] In an example, the passageway 230 may include an opening 234 open toward the rear (-Z direction). The opening 234 may be a portion of the passageway 230 formed on the same line as the contact surface. The opening 234 may be formed between the first contact area 210 and the second contact area 220. The opening 234 may be formed between the first contact surface 211 and the second contact surface 221 to allow spacing between the first contact surface 211 and the second contact surface 221.

[0162] In an example, the wire L may be inserted into the passageway 230 through the opening 234. The wire L inserted into the opening 234 may be arranged such that one side of the wire L passes through the first through-hole 261, the other side passes through the second through-hole 262, and a portion between the one side and the other side of the wire L is located on the passageway 230. Accordingly, a user may more easily insert the wire L into the passageway 230.

[0163] In an example, the contact portion 200 may include a lead portion 251 extending downward (-Z direction) from the first protrusion 250 so as to cover a portion of the opening 234. The lead portion 251 may be arranged to be located on the same line as the rear surface of the first protrusion 250.

[0164] In an example, the thickness of the lead portion 251 in the front-to-back direction may be formed thinner than the thickness of the first protrusion 250 in the front-to-back direction. A portion of the opening 234 covered by the lead portion 251 may be a portion in communication with the first passageway 231. Accordingly, the lead portion 251 may prevent the wire L arranged in the passageway 230 from deviating from the opening 234.

[0165] The lead portion 251 may extend such that one end 251a of the lead portion does not contact the inner surface of the passageway 230. Stated differently, the length d6-d4-d1 along which the lead portion 251 extends may be shorter than a distance d2 between the one end 250a of the first protrusion and the second inner surface 220a. In other words, the lead portion 251 may be formed such that the one end 251a of the lead portion is spaced apart from the second inner surface 220a.

[0166] The distance d1 between the one end 251a of the lead portion and the second inner surface 220a may be greater than the diameter 1 of the wire L. Accordingly, the wire L may be inserted into the passageway 230 through a portion of the opening 234 that is not covered by the lead portion 251. In an example, the one end 251a of the lead portion may be the one end 251a of the lead portion facing downward.

[0167] For ease of description, although the lead portion 251 is described above as extending from the first protrusion 250, but it is also possible that the lead portion 251 may extend from the second protrusion 240 to cover a portion of the opening 234 that is connected to the second passageway 232.

[0168] The refrigerator 1 may include a sealing member 190 arranged between the inner cases 13a and 13b and the contact surfaces 211 and 221. In an example, the sealing member 190 may include an elastic material.

[0169] Based on the duct 100 being installed in the first inner case 13a, the sealing member 190 may be disposed between the first inner case 13a and the contact surfaces 211 and 221 to improve the contactability between the duct 100 and the first inner case 13a. As a result, cold air in the first cooling space 132 may be prevented from escaping through the contact surfaces.

[0170] In an example, the sealing member 190 may include an insulating material. Accordingly, the first cooling space 132 may be prevented from being heated by heat conducted from spaces different from the first cooling space 132.

[0171] In an example, the sealing member 190 may be attached to the contact surface to cover the opening 234. Since the sealing member 190 is disposed to cover the opening 234, the wire L arranged in the passageway 230 may be prevented from deviating from the passageway 230 through the opening 234. The sealing member 190 may connect the first contact surface 211 and the second contact surface 221. The sealing member 190 may connect the first contact area 210 and the second contact area 220.

[0172] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 taken along the b-b' line. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 6 taken along the c-c' line.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the passageway 230 may be formed to be recessed from the contact surfaces 211 and 221 toward the front (+X direction). Accordingly, the communicating portion 233 connecting the first passageway 231 and the second passageway 232 may be formed in a direction extending from the rear to the front.

[0174] The diameter d7 of one end of the communicating portion 233 adjacent to the contact surface may be formed to be larger than the diameter 1 of the wire L. In other words, the diameter d7 of the one end of the communicating portion 233 forming a portion of the opening 234 may be formed to be larger than the diameter 1 of the wire L. In other words, the diameter d7 of the rear end of the communicating portion 233 may be formed to be larger than the diameter 1 of the wire L. Accordingly, the wire L inserted through the opening 234 may pass smoothly through the rear side of the communicating portion 233 and be disposed in the communicating portion 233.

[0175] The diameter d8 of the other end of the communicating portion 233 may be formed to correspond to the diameter 1 of the wire L. In other words, the diameter d8 of the front end of the communicating portion 233 may be formed to correspond to the diameter 1 of the wire L. Accordingly, in response to the wire L disposed in the communicating portion 233 moving to the front (+X direction) of the communicating portion 233, the wire L may be more stably positioned in the communicating portion 233.

[0176] In an example, the diameter d8 of the other end of the communicating portion 233 may be formed smaller than the diameter 1 of the wire L. In other words, the diameter d8 of the front end of the communicating portion 233 may be formed smaller than the diameter 1 of the wire L. Accordingly, in response to the wire L disposed in the communicating portion 233 moving to the front end of the communicating portion 233, the wire L may be more stably positioned in the communicating portion 233.

[0177] Finally, the diameter of the communicating portion 233 may have a cross-section that decreases as it goes forward from the contact surface. Accordingly, the wire L having various diameters may be more stably accommodated.

[0178] In an example, the sum of the protruding length d4 of the first protrusion 250 and the protruding length d5 of the second protrusion 240 may be longer than the diameter d6 of the passageway 230. In other words, the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 may protrude such that their respective ends do not contact each other. In other words, the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 may protrude staggered positions from each other. In other words, the position in the left-to-right direction (+-Y direction) at which the first protrusion 250 protrudes may be different from the position in the left-to-right direction (+-Y direction) at which the second protrusion 240 protrudes.

[0179] In an example, the position of the end 250a of the first protrusion 250 in the vertical direction (+-Z direction) may be lower than the position of the end 240a of the second protrusion 240 in the vertical direction (+-Z direction). Accordingly, in a case where the wire extends through the first passageway 231 and the communicating portion 233 to the second passageway 232, the wire L may be bent to pass through the end 250a of the first protrusion 250 and the end 240a of the second protrusion 240, which have different heights, and may contact the end 250a of the first protrusion 250 and the end 240a of the second protrusion 240, respectively.

[0180] As described above, since the diameter 1 of the wire L is arranged to be larger than the diameter d8 of the other end of the communicating portion 233, the wire L may be inserted and secured to the other end of the communicating portion 233 to be seated in the inside of the passageway 230. Furthermore, as described above, when the wire L is in contact with the end 250a of the first protrusion 250 and the end 240a of the second protrusion 240, respectively, the wire L may be more stably seated in the inside of the passageway 230 by the frictional force generated by the contact between the wire L and the protrusions 240 and 250.

[0181] Accordingly, the position of the first passageway 231 formed by the first protrusion 250 in the up-and-down direction (+-Z direction) and the position of the second passageway 232 formed by the second protrusion 240 in the up-and-down direction (+-Z direction) may be different from each other. Consequently, the wire L passing through the passageway 230 may be arranged to be bent while passing through the first passageway 231 and the second passageway 232.

[0182] The wire L arranged in the passageway 230 may be curved by the first portion L1 being pressed by the first protrusion 250 and the second portion L2 being pressed by the second protrusion 240. As described above, the first portion L1 and the second portion L2 may be portions of different wires L. Accordingly, the wire L may be pressed and supported by the first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 to be stably disposed in the passageway 230.

[0183] The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes the inner cases 13a and 13b forming the storage compartment 20, the evaporator 120 configured to generate cold air, and the duct 100 provided at a rear side of the storage compartment 20 to supply cold air generated by the evaporator 120 to the storage compartment 20. The duct 100 may include the cooling space formed to be recessed in a rear side of the duct 100 to allow installation of the evaporator 120, and the contact portion 200 having the contact surfaces 211 and 221 protruding rearwardly from an edge of the cooling space and in contact with one surface of the inner cases 13a and 13b. The contact portion 200 may include the passageway 230 formed to be recessed in the contact surface to allow an electric wire to be arranged, the first inner surface 210a forming the passageway 230, the second inner surface 220a forming the passageway 230 and facing the first inner surface, the first protrusion 250 protruding in a first direction from the first inner surface 210a toward the second inner surface 220a, and the second protrusion 240 protruding in a second direction from the second inner surface 220a toward the first inner surface 210a, wherein the end 240a of the second protrusion is closer to the first inner surface 210a than the end 250a of the first protrusion.

[0184] The first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0185] The passageway 230 may include the first passageway 231 formed by the end 250a of the first protrusion and the second inner surface 220a, which are spaced apart from each other, the second passageway 232 formed by the end 240a of the second protrusion and the first inner surface 210a, which are spaced apart from each other, and the communicating portion 233 formed by the side surface 250b of the first protrusion 250 and the side surface 240b of the second protrusion 240, which are spaced apart from each other, and communicating the first passageway 231 with the second passageway 232.

[0186] The passageway 230 may be formed to be recessed forwardly from the contact surface, and the diameter of the communicating portion 233 may decrease as it goes forward from the contact surface.

[0187] The diameter of one end of the communicating portion 233 adjacent to the contact surface may be formed to be larger than the diameter 1 of the wire L, and the diameter of the other end of the communicating portion 233 may be formed to be smaller than the diameter 1 of the wire L.

[0188] The sum d4+d5 of the protruding length d4 of the first protrusion 250 and the protruding length d5 of the second protrusion 240 may be longer than the diameter d6 of the passageway 230.

[0189] The passageway 230 may include the opening 234 that is open toward the rear to allow insertion of the wire L, and the contact portion 200 may further include the lead portion 251 that extends downwardly from the first protrusion 250 to cover a portion of the opening 234.

[0190] The one end 251a of the lead portion facing downward may extend to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the passageway 230.

[0191] The distance d1 between the one end 251a of the lead portion and the inner surface of the passageway 230 may be larger than the diameter 1 of the wire L.

[0192] The wire L may include the first portion L1 in contact with the first protrusion 250 and the second portion L2 different from the first portion L1, wherein the second portion L2 is in contact with the second protrusion 240.

[0193] The duct 100 may further include the guide passage 156 configured to guide the cold air to the storage compartment 20, and the damper 170 configured to open or close the guide passage 156, and one end of the wire L may be connectable to the damper 170.

[0194] The refrigerator 1 may further include the power supply 180 arranged on the opposite side of the damper 170 with respect to the contact surface and connectable to the other end of the wire L.

[0195] The refrigerator 1 may further include the sealing member 190 arranged between the inner cases 13a and 13b and coming the duct 100 in close contact with the inner cases 13a and 13b.

[0196] The sealing member 190 may be attached to the contact surface to cover the opening 234.

[0197] The sealing member 190 may include an insulating material.

[0198] The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment may include the inner cases 13a and 13b forming the storage compartment 20, the evaporator 120 configured to generate cold air, the fan 110 configured to cause the cold air to flow into the storage compartment 20, the duct 100 including a guide passage 156 configured to guide the cold air into the storage compartment 20 and the contact portion 200 disposed on a rear side of the storage compartment 20 and in contact with the inner cases 13a and 13b, the damper 170 configured to open or close the guide passage 156, the power supply 180 disposed on the opposite side of the damper 170 with respect to the contact portion 200 and configured to supply power to the damper 170, and the electric wire L arranged to pass the contact portion 200 and connecting the damper 170 and the power supply 180. The contact portion 200 may include a contact surface in contact with one surface of the inner cases 13a and 13b, the passageway 230 formed to be recessed in the contact surface to allow installation of the electric wire, the first inner surface 210a forming the passageway 230, the second inner surface 220a forming the passageway 230 and facing the first inner surface, the first protrusion 250 protruding in a first direction from the first inner surface 210a toward the second inner surface 220a, and the second protrusion 240 protruding in a second direction from the second inner surface 220a toward the first inner surface 210a, wherein the end 240a of the second protrusion 240 is closer to the first inner surface 210a than the end 250a of the first protrusion.

[0199] The first protrusion 250 and the second protrusion 240 may be spaced apart from each other in a third direction.

[0200] The passageway 230 may include the first passageway 231 formed by the end 250a of the first protrusion and the second inner surface 220a, which are spaced apart from each other, the second passageway 232 formed by the end 240a of the second protrusion and the first inner surface 210a, which are spaced apart from each other, and the communicating portion 233 formed by the side surface 250b of the first protrusion 250 and the side surface 240b of the second protrusion 240, which are spaced apart from each other, and communicating the first passageway 231 with the second passageway 232.

[0201] The passageway 230 may include the opening 234 that is open toward the rear side to allow insertion of the wire L, and the contact portion 200 may further include the lead portion 251 that extends downwardly from the first protrusion 250 to cover a portion of the opening 234.

[0202] The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes the inner cases 13a and 13b forming the storage compartment 20, the duct 100 including the contact portion 200 in contact with the inner cases 13a and 13b and installable in the inner cases 13a and 13b, and the electric wire L arranged to pass the contact portion 200. The contact portion 200 may include the contact surface in contact with one surface of the inner cases 13a and 13b, the passageway 230 in which the wire L is arranged, wherein the passageway 230 is formed to be recessed from the contact surface and separates the contact surface into the first contact surface 211 and the second contact surface 221 distinct from the first contact surface 211, the first protrusion 250 forming a portion of the passageway 230 and protruding in a first direction from the first inner surface 210a adjacent to the first contact surface 211 toward the second inner surface 220a forming another portion of the passageway 230 and adjacent to the second contact surface 221, and the second protrusion 250 protruding in a second direction from the second inner surface 220a toward the first inner surface 210a and arranged to be spaced apart from the first protrusion 250.

[0203] According to the idea of the present disclosure, the passageway in which the electric wire is arranged may be formed to be recessed in the contact surface, and thus a separate structure for securing or supporting the wire is not required, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the refrigerator.

[0204] According to the idea of the present disclosure, the electric wire may be held on the protrusions, and thus the wire is pressed and elastically supported, thereby preventing the wire from being deviating from the passageway.

[0205] The effects to be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0206] While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: an inner case including a storage compartment; an evaporator configured to generate cold air; and a duct at rear side of the storage compartment and configured to supply the cold air generated by the evaporator to the storage compartment, the duct including: a cooling space recessed in a rear side of the duct, and in which the evaporator is installed, and a contact portion protruding rearwardly from an edge of the cooling space so that a contact surface of the contact portion contacts a surface of the inner case, and forming a passageway recessed from the contact surface in which an electric wire is arrangeable, the contact portion including: a first inner surface forming the passageway, a second inner surface forming the passageway and facing the first inner surface, a first protrusion protruding from the first inner surface toward the second inner surface, and a second protrusion protruding from the second inner surface toward the first inner surface, wherein an end of the second protrusion is closer to the first inner surface than an end of the first protrusion.

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

3. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the passageway includes: a first passageway between the end of the first protrusion and the second inner surface, a second passageway between the end of the second protrusion and the first inner surface, and a communicating portion formed by a side surface of the first protrusion and a side surface of the second protrusion spaced apart from each other, and communicating the first passageway with the second passageway.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the passageway is recessed from the contact surface in a forward direction of the refrigerator, and a diameter of the communicating portion decreases in the forward direction.

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

6. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein a sum of a protruding length of the first protrusion and a protruding length of the second protrusion is longer than a diameter of the passageway.

7. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the passageway includes an opening that is open toward a rearward direction of the refrigerator to allow insertion of the electric wire, and the contact portion includes a lead portion that extends downwardly from the first protrusion to cover a portion of the opening.

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein an end of the lead portion facing downward is spaced apart from the second inner surface.

9. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein a distance between the end of the lead portion and the second inner surface is greater than a diameter of the electric wire.

10. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein when arranged in the passageway, the electric wire includes: a first portion in contact with the first protrusion, and a second portion different from the first portion and in contact with the second protrusion.

11. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the duct includes: a guide passage configured to guide the cold air to the storage compartment, and a damper configured to open or close the guide passage, and a first end of the electric wire is connectable to the damper when the electric wire is arranged in the passageway.

12. The refrigerator of claim 11, further comprising: a power supply arranged on a side of the contact surface opposite to the damper, and connectable to a second end of the electric wire.

13. The refrigerator of claim 7, further comprising: a sealing member arranged between the inner case and the contact portion.

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

15. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the sealing member includes an insulating material.

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