refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator including an inner case, an outer case, an insulation e, a plurality of drawer-type doors including a door gasket and, a partition to be disposed between the plurality of drawer-type doors, the partition including a rear partition coupled to side walls of the storage compartment, which are opposite to each other, and a front partition disposed on a front side of the rear partition to contact the door gasket. The rear partition includes a first partition part having one side with a first coupling rib coupleable to the side wall of the storage compartment, and another side with a coupling hole, and a second partition part having one side with a second coupling rib coupleable to another side wall of the storage compartment, and another side with a coupling protrusion coupleable to the coupling hole, the second partition being coupled to the other side of the first partition.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation application is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. § 111(a), of international application No. PCT / KR2024 / 002832, filed Mar. 6, 2024, which claims priority under 35 U. S. C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0057555, filed May 3, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0099884, filed Jul. 31, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure to a refrigerator having a partition that is couplable to an inner side of a storage compartment after an insulation is filled between an inner case and an outer case.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A refrigerator is an appliance for keeping food fresh, including a cabinet having a storage compartment and a cold air supply system for supplying cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment in which the food is kept refrigerated at a temperature of about 0° C. to 5° C., and a freezing compartment in which the food is kept frozen at a temperature of about 0° C. to −30° C. A door is provided on a front surface of the cabinet to open or close the storage compartment. The door may be rotatably provided on the front surface of the cabinet to open or close the storage compartment. The door may be provided as a drawer-type door to open or close the storage compartment.

[0004] When a drawer-type door for opening or closing the storage compartment is provided in a plurality, a partition may be provided between the plurality of drawer-type doors. The partition may be coupled to both side walls of the storage compartment to prevent cold air from leaking through a gap between the plurality of drawer-type doors and the partition.DISCLOSURETechnical Problem

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a partition with an improved structure so that the partition may be couplable to an inner side of a storage compartment after an insulation is filled between an inner case and an outer case.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator in which a partition may be easily couplable to an inner side of a storage compartment.

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a partition that may maximize insulation performance by preventing cold air in a storage compartment from leaking to an outside.

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator with improved appearance quality by coupling a partition after an insulation is filled between an inner case and an outer case.

[0009] 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

[0010] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an inner case including a storage compartment, an outer case coupleable to an outer side of the inner case to form an exterior, an insulation filled between the inner case and the outer case, a plurality of drawer-type doors configured to open or close the storage compartment, and including a door gasket and, a partition to be disposed between the plurality of drawer-type doors, the partition including a rear partition coupled to side walls of the storage compartment, which are opposite to each other, and a front partition disposed on a front side of the rear partition to contact the door gasket. The rear partition includes a first partition part having one side with a first coupling rib coupleable to the side wall of the storage compartment, and another side with a coupling hole, and a second partition part having one side with a second coupling rib coupled to another side wall of the side walls of the storage compartment, and another side with a coupling protrusion coupleable to the coupling hole, the second partition being coupled to the other side of the first partition.

[0011] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an inner case in which a storage compartment is provided, an outer case coupleable to an outer side of the inner case to form an exterior, an insulation filled between the inner case and the outer case, a plurality of drawer-type doors configured to open or close the storage compartment and including a door gasket, and a partition coupleable to both side walls of the storage compartment to be disposed between the plurality of drawer-type doors and configured to contact the door gasket to prevent cold air in the storage compartment from escaping. The partition includes a first partition part including a first coupling rib on one side, the first coupling rib being coupleable to the side wall of the storage compartment, and a coupling hole on the other side, a second partition part including a second coupling rib on one side, the second coupling rib being coupleable to the side wall of the storage compartment, and a coupling protrusion on the other side, the coupling protrusion being coupled to the coupling hole to be coupled to the other side of the first partition, and a front partition coupleable to a front side of the first partition and the second partition to cover a gap between the first partition and the second partition.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a state in which a partition is coupled to a lower storage compartment according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a state in which the partition is separated in FIG. 3 according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a first partition according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a second partition according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a front partition according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state in which the first partition is being coupled to a side wall of the lower storage compartment according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a state in which the first partition is coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the first partition is coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state in which the second partition is being coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a state in which the second partition is coupled to the first partition according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the front partition being coupled to a front surface of the lower storage compartment according to an embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the front partition coupled to the front surface of the lower storage compartment is fixed to a front surface of a rear partition according to an embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a state in which a grommet of the front partition covers a gap between an inner case and the front partition according to an embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the partition is disposed between a plurality of drawer-type doors according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Various embodiments of the present document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

[0030] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0031] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0032] In this document, 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 items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0033] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.

[0034] Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish a component from other components, without limiting the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0035] 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 each component.

[0036] It will be understood that when the terms “includes,”“comprises,”“including,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated 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.

[0037] It will be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component. When a component is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component, it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component through a third component.

[0038] It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being “on” another component, it can be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.

[0039] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body (also referred to as a cabinet).

[0040] 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. 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator may include a cabinet 10, a plurality of storage compartments 20 provided inside the cabinet 10 with an open front, a door 30 for opening or closing the open front of the storage compartments 20, and a cold air supply device (not shown) for supplying cold air into the storage compartments 20.

[0074] The cabinet 10 may include an inner case 11 forming the storage compartments 20 and an outer case 14 forming an exterior thereof. An insulation 15 may be foamed between the inner case 11 and the outer case 14 and inside the door 30 to prevent / reduce leakage of cold air from the storage compartments 20.

[0075] The cabinet 10 may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartments 20. The cold air supply device may be configured to include a compressor 26, a condenser (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown), an evaporator 27, a blowing fan 28, a cold air duct 29, and the like.

[0076] A machine compartment 25, in which the compressor 26 for compressing a refrigerant and a condenser for condensing the compressed refrigerant are installed, may be provided at a rear lower side of the cabinet 10.

[0077] The evaporator 27 for generating cold air, the blowing fan 28 for guiding the cold air generated in the evaporator 27 into the storage compartments 20, and the cold air duct 29 for guiding the cold air generated in the evaporator 27 to the storage compartments 20 may be disposed on a rear wall of the storage compartments 20. A plurality of evaporators 27, blowing fans 28, and cold air ducts 29 may be configured to independently supply cold air to the storage compartments 20.

[0078] The storage compartments 20 may be partitioned into a plurality of sections by a partition wall 17. The storage compartments 20 may be partitioned into an upper storage compartment 21 and a lower storage compartment 22 by the partition wall 17. The upper storage compartment 21 and the lower storage compartment 22 partitioned by the partition wall 17 may be used as a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, respectively. However, the division and use of the storage compartments 20 as described above are only an example and are not limited thereto.

[0079] A plurality of shelves 23 may be provided in the storage compartments 20 to partition an interior of the storage compartments 20 into a plurality of sections. A plurality of storage containers 24 capable of storing food and the like may be provided in the storage compartments 20.

[0080] The door 30 may include a French-type door 31 rotatably coupled to the cabinet 10 to open or close the storage compartments 20. A pair of French-type doors 31 may be provided to open or close the refrigerating compartment, which is the upper storage compartment 21. The French-type door 31 may include a recess-type handle 32 to allow a user to grip and open / close the French-type door 31. A plurality of door baskets 33 capable of storing food and the like may be installed on a rear surface of the French-type door 31.

[0081] The door 30 may include a drawer-type door 34 configured to be slidable relative to the cabinet 10 to open or close the storage compartments 20. A plurality of drawer-type doors 34 may be configured to open or close the freezing compartment, which is the lower storage compartment 22. The drawer-type door 34 may include a front panel 35 that covers an open front surface of the lower storage compartment 22. The drawer-type door 34 may include a handle pocket 37, which is a recess-type handle provided on the front panel 35 to allow a user to grip and open / close the drawer-type door 34. The drawer-type door 34 may include a storage box 36 mounted on a rear surface of the front panel 35, in which food and the like are stored. The drawer-type door 34 may include a door gasket 38 that contacts a partition 100 to prevent / reduce cold air from escaping through a gap between the drawer-type door 34 and the partition 100. The drawer-type door 34 may include a dyke 39 protruding rearwardly from the rear surface of the front panel 35 such that the storage box 36 is mounted on the rear surface of the front panel 35.

[0082] The partition 100 may be disposed between the plurality of drawer-type doors 34. The partition 100 may be coupled to opposite side walls of the lower storage compartment 22 so as to be disposed between the plurality of drawer-type doors 34. In other words, the partition 100 may be disposed between a drawer-type door 34 positioned on an upper side of the lower storage compartment 22 and a drawer-type door 34 positioned on a lower side of the lower storage compartment 22. The partition 100 may contact the door gasket 38 of the drawer-type door 34 to prevent / reduce cold air inside the lower storage compartment 22 from leaking to an outside. A detailed configuration of the partition 100 will be described below.

[0083] The plurality of drawer-type doors 34 may be respectively slidably inserted into or withdrawn from the lower storage compartment 22 by a sliding device 40. The sliding device 40 for slidably moving the drawer-type door 34 may have one side coupled to each of the opposite side walls inside the lower storage compartment 22 in which the drawer-type door 34 is accommodated, and the other side coupled to each of opposite side surfaces of the drawer-type door 34.

[0084] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a state in which a partition is coupled to a lower storage compartment according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a state in which the partition is separated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a first partition according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a second partition according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a front partition according to an embodiment.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 8, the partition 100 may be coupled to opposite side walls of the lower storage compartment 22. The partition 100 may include rear partitions 110 and 150 and a front partition 190 disposed on a front side of the rear partitions 110 and 150. The rear partitions 110 and 150 may be coupled to the opposite side walls of the lower storage compartment 22. The rear partitions 110 and 150 may be coupled to the opposite side walls of the lower storage compartment 22 after the insulation 15 is filled between the inner case 11 and the outer case 14. In other words, the rear partitions 110 and 150 may be coupled to the inner case 11 forming the lower storage compartment 22. The front partition 190 may be coupled to the front surface of the lower storage compartment 22 to be disposed on a front surface of the rear partitions 110 and 150. In other words, the front partition 190 may be coupled to a front surface of the inner case 11 (see FIG. 2).

[0086] The rear partitions 110 and 150 may include a first partition 110 and a second partition 150. The first partition 110 may be coupled to a side wall of the lower storage compartment 22. The second partition 150 may be coupled to a side wall of the lower storage compartment 22. The first partition 110 and the second partition 150 may be coupled together after being respectively coupled to the opposite side walls of the lower storage compartment 22. The first partition 110 may be provided to have a length shorter than that of the second partition 150. In other words, the first partition 110 may be provided to have a weight less than that of the second partition 150. The first partition 110 having a shorter length than the second partition 150 may be first coupled to a first side wall of the lower storage compartment 22, and then the second partition 150 may be coupled to a second side wall of the lower storage compartment 22. Because the first partition 110 having a shorter length than the second partition 150 is first coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22, the first partition 110 may remain in a coupled state without being disengaged from the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22 even without additional fastening until the first partition 110 is coupled to the second partition 150 after the first partition 110 is coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22.

[0087] A pair of coupling grooves 12, to which the rear partitions 110 and 150 are coupled, may be provided on each of the opposite side walls of the lower storage compartment 22. The pair of coupling grooves 12 may be formed in a grooved shape in the inner case 11 forming the lower storage compartment 22. The pair of coupling grooves 12 may be provided to have a concave-convex structure. When the rear partitions 110 and 150 are coupled to the pair of coupling grooves 12 provided to have a concave-convex structure, a contact area between the inner case 11 and the rear partitions 110 and 150 may be increased, so that leakage of cold air inside the lower storage compartment 22 to the outside may be maximally prevented (see FIG. 11). Although the coupling grooves 12 are shown as being provided as a pair in the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the coupling grooves 12 may be provided as a single groove.

[0088] A lower surface of the pair of coupling grooves 12 provided on each of the opposite side walls of the lower storage compartment 22 may be configured to be inclined. In other words, of both ends in a front-to-back direction of the pair of coupling grooves 12 in the drawings, a lower surface on a rear side may be formed to protrude further toward the interior of the lower storage compartment 22 than a lower surface on a front side. Because the lower surfaces of the pair of coupling grooves 12 are formed to be inclined, the rear partitions 110 and 150 may be more easily coupled to the opposite side walls of the lower storage compartment 22. However, an inclination direction of the lower surface of the pair of coupling grooves 12 is not limited thereto, and of both ends in the front-to-back direction of the pair of coupling grooves 12 in the drawings, the lower surface on the front side may be formed to protrude further toward the interior of the lower storage compartment 22 than the lower surface on the rear side.

[0089] The first partition 110 may include a first case 120 coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22. The first case 120 may form an exterior of the first partition 110. The first case 120 may be provided with an open front. The first case 120 may include a pair of coupling ribs 121 coupled to the pair of coupling grooves 12 provided on the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22. The pair of coupling ribs 121 may be a pair of first coupling ribs. The pair of coupling ribs 121 may be provided at one end of the first case 120. The pair of coupling ribs 121 may be configured to have a concave-convex structure corresponding to the pair of coupling grooves 12. When the first partition 110 is coupled to the pair of coupling grooves 12, with the pair of coupling grooves 12 and the pair of coupling ribs 121 being configured to have a concave-convex structure, a contact area between the inner case 11 and the first partition 110 may be increased, so that leakage of cold air in the lower storage compartment 22 to the outside may be maximally prevented. The pair of coupling ribs 121 may be configured to be inclined to have a shape corresponding to the lower surface of the pair of coupling grooves 12 to which the pair of coupling ribs 121 are coupled. Because the pair of coupling ribs 121 are formed to be inclined corresponding to the lower surface of the pair of coupling grooves 12, the first partition 110 may be more easily coupled to one side wall of the lower storage compartment 22 (see FIG. 11). While the coupling ribs 121 are shown as being provided as a pair in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the coupling rib 121 may be provided as a single rib, similarly to the coupling groove 12.

[0090] The first case 120 may include a first inclined surface 122 formed such that a surface of the other end facing the second partition 150 is inclined. The second partition 150 may include a second inclined surface 171 formed such that a surface of the other end facing the first partition 110 corresponds to the first inclined surface 122. Because the first inclined surface 122 is provided at the other end of the first case 120 and the second inclined surface 171 is provided at the other end of the second partition 150, the second partition 150 and the first partition 110 may be easily coupled without interference when coupling the second partition 150 to the first partition 110. In other words, when the second partition 150 coupled to the first partition 110 is rotated about one end of the second partition 150 so that the other end of the second partition 150 is coupled to the other end of the first partition 110, they may be easily coupled without interference by the first inclined surface 122 and the second inclined surface 171, which are formed to be inclined (see FIG. 12).

[0091] The first case 120 may include a first contact surface 123 that contacts the other end surface of the second partition 150 when the second partition 150 is coupled to the first partition 110. The first contact surface 123 may be formed to be inclined, similarly to the first inclined surface 122. When the second partition 150 is coupled to the first partition 110, the first contact surface 123 may contact a second contact surface 162 of the second partition 150. The second contact surface 162 may also be formed to be inclined, similarly to the second inclined surface 171. Because the first contact surface 123 of the first partition 110 and the second contact surface 162 of the second partition 150 are formed to be inclined, the first partition 110 and the second partition 150 may be easily coupled without interference when the first partition 110 is coupled to the second partition 150 (see FIG. 12).

[0092] The first case 120 may include an insertion portion 124 that is inserted into the inside of the second partition 150 when the second partition 150 is coupled to the first partition 110. The insertion portion 124 may be inserted into an inside of a second case 160 through an opening 163 formed in the second case 160 of the second partition 150.

[0093] The insertion portion 124 may be provided with a coupling hole 127 to which the second partition 150 is coupled. The coupling hole 127 may be provided in a pair on each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the insertion portion 124. The pair of coupling holes 127 provided on each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the insertion portion 124 may include a first coupling hole 128 and a second coupling hole 129 having different shapes from each other. While the first coupling hole 128 is shown as being provided in a circular shape and the second coupling hole 129 is shown as being provided in a rectangular shape in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, when the first coupling hole 128 and the second coupling hole 129 are provided in different shapes from each other, they may be provided in various other shapes in addition to a circular shape or a rectangular shape.

[0094] The first case 120 may include a plurality of first gasket fixing hooks 125 provided on each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the first case 120 and configured to fix a first gasket 140 of the first partition 110. The first gasket 140 fixed to the plurality of first gasket fixing hooks 125 may contact the dyke 39 of the drawer-type door 34 to cover a gap between the drawer-type door 34 and the partition 100 (see FIG. 17). While the first gasket fixing hooks 125 are shown as being provided as a plurality in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the first gasket fixing hook 125 may be provided as a single hook.

[0095] The first case 120 may include a first fixing portion 126 into which the front partition 190 is fitted and fixed. The first fixing portion 126 may be provided on an upper and a lower front surface of the first case 120. Brackets 194 and 195 of the front partition 190 may be fitted and fixed into the first fixing portion 126.

[0096] The first partition 110 may include a first assembly insulation 130 assembled into an inside of the first case 120 through an open front surface of the first case 120. A plurality of fixing grooves 131, to which a plurality of fixers F are fixed, may be provided on a front surface of the first assembly insulation 130. The plurality of fixers F fixed to the plurality of fixing grooves 131 may secure a refrigerant pipe P. While the fixers F are shown as being provided as a plurality in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the fixer F may be provided as a single unit.

[0097] The first partition 110 may include the plurality of fixers F fixed to the front surface of the first assembly insulation 130. The plurality of fixers F may be fixed to the plurality of fixing grooves 131 provided on the front surface of the first assembly insulation 130. The plurality of fixers F may fix the refrigerant pipe P. Because the refrigerant pipe P is fixed by the plurality of fixers F, a position of the refrigerant pipe P may be prevented from being displaced up and down. Because the position of the refrigerant pipe P is prevented from being displaced up and down, no interference may occur between the front partition 190 and the refrigerant pipe P when the front partition 190 disposed on the front surface of the rear partitions 110 and 150 is coupled to the front surface of the lower storage compartment 22. When interference does not occur between the front partition 190 and the refrigerant pipe P, the front partition 190 may be easily coupled to the front surface of the lower storage compartment 22. In addition, when the front partition 190 is coupled to the front surface of the lower storage compartment 22 so that no interference occurs between the front partition 190 and the refrigerant pipe P, heat transferred from the refrigerant pipe P to a middle front plate 191 of the front partition 190 may be uniformly distributed, thereby preventing dew from forming on an outer surface of the front partition 190. While the fixers F are shown as being provided as a plurality in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the fixer F may be provided as a single unit.

[0098] The first partition 110 may include the first gasket 140 fixed to each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the first case 120. The first gasket 140 may be fixed to the plurality of first gasket fixing hooks 125 provided on each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the first case 120. The first gasket 140 may contact the dyke 39 of the drawer-type door 34 to cover the gap between the drawer-type door 34 and the partition 100. The first gasket 140 may cover the gap between the drawer-type door 34 and the partition 100 in a state in which the drawer-type door 34 is closed to prevent cold air in the lower storage compartment 22 from leaking to the outside (see FIG. 17).

[0099] The second partition 150 may include the second case 160 coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22. The second case 160 may form an exterior of the second partition 150. The second case 160 may be provided with an open front. The second case 160 may include a pair of coupling ribs 161 coupled to the pair of coupling grooves 12 provided on the other side wall of the lower storage compartment 22. The pair of coupling ribs 161 may be a pair of second coupling ribs. The pair of coupling ribs 161 may be provided at one end of the second case 160. The pair of coupling ribs 161 may be configured to have a concave-convex structure corresponding to the pair of coupling grooves 12. When the second partition 150 is coupled to the pair of coupling grooves 12, with the pair of coupling grooves 12 and the pair of coupling ribs 161 being configured to have a concave-convex structure, a contact area between the inner case 11 and the second partition 150 may be increased, so that leakage of cold air in the lower storage compartment 22 to the outside may be maximally prevented. Although a cross-sectional view of the second partition 150 coupled to the inside of the lower storage compartment 22 is not shown in the drawing, it may be the same as the state in which the first partition 110 shown in FIG. 11 is coupled to the inside of the lower storage compartment 22. The pair of coupling ribs 161 may be configured to be inclined to have a shape corresponding to the lower surface of the pair of coupling grooves 12 to which the pair of coupling ribs 161 are coupled. Because the pair of coupling ribs 161 are formed to be inclined corresponding to the lower surface of the pair of coupling grooves 12, the second partition 150 may be more easily coupled to the other side wall of the lower storage compartment 22. While the coupling rib 161 is shown as being provided as a pair in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the coupling rib 161 may be provided as a single rib.

[0100] The second case 160 may include the second contact surface 162 that contacts the other end surface of the first partition 110 when the second partition 150 is coupled to the first partition 110. The second contact surface 162 may be formed to be inclined. When the second partition 150 is coupled to the first partition 110, the second contact surface 162 may contact the first contact surface 123 of the first partition 110. Because the first contact surface 123 of the first partition 110 and the second contact surface 162 of the second partition 150 are formed to be inclined, the first partition 110 and the second partition 150 may be easily coupled without interference when the first partition 110 is coupled to the second partition 150 (see FIG. 12).

[0101] The second case 160 may include the opening 163 that is open such that the insertion portion 124 of the first partition 110 is inserted therein when the second partition 150 is coupled to the first partition 110. The insertion portion 124 may be inserted into an inside of the second case 160 of the second partition 150 through the opening 163 formed in the second case 160.

[0102] The second case 160 may include a plurality of second gasket fixing hooks 164 provided on each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the second case 160 and configured to fix a second gasket 180 of the second partition 150. The second gasket 180 fixed to the plurality of second gasket fixing hooks 164 may contact the dyke 39 of the drawer-type door 34 to cover the gap between the drawer-type door 34 and the partition 100 (see FIG. 17). While the second gasket fixing hooks 164 are shown as being provided as a plurality in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the second gasket fixing hook 164 may be provided as a single hook.

[0103] The second case 160 may include a second fixing portion 165 into which the front partition 190 is fitted and fixed. The second fixing portion 165 may be provided on an upper and a lower front surface of the second case 160. The brackets 194 and 195 of the front partition 190 may be fitted and fixed into the second fixing portion 165.

[0104] The second case 160 may include a coupling protrusion 166 coupled to the coupling hole 127 of the first partition 110. The coupling protrusion 166 may be provided on each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the second case 160. The coupling protrusion 166 may include a first coupling protrusion 167 provided on the upper surface of the second case 160. The first coupling protrusion 167 may be configured to have a shape corresponding to a shape of one of the first coupling hole 128 and the second coupling hole 129. The coupling protrusion 166 may include a second coupling protrusion 168 provided on the lower surface of the second case 160. The second coupling protrusion 168 may be configured to have a shape corresponding to a shape of the other of the first coupling hole 128 and the second coupling hole 129. While the first coupling protrusion 167 is shown as being provided in a circular shape and the second coupling protrusion 168 is shown as being provided in a rectangular shape in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the first coupling protrusion 167 and the second coupling protrusion 168 may be provided in various shapes corresponding to the shapes of the first coupling hole 128 and the second coupling hole 129.

[0105] The second partition 150 may include a second assembly insulation 170 assembled into the inside of the second case 160 through an open front surface of the second case 160. The second inclined surface 171 corresponding to the first inclined surface 122 of the first partition 110 may be provided on the second assembly insulation 170. A plurality of fixing grooves 173, to which the plurality of fixers F are fixed, may be provided on a front surface of the second assembly insulation 170. The plurality of fixers F fixed to the plurality of fixing grooves 173 may secure the refrigerant pipe P. While the fixing grooves 173 are shown as being provided as a plurality in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the fixing groove 173 may also be provided as a single unit corresponding to the number of fixer F when only one fixer F is provided.

[0106] The second partition 150 may include the plurality of fixers F fixed to the front surface of the second assembly insulation 170. The plurality of fixers F may be fixed to the plurality of fixing grooves 173 provided on the front surface of the second assembly insulation 170. The plurality of fixers F may fix the refrigerant pipe P. Because the refrigerant pipe P is fixed by the plurality of fixers F, the position of the refrigerant pipe P may be prevented from being displaced vertically. Because the position of the refrigerant pipe P is prevented from being displaced vertically, no interference may occur between the front partition 190 and the refrigerant pipe P when the front partition 190 disposed on the front surface of the rear partitions 110 and 150 is coupled to the front surface of the lower storage compartment 22. When interference does not occur between the front partition 190 and the refrigerant pipe P, the front partition 190 may be easily coupled to the front surface of the lower storage compartment 22. In addition, when the front partition 190 is coupled to the front surface of the lower storage compartment 22 so that no interference occurs between the front partition 190 and the refrigerant pipe P, heat transferred from the refrigerant pipe P to the middle front plate 191 of the front partition 190 is uniformly distributed, thereby preventing dew from forming on an outer surface of the front partition 190. While the fixers F are shown as being provided as a plurality in the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other words, the fixer F may be provided as a single unit.

[0107] The second partition 150 may include the second gasket 180 fixed to each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the second case 160. The second gasket 180 may be fixed to the plurality of second gasket fixing hooks 164 provided on each of the upper surface and the lower surface of the second case 160. The second gasket 180 may contact the dyke 39 of the drawer-type door 34 to cover the gap between the drawer-type door 34 and the partition 100. The second gasket 180 may cover the gap between the drawer-type door 34 and the partition 100 in a state in which the drawer-type door 34 is closed to prevent cold air in the lower storage compartment 22 from leaking to the outside (see FIG. 17).

[0108] The front partition 190 may be coupled to the front surface of the lower storage compartment 22 to be disposed on the front surface of the rear partitions 110 and 150. A pair of first fastening holes 13, to which the front partition 190 is fastened, may be provided on the front surface of the inner case 11 forming the lower storage compartment 22.

[0109] The front partition 190 may include the middle front plate 191 fastened to the pair of first fastening holes 13 to be disposed on the front surface of the rear partitions 110 and 150. A pair of second fastening holes 192, which are fastened to the pair of first fastening holes 13 by screws S, may be provided on the middle front plate 191. A plurality of first coupling portions 193, to which the brackets 194 and 195 are coupled, may be provided on an upper portion and a lower portion of the middle front plate 191. The brackets 194 and 195 may be coupled to the plurality of first coupling portions 193 by a coupling member (not shown).

[0110] The middle front plate 191 may cover a gap formed at a contact surface between the first partition 110 and the second partition 150. In other words, when the second partition 150 is coupled to the first partition 110, the middle front plate 191 may cover a gap generated between the first contact surface 123 of the first partition 110 and the second contact surface 162 of the second partition 150. The middle front plate 191 may prevent cold air in the lower storage compartment 22 from leaking to the outside through the gap generated between the first contact surface 123 of the first partition 110 and the second contact surface 162 of the second partition 150.

[0111] The front partition 190 may include the brackets 194 and 195 coupled to each of the upper portion and the lower portion of the middle front plate 191. The brackets 194 and 195 may include an upper bracket 194 coupled to the upper portion of the middle front plate 191 and a lower bracket 195 coupled to the lower portion of the middle front plate 191. A plurality of second coupling portions 196, which are coupled to the plurality of first coupling portions 193 provided on the middle front plate 191 by coupling members, may be provided on the upper bracket 194 and the lower bracket 195. The upper bracket 194 and the lower bracket 195 may be fitted and fixed to the front surface of the rear partitions 110 and 150. The upper bracket 194 and the lower bracket 195 may be fitted and fixed to the first fixing portion 126 and the second fixing portion 165 of the rear partitions 110 and 150.

[0112] The front partition 190 may include a grommet 197 provided at both ends of the front partition 190. The grommet 197 may cover a gap between the inner case 11, to which both ends of the front partition 190 are coupled, and the front partition 190. When the refrigerator is in operation, the middle front plate 191 and the brackets 194 and 195, which are injection-molded products of the front partition 190, may shrink due to a low temperature of the lower storage compartment 22 used as a freezing compartment, thereby generating a gap between the inner case 11 and the front partition 190. The grommet 197 may cover the gap generated between the inner case 11 and the front partition 190 by the middle front plate 191 and the brackets 194 and 195, which shrink due to the low temperature of the lower storage compartment 22, to prevent the gap from being exposed. In addition, the grommet 197 may reduce a step difference generated between the inner case 11 and the front partition 190 by the middle front plate 191 and the brackets 194 and 195, which shrink due to the low temperature of the lower storage compartment 22. Accordingly, the front partition 190 may efficiently prevent cold air in the lower storage compartment 22 from leaking to the outside by contacting the door gasket 38 of the drawer-type door 34 (see FIGS. 16 and 17).

[0113] Next, a process of coupling the partition 100 to the lower storage compartment 22 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 to 17.

[0114] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a state in which the first partition is being coupled to a side wall of the lower storage compartment according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a state in which the first partition is coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the first partition is coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a state in which the second partition is being coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a state in which the second partition is coupled to the first partition according to an embodiment. FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the front partition being coupled to a front surface of the lower storage compartment according to an embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the front partition coupled to the front surface of the lower storage compartment is fixed to a front surface of a rear partition according to an embodiment. FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a state in which a grommet of the front partition covers a gap between an inner case and the front partition according to an embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the partition is disposed between a plurality of drawer-type doors according to an embodiment.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 9, one side of the first partition 110 may be coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22. The first partition 110 may be coupled to one side wall of the lower storage compartment 22 by positioning the pair of coupling ribs 121 provided on one side of the first partition 110 in the pair of coupling grooves 12 provided on the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22, and then rotating the first partition 110 in the direction of the arrow.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 11, when the first partition 110 is rotated and coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22, the refrigerant pipe P may be secured by the plurality of fixers F of the first partition 110. When the first partition 110 is coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22, the contact area between the inner case 11 and the first partition 110 may be increased because the pair of coupling grooves 12 and the pair of coupling ribs 121 are configured to have a concave-convex structure, thereby maximally preventing cold air in the lower storage compartment 22 from leaking to the outside.

[0117] After the first partition 110 is coupled to the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22, as shown in FIG. 12, the second partition 150 may be coupled to the other side wall of the lower storage compartment 22 by positioning the pair of coupling ribs 161 provided on one side of the second partition 150 in the pair of coupling grooves 12 provided on the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22, and then rotating the second partition 150 in the direction of the arrow.

[0118] After coupling the second partition 150 to the side wall of the lower storage compartment 22, as shown in FIG. 13, the second partition 150 may be coupled to the first partition 110. The first partition 110 and the second partition 150 may be easily coupled without interference by the first inclined surface 122 and the first contact surface 123, which are provided to be inclined on the first partition 110, and the second inclined surface 171 and the second contact surface 162, which are provided to be inclined on the second partition 150. By coupling the coupling protrusion 166 of the second partition 150 to the coupling hole 127 of the first partition 110, the second partition 150 may be coupled to the first partition 110.

[0119] When the first partition 110 and the second partition 150 are coupled and the rear partitions 110 and 150 are coupled to the opposite side walls of the lower storage compartment 22, the front partition 190 may be coupled to the front surface of the lower storage compartment 22, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 15. When coupling the front partition 190 to the front surface of the lower storage compartment 22, first, the brackets 194 and 195 of the front partition 190 may be fitted and fixed to the first fixing portion 126 and the second fixing portion 165 of the rear partitions 110 and 150. When the brackets 194 and 195 of the front partition 190 are fitted and fixed to the first fixing portion 126 and the second fixing portion 165 of the rear partitions 110 and 150, the pair of second fastening holes 192 provided on the front partition 190 may be fastened to the pair of first fastening holes 13 provided on the inner case 11 with screws S.

[0120] When the front partition 190 is coupled to the front surface of the lower storage compartment 22, as shown in FIG. 16, the gap between the inner case 11, to which both ends of the front partition 190 are coupled, and the front partition 190 may be covered by the grommet 197 of the front partition 190. In other words, the grommet 197 may cover the gap generated between the inner case 11 and the front partition 190 by the middle front plate 191 and the brackets 194 and 195, which shrink due to the low temperature of the lower storage compartment 22, to prevent the gap from being exposed. In addition, the grommet 197 may reduce a step difference generated between the inner case 11 and the front partition 190 by the middle front plate 191 and the brackets 194 and 195, which shrink due to the low temperature of the lower storage compartment 22. Accordingly, the front partition 190 may efficiently prevent cold air in the lower storage compartment 22 from leaking to the outside by contacting the door gasket 38 of the drawer-type door 34 (see FIG. 17).

[0121] When the partition 100 is coupled to the opposite side walls of the lower storage compartment 22 to be disposed between the plurality of drawer-type doors 34, the front partition 190 of the partition 100 may contact the door gasket 38 of the plurality of drawer-type doors 34, as shown in FIG. 17. The contact between the front partition 190 and the door gasket 38 of the plurality of drawer-type doors 34 may prevent cold air in the lower storage compartment 22 from leaking to the outside. In addition, the contact between the first and second gaskets 140 and 180 of the partition 100 and the dyke 39 of the plurality of drawer-type doors 34 may prevent cold air in the lower storage compartment 22 from leaking to the outside.

[0122] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the inner case 11 in which the storage compartment 20 is provided, the outer case 14 coupled to an outer side of the inner case to form an exterior, the insulation 15 filled between the inner case and the outer case, the plurality of drawer-type doors 34 configured to open or close the storage compartment and each including the door gasket 38, and the partition 100 disposed between the plurality of drawer-type doors, the partition including the rear partitions 110 and 150 coupled to opposite side walls of the storage compartment and the front partition 190 disposed on a front side of the rear partition to contact the door gasket. The rear partition may include the first partition 110 having one side on which the first coupling rib 121 coupled to the side wall of the storage compartment is provided, and the other side in which the coupling hole 127 is provided, and the second partition 150 having one side on which the second coupling rib 161 coupled to the side wall of the storage compartment is provided, and the other side on which the coupling protrusion 126 coupled to the coupling hole is provided, the second partition being coupled to the other side of the first partition. According to the present disclosure, the partition may be coupled to the inside of the storage compartment after the insulation is filled between the inner case and the outer case. The partition may be easily coupled to the inside of the storage compartment. Insulation performance may be maximized by preventing cold air in the storage compartment from leaking to the outside. Appearance quality may be improved by coupling the partition after the insulation is filled between the inner case and the outer case.

[0123] Each of the opposite side walls of the storage compartment may be provided with the coupling groove 12 to which the rear partition is coupled, and the coupling groove 12 may have a concave-convex structure. According to the present disclosure, the contact area between the rear partition and the inner case may be increased, thereby maximally prevent cold air in the storage compartment from leaking to the outside.

[0124] The first coupling rib 121 and the second coupling rib 161 may be coupled to the coupling groove, and the first coupling rib and the second coupling rib may be configured to have a concave-convex structure. According to the present disclosure, the contact area between the rear partition and the inner case may be increased, thereby maximally prevent cold air in the storage compartment from leaking to the outside.

[0125] The coupling groove may be provided with an inclined lower surface, and the coupling rib may be configured to have a shape corresponding to the lower surface of the coupling groove. According to the present disclosure, the partition may be easily coupled to the opposite side walls of the storage compartment.

[0126] The first partition may have a shorter length than the second partition. According to the present disclosure, after the first partition is coupled to one side wall of the storage compartment, the first partition may be not disengaged from the one side wall of the storage compartment and may remain in a coupled state even without separate fastening until the first partition is coupled to the second partition.

[0127] The first partition may include the first inclined surface 122 formed such that a surface of the other end facing the second partition is inclined, and the second partition may include the second inclined surface 171 formed such that a surface of the other end facing the first partition corresponds to the first inclined surface. According to the present disclosure, the first partition and the second partition may be easily coupled.

[0128] The first partition may include the first case 120 coupled to the side wall of the storage compartment and having an open front, the first assembly insulation 130 assembled into an inside of the first case through the open front surface of the first case, the fixer F fixed to a front surface of the first assembly insulation and fixing the refrigerant pipe P, and the first gasket 140 fixed to each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the first case. According to the present disclosure, the refrigerant pipe may be secured by the plurality of fixers to prevent a position of the refrigerant pipe from being displaced vertically. Because the position of the refrigerant pipe is prevented from being displaced vertically, no interference may occur between the front partition and the refrigerant pipe when the front partition disposed on the front surface of the rear partition is coupled to the front surface of the storage compartment. Because no interference occurs between the front partition and the refrigerant pipe, the front partition may be easily coupled to the front surface of the storage compartment. When the front partition is coupled to the front surface of the storage compartment so that no interference occurs between the front partition and the refrigerant pipe, heat transferred from the refrigerant pipe to the middle front plate of the front partition may be uniformly transferred, so that dew formation on the outer surface of the front partition may be prevented.

[0129] The first case may include the first contact surface 123 configured to contact the other end surface of the second partition when the second partition is coupled to the first partition, the first contact surface being formed to be inclined, the insertion portion 124 inserted into an inside of the second partition when the second partition is coupled to the first partition, the first gasket fixing hook 125 provided on each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the first case to fix the first gasket, and the first fixing portion 126 into which the front partition is fitted and fixed.

[0130] The coupling hole may be provided as a pair on each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the insertion portion, and the pair of coupling holes may include the first coupling hole 128 and the second coupling hole 129 having different shapes from each other.

[0131] The second partition may include the second case 160 coupled to the side wall of the storage compartment and having an open front, the second assembly insulation 170 assembled into an inside of the second case through the open front surface of the second case, the fixer F fixed to a front surface of the second assembly insulation and fixing the refrigerant pipe, and the second gasket 180 fixed to each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the second case. According to the present disclosure, the refrigerant pipe may be secured by the plurality of fixers to prevent the position of the refrigerant pipe from being displaced vertically. Because the position of the refrigerant pipe is prevented from being displaced vertically, no interference may occur between the front partition and the refrigerant pipe when the front partition disposed on the front surface of the rear partition is coupled to the front surface of the storage compartment. Because no interference occurs between the front partition and the refrigerant pipe, the front partition may be easily coupled to the front surface of the storage compartment. When the front partition is coupled to the front surface of the storage compartment so that no interference occurs between the front partition and the refrigerant pipe, heat transferred from the refrigerant pipe to a middle front plate of the front partition may be uniformly transferred, so that dew formation on the outer surface of the front partition may be prevented.

[0132] The second case may include the second contact surface 162 formed to have a shape corresponding to the first contact surface and configured to contact the first contact surface when the second partition is coupled to the first partition, the opening 163 open such that the insertion portion is inserted therein when the second partition is coupled to the first partition, the second gasket fixing hook 164 provided on each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the second case to fix the second gasket, and the second fixing portion 165 into which the front partition is fitted and fixed.

[0133] The coupling protrusion may include the first coupling protrusion 167 provided on the upper surface of the second case and having a shape corresponding to a shape of one of the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole, and the second coupling protrusion 168 provided on the lower surface of the second case and having a shape corresponding to a shape of the other of the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole.

[0134] The front partition may include the middle front plate 191 coupled to the inner case to be disposed on a front side of the rear partition, the brackets 194 and 195 coupled to each of an upper portion and a lower portion of the middle front plate and fitted and fixed to a front surface of the rear partition, and the grommet 197 provided at both ends of the front partition and configured to cover a gap between the inner case and the front partition. According to the present disclosure, leakage of cold air from the storage compartment through the gap generated between the first contact surface of the first partition and the second contact surface of the second partition may be prevented. The gap between the inner case 11, to which both ends of the front partition 190 are coupled, and the front partition 190 may be covered. The step difference generated between the inner case 11 and the front partition 190 may be reduced.

[0135] The brackets and the middle front plate may cover a gap formed at a contact surface between the first partition and the second partition. According to the present disclosure, leakage of cold air in the storage compartment to the outside may be prevented.

[0136] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the inner case 11 in which the storage compartment 20 is provided, the outer case 14 coupled to an outer side of the inner case to form an exterior, the insulation 15 filled between the inner case and the outer case, the plurality of drawer-type doors 34 configured to open or close the storage compartment and each including the door gasket 38, and the partition 100 coupled to opposite side walls of the storage compartment to be disposed between the plurality of drawer-type doors, and configured to contact the door gasket to prevent cold air in the storage compartment from escaping. The partition may include the first partition 110 including the first coupling rib 121 on one side, the first coupling rib 121 being coupled to the side wall of the storage compartment, and the coupling hole 127 on the other side, the second partition 150 including the second coupling rib 161 on one side, the second coupling rib 161 being coupled to the side wall of the storage compartment, and the coupling protrusion 166 on the other side, the coupling protrusion 166 being coupled to the coupling hole to be coupled to the other side of the first partition, and the front partition 190 coupled to a front side of the first partition and the second partition to cover a gap between the first partition and the second partition. According to the present disclosure, the partition may be coupled to an inside of the storage compartment after the insulation is filled between the inner case and the outer case. The partition may be easily coupled to the inside of the storage compartment. Insulation performance may be maximized by preventing cold air in the storage compartment from leaking to the outside. Appearance quality may be improved by coupling the partition after the insulation is filled between the inner case and the outer case.

[0137] The first partition may include the first case 120 coupled to the side wall of the storage compartment and having an open front, the first assembly insulation 130 assembled into an inside of the first case through the open front surface of the first case and including the fixing hole 131 provided on a front surface, the fixer F fixed to the fixing hole and fixing the refrigerant pipe P, and the first gasket 140 fixed to each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the first case to cover a gap between the plurality of drawer-type doors and the partition. According to the present disclosure, the refrigerant pipe may be fixed by the plurality of fixers to prevent a position of the refrigerant pipe from being displaced vertically. Because the position of the refrigerant pipe is prevented from being displaced vertically, no interference may occur between the front partition and the refrigerant pipe when the front partition disposed on the front surface of the rear partition is coupled to the front surface of the storage compartment. Because no interference occurs between the front partition and the refrigerant pipe, the front partition may be easily coupled to the front surface of the storage compartment. When the front partition is coupled to the front surface of the storage compartment so that no interference occurs between the front partition and the refrigerant pipe, heat transferred from the refrigerant pipe to the middle front plate of the front partition may be uniformly transferred, so that dew formation on the outer surface of the front partition may be prevented.

[0138] The second partition may include the second case 160 coupled to the side wall of the storage compartment and having an open front, the second assembly insulation 170 assembled into an inside of the second case through the open front surface of the second case and including the fixing hole 173 provided on a front surface, the fixer F fixed to the fixing hole and fixing the refrigerant pipe, and the second gasket 180 fixed to each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the second case to cover a gap between the plurality of drawer-type doors and the partition. According to the present disclosure, the refrigerant pipe may be secured by the plurality of fixers to prevent the position of the refrigerant pipe from being displaced vertically. Because the position of the refrigerant pipe is prevented from being displaced vertically, no interference may occur between the front partition and the refrigerant pipe when the front partition disposed on the front surface of the rear partition is coupled to the front surface of the storage compartment. Because no interference occurs between the front partition and the refrigerant pipe, the front partition may be easily coupled to the front surface of the storage compartment. When the front partition is coupled to the front surface of the storage compartment so that no interference occurs between the front partition and the refrigerant pipe, heat transferred from the refrigerant pipe to a middle front plate of the front partition may be uniformly transferred, so that dew formation on the outer surface of the front partition may be prevented.

[0139] The front partition may include the middle front plate 191 coupled to the inner case to be disposed on a front side of the rear partition, the brackets 194 and 195 coupled to each of an upper portion and a lower portion of the middle front plate and fitted and fixed to a front surface of the rear partition, and the grommet 197 provided at both ends of the front partition to cover a gap between the inner case and the front partition. According to the present disclosure, leakage of cold air from the storage compartment through the gap generated between the first contact surface of the first partition and the second contact surface of the second partition may be prevented. The gap between the inner case 11, to which both ends of the front partition 190 are coupled, and the front partition 190 may be covered. The step difference generated between the inner case 11 and the front partition 190 may be reduced.

[0140] The pair of first fastening holes 13 to which the middle front plate is fastened may be provided on the front surface of the inner case, and the pair of second fastening holes 192, which are fastened to the pair of first fastening holes by screws S, may be provided on the middle front plate.

[0141] The effects to be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be apparent to those of skilled in the art from the following description.

[0142] Although the above technical ideas of the disclosure have been described by way of specific embodiments, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications and variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical ideas of the disclosure as set forth in the claims of the patent will be deemed to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising:an inner case including a storage compartment;an outer case coupleable to an outer side of the inner case to form an exterior of the refrigerator;an insulation between the inner case and the outer case;a plurality of drawer-type doors configured to open or close the storage compartment, the plurality of drawer-type doors including a door gasket, respectively; anda partition to be disposed between the plurality of drawer-type doors, the partition including a rear partition coupled to side walls of the storage compartment, which are opposite to each other, and a front partition disposed on a front side of the rear partition to contact the door gasket;wherein the rear partition comprises:a first partition part having one side with a first coupling rib coupleable to one side wall of the side walls of the storage compartment, and another side with a coupling hole; anda second partition part having one side with a second coupling rib coupleable to another side wall of the side walls of the storage compartment, and another side with a coupling protrusion coupleable to the coupling hole, the second partition part being coupleable to the other side of the first partition part.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the side walls of the storage compartment include a coupling groove, respectively, to which the rear partition is coupled, the coupling groove being configured to have a concave-convex structure.

3. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the first coupling rib and the second coupling rib are respectively coupled to the coupling groove on the side walls of the storage compartment, and the first coupling rib and the second coupling rib are configured to have the concave-convex structure.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the coupling groove on the side walls of the storage compartment has a lower surface that is respectively inclined, and the first coupling rib and the second coupling rib are configured to have a shape corresponding to the lower surface of the coupling groove.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first partition part has a shorter length than the second partition part.

6. The refrigerator of claim 5, whereinthe first partition part comprises a first inclined surface formed such that a surface of the other end facing the second partition part is inclined, andthe second partition part comprises a second inclined surface formed such that a surface of the other end facing the first partition part corresponds to the first inclined surface.

7. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first partition part comprises:a first case coupled to the one side wall of the storage compartment and having an open front;a first assembly insulation assembled into an inside of the first case through the open front of the first case;a fixer fixed to a front surface of the first assembly insulation and fixing a refrigerant pipe; anda first gasket fixed to each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the first case.

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the first case comprises:a first contact surface configured to contact the other end surface of the second partition part when the second partition part is coupled to the first partition part, the first contact surface being formed to be inclined;an insertion portion insertable into an inside of the second partition part while the second partition part is coupled to the first partition part;a first gasket fixing hook provided on each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the first case to fix the first gasket; anda first fixing portion into which the front partition is fitted and fixed.

9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the coupling hole is provided as a pair in each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the insertion portion, and the pair of coupling holes comprise a first coupling hole and a second coupling hole having different shapes from each other.

10. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the second partition part comprises:a second case coupled to the other side wall of the storage compartment and having an open front;a second assembly insulation assembled into an inside of the second case through the open front of the second case;a fixer fixed to a front surface of the second assembly insulation and fixing the refrigerant pipe; anda second gasket fixed to each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the second case.

11. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein the second case comprises:a second contact surface formed to have a shape corresponding to the first contact surface and configured to contact the first contact surface when the second partition part is coupled to the first partition part;an opening that is open such that the insertion portion is inserted therein when the second partition part is coupled to the first partition part;a second gasket fixing hook provided on each of an upper surface and a lower surface of the second case to fix the second gasket; anda second fixing portion into which the front partition is fitted and fixed.

12. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the coupling protrusion comprises:a first coupling protrusion, on the upper surface of the second case, having a shape corresponding to a shape of one of the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole; anda second coupling protrusion, on the lower surface of the second case, having a shape corresponding to a shape of the other of the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole.

13. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the front partition comprises:a middle front plate coupled to the inner case to be disposed on the front side of the rear partition;a bracket coupled to each of an upper portion and a lower portion of the middle front plate and fitted and fixed to a front surface of the rear partition; anda grommet, at both ends of the front partition, configured to cover a gap between the inner case and the front partition.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the bracket and the middle front plate cover a gap formed at a contact surface between the first partition part and the second partition part.

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