refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a main body, and a storage compartment. The refrigerator may include a cold air duct inside the storage compartment configured to discharge cold air into the storage compartment. The cold air duct may include a cold air duct cover having a rear surface. The cold air duct may include a flow path portion coupled to the rear surface of the cold air duct cover defining a cold air flow path through which the cold air flows, and including a pair of assembly holes on two sides of the cold air flow path. The cold air duct may include a pair of sealing members respectively inserted into the pair of assembly holes to seal two opposite sides of the cold air flow path such that leakage of the cold air flowing through the cold air flow path is prevented.

Description

DESCRIPTIONCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. §111(a), of international application No. PCT / KR2024 / 013294, filed September 4, 2024, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0139668, filed October 18, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a refrigerator including an assembly-type sealing member eliminating a gap between a cold air duct and an inner case.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] A refrigerator is a home appliance freshly storing food by having a main body with a storage compartment and a cold air supply device supplying cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment, which is maintained at about 0 to 5 degrees Celsius to refrigerate food, and a freezing compartment, which is maintained at about 0 to -30 degrees Celsius to freeze food. A door is provided on a front surface of a main body to open and close the storage compartment. The door is rotatably provided on the front surface of the main body to open and close the storage compartment. Further, the door may be provided as a drawer-type door to open and close the storage compartment.

[0004] The refrigerator includes an evaporator on a rear side of the storage compartment, and cold air is generated in the evaporator according to operation of a compressor installed in a machine room. The cold air generated in the evaporator is supplied into the storage compartment through a cold air duct disposed on the rear side of the storage compartment. The cold air supplied into the storage compartment freezes / refrigerates the inside of the storage compartment to freshly store food stored in the storage compartment.

[0005] The cold air duct is coupled to the inner case of the refrigerator on the rear side of the storage compartment to form a flow path through which cold air flows. The cold air duct includes a duct cover, a flow path portion assembled to a rear surface of the duct cover to form a flow path guiding cold air, and a sealing member sealing the flow path portion from the outside to prevent leakage of cold air.

[0006] The sealing member is provided to eliminate a gap formed between the flow path portion of the cold air duct and the refrigerator according to uneven flatness of the inner case. Generally, the sealing member has a tape form of a single-sided adhesive type having a flexible material. However, in case of the tape-type sealing member, it is an atypical operation relying on manual work of a worker in an assembly process of the cold air duct, hindering production automation of the refrigerator, and sealing quality is inconsistent according to skill level of a worker, undermining quality reliability.Disclosure of InventionSolution to Problems

[0007] Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide a cold air duct including an assembly-type sealing member.

[0008] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body. The refrigerator may include a storage compartment inside the main body. The refrigerator may include a cold air duct inside the storage compartment configured to discharge cold air into the storage compartment. The cold air duct may include a cold air duct cover having a rear surface. The cold air duct may include a flow path portion coupled to the rear surface of the cold air duct cover defining a cold air flow path through which the cold air flows, the flow path portion including a pair of assembly holes on two opposite sides of the cold air flow path. The cold air duct may include a pair of sealing members assembled with the cold air duct cover and the flow path portion such that the pair of sealing members is at least partially exposed to an outside of the flow path portion while respectively being inserted into the pair of assembly holes to seal the two opposite sides of the cold air flow path.

[0009] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body. The refrigerator may include a storage compartment inside the main body. The refrigerator may include a cold air duct inside the storage compartment configured to discharge cold air into the storage compartment. The cold air duct may include a cold air duct cover having a rear surface. The cold air duct may include a flow path portion coupled to the rear surface of the cold air duct cover defining a cold air flow path through which the cold air flows. The cold air duct may include a sealing member assembled with the cold air duct cover and the flow path portion including a plurality of cavities, a plurality of support portions between the plurality of cavities, and a partition rib partitioning the plurality of cavities. The sealing member may be configured to seal the flow path portion.

[0010] According to various embodiments of the disclosure, in case that a sealing member including a plurality of cavities and a plurality of support portions is coupled to an inner case of a refrigerator, it is deformed and the gap between the cold air duct and the inner case is eliminated, thereby preventing leakage of cold air to the outside of the cold air duct. Further, the sealing member configured in an assembly form may be integrally assembled with the cold air duct cover and the flow path portion through the assembly hole of the flow path portion, enabling assembly through production automation equipment.

[0011] Effects obtainable from exemplary embodiments of the disclosure may be clearly derived and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure belong from the following description. In other words, unintended effects in practicing embodiments of the disclosure may also be derived by one of ordinary skill in the art from example embodiments of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used to denote the same or similar elements.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the refrigerator with a door removed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a rear view illustrating the heat exchange portion and the cold air duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cold air duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a cold air duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' illustrated in FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view illustrating portion A illustrated in FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a deformation of a sealing member upon coupling of the cold air duct and the inner case according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a modified example of portion A illustrated in FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an assembly structure and an assembly process of a cold air duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a sealing member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.MODE FOR THE INVENTION

[0024] It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment.

[0025] With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements.

[0026] It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] As used herein, each of such phrases 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 all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases.

[0028] The term "and / or" may denote a combination(s) of a plurality of related components as listed or any of the components.

[0029] Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding component from another corresponding component, and do not limit the corresponding components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0030] As used herein, the terms ‘front surface,’‘rear surface,’‘upper surface,’‘side surface,’‘left side,’‘right side,’‘upper portion,’ and ‘lower portion’ are defined with respect to the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by the terms.

[0031] Terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to designate that features, numbers, steps, operations, components, portions, or combinations thereof described in this document exist, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, portions, or combinations thereof.

[0032] In case that a component is referred to as being "connected," "coupled," "supported," or "in contact with" another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other through a third component.

[0033] In case that a component is said to be located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component contacts the other component, but also cases where another component is present between the two components.

[0034] The refrigerator according to an embodiment may include a main body.

[0035] The "main body" may include an inner case, an outer case disposed outside the inner case, and an insulator provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0036] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The “outer case” may form the outer appearance of the main body and may be coupled to an outer side of the inner case so that the insulator is disposed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0037] The "insulator" may insulate the inside of the storage compartment and the outside of the storage compartment so that the temperature inside the storage compartment is maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the environment outside the storage compartment. According to an embodiment, the insulator may include a foam insulator. The foam insulator may be formed by injecting and foaming a urethane foam formed by mixing polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner case and the outer case.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the insulator may further include a vacuum insulator in addition to the foam insulator, or the insulator may be composed of only a vacuum insulator instead of the foam insulator. The vacuum insulator may include a core material and an outer cover material that accommodates the core material and seals the inside at a pressure close to vacuum or vacuum. However, the insulator is not limited to the foam insulator or the vacuum insulator, and may include various materials that may be used for insulation.

[0039] The “storage compartment” may include a space limited by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include an inner case that limits a space corresponding to the storage compartment. Various items such as food, medicine, cosmetics, etc. may be stored in the storage compartment, and the storage compartment may be formed so that at least one side thereof is opened to take in and out the items.

[0040] The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different use and may be maintained at a different temperature. To that end, each storage compartment may be partitioned from each other by a partition wall including an insulator.

[0041] The storage compartment may be provided to be maintained in an appropriate temperature range according to the use, and may include a "refrigerating compartment", a "freezing compartment", or an "adjustable-temperature compartment" divided by the use and / or temperature range thereof. The refrigerating compartment may be maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigerating and storing items, and the freezing compartment may be maintained at a temperature suitable for freezing and storing items. The term "refrigerating" may mean cooling the item to the extent that the item is not frozen, and for example, the refrigerating compartment may be maintained in the range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. The term "freezing" may mean cooling the item to freeze or remain frozen, and for example, the freezing compartment may be maintained in the range of minus 20 degrees Celsius to minus 1 degree Celsius. The adjustable-temperature compartment may be used as any one of the refrigerating compartment or the freezing compartment regardless of the user's selection.

[0042] The storage compartment may be referred to as a “vegetable compartment”, a “fresh compartment”, a “cooling compartment”, an “ice-making compartment”, and the like, in addition to the names “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, and “adjustable-temperature compartment”, and the terms “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, and “adjustable-temperature compartment” used below should be understood to collectively mean storage compartments having their respective corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close one open side of the storage compartment. The door may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or one door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably installed on the front surface of the main body.

[0044] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. Like the main body, the door may include an insulator to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door outer plate forming a front surface of the door, a door inner plate forming a rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided thereinside.

[0046] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the door inner plate to seal the storage compartment by being in close contact with the front surface of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner plate may include a dyke protruding rearward to mount a door basket capable of storing an object.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to a front side of the door body and forming a front surface of the door. The door body may include a door outer plate forming a front surface of the door body, a door inner plate forming a rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided thereinside.

[0048] The refrigerator may be classified into a French door type, a side-by-side type, a bottom mounted freezer (BMF), a top mounted freezer (TMF), or a one-door refrigerator according to the arrangement of the door and the storage compartment.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0050] The "cold air supply device" may include a machine, an instrument, an electronic device, and / or a system combining the machine, the instrument, and the electronic device capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage compartment.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the cold air supply device may generate cold air through a refrigerating cycle including processes of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating the refrigerant. To that end, the cold air supply device may include a refrigerating cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigerating cycle. According to an embodiment, 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 through the Peltier effect.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0053] The "machine room" may be provided to be partitioned and insulated from the storage compartment to prevent heat generated from components disposed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage compartment. The inside of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the outside of the main body to dissipate heat from components disposed inside the machine room.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door to be accessed by the user without opening the door.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice maker provided to generate ice. The ice maker may include an ice making tray storing water, an ice maker separating ice from the ice making tray, and an ice bucket storing ice generated in the ice making tray.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0057] The "controller" may include a memory storing or recording a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor outputting a control signal for controlling the cold air supply device according to the program and / or data stored in the memory.

[0058] The memory stores or records various information, data, instructions, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory may store temporary data generated while generating a control signal for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory or a combination thereof.

[0059] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing a program stored in the memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of the artificial intelligence model. The processor may include a central processing unit, a graphics-only processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from the temperature sensor, and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information about the storage compartment.

[0060] Further, the processor may process the user input of the user interface according to the program and / or data stored in the memory, and control the operation of the user interface. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive a user input from the user interface. Further, the processor may transfer 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.

[0061] The processor and the memory may be provided integrally or 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.

[0062] The refrigerator may include a processor and a memory controlling all components included in the refrigerator, and a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories individually controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory controlling the operation of the cold air supply device according to the output of the temperature sensor. Further, the refrigerator may include a separate processor and a separate memory controlling the operation of the user interface according to a user input.

[0063] The communication module may communicate with an external device such as a server, a mobile device, another home appliance, or the like through an access point (AP). The AP may connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or the user equipment is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or the user equipment may be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

[0064] The input interface may include a key, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive a user input and transfer the user input to the processor.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to various embodiments is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0068] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the refrigerator with a door removed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0069] FIG. 3 is a rear view illustrating the heat exchange portion and the cold air duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment may include a main body 10 and a storage compartment 20 with a front side open inside the main body 10 and a door 30 opening and closing the open front of the storage compartment 20.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the main body 10 may include an outer case 11 forming an exterior of the refrigerator 1 and an inner case 12 forming an inner tube and the storage compartment 20 of the refrigerator 1. In an embodiment, an insulating material (not illustrated) may be foamed between the outer case 11 and the inner case 12 to prevent leakage of cold air from the storage compartment 20. In an embodiment, a machine room (not illustrated) in which a compressor (not illustrated) compressing a refrigerant and a condenser (not illustrated) condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor are installed may be provided at a rear lower side of the main body 10.

[0072] According to an embodiment, a plurality of shelves 21 on which food or the like may be stacked and stored may be provided inside the storage compartment 20. In an embodiment, a plurality of storage containers 22 in which food or the like may be disposed and stored may be provided inside the storage compartment 20.

[0073] In some embodiments, the storage compartment 20 may be partitioned into a plurality of spaces. For example, the storage compartment 20 may be partitioned by a partition wall (not illustrated) into a refrigerating compartment as an upper storage compartment and a freezing compartment as a lower storage compartment.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 through a hinge device. A user may operate the door 30 to open and close the storage compartment 20. In some embodiments, a plurality of door guards (not illustrated) in which food or the like may be stored may be installed on a rear surface of the door 30.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may include a cold air supply device (not illustrated) supplying cold air to the storage compartment 20.

[0076] The cold air supply device may include a compressor and a condenser installed in the machine room, an evaporator 41 installed on a rear surface of the storage compartment 20 to generate cold air through heat exchange, a blower fan 42 provided above the evaporator 41 to guide the cold air generated in the evaporator 41 to be supplied to the storage compartment 20, and a cold air duct 100 described below.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may include a heat exchange portion 40 generating cold air supplied to the storage compartment 20. In an embodiment, the heat exchange portion 40 may include an evaporator 41, a blower fan 42, and a heat exchange portion duct 43. In an embodiment, the heat exchange portion duct 43 may be disposed in front of the evaporator 41 and the blower fan 42. In an embodiment, the heat exchange portion duct 43 may cover the evaporator 41 and the blower fan 42 so as not to be exposed to the outside. In an embodiment, the heat exchange portion duct 43 may include at least one suction hole (not illustrated) suctioning cold air from the storage compartment 20 to the heat exchange portion 40.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the cold air duct 100 may provide a flow path guiding cold air generated in the heat exchange portion 40 to the storage compartment 20 through the blower fan 42.

[0079] In an embodiment, the cold air duct 100 may be connected to an upper side of the heat exchange portion 40. In an embodiment, the cold air duct 100 may be coupled to the inner case 12 of the refrigerator 1.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the cold air duct 100 may include a cold air flow path 121 through which cold air flows and at least one discharge hole 111, 122 provided in the cold air flow path 121 and discharging cold air into the storage compartment 20. The cold air duct 100 may also include a sealing member 130 for preventing leakage of cold air to the outside of the cold air flow path 121.

[0081] Upon operation of the blower fan 42, the cold air suctioned from the storage compartment 20 to the heat exchange portion 40 through the suction hole of the heat exchange portion 40 may be heat-exchanged in the evaporator 41 and then flow upward along the cold air duct 100 to be supplied to the storage compartment 20 again through the discharge hole 111, 122.

[0082] Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the cold air duct 100 is described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0083] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cold air duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a cold air duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a cold air duct 100 according to an embodiment may include a cold air duct cover 110, a flow path portion 120, and a sealing member 130. The cold air duct cover 110, the flow path portion 120, and the sealing member 130 may be integrally assembled during a manufacturing process to form one assembly.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the cold air duct cover 110 may have a plate shape. In an embodiment, the cold air duct cover 110 may be coupled to a front surface (e.g., a surface facing a +X-axis direction) of the flow path portion 120. The flow path portion 120 may be blocked (or sealed) from exposure from the outside by the cold air duct cover 110.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the cold air duct cover 110 may include at least one first discharge hole 111 communicating with the storage compartment 20. In an embodiment, the first discharge holes 111 may be formed at a position facing the cold air flow path 121 of the flow path portion 120 described below. For example, the first discharge holes 111 may be disposed to be spaced apart in an up-down direction (e.g., ±Z-axis direction) at a central portion of the cold air duct cover 110.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the cold air duct cover 110 may include at least one coupling protrusion 112 for coupling with the flow path portion 120. In an embodiment, the coupling protrusion 112 may have a hook-shaped hook structure. In an embodiment, a plurality of coupling protrusions 112 may be provided. For example, the plurality of coupling protrusions 112 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in an up-down direction (e.g., ±Z-axis direction), and may also be disposed in left and right regions of the cold air flow path 121, respectively.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the flow path portion 120 may have a plate shape. In an embodiment, the flow path portion 120 may be coupled to a rear surface (e.g., a surface facing a −X-axis direction) of the cold air duct cover 110. In an embodiment, the flow path portion 120 may be coupled to the inner case 12 of the refrigerator 1. For example, the flow path portion 120 may be coupled to a rear wall of the inner case 12 facing the open front of the main body 10.

[0090] In an embodiment, the flow path portion 120 may be composed of an insulating material to block heat exchange between the outside and the cold air. For example, the flow path portion 120 may be composed of a material such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), but the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the flow path portion 120 may include a cold air flow path 121 recessed from a rear surface (e.g., a surface facing a −X-axis direction) of the flow path portion 120 and serving as a path through which cold air flows. In an embodiment, the cold air flow path 121 may extend in an up-down direction (e.g., ±Z-axis direction) from a central portion of the rear surface of the flow path portion 120.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the flow path portion 120 may include at least one second discharge hole 122 formed on the cold air flow path 121. The second discharge hole 122 may be formed at a position facing (or corresponding to) the first discharge hole 111 of the cold air duct cover 110.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the flow path portion 120 may include a cold air divider 123 located on the cold air flow path 121 and dispersing a flow of cold air flowing along the cold air flow path 121. In an embodiment, the cold air divider 123 may be disposed between the second discharge holes 122. In an embodiment, the cold air divider 123 may extend in an up-down direction (e.g., ±Z-axis direction). In an embodiment, the cold air divider 123 may have a tip shape at a downstream portion of cold air, e.g., a lower end. The cold air flowing along the cold air flow path 121 may be dispersed to left and right (e.g., ±Y-axis direction) by the cold air divider 123.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the flow path portion 120 may include an assembly hole 124 into which the sealing member 130 is inserted and through which at least a portion penetrates. In an embodiment, the assembly hole 124 may have a shape substantially corresponding to the sealing member 130. In an embodiment, the assembly hole 124 may be provided on each of left and right sides (e.g., ±Y-axis direction) with respect to the cold air flow path 121. In an embodiment, the assembly hole 124 may be formed in a remaining region on the flow path portion 120 where the cold air flow path 121 is not formed. In an embodiment, the assembly hole 124 may extend in an up-down direction (e.g., ±Z-axis direction).

[0095] Hereinafter, a specific structure of the assembly hole 124 and an assembly method of the sealing member 130 is described below with reference to FIG. 10.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the flow path portion 120 may include a coupling portion 125 fitted with the coupling protrusion 112 of the cold air duct cover 110.

[0097] Although not specifically illustrated in this drawing, the coupling portion 125 may include a through hole (not illustrated) through which the coupling protrusion 112 penetrates and a latching rib (not illustrated) with which a portion of the coupling protrusion 112 penetrating the through hole (not illustrated) is in latching contact.

[0098] In an embodiment, the coupling portion 125 may be provided in the corresponding number to the coupling protrusion 112. In an embodiment, the coupling portion 125 may be formed at a position facing the coupling protrusion 112.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the sealing member 130 may be disposed to prevent cold air from leaking out of the cold air duct 100 (specifically, the cold air flow path 121). For example, the sealing member 130 may be provided as a pair and disposed to surround left and right sides of the cold air flow path 121.

[0100] In an embodiment, the sealing member 130 may be composed of substantially the same material as the flow path portion 120. For example, the sealing member 130 and the flow path portion 120 may be composed of an insulating material (e.g., the above-described EPS) capable of blocking heat exchange between the outside and the cold air.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the sealing member 130 may be disposed (or interposed) between the cold air duct cover 110 and the flow path portion 120. In an embodiment, each of the pair of sealing members 130 may be seated in the assembly hole 124 of the flow path portion 120 to be assembled with the cold air duct cover 110 and the flow path portion 120.

[0102] Hereinafter, a specific structure, shape, and function of the sealing member 130 is described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0103] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I' illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0104] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view illustrating portion A illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0105] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a deformation of a sealing member upon coupling of the cold air duct and the inner case according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0106] FIG. 8 illustrates the upper portion 133, 133' of the sealing member 130 being deformed in case that an external force is applied to the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130. For example, in FIG. 8, the upper portion 133' deformed as the external force in a vertical direction is applied is illustrated by a dashed line.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, a sealing member 130 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of cavities 131 and a plurality of support portions 132 each disposed between the plurality of cavities 131.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the plurality of cavities 131 may be located inside the sealing member 130. In an embodiment, the plurality of cavities 131 may be formed to penetrate a side surface of the sealing member 130. In an embodiment, the plurality of cavities 131 may extend along a length direction (e.g., an up-down direction) of the sealing member 130.

[0109] According to an embodiment, each support portion 132 may be disposed between the plurality of cavities 131. In an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 132 may connect an upper portion 133 and a lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130. In an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 132 may be integrally formed with the upper portion 133 and / or the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130. For example, in case that the sealing member 130 is composed of one insulating material, the plurality of cavities 131 may be formed to penetrate the side surface of the one insulating material at predetermined intervals, and thus the plurality of support portions 132 may also be formed between the plurality of cavities 131. As another example, in case that the sealing member 130 is composed of two insulating materials, e.g., in case that the upper portion 133 and the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130 are composed of individual insulating materials, the plurality of cavities 131 may be integrally formed with the plurality of support portions 132 in the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130, or the plurality of cavities 131 may be provided in the form of one cavity (or recess) in the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130 and the plurality of support portions 132 may be provided in the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130, and the upper portion 133 and the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130 may be coupled to form the plurality of cavities 131. The plurality of support portions 132 may define the plurality of cavities 131 together with the upper portion 133 and the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 132 may include a plurality of first support portions 132a and a plurality of second support portions 132b. According to an embodiment, the support portions 132a, 132b may be bent at least once or more to have a cross-section of a "<" shape or a ">" shape. For example, the first support portion 132a may be bent once toward the cavity 131 to one side to have a cross-section of a "<" shape. For example, the second support portion 132b may be bent once toward the cavity 131 to another side opposite to the one side to have a cross-section of a ">" shape. In an embodiment, the first support portion 132a and the second support portion 132b may be alternately disposed along the length direction of the sealing member 130.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 132 may convert a rigid property of the sealing member 130 to be flexible. For example, in case that an external force is applied in a vertical direction to the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130 located above the plurality of cavities 131, the support portion 132 may be deformed in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130 may be deformed toward the cavity 131.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 8, although not specifically illustrated in this drawing, in case that the cold air duct 100 is coupled to the inner case 12 of the refrigerator 1 having uneven flatness, a protruding portion (or curvature) of the inner case 12 and the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130 may contact, and the upper portion 133' of the sealing member 130 may be deformed toward the plurality of cavities 131. In this case, the sealing member 130 may secure sealing by eliminating a gap that may occur between the cold air duct 100 and the inner case 12.

[0113] FIG. 9 is a modified example of portion A illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0114] A sealing member 230 according to an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 may be substantially identical or similar to the sealing member 130 illustrated in FIG. 7 in terms of structure, shape, and function, and the description of the sealing member 130 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be equally applied to components allocated the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, in describing the sealing member 230 of FIG. 9, different reference numerals are allocated and described only for portions different from the sealing member 130 of FIG. 7.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 9, a sealing member 230 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of cavities 231 and a plurality of support portions 232 each disposed between the plurality of cavities 231.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 232 may connect an upper portion 233 and a lower portion 234 of the sealing member 230. In an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 232 may have a cross-section of a shape in which a width narrows from an upper end connected to the upper portion 233 of the sealing member 230 toward a central portion and then widens again from the central portion toward a lower end connected to the lower portion 234 of the sealing member 230. For example, the support portion 232 may have a cross-section in an hourglass shape. In this case, the plurality of cavities 231 may have a cross-section of a shape with overall rounded corners.

[0117] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating an assembly structure and an assembly process of a cold air duct according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 10, a sealing member 130 according to an embodiment may be designed such that widths of an upper portion 133 and a lower portion 134 are different. In an embodiment, the width W2 of the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130 may be designed to be larger than the width W1 of the upper portion 133. For example, the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130 may extend from a lower end of the sealing member 130 for a predetermined section in a horizontal direction.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the assembly hole 124 of the flow path portion 120 may be designed to have a shape corresponding to the sealing member 130. For example, the assembly hole 124 of the flow path portion 120 may be designed to have different widths for predetermined sections to have a multi-step structure. In an embodiment, the assembly hole 124 may include an insertion portion 1241 through which the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130 penetrates upon insertion of the sealing member 130 and a latching portion 1242 having a step with the insertion portion 1241 and receiving the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130. For example, the insertion portion 1241 of the assembly hole 124 may be designed to have a width corresponding to the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130, and the latching portion 1242 of the assembly hole 124 may be designed to have a width corresponding to the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130.

[0120] Upon assembly of the cold air duct cover 110, the flow path portion 120, and the sealing member 130, the sealing member 130 may be received in the assembly hole 124 such that at least a portion (e.g., an upper surface) of the sealing member 130 is exposed to the outside of the flow path portion 120. For example, upon assembly of the cold air duct cover 110, the flow path portion 120, and the sealing member 130, at least a portion of the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130 may be exposed to the outside of the flow path portion 120 through the insertion portion 1241 of the assembly hole 124. In this case, in case that the cold air duct cover 110 is coupled to a rear wall of the inner case 12 of the refrigerator 1, an exposed portion of the sealing member 130 contacts and deforms with a curved portion of the rear wall of the inner case 12, thereby eliminating a gap between the sealing member 130 and the inner case 12 to seal the cold air flow path 121 from the outside. Further, upon assembly of the cold air duct cover 110, the flow path portion 120, and the sealing member 130, an upper surface of the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130 may abut the latching portion 1242 of the assembly hole 124, and accordingly the sealing member 130 may be prevented from being detached to the outside of the cold air duct 100.

[0121] Unlike illustrated in FIG. 10, a sealing member 130 according to an embodiment may be designed such that widths of an upper portion and a lower portion are substantially the same. In this case, the assembly hole 124 of the flow path portion 120 may also be formed to penetrate with the same width, not a multi-step structure, corresponding to the shape of the sealing member 130.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the cold air duct cover 110 may include a seating portion 113 recessed from the rear surface of the cold air duct cover 110. In an embodiment, the seating portion 113 may be formed at a position facing the assembly hole 124 of the flow path portion 120 upon assembly of the cold air duct cover 110, the flow path portion 120, and the sealing member 130. In an embodiment, the seating portion 113 may be provided as a pair to correspond to the number of assembly holes 124. In an embodiment, the seating portion 113 may extend in an up-down direction on the rear surface of the cold air duct cover 110. Upon assembly of the cold air duct 100, the sealing member 130 may be received in the seating portion 113 of the cold air duct cover 110 to be fixed to the rear surface of the cold air duct cover 110.

[0123] Unlike illustrated in FIG. 10, the cold air duct cover 110 may not form a seating portion 113 on a rear surface. In this case, assembly of the cold air duct 100 may be performed in a state in which the sealing member 130 is simply disposed on the rear surface of the cold air duct cover 110.

[0124] Specifically describing the assembly process of the cold air duct 100 according to the structures of the sealing member 130 and the assembly hole 124 of the flow path portion 120 described above, the sealing member 130 is disposed in the seating portion 113 provided on the rear surface of the cold air duct cover 110, and as the flow path portion 120 descends from above at a position where the assembly hole 124 and the sealing member 130 face each other, the sealing member 130 is received in the assembly hole 124, and the cold air duct cover 110, the flow path portion 120, and the sealing member 130 may be integrally assembled (see (a) and (b) of FIG. 10). In this case, the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130 may be designed such that a predetermined portion is exposed to the outside for contact with the inner case 12 of the refrigerator 1.

[0125] As described above, as the sealing member 130 is manufactured and designed in an assembly form, application of production automation equipment may become possible by replacing manual work by a worker.

[0126] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a sealing member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0127] A sealing member 330 according to an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 may be substantially identical or similar to the sealing member 130 illustrated in FIG. 7 in terms of structure, shape, and function, and the description of the sealing member 130 illustrated in FIG. 7 may be equally applied to components allocated the same reference numerals. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, in describing the sealing member 330 of FIG. 11, different reference numerals are allocated and described only for portions different from the sealing member 130 of FIG. 7.

[0128] The sealing member 330 illustrated in FIG. 11 may be designed to have a wider width compared to the sealing member 130 illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 11, a sealing member 330 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of cavities 331, 334, a plurality of support portions 332, 335, and a partition rib 333.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the plurality of cavities 331, 334 may include a plurality of first cavities 331 disposed on one side with respect to the partition rib 333 and a plurality of second cavities 334 disposed on another side.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the partition rib 333 may partition the plurality of first cavities 331 and the plurality of second cavities 334 into left and right. In an embodiment, the partition rib 333 may extend along a length direction of the sealing member 330.

[0132] According to an embodiment, each support portion 332, 335 may be disposed between the plurality of cavities 331, 334. In an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 332, 335 may extend from the partition rib 333 to one side or another side. In an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 332, 335 may be alternately disposed or randomly disposed in the plurality of first cavities 331 or the plurality of second cavities 334 with respect to the partition rib 333.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 332, 335 may include a plurality of first support portions 332 disposed between the plurality of first cavities 331 and extending from the partition rib 333 to one side and a plurality of second support portions 335 disposed between the plurality of second cavities 334 and extending from the partition rib 333 to another side.

[0134] In an embodiment, the plurality of first support portions 332 may be disposed at the same intervals along the length direction of the sealing member 330 or disposed to have different intervals. In this case, sizes of the plurality of first cavities 331a, 331b, 331c, respectively, may be different from each other.

[0135] In an embodiment, the plurality of second support portions 335 may be disposed at the same intervals along the length direction of the sealing member 330 or disposed to have different intervals. In this case, sizes of the plurality of second cavities 334a, 334b, 334c, respectively, may be different from each other.

[0136] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body 10. The refrigerator 1 may include a storage compartment 20 provided inside the main body 10 with a front side open. The refrigerator 1 may include a cold air duct 100 disposed inside the storage compartment 20 and discharging cold air into the storage compartment 20. The cold air duct 100 may include a cold air duct cover 110. The cold air duct 100 may include a flow path portion 120 coupled to a rear surface of the cold air duct cover 110 and including a cold air flow path 121 through which cold air flows and a pair of assembly holes 124 formed to penetrate on two opposite sides of the cold air flow path 121. The cold air duct 100 may include a pair of sealing members 130 assembled with the cold air duct cover 110 and the flow path portion 120, at least partially exposed to an outside of the flow path portion 120, and respectively inserted into the pair of assembly holes 124 to surround the two opposite sides of the cold air flow path 121.

[0137] According to an embodiment, each of the pair of sealing members 130 may include a plurality of cavities 131 and a plurality of support portions 132 disposed between the plurality of cavities 131.

[0138] According to an embodiment, each of the pair of sealing members 130 may include an upper portion 133 and a lower portion 134 defining the plurality of cavities 131. The width of the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130 may be designed to be wider than the width of the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130.

[0139] According to an embodiment, each of the pair of assembly holes 124 may include an insertion portion 1241 through which the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130 penetrates and a latching portion 1242 abutting the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130 in case that the pair of sealing members 130 is received in the pair of assembly holes 124.

[0140] According to an embodiment, the plurality of cavities 131 may be defined by the upper portion 133 and the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130 and the plurality of support portions 132.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 132 may be bent toward the plurality of cavities 131.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 132 may include a plurality of first support portions 132a bent toward the plurality of cavities 131 to one side and a plurality of second support portions 132b bent toward the plurality of cavities 131 to another side opposite to the one side.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the plurality of first support portions 132a and the plurality of second support portions 132b may be alternately disposed and spaced apart along the length direction of the sealing member.

[0144] According to an embodiment, the sealing member 130 may include an upper portion 133 and a lower portion 134 defining the plurality of cavities 131. The plurality of support portions 132 may be connected to each of the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130 and the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130, and may have a shape in which a width gradually decreases from an upper end connected to the upper portion 133 of the sealing member 130 toward a central portion and increases again from the central portion toward a lower end connected to the lower portion 134 of the sealing member 130.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the flow path portion 120 may be composed of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) material having insulating properties.

[0146] According to an embodiment, the sealing member 130 may be composed of substantially the same material as the flow path portion 120.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the cold air duct cover 110 may include a seating portion 113 recessed from the rear surface upon assembly of the sealing member 130.

[0148] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body 10. The refrigerator 1 may include a storage compartment 20 provided inside the main body 10 with a front side open. The refrigerator 1 may include a cold air duct 100 disposed inside the storage compartment 20 and discharging cold air into the storage compartment 20. The cold air duct 100 may include a cold air duct cover 110. The cold air duct 100 may include a flow path portion 120 coupled to a rear surface of the cold air duct cover 110 and providing a cold air flow path 121 through which cold air flows. The cold air duct 100 may include a sealing member 330 integrally assembled with the cold air duct cover 110 and the flow path portion 120 and including a plurality of cavities 331, 334, a plurality of support portions 332, 335 disposed between the plurality of cavities 331, 334, and a partition rib 333 partitioning the plurality of cavities 331, 334.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the plurality of cavities 331, 334 may include a plurality of first cavities 331 disposed on one side of the partition rib 333 and a plurality of second cavities 334 disposed on another side of the partition rib 333 opposite to the one side.

[0150] According to an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 332, 335 may include a plurality of first support portions 332 disposed between the plurality of first cavities 331 and a plurality of second support portions 335 disposed between the plurality of second cavities 334.

[0151] According to an embodiment, the plurality of first support portions 332 and the plurality of second support portions 335 may be alternately disposed on the one side and the other side along a length direction of the sealing member 330 with respect to the partition rib 333.

[0152] According to an embodiment, the plurality of support portions 332, 335 may be bent toward the plurality of cavities 331, 334 to one side or another side, or may have a shape in which a width decreases from an upper end toward a lower end and then increases again.

[0153] According to an embodiment, the flow path portion 120 may be composed of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) material having insulating properties.

[0154] According to an embodiment, the sealing member 330 may be composed of substantially the same material as the flow path portion 120.

[0155] According to an embodiment, the cold air duct cover 110 may include a seating portion 113 recessed from the rear surface upon assembly of the sealing member 330.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: a main body; a storage compartment inside the main body; a cold air duct, inside the storage compartment, configured to discharge cold air into the storage compartment, wherein the cold air duct includes: a cold air duct cover having a rear surface; a flow path portion, coupleable to the rear surface of the cold air duct cover, defining a cold air flow path through which the cold air flows, the flow path portion including a pair of assembly holes on two opposite sides of the cold air flow path; and a pair of sealing members to be assembled with the cold air duct cover and the flow path portion such that the pair of sealing members is at least partially exposed to an outside of the flow path portion while respectively being inserted into the pair of assembly holes to seal the two opposite sides of the cold air flow path.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein a sealing member among the pair of sealing members includes a plurality of cavities and a plurality of support portions respectively disposed between the plurality of cavities.

3. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the sealing member includes an upper portion and a lower portion defining the plurality of cavities, andwherein a width of the lower portion of the sealing member is wider than a width of the upper portion of the sealing member.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein an assembly hole among the pair of assembly holes includes an insertion portion through which the upper portion of the sealing member penetrates and a latching portion abutting the lower portion of the sealing member in case that the sealing member is received in the assembly hole.

5. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the plurality of cavities are defined by the upper portion and the lower portion of the sealing member and the plurality of support portions.

6. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the plurality of support portions are bent toward the plurality of cavities.

7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the plurality of support portions include a plurality of first support portions bent toward the plurality of cavities to one side and a plurality of second support portions bent toward the plurality of cavities to another side opposite to the one side.

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the plurality of first support portions and the plurality of second support portions are alternately disposed and spaced apart along a length direction of the sealing member.

9. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the sealing member includes an upper portion and a lower portion defining the plurality of cavities, andwherein a support portion among the plurality of support portions is connected to each of the upper portion of the sealing member and the lower portion of the sealing member, and has a shape in which a width gradually decreases from an upper end connected to the upper portion of the sealing member toward a central portion and increases again from the central portion toward a lower end connected to the lower portion of the sealing member.

10. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the cold air duct cover includes a seating portion recessed from the rear surface upon assembly of the sealing member.

11. A refrigerator, comprising: a main body; a storage compartment inside the main body; a cold air duct inside the storage compartment configured to discharge cold air into the storage compartment, wherein the cold air duct includes: a cold air duct cover having a rear surface; a flow path portion coupleable to the rear surface of the cold air duct cover defining a cold air flow path through which the cold air flows; and a sealing member, to be assembled with the cold air duct cover and the flow path portion, including a plurality of cavities, a plurality of support portions between the plurality of cavities, and a partition rib partitioning the plurality of cavities, wherein the sealing member is configured to seal the flow path portion.

12. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the plurality of cavities include a plurality of first cavities disposed on one side of the partition rib and a plurality of second cavities disposed on another side of the partition rib opposite to the one side.

13. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein the plurality of support portions include a plurality of first support portions each disposed between the plurality of first cavities and a plurality of second support portions each disposed between the plurality of second cavities.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the plurality of first support portions and the plurality of second support portions are alternately disposed on the one side and the another side along a length direction of the sealing member with respect to the partition rib.

15. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein the plurality of support portions are bent toward the plurality of cavities to one side or another side, or have a shape in which a width decreases from an upper end toward a lower end and the width increases.

Images