Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to an embodiment may comprise: a body which includes an outer casing and an inner casing defining a storage compartment and includes a first opening formed at the top surface of the outer casing; a connection pipe one end of which is connected to the first opening and which is disposed between the outer casing and the inner casing; a cover member which is disposed on the top surface of the outer casing and configured to cover the first opening; and a water supply pipe which has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the connection pipe and a part of which is disposed within the connection pipe. The cover member may be configured to accommodate a part of the water supply pipe. The cover member may include at least one through-hole formed to allow outside air to flow into the connection pipe therethrough.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a refrigerator including a dispenser.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that has a main body with a storage compartment, a cold air supply device that supplies cold air to the storage compartment, and a door that opens and closes the storage compartment to keep food fresh.

[0003] Among refrigerators, a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser on the door may be provided with a water supply pipe for supplying water from an external source. The water supply pipe may pass through a connecting pipe provided within the refrigerator and be connected to the dispenser.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the difficulty of the refrigerator manufacturing process by arranging a connecting pipe configured to pass through a water supply pipe at the top of the refrigerator.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent the water supply pipe from being caught by a leg structure provided at the bottom of the refrigerator by positioning the water supply pipe at the top of the refrigerator.

[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can prevent or reduce the phenomenon of dew forming inside the connecting pipe by providing a structure in which outside air having a higher temperature than the connecting pipe flows into the inside of the connecting pipe.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a body including an inner case defining an outer case and a storage compartment, a first opening formed on an upper surface of the outer case, a connecting pipe having one end connected to the first opening and disposed between the outer case and the inner case, a cover member disposed on an upper surface of the outer case and configured to cover the first opening, and a water supply pipe having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the connecting pipe and a portion of which is disposed within the connecting pipe. The cover member may be configured to receive a portion of the water supply pipe. The cover member may include at least one through hole formed to allow outside air to flow into the connecting pipe.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the at least one through hole may be located on an upper surface of the cover member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one through hole may be located on an upper side of the first opening.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water supply pipe may be made of PVC material.

[0012] In one embodiment, the storage compartment may further include a first storage compartment configured to store food at a first temperature, and a second storage compartment configured to store food at a second temperature higher than the first temperature and larger than the first storage compartment. The connecting tube may be located above the first storage compartment.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the device may further include a first door configured to open and close the first storage compartment, a second door configured to open and close the second storage compartment, and a dispenser connected to the water supply pipe and disposed on the first door.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first opening is located at the front of the refrigerator and may be located closer to the first door than to the second door.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a first hinge configured to rotatably couple the first door to the body, and a second hinge configured to rotatably couple the second door to the body.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the cover member may include a first cover member disposed on the upper surface of the outer surface to cover the first hinge and the first opening, and a second cover member disposed on the upper surface of the outer surface to cover the second hinge.

[0017] In one embodiment, the body may include a second opening formed on the rear surface of the trauma.

[0018] In one embodiment, the other end of the water supply pipe may be arranged to be connected to the second opening.

[0019] In one embodiment, the water supply pipe may be configured such that a portion thereof passes through the interior space of the cover member and into the interior of a door configured to open and close the storage compartment.

[0020] According to one embodiment, outside air introduced through the at least one through hole can pass through a gap space between the connecting pipe and the water supply pipe.

[0021] According to one embodiment, by increasing the average temperature of the connecting pipe by outside air introduced through at least one through hole, the phenomenon of dew forming inside the connecting pipe can be prevented or reduced.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may further include a foam insulating material filled in the space between the outer case and the inner case.

[0023] In one embodiment, a portion of the foaming agent may be configured to wrap around the connecting tube to secure the connecting tube.

[0024] According to various embodiments proposed in the present disclosure, the refrigerator can prevent or reduce the phenomenon of condensation by increasing the temperature of the connecting pipe by forming a structure in which high temperature outside air is introduced into the connecting pipe even if the temperature of the connecting pipe is lowered by the storage chamber.

[0025] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerator with the door open according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a main body of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cover member in Figure 3.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a main body and a cover member of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0031] Figures 6a to 6c are drawings for explaining an external air circulation path according to various embodiments.

[0032] The following description refers to the attached drawings, and specific examples of implementations are illustrated within the drawings. Furthermore, other examples may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0033] The various embodiments used to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6c below and in this patent document, are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present disclosure can be implemented in any appropriately arranged system or device.

[0034] The terms “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0035] When a component is said to be “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, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0036] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0037] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0038] The “body” may include an inner case, an outer case placed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0039] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or 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 body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0040] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0041] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0042] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall defining a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

[0043] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0044] The storage room may be provided to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished according to the intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them in a frozen state, and for example, a freezer room may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, at the user's option or not.

[0045] In addition to names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room," a storage room may also be called by various other names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice room." The terms "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0046] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0047] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

[0049] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0050] In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

[0051] Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0053] A “cold air supply device” may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool a storage room.

[0054] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0056] The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be connected to the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0057] In one 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 so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

[0058] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0060] The “control unit” may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0061] Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0062] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

[0063] Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0064] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0065] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

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

[0067] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

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

[0069] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a refrigerator with a door open according to one embodiment.

[0070] Although the refrigerators illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are side-by-side types, this is merely exemplary and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to side-by-side type refrigerators. For example, various types of refrigerators, such as French type, BMF type, or TMF type, may fall within the scope of the present disclosure if they have a dispenser on the door and include a connecting pipe structure (e.g., connecting pipe (90) of FIG. 3) and a cover member (50) structure, which will be described later.

[0071] The embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 6c.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator (1) may include at least one of a main body (10), a dispenser (20), a door (30), or a cover member (50).

[0073] According to an example, the body (10) may include an outer case (11) or an inner case (12). The inner case (12) may be arranged to form, for example, an outer appearance of a storage compartment (13). The inner case (12) may be configured to define a shape of the storage compartment (13). The inner case (12) may be integrally injection-molded, for example, with a plastic material. The outer case (11) may be arranged to form, for example, at least a portion of the outer appearance of the refrigerator (1). The outer case (11) may be made of, for example, a metal material having excellent durability and finish, but is not limited thereto.

[0074] According to an example, a receiving space may be formed between the outer case (11) and the inner case (12). The main body (10) may include a foaming agent (or insulating material) for insulating the storage compartment (13). The foaming agent may be filled in the receiving space between the outer case (11) and the inner case (12). A foaming agent (or insulating material) of an insulating material for insulating the storage compartment (13) may be placed in a portion of the receiving space.

[0075] According to one example, the outer surface (11) may include an upper surface (11a), a side surface (11b) extending approximately perpendicular to the upper surface (11a) and having an outer surface facing the +y direction or the -y direction, and a rear surface (11c) extending from the upper surface (11a) and having an outer surface facing the -x direction. The side surface (11b) and the rear surface (11c) may be arranged to be adjacent to each other. The side surface (11b) and the rear surface (11c) may be arranged approximately perpendicular to each other. The upper surface (11a), the side surface (11b), and the rear surface (11c) may be formed integrally, but are not limited thereto. Although not illustrated, the outer surface (11) may include a lower surface facing a bottom surface.

[0076] According to an example, the front (e.g., +x direction) of the main body (10) can be opened. A user can store food in the storage compartment (13) through the front of the main body (10).

[0077] According to an example, the main body (10) may include a storage compartment (13). The storage compartment (13) may be defined by an inner case (12). The storage compartment (13) may be a space formed to store food and refrigerate or freeze it.

[0078] According to an example, the storage compartment (13) may include a first storage compartment (131) or a second storage compartment (132). The number of storage compartments (13) may vary depending on the type of refrigerator. The first storage compartment (131) and the second storage compartment (132) may be partitioned by a partition wall (14). The refrigerator (1) may include a partition wall (14) extending in a vertical direction (e.g., z-axis direction). The first storage compartment (131) may be formed on one side of the partition wall (14) and the second storage compartment (132) may be formed on the other side. The sizes of the first storage compartment (131) and the second storage compartment (132) may vary depending on the position of the partition wall (14). The space between the first storage compartment (131) and the second storage compartment (132) may be insulated by the partition wall (14). The shape and number of the bulkhead (14) may vary depending on the type of refrigerator (1).

[0079] For example, one of the first storage compartment (131) and the second storage compartment (132) may be a refrigerator and the other may be a freezer. The temperature of the freezer may be approximately -18 degrees Celsius to -23 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the refrigerator may be approximately 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. For example, the first storage compartment (131) may be a freezer and the second storage compartment (132) may be a refrigerator, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] In one example, the first storage compartment (131) may be configured to store food at a first temperature. In one example, the second storage compartment (132) may be configured to store food at a second temperature. The second temperature may be higher than the first temperature. The first temperature may be a temperature between -18 degrees Celsius and -23 degrees Celsius, but the range is not limited thereto. The second temperature may be a temperature between 0 degrees Celsius and +7 degrees Celsius, but the range is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, a case in which the first storage compartment (131) is a freezer and the second storage compartment (132) is a refrigerator will be described as an example.

[0081] According to an example, the front (e.g., +x direction) of the storage room (13) can be formed to be open. The front of the storage room (13) can be opened and closed by a door (30).

[0082] According to one example, the door (30) may be arranged to open and close the opening of the main body (10). The door (30) may be arranged to open and close the storage compartment (13). The door (30) may be arranged in a double-door type to open and close the first storage compartment (131) and the second storage compartment (132), but is not limited thereto. The door (30) may be configured to rotate about a hinge. The door (30) may be coupled to the main body (10) by the hinge so as to be rotatable relative to the main body (10). The refrigerator (1) may include a first hinge arranged to rotatably couple the first door (31) to the main body (10). The refrigerator (1) may include a second hinge arranged to rotatably couple the second door (32) to the main body (10).

[0083] According to an example, the door (30) may include a first door (31) and a second door (32). The first door (31) may be arranged to open and close the first storage compartment (131). The second door (32) may be arranged to open and close the second storage compartment (132).

[0084] According to one example, the dispenser (20) may be provided to supply at least one of water or ice. The dispenser (20) may include a water intake space into which a container such as a cup may be inserted to obtain water or ice. The dispenser (20) may include an operating lever that may be operated to discharge water or ice. The dispenser (20) may be supplied with water from an external water source. For example, the dispenser (20) may be supplied with water directly or indirectly from a water supply pipe (e.g., a water supply pipe (600) of FIG. 6).

[0085] In one example, the dispenser (20) may be placed on the door (30). For example, the dispenser (20) may be placed on the door that opens and closes the freezer. For example, the dispenser (20) may be placed on the first door (31) that opens and closes the first storage compartment (131).

[0086] For example, a refrigerator (1) may include an ice maker (60). Ice may be produced in the ice maker (60). A dispenser (20) may receive ice from the ice maker (60) and discharge the ice into a water intake space. A connecting space may be provided between the ice maker (60) and the dispenser (20) for the movement of ice. The ice maker (80) may receive water from an external water source. The ice maker (60) may receive water directly or indirectly from, for example, a water supply pipe (600).

[0087] According to one example, the cover member (50) may be disposed on the upper side of the outer body (11). For example, the cover member (50) may be disposed on the upper surface of the outer body (11). The cover member (50) may be formed with an open lower side. A portion of the cover member (50) may be disposed to cover a hinge that rotatably connects the door (30) to the main body (10).

[0088] According to one example, the cover member (50) may include a top surface (50a), a front surface (50b) extending in a substantially vertical direction from a front edge of the top surface (50a), and a rear surface (50c) positioned opposite the front surface (50b) and extending in a substantially vertical direction from a rear edge of the top surface (50b). The front surface (50b) may be a surface facing approximately in the +x direction. The rear surface (50c) may be a surface facing approximately in the -x direction.

[0089] According to one example, the cover member (50) may include at least one through hole (51). Outside air may be introduced into the interior of the cover member (50) through the at least one through hole (51). As an example, the at least one through hole (51) may be located on the upper surface (50a) of the cover member (50), but is not limited thereto.

[0090] According to an example, the cover member (50) may include a hinge cover portion (52). The hinge cover portion (52) may be a portion that covers the hinge of the door (30). The hinge cover portion (52) may be arranged as a part of the cover member (50) to cover the hinge so that it is not visible from the outside.

[0091] The cover member (50) can be arranged to cover the first opening (e.g., the first opening (111) of FIG. 3) described later. A detailed description thereof will be described later.

[0092] For example, a refrigerator (1) may include a machine room (40). The machine room (40) may be arranged at the lower part of the main body, but is not limited thereto. A cold air generating unit may be arranged within the machine room (40). The cold air generating unit may be arranged, for example, within the main body (10) to supply cold air to the storage room (20).

[0093] For example, a cold air generation unit can generate cold air using a refrigeration cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant. For example, a machine room (40) may include a compressor (not shown) that compresses refrigerant and discharges it in a high-temperature, high-pressure state, a condenser (not shown) that condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor through heat dissipation, and a condensing fan (not shown) that cools the condenser.

[0094] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a main body of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0095] The configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 may be substantially identical or similar to some configurations of the refrigerator (1) described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially identical or similar to the configurations described in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0096] The embodiment of FIG. 3 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the embodiments of FIGS. 4 to 6c.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 3, the refrigerator (1) may include a connecting pipe (90). The connecting pipe (90) may be positioned within the main body (10). The connecting pipe (90) may be positioned in a receiving space formed between the outer case (11) and the inner case (12). The connecting pipe (90) may be configured to allow a water supply pipe (e.g., a water supply pipe (600) of FIG. 6) to pass therethrough, as described below.

[0098] In one example, a portion of the foam filling the space between the outer (11) and inner (12) may be wrapped around the connecting tube (90). A portion of the foam may be wrapped around the connecting tube (90) to secure and support the connecting tube (90).

[0099] For example, the connecting pipe (90) may be arranged so that one end (91) and the other end (92) are spatially connected to the external space of the main body (10). One end (91) and the other end (92) of the connecting pipe (90) may be formed by penetrating the outer surface (11). One end (91) and the other end (92) of the connecting pipe (90) may refer to opposite ends. The water supply pipe (600) described below may be arranged so as to penetrate between one end (91) and the other end (92).

[0100] In one example, the connecting pipe (90) may be located on the upper side of the storage chamber (13). The connecting pipe (90) may be located on the upper side of the smaller storage chamber among the first storage chamber (131) and the second storage chamber (132). In one example, the connecting pipe (90) may be placed on the upper side of the first storage chamber (131).

[0101] In one example, the connecting pipe (90) may be located on the upper side of the inner case (12). The connecting pipe (90) may be located between the upper surface of the inner case (12) and the upper surface of the outer case (11). The connecting pipe (90) may be located on the upper side of the inner case which is smaller in size among the first inner case (121) defining the first storage chamber (131) and the second inner case (122) defining the second storage chamber (132). In one example, the connecting pipe (90) may be arranged on the upper side of the first inner case (121).

[0102] According to an example, the gap between the upper surface (11a) of the outer surface (11) and the upper surface of the first inner surface (121) may be greater than the gap between the upper surface (11a) of the outer surface (11) and the upper surface of the second inner surface (122).

[0103] For example, the main body (10) may include a first opening (111) and a second opening (112). The outer body (11) may include a first opening (111) and a second opening (112). Each of the first opening (111) and the second opening (112) may be formed by penetrating the outer body (11).

[0104] The first opening (111) may be located on the upper surface (11a) of the outer case (11). The first opening (111) may be located on a portion of the upper surface (11a) of the outer case (11) adjacent to a door (e.g., door (30) of FIG. 1). The first opening (111) may be located adjacent to a front (e.g., +x direction) edge of the upper surface (11a) of the outer case (11). The first opening (111) may be arranged on the upper side of the freezer. For example, when the first storage compartment (131) is a freezer, the first opening (111) may be arranged on the upper side of the first storage compartment (131). The first opening (111) may be arranged on the upper side of the smaller first inner case (121) among the first inner case (121) and the second inner case (122). The first opening (111) may be positioned closer to the door that opens and closes the freezer than to the other door. For example, the first opening (111) may be positioned closer to the first door (31) among the first door (31) and the second door (32). For example, the first opening (111) may be positioned at the front of the refrigerator (1).

[0105] According to an example, one end (91) of the connecting tube (90) may be arranged to be connected to the first opening (111).

[0106] According to an example, the second opening (112) may be located at the rear surface (11c) of the outer case (11). The second opening (112) may be located at the upper portion of the rear surface (11c) of the outer case (11). However, this is not limited thereto, and the second opening (112) may be located not only at the rear surface (11c) but also at the upper surface (11a) or the side surface (11b) of the outer case (11) depending on the specifications of the product. The water supply pipe (600) described below may be arranged to penetrate the connecting pipe (90), for example, by being inserted into the second opening (112) and drawn out through the first opening (111).

[0107] According to an example, the other end (92) of the connecting tube (90) may be arranged to be connected to the second opening (112).

[0108] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cover member in Figure 3.

[0109] The configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 may be substantially identical or similar to some configurations of the refrigerator (1) described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially identical or similar to the configurations described in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0110] The embodiment of FIG. 4 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3 and the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 6c.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 4, the refrigerator (1) may include a cover member (50). The cover member (50) may include at least one through hole (51). For example, at least one through hole (51) may be formed on an upper surface (50a) of the cover member (50). For example, at least one through hole (51) may be located above a first opening (111). For example, at least one through hole (51) may be positioned to vertically overlap with the first opening (111). Here, the vertical direction may refer to the z-axis direction. For example, at least one through hole (51) may be positioned to vertically overlap with the first opening (111). When viewed from above the refrigerator (1), at least one through hole (51) and the first opening (111) may be arranged to overlap with each other.

[0112] Outside air can be introduced into the interior of the cover member (50) through at least one through hole (51) formed in the cover member (50). Here, the temperature of the outside air can be higher than the temperature of the connecting pipe (90) (or the temperature of the inner surface of the connecting pipe (90). The outside air introduced through at least one through hole (51) can increase the temperature of the connecting pipe (90) (or the temperature of the inner surface of the connecting pipe (90)) as it is introduced into the connecting pipe (90).

[0113] In the case of the connecting pipe (90), it can be placed close to a storage room having a low temperature (e.g., the first storage room (131)). Therefore, the temperature of the connecting pipe (90) can be lowered by the storage room (e.g., the first storage room (131)). When the temperature of the connecting pipe (90) is lowered, a dew formation phenomenon can occur inside the connecting pipe (90). In the present disclosure, the outside air introduced through at least one through hole (51) passes through the inside of the connecting pipe (90), thereby increasing the temperature of the connecting pipe (90), thereby preventing or reducing the dew formation phenomenon. In the present disclosure, the air inside the connecting pipe (90) is circulated by the outside air introduced through at least one through hole (51), thereby preventing or reducing the dew formation phenomenon.

[0114] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a main body and a cover member of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0115] FIG. 5 is an example to illustrate that various shapes can be applied to the cover member (510, 520), and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The cover member is not limited to the shapes described in FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0116] The configurations illustrated in FIG. 5 can be included in the refrigerators of FIGS. 1 and 2 (e.g., the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1). Among the configurations illustrated in FIG. 5, the cover members (510, 520) can replace the cover members illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 (e.g., the cover member (50) of FIG. 1).

[0117] The main body (10) illustrated in FIG. 5 may be substantially the same as the main body (10) described in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0118] The embodiment of FIG. 5 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4 and the embodiments of FIGS. 6a to 6c.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 5, the refrigerator (1) may include a cover member (510, 520). The cover member (510, 520) may include a first cover member (510) and a second cover member (520).

[0120] According to an example, the first cover member (510) may be arranged on the upper surface (11a) of the outer body (11) on the side of the first door (e.g., the first door (31) of FIG. 1). The first cover member (510) may be arranged to cover the first hinge arranged to rotatably couple the first door (31) to the main body (10).

[0121] According to an example, the first cover member (510) may be positioned to cover the first opening (e.g., the first opening (111) of FIG. 3).

[0122] According to an example, the first cover member (510) may include at least one through hole (511). For example, the at least one through hole (511) may be formed on an upper surface of the first cover member (510). For example, the at least one through hole (511) may be located above the first opening (111). For example, the at least one through hole (511) may be positioned to vertically overlap the first opening (111). Here, the vertical direction may refer to the z-axis direction. For example, the at least one through hole (511) may be positioned to vertically overlap the first opening (111). When viewed from the top of the refrigerator (1), the at least one through hole (511) and the first opening (111) may be arranged to overlap each other.

[0123] Outside air can be introduced into the interior of the cover member (510) through at least one through hole (511) formed in the first cover member (510). Here, the temperature of the outside air can be higher than the temperature of the connecting pipe (90) (or the temperature of the inner surface of the connecting pipe (90). The outside air introduced through at least one through hole (511) can increase the temperature of the connecting pipe (90) (or the temperature of the inner surface of the connecting pipe (90)) as it flows into the connecting pipe (90).

[0124] According to an example, the second cover member (520) may be arranged on the upper surface (11a) of the outer body (11) on the side of the second door (e.g., the second door (32) of FIG. 1). The second cover member (520) may be arranged to cover a second hinge arranged to rotatably couple the second door (32) to the main body (10).

[0125] According to an example, the first cover member (510) and the second cover member (520) may be arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0126] FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are drawings for explaining an external air circulation path according to various embodiments.

[0127] Fig. 6a may be a cross-sectional view of a portion of the refrigerator (1) illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4. Among the configurations illustrated in Fig. 6a, the same reference numbers are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4.

[0128] Figures 6b and 6c illustrate a modified embodiment of Figure 6a. The cover member (50-1, 50-2) illustrated in Figure 6b or Figure 6c may be included in the refrigerator (1) of Figures 1 and 2. The refrigerator (1) of Figures 1 and 2 may include the cover member (50-1, 50-2) of Figure 6b or Figure 6c in place of the cover member (50) of Figure 1. Among the configurations illustrated in Figures 6b and 6c, the same reference numerals are used for configurations that are substantially the same or similar to those illustrated in Figures 1 to 4.

[0129] The embodiments of FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, a refrigerator (e.g., refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1) may include a water supply pipe (600). The water supply pipe (600) may be configured to directly or indirectly supply water to at least one of a dispenser (e.g., dispenser (20) of FIG. 1) or an ice maker (e.g., ice maker (60) of FIG. 2). The water supply pipe (600) may form a path for delivering water.

[0131] In one example, at least a portion of the water supply pipe (600) may be positioned within the connecting pipe (90). In one example, the diameter of the water supply pipe (600) may be smaller than the diameter of the connecting pipe (90). A gap (G) may be formed between the water supply pipe (600) positioned within the connecting pipe (90) and the connecting pipe (90).

[0132] According to an example, a water supply pipe (600) drawn out through a connecting pipe (90) and into a first opening (111) can pass through an internal space of a cover member (50, 50-1, 50-2) and be introduced into the interior of a door (e.g., door (30) or first door (31) of FIG. 1). For example, a water supply pipe (600) drawn out through the first opening (111) can pass through a hinge cover portion (e.g., hinge cover portion (52) of FIG. 1) of a cover member (50, 50-1, 50-2) and be introduced into the interior of a door (30, 31).

[0133] When the temperature of the connecting pipe (90) drops due to the temperature of the storage room (e.g., the first storage room (131) of FIG. 2), dew formation may occur in the gap space (G) between the water supply pipe (600) and the connecting pipe (90).

[0134] In the present disclosure, by forming at least one through hole (51, 51-1, 51-2) in a cover member (50, 50-1, 50-2) covering a first opening (111) as illustrated in FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b, or FIG. 6c, outside air from outside the refrigerator (1) can be introduced into the inside of the cover member (50, 50-1, 50-2). The air introduced into the inside of the cover member (50, 50-1, 50-2) can pass through the first opening (111) and flow along the gap space (G) between the water supply pipe (600) and the connecting pipe (90). The outside air introduced through at least one through hole (51, 51-1, 51-2) can pass through the gap space (G) between the connecting pipe (90) and the water supply pipe (600).

[0135] While the outside air flows along the gap space (G), the surface temperature of the connecting pipe (90) can be increased. While the outside air flows along the gap space (G), the temperature of the connecting pipe (90) can be increased by exchanging heat with the inner surface of the connecting pipe (90). As a result of the increased temperature of the connecting pipe (90), the phenomenon of dew formation that may occur in the gap space (G) can be prevented or reduced. By increasing the average temperature of the connecting pipe (90) by the outside air introduced through at least one through hole (51, 51-1, 51-2), the phenomenon of dew formation inside the connecting pipe (90) can be prevented or reduced.

[0136] The water supply pipe (600) may be made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material, but is not limited thereto. For example, the water supply pipe (600) may be made of polyethylene (PE) or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) material.

[0137] Referring to Fig. 6a, the cover member (50) may include at least one through hole (51). The at least one through hole (51) may be formed on the upper surface (50a) of the cover member (50). The outside air of the refrigerator (1) may be introduced through the upper surface (50a) of the cover member (50) and then pass through the gap space (G).

[0138] Referring to Fig. 6b, the cover member (50-1) may include at least one through hole (51-1). At least one through hole (51-1) may be formed on the front surface (50b) of the cover member (50-1). The outside air of the refrigerator (1) may be introduced through the front surface (50b) of the cover member (50-1) and then pass through the gap space (G).

[0139] Referring to Fig. 6c, the cover member (50-2) may include at least one through hole (51-2). The at least one through hole (51-2) may be formed on the rear surface (50c) of the cover member (50-2). The outside air of the refrigerator (1) may be introduced through the rear surface (50c) of the cover member (50-2) and then pass through the gap space (G).

[0140] According to one example, at least the shape or position of the through hole (51, 51-1, 51-2) is not limited to that shown, and may be formed by cutting a part of the portion where the cover member (50, 50-1, 50-2) and the upper surface (11a) of the outer surface (11) come into contact.

[0141] According to one example, the cover member (50, 50-1, 50-2) may be formed by penetrating at least two of the upper surface (50a), the front surface (50b), or the rear surface (50c) by combining at least two of the embodiments of FIGS. 6a, 6b, and 6c.

[0142] The positions of at least one through hole (51, 51-1, 51-2) shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c are exemplary, and at least one through hole (51, 51-1, 51-2) may be formed on various surfaces among the surfaces forming a cover (e.g., a cover member (50, 50-1, 50-2)) covering the first opening (111).

[0143] Although the foregoing description in this disclosure has focused on specific embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, but rather encompasses various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. In the refrigerator, A main body (10) including an inner surface (12) defining a wound (11) and a storage room (13), and including a first opening (111) formed on an upper surface (11a) of the wound (11); A connecting pipe (90) connected to the first opening (111) and arranged between the outer surface (11) and the inner surface (12); A cover member (50) arranged on the upper surface (11a) of the above trauma (11) and configured to cover the first opening (111); and It includes a water supply pipe (600) having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the above connecting pipe (90) and a portion of which is placed within the above connecting pipe (90). The above cover member (50) is It is configured to accommodate a portion of the above water supply pipe (600), The above cover member (50) is Including at least one through hole (51) formed to allow outside air to flow into the connecting pipe (90). refrigerator.

2. In paragraph 1, At least one of the above through holes (51) is A refrigerator, located on the upper surface (11a) of the above cover member (50).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, At least one of the above through holes (51) is A refrigerator located above the first opening (111).

4. In one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above storage room (13) is, A first storage room (131) configured to store food at a first temperature; and It is configured to store food at a second temperature higher than the first temperature, and further includes a second storage room (132) larger than the first storage room (131). The above connecting pipe (90) is A refrigerator located above the first storage room (131).

5. In one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A first door (31) configured to open and close the first storage room (131); and A second door (32) configured to open and close the second storage room (132); and A refrigerator further comprising a dispenser connected to the water supply pipe (600) and arranged on the first door (31).

6. In paragraph 5, The above first opening (111) is, A refrigerator positioned closer to the first door (31) than to the second door (32).

7. In paragraph 5, A first hinge configured to rotatably connect the first door (31) to the main body (10); and A refrigerator comprising a second hinge configured to rotatably connect the second door (32) to the main body (10).

8. In paragraph 7, The above cover member (50) is A refrigerator comprising a first cover member (50) arranged on the upper surface (11a) of the outer case (11) to cover the first hinge and the first opening (111), and a second cover member (50) arranged on the upper surface (11a) of the outer case (11) to cover the second hinge.

9. In one of paragraphs 5 to 8, The above water supply pipe (600) is A refrigerator, wherein a part of the cover member (50) is configured to pass through the interior space and enter the interior of the first door (30).

10. In one of the clauses 1 to 9, The above main body (10) is, A refrigerator including a second opening (112) formed on the rear side of the above-mentioned trauma (11).

11. In paragraph 10, The other end of the above water supply pipe (600) is A refrigerator arranged to be connected to the second opening (112).

12. In one of paragraphs 1 to 11, A refrigerator in which outside air introduced through at least one of the above through holes (51) passes through a gap space (G) between the connecting pipe (90) and the water supply pipe (600).

13. In one of paragraphs 1 to 12, A refrigerator that prevents or reduces the phenomenon of dew forming inside the connecting pipe (90) by increasing the temperature of the connecting pipe (90) by outside air introduced through at least one through hole (51).

14. In one of paragraphs 1 to 13, A refrigerator further comprising a foamed insulating material filled in the space between the outer case (11) and the inner case (12).

15. In paragraph 14, A refrigerator, wherein a portion of the foaming agent is configured to wrap around the connecting pipe (90) to secure the connecting pipe (90).

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