Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a cabinet comprising an inner case provided with a storage chamber therein, an outer case coupled to the outer side of the inner case so as to form an exterior, and a thermal insulation material formed between the inner case and the outer case by foaming; a machine room which is provided in the lower portion of the cabinet and in which a compressor is accommodated; a machine room cover coupled to the lower portion of the inner case so as to cover the machine room; a front bracket coupled to the front surface of the machine room cover; and a fixer which is injection-molded, is fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket, and covers a gap formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket to prevent the thermal insulation material from leaking through the gap.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The disclosed invention relates to a refrigerator comprising a machine room cover and a fixer that covers a gap formed between a front bracket coupled to the front of the machine room cover.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that keeps food fresh by being equipped with a cabinet having a storage compartment and a cold air supply system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The cabinet may include an inner casing, an outer casing, and insulation foamed between the inner and outer casings. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius for refrigerated storage of food, and a freezer compartment maintained at approximately 0 to minus 30 degrees Celsius for frozen storage of food. A door is provided on the front of the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment. The door is rotatably provided on the front of the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment.

[0003] A machine room housing a compressor is provided in the lower part of the cabinet, and the machine room can be covered by a machine room cover. A front bracket can be attached to the front of the machine room cover. A gap may be formed between the front bracket attached to the front of the machine room cover and the machine room cover. Insulating material foamed between the inner and outer layers may leak through the gap formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket.

[0004] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a refrigerator comprising a machine room cover and a fixer that covers a gap formed between a front bracket coupled to the front of the machine room cover.

[0005] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a refrigerator capable of covering a gap formed between a machine room cover and a front bracket coupled to the front of the machine room cover by using a fixed part formed by injection molding a fixer fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket.

[0006] One aspect of the disclosed invention provides a refrigerator that does not require a separate auxiliary material for fixing a part to cover a gap formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket coupled to the front of the machine room cover, because the injection-molded fixer is directly fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket.

[0007] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0008] A refrigerator according to the concept of the disclosed invention comprises: an inner cabinet having a storage compartment provided therein; an outer cabinet formed by being coupled to the outer side of the inner cabinet to form an outer exterior; a cabinet having an insulating material foamed between the inner cabinet and the outer cabinet; a machine room provided at the bottom of the cabinet and having a compressor accommodated therein; a machine room cover coupled to the bottom of the inner cabinet and covering the machine room; a front bracket coupled to the front of the machine room cover; and a fixer that is injection molded and fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket, and covers a gap formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket to prevent the insulating material from leaking through the gap.

[0009] A refrigerator according to the concept of the disclosed invention comprises an inner body having a storage compartment provided therein, an outer body coupled to the outer side of the inner body to form an outer body, an insulating material foamed between the inner body and the outer body, a machine room provided at the bottom of the storage compartment and housing a compressor inside, a machine room cover coupled to the inner body and covering the machine room, a front bracket coupled to the front of the machine room cover, and a fixer fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket to cover a gap formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket. The fixer prevents the insulating material foamed in the foamed space formed between the inner body and the machine room cover from leaking out of the foamed space through the gap.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator with an open door according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing a portion of the lower part of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the machine room cover being attached to the lower part of the inner frame according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a front bracket being attached to the front of a machine room cover according to one embodiment, and a fixer being fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a front bracket attached to the front of a machine room cover according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a gap formed between a machine room cover according to one embodiment and a front bracket coupled to the front of the machine room cover.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a fixer according to one embodiment being fixed to a machine room cover and / or a front bracket to cover a gap formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a fixer according to one embodiment fixed to a machine room cover and / or a front bracket to cover a gap formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a fixer according to one embodiment being fixed to a machine room cover and / or a front bracket to cover a gap formed between the machine room cover and a front bracket, and a sealing member being positioned between the fixer, the machine room cover, and the front bracket.

[0019] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0020] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0021] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0022] In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0023] The term “and / or” includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0024] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0025] Additionally, terms such as 'front,' 'rear,' 'top,' 'bottom,' 'side,' 'left,' 'right,' 'top,' and 'bottom' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0026] Terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0028] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0029] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0030] The “main body” may include an inner body, an outer body positioned on the outside of the inner body, and an insulating material provided between the inner body and the outer body.

[0031] The “inner body” may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner body may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The “outer body” may form the exterior of the main body and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner body so that an insulating material is disposed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0032] The “insulating material” can insulate the interior and exterior of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room is maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment. According to one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foamed insulating material. The foamed insulating material can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, which is a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the insulation material may additionally include a vacuum insulation material in addition to a foam insulation material, or the insulation material may consist solely of a vacuum insulation material instead of a foam insulation material. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation material or vacuum insulation material described above and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0034] The "storage room" may include a space defined by an internal structure. The storage room may further include an internal structure defining a space corresponding to the storage room. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage room, and the storage room may be formed so that at least one side is open to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of items.

[0035] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in a refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different use and may be maintained at a different temperature. To this end, each storage compartment may be partitioned from one another by a partition containing insulation.

[0036] The storage room may be provided to be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to its intended use and may include a "refrigeration room," "freezing room," or "variable temperature room" distinguished according to its intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigerated storage of goods, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for frozen storage of goods. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling goods to a temperature that does not freeze them; for example, the refrigerator room may be maintained within a range of 0°C to 7°C. "Freezing" may mean cooling goods to freeze them or to maintain them in a frozen state; for example, the freezer room may be maintained within a range of -20°C to -1°C. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, with or without the user's choice.

[0037] Storage rooms may be referred to by various names, such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice-making room," in addition to terms like "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room." The terms "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room" used below should be understood as encompassing storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close one side of the storage compartment. The door may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed to be rotatable or sliding on the front of the main body.

[0039] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include insulation material, similar to the main body, to insulate the storage room when the door is closed.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside the same.

[0041] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the door inner panel to seal the storage compartment by adhering to the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be mounted.

[0042] According to 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 a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0043] Refrigerators can be classified into French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer), TMF (Top Mounted Freezer), or 1-door refrigerators depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0045] The “cold air supply device” may include a machine, apparatus, electronic device, and / or a system combining these that can generate cold air and guide cold air to cool a storage room.

[0046] According to one embodiment, a cold 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 supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage chamber through heat generation and cooling action via the Peltier effect.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room arranged to accommodate at least some parts belonging to a cold air supply device.

[0048] The “machine room” may be configured to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

[0049] According to 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 opening the door.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to generate ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-removing device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket that stores the ice generated from the ice-making tray.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0052] The “control unit” may include a memory that stores or remembers a program and / or data for controlling a refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc., according to the program and / or data stored in the memory.

[0053] The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated while generating control signals to control the components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0054] 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 operation of an artificial intelligence model. Additionally, the processor may include a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor can receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply unit based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0055] Additionally, the processor can process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to programs and / or data stored in memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor can transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface to display an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0056] 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 sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memory units.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately provide a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface according to user input.

[0058] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby Access Points (APs). The Access Point (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 be connected to the server through the Wide Area Network (WAN).

[0059] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0060] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0061] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0062] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a refrigerator with the door open according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing a part of the lower portion of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a machine room cover being attached to the lower portion of the inner cabinet according to one embodiment.

[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the refrigerator may include a cabinet (10), a storage room (20) formed by being divided vertically inside the cabinet (10), a door (30) for opening and closing the storage room (20), and a cold air supply device (not shown) for supplying cold air to the storage room (20).

[0064] A cabinet (10) may be configured to include an inner section (11) having a storage room (20) inside, an outer section (13) formed by being connected to the outer side of the inner section (11) to form an outer section, and an insulating material (15) foamed between the inner section (11) and the outer section (13) to insulate the storage room (20).

[0065] A machine room (27) may be provided at the rear lower side of the cabinet (10), in which a compressor (28) for compressing refrigerant and a condenser (not shown) for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (28) are installed.

[0066] The cold air supply device may include a compressor (28) installed in the machine room (27) to compress the refrigerant, a condenser installed in the machine room (27) to condense the refrigerant, an expansion valve (not shown) to expand the refrigerant condensed by the condenser, an evaporator (not shown) installed at the rear of the storage room (20) to generate cold air, a fan (not shown) to induce the cold air generated from the evaporator to be discharged into the storage room (20), and a cold air duct (not shown) installed at the rear of the storage room (20) to discharge the cold air induced by the fan into the storage room (20). The evaporator, fan, and cold air duct placed at the rear of the storage room (20) may be placed at the rear of the refrigerator room (22) and the freezer room (23, 24), respectively.

[0067] The storage room (20) can be divided into multiple sections by partitions (17). The partitions (17) can be connected to the interior (11). Inside the storage room (20), multiple shelves (25) and storage containers (26) can be provided to store food items, etc.

[0068] The storage room (20) may be divided into a plurality of storage rooms (21, 22, 23) by a partition (17), and the partition (17) may include a first partition (18) that is horizontally connected inside the storage room (20) to divide the storage room (20) into an upper storage room (21) and a lower storage room (22, 23), and a second partition (19) that is vertically connected to the lower storage room (22, 23) to divide the lower storage room (22, 23) into a first storage room (22) and a second storage room (23).

[0069] A partition (18) having a T-shape formed by combining a first partition (18) and a second partition (19) can divide the storage room (20) into three spaces. Among the upper storage room (21) and lower storage rooms (22, 23) divided by the first partition (18a), the upper storage room (21) can be used as a refrigerator room, and the lower storage rooms (22, 23) can be used as a freezer room.

[0070] The lower storage room (22, 23) may be used entirely as a freezer, but the first storage room (22) may be used as a freezer and the second storage room (23) may be used as a refrigerator, or the first storage room (22) may be used as a freezer and the second storage room (23) may be used as both a freezer and a refrigerator.

[0071] The division of the storage room (20) as described above is just one example, and each storage room (22, 23, 24) may be used differently from the above configuration.

[0072] The refrigerator room (21) and the freezer room (22, 23) can each be opened and closed by a door (30) that is rotatably connected to the cabinet (10).

[0073] The door (30) may include a pair of refrigerator doors (31) that are rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10) to open and close the refrigerator room (21). The pair of refrigerator doors (31) may include a first door (32) and a second door (33) that are rotatably coupled to the left and right sides of the cabinet (10), respectively. The door (30) may include a pair of freezer doors (34) that are rotatably coupled to the cabinet (10) to open and close the freezer room (22, 23). Sliding doors may be applied to the doors that open and close the freezer room (22, 23).

[0074] The refrigerator room (21) is opened and closed by a pair of refrigerator room doors (31), and when the pair of refrigerator room doors (31) are closed, a rotating bar (35) may be provided on at least one of the first door (32) and the second door (33) so that a gap is not created between the first door (32) and the second door (33) and the refrigerator room is sealed. The rotating bar (35) may be rotatably coupled to at least one of the pair of refrigerator room doors (31). The rotating bar (35) may be guided to rotate according to the opening and closing of the refrigerator room door (31) by a rotating guide (16) formed in the cabinet (10).

[0075] A door basket (31a, 34a) capable of storing food can be provided on the back of each of the pair of refrigerator doors (31) and the pair of freezer doors (34).

[0076] Each door basket (31a, 34a) may include a dike (31b, 34b) that extends vertically from each door (31, 34) to support each door basket (31a, 34a) on both the left and right sides of each door basket (31a, 34a). The dike (31b, 34b) may be provided to extend from each door (31, 34). The dike (31b, 34b) may also be detachably provided to each door (31, 34) as a separate configuration.

[0077] Additionally, a gasket (31c, 34c) may be provided on the back edge of each door (31, 34) to seal the gap with the cabinet (10) when each door (31, 34) is closed. The gasket (31c, 34c) may be installed in a loop shape along the edge on the back of each door (31, 34) and may contain a magnet (not shown) inside.

[0078] A pair of refrigerator doors (31) may each be provided as double doors including an inner door (40) and an outer door (50).

[0079] The inner door (40) is rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) by a first hinge (not shown) and can open and close the refrigerator compartment (21). The aforementioned door basket (31a), dike (31b), and gasket (31c) may be provided on the inner door (40). The first hinge may be prevented from being exposed to the outside by a top table (70) provided on the upper part of the cabinet (10). That is, the top table (70) provided on the front of the upper part of the cabinet (10) may be provided to cover the upper part of the first hinge.

[0080] The inner door (40) may include an opening (41) formed to allow a user to access the door basket (31a) and take out food when the inner door (40) is closed. This opening (41) is formed through the inner door (40) and can be opened and closed by the outer door (50).

[0081] The outer door (50) is provided in front of the inner door (40) so as to open and close the opening (41) of the inner door (40), and may be provided to be rotatable in the same direction as the inner door (40). Although the drawing shows the outer door (50) being rotatably supported by a second hinge (60) installed on the inner door (40) so as to be rotatable relative to the inner door (40), it is not limited thereto, and the outer door (50) may also be provided to be rotatable relative to the cabinet (10) by having the second hinge (60) installed on the cabinet (10).

[0082] The machine room (27) can be covered by a machine room cover (110). The machine room cover (110) can be attached to the lower part of the inner frame (11). The machine room cover (110) can cover the upper part of the machine room (27). Between the inner frame (11) and the machine room cover (110) covering the upper part of the machine room (27), a foamed space (130) in which an insulating material (15) is foamed can be formed.

[0083] A machine room rear cover (110a) can be attached to the rear of the machine room cover (110). The machine room rear cover (110a) can cover the rear of the machine room (27).

[0084] A front bracket (120) can be attached to the front of the machine room cover (110). The front bracket (120) can cover the front of the foaming space (130) where the insulation material (15) is foamed. The front bracket (120) can cover a portion of the front of the foaming space (130) where the insulation material (15) is foamed.

[0085] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a front bracket being attached to the front of a machine room cover according to one embodiment, and a fixer being fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket. FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a front bracket being attached to the front of a machine room cover according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a gap being formed between a machine room cover and a front bracket attached to the front of the machine room cover according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a fixer being fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket to cover the gap formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating a fixer being fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket to cover the gap formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket according to one embodiment.

[0086] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 8, a front bracket (120) can be attached to the front of the machine room cover (110). The front bracket (120) can be attached to the front of the machine room cover (110) to reinforce the front of the machine room cover (110). Additionally, the front bracket (120) can be attached to the front of the machine room cover (110) to cover the front of the foam space (130, see FIG. 2).

[0087] When a front bracket (120) is attached to the front of the machine room cover (110), a gap (140) may be formed between the machine room cover (110) and the front bracket (120). When a gap (140) is formed between the machine room cover (110) and the front bracket (120), the insulating material (15) foaming into the foam space (130) may leak out of the foam space (130) through the gap (140). To prevent the insulating material (15) from leaking out of the foam space (130) through the gap (140), a fixer (160) covering the gap (140) may be fixed to the machine room cover (110) and / or the front bracket (120). (See FIG. 2)

[0088] The front bracket (120) may include a protrusion (121) to which a fixer (160) is fixed. The fixer (160) may be located at the bottom of the protrusion (121). The fixer (160) located at the bottom of the protrusion (121) may be fixed so as to prevent upward movement by the protrusion (121). Multiple protrusions (121) may be provided.

[0089] The front bracket (120) may form a fixing groove (150) in which a fixer (160) is fixed together with the machine room cover (110). The front bracket (120) may include a first wall surface (123) that forms the fixing groove (150) together with the machine room cover (110). When the fixer (160) is fixed in the fixing groove (150) formed by the first wall surface (123) of the front bracket (120) together with the machine room cover (110), the fixer (160) may be prevented from moving in the direction toward which the first wall surface (123) faces.

[0090] The front bracket (120) may include a stopper (125) formed on the opposite side of the fixing groove (150) formed by the front bracket (120) and the machine room cover (110). For example, the stopper (125) may be formed on the opposite side of the fixing groove (150) with respect to the center of the front bracket (120). Referring to the drawing, the fixing groove (150) may be formed on the right side of the front bracket (120) with respect to the center of the front bracket (120), and the stopper (125) may be formed on the left side of the front bracket (120). The stopper (125) may prevent the fixer (160) from moving. Referring to the drawing, the stopper (125) may prevent the fixer (160) from moving to the left side of the front bracket (120).

[0091] The machine room cover (110) may include a bent portion (111) that forms a fixing groove (150) together with the first wall surface (123) of the front bracket (120). The bent portion (111) may be formed by being bent into an L-shape. The first wall surface (123) of the front bracket (120) and the bent portion (111) of the machine room cover (110) may form a fixing groove (150).

[0092] The bent portion (111) may include a second wall surface (113) that is connected to the first wall surface (123) of the front bracket (120) to form a fixing groove (150). When the fixer (160) is fixed in the fixing groove (150), the fixer (160) may be prevented from moving in the direction toward the second wall surface (113).

[0093] The bent portion (111) may include a third wall surface (115) connected to the second wall surface (113). The third wall surface (115) may be provided parallel to the first wall surface (123). The third wall surface (115) may be provided to face the first wall surface (123). A fixing groove (150) in which a fixer (160) is fixed may be formed by the first wall surface (123) of the front bracket (120), and the second wall surface (113) and third wall surface (115) of the machine room cover (110). When the fixer (160) is fixed in the fixing groove (150), the fixer (160) may be prevented from moving in the direction toward the third wall surface (115).

[0094] The fixer (160) can be injection molded. The fixer (160) can be fixed to the machine room cover (110) and / or the front bracket (120) to cover the gap (140) formed between the machine room cover (110) and the front bracket (120). The insulation material (15, see FIG. 2) foamed into the foam space (130, see FIG. 2) by the fixer (160) covering the gap (140) formed between the machine room cover (110) and the front bracket (120) can be prevented from leaking.

[0095] The fixer (160) may include a first fixing part (161) that is fixed to the front bracket (120). The first fixing part (161) may be fixed to a plurality of protrusions (121) of the front bracket (120). The first fixing part (161) may be fixed to the plurality of protrusions (121) at the bottom of the plurality of protrusions (121) to prevent the fixer (160) from moving in an upward direction.

[0096] The fixer (160) may include a second fixing part (163) that is fixed to the machine room cover (110) and the front bracket (120). The second fixing part (163) may be fixed by being fitted into a fixing groove (150) formed by the machine room cover (110) and the front bracket (120). The second fixing part (163) may be fixed in the fixing groove (150) so as to prevent the fixer (160) from moving in the direction toward the first wall surface (123) of the front bracket (120). The second fixing part (163) may be fixed in the fixing groove (150) so as to prevent the fixer (160) from moving in the direction toward the second wall surface (113) of the machine room cover (110). The second fixing part (163) can be fixed in the fixing groove (150) so as to prevent the fixer (160) from moving in the direction toward the third wall surface (115) of the machine room cover (110).

[0097] The fixer (160) may include a locking part (165) that engages with the locking projection (125) of the front bracket (120) to prevent the fixer (160) from moving. The locking part (165) may be formed on the opposite side of the second fixing part (163). Referring to the drawing, the second fixing part (163) may be formed on the right side of the fixer (160), and the locking part (165) may be formed on the left side of the fixer (160). When the locking part (165) of the fixer (160) engages with the locking projection (125) of the front bracket (120), the fixer (160) may be prevented from moving to the left.

[0098] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a fixer according to one embodiment being fixed to a machine room cover and / or a front bracket to cover a gap formed between the machine room cover and a front bracket, and a sealing member being positioned between the fixer, the machine room cover, and the front bracket.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 9, the fixer (160) can be fixed to the machine room cover (110) and / or the front bracket (120) to cover the gap (140) formed between the machine room cover (110) and the front bracket (120). The configuration of the machine room cover (110), the front bracket (120), and the fixer (160) may be the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 4 to 8, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] A sealing member (170) may be positioned between the machine room cover (110), the front bracket (120), and the fixer (160). The sealing member (170) may be attached to the fixer (160). The sealing member (170) may be attached to the fixer (160) to correspond to the gap (140) formed between the machine room cover (110), the front bracket (120), and the fixer (160). When the sealing member (170) covers the gap (140) between the machine room cover (110), the front bracket (120), and the fixer (160), leakage of the insulating material (15, see FIG. 2) foamed in the foam space (130, see FIG. 2) can be more effectively prevented. For example, the sealing member (170) may be a sponge.

[0101] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises: an inner cabinet (11) having a storage room (20) inside, an outer cabinet (13) formed by being coupled to the outer side of the inner cabinet to form an outer exterior, and an insulating material (15) foamed between the inner cabinet and the outer cabinet; a machine room (27) provided at the bottom of the cabinet and having a compressor (28) inside, a machine room cover (110) coupled to the bottom of the inner cabinet and covering the machine room, a front bracket (120) coupled to the front of the machine room cover, and a fixer (160) that is injection molded and fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket, and covers a gap (140) formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket to prevent the insulating material from leaking through the gap.

[0102] The above fixer may include a first fixing part (161) fixed to the front bracket and a second fixing part (163) fixed to the machine room cover and the front bracket.

[0103] The above front bracket may include a protrusion (121) to which the first fixing part is fixed and a first wall surface (123) that forms a fixing groove (150) to which the second fixing part is fixed together with the machine room cover.

[0104] The first fixing part above can be fixed to the protrusion at the lower part of the protrusion so as to prevent the fixer from moving in the upward direction.

[0105] The machine room cover may include a folded portion (111) formed by being folded together with the first wall surface to form the fixing groove.

[0106] The above-mentioned bending portion may include a second wall surface (113) connected to the first wall surface to form the fixing groove, and a third wall surface (115) connected to the second wall surface and arranged parallel to the first wall surface to form the fixing groove.

[0107] The second fixing part can be fixed in the fixing groove so as to prevent the fixer from moving in the direction toward the second wall surface.

[0108] The second fixing part can be fixed in the fixing groove so as to prevent the fixer from moving in the direction toward the third wall surface.

[0109] The above front bracket may include a stopper (125) formed on the opposite side of the fixing groove to prevent movement of the fixer.

[0110] The above fixer may include a locking part (165) formed on the opposite side of the above second fixing part and caught on the locking projection to prevent the movement of the fixer.

[0111] It may include a sealing member (170) that is attached to the fixer to be positioned between the machine room cover and the front bracket and the fixer, and covers the gap.

[0112] The above sealing member may be a sponge.

[0113] A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the disclosed invention comprises an inner body (11) having a storage room (20) inside, an outer body (13) formed by being coupled to the outer side of the inner body to form an outer body, an insulating material (15) formed between the inner body and the outer body, a machine room (27) formed at the bottom of the storage room and having a compressor (28) inside, a machine room cover (110) coupled to the inner body and covering the machine room, a front bracket (120) coupled to the front of the machine room cover, and a fixer (160) fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket to cover a gap (140) formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket. The fixer prevents the insulating material formed in the foamed space (130) formed between the inner body and the machine room cover from leaking out of the foamed space through the gap.

[0114] The above fixer may include a plurality of first fixing parts (161) that are fixed to the front bracket to prevent the fixer from moving in an upward direction, and a second fixing part (163) that is fixed to the machine room cover and the front bracket.

[0115] The above front bracket may include a plurality of protrusions (121) to which the plurality of first fixing parts are fixed, and a first wall surface (123) that forms a fixing groove (150) to which the second fixing part is fixed together with the machine room cover.

[0116] The machine room cover may include a second wall surface (113) connected to the first wall surface to form the fixing groove, and a third wall surface (115) connected to the second wall surface and arranged to face the first wall surface to form the fixing groove.

[0117] The above front bracket can cover the front of the foam space.

[0118] According to the present disclosure, a gap formed between a machine room cover and a front bracket coupled to the front of the machine room cover can be covered with an injection-molded fixer.

[0119] According to the present disclosure, assembly time can be reduced because a fixed member fixed to the machine room cover and / or front bracket is injection molded to use a standardized part to cover the gap formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket coupled to the front of the machine room cover.

[0120] According to the present disclosure, since the injection-molded fixer is directly fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket, it may not be necessary to have a separate auxiliary material for fixing the part to cover the gap formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket that is coupled to the front of the machine room cover.

[0121] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0122] Although the refrigerator has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, focusing on specific shapes and directions, various modifications and changes are possible by a person skilled in the art, and such modifications and changes should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the disclosed invention.

Claims

1. A cabinet comprising an inner section having a storage room inside, an outer section coupled to the outside of the inner section to form an outer section, and an insulating material foamed between the inner section and the outer section; A machine room provided at the bottom of the above cabinet and housing a compressor inside; A machine room cover coupled to the lower part of the above-mentioned inner section and covering the machine room; A front bracket coupled to the front of the machine room cover; and A fixer that is injection molded and fixed to the machine room cover and / or the front bracket, and covers a gap formed between the machine room cover and the front bracket to prevent the insulation material from leaking through the gap; A refrigerator containing 2. In Paragraph 1, The above fixer is, A first fixing part fixed to the front bracket above; and A refrigerator comprising: a second fixing part fixed to the machine room cover and the front bracket.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above front bracket is, A protrusion to which the first fixing part is fixed; and A refrigerator comprising: a first wall surface forming a fixing groove in which the second fixing part is fixed together with the machine room cover.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above-mentioned first fixing part is fixed to the protrusion at the lower part of the protrusion to prevent the fixer from moving in an upward direction, thereby fixing the refrigerator.

5. In Paragraph 3, A refrigerator comprising a machine room cover that includes a folded portion formed by being folded together with the first wall surface to form the fixing groove.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above-mentioned bent portion is, A second wall surface connected to the first wall surface to form the fixing groove; and A refrigerator comprising: a third wall surface connected to the second wall surface and arranged parallel to the first wall surface to form the fixing groove.

7. In Paragraph 6, A refrigerator in which the second fixing part is fixed to the fixing groove to prevent the fixer from moving in the direction toward the second wall surface.

8. In Paragraph 6, A refrigerator in which the second fixing part is fixed to the fixing groove to prevent the fixer from moving in the direction toward the third wall surface.

9. In Paragraph 3, A refrigerator in which the front bracket is formed on the opposite side of the fixing groove and includes a stopper that prevents the fixer from moving.

10. In Paragraph 9, A refrigerator comprising a fixer formed on the opposite side of the second fixing part and a locking part that prevents the fixer from moving by engaging with the locking projection.

11. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator comprising a sealing member attached to the fixer to be positioned between the machine room cover, the front bracket, and the fixer, and covering the gap.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above sealing member is a sponge refrigerator.

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