Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator of the present disclosure comprises: a cabinet providing a storage chamber that is open forward and a machine room disposed under the storage chamber, the cabinet comprising a base providing the bottom surface of the machine room, a supporter protruding downward from the base so as to separate the base from the floor, and an intake port and a discharge port that are provided in the base and are arranged in the width direction of the cabinet; a compressor disposed in the machine room; a condenser disposed in the machine room and connected to the compressor via a refrigerant pipe; a fan which is disposed in the machine room and flows air from the intake port to the discharge port; a door which is provided in front of the cabinet and opens / closes the storage chamber; and a filter module covering a gap between the cabinet and the floor from the front.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that supplies cold air to a storage space to keep food and ingredients stored in the compartment fresh. To supply cold air to the storage compartment, a refrigerator includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator that constitute a refrigeration cycle.

[0003] The evaporator is installed in a space communicating with the storage room, and cold air that has been heat-exchanged with the evaporator is supplied to the storage room.

[0004] The condenser is located in the machine room, a space separated from the storage room. The refrigerant passing through the condenser has a temperature higher than the surrounding air and releases heat to the outside. Additionally, the compressor is generally placed in the machine room because it also has a high discharge temperature.

[0005] The refrigerator is equipped with a vent connecting the outside to the machine room, and a fan is installed in the machine room to draw in air from the outside. The air that passes through the condenser and compressor is discharged to the outside, and the condenser and compressor dissipate heat. The vent through which air enters from the outside can be called the intake port, and the vent through which air is discharged to the outside can be called the discharge port.

[0006] Generally, the machine room is located below the storage room. The storage room is open to the front to ensure user accessibility, and the machine room can be positioned below the storage room. Additionally, by placing the machine room at the rear of the refrigerator and configuring the area in front of the machine room as the storage room, the storage room capacity can be significantly increased.

[0007] Considering the location of the machine room, ventilation holes may be placed on the bottom, both sides, and rear of the refrigerator. Since these ventilation holes are located at the bottom of the refrigerator where the machine room is situated, dust is susceptible to entering. If dust enters the machine room, the heat dissipation performance of the condenser and compressor deteriorates, leading to a problem of reduced overall cycle performance.

[0008] Meanwhile, recently, there has been an increasing number of cases where refrigerators are placed alongside other appliances or furniture so that their side faces the other appliances or furniture, or installed in pre-prepared cabinets within the home so that their side faces the wall.

[0009] Accordingly, the role of the ventilation holes provided on the bottom of the refrigerator is becoming increasingly important.

[0010] However, since refrigerators are appliances that are not easily moved from their installed location, it is difficult to remove dust once it accumulates on the bottom of the unit. While dust can be easily removed by making the gap between the bottom of the refrigerator and the floor larger than the height of a vacuum cleaner, this comes at the cost of reduced storage capacity.

[0011] Published Patent Application No. 1997-0047548 discloses a refrigerator in which an air inlet window is formed in the side panel of the refrigerator to allow external air to enter, and a filter for filtering air is provided in the air inlet window.

[0012] The means disclosed in the above-mentioned published patent application No. 1997-0047548 does not provide a solution to the problem of dust entering through a ventilation opening provided on the bottom surface of a refrigerator.

[0013] US2011 / 0113817A1 discloses a base assembly including a filter installed in a refrigerator. However, US2011 / 0113817A1 does not disclose how said base assembly is installed in the cabinet of the refrigerator.

[0014] Since an intake port and an exhaust port are formed on the front surface of the base assembly, a storage chamber cannot be located in front of the base assembly. In other words, the bottom of the storage chamber must be positioned above the base assembly.

[0015] In addition, since this base assembly is generally not exposed to the outside and is a device placed inside a cabinet, the cabinet must be disassembled to access the base assembly and replace the filter, making it difficult for the user to replace the filter.

[0016]

[0017] The present disclosure aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems.

[0018] Another objective of the present disclosure may be to provide a refrigerator in which the heat dissipation performance of the compressor and condenser and the performance of the refrigerator are not degraded.

[0019] Another objective of the present disclosure may be to provide a refrigerator that blocks dust from entering the machine room through a suction passage between the bottom and the lower side of the refrigerator.

[0020] Another objective of the present disclosure may be to provide a refrigerator in which a filter can be easily removed without the use of tools.

[0021] Another objective of the present disclosure may be to provide a refrigerator that prevents dust from entering the lower space of the cabinet while ensuring a gap between the bottom of the door and the floor.

[0022] Another objective of the present disclosure may be to provide a refrigerator that allows the filter to be replaced even when other appliances or furniture are placed on the side of the refrigerator.

[0023] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0024]

[0025] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose, a refrigerator is provided comprising a cabinet providing a storage room and a machine room, and a filter module covering the gap between the cabinet and the floor from the front. The refrigerator may include a door for opening and closing the storage room.

[0026] The above storage room can be opened forward.

[0027] The above machine room may be located below the above storage room.

[0028] The cabinet may include a base providing the bottom surface of the machine room and a supporter protruding downward from the base. The supporter may space the base apart from the floor.

[0029] A compressor and a condenser may be installed in the machine room. The compressor and the condenser may be connected to each other through refrigerant pipes.

[0030] The cabinet may include an intake port and a discharge port. The intake port and the discharge port may be arranged in the width direction of the cabinet.

[0031] A fan may be placed in the machine room. The fan may be placed inside the machine room. The fan may circulate air inside the machine room. The fan may circulate air from the intake side to the discharge side. The fan may draw in air through the intake and discharge air through the discharge.

[0032] The above door can be positioned at the front of the cabinet.

[0033] The filter module may include a filter case and a filter inserted into the filter case. The filter case may include a filter slot.

[0034] The filter can be withdrawn through the filter slot. The filter can be introduced into the filter case through the filter slot.

[0035] The filter module may be located on the lower side of the door. The filter module may be positioned at the front of the cabinet.

[0036] The filter case may be located on the lower side of the door. The filter case may be positioned at the front of the cabinet.

[0037] The filter case may include an upper plate facing upward. The upper plate may provide an upper surface of the filter case. The upper plate may face a lower surface of the door. The filter slot may be provided in the upper plate.

[0038] When the above door is opened, the filter slot may be exposed upward. The door may be rotatably coupled to the front of the cabinet. Alternatively, the door may slide forward and be pulled out from the storage room to open the storage room.

[0039] The filter case may include a side plate that provides a side wall of the filter case. The side plate may include a filter support groove connected to the side end of the filter slot.

[0040] The above side plates may be placed at both left and right ends of the filter case. The side plates may connect the upper plate and the lower plate and be placed at both left and right ends.

[0041] The filter case may include a lower plate providing a lower surface of the filter case. The lower plate may include a filter insertion groove into which the lower end of the filter is inserted.

[0042] The lower plate may include: a rear support member protruding upward from the lower side and positioned at the rear of the filter; and a front support member protruding upward from the lower side and positioned at the front of the filter. The filter insertion groove may be located between the rear support member and the front support member.

[0043] The filter case may include a center bar extending left and right. The center bar may be positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate. The center bar may be coupled to the side plate.

[0044] The center bar may be positioned between the pair of side plates. The center bar may be coupled to the pair of side plates.

[0045] The filter case can be fixed to the cabinet. The filter case is positioned at the lower side of the door and can be fixed to the cabinet so as to be positioned at the front of the cabinet.

[0046] The filter module may further include a bracket for fixing the filter case to the cabinet.

[0047] The bracket may include: a cabinet coupling portion fixed to the lower front of the cabinet and extending downward; a downward support portion extending forward from the lower end of the cabinet coupling portion and supporting the lower surface of the filter module; and a side support portion extending forward from the side end of the cabinet coupling portion and coupled to the side of the filter module.

[0048] The filter module described above may be divided into an intake section and a discharge section. The intake section and the discharge section may be arranged in the width direction of the cabinet. The intake section may be located in front of the intake port. The discharge section may be located in front of the discharge port.

[0049] The filter module may include a first divider. The first divider may extend in the front-rear direction to divide the filter module into the intake portion and the discharge portion.

[0050] The filter may be disposed in the discharge section. The filter may be disposed between the side plate and the first divider.

[0051] The first divider may be positioned between the pair of side plates in the left and right directions. The first divider may connect the upper plate and the lower plate. The first divider may support the upper plate. The first divider may have a groove into which the center bar is inserted.

[0052] The refrigerator may include a second divider positioned on the lower side of the cabinet. The second divider extends rearward from the rear of the first divider and can divide the space between the filter module, the intake port, and the discharge port into the intake port side and the discharge port side.

[0053] The second divider can be positioned so as to be inclined toward the discharge port as it extends toward the rear.

[0054] The filter module may include a vane disposed in the front portion of the filter case. The vane may be positioned at an angle toward the front and downward. The vane may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple vanes may be arranged in an up-and-down direction.

[0055]

[0056] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose, a refrigerator may comprise: a cabinet providing a storage compartment open to the front and a machine compartment disposed below the storage compartment; a cabinet comprising a base providing a bottom surface of the machine compartment, a supporter protruding downward from the base to separate the base from the floor, and an intake port and a discharge port provided on the base and arranged in the width direction of the cabinet; a compressor disposed in the machine compartment; a condenser disposed in the machine compartment and connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe; a fan disposed inside the machine compartment and flowing air from the intake port to the discharge port; a door disposed in front of the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment; and a filter module covering the gap between the cabinet and the floor from the front. The filter module may comprise: a filter case having a filter slot; and a filter inserted into the filter case so as to be withdrawn through the filter slot.

[0057]

[0058] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose, a refrigerator comprises: a cabinet providing a storage compartment open to the front and a machine compartment disposed below the storage compartment; a cabinet including a base providing a bottom surface of the machine compartment, a supporter protruding downward from the base to separate the base from the floor, and an intake port and a discharge port provided on the base and arranged in the width direction of the cabinet; a compressor disposed in the machine compartment; a condenser disposed in the machine compartment and connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe; a fan disposed inside the machine compartment and flowing air from the intake port to the discharge port; a door rotatably coupled to the front of the cabinet to open and close the storage compartment; and a filter module disposed in the front of the cabinet and below the door, wherein the filter module may include: a filter case comprising an upper plate facing the door and a filter slot provided on the upper plate and disposed in front of the cabinet; and a filter inserted into and withdrawn from the filter case in an up-and-down direction through the filter slot.

[0059]

[0060] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above-described purpose, a refrigerator may comprise: a cabinet providing a storage compartment open to the front and a machine compartment disposed below the storage compartment; a cabinet including a base providing a bottom surface of the machine compartment, a supporter protruding downward from the base to separate the base from the floor, and an intake port and a discharge port provided on the base and arranged in the width direction of the cabinet; a compressor disposed in the machine compartment; a condenser disposed in the machine compartment and connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe; a fan disposed inside the machine compartment and flowing air from the intake port to the discharge port; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; and a filter module disposed below the door and fixed to the cabinet so as to be disposed in the front of the cabinet.

[0061] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings.

[0062]

[0063] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator can be provided in which the heat dissipation performance of the compressor and condenser and the performance of the refrigerator are not degraded.

[0064] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator can be provided that blocks dust from entering the machine room through a suction passage between the bottom and the lower side of the refrigerator.

[0065] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator can be provided in which a filter can be easily removed without using a tool.

[0066] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator can be provided that blocks dust from entering the lower space of the cabinet while securing a gap between the bottom of the door and the floor.

[0067] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator can be provided that allows the filter to be replaced even when other appliances or furniture are placed on the side of the refrigerator.

[0068]

[0069] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the lower part of the refrigerator illustrated in Figure 1.

[0071] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the first lower door of the refrigerator illustrated in FIG. 2 opened and the filter withdrawn.

[0072] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in Figure 2.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the machine room of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the filter module illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0076] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the filter module shown in FIG. 8.

[0077] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the bracket, side plate, and first divider illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the upper plate and lower plate illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0079] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the lower part of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the lower door of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 12 in an open state.

[0081] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the inlet and outlet of the filter of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 12.

[0082] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the filter module of the refrigerator illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0083] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the bracket and side plate illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0084] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which the lower door is open.

[0085]

[0086] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols are given the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0087] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles.

[0088] In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0089] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0090] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0091] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0092]

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 17, a refrigerator according to any one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet (10) providing a storage room (11, 13), a door (2) for opening and closing the storage room (11, 13), and a filter module (4, 40, 400) disposed below the door.

[0094]

[0095] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 1, the refrigerator includes a cabinet (10). The cabinet (10) can form the exterior of the refrigerator. The cabinet (10) may have a space inside. Food may be stored in the space. Hereinafter, the space is also referred to as a storage room (10).

[0097] The cabinet (10) may have a plurality of storage rooms (11, 13). The storage room (10) may include a refrigerator room (11). The refrigerator room (11) may be placed at the top of the cabinet (10). The storage room (10) may include a freezer room (13). The freezer room (13) may be placed at the bottom of the cabinet (10).

[0098] Multiple storage rooms (11, 13) may be partitioned from one another. Alternatively, multiple storage rooms (11, 13) may be a single space that is not partitioned from one another.

[0099] For example, the refrigerator room (11) and the freezer room (13) can be partitioned from each other. A partition section (16) can partition the refrigerator room (11) and the freezer room (13).

[0100] For example, the refrigerator room (11) may consist of a single refrigerator room (11). For example, the freezer room (13) may include a first freezer room (131) and a second freezer room (132) that are partitioned from each other.

[0101] Alternatively, the refrigerator room (11) may include a first refrigerator room and a second refrigerator room that are partitioned from each other. For example, the first refrigerator room may be a space formed behind the first upper door (21), and the second refrigerator room may be a space formed behind the second upper door (22).

[0102] The freezer (13) may be formed in the lower part of the cabinet (10). The freezer (13) may be located below the refrigerator (11). The first freezer (131) and the second freezer (132) may be formed in the lower part of the cabinet (90).

[0103] The arrangement of the refrigerator room (11) and the freezer room (13) may be arranged differently from the above. For example, the storage room may be extended vertically and partitioned in the width direction of the cabinet (10), so that the freezer room is placed on one side and the refrigerator room is placed on the other side. Alternatively, the refrigerator room (11) placed on the upper side may be partitioned in the width direction of the cabinet (10), and the freezer room (13) placed on the lower side may be partitioned vertically. Alternatively, the freezer room may be placed on the upper side and the refrigerator room on the lower side.

[0104] Hereinafter, regarding the arrangement and partitioning of the storage room (10), an example is given in which a refrigerator room (11) is placed at the top, a freezer room (13) that is partitioned vertically from the refrigerator room (11) is placed at the bottom, and a first freezer room (131) and a second freezer room (132) are partitioned in the width direction of the cabinet.

[0105] Hereinafter, the refrigerator room (11) may also be referred to as the upper storage room (11), and the freezer room (13) may also be referred to as the lower storage room (13). Additionally, the first freezer room (131) and the second freezer room (132) may also be referred to as the first lower storage room (131) and the second lower storage room (132).

[0106] Hereinafter, when the term ‘storage room’ is used without distinction between ‘first’, ‘second’, ‘upper’, or ‘lower’, it may mean the entire storage room (10) or the lower storage room (13).

[0107] The storage room (10) can be opened forward. The user can access the inside of the storage room (11) through the open front of the storage room.

[0108] The refrigerator may include a door (2). The door (2) can open and close the storage compartment (10). The door (2) may be rotatably connected to the cabinet (10). The door (2) may be rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) by a hinge (19, see FIG. 2). The door (2) is rotatably connected to the cabinet (10) so as to open and close the storage compartment (10).

[0109] The door (2) may include a refrigerator door (20) that opens and closes the refrigerator room (11). The refrigerator door (20) may also be referred to as an upper door (20).

[0110] The upper door (20) may include a first upper door (21) and a second upper door (22). The first upper door (21) may open and close a part of the upper storage room (11), and the second upper door (22) may open and close another part of the refrigerator room (11). The first upper door (21) is also referred to as the first refrigerator room door (21), and the second upper door (22) is referred to as the second refrigerator room door (22).

[0111] The door (2) may include a freezer door (25) that opens and closes the freezer (13). The freezer door (25) may also be referred to as a lower door (25).

[0112] The lower door (25) may include a first lower door (26) and a second lower door (27). The first lower door (26) may open and close the first lower storage room (131), and the second lower door (27) may open and close the second lower storage room (132). The first lower door (26) is also referred to as the first freezer door (26), and the second lower door (27) is also referred to as the second freezer door (27).

[0113]

[0114] Referring to FIG. 2, the refrigerator may include a device that forms a refrigeration cycle. Through this, cold air at a set temperature can be supplied to the refrigerator compartment (11, see FIG. 1) and the freezer compartment (13, see FIG. 1).

[0115] The cabinet (10) may provide a machine room (30). At least some of the devices constituting the refrigeration cycle may be placed in the machine room (30). A description of the devices constituting the refrigeration cycle will be given later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0116] The machine room (30) can be placed at the bottom of the refrigerator. The machine room (30) can be placed at the rear of the refrigerator.

[0117] The machine room (30) can be placed inside the cabinet (10). The machine room (30) can be placed below the storage room (11). The machine room (30) can be placed below the lower storage room (13).

[0118] At least a portion of the lower storage room (13) may be positioned in front of the machine room (30). The lower part of the lower storage room (13) may be positioned in front of the machine room (30).

[0119] A ventilation opening (102) may be placed on the side wall of the cabinet (10). A ventilation opening may also be placed on the rear wall of the cabinet (10).

[0120] Additionally, as described below, a ventilation opening (36, 37, see FIG. 5) is provided on the lower side of the cabinet (10). A fan (34, see FIG. 5) is provided in the machine room (30), and air can be drawn in from the outside and discharged to the outside through the ventilation opening.

[0121] The lower side of the cabinet (10) is spaced upward from the floor, and air can be introduced into the machine room (30) and discharged from the machine room (30) through the gap between the lower side of the cabinet (10) and the floor and through the ventilation holes (36, 37).

[0122] The fan (34), air flow, and ventilation holes (36, 37) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0123] The door (2) can open and close the storage room (11). The door (2) can be connected to a hinge (19). The door (2) can be rotatably connected to the front of the cabinet (10) via the hinge (19). The door (2) can rotate to open and close the storage room (11). The lower door (25) can be rotatably connected to the front of the cabinet (10) by the hinge (19) to open and close the lower storage room (13).

[0124] The filter module (4) may be placed on the lower side of the door (2). The filter module (4) may be placed on the lower side of the lower door (25). The filter module (4) may be located on the lower side of the first and second lower doors (26, 27).

[0125] The filter module (4) can be positioned in front of the cabinet (10). The filter module (4) can be positioned in front of the gap between the cabinet (10) and the floor. The filter module (4) can cover the space between the cabinet (10) and the floor from the front.

[0126] The filter module (4) may be located further forward than the front end of the cabinet (10). The rear end of the filter module (40) may be located further forward than the front end of the cabinet (10).

[0127] The filter module (4) may include an intake section (41) and a discharge section (42). The intake section (41) and the discharge section (42) may be arranged in the width direction of the cabinet (10). That is, when the filter module (4) is divided into left and right directions, the part located on one side may be called the intake section (41) and the part located on the other side may be called the discharge section (42). For example, the part located below the first lower door (26) may be called the intake section (41), and the part located below the second lower door (27) may be called the discharge section (42).

[0128] As described below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, external air can be introduced into the machine room (30) through a ventilation port (36) located on one side of the ventilation port on the lower side of the cabinet (10) by a fan (34) placed in the machine room (30), and air inside the machine room (30) can be discharged to the outside through a ventilation port (37) located on the other side. The ventilation port (36) located on one side may be called the intake port (36), and the ventilation port (37) located on the other side may be called the discharge port (37). The intake part (41) may be located in front of the intake port (36), and the discharge part (42) may be located in front of the discharge port (37).

[0129]

[0130] Referring to FIG. 3, the filter module (4) may include a filter (5) and a filter case (6). The filter case (6) is provided with a filter slot (635), and the filter (5) can be inserted into the filter case (6) through the filter slot (635) and withdrawn from the filter case (6) to the outside.

[0131] The filter (5) may be placed on the suction side (41). The filter (5) may not be provided on the discharge side (42).

[0132] The filter slot (635) can be placed on the upper surface of the filter case (6). The filter slot (635) can be opened upward.

[0133] The filter slot (635) may be located below the door (2), for example, the first lower door (26). The filter slot (635) may be located in front of the cabinet (10). When the door (2), for example, the first lower door (26) is opened, the filter slot (635) may be exposed upward.

[0134] The filter (6) can be withdrawn upward from the filter case (6) through the filter slot (635) or inserted downward into the filter case (6).

[0135] The user can open the door (26) located on the upper side of the filter slot (635) and pull out and retract the filter slot (635).

[0136] Through this, the user can easily replace the filter (5).

[0137] A refrigerator may include components for storing food, such as shelves, drawers, and baskets.

[0138] For example, a drawer (135) may be placed in the lower storage compartment (13). A plurality of drawers (135) may be provided in the lower storage compartment (13). A plurality of drawers (135) may be arranged in an up-and-down direction. The drawer (135) may be pulled out forward.

[0139] For example, the refrigerator may include a basket (261). The basket (261) may be placed on the door (2). The basket (261) may be provided on the lower door (26). The basket (261) may be provided in multiple quantities. The multiple baskets (261) may be arranged in an up-and-down direction.

[0140]

[0141] Referring to FIG. 4, the cabinet (10) may include a bottom portion (103) forming a lower surface. The bottom portion (103) may be spaced apart from the floor where the refrigerator is installed (G1).

[0142] A supporter (39) may be provided on the lower side of the refrigerator. The supporter (39) may protrude downward from the lower side of the cabinet (10). The supporter (39) may separate the bottom portion (103) of the cabinet (10) from the floor.

[0143] The base (35) described below can be attached to the bottom portion (103) of the cabinet. The supporter (39) can be attached to the base (35) or the bottom portion (103) of the cabinet (10).

[0144] The supporter (39) may include a wheel (390) and / or a leg (395). The wheel (390) may be provided to be rotatable in the forward and backward directions.

[0145] Air can flow through the gap (G1) between the bottom portion (103) of the cabinet (10) and the floor. Air in the gap (G1) can be introduced into the machine room (30) through the intake port (36, see FIG. 5). Air in the machine room (30) can be discharged into the gap (G1) through the discharge port (37, see FIG. 5).

[0146] The door (2) can be spaced apart from the floor (G2). The lower door (25) can be spaced apart from the floor (G2).

[0147] The bottom of the door (2) may be positioned above the bottom of the cabinet (10) or at the same height. That is, G2 may be equal to or larger than G1.

[0148] Air from the front of the refrigerator can be drawn into the bottom of the refrigerator through the gap (G2) between the door (2) and the floor, and air from the bottom of the refrigerator can be discharged to the front of the refrigerator.

[0149] A filter module (4) may be placed on the lower side of the door (2). A filter module (4) may be placed in the space (G2) between the door (2) and the floor.

[0150] The filter case (6) may be placed on the lower side of the door (2). The filter case (6) may be placed on the lower side of the lower door (25). The filter case (6) may be located on the lower side of the first and second lower doors (26, 27).

[0151] The filter case (6) can be placed in front of the cabinet (10). The filter case (6) can be placed in front of the gap between the cabinet (10) and the floor. The filter case (6) can cover the space between the cabinet (10) and the floor from the front.

[0152] The filter case (6) may be located further forward than the front end of the cabinet (10). The rear end of the filter case (6) may be located further forward than the front end of the cabinet (10).

[0153] The filter module (4) can be fixed to the cabinet (10). The bracket (7) can fix the filter module (4) to the cabinet (10).

[0154] The bracket (7) can be attached to the front end of the bottom portion (103) of the cabinet (10). The bracket (7) can be extended downward. The bracket (7) can be extended forward from the bottom to support the filter module (4). The attachment structure of the bracket (7) will be described later with reference to FIG. 10.

[0155] The bottom of the bracket (7) may be located above the bottom of the supporter (39). The bracket (7) may be spaced upward from the bottom.

[0156] Alternatively, the bottom of the bracket (7) may be positioned at the same height as the bottom of the supporter (39), and the bracket (7) may be supported on the floor.

[0157] The filter case (6) can be spaced downward from the bottom of the door (2).

[0158] The bottom of the filter case (6) may be located above the bottom of the supporter (39). That is, the filter case (6) may be spaced upward from the bottom.

[0159] The filter case (6) may include a lower plate (61) that provides a lower side of the filter case (6). The lower side of the filter case (6) may also be referred to as the lower side of the filter module (4).

[0160] The lower side of the filter case (6) may face downward. The lower side of the filter case (6) may face the bottom.

[0161] The lower plate (61) can be supported by the bracket (7). The lower plate (61) can be coupled to the bracket (7). Alternatively, the lower plate (61) and the bracket (7) may not be coupled to each other, and another part of the filter case (6) may be coupled to the bracket (7).

[0162] The filter case (6) may include an upper plate (63) that provides an upper surface of the filter case (6). The upper surface of the filter case (6) may also be referred to as the upper surface of the filter module (4).

[0163] The upper plate (63) can be positioned on the lower side of the door. The upper side of the filter case (6) can face the lower side of the door. The upper side of the filter case (6) can face upward.

[0164] The filter case (6) may include vanes (68). The vanes (68) may extend in the width direction of the cabinet (10).

[0165] The vane (68) can be placed in the front part of the filter case (6). The vane (68) can be placed between the lower plate (61) and the upper plate (63).

[0166] The vanes (68) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple vanes (68) may be arranged in an up-and-down direction.

[0167] The vane (68) can be positioned at an angle. The vane (68) can be positioned at an angle such that the front end is located lower than the rear end.

[0168] Through this, the problem of dust floating in front of the refrigerator entering the filter module (4) can be reduced, and the airflow flowing forward through the filter module (4) can be prevented from being directed toward the user.

[0169] The filter case (6) may include a center bar (69). The center bar (69) may extend in the width direction of the cabinet (10). The center bar (69) may be coupled to a side plate (65) described later.

[0170] The center bar (69) can be positioned behind the vane (68). The center bar (69) can be positioned in front of the filter (5).

[0171] The center bar (69) can reinforce the rigidity of the filter case (6). The center bar (69) can reinforce the lateral rigidity of the filter case (6).

[0172]

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the refrigerator may include a base (35). The base (35) may form at least a portion of the lower side of the refrigerator. The base (35) may be attached to the lower side (103) of the cabinet (10).

[0174] The base (35) can provide the floor surface of the machine room (30). Devices constituting a refrigeration cycle can be installed on the base (35). A compressor (32) and a condenser (33) can be installed on the base (35). The compressor (32) and the condenser (33) can be connected to each other through a refrigerant pipe (323). Refrigerant discharged from the compressor (32) can flow into the condenser (33).

[0175] A fan (34) may be installed on the base (35). The fan (34) can draw air from the outside into the machine room and discharge air from the machine room (30) to the outside. External air can be drawn into the machine room (30) through the intake port (36) by the fan (34), and air inside the machine room (30) can be discharged to the outside through the discharge port (37).

[0176] Ventilation ports (36, 37) may be provided in the base (35). The ventilation port (36) located upstream of the fan (34) may be an intake port (36), and the ventilation port (37) located downstream may be an exhaust port (37).

[0177] For example, a fan (34) may be positioned between the condenser (33) and the compressor (32). The fan (34) may be positioned to flow air from the condenser (33) toward the compressor (32). An intake port (36) may be positioned on the side of the condenser (33), and a discharge port (37) may be positioned on the side of the compressor (32). An intake port (36) may be positioned in front of the condenser (33), and a discharge port (37) may be positioned in front of the compressor (32).

[0178] The base (35) may include a rear plate (352). A compressor (32), a condenser (33), and a fan (34) may be installed on the rear plate (352). An intake port (36) and a discharge port (37) may be provided at the front end of the rear plate (352).

[0179] The base (350) may include a front plate (351).

[0180] The front plate (351) and the rear plate (352) may be formed as a single unit or as separate components. Below, an example is given in which the front plate (351) and the rear plate (352) are formed separately.

[0181] The front plate (351) and the rear plate (352) can be spaced apart in the front-rear direction.

[0182] The base (35) may include a side frame (353). The side frame (353) may extend in the front-rear direction. The side frame (353) may connect the front plate (351) and the rear plate (352).

[0183] The side frame (353) may be positioned above the front plate (351) and the rear plate (352). The side frame (353) may be combined with the front plate (351) and the rear plate (352) on the upper side of the front plate (351) and the rear plate (352). The side frame (353) may be located on the lower side of the side wall (101) of the cabinet (10).

[0184] The base (35) may include a rear frame (354). The rear frame (354) may extend upward from the rear end of the rear plate (352). The rear frame (354) may be combined with a side frame (353). The rear frame (354) may be combined with the rear wall and side wall of the cabinet.

[0185] The supporter (39) may include a wheel (390) and a leg (391). The supporter (39) may be placed on both the left and right sides. The supporter (39) may be placed in the front and rear sections.

[0186] For example, the wheel (390) may include a front wheel (391) positioned in the front section and a rear wheel (392) positioned in the rear section. The front wheel (391) may be positioned on both the left and right sides in the width direction of the cabinet. The rear wheel (392) may be positioned on both the left and right sides in the width direction of the cabinet (10). The leg (395) may be positioned in the front section. The leg (395) may be positioned on both the left and right sides of the front section.

[0187] For example, a wheel housing (359) may be provided on a front plate (351), and a front wheel (391) may be installed on the wheel housing (359). A leg fastening hole (358) may be provided on the front plate (351), and a leg (395) may be coupled to the leg fastening hole (358). A rear wheel (392) may be installed on a rear plate (352).

[0188] The filter module (4) can be placed in front of the front plate (351).

[0189] The filter module (4) may include a divider (67). The divider (67) may be placed inside the filter case (6). The divider (67) may divide the filter module (4) into an intake section (41) and a discharge section (42). The intake section (41) may be placed in front of the intake port (67), and the discharge section (42) may be placed in front of the discharge port (37).

[0190] A divider (8) may be installed on the lower side of the refrigerator. To distinguish between the dividers (67, 8), the divider (67) of the filter module (4) may be called the first divider (67), and the divider (8) placed on the lower side of the refrigerator may be called the second divider (8).

[0191] The second divider (8) may be positioned behind the first divider. The second divider (8) may extend from the rear of the first divider (67) to the rear.

[0192] The second divider (8) may be positioned in the front-rear direction as shown in FIG. 5, or positioned so that the rear faces the intake side as shown in FIG. 6.

[0193] The second divider (8) can divide the space between the lower side and the bottom of the refrigerator into left and right sections.

[0194] The rear end of the second divider (8) can be positioned between the intake port (36) and the discharge port (37) in the width direction of the cabinet.

[0195]

[0196] Referring to FIG. 8, the filter module (4) may include a filter (5) and a filter case (6). The filter (5) may be inserted into the filter case (6). The filter (5) may be withdrawn from the filter case (6).

[0197] The filter (5) may include a filter section (51) that filters out foreign substances in the air and a filter frame (52) positioned at the edge of the filter section (51).

[0198] The filter case (6) may include a filter slot (635). The filter slot (635) may be provided on the upper side of the filter case (6). The filter case (6) may include an extension groove (636) extended from the filter slot (635).

[0199] With the filter (5) inserted into the filter case (6), a part of the filter frame (52) can be exposed by the expansion groove (636).

[0200] This allows the user to easily retrieve the filter (5) from the filter case (6).

[0201] The filter (5) may be placed on the suction side (41). The filter (5) may not be provided on the discharge side (42).

[0202] The filter module (4) may include a bracket (7) that is coupled to the filter case (6). The bracket (7) can secure the filter case (6) to the cabinet.

[0203] The filter case (6) may include a lower plate (61) providing a lower side of the filter case (6) and an upper plate (63) providing an upper side of the filter case (6).

[0204] The lower plate (61) can be supported on the bracket (7).

[0205] The filter slot (635) can be placed on the upper plate (63). The filter slot (635) can be placed on the upper plate (63) on the discharge section (41) side.

[0206] The filter case (6) may include a side plate (65) providing a side of the filter case (6). The side plate (65) may be positioned on the side end of the filter case in the width direction of the cabinet (10). A pair of side plates (65) may be positioned on both ends of the filter case (6).

[0207] The side plate (65) can connect the upper plate (63) and the lower plate (61). The side plate (65) can be coupled to the lower plate (61). The side plate (65) can be coupled to the upper plate (63). The side plate (65) can be coupled to the bracket (7). The coupling structure of the filter case (6) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.

[0208] The filter case (6) may include vanes (68). The vanes (68) may extend in the width direction of the cabinet (10). The vanes (68) may extend between a pair of side plates (65). The vanes (68) may be coupled to the side plates (65).

[0209] The vane (68) can be placed in the front part of the filter case (6). The vane (68) can be placed between the lower plate (61) and the upper plate (63).

[0210] The vanes (68) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple vanes (68) may be arranged in an up-and-down direction.

[0211] The vane (68) can be positioned at an angle. The vane (68) can be positioned at an angle such that the front end is located lower than the rear end.

[0212]

[0213] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the filter case (6) may include a first divider (67). The first divider (67) may divide the filter module (4) into an intake section (41) and an exhaust section (42).

[0214] The first divider (67) can be placed between the upper plate (63) and the lower plate (61). The first divider (67) can support the upper plate (63).

[0215]

[0216] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the filter case (6) may include a center bar (69). The center bar (69) may extend in the left-right direction. The center bar (69) may extend in the width direction of the cabinet (10).

[0217] The center bar (69) may include a body (691) extending in the left and right directions and a fastening part (695) provided at the side end of the body (691). The center bar (69) may be coupled to a side plate (65). The fastening part (695) of the center bar (69) may be coupled to a side plate (65).

[0218] The center bar (69) can be inserted into the bar insertion groove (679) of the divider (67). The bar insertion groove (679) can extend from the rear end of the divider (67) forward.

[0219] The center bar (69) can reinforce the rigidity of the filter case (6). The center bar (69) can reinforce the lateral rigidity of the filter case (6).

[0220] The side plate (65) may include a side wall (651). The side wall (651) may provide a side of the filter case (6).

[0221] The side plate (65) may include a center bar fastening hole (659) formed in the side wall (651). A fastening member may pass through the center bar fastening hole (659) and the fastening portion (695) of the center bar (69) so that the center bar can be coupled to the side plate (65).

[0222] The side plate (65) may include a rib (658) that forms a groove into which a vane (68) is inserted. The rib (658) may protrude inward from the side wall (651). The rib (658) may be located at the front portion of the side wall (651). The side end of the vane (68) may be inserted into the groove formed by the rib (658).

[0223] The side plate (65) can be joined to the side ends of the upper plate (63) and the lower plate (61).

[0224] The side plate (65) may include a shear portion (655) extending inward in the width direction of the cabinet from the front end of the side wall (651). The upper plate (63) includes a groove (638) recessed inwardly and backward from the front end corner, and the shear portion (655) of the side plate (65) may be inserted into the groove (638). The upper plate (63) may include a support portion (637) protruding downward from the rear of the groove (638).

[0225] The bottom (656) of the side plate (65) can be coupled to the lower plate (61). The side plate (65) can be positioned on the upper side of the lower plate (61). The side plate (65) may include a fastening hole (616) positioned adjacent to the front edge. A fastening member can be coupled to the lower plate (61) and the side plate (65) by penetrating the fastening hole (616) and the side plate.

[0226] The bottom of the side plate (65) can be inserted into the connecting groove (615) between the front protrusion (6151) and the rear protrusion (6152) of the lower plate (61). The bottom (656) of the side plate (65) is recessed from the front to the rear, and the front protrusion (6151) of the lower plate (61) can be inserted. The bottom (656) of the side plate (65) is recessed from the rear to the front, and the rear protrusion (6152) of the lower plate (61) can be inserted into the recessed portion.

[0227] The side plate (65) may include a filter support groove (652). A filter frame (52) may be inserted into the filter support groove (652). The filter (5) may slide up and down along the filter support groove (652).

[0228] The side plate (65) may include first and second protrusions (653, 654) that protrude inward from the side wall (651). The first and second protrusions (653, 654) may be spaced apart in the front-rear direction. A filter support groove (652) may be formed between the first and second protrusions (653, 654) that are spaced apart.

[0229] The first protrusion (653) is positioned at the rear of the filter support groove (652) to support the filter (5) from the rear. The second protrusion (654) is positioned at the front of the filter support groove (652) to support the filter (5) from the front.

[0230] The filter slot (635) may extend to the side of the upper plate (63). The filter support groove (652) may be connected to the filter slot (635). The first and second protrusions (653, 654) may be positioned on the lower side of the upper plate (63).

[0231] The lower plate (61) may include a filter insertion groove (612). When the filter (5) is inserted into the filter case (6), the bottom of the filter (5), that is, the lower part of the filter frame (52), can be inserted into the filter insertion groove (612).

[0232] The lower plate (61) may include a support member (613, 614) protruding upward from the lower side (611). The support member (613, 614) may include a rear support member (613) positioned at the rear and a front support member (614) positioned at the front. The rear support member (613) and the front support member (614) may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. A filter insertion groove (612) may be formed between the rear support member (613) and the front support member (614) that are spaced apart from each other.

[0233] The rear support member (613) can be connected to the first protrusion (653) of the side plate (65), and the front support member (614) can be connected to the second protrusion (654).

[0234] The support portion (613, 614) can be positioned on the suction portion (41) side of the lower plate (61).

[0235] The lower plate (61) may include a divider insertion groove (617). A first divider (67) may be inserted into the divider insertion groove (617).

[0236] The lower plate (61) may include a divider support (618) that protrudes upward from the lower side (611). The divider support (618) may be spaced apart from the rear support (613) and the front support (614).

[0237] The front support member (614) may include an extension member (6147) extending forward from the inner end. The rear support member (613), the front support member (614), and the extension member (6147) may be spaced apart from the divider support member (618) to form a divider insertion groove (617).

[0238] A divider fastening hole (619) may be formed in the divider insertion groove (617). A fastening member may pass through the divider fastening hole (619) and be inserted into the first divider (67) to combine the lower plate (61) and the first divider (67).

[0239] The upper plate (63) may include a divider fastening hole (639). A fastening member may pass through the divider fastening hole (639) of the upper plate (63) and be inserted into the first divider (67) to combine the upper plate (63) and the first divider (67).

[0240] The bracket (7) may include a connecting portion (71) that extends vertically. The connecting portion (71) may be connected to the cabinet (10). The connecting portion (71) may be connected to the front surface of the bottom portion (103) of the cabinet (10).

[0241] A coupling groove (72) may be formed in the coupling portion (71). The bracket (7) can be fixed to the cabinet (10) through the fastening member and the coupling groove (72).

[0242] The connecting part (71) can be extended downward from the bottom of the cabinet (10).

[0243] The bracket (7) may include a downward support member (73) extending forward from the bottom of the coupling member (71). The downward support member (73) may be positioned on the lower side of the filter module (4) to support the filter module (4). The downward support member (73) may come into contact with the lower plate. The downward support member (73) may be coupled to the lower plate.

[0244] The bracket (7) may include a lateral support member (75) extending forward from the side end of the connecting member (71). The lateral support member (75) may be coupled with a side plate (65). A side fastening groove (76) corresponding to the bracket fastening hole (657) of the side plate (65) may be disposed in the lateral support member (75). A fastening member may pass through the side fastening groove (76) and be inserted into the bracket fastening hole (657).

[0245] The lower support (73) and the lateral support (75) can be spaced apart from each other.

[0246]

[0247] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16. The refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the refrigerator according to the first embodiment in that it has a lower door (25, 250) and a filter module (4, 40). The description of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11 may also be applied to the present embodiment, and configurations identical or similar to those in the first embodiment may be assigned the same reference numbers as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof may be brief or omitted.

[0248] For example, the description of the cabinet (10), side wall (101), ventilation opening (102), top door (21, 22), and machine room (30) shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is omitted, and the filter module (40) is briefly described in comparison with the filter module (4) of the first embodiment.

[0249]

[0250] Referring to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lower door (250) that is pulled out forward from a lower storage compartment. Hereinafter, in the description of the present embodiment, the lower door (250) is also referred to as a door (250).

[0251] The cabinet (10) provides a lower storage room that is open to the front, and the lower storage room may consist of a single storage room or a plurality of storage rooms arranged vertically. Hereinafter, in the description of the present embodiment, the lower storage room is also referred to as a storage room.

[0252] The door (250) may include a door section (251) for opening and closing the storage room and a drawer section (255) provided at the rear of the door section (251). The door section (251) may be positioned at the front of the cabinet (10), and the drawer section (255) may be positioned inside the storage room.

[0253] The door portion (251) may include a door panel (252) providing a front surface. The door portion (251) may include a door liner positioned at the rear, and the drawer portion (255) may be coupled to the door liner.

[0254] The door panel (252) can provide the front and side of the door (250).

[0255] The door portion (251) may include a cap deco (253) that provides an upper surface. A handle (254) that is recessed downward into the cap deco (253) may be provided.

[0256] The door (250) may include a rail (257). The rail (257) may be fixed to the drawer portion (255) and / or the door portion (251). The rail (257) may be coupled inside the storage compartment to guide the forward and backward sliding of the door (250).

[0257] The filter module (40) may be positioned on the lower side of the door (250). The filter module (40) may be positioned on the lower side of the door section (250). The filter module (40) may be positioned on the front of the cabinet (10). The filter module (40) may include an intake section (41) and a discharge section (42).

[0258] The filter module (40) may include a filter slot (635) as in the filter module (4) of the first embodiment. When the door (250) is opened, the drawer portion (255) is positioned above the filter module (4), but since the drawer portion (255) is spaced upward from the filter module (40), the user can pull out the door (250) and pull out the filter (5) through the filter slot (635).

[0259] Therefore, the filter module (4) of the first embodiment described above may be applied as is to the refrigerator of the second embodiment.

[0260]

[0261] The filter module (40) of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the filter module (4) of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment in that the filter (5) can be drawn out laterally. The filter module (40) of the present disclosure may not have the filter slot (635) of the filter module (4) of the first embodiment described above. Hereinafter, the filter module (40) is described as including both the configuration for drawing out the filter (5) laterally and the filter slot (635) described above.

[0262] Referring to FIG. 14, the filter module (40) is positioned on the lower side of the door (250), and the filter (5) can be withdrawn laterally from the filter case (60).

[0263] Therefore, unlike the first embodiment, the filter module (40) of the present embodiment can withdraw the filter (5) from the filter case (60) and insert it into the filter case without opening the door (250).

[0264] The bracket (700) can secure the filter module (40) to the cabinet (10).

[0265]

[0266] Referring to FIG. 15, the structure of the side frame (66) and bracket (700) of the filter module (40) of the second embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the structure of the side frame (65) and bracket (7) of the filter module (4) of the first embodiment described above. With reference to FIG. 16, the difference will be explained in detail.

[0267]

[0268] Referring to FIG. 16, the bracket (700) may include a connecting portion (710) that extends vertically. The connecting portion (710) may be connected to the cabinet (10). A connecting groove (720) may be formed in the connecting portion (710). The bracket (700) may include a downward supporting portion (730) that extends forward from the bottom of the connecting portion (710).

[0269] The bracket (700) may include lateral support members (740, 750). The bracket (700) may include a first lateral support member (750) spaced forward from the side end of the connecting member (710).

[0270] The lateral support members (740, 750) may include a first lateral support member (750) and a second lateral support member (740) that are spaced apart from each other. A second filter insertion groove (770) may be formed between the first lateral support member (750) and the second lateral support member (740) that are spaced apart. The second filter insertion groove (770) may include an expansion groove (776).

[0271] The filter (5) can be inserted into the filter case (600) by passing through the bracket (700) via the second filter insertion groove (770).

[0272] The first lateral support member (750) may extend upward from the lower support member (730). The second lateral support member (740) may extend forward from the side end of the connecting member (710).

[0273] The second lateral support (740) can be spaced apart from the lower support (730).

[0274] A side fastening groove (760) corresponding to the bracket fastening hole (667) of the side plate (66) may be disposed in the first side support portion (750). A fastening member may pass through the side fastening groove (76) and be inserted into the bracket fastening hole (657).

[0275] The side plate (66) may include a side wall (661). The side wall (651) may provide a side of the filter case (60). The side wall (661) may be provided with a center bar fastening hole (669). The side plate (65) may include a rib (668) forming a groove into which a vane (68) is inserted. The side plate (66) may be coupled to the side ends of the upper plate (63) and the lower plate (61). The side plate (66) may include a front portion (665) extending inward in the width direction of the cabinet from the front end of the side wall (661).

[0276] The side plate (66) may include a first filter insertion hole (662). The first filter insertion hole (662) differs from the filter support groove (652) of the first embodiment in that it penetrates the side wall (661).

[0277] The filter (5) can be withdrawn from the filter case (60) or inserted into the filter case (60) through the first filter insertion hole (662). The filter (5) can be withdrawn from the filter case (60) or inserted into the filter case (60) through the first and second filter insertion holes (662, 770).

[0278] The side plate (66) of the present disclosure may have the same structure and function in other parts, except that the first filter insertion hole (662) differs from the side plate (65) of the first embodiment.

[0279]

[0280] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 17. Compared to the refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure differs in that the filter module (400) is coupled to the door (250). The descriptions of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 1 to 11 that are applicable to the second embodiment may also be applied to the present embodiment. In particular, the description of the second embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 12 to 16 may be applied to the present embodiment as is, except for the feature that the filter module (40) is fixed to the cabinet (10). Accordingly, descriptions of configurations identical or similar to those in the first and second embodiments may be simplified or omitted.

[0281] Referring to FIG. 17, the filter module (400) includes a filter case (60) fixed to a door (250) and a filter (5) disposed inside the filter case (60) and laterally drawn out from the filter case (60).

[0282] The connecting portion (710) of the bracket (700) can be connected to the rear (door liner) of the door portion (251).

[0283]

[0284] Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not exclusive or distinct from one another. Some or other embodiments of the present disclosure described above may be used in combination or combined for their respective configurations or functions.

[0285] For example, this means that configuration A described in a specific embodiment and / or drawing and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing can be combined. That is, it means that even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, combination is possible except in cases where it is described that combination is impossible.

[0286] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A cabinet providing a storage room open to the front and a machine room disposed below the storage room; wherein the cabinet comprises a base providing a bottom surface of the machine room, a supporter protruding downward from the base to separate the base from the floor, and an intake port and a discharge port provided on the base and arranged in the width direction of the cabinet; A compressor placed in the above machine room; A condenser disposed in the machine room and connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe; A fan positioned inside the machine room and circulating air from the intake port to the discharge port; A door positioned in front of the cabinet to open and close the storage room; and It includes a filter module that covers the gap between the cabinet and the floor from the front, and The above filter module is: A filter case having a filter slot; and A refrigerator comprising a filter inserted into the filter case so as to be withdrawn through the filter slot.

2. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the filter case is located on the lower side of the door, and the filter slot is exposed to the upper side when the door is opened.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above door is a refrigerator that is rotatably coupled to the front of the cabinet.

4. In Paragraph 3, The filter module is a refrigerator positioned at the front of the cabinet and at the bottom of the door.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above filter case is a refrigerator comprising an upper plate facing the lower side of the door and having the filter slot.

6. In Paragraph 5, The filter case above includes a side plate that provides a side wall of the filter case, and A refrigerator in which the above side plate includes a filter support groove connected to the side end of the filter slot.

7. In Paragraph 6, The filter case includes a lower plate that provides a lower surface of the filter case, and The above lower plate is: A rear support member protruding upward from the lower side and positioned at the rear of the filter; A front support member protruding upward from the lower side and positioned in front of the filter; and A refrigerator comprising a filter insertion groove located between the rear support member and the front support member, wherein the lower end of the filter is positioned.

8. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator further comprising a first divider that extends in the front-rear direction and divides the filter module into an intake section located in front of the intake port and a discharge section located in front of the discharge port.

9. In Paragraph 8, A refrigerator further comprising a second divider positioned at the lower side of the cabinet and extending rearward from the rear of the first divider to divide the space between the filter module, the intake port, and the discharge port into the intake port side and the discharge port side.

10. In Paragraph 9, A refrigerator in which the second divider is positioned so as to be inclined toward the discharge port as it moves toward the rear.

11. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the filter case is positioned at the lower side of the door and fixed to the cabinet so as to be positioned at the front of the cabinet.

12. In Paragraph 11, The above filter module is a refrigerator further comprising a bracket for fixing the filter case to the cabinet.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above bracket is: A cabinet coupling portion fixed to the lower front of the cabinet and extending downward; A downward support member extending forward from the bottom of the cabinet coupling member and supporting the lower surface of the filter module; and A refrigerator comprising a lateral support member that extends forward from the side end of the cabinet coupling member and is coupled to the side of the filter module.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above filter case is: An upper plate providing an upper surface of the above filter case; A lower plate providing the lower side of the filter case above; A pair of side plates connecting the upper plate and the lower plate and positioned at both left and right ends; A center bar extending left and right and coupled to the above pair of side plates; and A refrigerator comprising a divider positioned between the pair of side plates in the left and right directions, connecting the upper plate and the lower plate, and having a groove into which the center bar is inserted.

15. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the filter module is positioned at the front of the filter case and includes a vane positioned at an angle toward the front and lower side.

16. A cabinet providing a storage room open to the front and a machine room disposed below the storage room; wherein the cabinet comprises a base providing a bottom surface of the machine room, a supporter protruding downward from the base to separate the base from the floor, and an intake port and a discharge port provided on the base and arranged in the width direction of the cabinet; A compressor placed in the above machine room; A condenser disposed in the machine room and connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe; A fan positioned inside the machine room and circulating air from the intake port to the discharge port; A door rotatably coupled to the front of the cabinet to open and close the storage room; and It includes a filter module positioned at the front of the cabinet and at the lower side of the door, and The above filter module is: A filter case comprising an upper plate facing the door and a filter slot provided on the upper plate and positioned in front of the cabinet; and A refrigerator comprising a filter that is inserted into and withdrawn from the filter case in an upward and downward direction through the filter slot.

17. A cabinet providing a storage room open to the front and a machine room disposed below the storage room; wherein the cabinet comprises a base providing a bottom surface of the machine room, a supporter protruding downward from the base to separate the base from the floor, and an intake port and a discharge port provided on the base and arranged in the width direction of the cabinet; A compressor placed in the above machine room; A condenser disposed in the machine room and connected to the compressor through a refrigerant pipe; A fan positioned inside the machine room and circulating air from the intake port to the discharge port; A door for opening and closing the above storage room; and A refrigerator comprising a filter module positioned at the lower side of the door and fixed to the cabinet so as to be positioned at the front of the cabinet.

18. In Paragraph 17, A refrigerator further comprising a bracket for fixing the filter module to the cabinet.

19. In Paragraph 18, The above bracket is: A cabinet coupling portion fixed to the lower front of the cabinet and extending downward; A downward support member extending forward from the bottom of the cabinet coupling member and supporting the lower surface of the filter module; and A refrigerator comprising a lateral support member that extends forward from the side end of the cabinet coupling member and is coupled to the side of the filter module.

20. In Paragraph 19, The above filter module is: A filter case comprising an upper plate providing an upper surface of the filter module and a filter slot provided on the upper plate and located on the lower side of the door; and A refrigerator comprising a filter that is inserted into and withdrawn from the filter case in an upward and downward direction through the filter slot.

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