REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a refrigerator including: a cabinet configured to define a storage space; a barrier configured to divide the storage space into a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment and having an heat insulator therein; a depression part formed to be depressed in the barrier for the freezing compartment and configured to accommodate an evaporator and a blowing unit; and a barrier cover configured to shield the depression part for the freezing compartment, wherein the depression part includes an evaporator accommodating part configured to accommodate the evaporator, a blowing unit accommodating part formed to be stepped on a upper side of the evaporator accommodating part and configured to accommodate the blowing unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, a refrigerator is consumer electronics that can store food at low temperature. The refrigerator uses cool air generated by heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating a freezing cycle to cool the storage space, such that it is configured to store the stored food at an optimum state.

The refrigerator tends to increase more and more in its size and to have multi-functions as dietary life changes and users' taste is diversified, and the structure thereof is also diversified according to the configuration of the storage space.

Generally, the storage space inside the refrigerator is divided by a barrier to form a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, and the structure thereof may be variously configured according to the arrangement of the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment.

In particular, a side by side-type refrigerator among such refrigerators has a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment which are in parallel disposed in the left and the right sides thereof, and is configured such that a refrigerating compartment door and a freezing compartment door are separately opened/closed.

The side by side-type refrigerator among such refrigerators is configured to have an evaporator mounted on the rear side of the refrigerating compartment and/or the freezing compartment to supply cold air to the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment, but there is a problem in that the interior volume of the refrigerator is decreased by the space occupied by the mounting of the evaporator.

In order to resolve the problem, KR registration patent 10-039849 discloses a refrigerator having an evaporator and a cold air circulation fan within a barrier to divide the space of the refrigerator into the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment.

However, in such a refrigerator, the heat insulation of the barrier on which the evaporator and the cold air circulation fan are disposed is not made, so that there is a problem in that a refrigerating compartment is excessively cooled. Furthermore, there is a problem in that the circulation of the cold air flowing in a narrow space within the barrier is not smooth.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator for improving the interior volume of the refrigerator while maintaining the heat insulation performance of a barrier and allowing the flow of cold air to be smooth.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator to easily mount a barrier cover to shield an evaporator and a blowing unit which are included within a barrier.

Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator which prevents dew condensation from occurring on the surface of a barrier.

Further, another object of the present invention is to a refrigerator in which an evaporator and a blowing unit are provided in the inside of a barrier and a defrost water discharge part is provided in the barrier, thereby allowing the defrost water to be smoothly discharged from the inside of the barrier to a machine room.

Further, another object of the present invention is to a refrigerator in which an evaporator and a blowing unit are provided in the inside of a barrier and a refrigerant pipe coupled to the evaporator and a power line guide part coupled to electric parts are guided to the outside of the barrier, thereby making the assembly of the barrier easy.

Solution to Problem

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator including: a cabinet configured to define a storage space; a barrier configured to divide the storage space into a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment and having an heat insulator therein; a depression part formed to be depressed in the barrier for the freezing compartment and configured to accommodate an evaporator and a blowing unit; and a barrier cover configured to shield the depression part for the freezing compartment, wherein the depression part includes an evaporator accommodating part configured to accommodate the evaporator, a blowing unit accommodating part formed to be stepped on a upper side of the evaporator accommodating part and configured to accommodate the blowing unit.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator including: a cabinet configured to define a storage space; a barrier configured to divide the storage space into two spaces and to form one side planes of the respective divided spaces; a depression part formed to be depressed in the barrier and configured to accommodate an evaporator and a blowing unit; and a barrier cover configured to shield the depression part, wherein the depression part includes an evaporator accommodating part configured to accommodate the evaporator, a blowing unit accommodating part formed to be depressed greater than the evaporator accommodating part on the upper side of the evaporator accommodating part and configured to accommodate the blowing unit, and a cold air passage formed in a upper side of the blowing unit accommodating part and configured to guide cold air to the storage space.

Further, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator including: a cabinet configured to clef=a storage space; a barrier configured to divide the storage space into a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment and filled with an heat insulator; a depression part formed to be depressed in the barrier for the freezing compartment and configured to accommodate an evaporator and a blowing unit; and a barrier cover configured to shield the depression part for the freezing compartment, the barrier cover may be configured to include a lower cover to shield a part of the depression part in which the evaporator is located and an upper cover to shield a rest part of the depression part on the upper side of the evaporator.

Further, the depression part may include an evaporator accommodating part configured to accommodate the evaporator, a blowing unit accommodating part formed to be depressed greater than the evaporator accommodating part on the upper side of the evaporator accommodating part and configured to accommodate the blowing unit, and a cold air passage formed in the upper side of the blowing unit accommodating unit and configured to guide cold air to the storage space.

Further, the lower cover may be formed to shield the evaporator accommodating part.

Further, the upper cover may be formed to shield the blowing unit accommodating part and the cold air passage.

Further, a coupling part, that is formed to have a shape corresponding to the upper cover and the lower cover to be matched therewith, is further formed in the upper cover and the lower cover.

Further, a passage guide part that is formed to protrude in a shape corresponding to the blowing unit accommodating part and the cold air passage and configured to shield the blowing unit accommodating part and the cold air passage is further formed in the upper cover.

Further, an evaporator guide part that protrude to be contacted with the both left and right side ends and lower end of the evaporator to support the evaporator may be formed in the lower cover.

Further, a cover mounting portion that is depressed in a shape corresponding to the barrier fan may be formed in the barrier, and upon the mounting of the barrier cover, the barrier cover is located on the same plane as that of the side surface of the barrier.

Further, a storage member mounting portion in which the storage member of the refrigerator is mounted may be further formed in the barrier cover.

Further, a fastening part to protrude such that a coupling member is fastened thereto may be formed in the circumference of the barrier fan.

Further, an accommodating part that is depressed in a shape corresponding to the fastening part to accommodate the fastening part may be further formed in the barrier.

Further, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator including: a cabinet configured to define a storage space; a barrier configured to divide the storage space into a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment and having an foamed heat insulator formed by filling foaming liquid therein; and a depression part formed to be depressed in the barrier for the freezing compartment and configured to accommodate an evaporator and a blowing unit, wherein the depression part may include an heat insulator made of a different kind of material from the foamed heat insulator and configured to insulate between the depression part and the refrigerating compartment.

Furthermore, the depression part may include an evaporator accommodating part configured to accommodate the evaporator, a blowing unit accommodating part formed to be depressed greater than the evaporator accommodating part on the upper side of the evaporator accommodating part and configured to accommodate the blowing unit, and a passage part formed in the upper side of the blowing unit accommodating unit and configured to guide cold air to the storage space.

The foamed heat insulator may be formed such that a part of the heat insulator for the blowing unit accommodating part is thicker than a part of the heat insulator for the evaporator accommodating part.

Further, the depression part further may include a coupling part formed therein and configured to couple the evaporator accommodating part and the blowing unit accommodating part to be tilted.

Further, the blowing unit may include a centrifugal fan for introducing air from a rotational center in a radial direction.

Further, the heat insulator may be a vacuum heat insulator.

Further, the heat insulator may be attached to the external surface of the barrier corresponding to the depression part.

Further, the heat insulator may be formed to have a shape corresponding to that of the depression part.

Further, the heat insulator may be provided in the blowing unit accommodating part.

Further, the heat insulator may include a first heat insulator attached to the evaporator accommodating part and a second heat insulator attached to the blowing unit, and the second heat insulator may be formed to be thicker than the first heat insulator.

Further, the heat insulator may be provided in the inside of the casing defining the external shape of the barrier.

Further, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator including: a cabinet configured to define a storage space; a barrier configured to divide the storage space into a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment and filled with an heat insulator; an evaporator provided in the inside of the barrier and configured to generate cold air; a blowing unit provided in the inside of the barrier and configured to circulate the cold air of the storage space with the evaporator; a cold air passage formed in the inside of the barrier and configured to guide the cold air to the storage space; and a condensation prevention part provided in the barrier for the refrigerating compartment and configured to include a plurality of depressed grooves to prevent condensation on the surface of the barrier.

Further, the condensation prevention part may be molded in the casing that defines the barrier and the internal surface of the storage space.

Further, the condensation prevention part may be formed in a separate condensation prevention plate mounted in the barrier.

Further, a plate mounting portion in which the condensation prevention plate is mounted may be formed to be depressed inwardly in the barrier.

Further, the condensation prevention part may be formed to have the shape of grooves which are continuously formed in a grid shape.

Further, the condensation prevention part may be formed such that the ratio of the width and height of the opened inlet thereof is less than 6:1.

Further, the condensation prevention part may be configured to include partition parts which are extended in horizontal and vertical directions and formed to protrude and the heat insulating grooves having a rectangular cross section.

Further, the condensation prevention part may be formed in a location corresponding to a location in which the blowing unit is accommodated.

Further, the condensation prevention part may be formed in a location corresponding to the cold air passage.

Further, an evaporator accommodating part formed to be depressed to accommodate the evaporator and a blowing unit accommodating part formed to be depressed to accommodate the blowing unit may be further formed in the barrier.

Further, the condensation prevention part may be formed in a location corresponding to the blowing unit accommodating part.

Further, the condensation prevention part may be formed in a location corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part.

Further, the condensation prevention part may be formed in a location corresponding to the cold air passage, the evaporator accommodating part and the blowing unit accommodating part.

Further, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator including: a cabinet configured to define a storage space; a machine room provided in a part of the cabinet separately from the storage space and provided with a compressor and a depressor; a barrier configured to divide the storage space into a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment and provided with an heat insulator therein; a depression part formed to be depressed in the barrier for the freezing compartment and configured to accommodate an evaporator and a blowing unit; a barrier cover configured to shield the depression part for the freezing compartment; and a defrost water discharge part configured to allow the depression part and the machine room to be in communication with each other and to discharge defrost water to the machine room upon defrosting.

Furthermore, the depression part may include an evaporator accommodating part configured to accommodate the evaporator, a blowing unit accommodating part formed to be depressed greater than the evaporator accommodating part on the upper side of the evaporator accommodating part and configured to accommodate the blowing unit, and a defrost water discharge part formed in the upper side of the blowing unit accommodating part and configured to guide cold air to the storage space.

Further, a defrost water guide part formed to be tilted toward the defrost water discharge part may be further formed at the lower end of the depression part.

Further, a drain member formed as a separate member and coupled to the defrost water discharge part to guide the defrost water to the defrost water discharge part may be mounted in the lower part of the depression part.

Further, the drain member may be configured to include a water collecting part formed to have a width identical to that of the lower end of the depression part and formed to become narrow to the lower side and a coupling part coupled to the defrost water discharge part at the lower end of the water collecting part.

The defrost water discharge part may be provided with a discharge pipe to allow the inside of the depression part and the machine room to be in communication with each other, and the discharge pipe may be configured to be selectively opened and closed upon defrosting.

Further, the defrost water discharge part may be formed to be depressed in a part of the barrier for the freezing compartment and may be further provided with a discharge part cover to shield the defrost water discharge part.

Further, the discharge part cover may be made of a heat insulating material.

Further, the defrost water discharge part is disposed in the inside of the barrier and to penetrate through the barrier to allow the depression part and the machine room to be in communication with each other.

Further, a heating member to remove frost by being heated upon defrosting is provided in the inside of the depression part.

Further, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerator including: a cabinet configured to define a storage space; a machine room provided in a part of the cabinet separately from the storage space and provided with a compressor and a depressor; a barrier configured to divide the storage space into a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment and provided with an heat insulator therein; a depression part formed to be depressed in the barrier for the freezing compartment and configured to accommodate an evaporator and a blowing unit; a barrier cover configured to shield the depression part for the freezing compartment; and a refrigerant pipe guide part configured to guide a refrigerant pipe coupled to a compressor and a depressor and arranged to pass through the barrier.

Furthermore, the depression part may include an evaporator accommodating part configured to accommodate the evaporator, a blowing unit accommodating part formed to be depressed greater than the evaporator accommodating part on the upper side of the evaporator accommodating part and configured to accommodate the blowing unit, and a defrost water discharge part formed in the upper side of the blowing unit accommodating part and configured to guide cold air to the storage space.

Further, the refrigerant pipe guide part may be formed to allow the depression part and the machine room to be in communication with each other.

Further, the refrigerant pipe guide part may be formed to be depressed in the barrier for the freezing compartment.

Further, the refrigerant pipe guide part may be further provided with a refrigerant pipe guide part cover to shield the opening of the refrigerant pipe guide part.

Further, the refrigerant pipe guide part cover may be made of a heat insulating material.

Further, the refrigerant pipe guide part is formed to be opened on the lower surface of the depression part corresponding to the upper surface of the machine room.

Further, the discharge part cover may be made of a heat insulating material.

Further, a power line coupled to electric parts provided in the inside of the depression part is guided in the refrigerant pipe guide part.

Further, a power line guide part to guide the power line coupled to electric parts provided in the inside of the depression part may be formed in the barrier.

Further, a control unit for controlling the electric parts may be provided in the rear surface of the cabinet and the power line guide part may be extended from a part of the depression part corresponding to the rear surface of the cabinet to the control unit to guide the power line.

Furthermore, the power line guide part may be formed to be opened toward the rear side of the cabinet in a part of the depression part.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The refrigerator of the embodiments is configured such that the evaporator accommodating part of the depression part formed in the barrier within which the heat insulator is filled is formed to be stepped to the blowing unit accommodating part.

Accordingly, the heat insulator is formed to be thicker in a part which the evaporator is disposed in and therefore has a relatively low temperature, thereby preventing influence on change of the temperature of the inside of the refrigerating compartment.

Furthermore, the evaporator is located on the freezing compartment, thereby minimizing the whole thickness of the barrier and, at the same time, maintaining the heat insulation performance of the refrigerating compartment.

In addition, a blowing unit accommodating part is additionally depressed, thereby securing a space which allows the cold air of the evaporator to be introduced into a blowing fan and, therefore, improving the flow performance of the cold air.

In addition, the blowing unit accommodating part and the cold air passage are formed to be depressed in the barrier, thereby making the flow of the cold air within the barrier smooth, and, at the same time, making the entire structure of the barrier simple.

Furthermore, the barrier cover to shield the depression part is configured to include a lower cover to shield the evaporator accommodating part and an upper cover to shield the blowing unit accommodating part and the cold air passage.

Accordingly, it is possible to make the assembly of the evaporator cover to be easy, and to provide a more easy fixing structure by the passage guide part and the evaporator guide part formed in the upper cover and the lower cover, thereby making the assembly easy.

Further, the cover mounting portion in which the barrier cover is mounted is formed to be depressed, so that the barrier cover is mounted to be accommodated in the inside of the barrier, and the coupling member is fastened to the fastening part by penetrate through the fastening part, thereby providing a more firm coupling structure.

Further, a heat insulator different from the foamed heat insulator within the barrier is provided in the depression part at which the thickness of the barrier is relatively is thin, thereby improving heat insulation performance of the barrier.

Further, heat insulation for the depression part at which heat insulation is relatively weak is possible, thereby maintaining the temperature of the refrigerating compartment. Further, heat insulation performance is maintained due to additional heat insulation by the heat insulator, so that a number of configurations including the evaporator and the blowing unit and the like are provided in the inside of the barrier, thereby maintaining the thickness of the barrier. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the interior volume of the refrigerator from decreasing due to the barrier.

Further, the thickness of the heat insulator is relatively thin than other parts at a location corresponding the barrier in which the evaporator and the blowing unit is accommodated, and the condensation prevention member is formed in the side surface of the barrier for the refrigerating compartment corresponding thereto.

The condensation prevention part is formed in a concave and convex shape, so that when air within the refrigerating compartment is circulated, recirculation of air occurs in the inside of the heat insulating grooves formed in the condensation prevention part thereby forming an air layer between the surface of the barrier and the inside of the refrigerating compartment. Accordingly, the heat delivery rate of the surface of the barrier is lowered, thereby preventing condensation from occurring due to temperature difference on the surface of the barrier.

Accordingly, the heating member for removal of frost generated in the inside of the barrier is provided in the depression part and the defrost water discharge part to discharge defrost water generated upon defrosting from the inside of the depression part to the machine room is formed. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the defrost water is smoothly discharged.

Further, the refrigerant pipe guide part to guide the refrigerant pipe coupled to the evaporator to the machine room is formed in the barrier and a line guide part to guide power line coupled to the electric parts provided in the inside of the depression part is provided. Accordingly, when the number of electric parts including the evaporator is mounted in the inside of the barrier, the assembly thereof is easily made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exterior perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the internal structure of the refrigerator;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a bather according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4′ of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the shape of the depression part of the barrier;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view taken along line 6-6′ of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow state of cold air within the barrier viewed from the freezing compartment,

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow state of cold air within the barrier viewed from the refrigerating compartment;

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of part A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views showing the shape of an upper cover according this embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views showing the shape of a lower cover according this embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a front view showing the shape of the depression part of the barrier;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view taken along line 17-17′ of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a cut perspective view showing another structure of the barrier according to the embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a barrier viewed from a refrigerating compartment according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20′ of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a partial plan view enlarging a condensation prevention part according to this embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the flow state of cold air within the barrier viewed from the refrigerating compartment;

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing simulation for air flow of the condensation prevention part;

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing simulation for heat distribution of the condensation prevention part;

FIGS. 25 to 27 are diagrams showing various arrangement states for the condensation prevention part;

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the coupling of a refrigerant pipe according to the embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a front view showing the shape of the depression part of the barrier according to this embodiment; and

FIG. 31 is a perspective view taken along line 31-31′ of FIG. 30.

MODE FOR THE INVENTION

Refrigerators and control methods thereof according to embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings and flowcharts

FIG. 1 is an exterior perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the internal structure of the refrigerator;

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the exterior shape of the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed by a cabinet 10 defining a storage space and a door 20 to open and close the storage space.

The cabinet 10 is divided into left and right sides by a barrier 100 to define a refrigerating compartment 40 and a freezing compartment 30 respectively. The refrigerating compartment 40 and the freezing compartment 30 are configured to have a plurality of drawers and shelves therein and to preserve various foods therein. The door 20 is configured to include a refrigerating compartment door 24 and a freezing compartment door 22 for respectively opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 40 and the freezing compartment 30. Furthermore, the refrigerating compartment door 24 and the freezing compartment door 22 are respectively mounted to the cabinet to be capable of pivoting thereon.

Furthermore, a plurality of baskets for storing foods may be mounted on the rear surfaces of the refrigerating compartment door 24 and the freezing compartment door 22 and, if required, an ice maker, a dispenser, a home bar or the like may be mounted on the refrigerating compartment door 24 and the freezing compartment door 22. In this embodiment, it is suggested that an ice maker 60 be provided in the freezing compartment door 22. Meanwhile, the barrier 100 is vertically formed within the storage space defined inside the cabinet 10 to define the freezing compartment 30 and the refrigerating compartment 40 respectively on left and right sides. Furthermore, a heat insulator (described below) is filled within the inside of the bather 100 so as to prevent heat exchange between the freezing compartment 30 and the refrigerating compartment 40 from occurring.

The barrier will be described in detail below with reference to drawings.

The barrier will be described in detail below with reference to drawings.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4′ of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the shape of the depression part of the barrier. FIG. 6 is a perspective view taken along line 6-6′ of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the barrier 100 is formed to be elongated up and down inside the cabinet 10, and an evaporator 110 and a blowing unit 130 are mounted therein.

The external shape of the barrier 100 is formed by a casing 150 defining the internal spaces of the refrigerating compartment 40 and the freezing compartment 30 and a heat insulator 300 is foamed and filled within the casing 150. The heat insulator 300 is filled evenly throughout the internal space of the bather 100.

Meanwhile, a depression part 200 is formed on the left side surface of the barrier 100, that is, the surface exposed to cold air from the freezing compartment 30. Furthermore, the evaporator 110 and the blowing unit 130 which will be described below are accommodated in the depression part 200.

Specifically, the depression part 200 includes an evaporator accommodating part 210 in which the evaporator 110 for generation of cold air is accommodated, a blowing unit accommodating part 220 which accommodates the blowing unit 130, and a cold air passage 230 which supplies the cold air generated by the evaporator 110 to the refrigerating compartment 40 and the freezing compartment 30.

The evaporator accommodating part 210 which is formed in the lower side of the barrier 100 is formed to be larger than the evaporator 110 to fully accommodate the evaporator 110 and may be formed to be depressed greater than the thickness of the evaporator 110. That is, the evaporator accommodating part 210 is formed to be depressed to a sufficient depth such that the evaporator 110 is not extruded outside the barrier 100 when the evaporator 110 is mounted therein. Furthermore, the evaporator 110 may be mounted to be fixed to the evaporator accommodating part 210 using a separate fixing member or a fixing structure.

Furthermore, a cold air inlet 212 is formed in the lower end of the evaporator accommodating part 210. The cold air inlet 121 is a passage through which the cold air within the refrigerating compartment 40 returns to the evaporator 110 and may be formed on rear side of the evaporator accommodating part 210.

A suction grill 214 is formed in the cold air inlet 212 to prevent foreign substances from being introduced from the inside of the refrigerating compartment and the outside of the refrigerator to the evaporator accommodating part 210. The cold air inlet 121 may be formed at a location corresponding to a location at which the drawers and the like of the refrigerating compartment 40 are provided not to be exposed to the outside when the refrigerating compartment door 24 is opened.

Furthermore, a drain fan 120 for discharging defrost water produced upon defrosting frost may be further formed on the bottom of the evaporator accommodating part 210. The drain fan 120 is formed to be tilted to one side and may be formed to be in communication with the machine room of the cabinet 10.

The drain fan 120 may be provided as a separate member to be mounted on the bottom of the evaporator accommodating part 210 corresponding to the lower side of the evaporator 110. If required, the bottom the depression part 200 is formed be tilted to enable the depression part 200 to play the role of the drain fan 120.

Meanwhile, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 is formed on the upper side of the evaporator accommodating part 210. In addition, the blowing unit 130 disposed on the blowing unit accommodating part 220 includes a motor 132, a blowing fan 134 and a shroud 136.

Specifically, the motor 132 is for providing a rotating force to operate the blowing fan 134, and an electric motor generally used may be applicable thereto. Furthermore, the blowing fan 134 is mounted on the rotating shaft of the motor 132. As the blowing fan 134, a centrifugal fan for introducing air in the direction of the rotating shaft and discharging it in a radial direction may be used, a turbo fan having excellent blowing capability may be used. The thickness of the barrier 100 may be slim by applying the turbo fan. Furthermore, the shroud 136 functions to guide the cold air passed through the evaporator 110 to be introduced to the blowing fan 134. The mount structure of the blowing unit 130 is described in detail below with reference the drawings.

Meanwhile, cold air guide part 222 is formed on both sides of the blowing unit accommodating part 220. The cold air guide part 222 guides the cold air from the evaporator accommodating part 210 to be directed to the center of the shroud 136. For this, the cold air guide part 222 is formed such that its width becomes narrow from the lower side to the upper side.

Specifically, the lower end of the blowing unit accommodating part 220 has a width identical to that of the upper end of the evaporator accommodating part 210, and the upper end of the blowing unit accommodating part 220 is formed to have a width identical to that of the lower end of the cold air passage 230.

Furthermore, the cold air guide part 222 may be formed to be tilted or rounded, and guides the cold air moving along with the cold air guide part 222 to be directed to the center of the shroud 136.

Furthermore, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 is formed to be depressed greater than the evaporator accommodating part 210 and the cold air passage 230 which will be described below. Herein, the surface of the inlet of the shroud 136 is spaced from the surface of the blowing unit accommodating part 220. Accordingly, the cold air rising from the evaporator accommodating part 210 can be smoothly moved into an orifice 137 formed around the center of the shroud 136 through a space spaced between the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the shroud 136.

The evaporator accommodating part 210 and the blowing unit accommodating part 220 have different depression depths to be stepped with respect to each other. Therefore, the thicknesses of the heat insulators 300 within the barrier 100 corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part 210 and the blowing unit accommodating part 220 are become different. In order words, since the evaporator accommodating part 210 is relatively depressed less than the blowing unit accommodating part 220, the thickness of the heat insulator 300 corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part 210 relatively becomes thicker. As a result, it is possible to efficiently prevent the cold air from the evaporator 110 from being delivered to the refrigerating compartment 40 due to heat conduction.

Furthermore, since the blowing unit accommodating part 220 is relatively depressed greater than the evaporator accommodating part 210, a passage for smooth flowing of cold air to the blowing unit 130 is ensured. Furthermore, the thickness of the heat insulator 300 corresponding to the blowing unit accommodating part 220 is relatively thin, but the heat insulation of the blowing unit 130 having a temperature relatively higher than that of the evaporator 110 is sufficiently possible.

Meanwhile, the stepped parts of the evaporator accommodating part 210 and the blowing unit accommodating part 220 are coupled to each other by a coupling part 240. The coupling part 240 forms an interface between the evaporator accommodating part 210 and the blowing unit 130 and is formed to be tilted. Accordingly, the cold air within the evaporator accommodating part 210 may be caused to be smoothly introduced into the inside of the blowing unit accommodating unit 220.

The cold air passage 230 is formed on the upper side of the blowing unit accommodating part 220. The cold air passage 230 is to guide the cold air discharged from the outlet 139 of the shroud 136 into the refrigerating compartment and the freezing compartment 30, and is formed to be extended to the upper side of the barrier 100. The width of the outlet 139 of the shroud 136 may be formed to be identical to the width of the cold air passage 230. Furthermore, the cold air passage 230 may be formed to have a width identical to the width of the opened upper end of the blowing unit accommodating part 220.

Furthermore, the cold air passage 230 is formed to be depressed less than the blowing unit accommodating part 220. Therefore, the thickness of the heat insulator 300 on a location corresponding to the cold air passage 230 may be formed to be thicker than the thickness of the heat insulator on a location corresponding to the blowing unit accommodating part 220. Accordingly, the cold air flowing along the cold air passage 230 can be blocked not to be delivered to the refrigerating compartment 40 due to heat conduction.

The cold air passage 230 is shielded by a barrier cover 400 which will be described below, thereby forming the cold air passage completely. Furthermore, a cold air outlet 232 is formed in the upper end of the cold air passage 230. The cold air outlet 232 is located in the upper center of the barrier 100 and may be exposed to the refrigerating compartment 40. In addition, an outlet grill 234 to guide the direction of the discharged cold air may be further formed in the cold air outlet 232.

Meanwhile, a cold air distribution device 140 is provided in the cold air outlet 232. The cold air distribution device 140 is for selectively supplying the cold air supplied from the cold air passage 230 to the cold air outlet 232, and is formed in a size corresponding to the cold air outlet 232. Furthermore, the cold air distribution device 140 may be formed to have the structure of a damper and the cold air outlet 232 is formed to be selectively opened and closed. Accordingly, when the cold air distribution device 140 is opened, some of the cold air guided through the cold air passage 230 is discharged to the cold air outlet 232, thereby being introduced into the refrigerating compartment. On the other hand, when the cold air distribution device 140 is closed, the whole of the cold air guided through the cold air passage 230 is discharged to the freezing compartment.

Meanwhile, the depression part 200 is shielded by the barrier cover 400. The barrier cover 400 is formed to have a plate shape, and shields the depression part 200 to form a part of the left side surface of the barrier 100, that is, a part of the wall of the inside of the freezing compartment 30. Furthermore, the barrier cover 400 is formed to have the same plane as the side surface of the barrier 100 when being mounted on the barrier 100.

The barrier cover 400 may be formed of one plate material, whereas may be formed to be divided into a plurality of parts if required. For example, the barrier cover 400 may be formed to be divided into a part covering the evaporator accommodating part 210 and a part covering the blowing unit 120 and the cold air passage 230.

In addition, the right side surface of the barrier 100 opposite to the surface on which the barrier cover 400 is mounted is also formed to have a smooth plane without protruding the outside, thereby forming a part of the wall of the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40. Accordingly, the both side surfaces of the barrier 100 all may be formed to be flat.

Furthermore, a mounting guide 424 having a shape corresponding to the external shape of the evaporator 110 is formed on the rear surface of the barrier cover 400 corresponding to the evaporator 110, thereby assisting the fixation of the evaporator 110.

Meanwhile, a cold air inlet 422 is formed in the lower end of the barrier cover 400 corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part 210. The cold air inlet 422 is a part into which the cold air of the freezing compartment is introduced, and guides the cold air of the freezing compartment 30 to be introduced into the evaporator accommodating part 210.

Furthermore, a cold air outlet 412 is formed in the upper part of the barrier cover 400 corresponding to the cold air passage 230. A number of cold air outlets 412 may be formed at uniform intervals, and enable the cold air rising along the cold air passage 230 to be discharged to the freezing compartment 30.

Meanwhile, coupling ends 416 and 426 to mount the barrier cover 400 are further formed on the both side ends of the barrier cover 400. Furthermore, a fastening member, such as a screw, is inserted into the coupling end 416,426, thereby enabling the barrier cover 400 to be fixed to the left side surface of the barrier 100. Furthermore, the side surface of the barrier 100 corresponding to the coupling end 416,426 may be depressed, thereby enabling the coupling end 416,426 not to protrude from the left side surface of the barrier 100.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow state of cold air within the bather viewed from the freezing compartment, and

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the flow state of cold air within the barrier viewed from the refrigerating compartment;

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, when power is supplied to the refrigerator 1, a freezing cycle inside the refrigerator 1 is operated. Due to the operation of the freezing cycle, air in contact with the evaporator 110 is cooled, thereby generating cold air.

First, describing a state in which cold air is supplied to the freezing compartment 30 with reference to FIG. 7, the blowing fan 134 is operated by the operation of the motor 132 in order to supply cold air to the freezing compartment 30. Due to the operation of the blowing fan 134, the cold air of the freezing compartment 30 introduced through the cold air inlet 422 is heat-exchanged by the evaporator 110 to be more cold state, and is then moved upward according to the operation of the blowing fan 134.

The cold air moved upward from the evaporator accommodating part 210 is moved into inside the blowing unit accommodating part 220 along the coupling part 240, is then introduced into the orifice 137 of the shroud 136 by the guide of the cold air guide part 222.

The cold air introduced into the shroud 136 is discharged into the outlet 139 of the shroud 136 to be guided to the cold air passage 230. The cold air guided to the cold air passage 230 is supplied to the freezing compartment 30 through the cold air outlet 412 formed on the barrier cover 400.

In this case, a plurality of cold outlets 412 is formed in a vertical direction, and the cold air is discharged evenly throughout the inside of the freezing compartment 30 through the cold air outlets 412. The discharged cold air cools the inside of the freezing compartment 30, and the cold air within the freezing compartment 30 is again introduced through the cold air inlet 422 and is circulated while the blowing fan 134 is operated.

Furthermore, since the cold air distribution device 140 provided in the cold air outlet 232 is in a closed state, the cold air is supplied only into the freezing compartment 30 without being introduced into the refrigerating compartment 40.

Meanwhile, the evaporator accommodating part 210, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230 have been shielded by the barrier cover 400 made of a relatively thin plastic material. Accordingly, cold air of the evaporator 110 or the cold air moving in the inside of the depression part 200 may be heat-exchanged with the cold air of the freezing compartment 30 due to heat conduction through the barrier cover 400.

Describing a state in which cold air is supplied to the refrigerating compartment 40 with reference to FIG. 8, the blowing fan 134 is operated by the operation of the motor 132 in order to supply cold air to the refrigerating compartment 40. Due to the operation of the blowing fan 134, the cold air of the freezing compartment 30 and the refrigerating compartment 40 introduced through the cold air inlets 422 and 212 is heat-exchanged by the evaporator 110 to be more cold state, and is then moved upward according to the operation of the blowing fan 134.

The cold air moved upward from the evaporator accommodating part 210 is moved into inside the blowing unit accommodating part 220 along the coupling part 240, is then introduced into the orifice 137 of the shroud 136 by the guide of the cold air guide part 222.

The cold air introduced into the shroud 136 is discharged into the outlet 139 of the shroud 136 to be guided to the cold air passage 230. The cold air guided to the cold air passage 230 is supplied to the freezing compartment 30 through the cold air outlet 412 formed on the barrier cover 400. Furthermore, the cold air guided through the cold air passage 230 is supplied up to the cold air distribution device 140 formed on the upper end of the cold air passage 230. The cold air distribution device 140 is opened when it is intended that the cold air is supplied to the refrigerating compartment 40. Accordingly, the cold air is discharged into the cold air outlet 232 through the cold air distribution device 140.

The cold air supplied into inside the refrigerating compartment 40 through the cold air outlet 232 cools the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40, and the cold air of the refrigerating compartment 40 is again introduced through the cold air inlet 212 and is circulated while the blowing fan 134 is operated.

FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of part A of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 9, the blowing unit 130 may be fixed to the barrier cover 400.

Specifically, the motor 132 is fixed to the barrier cover 400 by a motor mount 135, and a rotating shaft 132a is extended from the motor 132. Furthermore, the blowing fan 134 is coupled to the rotating shaft 134a of the motor 132. The blowing fan 134 includes a hub 134a having a cone shape, a number of blades 134b arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the hub 134a and a bellmouth 134c formed in the upper end of the blade 134b.

Furthermore, the shroud 136 is fixed to the barrier cover 400 in a form to accommodate the blowing fan 134. In addition, the edge of the orifice 137 formed in the shroud 136 is rounded toward the blowing fan 134 to be fitted to the inside of the bellmouth 134c. Accordingly, the cold air moving to the cold air guide part 222 is softly guided into the blowing fan 134. Furthermore, as described above, the surface of the shroud 136 on which the orifice 137 is formed is spaced from the cold air guide part 222. As a result, the cold air moved from the evaporator accommodating part 210 is introduced into the blowing fan 134 in parallel to the rotating shaft 132a of the blowing fan 134 through the orifice 137.

By the structure as described above, the barrier cover 400 may be integrated with the blowing unit 130. That is, when the barrier cover 400 is separated, the blowing unit 130 can be separated along therewith. As a result, when the repair of the blowing unit 130 is required, product repair is easy by separating the barrier cover 400.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In addition, FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views showing the shape of an upper cover according this embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 and 10 are perspective views showing the shape of a lower cover according this embodiment of the present invention.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, same structures as the structures of the first embodiment as described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and therefore, the detailed description of the corresponding structures will be omitted.

The barrier cover 400 according to the second embodiment if the present invention is configured to include an upper cover 410 and a lower cover 420.

Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the depression part 200 depressed on the freezing compartment 30 is formed in the barrier 100. The depression part 200 may include an evaporator accommodating part 210 in which the evaporator 110 is accommodated, a blowing unit accommodating part 220 which accommodates the blowing unit 130, and a cold air passage 230 to supply the cold air generated by the evaporator 110 to the refrigerating compartment 40 and the freezing compartment 30.

Furthermore, the cold air inlet 212 and the inlet grill 214 may be formed in the lower part of the depression part 200 and the cold air outlet 232 and the outlet grill 234 may be formed in the upper part of the depression part 200. The drain fan 120 may be provided in the depression part 200. Furthermore, a blowing unit 130 which includes the motor 132, a blowing fan 134 and a shroud 136 is accommodated in the blowing unit accommodating part 220.

Meanwhile, the depression part 200 is shielded by the barrier cover 400. The barrier cover 400 is formed to have a plate shape. Furthermore, the barrier cover 400 includes an upper cover 410 and a lower cover 420. The barrier cover 400 shields the depression part 200 to form a part of the side surface of the barrier 100, that is, a part of the wall of the inside of the freezing compartment 30.

Furthermore, a cover mounting portion 250 is formed in the one side surface of the barrier 100 which is adjacent to the freezing compartment 30. The cover mounting portion 250 is formed to be depressed in the side surface of the barrier 100. The cover mounting portion 250 is formed to have a size corresponding to the barrier cover 400 and to be depressed to have the same thickness as that of barrier cover 400. Accordingly, when the barrier cover 400 is mounted in the cover mounting portion 250, the barrier cover 400 forms a part of the side surface of the barrier 100 and is located on the same plane as that of the side surface of the barrier 100.

The cover mounting cover 250 is formed to be larger than the depression part 200 and the entire of the depression part 200 can by shielded by the mounting of the barrier cover 400. A part of the cover mounting portion 250, on which the lower cover 420 is mounted, is formed to have a shape corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part 210. In contrast, a part of the cover mounting portion 250, on which the upper cover 410 is mounted, may be formed to be larger than the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230.

The barrier cover will be described in detail below with reference to drawings.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views showing the shape of an upper cover according this embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, the upper cover 410 is formed to approximately have the shape of a rectangular plate and to shield the blowing unit accommodating unit 220 and the cold air passage 230 within the depression part 200.

The upper cover 410 is formed to have a shape corresponding to the upper part of the cover mounting portion 250, thereby being mounted to be surface-contacted with not only the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230 but also the cover mounting portion 250.

Furthermore, a plurality of cover outlets 412 to discharge cold air toward the freezing compartment 30 is formed in the upper cover 410. The cover outlets 412 are formed in a part corresponding to the cold air passage 230 to allow the cold air moved along the cold air passage 230 to flow to the freezing compartment 30. In addition, the cover outlets 412 formed on the most upper part among the plurality of cover outlets 412 may formed at a location corresponding to the cold air distribution device 140.

Furthermore, a storage member mounting portion 430 in which storage members, such as drawers, shelves and the like, can be mounted, is formed on the outer surface of the upper cover 410 exposed to the freezing compartment 30. The storage member mounting portion 430 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to a location corresponding to a molded end formed at an opposite location of the refrigerating compartment 30.

A passage guide part 414 is formed on the rear surface of the upper cover 410. The passage guide part 414 is formed to protrude in a rib shape on the rear surface of the upper cover 410. Furthermore, the passage guide part 414 is formed in corresponding locations along the blowing unit accommodating part 220 of the depression part 200 and the both side surfaces of the cold air passage 230.

Accordingly, when the upper cover 410 is mounted, the passage guide part 414 is inserted into the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230 thereby being in a temporary fixing state. Furthermore, the cold air flowing along the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230 can be moved along the cold air passage 230 without being leaked to the outside of the cold air passage 230.

Furthermore, a mount 416 is formed on the outer circumference of the upper cover 410. The mount 416 is for fixation of the barrier cover 400, that is, the upper cover 410, to which a coupling member 440, such as a screw, is fastened.

In addition, an accommodating part 252 to accommodate the mount 416 is formed in the barrier 100 corresponding to the mount 416. Upon the mounting of the upper cover 410, the mount 416 is accommodated within the accommodating part 252, and the coupling member 440 bored through the mount 416 is fastened to the accommodating part 252 thereby fixing the upper cover 410.

Furthermore, the coupling part 418 formed to be stepped is formed at the lower end of the upper cover 410. The coupling part 418 is formed to couple the upper cover 410 and the lower cover 420 to each other upon the mounting of the barrier cover 400. For example, the coupling part 418 of the upper cover 410 and the coupling part 428 of the lower cover 420 may be formed to have stepped shapes matched with each other.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views showing the shape of a lower cover according this embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 10, 13 and 14, the lower cover 420 is formed to approximately have the shape of a rectangular plate and to have a width identical to that of the upper cover 410. Furthermore, the lower cover 420 is formed to shield the evaporator accommodating part 210 within the depression part 200.

The lower cover 420 is formed to have a shape corresponding to the lower part of the cover mounting portion 250 to have a shape corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part 210. The lower part of the cover mounting portion 250 is formed to have a shape corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part 210 within the depression part 200.

Furthermore, a cover inlet 422 through which air within the freezing compartment 30 is sucked into the inside of the evaporator accommodating part 210, is formed in the lower cover 420. The cover inlet 422 is formed at the lower end of the lower cover 420, and is formed to be elongated in a horizontal direction.

Furthermore, the storage member mounting portion 430 in which storage members, such as drawers, shelves and the like, can be mounted, is formed on the outer surface of the lower cover 420 exposed to the freezing compartment 30. The storage member mounting portion 430 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to a location corresponding to a molded end formed at an opposite location of the freezing compartment 30.

An evaporator guide part 424 is formed on the rear surface of the lower cover 420. The evaporator guide part 424 protrudes in a rib shape and may be formed along the both left and right side ends and lower end of the evaporator 110.

The evaporator guide part 424 is tightly contact with the both left and right side ends and lower end of the evaporator 110 to assist the evaporator 110 in being fixed and mounted upon the mounting of the lower cover 420.

Furthermore, a mount 426 is formed on the outer circumference of the lower cover 420. The mount 426 is for fixation of the barrier cover 400, that is, the lower cover 420, to which a coupling member 440, such as a screw, is fastened.

In addition, an accommodating part 252 to accommodate the mount 426 is formed in the barrier 100 corresponding to the mount 426. Upon the mounting of the lower cover 420, the mount 426 is accommodated within the accommodating part 252, and the coupling member 440 bored through the mount 426 is fastened to the accommodating part 252 thereby fixing the lower cover 420.

Furthermore, the coupling part 428 formed to be stepped is formed at the upper end of the lower cover 420. The coupling part 428 is formed to couple the upper cover 410 and the lower cover 420 to each other upon the mounting of the barrier cover 400. For example, the coupling part 428 of the upper cover 410 and the coupling part 428 of the lower cover 420 may be formed to have stepped shapes which are inserted into each other.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a front view showing the shape of the depression part of the barrier. FIG. 17 is a perspective view taken along line 17-17′ of FIG. 16.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, same structures as the structures of the first embodiment as described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and therefore, the detailed description of the corresponding structures will be omitted.

A foamed heat insulator 300 is provided in the barrier 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention and a separate heat insulator 500 is further provided in the depression part 200 formed in the barrier 100.

Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, the external shape of the barrier 100 is formed by a casing 150 defining the internal spaces of the refrigerating compartment 40 and the freezing compartment 30 and foaming liquid is filled in the inside of the casing 150 thereby forming the foamed heat insulator 300. The foamed heat insulator 300 is filled evenly throughout the internal space of the barrier 100.

The foamed heat insulator 300 may be filled in the whole inside of the barrier 100 defined by the casing 150 and, if required, the foamed heat insulator 300 may not be filled in a part of a portion corresponding to a portion in which a heat insulator 500 which will be described below is provided.

The depression part 200 that is depressed in the freezing compartment 30 is formed in the barrier 100. The depression part 200 may include an evaporator accommodating part 210 in which the evaporator 110 is accommodated, a blowing unit accommodating part 220 which accommodates the blowing unit 130, and a cold air passage 230 to supply the cold air generated by the evaporator 110 to the refrigerating compartment 40 and the freezing compartment 30.

Furthermore, the cold air inlet 212 and the inlet grill 214 may be formed in the lower part of the depression part 200 and the cold air outlet 232 and the outlet grill 234 may be formed in the upper part of the depression part 200. The drain fan 120 may be provided in the depression part 200. Furthermore, a blowing unit 130 which includes the motor 132, a blowing fan 134 and a shroud 136 is accommodated in the blowing unit accommodating part 220.

A different type of heat insulator 500 from that of the foamed heat insulator 300 is provided in the depression part 200. The heat insulator 500 is for assisting the heat insulation of the depression part 200 that is relatively thinner than other parts in the barrier 100 and may be formed to have the shape of a thin sheet or plate.

The heat insulator 500 is made of a material having a higher efficiency compared to the foamed heat insulator 300. For example, the heat insulator 500 may be implemented using a vacuum heat insulator (Vacuum Insulation Panel).

The vacuum heat insulator is formed such that a vacuum-packaged core is accommodated in the inside of an envelope having a low gas penetration rate, the heat insulation performance is considerably high whereas the thickness thereof is formed to be relatively thin, compared to the poly urethane or polystyrene.

Accordingly, a portion to which the heat insulator 500 is attached may be less filled with the foamed heat insulator 300, thereby be slimmer than the thickness of the depression part 200, that is, the thickness of the barrier 100 corresponding to the depression part 200.

Meanwhile, the heat insulator 500 is attached to the outer surface of the casing 150 that defines the barrier 100. Furthermore, the heat insulator 500 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the depression part 200 so as to be attached to the inside of the depression part 200.

The heat insulator 500 may include a first heat insulator 510 that is formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the evaporator accommodating part 210, a second heat insulator 520 that is formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and a third heat insulator 530 that is formed to have a shape corresponding to the cold air passage 230.

Furthermore, the first heat insulator 510 may be attached to the evaporator accommodating part 210 and the second heat insulator 520 may be attached to the blowing unit accommodating part 220. In addition, the third heat insulator 530 may be attached to the cold air passage 230.

Meanwhile, the second heat insulator 520 may be formed to be thicker than the first heat insulator 510 and the second heat insulator 520 in the blowing unit accommodating part 220 having a relatively thin thickness. However, in order to allow cold air that is supplied to the blowing unit accommodating part 220 through the evaporator accommodating part 210 to smoothly flow, the space of the blowing unit accommodating part 220 to which the second heat insulator 520 is attached may be provided in a location that is depressed inwardly greater than the evaporator accommodating part 210 to which the first heat insulator 510 is attached.

Furthermore, since the third heat insulator 530 is relatively thicker than the cold air passage 230, the third heat insulator may be formed to be thinnest compared to the first heat insulator 510 and the second heat insulator 520.

As described above, the heat insulator 500 may be formed to be divided into the first heat insulator 510, the second heat insulator 520 and the third heat insulator 530. Furthermore, the respective heat insulators 500 are all attached to the evaporator accommodating part 210, the blowing unit accommodating part 200 and the cold air passage 230.

However, depending on the thickness of the barrier 100, the heat insulator 500 may be attached only to any one of the evaporator accommodating part 210, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230. In this case, the heat insulator 500 may formed to have a shape corresponding to a part to which the heat insulator 500 attached.

Furthermore, the heat insulator 500 may be formed to have the shape of one sheet corresponding to the whole shape of the depression part 200. In this case, the heat insulator 500 may be attached to the whole area of the depression part 200.

Meanwhile, the depression part 200 is shielded by the barrier cover 400. The barrier cover 400 is formed to have a plate shape, and shields the depression part 200 to form a part of the side surface of the barrier 100, that is, a part of the wall of the inside of the freezing compartment 30. Furthermore, the barrier cover 400 is formed to have the same plane as the side surface of the barrier 100 when being mounted on the barrier 100.

The barrier cover 400 may be formed of one plate material, and, if required, may be formed to be divided into a plurality of parts. In the case of division into the plurality of parts, the barrier cover 400 may be formed to be divided into a part covering the evaporator accommodating part 210 and a part covering the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230.

In addition, the side surface of the barrier 100 opposite to the surface on which the barrier cover 400 is mounted is also formed to have a plane shape without protruding the outside, thereby forming a part of the wall of the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40. Accordingly, the both side surfaces of the barrier 100 all may be formed to have a plane shape.

The rear surface of the barrier cover 400 corresponding to the evaporator 110 may be contacted with the evaporator 110 to be pressed into the evaporator 110 to fix it, a mount guide 424 having a shape corresponding to the evaporator may be formed to assist the fixation of the evaporator 110.

Furthermore, the plurality of cold air outlets 412 is formed on the upper part of the barrier cover 400 and the cold inlet 422 is formed on the lower part thereof. Accordingly, the air within the freezing compartment 30 can be circulated into inside the barrier 100 through the cold air outlets 412 and the cold air inlet 422.

FIG. 18 is a cut perspective view showing another structure of the barrier according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18, the heat insulator 540 according to this embodiment may be provided inside the barrier 100.

The external shape of the barrier 100 may be defined by the casing 150. The depression part 200 is formed in the barrier 100 for the freezing compartment, and the depression part 200 may be configured to include the evaporator accommodating part 210, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230.

Furthermore, the foamed heat insulator 300 may be formed by filling foaming liquid and being molded in the inside of the casing 150. The foamed heat insulator 300 may be formed evenly in the whole inside of the barrier 100 as well as the location corresponding to the depression part 200.

A different type of heat insulator 540 from that of the foamed heat insulator 300 is provided in the casing 150. The heat insulator may be implemented using a vacuum heat insulator identical to the heat insulator 500 as in the above embodiment.

Furthermore, the heat insulator 540 may be attached to the internal surface of the casing 150. The heat insulator may be attached to the internal surface of the casing 150 that defines the depression part 200.

Furthermore, the heat insulator 540 is provided in the center of the barrier 100 that defines the both side surfaces of the barrier 100, and may be fixed by the foamed heat insulator 300 formed by insertion of foaming liquid.

As described above, the heat insulator 540 is provided inside the barrier 100 before the foamed heat insulator 300 is formed, and after the heat insulator 540 has been provided, the foamed heat insulator 300 may be formed by insertion of the foaming liquid.

Furthermore, the heat insulator 540 is formed to have a shape corresponding to the depression part 200 and may be formed at a location corresponding to the depression part 200. Furthermore, the heat insulator 540 may be configured to include a first heat insulator 542, a second heat insulator 544 and a third heat insulator 546 corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part 210, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air flow part 230.

Furthermore, if required, the heat insulator 540 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to any one of the evaporator accommodating part 210, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air flow part 230 and may be provided in a location corresponding to at least one of them.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a barrier viewed from a refrigerating compartment according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20′ of FIG. 19.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, same structures as the structures of the first embodiment as described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and therefore, the detailed description of the corresponding structures will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a condensation prevention part 600 for prevention of condensation is formed in a part of the barrier 100 exposed to the refrigerating compartment 40.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the external shape of the barrier 100 is defined by the casing 150 which defines the internal spaces of the refrigerating compartment 40 and the freezing compartment 30. The heat insulator 300 is formed by filling foaming liquid into the inside of the casing 150.

Meanwhile, the depression part 200 that is depressed in the freezing compartment 30 is formed in the barrier 100. The depression part 200 is formed to be depressed on the one side surface of the barrier 100 and is formed to be opened toward the freezing compartment 30. The depression part 200 may be configured to include an evaporator accommodating part 210 in which the evaporator 110 for generation of cold air is accommodated, a blowing unit accommodating part 220 which accommodates the blowing unit 130 for circulation of cold air, and a cold air passage 230 which supplies the cold air generated by the evaporator 110 to the refrigerating compartment 40 and the freezing compartment 30.

A cold air inlet is formed in the lower part of the barrier 100 for the refrigerating compartment 40 and a cold air outlet is formed in the upper part thereof. Furthermore, an inlet grill 214 and an outlet grill 234 are provided respectively at the cold air inlet and the cold air outlet, and the inside of the barrier 100 in which the refrigerating cornpartment 40 and the inside of barrier in which the evaporator 110 are in communication with each other, thereby allowing supply of cold air.

A cover inlet 422 is formed in the lower part of the barrier 100 for the freezing compartment 30 and a cover outlet 412 is formed in the upper part thereof. Therefore, the inside of the barrier 100 in which the freezing compartment 30 is provided and the inside of the barrier 100 in which the evaporator 110 is provided are in communication with each other thereby allowing supply of cold air.

Meanwhile, the blowing unit 130 which is configured to include the motor 132, the blowing fan 134 and the shroud 136 is accommodated in the blowing unit accommodating part 220. Furthermore, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 is formed to be depressed greater than the evaporator accommodating part 210 and the cold air passage 230.

In order words, since the blowing unit accommodating part 220 is relatively depressed greater than the evaporator accommodating part 210, the thickness of the heat insulator 300 corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part 210 relatively becomes thinner. Accordingly, it is possible to secure a smooth flowing passage of cold air upon mounting of the blowing unit 130. Furthermore, the thickness of the heat insulator 300 corresponding to the blowing unit accommodating part 220 is relatively thin, but the heat insulation of the blowing unit 130 having a temperature relatively higher than that of the evaporator 110 is sufficiently possible.

Meanwhile, the depression part 200 is shielded by the barrier cover 400. The barrier cover 400 is formed to have a plate shape, and shields the depression part 200 to form a part of the side surface of the barrier 100, that is, a part of the wall of the inside of the freezing compartment 30. Furthermore, the fixation of the evaporator 110 and the formation of the cold air passage are possible by the mounting of the barrier cover 400.

In addition, the side surface of the barrier 100 opposite to the surface on which the barrier cover 400 is mounted is also formed to have a plane shape without protruding into the outside, thereby forming a part of the wall of the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40. Accordingly, the both side surfaces of the barrier 100 all may be formed to have a plane shape.

Meanwhile, the condensation prevention part 600 to prevent condensation from occurring on the surface of the barrier 100 may be formed in the side surface of the barrier which defines the side surface of the refrigerating compartment.

The condensation prevention part 600 will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 21 is a partial plan view enlarging a condensation prevention part according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 21, the condensation prevention part 600 is formed in the barrier 100 which defines the side surface of the refrigerating compartment 40. The condensation prevention part 600 may be formed to include a plurality of grooves which is formed to be depressed and may be formed in a location corresponding to the blowing unit accommodating part 220.

Specifically, the condensation prevention part 600 may be configured to include partition parts 601 continuously protruding at uniform intervals in horizontal and vertical directions and heat insulating grooves 602 defined by the partition parts 601. Accordingly, the heat insulating grooves 602 are formed to have a groove shape having a rectangular cross section The condensation prevention part 600 may be configured such that the heat insulating grooves 602 are arranged continuously in a grid shape in horizontal and vertical directions.

Furthermore, the condensation prevention part 600 may be formed in the casing 150 which defines the barrier 100. That is, the condensation prevention part 600 may be formed by a plurality of heat insulating grooves 602 which is depressed in the casing 150. Furthermore, the condensation prevention part 600 may be formed by a plurality of partition parts 601 which protrudes the surface of the casing 150.

The condensation prevention part 600 may be formed in a location corresponding to the blowing unit accommodating part 220 at which the thickness of the heat insulator 300 is relatively thin on the barrier 100. The location corresponding to the blowing unit accommodating part 220, at which the thickness of the heat insulator 300 is thin, is adjacent to the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40 and, therefore, may be a portion at which a possibility that condensation occurs is high.

Meanwhile, the heat insulating grooves 602 are formed such that a ratio of the width and depth of theirs opened inlets is about less than 6:1. That is, when the ratio of the width and depth of inlets is too large, re-circulation of air in the inside of the heat insulating grooves 602 may not occur, so that the heat insulating grooves 602 may be formed in a size to allow re-circulation of air to occur in the inside of the heat insulating grooves 602.

For example, the horizontal and vertical widths of the inlet of the heat insulating groove 602 may be set to about 5 mm, and the depth of the heat insulating groove 602, that is, the height of the partition part 601 is set to about 2.5 mm. In this case, the ratio of the width and depth of the inlet of the heat insulating groove 602 is about 2:1, and re-circulation of air can occur in the inside of the heat insulating grooves 602.

The height of the partition part 601 may be variously set, but, when it is set to about more than 10 mm, not only the appearance thereof is not good, but also storage of foods in the refrigerator may be also influenced. Accordingly, the height of the partition part 601 is appropriately set to about less than 10 mm and, when the size of the inlet of the heat insulating groove 602 is considered, may be set to more than 1 mm.

Meanwhile, the condensation prevention part 600 may be formed in various groove shapes and the inlet of the heat insulating groove 602 may be formed in various shapes, such as polygon, circle, oval shapes or the like which allow re-circulation of air to occur in addition to a rectangular shape.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the flow state of cold air within the barrier viewed from the refrigerating compartment.

Referring to the drawing, cold air is generated by the operation of the freezing cycle in the evaporator 110.

In order for supply of the cold air into the refrigerating compartment 40 and the freezing compartment 30, the blowing fan 134 is operated by the operation of the motor 132. Due to the operation of the blowing fan 134, the cold air of the freezing compartment 30 and the refrigerating compartment 40 introduced through the cover inlet 422 and the cold air inlet is heat-exchanged by the evaporator 110 to be more cold state, and is then moved upward according to the operation of the blowing fan 134.

The cold air moving upward from the evaporator accommodating part 210 is moved into inside the blowing unit accommodating part 220 along the coupling part 240, is then introduced into the orifice of the shroud 136 by the guide of the cold air guide part.

The cold air introduced into the shroud 136 is discharged into the outlet of the shroud 136 to be guided to the cold air passage 230. The cold air guided to the cold air passage 230 is supplied to the freezing compartment 30 through the cover outlet 412 formed on the barrier cover 400.

In this case, a plurality of cover outlets 412 is formed in a vertical direction, and the cold air is discharged evenly throughout the inside of the freezing compartment 30 through the cover outlets 412. The discharged cold air cools the inside of the freezing compartment 30, and the cold air within the freezing compartment 30 is again introduced through the cover inlet 422 and is circulated while the blowing fan 134 is operated.

Furthermore, the cold air guided through the cold air passage 230 is supplied up to the cold air distribution device 140 on the upper end of the cold air passage 230. The cold air distribution device 140 is opened when it is intended that the cold air is supplied to the refrigerating compartment 40. Accordingly, the cold air is discharged into the cold air outlet and the outlet grill 234 through the cold air distribution device 140.

The cold air supplied into inside the refrigerating compartment 40 through the outlet grill 234 cools the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40, and the cold air of the refrigerating compartment 40 is again introduced through the cold air inlet and the grill inlet 214 and is circulated while the blowing fan is operated.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing simulation for air flow of the condensation prevention part. Furthermore, FIG. 24 is a diagram showing simulation for heat distribution of the condensation prevention part.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the cold air discharged from the outlet grill 234 is introduced into the inlet grill 214 in the refrigerating compartment 40 to be circulated in the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40.

Some of cold air that is circulated in the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40 is moved along the wall surface of the barrier 100. In this case, the cold air moving along the barrier 100 is separated from the condensation prevention part 600.

Specifically, the air passing through the condensation prevention part 600 is separated from the inlet of the heat insulating groove 602 of the condensation prevention part 600, and a part thereof is moved into the inside of the heat insulating groove 602. As described above, some of cold air separated from the inlet of the heat insulating groove 602 moves in a direction of progress and passes the heat insulating groove 602 by, and the rest thereof is introduced into the inside of the heat insulating groove 602.

The cold air introduced into the inside of the heat insulating groove 602 is moved along the wall surface of the inside of the heat insulating groove 602. That is, the cold air is moved from the inlet of the heat insulating groove 602 sequentially into the side wall, bottom and opposite side wall thereof.

Furthermore, when the cold air that is moved in the inside of the heat insulator groove 602 again reaches the inlet of the heat insulating groove 602, the cold air is prevented from being moved out thereof by the cold air passing the heat insulating groove 602 by, and is then moved into the inside of the heat insulating groove 602, thereby being circulated in the inside of the heat insulating groove 602.

As described above, re-circulation of the introduced cold air occurs in the inside of the heat insulating groove 602. Accordingly, an air layer is formed at the depth of the heat insulating groove 602 in the condensation prevention part 600. Furthermore, re-circulation of the cold air occurs in the insides of all of the plurality of heat insulating groove 602 formed in the condensation prevention part 600, so that a heat insulating layer to block heat-exchange is formed in the condensation prevention part 600.

Specifically, an air layer is formed between the surface of the barrier 100 and the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40 by the cold air which is re-circulated in the heat insulating grooves 602. Furthermore, the air within the refrigerating compartment 40 is not directly heat-exchanged with the surface of the barrier 100 by the air layer.

That is, the heat delivery rate of the surface of the barrier 100 is lowered by preventing the mixing between the surface temperature of the bather 100 and the air of the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40. Accordingly, condensation does not occur in the surface of the barrier 100 even in the location corresponding to the blowing unit accommodating part 220 at which the thickness of the heat insulator 300 is relatively thin.

Meanwhile, the condensation prevention part may be formed at various locations in addition to the above-described location.

FIGS. 25 to 27 are diagrams showing various arrangement states for the condensation prevention part.

Referring to FIG. 25, in this embodiment, the condensation prevention part is formed in the evaporator accommodating part, the blowing unit accommodating part and the cold air passage.

Specifically, the evaporator accommodating part 210 in which the evaporator 110 is accommodated, the blowing unit accommodating part 200 in which the blowing unit 130 is accommodated and the cold air passage 230 in which the flowing passage of the cold air is formed in the barrier 100.

Furthermore, the cold air inlet and the inlet grill 214 through which the cold air of the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40 is sucked is formed in the evaporator accommodating part 210, and the cold air outlet and the outlet grill 234 through which the cold air is discharged into the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40 is formed in the passage part 230.

Furthermore, the condensation prevention part 610 is formed in the side surface of the barrier 100 which defines the side surface of the refrigerating compartment 40. The condensation prevention part 610 may be formed to be depressed in the casing 150 which defines the barrier 100. Furthermore, the condensation prevention part 610 may be formed to have shapes corresponding to locations corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part 210, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230.

The condensation prevention part 610 is extended in horizontal and vertical directions and may be configured to include a number of partition parts 611 which are formed to protrude at uniform intervals and the heat insulating grooves 612 which are defined by the partition parts 611. The condensation prevention part 610 is formed to have a shape identical to that of the condensation prevention part 600 of the above-described embodiment except the formation locations thereof, the detail description of which is omitted.

The condensation prevention part 610 is may be formed in any one or two of the evaporator accommodating part 210, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230 if needed.

Referring to FIG. 26, a separately formed condensation prevention plate is mounted in the barrier corresponding to the blowing unit accommodating part.

Specifically, the evaporator accommodating part 210 in which the evaporator 110 is accommodated, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 in which the blowing unit 130 is accommodated and the cold air passage 230 in which the flowing passage of the cold air is formed in the barrier 100.

Furthermore, the cold air inlet and the inlet grill 214 through which the cold air of the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40 is sucked is formed in the evaporator accommodating part 210, and the cold air outlet and the outlet grill 234 through which the cold air is discharged into the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40 is formed in the clod air passage 230.

The condensation prevention plate 620 is mounted in a part that defines the side surface of the refrigerating compartment 40 among the side surfaces of the barrier 100. The condensation prevention plate 620 is formed to cover a location corresponding to the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and is mounted to be fixed to the barrier 100.

In this case, the condensation prevention plate 620 may be formed to have a size corresponding to the horizontal width of the barrier 100 and the vertical width of the blowing unit accommodating part 220. Furthermore, if needed, the condensation prevention plate 620 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the blowing unit accommodating part 220.

Meanwhile, the condensation prevention plate 620 may made of a plastic material, and the condensation prevention part 621 may be formed on the surface of the condensation prevention plate 620. The condensation prevention part 621 is extended in horizontal and vertical directions and may be configured to include a number of partition parts 622 which are formed to protrude at uniform intervals and the heat insulating grooves 623 which are defined by the partition parts 622. The condensation prevention part 621 is formed to have a shape identical to that of the condensation prevention part 600 of the above-described embodiment except the formation locations thereof, the detail description of which is omitted.

Furthermore, a plate mounting portion 160 in which the condensation prevention plate 620 is mounted is formed to be depressed in the barrier 100. The plate mounting portion 160 may be allow the end of the condensation prevention part 621 to be located on the same plane as that of the side surface of the barrier 100 not to protrude into the outside upon the mounting of the condensation prevention plate 620.

Referring to FIG. 27, the condensation prevention plate is mounted in locations corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part, the blowing unit accommodating part and the cold air passage.

Specifically, the evaporator accommodating part 210 in which the evaporator 110 is accommodated, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 in which the blowing unit 130 is accommodated and the cold air passage 230 in which the flowing passage of the cold air is formed in the barrier 100.

Furthermore, the cold air inlet and the inlet grill 214 through which the cold air of the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40 is sucked is formed in the evaporator accommodating part 210, and the cold air outlet and the outlet grill 234 through which the cold air is discharged into the inside of the refrigerating compartment 40 is formed in the cold air passage 230.

The condensation prevention plate 630 is mounted in a part that defines the side surface of the refrigerating compartment 40 among the side surfaces of the barrier 100. The condensation prevention plate 630 may be mounted in the locations corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part 210 at which the thickness of the heat insulator 300 is relatively thin, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230

The condensation prevention plate 630 may be made of a plastic material and may be respectively formed to have shapes corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part 210, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230.

The condensation prevention plate 630 may be made of one member to cover regions corresponding to the evaporator accommodating part 210, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 and the cold air passage 230, or may be separately made of respective members and mounted in the barrier 100.

Furthermore, the condensation prevention part 631 may be formed on the surface of the condensation prevention plate 630. The condensation prevention part 631 may be configured to include a number of partition parts 632 which are extended in horizontal and vertical directions and formed to protrude at uniform intervals and the heat insulating grooves 633 which are defined by the partition parts 632. The condensation prevention part 631 is formed to have a shape identical to that of the condensation prevention part 600 of the above-described embodiment except the formation locations thereof, the detail description of which is omitted.

Furthermore, a plate mounting portion 170, in which the condensation prevention plate 630 is mounted, is formed to be depressed in the barrier 100. The plate mounting portion 170 may be allow the end of the condensation prevention part 631 to be located on the same plane as that of the side surface of the barrier 100 not to protrude into the outside upon the mounting of the condensation prevention plate 630.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of a barrier according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the coupling of a refrigerant pipe according to the embodiment. FIG. 30 is a front view showing the shape of the depression part of the barrier according to this embodiment. FIG. 31 is a perspective view taken along line 31-31′ of FIG. 30.

In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, same structures as the structures of the first embodiment as described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and therefore, the detailed description of the corresponding structures will be omitted.

A defrost water discharge part is provided in the barrier according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention to allow defrost water to be smoothly discharged from the inside of the barrier to the outside thereof.

Furthermore, a guide part to guide the refrigerant pipe and a power line to the outside of the barrier is provided in the barrier according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 28 to 31, the barrier 100 is formed to be elongated up and down inside the cabinet 10, and an evaporator 110 and a blowing unit 130 are mounted therein.

The external shape of the barrier 100 is formed by a casing 150 defining the internal spaces of the refrigerating compartment 40 and the refrigerating compartment 30 and foaming liquid is filled within the casing 150 to form the heat insulator 300. The heat insulator 300 is filled evenly throughout the internal space of the barrier 100.

Meanwhile, the depression part 200 that is depressed in the freezing compartment 30 is formed in the barrier 100. The depression part 200 is formed to be depressed on the one side surface of the barrier 100 and is formed to be opened toward the freezing compartment 30. Furthermore, the depression part 200 provides a space in which the evaporator 110 and the blowing unit 130 which will be described below are accommodated.

The depression part 200 may be configured to include an evaporator accommodating part 210 in which the evaporator 110 for generation of cold air is accommodated, a blowing unit accommodating part 220 which accommodates the blowing unit 130 for circulation of cold air, and a cold air flow part 230 which supplies the cold air generated by the evaporator 110 to the refrigerating compartment 40 and the freezing compartment 30.

The evaporator 110 is configured such that the refrigerant pipe 112 is arranged along the upward and downward extension of a same line so as to be accommodated in the inside of the evaporator accommodating part 210. If required, a heat-exchanger employing multi-flow channels in which headers are provided in the both left and right sides thereof and a refrigerant pipe that forms the flow passage of refrigerant between the headers is provided may be used.

Furthermore, a heating member 115 is provided on the lower side of the evaporator 110. The heating member 115 is a heater that is heated upon defrosting and is configured to remove frost generated in the inside of the evaporator 110 and the evaporator accommodating part 210.

The heating member 115 may be fixed to an evaporator bracket 114 to which the evaporator 110 is mounted to be fixed, along with the evaporator 110. Furthermore, the heating member 115 is disposed on the lower side of the evaporator 110 to be accommodated in the lower part of the evaporator accommodating part 210.

Furthermore, a cold air inlet 212 and an inlet grill 214 are formed in the lower part of the evaporator accommodating part 210. The cold air inlet 212 is a passage through which the cold air within the refrigerating compartment 40 is introduced and may be formed on rear side of the evaporator accommodating part 210.

Meanwhile, a defrost water discharge part 270, which is formed such that the depression part 200 and the machine room 50 are in communication with each other, is formed at the lower end of the evaporator accommodating part 210. The defrost water discharge part 270 allows defrost water generated upon defrosting to be discharged into the machine room 50.

The defrost water discharge part 270 is formed to be depressed in the side surface of the barrier 100 for the freezing compartment 30. A discharge pipe 272 that is extended from the inside of the depression part 200 to the water collecting unit of the machine room 50 may be further provided in the inside of the depression of the defrost water discharge part 270.

The discharge pipe 272 may be configured to be opened when the defrosting is performed and to be closed when the defrosting is finished. Furthermore, the discharge pipe may be structured such that the defrost water is discharged and the cold air within the depression part 200 is not discharged.

A discharge part cover 274 is further provided in the defrost water discharge part 270. The discharge part cover 274 is to shield a part of the defrost water discharge part 270 related to the opened freezing compartment 30, and is formed such that an opened surface is only shielded and the passage therein is maintained. Furthermore, the discharge part cover 274 is mode of a heat insulating material to prevent the defrost water within the defrost water discharge part 270 from being frozen.

Meanwhile, the defrost water discharge part 270 may be formed in a pipe shape such that the depression part 200 and the machine room 50 is in communication with each other in the inside of the barrier 100. In this case, the defrost water discharge part 270 may be molded before foaming liquid is inserted into the inside of the barrier 100.

A defrost water guide part 260 may be formed at the lower end of the depression part 200 so as to allow the defrost water generated upon defrosting to be easily discharged. The defrost water guide part 260 is formed to be tilted toward the defrost water discharge part 270 and, at the same time, to define the lower surface of the depression part 200. Accordingly, the defrost water generated upon defrosting may be guided into the defrost water discharge part 270 along the defrost water guide part 260.

Furthermore, the drain fan 120 may be provided in the lower part of the depression part 200. The drain fan 120 may be made of a plastic or metal material and is formed to guide the defrost water generated in the inside of the depression part 200 into the defrost water discharge part 270. The drain fan 120 may be configured to include a water collecting part 122 to collect defrost water and a coupling part 124 coupled to the defrost water discharge part 270.

Specifically, the water collecting part 122 is mounted at the lower end of the depression part 200 and is formed to have a width identical to the horizontal width of the depression part 200. That is, the water collecting part 122 is formed in a size corresponding to the lower part of the depression part 200 to be tightly contacted with the depression part 200 upon the mounting of the drain fan 120.

Furthermore, the water collecting part 122 is formed such that the upper surface thereof is opened, and is formed to have a predetermined height. In addition, the lower surface of the water collecting part 122 is formed to be tilted downwardly to allow collected water to flow downward.

The coupling part 124 is formed to have a pipe shape at the lower end of the water collecting part 122. Accordingly, the water moving along the tilted surface of the water collecting part 122 is introduced into the coupling part 124. The coupling part 124 is disposed at a location corresponding to the defrost water discharge part 270 and is coupled to the defrost water discharge part 270. Accordingly, water introduced into the coupling part 124 can by discharged into the water collecting unit within the machine room 50 through the defrost water discharge part 270.

Meanwhile, for the configuration of the freezing cycle, the refrigerant pipe 116 of the evaporator 110 is coupled to a compressor 52 and a depressor 54, and a refrigerant pipe guide part 280 to guide the refrigerant pipe 116 that couples the compressor 52 to the depressor 54 which are provided inside the machine room 50 is formed in the lower surface of the depression part 200.

The refrigerant pipe guide part 280 may be formed in the lower surface of the depression part 200 corresponding to the upper surface of the machine room 50. Accordingly, the refrigerant pipe guide part 280 is formed to be extended from the depression part 200 to the machine room 50 to allow the refrigerant pipe 116 to be coupled to the compressor 52 to the depressor 54 at a shortest distance.

the refrigerant pipe guide part 280 is formed to be depressed in the barrier 100 for the freezing compartment 30 such that the refrigerant pipe 116 is accommodated therein. Furthermore, the opened surface of the refrigerant pipe 116 is shielded by a refrigerant pipe guide part cover 282. The refrigerant pipe guide part cover 282 is made of a heat insulating material such that the cold air within the depression part 200 is not leaked out.

The refrigerant pipe guide part 280 may be mounted not to be interference with the drain fan 120 formed in the lower part of the depression part 200. For example, the refrigerant pipe guide part 280 may be formed to be extended to the machine room 50 through the side surface not lower surface of the depression part 200 or may be formed to be extended from a corner between the lower surface and side surface of the depression 200.

Furthermore, the refrigerant pipe guide part 280 may be formed to be opened toward the machine room 50 in the lower surface or lower surface of the depression part 200. Therefore, upon the mounting of the evaporator 110, the refrigerant pipe 116 is allowed to pass through the refrigerant pipe guide part 280 to be coupled to the evaporator 110, and then foaming liquid is inserted into the inside of the barrier 100, thereby fixing the refrigerant pipe.

Furthermore, the power line 160 which is coupled to the electric parts, such as the motor 132, the distribution device 140, the heating member 115, and the like, provided in the depression part 200 is guided into the inside of the machine room 50 through the refrigerant pipe guide part 280 to be coupled to the control unit 60 for controlling these electric parts.

Meanwhile, a power line guide part 290 to guide the power line 160 of the electric parts is formed in the side surface of the depression part 200. The power line guide part 290 is formed in the side surface of the depression part 200 adjacent to the rear surface of the cabinet 10 and may be formed to be extended to the rear surface of the cabinet 10 in which the control unit 60 is located.

The power line guide part 290 is formed to be depressed in the barrier 100 for the freezing compartment 30. Furthermore, the power line 160 that is coupled to the electric parts is accommodated in the inside of the power line guide part 290 to be guided to be coupled to the control unit 60.

Furthermore, a power line guide part cover 292 is provided in the power line guide part 290 to shield the opened surface of the power line guide part 290. The power line guide part cover 292 is made of a heat insulating material to prevent the cold air of the depression part 200 to be leaked out.

Of cause, the power line guide part 290 is formed such that the depression part 200 at a location corresponding to the control unit 60 is opened, so that the power line 160 may be coupled to the control unit through the power line guide part 290.

In this case, the power line 160 of the electric parts is guided through the power line guide part 290 to be coupled to the control unit 60 or is separated from the control unit 60 and thereafter is fixed by inserting foaming liquid into the inside of the barrier 100.

The power line guide part 290 is preferably located at the shortest distance between the control unit 60 and the electric parts. Therefore, the power line guide part 290 may be formed in the upper part of the evaporator accommodating part 210 in consideration of the location of the control unit 60.

Meanwhile, the blowing unit accommodating part 220 is formed on the upper side of the evaporator accommodating part 210. The blowing unit accommodating part 220 provides a space in which the blowing unit 130 is accommodated. In addition, the blowing unit 130 disposed on the blowing unit accommodating part 220 may be configured to include a motor 132, a blowing fan 134 and a shroud 136.

Meanwhile, the depression part 200 is shielded by the barrier cover 400. The barrier cover 400 shields the depression part 200 to form a part of the side surface of the barrier 100, that is, a part of the wall of the inside of the freezing compartment 30. Furthermore, the cover inlet 422 is formed in the lower part of the barrier cover 400 and a plurality of cover outlets 412 is formed in the upper part of the barrier cover 400.

A assembly process for the barrier is described below.

For the assembly of barrier 100, first, in the molded casing 150, the evaporator 110 is mounted in the evaporator accommodating part 210. Upon the mounting of the evaporator 110, the refrigerant pipe 116 for the evaporator is guided into the machine room 50 through the refrigerant pipe guide part 280. The refrigerant pipe 116 exposed to the machine room 50 is coupled to the refrigerant pipe 116 extended from the compressor 52 and the depressor 54 by welding.

Furthermore, upon the mounting of the evaporator 110, the heating member 115 that is fixed to the evaporator bracket 114 is fixed along therewith. Furthermore, the blowing unit 130 including the motor 132 is mounted to fixed to the blowing unit accommodating part 220. The distribution device 140 is mounted at the upper end if the cold air flow part 230.

The power line 160 is coupled to the electric parts, such as the motor 132, the heating member 115 and the distribution device 140, and the power line 160 is guided from the depression part 200 to the rear surface of the cabinet 10 through the power line guide part 290. The power line 160 guided to the rear surface of the cabinet 10 is coupled to the control unit 60 to allow the operation and control of the electric parts, such as the motor 132, the heating member 115 and the distribution device 140.

After the handling for the refrigerant pipe 116 and the power line 160 has been completed, the heat insulator 300 is formed in the inside of the barrier 100 by inserting foaming liquid into the inside of the casing 150. When the formation of the heat insulator 300 is finished, the barrier cover 400 is mounted to shield the depression part 200, thereby terminating the assembly of the barrier 100.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:

a cabinet configured to define a storage space;

a barrier configured to divide the storage space into a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment and having an heat insulator therein;

a depression part formed to be depressed in the barrier for the freezing compartment and configured to accommodate an evaporator and a blowing unit; and

a barrier cover configured to shield the depression part for the freezing compartment,

wherein the depression part includes

an evaporator accommodating part configured to accommodate the evaporator, and

a blowing unit accommodating part formed to be stepped on a upper side of the evaporator accommodating part and configured to accommodate the blowing unit.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the heat insulator is foamed and filled therein to be filled in a whole inside of the barrier including a part corresponding to the depression part.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the blowing unit accommodating part is formed to be depressed greater than the evaporator accommodating part.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the heat insulator is formed such that a part of the heat insulator for the blowing unit accommodating part is thicker than a part of the heat insulator for the evaporator accommodating part.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the blowing unit includes a centrifugal fan for introducing air from a rotational center in a radial direction.

6. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the depression part further includes a coupling part formed therein and configured to couple the evaporator accommodating part and the blowing unit accommodating part to be tilted.

7. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein

the evaporator is disposed in a center of the barrier to be adjacent to the freezing compartment.

8. A refrigerator comprising:

a cabinet configured to define a storage space;

a barrier configured to divide the storage space into two spaces and to form one side planes of the respective divided spaces

a depression part formed to be depressed in the barrier and configured to accommodate an evaporator and a blowing unit; and

a barrier cover configured to shield the depression part,

wherein the depression part includes

an evaporator accommodating part configured to accommodate the evaporator,

a blowing unit accommodating part formed to be depressed greater than the evaporator accommodating part on the upper side of the evaporator accommodating part and configured to accommodate the blowing unit, and

a cold air passage formed in a upper side of the blowing unit accommodating part and configured to guide cold air to the storage space.

9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein a heat insulator is foamed and filled within the whole barrier including a part corresponding to the depression part.

10. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein in both side surfaces of the blowing unit accommodating part, cold air guide part formed to be rounded and configured to guide cold air of the evaporator to the cold air passage are further formed.

11. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the blowing unit accommodating part is formed to become narrow from a lower part to upper part thereof.

12. The refrigerator of claim 1 wherein the cold air passage is formed to have a width corresponding to an opened width of an upper end of the blowing unit accommodating part.

13. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the cold air passage includes a cold air outlet formed to be bored through the barrier to discharge cold air to the storage space at an upper end of the cold air passage.

14. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the blowing unit accommodating part is formed to be depressed greater than the cold air passage.