DUCT AND REFRIGERATOR INCLUDING SAME

Abstract

This refrigerator including a main body having a storage chamber, an evaporator provided to generate cold air; and a duct provided to guide the cold air generated by the evaporator to the storage chamber. The duct may comprise a cover, an insulating member, and a fixer to fix the cover and the insulating member. The fixer may comprise a deformation-preventing rib to prevent a part of the cover from being elastically deformed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application is a continuation application, under 35 U.S.C. § 111(a), of international application No. PCT/KR2023/021430, filed Dec. 22, 2023, which claims priority under 35 U. S. C. § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0032862, filed Mar. 13, 2023, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a duct and a refrigerator including the same.

BACKGROUND ART

A refrigerator is a device that is composed of a main body including a storage compartment, and a cold air supply system configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment so as to keep food fresh. The storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment in which food is kept refrigerated by maintaining the temperature at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius, and a freezing compartment in which food is kept frozen by maintaining the temperature at approximately-30 to 0 degrees Celsius.

The refrigerator may cool the storage compartment by using a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated.

The refrigerators may be classified according to the shape of the storage compartment and the door. For example, the refrigerators may be classified into Top Mounted Freezer (TMF) type refrigerators in which a freezing compartment is formed on the top and a refrigerating compartment is formed on the bottom, Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF) type refrigerators in which the refrigerating compartment is formed on the top and the freezing compartment is formed on the bottom, and Side By Side (SBS) type refrigerators in which the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment are arranged side by side in the left and right directions.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The present disclosure is directed to providing an improved duct and a refrigerator including the same.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing a duct including a structure for preventing components from being disassembled, and a refrigerator including the same.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing a duct having improved sealing properties and a refrigerator including the same.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing a duct capable of being assembled without a screw and a refrigerator including the same.

Further, the present disclosure is directed to providing a duct with improved assembling ability and productivity and a refrigerator including the same.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

Technical Solution

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including: a main body including a storage compartment; an evaporator configured to generate cold air; and a duct provided to guide the cold air generated in the evaporator to the storage compartment. The duct includes a cover. The cover includes: a cover body; and a cover protrusion. The cover body is arranged to face the storage compartment. The cover protrusion includes: a first protrusion protruding from the cover body; and a second protrusion protruding from the cover body and spaced apart from the first protrusion. The duct includes an insulating member. The insulating member includes a receiving hole provided to receive the cover protrusion of the cover. The duct includes a fixer to fix the cover and the insulating member. The fixer includes a locking portion couplable to the cover protrusion received in the receiving hole. The fixer includes a deformation preventing rib to be disposed a gap between the first protrusion and the second protrusion so as to maintain the gap between the first protrusion and the second protrusion while the cover protrusion and the locking portion are coupled to each other.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a duct including: a first frame; a second frame to be disposed on one side of the first frame; and a fixer configured to fix the first frame and the second frame. The first frame includes: a first frame body; and a coupling protrusion extending along a first direction from the first frame body. The second frame includes: a second frame body; and a receiving hole formed along the second frame body to receive the coupling protrusion. The receiving hole includes: a first hole portion; a second hole portion formed on one side of the first hole portion; and a stepped portion formed between the first hole portion and the second hole portion. The fixer is provided to press the stepped portion by being inserted into the second hole portion along a second direction opposite to the first direction, so as to allow the first frame body and the second frame body to be in close contact with each other.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an example of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a duct according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 3 when viewed from another direction.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 6 when viewed from another direction according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of an example of the duct according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a state before a fixer according to one embodiment is assembled to a frame.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state before the fixer according to one embodiment is assembled to the frame.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ illustrated in FIG. 8 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ illustrated in FIG. 8 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a state of pressing a coupling portion in an example of the duct according to one embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 13 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a state of pressing a deformation preventing rib in an example of the duct according to one embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a state of pressing the coupling portion in an example of the duct illustrated in FIG. 15 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 16 according to one embodiment.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

In connection with the explanation of the drawings, like reference numbers may be used for like or related components.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of items, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise.

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

The term “and/or” includes any combination of a plurality of related components or any one of a plurality of related components.

Terms such as “first,” “second,” “primary,” and “secondary” may simply be used to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order).

When a certain (e.g., first) component is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or via a third component.

The terms “comprises” and “has” are intended to indicate that there are features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the present disclosure, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

When any component is referred to as being “connected”, “coupled”, “supported” or “in contact” with another component, this includes a case in which the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other through a third component as well as directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact with each other.

When any component is referred to as being located “on” or “above” another component, this includes not only a case in which any component is in contact with another component but also a case in which another component is present between the two components.

Meanwhile, in the following description, terms such as “front and rear direction,” “front,” “rear,” “left and right direction,” “left,” “right,” “up and down direction,” “upper,” and “lower” are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of the respective components are not limited by these terms.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment may include a main body.

The “main body” may include an inner case, an outer case disposed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulator provided between the inner case and the outer case.

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

The “insulator” may insulate the inside and outside of the storage compartment so that a temperature inside the storage compartment may be maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by an external environment of the storage compartment. According to an embodiment, the insulator may include a foam insulator such as polyurethane foam. A foam insulator may be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam mixed with polyurethane and foaming agent between the inner case and the outer case.

According to an embodiment, the insulator may further include a vacuum insulator in addition to the foam insulator, or may be configured as only the vacuum insulator instead of the foam insulator. The vacuum insulator may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the inside thereof with a vacuum or a pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulator is not limited to the foam insulator or vacuum insulator described above and may include various materials that may be used for insulation.

The “storage compartment” may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include an inner case defining a space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and may be formed such that at least one side thereof is open to allow items to be put in and to be taken out.

The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different uses and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, the respective storage compartments may be partitioned from each other by partitions including the insulators.

The storage compartment may be provided to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the use, and may include a “refrigerating chamber,” a “freezing chamber,” or a “variable temperature chamber” depending on the use and/or temperature range. The refrigerating chamber may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for storing items in a refrigerated state, and the freezing chamber may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for storing items in a frozen state. “Refrigerating” may refer to cooling items to the point where the items are not frozen, and as an example, the refrigerating chamber may be maintained in a temperature ranging from zero degree Celsius to seven degrees Celsius. “Freezing” may refer to cooling items such that the items are freezing or maintained in a frozen state, as an example, the freezing chamber may be maintained at a temperature ranging from minus twenty degrees Celsius to minus one degree Celsius. The variable temperature chamber may be used as any one of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber, depending on a selection of a user or regardless of the selection of the user.

In addition to names such as “refrigerating chamber,” “freezing chamber,” and “variable temperature chamber,” the storage compartment may be referred to as various names such as “vegetable chamber,” “fresh chamber,” “cooling chamber,” and “ice making chamber,” terms such as “refrigerating chamber,” “freezing chamber,” and “variable temperature chamber” used below should be understood to encompass storage compartments with corresponding uses and temperature ranges, respectively.

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

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

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

Edges of the door inner plate may be provided with a gasket sealing the storage compartment by coming into close contact with the front side of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner plate may include a dyke protruding rearward so that a door basket for storing items is mounted.

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

Refrigerators may be classified into a French door type, a side-by-side type, a bottom mounted freezer (BMF) type, a top mounted freezer (TMF) type, and a one-door refrigerator type depending on the arrangement of doors and storage compartments.

According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply system configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

The “cold air supply device” may include a machine, mechanism, electronic device, and/or a system combining them capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage compartment.

According to an embodiment, the cold air supply system may generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply system may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to an embodiment, the cold air supply system may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply system are disposed.

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

According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and/or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door such that the user may access the door without opening the door.

According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice making device provided to produce ice. The ice making device may include an ice making tray provided to store water, an ice moving device provided to separate the ice from the ice making tray, and an ice bucket provided to store the ice produced in the ice making tray.

According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a controller configured to control the refrigerator.

The “controller” may include memory provided to store or remember programs and/or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor provided to output a control signal for controlling the cold air supply system and the like according to the programs and/or data stored in the memory.

The memory stores or records a variety of information, data, commands, programs, and the like required for operations of the refrigerator. The memory may remember temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing the programs stored in the memory. The processor may include a separate NPU to perform operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processor, a graphics processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal for controlling an operation of the cold air supply system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor, and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply system based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

Additionally, the processor may process user input of a user interface according to the programs and/or data memorized/stored in the memory and control an operation of the user interface. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive the user input from the user interface. The processor may also transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to the user input.

The processor and the memory may be provided integrally or may be provided separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memories.

According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory to control all the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories to individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory to control the operation of the cold air supply system depending on output of the temperature sensor. Also, the refrigerator may be separately equipped with a processor and memory to control the operation of the user interface according to user input.

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

The input interface may include a key, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive user input and transmit the user input to the processor.

The output interface may include a display, a speaker, and the like. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, a variety of information, and the like generated by the processor.

Hereinafter exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an example of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

An example of a refrigerator 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. However, a coupling structure of the present disclosure, which will be described later, may be applied to various home appliances. For example, the coupling structure of a duct 80 to be described later may be applied to various home appliances, such as a washing machine, a clothes care apparatus, a shoe care apparatus, an air conditioner, an air purifier, a humidifier, a cooking appliance, a dishwasher, a TV, and the like.

The refrigerator 1 may include a main body 10. The refrigerator 1 may include a storage compartment 20 provided inside the main body 10.

The main body 10 may form at least a portion of an appearance of the refrigerator 1. A front surface of the main body 10 may be open to allow a user to put food in and take the food out of the storage compartment 20. The main body 10 may include an opening. The opening of the main body 10 may be opened and closed by a door 30.

The main body 10 may include an outer case 50. The outer case 50 may form at least a portion of the appearance of the refrigerator 1. The outer case 50 may be provided on an outside of an inner case 60. The outer case 50 may be formed to have a shape of a box in which a substantially front surface is open. For example, the outer case 50 may form an upper surface, a lower surface, a left surface, a right surface, and a rear surface of the refrigerator 1.

For example, the outer case 50 may be provided to include a metal material. The outer case 50 may be manufactured by processing a steel plate material.

The main body 10 may include the inner case 60. The inner case 60 may be disposed on an inner side of the outer case 10. The inner case 60 may form a storage compartment 20. An internal space of the inner case 60 may be provided as the storage compartment 20. The inner case 60 may have a shape with an open front surface. The inner case 60 may be formed to have a shape of a box in which a substantially front surface is open.

The inner case 60 may be provided to include a plastic material. For example, the inner case 60 may be manufactured by a vacuum forming process. For example, the inner case 60 may be manufactured by an injection molding process.

The main body 10 may include a main body insulating material 55. The main body insulating material 55 may be disposed between the outer case 10 and the inner case 60. The main body insulating material 55 may be provided to allow the outer case 50 and the inner case 60 to be insulated from each other. The main body insulating material 55 may be foamed between the outer case 50 and the inner case 60 to couple the outer case 50 and the inner case 60 to each other. The main body insulating material 55 may prevent heat exchange between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the main body 10, thereby improving the cooling efficiency inside the storage compartment 20.

Urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS), and vacuum insulation panel may be used as the main body insulating material 55. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the main body insulating material 55 may include various materials.

The main body 10 may include the storage compartment 20. The storage compartment 20 may be formed by the inner case 60. The storage compartment 20 may be provided to store food or items.

The storage compartment 20 may be provided with at least one shelf 23 for storing food or items. The storage compartment 20 may be provided with a storage container 24 for storing fresh food and the like. For example, the storage container 24 may be disposed at a lower end of the storage compartment 20.

The storage compartment 20 may be divided into a plurality of sections by a partition wall 70. For example, the storage compartment 20 may be divided into a first storage compartment 21, and a second storage compartment 22 by the partition wall 70.

The main body 10 may include the first storage compartment 21 and the second storage compartment 22. The first storage compartment 21 may be disposed above the second storage compartment 22. The first storage compartment 21 and the second storage compartment 22 may be provided to have different temperatures. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first storage compartment 21 and the second storage compartment 22 may be provided to have the same temperature as needed.

For example, the first storage compartment 21 may be a freezing compartment 21, and the second storage compartment 22 may be a refrigerating compartment 22. However, this is merely exemplary, and the first storage compartment 21 may be provided as a refrigerating compartment, and the second storage compartment 22 may be provided as a freezing compartment. In the drawing, it is illustrated that the refrigerator 1 is a TMF type refrigerator 1 in which a freezing compartment 21 is provided at the top and a refrigerating compartment 22 is provided at the bottom, but is not limited thereto. The present disclosure is not limited to a TMF type refrigerator, and may be applied to various types of refrigerators, such as a SBS type refrigerator, a BMF type refrigerator, a French door refrigerator (FDR), and a four-door refrigerator.

In the following, for convenience of description, a case, in which the first storage compartment 21 is a freezing compartment 21 and the second storage compartment 22 is a refrigerating compartment 22, will be described as an example.

The refrigerator 1 may include the door 30. The door 30 may be configured to open and close the main body 10. The door 30 may be configured to open and close an opening of the main body 10. The door 30 may be configured to open and close the storage compartment 20. The door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10. For example, the door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 by a hinge 40 that is respectively connected to the door 30 and the main body 10.

The door 30 may include a freezing compartment door 31 for opening and closing the freezing compartment 21. The freezing compartment door 31 may be rotatably mounted to the main body 10. The freezing compartment door 31 may be hinge-coupled to the main body 10.

The door 30 may include a refrigerating compartment door 32 for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 22. The refrigerating compartment door 32 may be rotatably mounted to the main body 10. The refrigerating compartment door 32 may be hinge-coupled to the main body 10.

The door 30 may include a door gasket. The door gasket may be disposed on the inside of the door 30. The door gasket may seal a gap between the door 30 and the main body 10 to prevent cold air from leaking from the storage compartment 20. The door gasket may be provided to include an elastic material such as rubber. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the door gasket may include various materials to seal the gap between the door 30 and the main body 10.

For example, the door 30 may include a first door gasket 33 disposed on an inner side of the freezing compartment door 31 to prevent cold air from leaking out of the freezing compartment 21. For example, the door 30 may include a second door gasket 34 disposed on an inner side of the refrigerating compartment door 32 to prevent cold air from leaking out of the refrigerating compartment 22.

The door 30 may include a door basket. The door basket may be disposed on the inside of the door 30. The door basket may store food, items, and the like. The door basket may be referred to as a door pocket, a door guard, a door container, and the like.

For example, the door 30 may include a first door basket 35 disposed on the inside of the freezing compartment door 31. At least one or more first door baskets 35 may be provided. For example, the door 30 may include a second door basket 36 disposed on the inside of the refrigerating compartment door 32. At least one or more second door baskets 36 may be provided.

The door 30 may include a door insulating material 37. The door insulating material 37 may be disposed between the outer side of the door 30 and the inner side of the door 30. For example, a foam space may be formed between the outer side of the door 30 and the inner side of the door 30, and the door insulating material 37 may be foamed into the foam space. The door insulating material 37 may prevent heat exchange between the outer side and the inner side of the door 30. The door insulating material 37 may improve the insulation performance between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the door 30.

Urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS), and vacuum insulation panel may be used as the door insulating material 37. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the door insulating material 37 may include various materials to improve the insulation performance between the storage compartment 20 and the door 30.

For example, the door insulating material 37 may be composed of insulating material of the same material as the main body insulating material 55. Alternatively, the door insulating material 37 may be composed of insulating material of a different material from the main body insulating material 55.

For example, the door insulating material of the freezing compartment door 31 and the door insulating material of the refrigerating compartment door 32 may be formed of insulating material of the same material. Alternatively, the door insulating material of the freezing compartment door 31 and the door insulating material of the refrigerating compartment door 32 may be formed of insulating material of different materials.

The refrigerator 1 may include a cooling system that generates cold air using a refrigeration cycle and supplies the generated cold air to the storage compartment 20. The inside of the refrigerator 1 may be cooled by the refrigeration cycle and maintained at a low temperature.

For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a compressor 11. The refrigerator 1 may include a condenser (not shown). The refrigerator 1 may include an expansion valve (not shown). The refrigerator 1 may include an evaporator 12. The refrigerator 1 may include a fan 13.

A cooling room 16 may be provided in the main body 10. The evaporator 12 and the like may be provided in the cooling room 16. For example, the cooling room 16 may be formed between a cold air duct 80 to be described later, and the inner case 60. For example, the cooling room 16 may be formed between a rear surface 82 of the cold air duct 80 and a rear wall 65 of the inner case 60.

The evaporator 12 may evaporate a refrigerant to produce cold air. The evaporator 12 may be configured to exchange heat with air recovered from the storage compartment 20.

The fan 13 may generate a blowing force. The fan 13 may be configured to circulate cold air. The fan 13 may be provided to be received inside the duct 80. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and unlike the drawing, the fan 13 may be arranged in the cooling room 16 separately from the duct 80.

Cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may be moved by the fan 13. The cold air moved by the fan 13 may be supplied to the storage compartment 20. The fan 13 may be configured to draw in the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 and discharge the drawn cold air into a flow path 85 formed inside the duct 80.

A machine room 15 may be provided in the main body 10. The compressor 11, the condenser (not shown) and the like may be provided in the machine room 15.

The compressor 11 may compress the refrigerant. The condenser may condense the refrigerant.

In the cooling room 16, cold air may be generated by the evaporator 12 and thus a relatively low temperature state may be maintained. In contrast, in the machine room 15, heat may be generated by the compressor 11 and the condenser, and thus a relatively high temperature state may be maintained. Accordingly, the cooling room 16 and the machine room 15 may be formed in separate spaces and provided to be insulated from each other. For example, the main body insulating material 55 may be foamed between the cooling room 16 and the machine room 15.

The refrigerator 1 may include the partition wall 70. The partition wall 70 may be provided to partition the freezing compartment 21 and the refrigerating compartment 22. The partition wall 70 may be provided as a component of the main body 10. The partition wall 70 may include an insulating material to prevent heat exchange between the freezing compartment 21 and the refrigerating compartment 22.

For example, the partition wall 70 may form a flow path 71 for recovering cold air from the storage compartment 20. The flow path 71 may be provided to guide the recovered cold air to the cooling room 16. The flow path 71 may be provided to communicate with the storage compartment 20. The flow path 71 may be provided to communicate with the cooling room 16. In the drawing, it is illustrated that the partition wall 70 is provided to recover cold air from the freezing compartment 21, but is not limited thereto. For example, the partition wall 70 may be provided to recover cold air from the refrigerating compartment 22. For example, the partition wall 70 may be provided to recover cold air from each of the freezing compartment 21 and the refrigerating compartment 22.

The refrigerator 1 may include the duct 80. The duct 80 may form a flow path through which cold air flows. The duct 80 may be provided to guide cold air generated by the evaporator 12 to the storage compartment 20. The duct 80 may be provided to supply cold air generated by the evaporator 12 to the freezing compartment 21 and/or the refrigerating compartment 22.

For example, the duct 80 may be provided to form a rear surface of at least a portion of the storage compartment 20. For example, a front surface 81 of the duct 80 may be exposed toward the storage compartment 20.

For example, the duct 80 may include a freezing compartment duct 80a for guiding cold air generated by the evaporator 12 to the freezing compartment 21. A flow path 85 may be formed inside the freezing compartment duct 80a to allow cold air to flow. The freezing compartment duct 80a may include a cold air discharge port 83 for discharging cold air toward the freezing compartment 21.

For example, the freezing compartment duct 80a may be arranged at a rear side of the freezing compartment 21. For example, the freezing compartment duct 80a may be provided to form a rear surface of at least a portion of the freezing compartment 21.

For example, the duct 80 may include a refrigerating compartment duct 80b for guiding cold air generated by the evaporator 12 to the refrigerating compartment 22 through a duct 72. A flow path 86 may be formed inside the refrigerating compartment duct 80b to allow cold air to flow. The refrigerating compartment duct 80b may include a cold air discharge port 84 for discharging cold air toward the refrigerating compartment 22.

For example, the refrigerating compartment duct 80b may be arranged at the rear side of the refrigerating compartment 22. For example, the refrigerating compartment duct 80b may be provided to form a rear surface of at least a portion of the refrigerating compartment 22.

In the drawing, it is illustrated that the freezing compartment duct 80a and the refrigerating compartment duct 80b are separate configurations, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The freezing compartment duct 80a and the refrigerating compartment duct 80b may be provided as an integral configuration.

The refrigerator 1 may include a temperature control device 90. The temperature control device 90 may control an amount of cold air supplied to the storage compartment 20. The temperature control device 90 may control a ratio of cold air supplied to the freezing compartment 21 and cold air supplied to the refrigerating compartment 22. For example, the temperature control device 90 may be detachably installed in the cold air duct 80.

For example, the temperature control device 90 may include an opening and closing portion 91 configured to open and close a flow path formed inside the cold air duct 80. For example, the opening and closing portion 91 may adjust a degree of opening of the flow path 85 formed inside the freezing compartment duct 80a. For example, the opening and closing portion 91 may be configured to be slidable on the flow path 85. For example, the temperature control device 90 may include a handle 92 (refer to FIG. 3) that protrudes from the opening and closing portion 91 so as to be gripped. For example, a user can operate the opening and closing portion 91 while gripping the handle 92. For example, the handle 92 may protrude toward the storage compartment 20.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a duct according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 3 when viewed from another direction. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 6 when viewed from another direction.

An example of the duct 80 is described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. In the drawings, the freezing compartment duct 80a is illustrated, but is not limited thereto. In addition, a coupling structure of the present disclosure described below may be applied not only to the freezing compartment duct 80a but also to the refrigerating compartment duct 80b. In addition, the coupling structure of the present disclosure described below may be applied not only to the duct 80 of the refrigerator 1 but also to various products/components and the like.

The duct 80 may include a cover 100. The duct 80 may include an insulating member 200. The duct 80 may include a fixer 300. Hereinafter for convenience of description, a coupling structure of the cover 100 of the duct 80, the insulating member 200, and the fixer 300 will be described as an example. Therefore, it should be understood that the cover 100, the insulating member 200, and the like may be referred to differently depending on the product/component to which the coupling structure of the present disclosure is applied. For example, the cover 100 may be referred to as a first frame, and the insulating member 200 may be referred to as a second frame. For example, the cover 100 and the insulating member 200 may be referred to as a frame.

The cover 100 may be provided to cover at least a portion of the insulating member 200. For example, the cover 100 may be arranged in front of the insulating member 200. For example, the cover 100 may be provided to cover a front side of the insulating member 200.

The cover 100 may be detachably coupled to the insulating member 200. For example, the cover 100 may be detachably coupled to the front side of the insulating member 200.

The cover 100 may be arranged to face the storage compartment 20. The cover 100 may be provided to be exposed to the storage compartment 20. The cover 100 may be provided to form the rear surface of at least a portion of the storage compartment 20.

The cover 100 may include a cover body 110. The cover body 110 may form an overall appearance of the cover 100. The cover body 110 may be arranged to face the storage compartment 20. For example, the cover body 110 may have a substantially plate shape. For example, the cover body 110 may be referred to as a first frame body 110.

For example, the cover body 110 may be provided to communicate with the storage compartment 20. For example, the cover body 110 may include a cold air discharge port for discharging cold air into the storage compartment 20. For example, when the duct 80 is the freezing compartment duct 80a, the cover body 110 may include the cold air discharge port 83 for discharging cold air into the freezing compartment 21.

The cover 100 may include a cover protrusion 120. The cover protrusion 120 may protrude from the cover body 110. The cover protrusion 120 may protrude from the cover body 110 toward the insulating member 200. For example, the cover protrusion 120 may protrude from the cover body 110 in a first direction A. In the drawing, it is illustrated that the first direction A corresponds to the rear (−X direction), but is not limited thereto. For example, the cover protrusion 120 may be referred to as a coupling protrusion 120.

The cover protrusion 120 may correspond to a receiving hole 220 of the insulating member 200 to be described later. The cover protrusion 120 may be received in the receiving hole 220. The cover protrusion 120 may be provided so as to be insertable into the receiving hole 220.

The cover protrusion 120 may correspond to the fixer 300. The cover protrusion 120 may be detachably coupled to the fixer 300. The cover protrusion 120 may be provided to be fastened to the fixer 300 while the cover protrusion 120 is received in the receiving hole 220.

The cover protrusion 120 may be provided to be elastically deformable. For example, as the cover protrusion 120 is elastically deformed, the cover protrusion 120 and the fixer 300 may be coupled to each other. For example, as the cover protrusion 120 is elastically deformed, the cover protrusion 120 and the fixer 300 may be separated from each other. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

At least one cover protrusion 120 may be provided. In the drawing, it is illustrated that the cover protrusion 120 is provided in plurality, but is not limited thereto. For example, a single cover protrusion 120 may be provided.

For example, the cover protrusion 120 may include a protrusion body 121 extending from the cover body 110. For example, the protrusion body 121 may be provided to extend in the first direction A from the cover body 110.

For example, the cover protrusion 120 may include a protruding portion 122 protruding from the protrusion body 121 in a direction intersecting with an extension direction of the protrusion body 121. For example, the protruding portion 122 may be formed on an end portion of the protrusion body 121.

For example, the cover protrusion 120 may include a groove portion 123. The groove portion 123 may be provided to be gripped. The groove portion 123 may be provided to allow a tool (not shown) to be inserted therein. A user can press the cover protrusion 120 while inserting a user's finger or a tool into the groove portion 123. For example, the groove portion 123 may be formed on an end portion of the protrusion body 121. For example, the groove portion 123 may be formed as a portion of the protruding portion 122 is recessed.

The cover protrusion 120 may include a first protrusion 120a, and a second protrusion 120b spaced apart from the first protrusion 120a. A predetermined space (or gap) may be formed between the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b. In the drawing, it is illustrated that the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b are spaced apart substantially along the left and right direction (Y direction), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

For example, each of the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b may include a protrusion body 121, a protruding portion 122, and a groove portion 123.

For example, the first protrusion 120a may include a first protrusion body 121a extending from the cover body 110. For example, the first protrusion 120a may include a first protruding portion 122a protruding from the first protrusion body 121a in a direction intersecting with an extension direction of the first protrusion body 121a. For example, the first protrusion 120a may include a first groove portion 123a formed in the first protruding portion 122a.

For example, the second protrusion 120b may include a second protrusion body 121b extending from the cover body 110. For example, the second protrusion 120b may include a second protruding portion 122b protruding from the second protrusion body 121b in a direction intersecting with an extension direction of the second protrusion body 121b. For example, the second protrusion 120b may include a second groove portion 123b formed in the second protruding portion 122b.

For example, a protruding direction of the first protruding portion 122a and a protruding direction of the second protruding portion 122b may be opposite to each other.

For example, the cover 100 may include a base portion 124 formed on a side of the cover body 110 facing the insulating member 200, and the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b may protrude from the base portion 124. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the base portion 124 may be omitted, and the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b may protrude directly from the side of the cover body 110 facing the insulating member 200.

The insulating member 200 may be provided on one side of the cover 100. For example, the insulating member 200 may be disposed on a rear side of the cover 100. For example, the insulating member 200 may be provided to cover the rear side of the cover 100.

The insulating member 200 may be detachably coupled to the cover 100. For example, the insulating member 200 may be detachably coupled to the rear side of the cover 100.

The insulating member 200 may be arranged to face the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60. The insulating member 200 may be provided to be covered by the cover 100 so as not to be exposed to the storage compartment 20.

For example, the insulating member 200 may form a flow path through which cold air flows. For example, when the duct 80 is the freezing compartment duct 80a, the insulating member 200 may form the flow path 85 (refer to FIG. 2) for guiding cold air to the freezing compartment 21.

For example, the insulating member 200 may include at least one of expanded polystyrene insulation, urethane foam insulation, and vacuum insulation panel. The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, and the insulating member 200 may include various insulating materials for improving the insulation performance of the duct 80. However, depending on the characteristics of the product/component to which the coupling structure of the present disclosure is applied, the insulating member 200 may include various materials. In this case, the name of the insulating member 200 may be expressed differently.

The insulating member 200 may include an insulating body 210. The insulating body 210 may form an overall appearance of the insulating member 200. The insulating body 210 may be arranged to face the cover body 110. For example, the insulating body 210 may have a substantially plate shape. For example, the insulating body 210 may be referred to as a second frame body 210.

For example, the insulating body 210 may be provided to communicate with the cover body 110. For example, the flow path 85 formed inside the insulating body 210 may be provided to communicate with the cold air discharge port 83 formed in the cover body 110.

For example, the insulating body 210 may be provided to communicate with the cooling room 16 (refer to FIG. 2). For example, the insulating body 210 may receive cold air generated in the cooling room 16.

The insulating member 200 may include the receiving hole 220. The receiving hole 220 may correspond to the cover protrusion 120 of the cover 100. The receiving hole 220 may be provided to receive the cover protrusion 120. The receiving hole 220 may correspond to the fixer 300. The receiving hole 220 may be provided to receive the fixer 300.

The receiving hole 220 may be formed in the insulating body 210. The receiving hole 220 may be formed by penetrating the insulating body 210.

At least one receiving hole 220 may be provided. In the drawing, it is illustrated that a plurality of receiving holes 220 is provided, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Alternatively, a single receiving hole 220 may be provided.

For example, the receiving hole 220 may include a first hole portion 221. For example, the receiving hole 220 may include a second hole portion 222 formed on one side of the first hole portion 221. For example, the first hole portion 221 may be arranged to be closer to the cover 100 than the second hole portion 222.

For example, the receiving hole 220 may include a stepped portion 223 formed between the first hole portion 221 and the second hole portion 222. For example, the stepped portion 223 may be formed as sizes of the first hole portion 221 and the second hole portion 222 are provided differently.

For example, the insulating member 200 may be composed of a first insulating member 200a, and a second insulating member 200b provided on one side of the first insulating member 200a. For example, the flow path 85 may be formed between the first insulating member 200a and the second insulating member 200b. For example, the fan 13 may be disposed between the first insulating member 200a and the second insulating member 200b.

For example, each of the first insulating member 200a and the second insulating member 200b may include the insulating body 210 and the receiving hole 220.

For example, the first insulating member 200a may include a first insulating body 210a, and a first receiving hole 220a formed in the first insulating body 210a.

For example, the second insulating member 200b may include a second insulating body 210b, and a second receiving hole 220b formed in the second insulating body 210b.

For example, the second receiving hole 220b may form the first hole portion 221, the second hole portion 222, and the stepped portion 223. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and as the first receiving hole 220a and the second receiving hole 220b overlap, the first hole portion 221, the second hole portion 222, and the stepped portion 223 may be formed. For example, the first receiving hole 220a may form the first hole portion 221, and the second receiving hole 220b may form the second hole portion 222. For example, the first receiving hole 220a may form a portion of the first hole portion 221, and the second receiving hole 220b may form a remaining portion of the first hole portion 221, the second hole portion 222, and the stepped portion 223. However, this is merely an example.

For example, the first insulating member 200a and the second insulating member 200b may be detachably coupled to each other. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first insulating member 200a and the second insulating member 200b may be provided as an integral configuration. Alternatively, the insulating member 200 may be provided as a single configuration.

The fixer 300 may be provided to fix the cover 100 and the insulating member 200. The fixer 300 may couple the cover 100 and the insulating member 200. The fixer 300 may prevent the cover 100 from being separated from the insulating member 200. The fixer 300 may allow the cover 100 and the insulating member 200 to be in close contact with each other.

The fixer 300 may be provided to be insertable into the receiving hole 220 of the insulating member 200. For example, the fixer 300 may be provided to be inserted into the receiving hole 220 in a second direction B. For example, the second direction B may be the opposite direction to the first direction A.

The fixer 300 may be coupled to the cover protrusion 120 of the cover 100 while inserted into the receiving hole 220. As a result, the cover 100 and the insulating member 200 may be fixed by the fixer 300.

At least one the fixer 300 may be provided. In the drawing, it is illustrated that a plurality of the fixers 300 is provided, but is not limited thereto. For example, a single fixer 300 may be provided.

The fixer 300 may include a fixer body 310. The fixer body 310 may be provided to correspond to the receiving hole 220. For example, the fixer body 310 may be provided to correspond to the second hole portion 222.

For example, the fixer body 310 may include a first body portion 311, and a second body portion 312 provided to surround the first body portion 311. For example, the second body portion 312 may have a shape extending along a direction in which the cover 100 and the insulating member 200 are arranged. For example, the second body portion 312 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. For example, the first body portion 311 may have a shape extending inwardly from the second body portion 312. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example, and the fixer body 310 may have various shapes as long as the fixer body 310 corresponds to the receiving hole 220.

The fixer 300 may include an opening 321. The opening 321 may be formed in the fixer body 310. The opening 321 may be formed by penetrating the fixer body 310. For example, the opening 321 may be formed by penetrating the first body portion 311. The opening 321 may be provided to face the receiving hole 320. As will be described later, the opening 321 may be provided to receive the cover protrusion 120 received in the receiving hole 320.

The fixer 300 may include a locking portion 322. The locking portion 322 may be formed in the fixer body 310. For example, the locking portion 322 may be formed in the first body portion 311. For example, the locking portion 322 may be formed as the opening 321 is formed in the first body portion 311. As will be described later, the locking portion 322 may be provided to be couplable to the cover protrusion 120 received in the receiving hole 220. The locking portion 322 may be provided to interfere with the protruding portion 122 of the cover protrusion 120 received in the receiving hole 220.

The fixer 300 may include a deformation preventing rib 330. The deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to prevent the cover protrusion 120 from being separated from the locking portion 322 while the cover protrusion 120 and the locking portion 322 are coupled. For example, the deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to prevent the cover protrusion 120 from being elastically deformed and separated from the locking portion 322. A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

The deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to be disposed between the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b. The deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to come into contact with at least one of the first protrusion 120a or the second protrusion 120b. The deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to interference with at least one of the first protrusion 120a or the second protrusion 120b. For example, the deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to come into contact with at least one of the first protrusion 120a or the second protrusion 120b in response to the cover protrusion 120 being pressed in a direction, in which the cover protrusion 120 is separated from the locking portion 322, while the cover protrusion 120 and the locking portion 322 are coupled.

The deformation preventing rib 330 may extend from the fixer body 310. For example, the deformation preventing rib 330 may protrude from the fixer body 310 in the first direction A. For example, the deformation preventing rib 330 may protrude from the fixer body 310 in a direction toward the inside of the opening 321. For example, the deformation preventing rib 330 may extend from the first body portion 311. For example, the deformation preventing rib 330 may have a curved shape.

The deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to be elastically deformable. For example, as the deformation preventing rib 330 is elastically deformed, the cover protrusion 120 and the fixer 300 may be provided to be separated from each other. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

The fixer 300 may include a pressing rib 340. The pressing rib 340 may be provided to press the stepped portion 223 of the receiving hole 220. The pressing rib 340 may press the stepped portion 223 to allow the cover 100 and the insulating member 200 to be in close contact with each other. The pressing rib 340 may press the stepped portion 223 to allow the cover body 110 and the insulating body 210 to be in close contact with each other.

The pressing rib 340 may be formed on the fixer body 310. For example, the pressing rib 340 may be formed on a side facing the receiving hole 220 of the fixer body 310.

For example, the pressing rib 340 may include a first rib 340a. The first rib 340a may be provided to have a shape extending along a circumferential direction of the receiving hole 220. The first rib 340a may be formed on one side of the second body portion 312. The first rib 340a may mean a portion of the second body portion 312 that may come into contact with the stepped portion 223.

For example, the pressing rib 340 may include a second rib 340b. The second rib 340b may be provided to have a shape extending along a radial direction of the receiving hole 220. The second rib 340b may protrude inwardly from the second body portion 312. The second rib 340b may protrude from the first body portion 311 toward the stepped portion 223.

For example, the second rib 340b may be provided in plurality, and a plurality of second ribs 340b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the receiving hole 220. However, the present disclosure is not limited to thereto, and a single second rib 340b may be provided.

Meanwhile, in the drawing, it is illustrated that the pressing rib 340 includes both the first rib 340a and the second rib 340b, but is not limited thereto. The pressing rib 340 may include at least one of the first rib 340a and the second rib 340b. In addition, the pressing rib 340 may have various shapes as long as the pressing rib 340 is provided to press the stepped portion 223 of the receiving hole 220.

The fixer 300 may further include a holder 350. The holder 350 may be provided to fix a wire of the fan 13. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the holder 350 may be provided to fix wires of various electrical appliances.

The holder 350 may be extended from the fixer body 310 and disposed on the outside of the receiving hole 220.

For example, the holder 350 may include a holder body 351 extending from the fixer body 310. For example, the holder 350 may include a holder groove 352 formed in the holder body 351. For example, the holder groove 352 may be formed as a portion of the holder body 351 is bent and/or recessed. For example, the wire of the fan 13 may be inserted into the holder groove 352.

In the drawing, it is illustrated that one of the plurality of fixers 300 includes the holder 350, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, two or more of the plurality of fixers 300 may include the holder 350. As another example, none of the plurality of fixers 300 may include the holder 350.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of an example of the duct according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a state before a fixer according to one embodiment is assembled to a frame. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state before the fixer according to one embodiment is assembled to the frame. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ illustrated in FIG. 8.

The cover protrusion 120 of the cover 100 may be received in the receiving hole 220 of the insulating member 200. The cover protrusion 120 may be inserted into the receiving hole 220. The cover protrusion 120 may be provided inside the receiving hole 220.

At least a portion of the cover protrusion 120 may be exposed to the outside of the insulating member 200 through the receiving hole 220. The protruding portion 122 of the cover protrusion 120 may be exposed to the outside of the insulating member 200. The protruding portion 122 of the cover protrusion 120 may be provided so as to be accessible from the outside of the insulating member 200.

The cover protrusion 120 may protrude from the cover body 110. For example, the protrusion body 121 may be provided to extend from the cover body 110 along the first direction A. For example, the protruding portion 122 may protrude from the protrusion body 121 in a direction intersecting the first direction A. For example, the first protruding portion 122a of the first protrusion 120a may protrude from the first protrusion body 121a in a third direction C intersecting the first direction A. For example, the second protruding portion 122b of the second protrusion 120b may protrude from the second protrusion body 121b in a fourth direction D intersecting the first direction A. For example, the fourth direction D may be an opposite direction to the third direction C.

The fixer 300 may be provided to be inserted into the receiving hole 220 in the second direction B. The fixer 300 may be inserted into the receiving hole 220 from the outside of the frames 100 and 200. For example, the fixer 300 may be provided to be disposed within the second hole portion 222 of the receiving hole 220. For example, the fixer body 310 may have a shape corresponding to the second hole portion 222.

When the fixer 300 is inserted into the receiving hole 220, the cover protrusion 120 received in the receiving hole 220 may pass through the opening 321 of the fixer 300. While the fixer 300 is inserted into the receiving hole 220, at least a portion of the cover protrusion 120 may be provided inside the opening 321. Although not particularly shown in the drawing, in a process of inserting the fixer 300 into the receiving hole 220, the cover protrusion 120 may pass through the opening 321 as the cover protrusion 120 is elastically deformed. For example, in the process of inserting the fixer 300 into the receiving hole 220, the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b of the cover protrusion 120 may be provided to be close to each other. For example, in the process of inserting the fixer 300 into the receiving hole 220, the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b of the cover protrusion 120 may be provided to shrink. For example, in the process of inserting the fixer 300 into the receiving hole 220, the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b of the cover protrusion 120 may be provided to be deformed toward the inside of the opening 321, respectively.

As the fixer 300 is inserted into the receiving hole 220, the locking portion 322 of the fixer 300 and the cover protrusion 120 of the cover 100 may be coupled to each other. The protruding portion 122 of the cover protrusion 120 may be provided to pass through the opening 321 and locked to the locking portion 322. The protruding portion 122 may be provided to interfere with the locking portion 322. The protruding portion 122 may be provided to come into contact with the locking portion 322.

The cover protrusion 120 may be restricted from moving in the second direction B while the cover protrusion 120 is coupled to the locking portion 322. While the cover protrusion 120 and the locking portion 322 are coupled to each other, the cover protrusion 120 may be prevented from being separated from the fixer 300. While the cover protrusion 120 and the locking portion 322 are coupled to each other, the cover protrusion 120 may be prevented from being out of the receiving hole 220.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the fixer 300 may be provided to be inserted into the receiving hole 220 and press the insulating member 200. The pressing rib 340 of the fixer 300 may be provided to press the stepped portion 223 within the receiving hole 220. For example, the pressing rib 340 may be provided to press the stepped portion 223 within the second hole portion 222.

In the related art, a screw fastening method may be used for assembling components. In the case of the screw fastening method, separate equipment (for example, a screw driver, and the like) is required for screw fastening, and a work time may be relatively long. In addition, when there is a thickness deviation compared to the specifications of the components, an assembly defect may occur. For example, when a thickness of an insulating material is thinner than the specification, a gap may occur between the components. Cold air inside the duct may leak out through the gap between the components. Moist air, foreign substances, and the like may enter the duct through the gap between the components. For example, when the thickness of the insulating material is thicker than the specification, a tightening force of the screw may increase and appearances of the components may be damaged (for example, dents on the appearance).

In contrast, according to the present disclosure, the cover 100 and the insulating member 200 may be stably fixed through the fixer 300 without a separate screw. As a result, an assembly time of the duct 80 may be reduced and productivity may be improved. In addition, even when a thickness deviation occurs compared to the specifications of the components, the assembling ability may be secured. For example, as the fixer 300 is provided to press the stepped portion 223 formed in the insulating member 200, the occurrence of a gap between the components may be prevented. For example, as the pressing rib 340 of the fixer 300 presses the stepped portion 223, the cover 100 and the insulating member 200 may be in close contact with each other. That is, the sealing between the cover 100 and the insulating member 200 may be increased. Accordingly, cold air flowing inside the duct 80 may not leak out between the cover 100 and the insulating member 200. Moist air, foreign substances, and the like may not penetrate into the duct 80. For example, as the pressing rib 340 entirely presses the stepped portion 223 within the receiving hole 220, the appearance of some components may not be damaged compared to the screw fastening method. For example, the pressing rib 340 may have a shape extending along the circumferential direction of the receiving hole 220. For example, the pressing rib 340 may be provided in plurality and may have a shape arranged along the circumferential direction of the receiving hole 220. With this shape of the pressing rib 340, the force with which the pressing rib 340 presses the stepped portion 223 may be dispersed.

FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a state of pressing a coupling portion in an example of the duct according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 13.

The deformation preventing rib 330 of the fixer 300 may be provided to come into contact with the cover protrusion 120 of the cover 100. The deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to interfere with the cover protrusion 120. Accordingly, the deformation preventing rib 330 may prevent the cover protrusion 120 from being elastically deformed. The deformation preventing rib 330 may prevent the cover protrusion 120 from being separated from the locking portion 322. The deformation preventing rib 330 may prevent the coupling between the cover protrusion 120 and the locking portion 322 from being released.

The deformation preventing rib 330 may be disposed between the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b while the cover protrusion 120 and the locking portion 322 are coupled. The deformation preventing rib 330 may be disposed in a space S between the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b while the cover protrusion 120 and the locking portion 322 are coupled. The deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to prevent the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b from being close to each other while the cover protrusion 120 and the locking portion 322 are coupled. The deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to maintain a gap between the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b while the cover protrusion 120 and the locking portion 322 are coupled. For example, the deformation preventing rib 330 may be referred to as a spacer 330.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in response to the cover protrusion 120 being pressed while the locking portion 322 and the cover protrusion 120 are coupled to each other, the cover protrusion 120 may come into contact with the deformation preventing rib 330. In response to the cover protrusion 120 being pressed while the locking portion 322 and the cover protrusion 120 are coupled to each other, the cover protrusion 120 may interfere with the deformation preventing rib 330. For example, in response to the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b of the cover protrusion 120 being pressed so as to shrink, the deformation preventing rib 330 may prevent a distance between the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b from approaching a predetermined range. Because the elastic deformation of the cover protrusion 120 is restricted by the deformation preventing rib 330, the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b may not come close enough to pass through the opening 321.

That is, the deformation preventing rib 330 may prevent the cover protrusion 120 from being elastically deformed and separated from the locking portion 322. In other words, even when no matter how much force is applied to the cover protrusion 120 while the locking portion 322 and the cover protrusion 120 are coupled to each other, the fixer 300 and the cover 100 may not be easily separated. For example, the first protruding portion 122a of the first protrusion 120a may be maintained in a state of being locked to the locking portion 322. For example, the second protruding portion 122b of the second protrusion 120b may be maintained in a state of being locked to the locking portion 322. In addition, the fixer 300 may not be easily separated from the receiving hole 220. As a result, the loss of the fixer 300 may be prevented.

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a state of pressing a deformation preventing rib in an example of the duct according to one embodiment. FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a state of pressing the coupling portion in an example of the duct illustrated in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the duct illustrated in FIG. 16

An example of a disassembly process of the duct 80 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. However, this is merely exemplary, and the disassembly process of the duct 80 is not limited to that illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17.

Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, the deformation preventing rib 330 of the fixer 300 may be exposed to the outside of the duct 80. The deformation preventing rib 330 may be exposed to the outside of the insulating member 200. The deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to be accessible from the outside of the duct 80. A user's hand or a tool may easily access the deformation preventing rib 330. In addition, at least a portion of the cover protrusion 120 may be exposed to the outside of the duct 80. At least a portion of the cover protrusion 120 may be exposed to the outside of the duct 80 through the receiving hole 220. At least a portion of the cover protrusion 120 may be exposed to the outside of the duct 80 through the opening 321. The protruding portion 122 of the cover protrusion 120 may be provided to be accessible from the outside of the duct 80. A user's hand or a tool may easily access the protruding portion 122 of the cover protrusion 120. For example, a user's hand or a tool may be inserted into the groove portion 123 of the cover protrusion 120.

Referring to FIG. 15, the deformation preventing rib 330 may be elastically deformed as the deformation preventing rib 330 is pressed. The deformation preventing rib 330 may be pressed away from the cover protrusion 120. The deformation preventing rib 330 may be pressed away from the opening 321. Accordingly, the deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided at a position that is not in contact with the cover protrusion 120 even when the cover protrusion 120 is pressed. For example, the deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to be out from between the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b. For example, the deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to be out of the space S between the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b. That is, the deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided so as not to be disposed between the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b as the deformation preventing rib 330 is elastically deformed.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, while the deformation preventing rib 330 is out of the space S between the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b, the cover protrusion 120 may be pressed. For example, the cover protrusion 120 may be pressed toward the inside of the opening 321. For example, the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b may be provided to be close to each other. For example, the first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b may be provided to shrink. At this time, the cover protrusion 120 may not come into contact with the deformation preventing rib 330. The cover protrusion 120 may not interfere with the deformation preventing rib 330.

That is, the elastic deformation of the cover protrusion 120 may not be limited by the deformation preventing rib 330. The cover protrusion 120 may be elastically deformed to an extent in which the cover protrusion 120 passes through the opening 321. The first protrusion 120a and the second protrusion 120b may become close enough to pass through the opening 321. As a result, the cover protrusion 120 may be separated from the locking portion 322. For example, the first protruding portion 122a of the first protrusion 120a may be separated from the locking portion 322. For example, the second protruding portion 122b of the second protrusion 120b may be separated from the locking portion 322. For example, the first protruding portion 122a of the first protrusion 120a may not come into contact with the locking portion 322. For example, the second protruding portion 122b of the second protrusion 120b may not be in contact with the locking portion 322.

Finally, while the cover protrusion 120 is elastically deformed to the extent in which the cover protrusion 120 passes through the opening 321, the fixer 300 may be separated from the cover 100 and the insulating member 200. That is, the cover protrusion 120 and the locking portion 322 may be separated from each other. Although not specifically illustrated in the drawings, in a state as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the fixer 300 may be separated from the receiving hole 220. For example, in the state as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the fixer 300 may be withdrawn from the receiving hole 220 in the first direction A. For example, in the state as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the cover protrusion 120 may be separated from the receiving hole 220. For example, in the state as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, as the cover 100 moves in the second direction B, the cover protrusion 120 may be withdrawn from the receiving hole 220.

In summary, by elastically deforming the deformation preventing rib 330 of the fixer 300 and elastically deforming the cover protrusion 120 of the cover 100, the duct 80 may be easily disassembled. A separate tool (for example, a screw driver) for disassembling the components may be not required, and a disassembly time of the duct 80 may be reduced. Accordingly, maintenance of the duct 80 may be made easier. Maintenance of the fan received in the duct 80 may be made easier.

The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may include the main body 10 including the storage compartment 20; the evaporator 12 configured to generate cold air; and the duct 80 provided to guide the cold air generated in the evaporator to the storage compartment. The duct 80 may include the cover 100. The cover may include the cover body 110, and the cover protrusion 120. The cover body 110 may be arranged to face the storage compartment. The cover protrusion 120 may include the first protrusion 120a protruding from the cover body, and the second protrusion 120b protruding from the cover body and spaced apart from the first protrusion 120a. The duct 80 may include the insulating member 200. The insulating member 200 may include the receiving hole 220 provided to receive the cover protrusion 120 of the cover. The duct 80 may include the fixer 300 for fixing the cover and the insulating member. The fixer 300 may include the locking portion 322 couplable to the cover protrusion received in the receiving hole. The fixer 300 may include the deformation preventing rib 330 disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion so as to maintain a gap between the first protrusion and the second protrusion while the cover protrusion and the locking portion are coupled to each other. According to the present disclosure, the duct 80 may be assembled through the fixer 300 without a screw. Accordingly, the assembly time of the duct 80 may be reduced. The assembling ability and productivity of the duct 80 may be improved. According to the present disclosure, the fixer 300 may be provided with the deformation preventing rib 330 to prevent disassembly between components. The cover 100 and the insulating member 200 may be stably fixed.

The deformation preventing rib 330 may be provided to come into contact with at least one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion in response to the cover protrusion being pressed in a direction, in which the cover protrusion is separated from the locking portion, while the cover protrusion and the locking portion are coupled to each other.

The receiving hole 220 may include the first hole portion 221, the second hole portion 222 provided on one side of the first hole portion, and the stepped portion 223 formed between the first hole portion and the second hole portion. The fixer may further include the pressing rib 340 provided to press the stepped portion within the second hole portion.

The cover protrusion 120 may be provided to protrude in the first direction A from the cover body. The fixer 330 may be provided to be inserted into the receiving hole in the second direction B opposite to the first direction.

The cover protrusion 120 may be provided to be separated from the locking portion as the first protrusion and the second protrusion are pressed to be close to each other while the deformation preventing rib 330 is out from between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

The fixer 300 may further include the fixer body 310 corresponding to the receiving hole, and the opening 321 formed by penetrating the fixer body. The cover protrusion may include the protrusion body 121 extending in the first direction A from the cover body, and the protruding portion 122 protruding from the protrusion body in the second direction C or D intersecting the first direction A. The protrusion body 121 may be provided to be locked to the locking portion by passing through the opening.

The protruding portion 122 may be provided to be exposed to the outside of the insulating member 200.

The protruding portion 122 may include the groove 123 provided to be gripped.

The pressing rib 340 may have a shape extending along a circumferential direction of the receiving hole.

The pressing rib 340 may be provided in plurality, and a plurality of pressing ribs may be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the receiving hole.

The pressing rib 340 may have a shape extending along a radial direction of the receiving hole.

The refrigerator may further include the fan 13 received in the duct to generate a blowing force. The fixer 300 may further include the fixer body 310 corresponding to the receiving hole, and the holder 350 extending from the fixer body and disposed outside the receiving hole, the holder configured to fix a wire of the fan.

The deformation preventing rib 330 may be elastically deformable.

The storage compartment may include the freezing compartment 21, and the refrigerating compartment 22 disposed below the freezing compartment. The duct may be disposed at a rear side of the freezing compartment.

The cover 100 of the duct may be provided to form at least a portion of a rear surface of the storage compartment 20.

The duct 80 according to one embodiment may include the first frame 100, the second frame 200 disposed on one side of the first frame, and the fixer 300 configured to fix the first frame and the second frame. The first frame 100 may include the first frame body 110, and the coupling protrusion 120 extending in the first direction A from the first frame body. The second frame 200 may include the second frame body 210, and the receiving hole 220 formed in the second frame body to receive the coupling protrusion. The receiving hole 220 may include the first hole portion 221, the second hole portion 222 formed on one side of the first hole portion, and the stepped portion 123 formed between the first hole portion and the second hole portion. The fixer 300 may be provided to press the stepped portion 223 by being inserted into the second hole portion in the second direction B opposite to the first direction, so as to allow the first frame body and the second frame body to be in close contact with each other. According to the present disclosure, as the fixer 300 presses the stepped portion 223 of the insulating member 200, the cover 100 and the insulating member 200 may be in close contact with each other. The sealing between the cover 100 and the insulating member 200 may be improved.

The coupling protrusion may include the first protrusion 120a, and the second protrusion 120b spaced apart from the first protrusion. The fixer may include the spacer 330 positioned between the first protrusion and the second protrusion to prevent the first protrusion and the second protrusion from being close to each other.

The fixer may include the body portion 312 having a shape corresponding to the second hole portion, and the locking portion 322 protruding from the body portion 312 so as to be couplable to the coupling protrusion received in the receiving hole.

The coupling protrusion 120 may be restricted from moving in the second direction B while the coupling protrusion is coupled to the locking portion 322.

The coupling protrusion 120 may be provided to be separated from the locking portion 322 as the coupling protrusion is elastically deformed while the coupling protrusion 120 is coupled to the locking portion.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:

a main body including a storage compartment;

an evaporator configured to generate cold air; and

a duct to be provided to guide the cold air generated in the evaporator to the storage compartment,

wherein the duct comprises: a cover including: a cover body arranged to face the storage compartment; and a cover protrusion including a first protrusion protruding from the cover body; and a second protrusion protruding from the cover body and spaced apart from the first protrusion; an insulating member including a receiving hole provided to receive the cover protrusion of the cover; and a fixer, to fix the cover and the insulating member, the fixer including: a locking portion couplable to the cover protrusion while the cover protrusion is received in the receiving hole; and

a deformation preventing rib to be disposed in a gap between the first protrusion and the second protrusion so as to maintain the gap between the first protrusion and the second protrusion while the cover protrusion and the locking portion are coupled to each other.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein

the deformation preventing rib is provided to come into contact with at least one of the first protrusion or the second protrusion based on the cover protrusion being pressed along a direction, in which the cover protrusion is separated from the locking portion, while the cover protrusion and the locking portion are coupled to each other.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein

the receiving hole comprises: a first hole portion; a second hole portion provided on one side of the first hole portion; and a stepped portion formed between the first hole portion and the second hole portion, wherein the fixer further comprises: a pressing rib provided to press the stepped portion within the second hole portion.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein

the cover protrusion is provided to protrude along a first direction from the cover body,

wherein the fixer is provided to be inserted into the receiving hole in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein

the cover protrusion is provided to be separated from the locking portion as the first protrusion and the second protrusion are pressed to be close to each other while the deformation preventing rib is out from being between the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

6. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein

the fixer further comprises:

a fixer body corresponding to the receiving hole; and

an opening formed by penetrating the fixer body,

wherein the cover protrusion comprises: a protrusion body extending along a first direction from the cover body; and a protruding portion protruding from the protrusion body along a second direction intersecting the first direction and provided to be locked to the locking portion by passing through the opening.

7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein

the protruding portion is provided to be exposed to an outside of the insulating member.

8. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein

the protruding portion comprises a groove provided to be gripped.

9. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein

the pressing rib has a shape extending along a circumferential direction of the receiving hole.

10. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein

the pressing rib is among a plurality of pressing ribs,

wherein the plurality of pressing ribs are spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction of the receiving hole.

11. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein

the pressing rib has a shape extending along a radial direction of the receiving hole.

12. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising:

a fan received in the duct to generate a blowing force,

wherein the fixer further comprises: a fixer body corresponding to the receiving hole; and a holder, extending from the fixer body, disposed outside the receiving hole, the holder configured to fix a wire of the fan.

13. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein

the deformation preventing rib is elastically deformable.

14. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein

the storage compartment comprises: a freezing compartment; and a refrigerating compartment disposed below the freezing compartment,

wherein the duct is disposed at a rear side of the freezing compartment.

15. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein

the cover of the duct is provided to form a rear surface of at least a portion of the storage compartment.