REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

A refrigerator including a main body formed by an assembly of a plurality of insulation panels; a storage space in the main body; a door to open and close the storage space; and a cooling device to supply cold air to the storage space, wherein the plurality of insulation panels includes a first insulation panel coupled to a second insulation panel, the first insulation panel includes an inner case coupled to an outer case to thereby form an insulating space between the inner case and the outer case, and insulation in the insulating space, the inner case includes a space forming portion defining one side of the storage space, and a contact portion offset from the space forming portion and contacting an outer surface of the second insulation panel, and the contact portion includes an opening to reduce heat transfer between the first insulation panel and the second insulation panel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator in which a main body thereof is formed by assembling a plurality of insulation panels.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a refrigerator, an appliance for keeping food fresh, includes a main body having a storage compartment, a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment, and a door for opening and closing the storage compartment.

The main body of a refrigerator is usually manufactured by foaming and curing a foam liquid between an inner case molded of a resin material and an outer case made of a metal material disposed on the outside of the inner case.

Such a method requires a lot of cost, time and manpower to store and transport parts or to manufacture and manage the main body due to the size of the inner case and outer case, and it is impossible to disassemble the assembled main body again after the main body has been manufactured.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator formed by assembling a plurality of insulation panels.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator in which the assembly of a plurality of insulation panels is easy and the coupling force of the plurality of insulation panels is improved.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator with improved thermal insulation performance.

Technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

Technical Solution

Aspects of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the present embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator includes a main body formed by an assembly of a plurality of insulation panels; a storage space in the main body; a door to open and close the storage space; and a cooling device to supply cold air to the storage space, wherein the plurality of insulation panels includes a first insulation panel and a second insulation panel coupled to the first insulation panel, the first insulation panel includes an inner case, an outer case coupled to the inner case to thereby form an insulating space between the inner case and the outer case, and an insulation in the insulating space, the inner case includes a space forming portion defining one side of the storage space, and a contact portion offset from the space forming portion and contacting an outer surface of the second insulation panel, and the contact portion includes at least one opening to reduce heat transfer through the contact portion between the first insulation panel and the second insulation panel.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the contact portion may include a horizontal contact portion extending from the space forming portion in a horizontal direction, and a vertical contact portion extending from the horizontal contact portion in a vertical direction.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation of the first insulation panel may be exposed through the at least one opening.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the inner case may include a resin material.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include urethane foam.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the inner case may be a molded member. The at least one opening may be formed integrally with the inner case.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one opening may be a cutout portion of the inner case.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the inner case may include a coupling portion coupled to the second insulation panel.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the coupling portion may include a coupling protrusion that is inserted into the second insulation panel.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the coupling protrusion may protrude to be coplanar with the space forming portion.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the coupling portion may include a hook coupling portion on the coupling protrusion to be hook-coupled to the second insulation panel.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the inner case may include a reinforcing rib protruding from an edge of the at least one opening of the contact portion to increase a rigidity of the first insulation panel.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the contact portion may include a contact surface on a first side to contact the second insulation panel, and an opposing surface on a second side opposite the first side. The reinforcing rib may protrude from the opposing surface.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one opening may have a quadrangular shape. The reinforcing rib may include a first horizontal reinforcement portion protruding from an upper edge of the at least one opening, a second horizontal reinforcement portion protruding from a lower edge of the at least one opening, a first vertical reinforcement portion protruding from a first side edge of the at least one opening, and a second vertical reinforcement portion protruding from a second side edge of the at least one opening.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a main body formed by assembling a plurality of insulation panels, a storage space formed within the main body, a door configured to open or close the storage space, and a cooling device configured to supply cold air to the storage space, wherein the plurality of insulation panels includes a first insulation panel and a second insulation panel coupled to the first insulation panel, the first insulation panel includes a first inner case, a first outer case coupled to the first inner case, and a first insulation disposed in a first insulating space formed by the first inner case and the first outer case, the second insulation panel includes a second inner case, a second outer case coupled to the second inner case, and a second insulation disposed in a second insulating space formed by the second inner case and the second outer case, the first inner case includes a first space forming portion forming one side of the storage space, and a first contact portion extending from the first space forming portion to the first outer case, and the second inner case includes a second space forming portion forming the other side of the storage space, and a second contact portion extending from the second space forming portion to the second outer case and supported by contacting the first contact portion.

The first contact portion may include a first opening allowing the first insulation to be exposed to the outside of the first insulation panel, and the second contact portion may include a second opening allowing the second insulation to be exposed to the outside of the second insulation panel.

The first opening and the second opening may be formed at positions corresponding to each other.

The first insulation and the second insulation may contact each other through the first opening and the second opening.

The refrigerator may include an air insulating layer formed between the first insulation and the second insulation.

The first inner case and the second inner case may each be molded of a resin material.

Advantageous Effects

According to the present disclosure, a method of manufacturing a refrigerator may be simplified and facilitated because the main body thereof is formed by assembling the plurality of insulation panels.

According to the present disclosure, the coupling strength and coupling durability between the plurality of insulation panels may be improved.

According to the present disclosure, the thermal insulation performance of a refrigerator may be improved.

The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be apparent to those of skilled in the art from the following description.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a view of a structure in which a left panel and a right panel are coupled to a rear panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a view of a structure in which an upper panel and a lower panel are coupled to the left panel and the right panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a view of the left panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an inner case and an outer case of the left panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a view of the rear panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a view of the upper panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a view of the upper panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, from a different angle.

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the inner case and outer case of the upper panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a coupling structure of the rear panel, the left panel, and the upper panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a coupling structure of the left panel, the upper panel, and the right panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a coupling structure of the left panel and the upper panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is an enlarged view of the ‘O’ portion of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling structure of the left panel and the upper panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a view illustrating the shape of an opening, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a view illustrating the shape of an opening, according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a reinforcing rib, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling structure of the left panel and the upper panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating openings and reinforcing ribs according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

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

In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

In this document, 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 or all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.

Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish a component from other components, without limiting the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of each component.

It will be understood that when the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

It will be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component. When a component is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component, it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component through a third component.

It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being “on” or “over” another component, it can be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.

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

The main body may include an inner case, an outer case positioned outside the inner case, and an insulation provided between the inner case and the outer case.

The inner case may include a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage room. The inner case may be formed as one body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates together. The “outer case” may form an appearance of the main body, and be coupled to an outer side of the inner case such that the insulation is positioned between the inner case and the outer case.

The insulation may insulate the inside of the storage room from outside of the storage room to maintain an inside temperature of the storage room at an appropriate temperature without being influenced by an external environment of the storage room. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a foaming insulation. The foaming insulation may be molded by fixing the inner case and the outer case with jigs, etc., and then injecting and foaming urethane foam as a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner case and the outer case.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to a foaming insulation, or may be configured only with a vacuum insulation instead of a forming insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material accommodating the core material and sealing the inside with vacuum or pressure close to vacuum. The vacuum insulation may further include an adsorbent for adsorbing a gas and water to stably maintain a vacuum state. However, the insulation is not limited to the above-mentioned foaming insulation or vacuum insulation, and may include various materials capable of being used for insulation.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include the storage room provided inside the main body to store food.

The storage room may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage room may further include the inner case defining the space. One side of the storage room may open to enable a user to put food in or take food out. The storage room may store “food” therein. The food may include victual which humans eat and drink, and specifically, the food may include meat, fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, water, ice, drinks, kimchi, alcoholic beverages such as wine, etc. However, medicines or cosmetics, as well as food, may be stored in the storage room, and goods that may be stored in the storage room are not limited.

The refrigerator may include one or more storage rooms. In a case in which two or more storage rooms are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage rooms may have different purposes of use, and may be maintained at different temperature. To this end, the storage rooms may be partitioned by a partition wall including an insulation. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the partition may be one portion of the main body. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the partition may be provided independently from the main body and then assembled into the main body.

The storage room may be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to a purpose of use, and include a “refrigerating room”, a “freezing room”, and a “temperature conversion room” according to purposes of use and/or temperature ranges. The refrigerating room may be maintained at appropriate temperature to keep food refrigerating, and the freezing room may be maintained at appropriate temperature to keep food frozen. The “refrigerating” may be keeping food cold without freezing the food, and for example, the refrigerating room may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. The “freezing” may be freezing food or keeping food frozen, and for example, the freezing room may be maintained within a range of −20 degrees Celsius to −1 degrees Celsius. The temperature conversion room may be used as any one of a refrigerating room or a freezing room according to or regardless of a user's selection. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an area of the storage room may be used as a refrigerating room and the remaining area of the storage room may be used as a freezing room.

The storage room may also be called various other terms, such as “vegetable room”, “freshness room”, “cooling room”, and “ice-making room”, in addition to “refrigerating room”, “freezing room”, and “temperature conversion room”, and the terms, such as “refrigerating room”, “freezing room”, “temperature conversion room”, etc., as used below need to be understood to represent storage rooms having the corresponding purposes of use and the corresponding temperature ranges.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one door configured to open and close the open side of the storage room. The “door” may be configured to open and close each of the one or more storage rooms, or a single door may be configured to open and close a plurality of storage rooms. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted to the front of the body.

The door may seal the storage room in a closed state. The door may include an insulation, like the main body, to insulate the storage room in the closed state.

According to an embodiment, the door may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation provided therein.

A gasket may be provided on the edge of the inner door plate to seal the storage room by coming into close contact with the front surface of the main body when the door is closed. The inner door plate may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be fitted.

According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel that is detachably coupled to the front of the door body and forms the front surface of the door. The door body may include an outer door plate that forms the front surface of the door body, an inner door plate that forms the rear surface of the door body and faces the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided therein.

The refrigerator may be classified as French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF), Top Mounted Freezer (TMF), or One Door Refrigerator depending on the arrangement of the doors and the storage rooms.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage room.

The cold air supply device may include a machine, an apparatus, an electronic device, and/or a combination system thereof, capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage room.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may generate cold air through a cooling cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device may include a cooling cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to drive the cooling cycle. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage room by heating and cooling actions through the Peltier effect.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a machine room where at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are installed.

The machine room may be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from the components installed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. To dissipate heat from the components installed inside the machine room, the machine room may communicate with outside of the main body.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and/or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door to allow access by the user without opening the door.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice-making device that produces ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-moving device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice-bucket that stores ice generated in the ice-making tray.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

The controller may include a memory for storing and/or memorizing data and/or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor for outputting control signals for controlling the cold air supply device, etc. according to the programs and/or data memorized in the memory.

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

The processor may control the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs an operation of an artificial intelligence (AI) model. In addition, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage room from a temperature sensor, and generate a cooling control signal for controlling an operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage room.

Furthermore, the processor may process a user input of a user interface and control an operation of the user interface according to the programs and/or data memorized/stored in the memory. 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. In addition, the processor may 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 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.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a processor and a memory for controlling all the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories for individually controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device according to an output of the temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may be separately equipped with a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the user interface according to the user input.

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

The input interface may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive the user input and pass the received 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, information, and the like generated by the processor.

Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a view of a structure in which a left panel and a right panel are coupled to a rear panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a view of a structure in which an upper panel and a lower panel are coupled to the left panel and the right panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a refrigerator 1 may include a main body 100 formed by assembling a plurality of insulation panels, a storage space 110 formed within the main body 100, a door 120 provided to open or close the storage space 110, and a cooling device 130 provided to cool the storage space 110.

The plurality of insulation panels may be assembled together to form the main body 100 having the storage space 110. The storage space 110 may store items. The storage space 110 may have an open front to allow the items to be placed in or removed from the storage space 110.

The door 120 may be disposed on a front side of the main body 100 to open or close the storage space 110. The door 120 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 100 by means of an upper hinge 140 and a lower hinge 150. A gasket may be disposed on a rear surface of the door 120 to seal the storage space 110 when the door 120 is closed.

The cooling device 130 may include a thermoelectric module that cools the storage space 110 by the Peltier effect. The thermoelectric module may include a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may have a heat-absorbing surface and a heat-generating surface, and when a current is applied to the thermoelectric element, heat may be transferred from the heat-absorbing surface to the heat-generating surface, resulting in causing a temperature difference between the heat-absorbing surface and the heat-generating surface. In other words, heat may be generated on a heating side and may be absorbed on an absorbing side. The thermoelectric element may be arranged such that the heat-absorbing surface faces the storage space 110 and the heat-generating surface faces the outside of the main body. The thermoelectric module may include a cooling sink attached to the heat-absorbing surface to efficiently absorb heat, and a heat sink attached to the heat-generating surface to efficiently generate heat.

The cooling device 130 may be disposed on at least one of the plurality of insulation panels. Although the cooling device 130 is shown in the drawings as being disposed on a rear panel 300, it is not limited thereto and may be disposed on another insulation panel.

The cooling device 130 may not be limited to the thermoelectric module and may include a refrigeration cycle device that generates cold air through a refrigeration cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of refrigerant.

The plurality of insulation panels may include the rear panel 300, a left panel 400, a right panel 500, an upper panel 600, and a lower panel 700. The rear panel 300 may form a rear surface of the main body 100. The left panel 400 may form a left side surface of the main body 100. The right panel 500 may form a right side surface of the main body 100. The upper panel 600 may form an upper surface of the main body 100. The lower panel 700 may form a lower surface of the main body 100.

Each of the plurality of insulation panels may include an inner case defining a storage space and an outer case coupled to the inner case. An insulating space is formed between the inner case and the outer case, and a thermal insulation (hereinafter referred to as an insulation) may be provided in the insulating space.

In other words, the rear panel 300 may include an inner case 310 and an outer case 380, the left panel 400 may include an inner case 410 and an outer case 480, the right panel 500 may include an inner case 510 and an outer case 580, the upper panel 600 may include an inner case 610 and an outer case 680, and the lower panel 700 may include an inner case 710 and an outer case 780.

The inner cases 310, 410, 510, 610, and 710 may be molded from a resin material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS), and the outer cases 380, 480, 580, 680, and 780 may be formed of a metal material, such as an iron sheet or stainless steel, taking into account rigidity and appearance. Alternatively, the inner cases 310, 410, 510, 610, and 710 may be molded by injection molding or vacuum molding.

The insulation may include a foam insulation material, such as urethane foam. Alternatively, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may include only vacuum insulation instead of foam insulation.

The left panel 400 may be coupled to a left end of the rear panel 300 using a hook coupling arrangement.

In other words, as shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 3, the left panel 400 and the rear panel 300 may be coupled via a first motion in which the left panel 400 is moved rearwardly, and a second motion in which the left panel 400 is moved upwardly after the first motion.

To this end, the left panel 400 may include a left panel rear coupling portion 420, and the rear panel 300 may include a rear panel left coupling portion 320.

The left panel rear coupling portion 420 may be formed on the inner case 410 of the left panel 400. The left panel rear coupling portion 420 may be formed integrally with the inner case 410 of the left panel 400.

The rear panel left coupling portion 320 may be formed on the inner case 310 of the rear panel 300. The rear panel left coupling portion 320 may be formed integrally with the inner case 310 of the rear panel 300.

The left panel rear coupling portion 420 and the rear panel left coupling portion 320 may be coupled via a first motion in which the left panel rear coupling portion 420 moves rearwardly toward the rear panel left coupling portion 320, and a second motion in which the left panel rear coupling portion 420 moves upwardly after the first motion.

The right panel 500 may be coupled to a right end of the rear panel 300 using a hook coupling arrangement.

In other words, as shown by arrow A2 in FIG. 3, the right panel 500 and the rear panel 300 may be coupled via a first motion in which the right panel 500 is moved rearwardly, and a second motion in which the right panel 500 is moved upwardly after the first motion.

To this end, the right panel 500 may include a right panel rear coupling portion (not shown), and the rear panel 300 may include a rear panel right coupling portion 330.

The right panel rear coupling portion (not shown) may be formed on the inner case 510 of the right panel 500. The right panel rear coupling portion (not shown) may be formed integrally with the inner case 510 of the right panel 500.

The rear panel right coupling portion 330 may be formed on the inner case 310 of the rear panel 300. The rear panel right coupling portion 330 may be formed integrally with the inner case 310 of the rear panel 300.

The right panel rear coupling portion (not shown) and the rear panel right coupling portion 330 may be coupled via a first motion in which the right panel rear coupling portion (not shown) moves rearwardly toward the rear panel right coupling portion 330, and a second motion in which the right panel rear coupling portion (not shown) moves upwardly after the first motion.

The upper panel 600 may be coupled to an upper end of the left panel 400 and an upper end of the right panel 500 through a hook coupling arrangement.

In other words, as shown by arrow A3 in FIG. 4, the upper panel 600 and the left panel 400 may be coupled via a first motion in which the upper panel 600 moves downwardly, and a second motion in which the upper panel 600 moves rearwardly after the first operation.

In addition, the upper panel 600 and the right panel 500 may be coupled via a first motion in which the upper panel 600 moves downwardly, and a second motion in which the upper panel 600 moves rearwardly after the first operation.

To this end, the upper panel 600 may include an upper panel left coupling portion 620, and the left panel 400 may include a left panel upper coupling portion 430.

In addition, the upper panel 600 may include an upper panel right coupling portion 630, and the right panel 500 may include a right panel upper coupling portion 530.

The upper panel left coupling portion 620 and the upper panel right coupling portion 630 may be formed on the inner case 610 of the upper panel 600. The upper panel left coupling portion 620 and the upper panel right coupling portion 630 may be formed integrally with the inner case 610 of the upper panel 600.

The left panel upper coupling portion 430 may be formed on the inner case 410 of the left panel 400. The left panel upper coupling portion 430 may be formed integrally with the inner case 410 of the left panel 400.

The right panel upper coupling portion 530 may be formed on the inner case 510 of the right panel 500. The right panel upper coupling portion 530 may be formed integrally with the inner case 510 of the right panel 500.

The upper panel left coupling portion 620 and the left panel upper coupling portion 430 may be coupled via a first motion in which the upper panel left coupling portion 620 moves downwardly toward the left panel upper coupling portion 430, and a second motion in which the upper panel left coupling portion 620 moves rearwardly after the first motion.

The upper panel right coupling portion 630 and the right panel upper coupling portion 530 may be coupled via a first motion in which the upper panel right coupling portion 630 moves downwardly toward the right panel upper coupling portion 530, and a second motion in which the upper panel right coupling portion 630 moves rearwardly after the first motion.

The lower panel 700 may be coupled to a lower end of the left panel 400 and a lower end of the right panel 500 using a hook coupling arrangement.

In other words, as shown by arrow A4 in FIG. 4, the lower panel 700 and the left panel 400 may be coupled via a first motion in which the lower panel 700 moves upwardly, and a second motion in which the lower panel 700 moves rearwardly after the first motion.

In addition, the lower panel 700 and the right panel 500 may be coupled via a first motion in which the lower panel 700 moves upwardly, and a second motion in which the lower panel 700 moves rearwardly after the first motion.

To this end, the lower panel 700 may include a lower panel left coupling portion 720, and the left panel 400 may include a left panel lower coupling portion 440.

In addition, the lower panel 700 may include a lower panel right coupling portion 730, and the right panel 500 may include a right panel lower coupling portion 540.

The lower panel left coupling portion 720 and the lower panel right coupling portion 730 may be formed on the inner case 710 of the lower panel 700. The lower panel left coupling portion 720 and the lower panel right coupling portion 730 may be formed integrally with the inner case 710 of the lower panel 700.

The left panel lower coupling portion 440 may be formed on the inner case 410 of the left panel 400. The left panel lower coupling portion 440 may be formed integrally with the inner case 410 of the left panel 400.

The right panel lower coupling portion 540 may be formed on the inner case 510 of the right panel 500. The right panel lower coupling portion 540 may be formed integrally with the inner case 510 of the right panel 500.

The lower panel left coupling portion 720 and the left panel lower coupling portion 440 may be coupled via a first motion in which the lower panel left coupling portion 720 moves upwardly toward the left panel lower coupling portion 440, and a second motion in which the lower panel left coupling portion 720 moves rearwardly after the first motion.

The lower panel right coupling portion 730 and the right panel lower coupling portion 540 may be coupled via a first motion in which the lower panel right coupling portion 730 moves upwardly toward the right panel lower coupling portion 540, and a second motion in which the lower panel right coupling portion 730 moves rearwardly after the first motion.

Thus, the plurality of insulation panels may be connected to each other via hook coupling (or double sliding coupling), thereby increasing the coupling strength between the plurality of insulation panels and resisting deformation over long periods of use.

FIG. 5 is a view of the left panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the inner case and the outer case of the left panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a view illustrating the shape of an opening, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a view illustrating the shape of an opening, according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 5 to 6 and FIGS. 15 to 16, a structure of the left panel 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. The right panel 500 may have a symmetrical structure with the left panel 400, and as the description of the left panel 400 may be commonly applicable, the description of the right panel 500 will be omitted.

The left panel 400 may include the inner case 410, the outer case 480 coupled to the inner case 410, and an insulation 490 disposed within an insulating space 491 (see FIG. 13) formed between the inner case 410 and the outer case 480. The left panel 400 may be formed by joining the inner case 410 and the outer case 480 and then injecting and foaming a urethane foam liquid into the insulating space 491.

The inner case 410 may be molded from a resin material. The inner case 410 may include a space forming portion 450 that defines one side of the storage space. For example, the space forming portion 450 may define the left side of the storage space. The space forming portion 450 may be arranged vertically and may be formed as a flat plate.

The inner case 410 may include a contact portion 460 extending from the space forming portion 450 to the outer case 480. When the left panel 400 and the upper panel 600 are coupled, the contact portion 460 may be supported by contacting an outer surface of the upper panel 600. The contact portion 460 of the inner case 410 may be offset, or stepped, from the space forming portion 450 of the inner case to thereby correspond to and contact an outer surface of the upper panel 600.

The contact portion 460 may include a horizontal contact portion 461 extending in a horizontal direction and a vertical contact portion 462 extending in a vertical direction. For example, the horizontal contact portion 461 may extend in the horizontal direction from the space forming portion 450, and the vertical contact portion 462 may extend in the vertical direction from the horizontal contact portion 461 to the outer case 480.

The horizontal contact portion 461 may be supported by contacting the upper panel 600 in the vertical direction. In other words, a vertical load caused by the upper panel 600 may be supported by the horizontal contact portion 461 of the left panel 400.

The vertical contact portion 462 may be supported by contacting the upper panel 600 in the horizontal direction. In other words, a horizontal load caused by the upper panel 600 may be supported by the vertical contact portion 462 of the left panel 400.

As such, the contact portion 460 of the inner case 410 may extend from the space forming portion 450 to the outer case 480, and may be formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the insulation 490 (e.g., a resin material), so that the contact portion 460 of the inner case 410 may itself act as a path for transferring heat. In other words, heat from outside the main body 100 may be transferred to the storage space 110 via the contact portion 460, thereby reducing the insulation performance of the refrigerator 1.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an opening 470 may be formed in the contact portion 460 to reduce such heat transfer through the contact portion 460. The opening 470 may be an empty space formed by a portion of the contact portion 460 being removed, and may include a cutout, an incision, and the like. As a result, the opening 470 formed in the contact portion 460 may partially block a heat transfer path through the contact portion 460.

In addition, the insulation 490 may be exposed to the outside of the left panel 400 through the opening 470 of the contact portion 460.

In the drawings, the opening 470 may be formed in the vertical contact portion 462, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the opening 470 may be formed in the horizontal contact portion 461, and further, may be formed in both the vertical contact portion 462 and the horizontal contact portion 461.

The efficiency of reducing heat transfer through the contact portion 460 may vary depending on the total area of the opening 470. In other words, as the area of the opening 470 increase, the heat transfer through the contact portion 460 may be further reduced. However, as the area of the opening 470 increases, the rigidity of the left panel 400 (particularly, the rigidity of the contact portion) may decrease.

In the drawings, one opening 470 is provided in a quadrangular (e.g., rectangular) shape, but the shape and number of the opening 470 is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of openings 470a may be provided. The plurality of openings 470a may be arranged in a row from forward to backward. The plurality of openings 470a may be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals. By spacing the plurality of openings 470a apart from each other at regular intervals, the rigidity of the contact portion may be maintained uniformly.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, openings 470b may be formed in a circular shape. However, the shape of the openings 470b may have a variety of shapes, such as oval, pentagon, and the like, in addition to square and circular.

The opening 470 may be molded along with the inner case 410 at the time of molding of the inner case 410. Alternatively, the opening 470 may be formed by cutting a portion of the inner case 410 after molding the inner case 410. In this case, the opening 470 may be temporarily covered by a jig while the insulation 490 is being foamed into the insulating space 491 between the inner case 410 and the outer case 480, and the jig may be removed when the foaming is complete. The opening 470 may be filled with an insulation. In other words, the insulation filled in the opening 470 may form the same plane as an outer surface of the inner case 410. Furthermore, the insulation may be formed to protrude somewhat out of the opening 470.

With such a structure, as will be described later, the insulations of the plurality of adjacent insulation panels may be in contact with each other through the openings, and thus the insulation performance may be further improved.

According to an embodiment, the opening 470 may be formed by coupling the inner case 410 and the outer case 480, foaming the insulation 490 in the insulating space 491 between the inner case 410 and the outer case 480, and then cutting a portion of the inner case 410.

In such a way, by forming the opening 410 in the contact portion 460, the cold air in the storage space 110 may be effectively prevented from escaping to the outside through the contact portion 460. Furthermore, by forming the opening 470 in the inner case 410 itself, there is an advantage in that the assembly of the inner case 410 and the outer case 480 is not affected, as there is no need for a gap between the inner case 410 and the outer case 480 when the inner case 410 and the outer case 480 are assembled.

The inner case 410 may include the left panel rear coupling portion 420, the left panel upper coupling portion 430, and the left panel lower coupling portion 440.

The left panel rear coupling portion 420 may include a coupling protrusion 421 and a hook coupling portion 422 formed on the coupling protrusion 421. The coupling protrusion 421 of the left panel rear coupling portion 420 may protrude rearward.

The left panel upper coupling portion 430 may include a coupling protrusion 431 and a hook coupling portion 432 formed on the coupling protrusion 431. The coupling protrusion 431 of the left panel upper coupling portion 430 may protrude upward.

The left panel lower coupling portion 440 may include a coupling protrusion and a hook coupling portion formed on the coupling protrusion. The coupling protrusion of the left panel lower coupling portion 440 may protrude downward.

The coupling protrusions may protrude to form the same plane as the space forming portion 450 of the inner case 410.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the rear panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIG. 7, the rear panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

The rear panel 300 may include the inner case 310 defining one side of the storage space, the outer case 380 coupled to the inner case 310, and the insulation 390 (shown in FIG. 11) provided in the insulating space between the inner case 310 and the outer case 380.

The rear panel left coupling portion 320 may be formed at a left end of the inner case 310, and the rear panel right coupling portion 330 may be formed at a right end of the inner case 310.

The rear panel left coupling portion 320 may include a coupling groove 321 and a hook 322 provided in the coupling groove 321. The rear panel right coupling portion 330 may include a coupling groove 331 and a hook 332 provided in the coupling groove 331.

The inner case 310 of the rear panel 300 may include a rear panel upper coupling portion 340. An upper panel rear coupling portion 640 of the upper panel 600 may be coupled to the rear panel upper coupling portion 340. The rear panel upper coupling portion 340 may be formed in a groove shape, and the upper panel rear coupling portion 640 may be formed in a protrusion shape, so that the upper panel rear coupling portion 640 may be inserted into the rear panel upper coupling portion 340.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the upper panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the upper panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure from another angle. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the inner case and the outer case of the upper panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the upper panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail. The lower panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is symmetrical to the upper panel, and therefore description of the lower panel is omitted.

The upper panel 600 may include the inner case 610, the outer case 680 coupled to the inner case 610, and an insulation 690 provided in an insulating space 691 (see FIG. 13) formed between the inner case 610 and the outer case 680. The upper panel 600 may be formed by coupling the inner case 610 and the outer case 680 and then injecting and foaming urethane foam liquid into the insulating space 691.

The inner case 610 may be molded from a resin material. The inner case 610 may include a space forming portion 650 defining one side of the storage space. For example, the space forming portion 650 may define an upper side of the storage space. The space forming portion 650 may be arranged horizontally and may be formed as a flat plate.

The inner case 610 may include a left contact portion 660 extending from the space forming portion 650 to a left end of the outer case 680. When the left panel 400 and the upper panel 600 are joined, the left contact portion 660 may be supported by contacting an outer surface of the left panel 400.

The left contact portion 660 may include a left horizontal contact portion 661 extending in the horizontal direction and a left vertical contact portion 662 extending in the vertical direction. For example, the left horizontal contact portion 661 may extend in the horizontal direction from the upper panel left coupling portion 620, and the left vertical contact portion 662 may extend in the vertical direction from the left horizontal contact portion 661 to the left end of the outer case 680.

The left horizontal contact portion 661 may be supported by contacting the left panel 400 in the vertical direction. In other words, a vertical load caused by the left panel 400 may be supported by the left horizontal contact portion 661 of the upper panel 600.

The left vertical contact portion 662 may be supported by contacting the left panel 400 in the horizontal direction. In other words, a horizontal load caused by the left panel 400 may be supported by the left vertical contact portion 662 of the upper panel 600.

The inner case 610 may include a right contact portion 660a extending from the space forming portion 650 to a right end of the outer case 680. When the right panel 500 and the upper panel 600 are joined, the right contact portion 660a may be supported by contacting an outer surface of the right panel 500.

The right contact portion 660a may include a right horizontal contact portion 661a extending in the horizontal direction and a right vertical contact portion 662a extending in the vertical direction. For example, the right horizontal contact portion 661a may extend in the horizontal direction from the upper panel right coupling portion 630, and the right vertical contact portion 662a may extend in the vertical direction from the right horizontal contact portion 661a to the right end of the outer case 680.

The right horizontal contact portion 661a may be supported by contacting the right panel 500 in the vertical direction. In other words, a vertical load caused by the right panel 500 may be supported by the right horizontal contact portion 661a of the upper panel 600.

The right vertical contact portion 662a may be supported by contacting the right panel 400 in the horizontal direction. In other words, a horizontal load caused by the right panel 500 may be supported by the right vertical contact portion 662a of the upper panel 600.

As such, the left contact portion 660 and the right contact portion 660a of the inner case 610 may extend from the space forming portion 650 to the outer case 680, and may be formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the insulation 690, so that the left contact portion 660 and the right contact portion 660a of the inner case 610 may act as a path for transferring heat. In other words, heat from outside the main body 100 may be transferred to the storage space 110 via the left contact portion 660 and the right contact portion 660a, thereby reducing the insulation performance of the refrigerator 1.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, to reduce such heat transfer through the left contact portion 660 and the right contact portion 660a, an opening 670 and an opening 670a may be formed in the left contact portion 660 and the right contact portion 660a, respectively. The opening 670 and the opening 670a may be empty spaces formed by removing a portion of the left contact portion 660 and the right contact portion 660a, respectively, and may include cutouts, incisions, and the like.

The insulation 690 may be exposed to the outside of the upper panel 600 through the opening 670 and the opening 670a.

In the drawings, the opening 670 and the opening 670a may be formed in the left vertical contact portion 662 and the right vertical contact portion 662a, respectively, but are not limited thereto. The opening 670 and the opening 670a may also be formed in the left horizontal contact portion 661 and the right horizontal contact portion 661a.

Similar to the opening 470 described above, there is no limitation on the shape and number of the openings 670 and 670a. Furthermore, similar to the opening 470 described above, the opening 670 and the opening 670a may be formed during molding of the inner case 610, or may be formed by cutting a portion of the inner case 610 after molding the inner case 610.

The inner case 610 may include the upper panel left coupling portion 620 and the upper panel right coupling portion 630.

The upper panel left coupling portion 620 may include a coupling groove 621 and a hook 622 formed in the coupling groove 621. The upper panel right coupling portion 630 may include a coupling groove and a hook formed in the coupling groove.

FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a coupling structure of the rear panel, the left panel, and the upper panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, a coupling structure of the left panel and the rear panel and a coupling structure of the upper panel and the left panel are described. Since the coupling structure of the right panel and the rear panel is the same as that of the left panel and the rear panel, and the coupling structure of the upper panel and the right panel is the same as the coupling structure of the upper panel and the left panel, description thereof will be omitted.

The left panel 400 and the rear panel 300 may be coupled to each other by hook-coupling the left panel rear coupling portion 420 of the left panel 400 and the rear panel left coupling portion 320 of the rear panel 300.

More particularly, the left panel 400 and the rear panel 300 may be coupled via a first motion in which the left panel 400 moves rearwardly, and a second motion in which the left panel 400 moves upwardly after the first motion.

In other words, the coupling protrusion 421 of the left panel rear coupling portion 420 may be inserted into the coupling groove 321 of the rear panel left coupling portion 320 via the first motion, and the hook 322 of the rear panel left coupling portion 320 may be inserted into the hook coupling portion 422 of the left panel rear coupling portion 420 via the second motion.

The upper panel 600 and the left panel 400 may be coupled to each other by hook-coupling the upper panel left coupling portion 620 of the upper panel 600 and the left panel upper coupling portion 430 of the left panel 400.

More particularly, the upper panel 600 and the left panel 400 may be coupled via a first motion in which the upper panel 600 moves downwardly, and a second motion in which the upper panel 600 moves rearwardly after the first motion.

In other words, the coupling protrusion 431 of the left panel upper coupling portion 430 may be inserted into the coupling groove 621 of the upper panel left coupling portion 620 via the first motion, and the hook 622 of the upper panel left coupling portion 620 may be hook-coupled to the hook coupling portion 432 of the left panel upper coupling portion 430.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure of the left panel, the upper panel, and the right panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a coupling structure of the left panel and the upper panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is an enlarged view of the ‘O’ portion of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of the left panel and the upper panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, the coupling structure of the left panel and the upper panel will be described. However, the following description may be equally applicable to the coupling structure of not only the left panel and the upper panel, but also other insulation panels coupled to together.

The left panel 400 may include the inner case 410, the outer case 480 coupled to the inner case 410, and the insulation 490 provided in the insulating space 491 formed by the inner case 410 and the outer case 480.

The upper panel 600 may include the inner case 610, the outer case 680 coupled to the inner case 610, and the insulation 690 provided in the insulating space 691 formed by the inner case 610 and the outer case 680.

The left panel 400 and the upper panel 600 may be coupled to each other by hook-coupling the coupling portion 430 of the left panel 400 and the coupling portion 620 of the upper panel 600 to each other.

The inner case 410 of the left panel 400 may include the space forming portion 450 forming the left side of the storage space 110, and the contact portion 460 extending from the space forming portion 450 to the outer case 480 of the left panel 400. The contact portion 460 may include the horizontal contact portion 461 and the vertical contact portion 462.

The inner case 610 of the upper panel 600 may include the space forming portion 650 forming the upper side of the storage space 110, and the contact portion 660 extending from the space forming portion 650 to the outer case 680 of the upper panel 600 and supported by contacting the contact portion 460 of the panel 400. The contact portion 660 of the upper panel 600 may include the horizontal contact portion 661 supported by contacting the horizontal contact portion 461 of the left panel 400, and the vertical contact portion 662 supported by contacting the vertical contact portion 462 of the left panel 400.

As such, the coupling portion 430 of the left panel 400 and the coupling portion 620 of the upper panel 600 may be hook-coupled, the horizontal contact portion 461 of the left panel 400 and the horizontal contact portion 661 of the upper panel 600 may be supported by contacting each other in the vertical direction, and the vertical contact portion 462 of the left panel 400 and the vertical contact portion 662 of the upper panel 600 may be supported by contacting each other in the horizontal direction, so that the left panel 400 and the upper panel 600 may be fixedly coupled to each other. Furthermore, since the left panel 400 and the upper panel 600 are in close contact with each other in an uneven structure, leakage of cold air from the storage space 110 may be prevented.

The opening 470 may be formed in the contact portion 460 of the left panel 400. In addition, the opening 670 may be formed in the contact portion 660 of the upper panel 600. The openings 470 and 670 may reduce heat transfer through the contact portions 460 and 660. As a result, the storage space 110 may be insulated more efficiently.

The opening 470 of the left panel 400 may allow the insulation 490 of the left panel 400 to be exposed to the outside of the left panel 400. The opening 670 of the upper panel 600 may allow the insulation 690 of the upper panel 600 to be exposed to the outside of the upper panel 600.

The opening 470 of the left panel 400 and the opening 670 of the upper panel 600 may be formed at positions corresponding to each other. In this case, the insulation 490 of the left panel 400 exposed to the outside of the left panel 400 through the opening 470 of the left panel 400 and the insulations 690 of the upper panel 600 exposed to the outside of the panel 600 through the opening 670 of the upper panel 600 may be in contact with each other. In such a way, the insulation 490 of the left panel 400 and the insulation 690 of the upper panel 600 may be brought into contact with each other, thereby further improving the insulation performance of the refrigerator 1.

However, the insulation 490 of the left panel 400 and the insulation 690 of the upper panel 600 may not be in contact with each other. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, an air insulating layer 800 may be formed between the insulation 490 of the left panel 400 and the insulation 690 of the upper panel 600.

Since the air insulating layer 800 has a lower thermal conductivity than the inner case made of a resin material or the outer case made of a metal material, the case in which the air insulating layer 800 is formed may have a better insulating efficiency than the case in which the openings 470 and 670 are not formed.

FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a reinforcing rib according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the coupling structure of the left panel and the upper panel according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a view illustrating openings and reinforcing ribs according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 17 to 19, a reinforcing rib according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

The inner case according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a reinforcing rib protruding from an edger of the opening of the contact portion to reinforce the rigidity of the insulation panel.

For example, an inner case 410a of the left panel 400 may include a reinforcing rib 471 protruding from an edge of the opening 470 to reinforce the rigidity of the left panel 400. However, the reinforcing rib 471 may be formed around the openings of other insulation panels as well as the left panel 400.

The contact portion 460 of the left panel 400 may include a contact surface 463 (see FIG. 18) formed on one side of the contact portion 460 to contact the upper panel 600, and an opposing surface 464 (see FIG. 17) formed on the opposite side of the contact portion 460.

The reinforcing rib 471 may protrude from the edge of the opening 470 on the opposing surface 464. The reason for the reinforcing rib 471 to protrude from the opposing surface 464 of the contact portion 460 is to ensure that the reinforcing rib 471 does not interfere when the left panel 400 and the upper panel 600 are hook-coupled (i.e., when sliding).

The reinforcement rib 471 may be formed on all edges of the opening 470. For example, in the event that the opening 470 has a rectangular shape, the reinforcement rib 471 may include a first horizontal reinforcement portion 472 formed at an upper edge of the opening 470, a second horizontal reinforcement portion 473 formed at a lower edge of the opening 470, a first vertical reinforcement portion 475 and a second vertical reinforcement portion 474 formed at front and rear edges of the opening 470. However, according to an embodiment, the reinforcing rib 471 may be provided only at some edges of the opening 470.

The reinforcing rib 471 may be formed together with the inner case 410a when the inner case 410a is molded.

As such, by providing the reinforcing rib 471 around the opening 470 of the contact portion 460, the rigidity around the opening 470 may be reinforced and deformation can be prevented.

As shown in FIG. 19, when a plurality of openings 470a are provided in an inner case 410b, the reinforcing ribs 471 may be formed at an edge of each of the plurality of openings 470a.

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 formed by an assembly of a plurality of insulation panels;a storage space in the main body;a door to open and close the storage space; anda cooling device to supply cold air to the storage space,wherein the plurality of insulation panels includes a first insulation panel and a second insulation panel coupled to the first insulation panel,the first insulation panel includes: an inner case,an outer case coupled to the inner case to thereby form an insulating space between the inner case and the outer case, andan insulation in the insulating space,the inner case includes: a space forming portion defining one side of the storage space, anda contact portion offset from the space forming portion and contacting an outer surface of the second insulation panel, andthe contact portion includes at least one opening to reduce heat transfer through the contact portion between the first insulation panel and the second insulation panel.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the contact portion includes a horizontal contact portion extending from the space forming portion in a horizontal direction, and a vertical contact portion extending from the horizontal contact portion in a vertical direction.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the insulation of the first insulation panel is exposed through the at least one opening.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the inner case includes a resin material.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the insulation includes urethane foam.

6. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the inner case is a molded member, andthe at least one opening is formed integrally with the inner case.

7. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the at least one opening is a cutout portion of the inner case.

8. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the inner case includes a coupling portion coupled to the second insulation panel.

9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the coupling portion includes a coupling protrusion that is inserted into the second insulation panel.

10. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the coupling protrusion protrudes to be coplanar with the space forming portion.

11. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein the coupling portion includes a hook coupling portion on the coupling protrusion to be hook-coupled to the second insulation panel.

12. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the inner case includes a reinforcing rib protruding from an edge of the at least one opening of the contact portion to increase a rigidity of the first insulation panel.

13. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein the contact portion includes a contact surface on a first side to contact the second insulation panel, and an opposing surface on a second side opposite the first side, andthe reinforcing rib protrudes from the opposing surface.

14. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein the at least one opening has a quadrangular shape, andthe reinforcing rib includes: a first horizontal reinforcement portion protruding from an upper edge of the at least one opening,a second horizontal reinforcement portion protruding from a lower edge of the at least one opening,a first vertical reinforcement portion protruding from a first side edge of the at least one opening, anda second vertical reinforcement portion protruding from a second side edge of the at least one opening.