REFRIGERATOR

Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a body including an opening formed in a front surface, a door rotatably coupled to the body and configured to open and close the opening of the body, a refrigerator compartment provided in a first inner space of the body, and a freezer compartment case provided with a freezer compartment to insert into or withdraw from a second inner space of the body that is disposed under the first inner space, and configured to slide in a forward-backward direction between an insertion position at which the freezer compartment case is inserted into the second inner space and closes the freezer compartment and a withdrawal position at which the freezer compartment case is withdrawn from the second inner space and opens the freezer compartment, and a front of the freezer compartment case is covered by the door at the insertion position in a state in which the door closes the opening of the body.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

2. Description of the Related Art

A refrigerator is an appliance that stores food in a fresh state by including a body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply system configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment maintained at a temperature of about 0 to 5° C. to refrigerate and store food and a freezer compartment maintained at a temperature of about −30 to 0° C. to freeze and store food. Generally, the storage compartment is provided to have an open front surface to allow food to be put in and taken out, and the open front surface of the storage compartment is opened and closed by a door.

The refrigerator repeats a cooling cycle in which a refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated using a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator. Here, both the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment may be cooled by a single evaporator provided at the freezer compartment side, or an evaporator may be provided in each of the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment for the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment to be independently cooled.

Types of refrigerators may be classified according to the forms of the storage compartment and the door and may be classified into top mounted freezer (TMF) refrigerators in which a storage compartment is vertically divided by a horizontal partition and a freezer compartment is formed at an upper side and a refrigerator compartment is formed at a lower side and bottom mounted freezer (BMF) refrigerators in which the refrigerator compartment is formed at the upper side and the freezer compartment is formed at the lower side.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerator having an improved structure so that a storage compartment opened and closed by a single door is divided into a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment.

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerator having an improved structure so that a freezer compartment is provided at a lower portion of a storage compartment opened and closed by a single door.

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a refrigerator having an improved structure so that the leakage of cold air from a freezer compartment is prevented in a case in which a freezer compartment case provided to be slidable inside a body is closed.

Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned aspects should be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a body including an opening formed in a front surface, a door rotatably coupled to the body and configured to open and close the opening of the body, a refrigerator compartment provided in a first inner space of the body, and a freezer compartment case provided with a freezer compartment to insert into or withdraw from a second inner space of the body that is disposed under the first inner space, and configured to slide in a forward-backward direction between an insertion position at which the freezer compartment case is inserted into the second inner space and closes the freezer compartment and a withdrawal position at which the freezer compartment case is withdrawn from the second inner space and opens the freezer compartment, and wherein a front of the freezer compartment case is covered by the door at the insertion position in a state in which the door closes the opening of the body.

The body may further include a partition configured to partition the body into the first inner space and the second inner space so that the first inner space and the second inner space are insulated from each other. The door may cover a front of the partition while closing the opening of the body. The freezer compartment case may be provided so that, at the insertion position, a top of the freezer compartment is covered by the partition.

The freezer compartment case may further include a freezer compartment opening formed in an upper portion of the freezer compartment case and configured to open the freezer compartment. At the insertion position, the freezer compartment opening may be disposed to be spaced apart from a lower surface of the partition.

The freezer compartment case may include a front portion configured to cover a front of the freezer compartment. At the insertion position, the front portion may cover at least a portion of the partition from in front of the partition.

The freezer compartment case may further include a sealing member provided on a back surface of the front portion that faces the partition. At the insertion position, the sealing member may be configured to seal between the front portion and the partition and be fixed to the partition by a magnetic force.

The freezer compartment case may include a case insulator may be configured to insulate the first inner space from the freezer compartment at the insertion position.

The body may further include an outer case configured to form an exterior of the body and an inner case provided inside the outer case. The freezer compartment case may include a front portion configured to cover a front of the freezer compartment and a sealing member provided on a back surface of the front portion that faces the inner case and configured to seal between the inner case and the front portion at the insertion position. At the insertion position, the sealing member may be fixed to the inner case by a magnetic force.

The body may further include a body insulator foamed between the outer case and the inner case. The sealing member may include a first magnetic body. The inner case may include a second magnetic body provided on an inner surface of the inner case that faces the body insulator so that an attractive force acts between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body due to a magnetic force.

The refrigerator may further include a cooling chamber disposed behind the second inner space; an evaporator provided in the cooling chamber and configured to generate cold air; a blower fan provided in the cooling chamber and configured to allow the cold air generated by the evaporator to flow are provided, and a communication hole configured to allow communication between the second inner space and the cooling chamber. The freezer compartment case may be configured to cover a front of the communication hole.

At the insertion position, the freezer compartment may be configured to communicate with the second inner space and the cooling chamber.

The freezer compartment case may include a cold air inlet formed so that the cold air enters from behind the freezer compartment case. The cold air inlet may be formed in an upper portion of the freezer compartment case.

The refrigerator may further include a rail provided in the second inner space and configured to support the freezer compartment case so that the freezer compartment case is slidable between the insertion position and the withdrawal position. The rail may include an inclined guide portion formed to be inclined downward toward a rear of the second inner space.

The rail may further include a horizontal guide portion disposed in front of the inclined guide portion. The horizontal guide portion may be bent from a front end of the inclined guide portion and extend in a direction parallel to a forward-backward direction of the second inner space.

The freezer compartment case may include a case insertion portion configured to insert into the rail and guided by the rail. The case insertion portion may include a case inclined portion formed to be inclined upward toward a front of the freezer compartment case.

The refrigerator may further include a closing device configured to provide an elastic force so that the freezer compartment case moves to the insertion position. The closing device may be provided in the second inner space.

The closing device may include a closing body fixed to the inner case, an elastic spring whose one end is fixed to the closing body, and a puller connected to the other end of the elastic spring and provided to be movable in the forward-backward direction relative to the closing body. In response to the freezer compartment case moving to the withdrawal position, the puller moved to a front may be locked to the closing body. In response to the freezer compartment case moving to the insertion position, the puller may be unlocked from the closing body, move to a rear, and pull the freezer compartment case toward the insertion position.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes an outer case configured to form an exterior, an inner case configured to have a first inner space, in which a refrigerator compartment is provided, and a second inner space, which is disposed under the first inner space, provided therein, a partition disposed inside the inner case and configured to partition the inner case into the first inner space and the second inner space, a freezer compartment case provided to be slidable to insert into or withdraw from the second inner space and have a freezer compartment provided therein, and a door rotatably coupled to the outer case and configured to cover a front of the freezer compartment case and a front of the partition while closing the first inner space. The freezer compartment case may be provided so that the freezer compartment is open while the freezer compartment case is withdrawn from the second inner space and the freezer compartment is closed by the partition while the freezer compartment case is inserted into the second inner space.

The freezer compartment case may include a front portion configured to cover a front of the freezer compartment. While the freezer compartment case is inserted into the second inner space, the front portion may cover at least a portion of the partition from in front of the partition.

The freezer compartment case may further include a sealing member provided on a back of the front portion that faces the partition and configured to seal between the front portion and the partition. The sealing member may include a first magnetic body, and the partition may include a second magnetic body provided so that an attractive force acts between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body. While the freezer compartment case is inserted into the second inner space, the sealing member may be fixed to the partition due to a magnetic force between the first magnetic body and the second magnetic body.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a body having an open front, a door rotatably coupled to the body to open and close the body, a storage compartment provided inside the body and including a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment provided under the refrigerator compartment, a cooling chamber provided inside the body and in which an evaporator configured to generate cold air and a blower fan provided to allow the generated cold air to flow to the storage compartment are disposed, and a freezer compartment case provided inside the body, provided to be slidable in a forward-backward direction to open and close the freezer compartment, and configured to communicate with the cooling chamber. The door may cover a front of the freezer compartment case while closing the body.

The refrigerator may further include a partition provided in the storage compartment and configured to vertically partition the storage compartment into the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment so that the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment are insulated from each other. The partition may cover a top of the freezer compartment while the freezer compartment is closed. The door may cover a front of the partition while closing the body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein and configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and various modifications which may replace the embodiments and the drawings herein may be present at the time of filing this application.

Also, like reference numerals or symbols presented in the drawings of the application indicate parts or elements that perform substantially the same functions.

Also, terms used herein are for describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit and/or restrict the disclosure. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless context clearly indicates otherwise. In the application, terms such as “include” or “have” are for designating that features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof are present, and do not preclude the possibility of presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof in advance.

Also, terms including ordinals such as “first” and “second” used herein may be used to describe various elements, but the elements are not limited by the terms, and the terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another element. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element while not departing from the scope of rights of the present disclosure, and likewise, a second element may also be referred to as a first element. The term “and/or” includes a combination of a plurality of associated listed items or any one item among the plurality of associated listed items.

Meanwhile, terms such as “up-down direction,” “under,” and “forward-backward direction” used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each element are not limited by the terms.

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

FIG.1is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.2is a lateral cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, a refrigerator1may include a body10, a storage compartment20provided inside the body10, a door30configured to open and close the storage compartment20, and a cooling system configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment20.

The body10may have a front surface formed to be open to allow a user to put food in the storage compartment20or take food out of the storage compartment20. That is, the body10may include an opening10aformed in the front surface of the body10. The opening10aof the body10may be opened and closed by the door30.

The body10may include an inner case11configured to form the storage compartment20, an outer case12configured to form an exterior of the refrigerator1, and a body insulator13provided between the inner case11and the outer case12.

The outer case12may be formed to have a substantially box-like shape having an open front surface. The outer case12may form upper and lower surfaces, left and right side surfaces, and a rear surface of the refrigerator1.

The outer case12may include a metal material. For example, the outer case12may be manufactured by processing a steel sheet material.

The inner case11may have an open front surface. The inner case11may have the storage compartment20provided therein and may be provided inside the outer case12. An inner wall of the inner case11may form an inner wall of the storage compartment20.

The inner case11may include a plastic material. For example, the inner case11may be manufactured by a vacuum forming process. For example, the inner case11may be manufactured by an injection molding process.

The body insulator13may be provided so that the outer case12and the inner case11are insulated from each other. The body insulator13may couple the inner case11and the outer case12to each other by being foamed between the inner case11and the outer case12. The body insulator13may prevent a heat exchange from occurring between the inside of the storage compartment20and the outside of the body10to improve efficiency of cooling the inside of the storage compartment20.

Urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS), a vacuum insulation panel, and the like may be used as the body insulator13. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the body insulator13may be configured to include various other materials.

An inner space of the body10may include a first inner space10band a second inner space10c. The second inner space10cmay be disposed under the first inner space10b. For example, the first inner space10bmay be formed at an upper portion inside the body10, and the second inner space10cmay be formed at a lower portion inside the body10.

The first inner space10band the second inner space10cmay be formed inside the inner case11. In other words, the first inner space10bmay be defined as referring to one portion of the inner space formed inside the inner case11, and the second inner space10cmay be defined as referring to the other portion of the inner space formed inside the inner case11, which is a portion provided under the first inner space10b.

Cold air generated by a cold air supply device, which will be described below, may be supplied to each of the first inner space10band the second inner space10c. Each of the first inner space10band the second inner space10cmay be provided to communicate with a cooling chamber50. The cold air generated by the cold air supply device may flow from the cooling chamber50to the first inner space10band the second inner space10c.

The storage compartment20may be formed inside the body10. The storage compartment20may include a refrigerator compartment21maintained at a temperature of about a range from 0 to 5° C. to refrigerate and store food and a freezer compartment22maintained at a temperature of about a range from −30 to 0° C. to freeze and store food.

The refrigerator compartment21may be provided in the first inner space10bof the body10. The refrigerator compartment21may be provided at an upper portion of the inner space of the body10. The refrigerator compartment21may be provided above the second inner space10c.

Cold air introduced from the cooling chamber50into the first inner space10bmay be introduced into the refrigerator compartment21, and the first inner space10bmay be maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigerating and storing food.

For example, the refrigerator compartment21may be a space that substantially matches the first inner space10bof the body10. Definitions of the first inner space10band the refrigerator compartment21may be distinguished in that the first inner space10bindicates the space itself formed inside the body10and the refrigerator compartment21indicates one portion of the storage compartment20for storing food.

A shelf (not illustrated) on which food may be placed, a storage container (not illustrated) in which food may be stored, and the like may be provided in the refrigerator compartment21.

The freezer compartment22may be provided to insert into or withdraw from the second inner space10cof the body10. More specifically, the freezer compartment22may be provided inside a freezer compartment case100which will be described below, and the freezer compartment case100may be provided to insert into or withdraw from the second inner space10c. While the freezer compartment case100is inserted into the second inner space10c, the freezer compartment22may insert thereinto and closed. While the freezer compartment case100is withdrawn from the second inner space10c, the freezer compartment22may be withdrawn therefrom and open.

In other words, the freezer compartment22may be positioned inside the body10while the freezer compartment case100is inserted, and on the other hand, at least a portion of the freezer compartment22may be positioned outside the body10while the freezer compartment case100is withdrawn. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and according to the size of the freezer compartment case100, the length at which the freezer compartment case100can be withdrawn, or the like, the freezer compartment22may be positioned inside the body10even in a case in which the freezer compartment case100is withdrawn.

The freezer compartment22is a space provided inside the freezer compartment case100and is a portion of the storage compartment20in which food can be frozen and stored. The freezer compartment22may share some space with the second inner space10c, but the freezer compartment22may be distinguished from the second inner space10cin that the freezer compartment22is provided to insert or withdraw from the second inner space10ctogether with the freezer compartment case100, and is a space in which food is directly stored inside the freezer compartment case100.

The freezer compartment22may be positioned in the second inner space10cwhile the freezer compartment case100is inserted into the second inner space10c. Cold air introduced from the cooling chamber50into the second inner space10cmay be introduced into the freezer compartment22, and the second inner space10cmay be maintained at a temperature suitable for freezing and storing food.

In this way, in the refrigerator1according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator compartment21may be provided in the first inner space10b, and the freezer compartment22may be provided in the second inner space10cdisposed under the first inner space10b. In other words, the refrigerator1according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a bottom mounted freezer (BMF) refrigerator in which the refrigerator compartment21is formed at an upper side and the freezer compartment22is formed at a lower side.

The body10may include a partition15configured to partition the body10into the first inner space10band the second inner space10c. The partition15may be provided between the first inner space10band the second inner space10c. More specifically, the body10may include the partition15configured to vertically partition the body10into the first inner space10band the second inner space10c.

The partition15may partition the body10into the first inner space10band the second inner space10cin a direction horizontal to the ground. The partition15may extend in the direction horizontal to the ground or a base or bottom surface of the refrigerator1.

An upper surface of the partition15may face the first inner space10b. The upper surface of the partition15may form a lower surface of the first inner space10b. The upper surface of the partition15may form a lower surface of the refrigerator compartment21.

A lower surface of the partition15may face the second inner space10c. The lower surface of the partition15may form an upper surface of the second inner space10c. The lower surface of the partition15may cover a top of the freezer compartment22while the freezer compartment case100is inserted into the second inner space10c. The lower surface of the partition15may form an upper surface of the freezer compartment22while the freezer compartment case100is inserted into the second inner space10c.

The partition15may be disposed inside the inner case11. The partition15may be coupled to the inner wall of the inner case11. Specifically, the inner case11may include a partition coupling portion11b(seeFIG.3) formed on the inner wall of the inner case11, and the partition15may be coupled to the partition coupling portion11b. For example, the partition coupling portion11bmay be formed to have the shape of a groove concavely recessed in the inner wall of the inner case11. The partition15may insert into the groove of the partition coupling portion11band coupled thereto.

Based onFIG.1, the partition coupling portion11bmay be formed on a left side surface or a right side surface of the inner case11.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the partition15may be configured in various other ways in order to be disposed inside the inner case11. For example, the partition15may be adhered using an adhesive or the like or may be coupled to the inner case11using a fastening member such as a screw. For example, the partition15may be integrally formed with the inner case11.

As described above, the refrigerator compartment21may be provided in the first inner space10b, and the freezer compartment22may be provided in the second inner space10c. Accordingly, it is necessary to maintain the first inner space10band the second inner space10cat different temperatures.

The partition15may partition the body10into the first inner space10band the second inner space10cso that the first inner space10band the second inner space10care insulated from each other. The partition15may be provided so that the refrigerator compartment21and the freezer compartment22are insulated from each other while the freezer compartment case100is inserted.

For example, the partition15may include a partition insulator15aprovided inside the partition15. The partition insulator15amay be formed to be foamed between an upper surface and a lower surface of the partition15.

The partition insulator15amay be provided to prevent a heat exchange from occurring between the first inner space10band the second inner space10cand maintain the refrigerator compartment21and the freezer compartment22at different temperatures.

Urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS), a vacuum insulation panel, and the like may be used as the partition insulator15a. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the partition insulator15amay be configured to include various other materials.

For example, the partition insulator15amay be configured with an insulator made of the same material as the body insulator13. On the other hand, for example, the partition insulator15amay be configured with an insulator made of a different material from the body insulator13.

For example, the partition15may be manufactured by a method in which the partition insulator15ais foamed inside the partition15first in a manufacturing step, and then the partition15is coupled to the inner case11. Alternatively, for example, the partition15may be manufactured by a method in which the partition15is coupled to the inner case11first in a state before the partition insulator15ais foamed, and then the partition insulator15ais foamed simultaneously with the body insulator13. Methods of manufacturing the partition15are not limited thereto, and the partition15may be manufactured using various other methods.

The refrigerator1may include a cooling system provided to generate cold air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cold air to the first inner space10band the second inner space10c.

The cooling system may generate cold air using evaporative latent heat of a refrigerant in the cooling cycle. The cooling system may be configured to include a compressor73, a condenser (not illustrated), an expansion valve (not illustrated), an evaporator71, a blower fan72, and the like.

The cooling system may be provided in a cooling chamber50and a mechanical chamber60provided in the body10. For example, the cooling chamber50may house the evaporator71configured to generate cold air and the blower fan72provided to allow the cold air generated by the evaporator71to flow. The mechanical chamber may house the compressor73and the condenser.

The cooling chamber50may be disposed behind the first inner space10b. The cooling chamber50may be disposed behind the second inner space10c.

The mechanical chamber60may be disposed behind the first inner space10b. The mechanical chamber60may be disposed behind the second inner space10c.

Components of the refrigerator1that constitute the cooling system may have a relatively large weight. Accordingly, the cooling chamber50and the mechanical chamber60may be provided at a lower portion of the body10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cooling chamber50and the mechanical chamber60may be disposed in various other ways, and the components constituting the cooling system may be disposed in various ways to correspond to the positions of the cooling chamber50and the mechanical chamber60.

Since cold air is generated by the evaporator71in the cooling chamber50, the cooling chamber50may maintain a relatively low-temperature state. On the other hand, since heat is generated by the compressor73, the condenser, and the like in the mechanical chamber60, the mechanical chamber60may maintain a relatively high-temperature state. Accordingly, the cooling chamber50and the mechanical chamber60may be formed in separate spaces and insulated from each other. For example, the body insulator13may be foamed between the cooling chamber50and the mechanical chamber60.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the evaporator71provided in the cooling chamber50may evaporate a refrigerant to generate cold air, and the cold air generated by the evaporator71may flow due to the blower fan72. Some of the cold air flowing due to the blower fan72may be supplied into the first inner space10b, and the rest of the cold air flowing due to the blower fan72may be supplied into the second inner space10c. In other words, the evaporator71may generate cold air in the cooling chamber50, and the cold air generated by the evaporator71may flow from the cooling chamber50to the storage compartment20due to the blower fan72provided in the cooling chamber50. The cooling chamber50may be provided to communicate with each of the first inner space10band the second inner space10c.

In other words, as illustrated inFIG.2, the refrigerator1according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be an indirect-cooling refrigerator. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, description will be given assuming that the refrigerator1according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an indirect-cooling refrigerator, but the spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may also apply to a direct-cooling refrigerator.

The evaporator71, the blower fan72, and other devices disposed in the cooling chamber50may be referred to as cold air supply devices in that the evaporator71generates cold air and the blower fan72supplies the cold air to the storage compartment20.

The body10may include a cold air supply duct14. The cold air supply duct14may form a flow path along which the cold air generated by the cold air supply device flows from the cooling chamber50to the first inner space10bor the second inner space10c. Each of the first inner space10band the second inner space10cmay be provided to communicate with the cold air supply duct14.

The cold air supply duct14may be formed inside the inner case11. The cold air supply duct14may be formed at a rear portion of the inner case11. More specifically, the cold air supply duct14may be provided behind the storage compartment20.

For example, only a single evaporator71may be provided in the cooling chamber50. The blower fan72may be provided so that cold air generated by the single evaporator71flows to each of the first inner space10band the second inner space10c. In such a case, the cold air generated by the single evaporator71may have temperatures in a certain range. Accordingly, in order to maintain different temperatures of the first inner space10band the second inner space10c, the amount of cold air introduced into the first inner space10bmay be different from the amount of cold air introduced into the second inner space10c. For example, a damper14cprovided to control the amount of cold air heading toward the first inner space10bmay be provided in the cold air supply duct14. The damper14cmay be provided to open and close the flow path of cold air heading toward the first inner space10bfrom the cooling chamber50. A refrigerator compartment temperature sensor (not illustrated) provided to measure the temperature of the refrigerator compartment21may be provided in the refrigerator compartment21, and a controller (not illustrated) of the refrigerator1may receive an output value of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor and control the opening and closing of the damper14c.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a configuration that maintains the temperatures of the first inner space10band the second inner space10cto be different from each other may be provided in various other ways. For example, two or more evaporators (not illustrated) may be provided in the cooling chamber50. At least one evaporator may be provided to generate cold air supplied to the first inner space10b, and at least another evaporator may be provided to generate cold air supplied to the second inner space10c. Corresponding to each of the evaporators, two or more blower fans (not illustrated) may be provided in the cooling chamber50. Here, an evaporator and a blower fan for supplying cold air to the first inner space10band an evaporator and a blower fan for supplying cold air to the second inner space10cmay be disposed in separate spaces in the cooling chamber50.

The door30may be provided to open and close the body10. The door30may be rotatably coupled to the body10. More specifically, the door30may be rotatably coupled to the body10by a hinge40connected to each of the door30and the body10. The door30may be rotatably coupled to the outer case12.

An outer surface31of the door30may form a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator1. While the door30is at a closing position, the outer surface31of the door30may form a front surface of the door30.

An inner surface32of the door30may be formed at a side opposite to the outer surface31of the door30. While the door30is at the closing position, the inner surface32of the door30may form a rear surface of the door30. While the door30is at the closing position, the inner surface32of the door30may be provided to face the inside of the body10. While the door30is at the closing position, the inner surface32of the door30may be provided to cover the front of the first inner space10band the front of the second inner space10c.

A foaming space may be formed between the outer surface31of the door30and the inner surface32of the door30, and a door insulator35may be foamed in the foaming space. The door insulator35may prevent a heat exchange from occurring between the outer surface31of the door30and the inner surface32of the door30. The door insulator35may improve insulation performance between the inside of the storage compartment20and the outside of the door30.

Urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS), a vacuum insulation panel, and the like may be used as the door insulator35. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the door insulator35may be configured to include various other materials.

For example, the door insulator35may be configured with an insulator made of the same material as the body insulator13or the partition insulator15a. On the other hand, for example, the door insulator35may be configured with an insulator made of a different material from the body insulator13or the partition insulator15a.

A door gasket33provided to seal a gap between the door30and the body10and prevent leakage of cold air from the storage compartment20may be provided on the inner surface32of the door30. The door gasket33may be provided along the periphery of the inner surface32of the door30. The door gasket33may be disposed to be parallel to the opening10aof the body10while the door30is closed. The door gasket33may be configured to include an elastic material such as rubber.

A door shelf34on which food may be stored may be provided on the inner surface32of the door30.

The door30may be provided as a single door and may be rotatably coupled to the body10and open and close the body10. In other words, the single door30may be provided to open and close the inner space of the body10as a whole.

The door30may close the first inner space10bwhile closing the opening10aof the body10. The door30may cover the front of the first inner space10bwhile closing the opening10aof the body10.

The door30may cover the front of the freezer compartment case100, which will be described below, while closing the opening10aof the body10. In other words, while the door30is closed, the front of the freezer compartment case100may be closed by the door30in a state in which the freezer compartment case100is inserted into the second inner space10c. When closing the opening10aof the body10, the door30may, instead of directly closing the second inner space10c, cover the front of the freezer compartment case100closing the second inner space10cand cover the front of the second inner space10c.

The door30may cover the front of the partition15while closing the opening10aof the body10. That is, the entire partition15may be disposed inside the body10, and in the state in which the opening10aof the body10is closed, the partition15may be covered by the door30and not be exposed to the exterior.

The configuration of the refrigerator1described above with reference toFIGS.1and2is only an example for describing a refrigerator according to the spirit of the present disclosure, and the spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The refrigerator according to the spirit of the present disclosure may be provided to include various configurations for performing a function of supplying cold air to a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment for storing food.

FIG.3is an exploded view of a partial configuration of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.4is a rear perspective view illustrating a freezer compartment case of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.5is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a partial configuration of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.6is an enlarged view of A ofFIG.5.FIG.7is an enlarged view of B ofFIG.5.FIG.8is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a state in which the freezer compartment case is withdrawn from the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.3to8, the refrigerator1may include the freezer compartment case100in which the freezer compartment22is provided. The freezer compartment case100may be provided to open and close the freezer compartment22. The freezer compartment22may be defined as a space formed inside the freezer compartment case100.

The freezer compartment case100may be provided inside the body10. More specifically, the freezer compartment case100may be provided inside the inner case11.

The freezer compartment case100may be provided in the second inner space10cof the body10. The freezer compartment case100may be provided at a lower portion of the body10. Corresponding thereto, the freezer compartment22may also be provided in the second inner space10cof the body10. The freezer compartment22may be provided at the lower portion of the body10.

The freezer compartment case100may be provided to insert into or withdraw from the second inner space10c. The freezer compartment22may be provided to insert into or withdraw from the second inner space10ctogether with the freezer compartment case100. When the freezer compartment case100is withdrawn from the second inner space10c, the freezer compartment22may be withdrawn from the second inner space10c. When the freezer compartment case100is inserted into the second inner space10c, the freezer compartment22may insert into the second inner space10c.

A position at which the freezer compartment case100is inserted into the second inner space10cmay be referred to as an insertion position100A, and a position at which the freezer compartment case100is withdrawn from the second inner space10cmay be referred to as a withdrawal position100B. The freezer compartment case100may be provided to be movable between the insertion position100A and the withdrawal position100B.

Further, for convenience of description, each configuration constituting the freezer compartment case100(a case body110, a front portion120, a sealing member130, or the like) may also be referred to as being positioned at the insertion position100A or the withdrawal position100B and may be referred to as being provided to be movable between the insertion position100A and the withdrawal position100B. Likewise, the freezer compartment22provided in the freezer compartment case100may also be referred to as being positioned at the insertion position100A or the withdrawal position100B and may be referred to as being provided to be movable between the insertion position100A and the withdrawal position100B.

The freezer compartment case100may be provided to be slidable relative to the second inner space10c. That is, the freezer compartment case100may be provided to be slidable in a forward-backward direction between the insertion position100A and the withdrawal position100B.

Specifically, the refrigerator1may further include a rail200configured to support the freezer compartment case100so that the freezer compartment case100is slidable between the insertion position100A and the withdrawal position100B.

The rail200may be provided in the second inner space10c. The freezer compartment case100may be provided to be slidable along the rail200and provided to insert into or withdraw from the second inner space10c.

The rail200may be provided on the inner wall of the inner case11. For example, based onFIG.3, the rail200may be provided on each of a left-side inner wall and a right-side inner wall of the inner case11.

For example, the rail200may be mounted on the inner case11. The rail200may be mounted on an inner wall of the second inner space10c. Based onFIG.3, the rail may be mounted on each of the left-side inner wall and the right-side inner wall of the inner case11.

On the other hand, for example, the rail200may be integrally formed with the inner wall of the inner case11instead of being separately formed and mounted on the inner case11.

Detailed description of the configuration of the rail200will be given below.

The freezer compartment case100may cover the front of the second inner space10c. The freezer compartment case100may, while covering the front of the second inner space10c, move in the forward-backward direction between the insertion position100A and the withdrawal position100B.

At the insertion position100A, the freezer compartment case100may close the front of the second inner space10c. At the insertion position100A, the freezer compartment case100may be provided so that the inside of the second inner space10cis isolated from the outside and may prevent cold air of the second inner space10cfrom leaking to the outside.

The freezer compartment case100may include a freezer compartment opening111configured to open the freezer compartment22. The freezer compartment opening111may be formed at an upper portion of the freezer compartment case100. The freezer compartment opening111may be formed so that the freezer compartment22is open in an up-down direction.

The freezer compartment22may be closed at the insertion position100A. The freezer compartment22may be open at the withdrawal position100B. The freezer compartment opening111may be closed at the insertion position100A and open at the withdrawal position100B.

For example, the freezer compartment22may be opened and closed by the partition15. The freezer compartment case100may be provided so that the freezer compartment22is closed by the partition15at the insertion position100A. More specifically, the top of the freezer compartment22may be covered by the partition15at the insertion position100A. At the withdrawal position100B, the freezer compartment22may be positioned in front of the partition15, and the top of the freezer compartment22may be open.

In other words, the freezer compartment case100may be provided so that the top of the freezer compartment22is covered by the partition15at the insertion position100A. The freezer compartment case100may be provided so that the top of the freezer compartment opening111is covered by the partition15at the insertion position100A.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the freezer compartment22may be provided so that a configuration other than the partition15opens and closes the freezer compartment22and covers the top of the freezer compartment22at the insertion position100A. However, hereinafter, for convenience of description, description will be given assuming that the freezer compartment22is opened and closed by the partition15, and the top of the freezer compartment22is covered by the partition15at the insertion position100A.

The freezer compartment case100may be provided in the inner space of the body10. The freezer compartment case100may be positioned inside the body10while at the insertion position100A and may have at least a portion positioned outside the body10while at the withdrawal position100B. The freezer compartment case100may move through the opening10aof the body10when moving from the insertion position100A to the withdrawal position100B.

The freezer compartment case100may have the front covered by the door30while the door30closes the opening10aof the body10. The freezer compartment case100may be positioned at the insertion position100A while the door30is closed and may have the front covered by the door30at the insertion position100A. The door30may be provided to, while closed, cover the front portion120of the freezer compartment case100which will be described below.

In other words, the door30may cover the front of the freezer compartment case100while closing the first inner space10b.

Also, the door30may cover the front of the partition15while closing the opening10aof the body10. The door30may simultaneously cover the front of the partition15and the front of the freezer compartment case100while closing the first inner space10b.

By such a configuration, the exterior of the refrigerator1may be formed by the outer case12and the door30while the door30is closed. In particular, the exterior of the front of the refrigerator1may be formed mostly by the outer surface31of the door30. While the door30is closed, the partition15and the freezer compartment case100are positioned inside the body10and covered by the door30and do not form the exterior of the refrigerator1.

In other words, the exterior of the front of the refrigerator1according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be formed by the single door30configured to open and close the opening10aof the body10. As compared to a refrigerator1opened and closed by a plurality of doors30, the refrigerator1opened and closed by the single door30may provide an exterior that makes a user feel a different aesthetic sense.

In the refrigerator1in which the storage compartment20is opened and closed by the single door30, as the freezer compartment22is provided inside the freezer compartment case100, the refrigerator compartment21and the freezer compartment22may be isolated from each other.

The freezer compartment case100may be provided to insert into or withdraw from the second inner space10cpositioned at a lower portion of the body10, and thus it may be easy for the user to access the freezer compartment22.

Also, since the freezer compartment case100is able to slide relative to the second inner space10cpositioned at the lower portion of the body10, and the top of the freezer compartment22is open at the withdrawal position100B, the degree of leakage of cold air from the freezer compartment22may be reduced.

The freezer compartment case100may include the case body110in which the freezer compartment22is provided and the front portion120configured to form a front surface of the freezer compartment case100.

As illustrated inFIG.3or the like, the case body110may substantially have the shape of a basket formed to store food. The shape of the case body110is not limited to the shape illustrated inFIG.3, and the case body110may be formed to have various other shapes that allow the freezer compartment22to be provided in the case body110.

The case body110may include the freezer compartment opening111described above. The freezer compartment opening111may be provided at an upper portion of the case body110. That is, the case body110may include a shape having an open upper portion.

The front portion120may be provided in front of the case body110. The front portion120may be provided in front of the freezer compartment22. The front portion120may cover the front of the freezer compartment22.

The front portion120may be formed to include the shape of a substantially flat plate. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the front portion120may be formed to have various other shapes.

The front portion120may include a grip portion121formed to be gripped by the user. The user may move the freezer compartment case100to the withdrawal position100B using the grip portion121.

At the insertion position100A, the front portion120may not only cover the front of the freezer compartment22but also cover the front of the second inner space10c. More specifically, the front portion120may close the front of the second inner space10cat the insertion position100A.

The inner case11may include a front support portion11aprovided so that the front portion120is supported at the insertion position100A. While the freezer compartment case100is at the insertion position100A, the front portion120may be positioned closest to the front support portion11a.

The front support portion11amay be provided to be adjacent to a front portion of the second inner space10c. The front support portion11amay be formed along a periphery of an opening of the front portion of the second inner space10cthat is open in the forward-backward direction.

The front portion120may cover a front of the front support portion11aat the insertion position100A. While moving from the insertion position100A to the withdrawal position100B, the front portion120may move to the front of the front support portion11aand move away from the front support portion11a.

As compared to a case in which the front portion120simply covers the front of the second inner space10cat the insertion position100A, in a case in which the front portion120covers the front of the front support portion11aat the insertion position100A, the front portion120may more efficiently seal the second inner space10cand the freezer compartment22and efficiently prevent leakage of cold air from the second inner space10cand the freezer compartment22.

At the insertion position100A, the front portion120may cover at least a portion of the partition15from in front of the partition15. In such a case, the front portion120may more efficiently seal the second inner space10cand the freezer compartment22and efficiently prevent leakage of cold air from the freezer compartment22through a gap between the partition15and the freezer compartment case100. In particular, for example, as will be described below, the freezer compartment opening111of the case body110may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the partition15at the insertion position100A, and here, as the front portion120covers at least a portion of the partition15from in front of the partition15, leakage of cold air to the outside through a separation space between the freezer compartment opening111and the partition15may be prevented.

The freezer compartment case100may include a case insulator122. The case insulator122may be provided so that the first inner space10band the freezer compartment22are insulated from each other at the insertion position100A.

The case insulator122may be provided in front of the freezer compartment22. More specifically, the case insulator122may be provided in the front portion120of the freezer compartment case100.

The case insulator122may prevent a heat exchange from occurring between the first inner space10band the freezer compartment22. Further, the case insulator122may prevent a heat exchange from occurring between the first inner space10band the second inner space10c. The case insulator122may improve insulation performance between the inside and outside of the freezer compartment case100while the freezer compartment case100is at the insertion position100A and may be provided so that the refrigerator compartment21and the freezer compartment22efficiently maintain different temperatures.

For example, the case insulator122may be foamed inside the front portion120. A foaming space may be formed between a front surface and a back surface of the front portion120, and the case insulator122may be foamed in the foaming space.

Urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS), a vacuum insulation panel, and the like may be used as the case insulator122. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the case insulator122may be configured to include various other materials.

For example, the case insulator122may be configured with an insulator made of the same material as the body insulator13, the partition insulator15a, or the door insulator35. On the other hand, for example, the case insulator122may be configured with an insulator made of a different material from the body insulator13or the partition insulator15aor the door insulator35.

The freezer compartment case100may further include the sealing member130provided to, at the insertion position100A, seal between the front portion120and the partition15or between the front portion120and the inner case11.

The sealing member130may be provided on the back surface of the front portion120. The sealing member130may be provided along the periphery of the back surface of the front portion120. The sealing member130may be formed to have the shape of a substantially closed loop.

The back surface of the front portion120may face the inner case11. More specifically, the back surface of the front portion120may face the front support portion11aof the inner case11. The sealing member130may be provided to seal a gap between the back surface of the front portion120and the front support portion11aat the insertion position100A.

The back surface of the front portion120may face the partition15. The sealing member130may be provided to seal a gap between the back surface of the front portion120and the partition15at the insertion position100A.

The sealing member130may be configured to include an elastic material such as rubber. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the sealing member130may be configured to include various other materials.

By the above configuration, at the insertion position100A, the freezer compartment case100may efficiently seal the freezer compartment22and the second inner space10cand efficiently prevent leakage of cold air from the freezer compartment22and the second inner space10c. This may be important in that the refrigerator compartment21and the freezer compartment22need to maintain different temperatures even in a case in which the door30closes the body10.

Meanwhile, in order to more efficiently prevent leakage of cold air from the freezer compartment22and the second inner space10cat the insertion position100A, the sealing member130may be fixed to the inner case11by a magnetic force at the insertion position100A.

For example, the sealing member130may include a first magnetic body131configured to include a magnetic material. Corresponding thereto, the inner case11may include a second magnetic body11aaconfigured to include a magnetic material and provided so that an attractive force acts between the first magnetic body131and the second magnetic body11aa.

More specifically, the second magnetic body11aamay be provided on an inner surface of the inner case11that faces the body insulator13. The second magnetic body11aamay be embedded by the body insulator13. More specifically, the second magnetic body11aamay be provided on an inner surface of the front support portion11athat faces the body insulator13.

The second magnetic body11aamay extend along the periphery of the front support portion11a. The second magnetic body11aamay be formed to have the shape of a substantially flat plate. However, the shape of the second magnetic body11aais not limited thereto.

At the insertion position100A, the sealing member130may be fixed to the inner case11by the attractive force between the first magnetic body131and the second magnetic body11aa. Even when the user does not place the freezer compartment case100at the exact insertion position100A, the freezer compartment case100may move to the exact insertion position100A by the attractive force between the first magnetic body131and the second magnetic body11aaas long as the freezer compartment case100is moved to a position adjacent to the insertion position100A. The attractive force placing the freezer compartment case to the adjacent position may cause the second inner space10cand the freezer compartment22to be sealed.

Alternatively, at the insertion position100A, the sealing member130may be fixed to the partition15by a magnetic force.

For example, the partition15may include a third magnetic body15bconfigured to include a magnetic material and provided so that an attractive force acts between the first magnetic body131and the third magnetic body15b.

More specifically, the third magnetic body15bmay be provided on an inner surface of the partition15that faces the partition insulator15a. The third magnetic body15bmay be embedded by the partition insulator15a.

The third magnetic body15bmay extend in a left-right direction of the body10which is a direction in which the partition15extends. The third magnetic body15bmay be formed to have the shape of a substantially flat plate. However, the shape of the third magnetic body15bis not limited thereto.

At the insertion position100A, the sealing member130may be fixed to the partition15by the attractive force between the first magnetic body131and the third magnetic body15b. Further, when the user inserts the freezer compartment case100, even when the user does not place the freezer compartment case100at the exact insertion position100A, as long as the freezer compartment case100is moved to a position adjacent to the insertion position100A, the freezer compartment case100may move to the exact insertion position100A by the attractive force between the first magnetic body131and the third magnetic body15b, and the second inner space10cand the freezer compartment22may be sealed.

Meanwhile, the terms “first magnetic body,” “second magnetic body,” and “third magnetic body,” described above are only terms defined in describing the magnetic bodies provided on the sealing member130, the inner case11, and the partition15according to one embodiment, and interpretation of the magnetic bodies is not limited by the expressions “first, “second,” and “third.” For example, the second magnetic body11aaprovided on the inner case11and the third magnetic body15bprovided on the partition15are different only in terms of the arrangement and may be provided so that features such as types or shapes thereof are almost the same.

As described above, the first inner space10band the second inner space10cmay communicate with the cooling chamber50. Specifically, the refrigerator1may further include communication holes14aand14bconfigured to allow communication between the second inner space10cand the cooling chamber50.

For example, the communication holes14aand14bmay include a first communication hole14aprovided so that cold air generated in the cooling chamber50is introduced into the second inner space10cand a second communication hole14bprovided so that air heat-exchanged in the second inner space10creturns to the cooling chamber50. The flow of air between the second inner space10cand the cooling chamber50through the communication holes14aand14bmay occur by the blower fan72. That is, the refrigerator1according to one embodiment may be configured as an indirect-cooling refrigerator.

The communication holes14aand14bmay be provided behind the second inner space10c. For example, the communication holes14aand14bmay be formed in a front surface of the cold air supply duct14. For example, the communication holes14aand14bmay be formed to pass through one side of the inner case11.

The freezer compartment case100may cover a front of the communication holes14aand14b. Accordingly, in the case in which the freezer compartment case100is at the withdrawal position100B as well as the case in which the freezer compartment case100is at the insertion position100A, the front of the communication holes14aand14bmay be covered by the freezer compartment case100. Accordingly, as long as the freezer compartment case100is not completely separated from the second inner space10c, the exterior of the communication holes14aand14bmay not be exposed to the user, and further, the exterior quality of the product can be improved.

The freezer compartment case100may communicate with the cooling chamber50. The freezer compartment case100may be provided to communicate with the cooling chamber50and receive cold air from the cooling chamber50. In other words, the freezer compartment22may communicate with the cooling chamber50.

The freezer compartment case100may communicate with the second inner space10cand may communicate with the cooling chamber50via the second inner space10c. In other words, at the insertion position100A, the freezer compartment22may communicate with the second inner space10cand the cooling chamber50.

For example, the freezer compartment case100may include a cold air inlet112formed so that cold air enters from behind the freezer compartment case100. The cold air inlet112may be provided in a rear surface of the case body110. Cold air introduced from the cooling chamber50into the second inner space10cmay be introduced into the freezer compartment22through the cold air inlet112.

The cold air inlet112may be formed in the upper portion of the freezer compartment case100, more specifically, the upper portion of the case body110. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cold air inlet112may be provided at various other positions.

For example, at the insertion position100A, the above-described freezer compartment opening111may be provided to be spaced apart from the lower surface of the partition15. Cold air introduced from the cooling chamber50into the second inner space10cmay be introduced into the freezer compartment22through a separation space between the freezer compartment opening111and the lower surface of the partition15. Also, as the freezer compartment opening111is spaced apart from the lower surface of the partition15at the insertion position100A, the user may easily move the freezer compartment case100from the insertion position100A to the withdrawal position100B.

The freezer compartment case100may include an outlet113provided so that air heat-exchanged in the freezer compartment22is discharged. The outlet113may be provided in the case body110. The air heat-exchanged in the freezer compartment22may be discharged to the second inner space10cthrough the outlet113or may return to the cooling chamber50through the second communication hole14b.

The outlet113may be formed in a lower portion of the freezer compartment case100, more specifically, a lower portion of the case body110. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the outlet113may be provided at various other positions.

Configurations provided so that the freezer compartment case100receives cold air are not limited to the above, and the freezer compartment case100may communicate with the second inner space10cor the cooling chamber50by various other configurations.

Alternatively, for example, the freezer compartment case100may not communicate with the second inner space10cand the cooling chamber50. Even when the second inner space10ccommunicates with the cooling chamber50and receives cold air, the freezer compartment case100may include the case body110made of a material with high thermal conductivity, and the case body110itself may be cooled by cold air of the second inner space10c. Alternatively, for example, in a direct-cooling refrigerator, even when the freezer compartment22communicates with the second inner space10c, the second inner space10cmay not communicate with the cooling chamber50.

By the above configuration, the freezer compartment case100may, from the cooling chamber50, receive an amount of cold air sufficient to maintain the temperature of the freezer compartment22. That is, the freezer compartment22may, while being provided in the second inner space10cseparated from the first inner space10bby the front portion120, the sealing member130, the partition15, and the like of the freezer compartment case100, receive cold air through a supply flow path distinct from a supply flow path of cold air introduced into the first inner space10b.

An ice tray140configured to form ice may be provided in the freezer compartment case100. The freezer compartment case100may include a tray supporter150configured to support the ice tray140. The tray supporter150may be formed to accommodate the ice tray140and may be supported by the case body110.

The case body110may include an ice tray guide117. The ice tray guide117may support the tray supporter150. The ice tray guide117may guide movement of the tray supporter150in the forward-backward direction.

However, the configurations such as the ice tray140, the tray supporter150, and the ice tray guide117are not limited to the above description and may be configured in various other ways. An ice making system for ice formation in the freezer compartment22may be provided in various ways.

FIG.9is a view illustrating a rail of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.10is a view illustrating a state in which the freezer compartment case moves along the rail in the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.11is a view illustrating a state in which the freezer compartment case moves along the rail in the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.12is a view illustrating a state in which the freezer compartment case moves along the rail in the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.9to12, the refrigerator1may include the rail200provided to allow the freezer compartment case100to be slidable between the insertion position100A and the withdrawal position100B. The freezer compartment case100may be provided to be slidable in the forward-backward direction along the rail200. The rail200may movably support the freezer compartment case100.

The rail200may be provided in the second inner space10c. For example, on the inner wall of the inner case11, the rail200may be mounted on a portion of an inner wall forming the second inner space10c. For example, on the inner wall of the inner case11, the rail200may be integrally formed with the portion of the inner wall forming the second inner space10c.

For example, the rail200may include a rail groove210configured to guide sliding of the freezer compartment case100and include a concave shape. The freezer compartment case100may move between the insertion position100A and the withdrawal position100B along the rail groove210. The rail groove210may extend in the forward-backward direction of the refrigerator1.

The freezer compartment case100may include a case insertion portion114inserted into the rail groove210. Movement of the case insertion portion114in the forward-backward direction may be guided by the rail groove210. The case insertion portion114may insert into the rail groove210and supported. The case insertion portion114may be provided at the case body110. More specifically, the case insertion portion114may be provided at both side surfaces of the case body110. The case insertion portion114may extend in the forward-backward direction of the freezer compartment case100.

For example, the freezer compartment case100may include a case roller115. The case roller115may be provided to roll along the rail groove210while the freezer compartment case100slides. The case roller115may roll due to friction generated between the case roller115and the rail groove210while the freezer compartment case100slides. Due to the case roller115, the freezer compartment case100may easily move along the rail200.

For example, the case roller115may be provided to be rotatable about a rotating shaft provided at the case insertion portion114. The case roller115may be disposed at a position adjacent to a rear end of the case insertion portion114. The case roller115may be disposed adjacent to one end of the case insertion portion114in the direction in which the freezer compartment case100is inserted. Depending on the length at which the rail groove210extends, the case roller115at the insertion position100A may reach a rear end of the rail groove210.

The case roller115may be formed to have a substantially disk-like shape, but the shape of the case roller115is not limited thereto.

For example, the rail200may include a rail roller220. The rail roller220may be provided to roll along the case insertion portion114while the freezer compartment case100slides along the rail200. The rail roller220may roll due to friction generated between the rail roller220and the case insertion portion114while the freezer compartment case100slides. Due to the rail roller220, the freezer compartment case100may easily move along the rail200.

For example, the rail roller220may be provided to be rotatable about a rotating shaft provided at the rail200. The rail roller220may be disposed at a position adjacent to a front end of the rail groove210. The rail roller220may be disposed adjacent to one end of the rail groove210in the direction in which the freezer compartment case100is withdrawn.

The rail roller220may be formed to have a substantially disk-like shape, but the shape of the rail roller220is not limited thereto.

A case stopper114aprovided to prevent forward movement of the freezer compartment case100once the freezer compartment case100reaches the withdrawal position100B may be provided at the case insertion portion114. The case stopper114amay come in contact with the rail200in the forward-backward direction at the withdrawal position100B and prevent the freezer compartment case100from being withdrawn forward past the withdrawal position100B.

For example, the case stopper114amay come in contact with the rail roller220in the forward-backward direction at the withdrawal position100B and prevent the freezer compartment case100from being withdrawn forward past the withdrawal position100B.

For example, the case stopper114amay be formed so that a step is present between an area of the case insertion portion114positioned in front of the case stopper114aand an area of the case insertion portion114positioned behind the case stopper114a.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, a separate stopper structure (not illustrated) provided to come in contact with the case roller115in the forward-backward direction and prevent the freezer compartment case100from being withdrawn forward past the withdrawal position100B once the freezer compartment case100reaches the withdrawal position100B may be formed at the rail groove210.

By the above configuration, the freezer compartment case100may be provided to be slidable between the insertion position100A and the withdrawal position100B along the rail200.

In order to more efficiently prevent leakage of cold air from the freezer compartment22and the second inner space10cwhile the freezer compartment case100is at the insertion position100A, the refrigerator1according to one embodiment may further include a structure provided to receive an external force heading toward the insertion position100A once the freezer compartment case100reaches a position at least adjacent to the insertion position100A.

For example, the rail200may include an inclined guide portion212formed to be inclined downward toward a rear of the second inner space10c. The inclined guide portion212may be formed to be inclined downward toward the direction in which the freezer compartment case100is inserted.

The inclined guide portion212may be provided at least at a rear of the rail200.

The inclined guide portion212may be provided on the rail groove210. The inclined guide portion212may be provided on a lower surface of the rail groove210. The inclined guide portion212may be provided at least at a rear of the rail groove210.

While the freezer compartment case100moves from the withdrawal position100B to the insertion position100A, the freezer compartment case100may enter the inclined guide portion212. After the freezer compartment case100enters the inclined guide portion212, the freezer compartment case100may move backward due to a self-load of the freezer compartment case100along a downward-inclined surface of the inclined guide portion212and may easily move to the insertion position100A.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.12, while the freezer compartment case100moves from the withdrawal position100B to the insertion position100A, the case roller115of the freezer compartment case100may enter the inclined guide portion212. After the case roller115enters the inclined guide portion212, the case roller115may roll to move backward along the downward-inclined surface of the inclined guide portion212. Accordingly, the freezer compartment case100may easily move to the insertion position100A.

As the rail200includes the inclined guide portion212, the freezer compartment case100may easily move to the insertion position100A, and the freezer compartment case100may efficiently seal the freezer compartment22and the second inner space10cand prevent leakage of cold air therefrom.

For example, the rail200may include a horizontal guide portion211disposed in front of the inclined guide portion212. The horizontal guide portion211may extend in a direction parallel to the forward-backward direction of the second inner space10c.

More specifically, the horizontal guide portion211may be bent from one end at a front of the inclined guide portion212and extend in the direction parallel to the forward-backward direction of the second inner space10c. In other words, the inclined guide portion212may be bent from one end at a rear of the horizontal guide portion211and extend in a direction inclined downward toward the rear of the second inner space10c.

The horizontal guide portion211may be provided at least at a front of the rail200.

The horizontal guide portion211may be provided on the rail groove210. The horizontal guide portion211may be provided on the lower surface of the rail groove210. The horizontal guide portion211may be provided at least at a front of the rail groove210.

While the freezer compartment case100moves from the withdrawal position100B to the insertion position100A along the horizontal guide portion211, the freezer compartment case100may be able to slide parallel to the forward-backward direction. Here, the freezer compartment case100may move only by a force caused by the user inserting and pushing the freezer compartment case100backward. Once the freezer compartment case100enters the inclined guide portion212from the horizontal guide portion211, the freezer compartment case100can move to the insertion position100A without the force caused by the user pushing the freezer compartment case100due to the self-load of the freezer compartment case100.

Conversely, while the freezer compartment case100moves from the insertion position100A to the withdrawal position100B along the horizontal guide portion211, the freezer compartment case100may enter the horizontal guide portion211. After the freezer compartment case100enters the horizontal guide portion211, the freezer compartment case100may be able to slide parallel to the forward-backward direction.

For example, while the case roller115of the freezer compartment case100is moving from the withdrawal position100B to the insertion position100A along the horizontal guide portion211, the freezer compartment case100may be able to slide parallel to the forward-backward direction. Here, the freezer compartment case100may move only by the force caused by the user inserting and pushing the freezer compartment case100backward.

Conversely, while the freezer compartment case100is moving from the insertion position100A to the withdrawal position100B along the horizontal guide portion211, the case roller115may enter the horizontal guide portion211. After the freezer compartment case100enters the horizontal guide portion211, the freezer compartment case100may be able to slide parallel to the forward-backward direction.

As the rail200includes the horizontal guide portion211, at the withdrawal position100B or a position adjacent to the withdrawal position100B, movement of the freezer compartment case100may be prevented due to the self-load of the freezer compartment case100.

Alternatively, for example, the freezer compartment case100may include a case inclined portion114bformed to be inclined upward toward the front of the freezer compartment case100. In other words, the case inclined portion114bmay be formed to be inclined downward toward the rear of the freezer compartment case100. The case inclined portion114bmay be formed to be inclined downward toward the direction in which the freezer compartment case100is inserted.

The case inclined portion114bmay be provided at least at a front of the case body110.

The case inclined portion114bmay be provided on the case insertion portion114. The case inclined portion114bmay be provided on a lower surface of the case insertion portion114. The case inclined portion114bmay be provided at least at a front of the case insertion portion114.

While the freezer compartment case100moves from the withdrawal position100B to the insertion position100A, the case inclined portion114bmay enter the rail200. After the case inclined portion114benters the rail200, the case inclined portion114bmay be guided by the rail200, and the freezer compartment case100may move backward due to the self-load of the freezer compartment case100. Accordingly, the freezer compartment case100may easily move to the insertion position100A.

For example, as illustrated inFIG.12, while the freezer compartment case100moves from the withdrawal position100B to the insertion position100A, the case inclined portion114bof the freezer compartment case100may enter the position of the rail roller220. After the case inclined portion114benters the position of the rail roller220, the rail roller220may roll on the inclined surface of the case inclined portion114b, and due to the rotation of the rail roller220, the freezer compartment case100may move backward. Accordingly, the freezer compartment case100may easily move to the insertion position100A.

As the freezer compartment case100includes the case inclined portion114b, the freezer compartment case100may easily move to the insertion position100A, and the freezer compartment case100may efficiently seal the freezer compartment22and the second inner space10cand prevent leakage of cold air therefrom.

However, the rail200of the refrigerator1according to one embodiment which has been described above is only an example of a rail200supporting the freezer compartment case100to allow sliding of the freezer compartment case100. The spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a rail included in the refrigerator according to the spirit of the present disclosure may be provided to have various other configurations.

FIG.13is a view illustrating the rail and a closing device of the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.14is a view illustrating a state in which the freezer compartment case is withdrawn, in the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.15is a view illustrating a state in which the freezer compartment case is inserted, in the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

As described above, in order to more efficiently prevent leakage of cold air from the freezer compartment22and the second inner space10cwhile the freezer compartment case100is at the insertion position100A, the refrigerator1according to one embodiment may further include a structure provided to receive an external force heading toward the insertion position100A once the freezer compartment case100reaches a position at least adjacent to the insertion position100A.

For example, referring toFIGS.13to15, the refrigerator1may further include a closing device300configured to provide an elastic force so that the freezer compartment case100moves to the insertion position100A.

The closing device300may be provided in the second inner space10c. In the second inner space10c, the closing device300may be provided to face the freezer compartment case100. For example, in the second inner space10c, the closing device300may be provided to face the left side or right side of the case body110. For example, in the second inner space10c, the closing device300may be provided to face a rear of the case body110.

For example, the rail200may include a closing device mounting portion230provided so that the closing device300is mounted on the rail200. The closing device300may be mounted on the closing device mounting portion230and provided in the second inner space10c. The closing device300may be mounted on each of the plurality of rails200mounted on the left-side inner wall and the right-side inner wall of the inner case11. The closing device300may be fixed to the rail200.

On the other hand, for example, the closing device300may be directly mounted on the inner wall of the inner case11without being mounted on the rail200. For example, the closing device300may be mounted on each of the left-side inner wall and the right-side inner wall of the inner case11.

The closing device300may be provided to provide an elastic force to the freezer compartment case100in a direction toward the insertion position100A from a position at which the freezer compartment case100is withdrawn by a predetermined distance forward from the insertion position100A (hereinafter referred to as a “closing position” of the freezer compartment case100).

The closing position may be designated as a specific position between the insertion position100A and the withdrawal position100B. The closing position may be set to various positions according to the product design.

When placed between the insertion position100A and the closing position, the freezer compartment case100may receive an elastic force in the direction toward the insertion position100A by the closing device300. In such a case, when the freezer compartment case100is placed between the insertion position100A and the closing position, the freezer compartment case100may move to the insertion position100A due to the closing device300unless a separate external force withdrawing the freezer compartment case100is applied.

When placed between the withdrawal position100B and the closing position, the freezer compartment case100may not receive an elastic force toward the insertion position100A by the closing device300. In such a case, the freezer compartment case100may maintain the current position without moving in the forward-backward direction unless a separate external force moving the freezer compartment case100in the forward-backward direction is applied.

Hereinafter, one example of the closing device provided in the refrigerator according to the spirit of the present disclosure will be described.

The closing device300may include a closing body310fixed to the inner case11, a puller320provided to be movable in the forward-backward direction relative to the closing body310, and an elastic spring330having one end fixed to the closing body310and the other end connected to the puller320.

For example, the closing body310may be fixed to the closing device mounting portion230of the rail200.

The elastic spring330may be fixed to the inner case11by the one end thereof being fixed to the closing body310. The other end of the elastic spring330may be provided to be connected to the puller320and provide an elastic force to the puller320according to the position of the puller320. When the freezer compartment case100is placed in front of the insertion position100A, the elastic spring330may be elastically biased to move the freezer compartment case100to the insertion position100A.

As illustrated inFIGS.13to15, the elastic spring330may be a compression spring. In such a case, the one end of the elastic spring330fixed to the closing body310may be a front end of the elastic spring330in the direction toward the front of the refrigerator1. The other end of the elastic spring330connected to the puller320may be a rear end of the elastic spring330in the direction toward the rear of the refrigerator1.

However, on the other hand, for example, the elastic spring330may be an extension spring. In such a case, the one end of the elastic spring330fixed to the closing body310may be a rear end of the elastic spring330in the direction toward the rear of the refrigerator1. The other end of the elastic spring330connected to the puller320may be a front end of the elastic spring330in the direction toward the front of the refrigerator1.

Hereinafter, description will be given based on the case in which the elastic spring330is a compression spring as illustrated inFIGS.13to15.

The freezer compartment case100may include a puller contact portion116provided to come in contact with the puller320. The puller contact portion116may be provided at the case body110. The puller contact portion116may have a shape that protrudes toward the puller320. For example, the puller contact portion116may be formed to have a shape that protrudes from each of a left side surface and a right side surface of the case body110. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the puller contact portion116may be formed to have various other shapes.

While the freezer compartment case100moves from the insertion position100A to the withdrawal position100B, the puller320may come in contact with the puller contact portion116and move forward. While the freezer compartment case100moves from the withdrawal position100B to the insertion position100A, the puller320may come in contact with the puller contact portion116and move backward.

The puller320may include a first contact portion321and a second contact portion322provided to come in contact with the puller contact portion116. The first contact portion321may be disposed in front of the second contact portion322. The first contact portion321and the second contact portion322may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the forward-backward direction.

At the insertion position100A, the puller contact portion116may be placed between the first contact portion321and the second contact portion322. While the freezer compartment case100moves from the insertion position100A to the withdrawal position100B, the puller contact portion116may press the first contact portion321forward and move the puller320forward. While the freezer compartment case100moves from the withdrawal position100B to the insertion position100A, the puller contact portion116may press the second contact portion322backward and move the puller320backward, and likewise, the first contact portion321may press the puller contact portion116backward and move the freezer compartment case100backward.

While the freezer compartment case100moves to the withdrawal position100B, the puller320moved to the front may be locked to the closing body310.

For example, a groove provided to allow the puller320to move in the forward-backward direction along the closing body310may be provided in the closing body310. While the freezer compartment case100moves to the withdrawal position100B, the puller320may move forward as the puller contact portion116presses the first contact portion321forward. A catching portion311formed to prevent backward movement of the puller320that has reached a front of the groove may be provided at the closing body310. Once the freezer compartment case100reaches the closing position, the first contact portion321may be locked to the catching portion311of the closing body310.

When locked by the catching portion311, the first contact portion321may insert towards the inside of the closing body310. While the freezer compartment case100moves from the closing position to the withdrawal position100B, the first contact portion321may remain inserted into the closing body310, and the puller contact portion116may be withdrawn forward without restraint by the first contact portion321.

While the freezer compartment case100moves to the insertion position100A, the puller320may be unlocked from the closing body310. The unlocked puller320may move backward and may be provided to pull the freezer compartment case100toward the insertion position100A.

For example, since, as mentioned above, the first contact portion321remains inserted into the closing body310while the freezer compartment case100moves from the closing position to the withdrawal position100B, the puller contact portion116may reach the second contact portion322while the freezer compartment case100moves back to the closing position from the withdrawal position100B. At the closing position, the puller contact portion116may press the second contact portion322backward. While the freezer compartment case100moves from the closing position to the insertion position100A, as the second contact portion322is pressed backward by the puller contact portion116, the first contact portion321locked to the catching portion311may be unlocked from the catching portion311. That is, the puller320may be unlocked from the closing body310.

The puller320unlocked from the closing body310may receive an elastic force by the elastic spring330. The puller320may receive an elastic force heading toward the rear of the refrigerator1, and the puller contact portion116may be pressed backward by the first contact portion321. Accordingly, the puller320may be provided to move backward and pull the freezer compartment case100toward the insertion position100A.

By the above configuration, even when not directly moved to the insertion position100A by the user, the freezer compartment case100may move to the insertion position100A by the closing device300as long as the freezer compartment case100is moved to the closing position. Accordingly, the freezer compartment case100may efficiently seal the freezer compartment22and the second inner space10cand prevent leakage of cold air therefrom.

However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the closing device provided in the refrigerator according to the spirit of the present disclosure may be configured in various other ways.

Although it is illustrated inFIGS.13to15that the above-described inclined guide portion212is provided at the rail200and the above-described case inclined portion114bis provided at the freezer compartment case100even when the closing device300is provided, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

According to one embodiment, the inclined guide portion212may not be provided at the rail200, and the case inclined portion114bmay not be provided at the freezer compartment case100. Even in such a case, since the refrigerator1includes the closing device300, the freezer compartment case100may easily move to the insertion position100A, and the freezer compartment case100may efficiently seal the freezer compartment22and the second inner space10cand prevent leakage of cold air therefrom.

According to the spirit of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a freezer compartment case configured to have a front covered by a door, and a storage compartment opened and closed by the single door may be partitioned into a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment.

According to the spirit of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a freezer compartment case provided to be slidable to insert into or withdraw from a lower space of a body, and a freezer compartment configured to insert and withdraw may be provided at a lower portion of a storage compartment.

According to the spirit of the present disclosure, a freezer compartment case of a refrigerator may include a sealing member configured to face a partition or an inner case to prevent leakage of cold air from a freezer compartment.

According to the spirit of the present disclosure, a rail of a refrigerator may include an inclined guide portion formed to be inclined downward toward a rear to prevent leakage of cold air from a freezer compartment.

According to the spirit of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include a closing device, which is configured to provide an elastic force so that a freezer compartment case moves in a direction in which the freezer compartment case is inserted, to prevent leakage of cold air from a freezer compartment.

Specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings have been described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains may make various changes thereto without departing from the gist of the technical spirit of the disclosure defined in the claims below.