Patent Description:
In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that allows low-temperature storage of food in an internal storage space that is shielded by a door. To this end, the refrigerator is configured to store stored foods in an optimal state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating through a refreezing cycle.

In general, dew condensation phenomenon occurs because moisture contained in outside air of the refrigerator with relatively high humidity condenses on a surface of the refrigerator, resulting in condensation as the temperature and humidity of the inside of the refrigerator are lower than the temperature and humidity of the outside of the refrigerator.

In addition, recently, refrigerators in which two or more refrigerators are connected in parallel, or two refrigerators and one freezer, two refrigerators and two freezers, or the like are combined as needed according to the needs of a user such as installation spaces, usage purposes, capacities, or the like are being developed, and built-in refrigerators are being developed.

However, when two or more refrigerators are arranged in parallel and a distance between refrigerators is small or when the refrigerator is installed close to a wall such as a built-in refrigerator, the dew point is lowered as the convection coefficient decreases, resulting in dew condensation.

In addition, when two or more refrigerators are installed in parallel, the refrigerators need to be installed at a certain interval such that air in the refrigerators can be discharged to the outside. In this case, external substances may be introduced due to the gap between the refrigerators, and a space between the refrigerators is exposed to the outside, resulting in a problem that an appearance is not good.

Meanwhile, <CIT> discloses a structure for evaporating and removing dew condensed on a front portion in which a refrigerator body and a door are in contact with each other due to heat radiation of a refrigerant by allowing the refrigerant having a certain pressure and a certain temperature to flow along a hot line connected with one of elements constituting a freezing cycle and installed on the front surface of a refrigerator in a shape of a closed loop.

However, in such a conventional technology, when refrigerators are installed in parallel or close to a wall, it is not effective in preventing the condensation of dew on the side of a refrigerator. In addition, when the hot line is mounted on a side of a refrigerator, a separate material cost is required, and a problem of power consumption may occur.

In addition, <CIT> discloses a fixing structure of a built-in type refrigerator by installing a decoration panel on the front surface of a door case by fixing it to the upper surface of the decoration panel with a screw without generating a screw fastening hole.

However, in such a conventional technology, when two or more refrigerators are installed in parallel, there are drawbacks that there is no sense of unity in appearance, and a fixing structure is complicated.

<CIT> presents a central cover for parallel setting and coupling type refrigerator.

<CIT> presents a cooling and freezing device with separate cabinet-like cooling and freezing parts, which can be set up side by side to form a unit leaving an intermediate gap between the adjacent side walls. The space between the cooling and freezing parts is hermetically sealed by a peripheral seal.

<CIT> presents a refrigerator and/or freezer combination with at least two refrigerators and/or freezers arranged next to one another or one above the other and with at least one intermediate space located between the devices. At least one means for generating an air flow is provided, the means being arranged in such a way that the air flow is partly or exclusively present in the said intermediate space.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator in which the dew condensation phenomenon occurring on a side of a refrigerator is prevented when refrigerators are arranged in parallel at regular intervals or close to a wall.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a refrigerator having a beautiful appearance by implementing a sense of unity in appearance while shielding a space between refrigerators when the refrigerators are arranged in a row at regular intervals.

The object is solved by the invention set out by the features of the independent claim.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which the same reference numbers are used throughout this specification to refer to the same or like parts. In describing the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations will be omitted when it may obscure the subject matter of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a pair installation type refrigerator in which the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> are fixed to each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a front view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, <FIG> is a front view showing a refrigerator of which a door is opened according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, <FIG> is a side view showing one side of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, <FIG> is a partial perspective view showing a space inside a machine room of the refrigerator.

In the following, as shown in <FIG>, descriptions will be given under definition in which a surface on which the doors <NUM> and <NUM> are provided is defined as the front surface <NUM> and the front side with respect to the cabinet of the first refrigerator <NUM>, and a surface contacting the floor is defined as a bottom surface, a surface facing the bottom surface is defined as the top surface <NUM> and the top side, and a surface facing the door is defined as the rear surface <NUM> and the rear side.

As shown in the drawings, a pair installation type refrigerator according to the invention includes a first refrigerator <NUM> including a first cabinet <NUM> in which a storage chamber is formed, and a second refrigerator <NUM> installed side by side of the first refrigerator and a second cabinet <NUM> in which a storage chamber is formed.

That is, the pair installation type refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second refrigerator <NUM> which is distinguished according to the purpose of use of a user together with the first refrigerator <NUM> or is independent of the first refrigerator <NUM> for increases of a storage capacity.

In addition, a pair installation type refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet <NUM> in which a storage space is formed inside a machine room <NUM>, the machine room <NUM> provided under the cabinet <NUM> and equipped with a compressor <NUM>, a condenser <NUM>, and a cooling fan constituting a freezing cycle, a discharge portion <NUM> which is open on the side of the machine room <NUM> and discharges air inside the machine room <NUM>, and a flow guide <NUM> mounted on the discharge portion <NUM> and open upward to guide air discharged from the discharge portion <NUM> to flow upward along a side of the cabinet.

In addition, the pair installation refrigerator includes a decor member <NUM> extending in a vertical direction along a space (S1) between the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> and disposed in the space between the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> to shield the space (S1) between the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> from the front.

In addition, the machine room <NUM> that is a space independent from the storage space is provided at the rear of a lower end of the cabinet. The machine room <NUM> may provide a space in which components such as a compressor <NUM> and a condenser <NUM> constituting a refreezing cycle may be arranged. In addition, outside air may be introduced into the machine room through discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM> formed on both left and right sides of the machine room <NUM> to cool the condenser <NUM> and the compressor <NUM> and then discharged to the outside. The machine room <NUM> may be independently provided in the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>, individually. Here, a machine room provided in the first refrigerator <NUM> may be referred to as a first machine room, and a machine room provided in the second refrigerator <NUM> may be referred to as a second machine room.

In addition, in the first refrigerator <NUM>, a flow guide <NUM> is provided to guide air discharged to the discharge port <NUM> located on the side adjacent to the second refrigerator <NUM> among both sides of the first cabinet <NUM> so as to flow upward along the side of the cabinet.

The flow guide <NUM> serves to guide the discharged air toward the upper portion of the outer case <NUM>. In detail, the flow guide <NUM> shields a surface facing the discharge port <NUM> and has an opening only on the upper surface, to allow the air discharged from the discharge port <NUM> to flow to the upper portion of the first refrigerator <NUM>, thus preventing dew condensation from occurring on the side of the outer case <NUM>.

The first cabinet <NUM> and the second cabinet <NUM> are composed of a plurality of parts, and may largely include outer cases <NUM> and <NUM> defining an outer wall and inner cases <NUM> and <NUM> defining an inner wall.

The outer cases <NUM> and <NUM> are formed in a substantially hexahedral shape which is open to the front and rear sides and the lower side. In addition, the inner cases <NUM> and <NUM> are installed inside the outer cases <NUM> and <NUM> to be spaced apart from the outer cases <NUM> and <NUM>, and a foam material may be filled in a space between the inner case and the outer case.

In detail, the first refrigerator <NUM> may form a storage chamber <NUM>, and include a plate-shaped first outer case <NUM> defining an outer surface of the first cabinet <NUM>, and first doors <NUM> and <NUM> which open and close the storage chamber.

Further, the second refrigerator <NUM> may form, for example, a storage chamber <NUM>, and include a plate-shaped second outer case <NUM> defining an outer surface of the second cabinet <NUM>, and second doors <NUM> and <NUM> which open and close the storage chamber.

The storage chambers provided in the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> may be configured in plural, and each storage chamber may be maintained at different storage temperatures. For example, as shown in <FIG>, an upper space of the first and second cabinets may be configured as a refrigerating chamber <NUM> and a lower space may be configured as a freezing chamber, but is not limited thereto.

The first and second doors may include first and second refrigerating chamber doors <NUM> and <NUM> that open and close the refrigerating chamber, and first and second freezing chamber doors <NUM> and <NUM> that open and close the freezing chamber.

In addition, the first and second refrigerating chamber doors <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to open and close the refrigerating chamber by rotation because both side ends are hingedly coupled to a refrigerator body.

The first refrigerating chamber door <NUM> and the second refrigerating chamber door <NUM> may be configured to open and close by rotating in opposite directions to each other so that a user uses the refrigerating chamber doors without being disturbed by either door when simultaneously opening and closing the refrigerating chamber doors.

In detail, the first refrigerating chamber door <NUM> may be coupled to the first cabinet by a hinge <NUM> such that the door <NUM> is rotatable. In addition, the second refrigerating chamber door <NUM> may be coupled to the second cabinet <NUM> by a hinge <NUM> to be opened symmetrically to the opening direction of the first refrigerating chamber door <NUM>.

That is, the refrigerator of the present disclosure may include a first hinge <NUM> connecting the first refrigerating chamber door <NUM> to the first cabinet <NUM> and a second hinge <NUM> connecting the first refrigerating chamber door <NUM> to the second cabinet <NUM>. In addition, the first hinge <NUM> and the second hinge <NUM> are provided on one side of the first cabinet <NUM> and one side of the second cabinet <NUM>, respectively such that the opening directions of the first refrigerating chamber door <NUM> and second refrigerating chamber door <NUM> are symmetrical to each other.

Further, the first and second freezing chamber doors <NUM> and <NUM> may be configured to be drawn in and out in a drawer type to open and close a freezing chamber, and a freezing chamber door may be configured in plural.

In addition, a plurality of shelves <NUM> and <NUM> may be provided in the refrigerating chambers of the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> to divide the storage chambers <NUM> and <NUM>. The shelves <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed to be drawn out forwardly from the inside of a body of the refrigerator to the front such that foods to be stored in the shelves <NUM> and <NUM> are more easily stored as necessary.

The refrigerator according to the invention includes a discharge portion through which air inside the machine room is discharged, and a flow guide <NUM> disposed in the discharge portion and opened upwardly to guide air discharged from the discharge portion along the side of the cabinet.

A certain interval may be formed between the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>. Discharge portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be respectively formed in sides of the first and second refrigerators <NUM> to allow air in the machine room to be discharged to the outside. Here, the discharge portion <NUM> provided in the side of the first refrigerator <NUM> may be referred to as a first discharge portion, and the discharge portion <NUM> provided in the side of the second refrigerator <NUM> may be referred to as a second discharge portion.

When the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> are installed in close contact with each other without a certain interval, the air discharged through the discharge portions <NUM> and <NUM> may not flow to the outside and may be congested. Therefore, it is preferable that the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> are disposed at a certain interval such that the air inside the refrigerators can be smoothly discharged to the outside.

In detail, the machine room <NUM> that is a space independent from the storage space may be provided at the rear of a lower end of the cabinet. The machine room may provide a space in which components such as a compressor and a condenser constituting a refreezing cycle may be arranged. In addition, outside air may be introduced into the machine room through discharge portions <NUM> and <NUM> formed on both left and right sides of the machine room to cool the condenser and the compressor and then discharged to the outside.

In addition, the first refrigerator <NUM> may include a flow guide <NUM> to guide air discharged to the discharge portion <NUM> located on the side adjacent to the second refrigerator <NUM> among both sides of the first cabinet <NUM> so as to flow upward along the side of the cabinet. The flow guide <NUM> may serve to guide the discharged air toward the upper portion of the outer case <NUM>.

The flow guide <NUM> shields a surface facing the discharge portion <NUM> and has an opening only on the upper surface, to allow the air discharged from the discharge portion <NUM> to flow to the upper portion of the first refrigerator <NUM>, thus preventing condensation from occurring on the side of the outer case <NUM>.

The flow guide <NUM> according to the present disclosure is provided in the outer surface 113a of the side wall or side portion <NUM> of the outer case <NUM> of the first refrigerator to allow air discharged from the machine room through the discharge portion <NUM> to be charged to an upper portion of the outer case <NUM>, thus preventing dew condensation phenomenon.

In addition, a forming portion <NUM> provided to protrude to reinforce the strength of the outer case <NUM> may be provided at a lower end the rear of the outer case <NUM>.

A plurality of forming portions <NUM> may be provided, and may be continuously disposed in a predetermined direction along the surface of the outer case <NUM>.

The machine room <NUM> that is a space independent from the storage space may be provided at the rear of a lower end of the cabinet <NUM>. The machine room <NUM> may provide a space in which components such as a compressor <NUM> and a condenser <NUM> constituting a refreezing cycle may be arranged. In addition, outside air may be introduced into the machine room <NUM> through an opening formed on both left and right sides of the machine room <NUM> to cool the condenser <NUM> and the compressor <NUM> and then discharged to the outside.

As shown in the drawing, the machine room <NUM> may be open at the lower end of the rear surface of the cabinet <NUM> and a plurality of components including a compressor <NUM>, a condenser <NUM>, and a cooling fan <NUM> are disposed therein. The machine room <NUM> may be shielded by a machine room cover <NUM>.

The compressor <NUM> and the condenser <NUM> constituting a refreezing cycle and are provided at both sides of the inside of the machine room <NUM>, and a cooling fan <NUM> may be provided between the compressor <NUM> and the condenser <NUM>. In addition, a drain tube <NUM> for discharging defrost water generated from an evaporator and a drain pan <NUM> for collecting defrost water may be provided inside the machine room <NUM>, and a dryer connected to a refrigerant pipe (P), an expansion device, and the like may be provided in the machine room <NUM>.

Cover suction ports 55a and cover discharge parts 55b may be formed in both left and right sides of the machine room cover <NUM>, respectively, and the cover suction ports 55a and the cover discharge parts 55b may be disposed at positions corresponding to the positions of the condenser <NUM> and the compressor <NUM>.

Therefore, when the cooling fan <NUM> is driven, outside air introduced through the cover suction ports 55a cools the condenser <NUM> while passing through the condenser <NUM>, and is blown toward the compressor <NUM> by the cooling fan <NUM> to cool the compressor <NUM> and then discharged to the outside through the cover discharge portion 55b.

Meanwhile, the discharge portion <NUM> may be provided on both sides of the outer case <NUM> corresponding to both left and right sides of the machine room <NUM>. The discharge portion on one side corresponding to the condenser <NUM> may guide outside air to be introduced into the machine room <NUM>, and the discharge portion <NUM> on the side corresponding to the compressor <NUM> may guide air in the machine room <NUM> to be discharged to the outside.

Of course, the cover suction port 55a and the cover discharge portion 55b of the machine room cover <NUM> may be provided together with the discharge portion <NUM>, and if necessary, only one of the cover suction port 55a and the cover discharge portion 55b may be provided.

In addition, the flow guide <NUM> is connected to the discharge portion <NUM> disposed at the lower portion of one side of the outer case <NUM> to guide air discharged from the machine room through the discharge portion <NUM> to flow to the upper portion of the outer case <NUM>.

Hereinafter, a structure of the flow guide <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing the flow guide. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view showing the assembly state of the flow guide and the discharge portion. Further, <FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing the inner surface of the flow guide as viewed from the discharge portion.

The flow guide <NUM> faces the guide body <NUM> forming edges of the flow guide <NUM> and the discharge portion <NUM>, and include a guide inner surface 310a that guide air discharged from the discharge portion <NUM> to flow toward the upper portion of the outer case <NUM>.

The guide body <NUM> may include a first edge portion <NUM> forming a bottom of the flow guide, and a second edge portion <NUM> and a third edge portion <NUM> extending upward from the first edge portion <NUM> at both sides of the flow guide to form sides thereof.

In detail, the guide body <NUM> may include a first edge portion <NUM> forming a bottom of the flow guide <NUM>, a second edge portion <NUM> extending upward from the first edge portion <NUM> to form one side of the guide body <NUM>, and a third edge portion <NUM> extending upward from the first edge portion to form the other side of the guide body <NUM>.

For example, one side and the other side of the guide body <NUM> may form side surfaces facing each other.

The second edge portion <NUM> and the third edge portion <NUM> may be formed to be perpendicular or inclined to the first edge portion <NUM>.

In addition, the guide body <NUM> may further include a fourth edge portion <NUM> extending from the second edge <NUM> and bent.

Specifically, the first edge portion <NUM> may be formed parallel to the lower end of a side of the outer case <NUM>, and the second edge portion <NUM> may be formed to extend upward from the first edge portion to be perpendicular to the first edge portion <NUM> or inclined toward the front <NUM> of the outer case. The third edge portion <NUM> may be formed to be inclined upward toward the front <NUM> of the outer case <NUM>.

In addition, the fourth edge portion <NUM> may be formed parallel to the third edge portion <NUM> or at different inclination from that of the third edge portion <NUM>.

In detail, the guide body <NUM> may further include a fourth edge portion <NUM> extending from the second edge portion <NUM> and inclined in the center direction 310c of the guide inner surface 310a.

In addition, the fourth edge portion <NUM> may be formed such that an angle between the first edge portion <NUM> and the fourth edge portion <NUM> is greater than an angle between the first edge portion <NUM> and the third edge portion <NUM>.

Portions in which the first and second edge portions <NUM> and <NUM> are connected, the second and third edge portions <NUM> and <NUM> are connected, and the first and fourth edge portions <NUM> and <NUM> are connected may further include a connection edge portion <NUM> rounded with a predetermined curvature.

The guide inner surface 310a may be formed along an edge portion of the guide body <NUM> and may extend upward by a predetermined width. That is, the guide inner surface 310a may protrude from the upper end of the guide body <NUM>.

The flow guide <NUM> may further include a sealing frame <NUM> protruding from the guide inner surface 310a and spaced apart from the edge portions of the guide body <NUM> in the center direction 310c of the guide inner surface.

In addition, a sealing member may be included between the edge portions of the guide body <NUM> and the sealing frame <NUM>.

Specifically, the sealing frame <NUM> may include a first frame portion <NUM> spaced apart from and parallel to the first edge portion <NUM>, a second frame portion <NUM> spaced apart from and parallel to the second edge portion <NUM> and a third frame portion <NUM> spaced apart from and parallel to the third edge portion <NUM>.

The sealing frame <NUM> may further include a fourth frame portion <NUM> spaced apart from and parallel to the fourth edge portion <NUM> of the guide body.

In addition, portions in which the first and second frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> are connected, the second and third frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> are connected, and the first and fourth frame portions <NUM> and <NUM> are connected may further include a connection frame portion <NUM> rounded with a predetermined curvature.

In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, as shown in <FIG>, a sealing member <NUM> may be further included between the edge portions of the guide body <NUM> and the sealing frame <NUM>.

A gap between the guide body <NUM> and the sealing frame <NUM> may be airtight by the sealing member <NUM>, and through this, the air discharged from the discharge portion <NUM> may be guided to be discharged only in the upper direction of the guide body <NUM>. In addition, the sealing member <NUM> may allow the flow guide <NUM> to be bonded to the side of the outer case <NUM>.

The flow guide <NUM> may include a restraining mechanism <NUM> protruding from the guide inner surface 310a and provided in plural according to the edge of the discharge portion <NUM> to couple the flow guide <NUM> and the discharge portion <NUM>.

The restraining mechanism <NUM> is coupled to the discharge portion <NUM> to prevent the flow guide <NUM> from being separated from the outer case <NUM>, and is installed along the edge of the discharge portion <NUM> to completely cover the discharge portion <NUM> not to be seen from the outside.

As the restraining mechanism <NUM>, a mechanism capable of being coupled with the discharge portion <NUM> such as a hook or screw may be used.

As shown in <FIG>, the restraining mechanism <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a hook body <NUM> formed integrally with the guide inner surface 310a and a fastening hook <NUM> protruding in the direction of the inner portion 113b of the outer case such that the restraining mechanism <NUM> is not separated from the discharge portion <NUM> when is being inserted to the discharge portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the hook body <NUM> has a 'C' shape as a whole, and may be composed of a fastening hook <NUM> protruding from the hook body <NUM> in the direction of the guide inner surface 310a, the fastening hook <NUM> being fastened.

The restraining mechanism <NUM> may be formed to be elastically deformable to facilitate coupling with the discharge part <NUM>.

The flow guide <NUM> according to the present disclosure may further include an insertion guide <NUM> protruding to the guide inner surface 310a and contacting an end of the discharge portion <NUM> to allow the flow guide <NUM> to be inserted to the discharge portion <NUM>.

When coupling the flow guide <NUM> to the discharge portion <NUM>, the restraining mechanism <NUM> is inserted into the discharge portion <NUM>. Since the restraining mechanism <NUM> is relatively smaller than the size of the flow guide <NUM>, there is a fear that the restraining mechanism <NUM> may be damaged due to incorrect assembly by an operator. In particular, the fastening hook <NUM> may be relatively weak to impact, and thus the connection portion between the hook body <NUM> and the fastening hook <NUM> may be easily damaged.

In addition, since the flow guide <NUM> is coupled to the discharge portion <NUM> by the fastening hook <NUM>, when the fastening hook <NUM> is damaged, the flow guide <NUM> may not be assembled at the correct position, so that it may be difficult to guide flow of air discharged from the machine room in a desired direction.

In the present disclosure, the insertion guide <NUM> is provided, so that when the operator inserts the flow guide <NUM> into the discharge portion <NUM>, the insertion guide <NUM> is correspondingly arranged and inserted at the positions of the lower end and the side end of the discharge portion <NUM>, thus preventing incorrect assembly of the flow guide <NUM> and damage to the restraining mechanism <NUM> accordingly.

The insertion guide <NUM> may include, for example, a first insertion guide <NUM> spaced apart from and parallel to the first edge portion <NUM> and disposed at a lower end of the discharge portion <NUM> and a second insertion guide <NUM> spaced apart from and parallel to the second edge portion <NUM> and disposed at one side end of the discharge portion <NUM>.

The length of the first insertion guide <NUM> may be formed to be shorter than the length of the lower end of the discharge portion <NUM>, and the length of the second insertion guide <NUM> is formed to be shorter than the length of the side end of the discharge portion <NUM>. The length of the insertion guide <NUM> may be formed to be shorter than an interval between the restraining mechanisms <NUM> positioned on both sides of the insertion guide <NUM>.

The flow guide <NUM> may include a guide rib <NUM> protruding from the guide inner surface 310a and extending in a direction crossing the first edge portion <NUM> of the guide body.

That is, the guide rib <NUM> may be disposed to be perpendicular or inclined to the first edge portion <NUM>.

The guide rib <NUM> may have a plurality of guide ribs <NUM> having the same length or different lengths to guide the flow of air discharged to the discharge portion <NUM> so that the upper end of the guide rib <NUM> may be positioned in an upper portion of the guide inner surface 310a.

The guide rib <NUM> may obliquely extend from the lower end thereof toward the upper side of the front of the refrigerator so as to guide air discharged from the machine room to the discharge portion <NUM> to flow toward or the front or the center of the upper portion of a side of the outer case <NUM>.

Specifically, the first to fourth guide ribs are formed to cross the first edge portion.

As an example, the guide rib <NUM> may include a first guide rib <NUM> of which an angle θ1 with the first edge portion <NUM> is formed to be perpendicular or inclined and a second guide rib <NUM> of which an angle θ2 with the first edge portion <NUM> is an obtuse angle.

In addition, the guide rib <NUM> may include a third guide rib <NUM> of which an angle θ3 with the first edge portion <NUM> is formed to be perpendicular or inclined and a fourth guide rib <NUM> of which an angle θ4 with the first edge portion <NUM> is an obtuse angle.

In addition, the first guide rib <NUM>, the second guide rib <NUM>, the third guide rib <NUM> and the fourth guide rib <NUM> of. the guide rib <NUM> may be arranged in a direction from the second edge portion <NUM> toward the third edge portion <NUM>.

In addition, a lower end of the guide rib <NUM> may be disposed below an upper end of the discharge portion <NUM>.

Specifically, the first guide rib <NUM> may be arranged at a corresponding position from an upper portion of the second edge portion <NUM> to an upper end of the guide body <NUM>. When the flow guide <NUM> is inserted into the discharge portion <NUM>, the lower end of the first guide rib <NUM> is arranged above the discharge portion <NUM>, and the upper end of the first guide rib <NUM> is arranged to protrude to the upper end of the discharge portion <NUM>.

The second guide rib <NUM> may be arranged at a corresponding position from the upper portion of the second edge portion <NUM> to the upper end of the guide body <NUM>. When the flow guide <NUM> is inserted into the discharge portion <NUM>, the lower end of the second guide rib <NUM> is arranged above the discharge portion <NUM>, and the upper end of the second guide rib <NUM> is arranged to protrude to the upper end of the discharge portion <NUM>.

In addition, the lower end of the second guide rib <NUM> may be positioned above the lower end of the first guide rib <NUM>.

In addition, the lower ends of the third and fourth guide ribs <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed in the outer upper portion of the discharge portion.

Specifically, the third guide rib <NUM> may be disposed at a corresponding position from an upper portion of the second edge portion <NUM> to an upper end of the guide body <NUM>. When the flow guide <NUM> is inserted into the discharge portion <NUM>, the third guide rib <NUM> may be arranged in the outer upper portion of the discharge portion <NUM>.

In addition, the lower end of the third guide rib <NUM> may be positioned below the lower end of the first guide rib <NUM>.

The fourth guide rib <NUM> may be disposed at a corresponding position from an upper portion of the second edge portion <NUM> to an upper end of the guide body <NUM>. When the flow guide <NUM> is inserted into the discharge portion <NUM>, the fourth guide rib <NUM> may be arranged in the outer upper portion of the discharge portion <NUM>.

In addition, a lower end of the fourth guide rib <NUM> may be positioned below a lower end of the first guide rib <NUM> or the third guide rib <NUM>.

The upper end of the guide rib <NUM> may be arranged along an upper end of the guide inner surface 310a. When the upper end of the guide inner surface 310a is formed to be inclined, the upper end of the guide rib <NUM> may be arranged along the inclination of the upper end of the guide inner surface 310a.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a coupling structure of the flow guide and the discharge portion as viewed from another side. <FIG> is a perspective view of a coupling structure of the flow guide and the discharge portion as viewed from another side.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, air (f1) discharged from the machine room through the discharge portion <NUM> is guided to be discharged toward the upper portion of the outer case <NUM> to raise a dew point in the side of the outer case <NUM> due to a heat source of the air, thus preventing dew condensation phenomenon.

In detail, one side of a body of the flow guide <NUM> is formed along one side end of the discharge portion <NUM> to prevent the air (f1) discharged from the machine room from flowing to the rear of the outer case <NUM>. In addition, the bottom of the body of the flow guide <NUM> is formed along the lower end of the discharge portion <NUM> to prevent the air (f1) from flowing to the lower side of the outer case <NUM>.

In addition, the other side of the body of the flow guide <NUM> may be formed to be inclined toward the front of the outer case <NUM>. The top of the body of the flow guide <NUM> may define a space through which air can be discharged to allow the air to be discharged toward the upper side of the outer case <NUM>.

In addition, the guide rib <NUM> may allow flow of the air to be guided upward of the outer case <NUM>.

In detail, the first guide rib <NUM> and the second guide rib <NUM> are arranged at positions facing the inner surface of the discharge portion <NUM> to guide the air discharged from the discharge portion <NUM> to be discharged to the upper side of the outer case <NUM>.

In addition, the third guide rib <NUM> and the fourth guide rib <NUM> are arranged in an upper portion of the outer side of the discharge portion <NUM> to guide the air to be discharged toward the upper center of the outer case <NUM>.

The refrigerator of the present disclosure may further include a side grill <NUM> between the flow guide <NUM> and the discharge portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of the flow guide, the guide grill, and the discharge portion. Further, <FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of the flow guide, the guide grill, and the discharge portion as viewed from another side. <FIG> is a partial perspective view showing a state in which the flow guide and the guide grill are mounted on the discharge portion.

Referring to <FIG>, the side grill <NUM> may be formed in a corresponding shape so as to cover the discharge portion <NUM>. For example, the side grill <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular shape and may be formed to be the same as or slightly larger than the size of the discharge portion <NUM>.

The side grill <NUM> may include a grill body <NUM> having an opening, and a plurality of horizontal ribs <NUM> and vertical ribs <NUM> intersecting each other at predetermined intervals may be provided in the opening.

Specifically, the side grill <NUM> may generally include a grill body <NUM> and a grill edge <NUM>. The grill body <NUM> may define openings through which air flows. The opening of the grill body <NUM> has a plurality of horizontal ribs <NUM> and vertical ribs <NUM> arranged to intersect each other at regular intervals, and air may enter and exit through air flow paths formed between the horizontal ribs <NUM> and the vertical ribs <NUM>. The horizontal ribs <NUM> and the vertical ribs <NUM> may have an inclination to allow air discharged from the machine room to have directionality.

The grill edge <NUM> may be formed along an end of the grill body <NUM> and may extend outward by a predetermined width. The grill body <NUM> may be formed to be slightly smaller than the size of the discharge portion <NUM>, and the grill edge <NUM> may be formed to be larger than the size of the discharge portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the grill body <NUM> may form an air flow path inside the discharge portion <NUM>, and the grill edge <NUM> may contact the outer surface of the outer case <NUM> to enable the side grill <NUM> to be installed.

Further, a grill restraining portion <NUM> may protrude from the upper and lower surfaces of the grill body <NUM>. If necessary, the grill restraining portion <NUM> may be formed on both left and right sides of the grill body <NUM>, and a plurality of grill restraining portions <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other in each of the sides.

An inclined surface may be formed on the outer surface of the grill restraining portion <NUM>, and when the side grill <NUM> is inserted into the discharge portion <NUM>, the side grill <NUM> is in contact with the end of the discharge portion <NUM> to guide insertion of the side grill <NUM>. The grill restraining portion <NUM> may be formed to be elastically deformable to facilitate mounting of the side grill <NUM>.

In addition, a grill mounting portion <NUM> capable of enabling coupling with the flow guide <NUM> may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the grill body <NUM>.

Accordingly, air discharged from the machine room to the discharge portion <NUM> is discharged to the upper surface of the flow guide <NUM> after passing through the side grill <NUM>, thereby changing the flow of air in the upper direction of the outer case <NUM>.

The flow guide <NUM> is provided on the side of the outer case of the refrigerator to guide air discharged from the machine room through the discharge portion toward the upper portion of the outer case. Accordingly, there is an advantage of preventing the dew condensation phenomenon by increasing a dew point at the side of the outer case by using a heat source of the air.

In addition, there is an effect of preventing dew formation phenomenon in a more economical and simplified method compared to a method for adding parts such as a heater, a condenser, and the like to prevent conventional dew condensation phenomenon.

In particular, there is an effect of preventing the dew condensation phenomenon occurring on the side of the refrigerator when refrigerators are arranged in parallel at regular intervals or installed close to a wall surface.

Hereinafter, the decor member <NUM> constituting an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a state in which a refrigerator and a decor member are separated from each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, <FIG> is a perspective view showing a state a decor member constituting an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from above. Further, <FIG> is a plan view showing a state in which the decor member is mounted on the refrigerator as viewed from above.

The refrigerator includes a decor member <NUM> provided between the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> to shield a space S1 between the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a space (S1) between refrigerators).

The first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> may include discharge ports <NUM> and <NUM> formed on a side of the cabinet to discharge air inside the machine room <NUM> provided with a compressor and a condenser to the outside.

The decor member <NUM> may include an insertion portion <NUM> disposed between the first cabinet <NUM> and the second cabinet <NUM>, and a shielding portion <NUM> protruding from the front end of the decor member <NUM> to both sides and supported on a front surface of the first cabinet and a front surface of the second cabinet.

The decor member <NUM> may include an insertion portion <NUM> including a through portion 510a passing through the top and bottom, and a side rib <NUM> formed to protrude from both sides of the insertion portion <NUM> to the outside (a direction away from the insertion portion <NUM>).

The insertion portion <NUM> may have a rectangular shape and may be formed to elongate along one side of the outer case. That is, the insertion portion <NUM> may be formed to extend in a perpendicular direction with respect to the lower end of the first outer case <NUM>.

In detail, the decor member <NUM> may include an insertion portion <NUM> extending along a space S1 between the front surface of the first refrigerator <NUM> and the front surface of the second refrigerator <NUM> disposed on both sides and hollow inside and a side rib <NUM> formed to protrude from both sides of the insertion portion <NUM> in a direction far away the insertion portion <NUM>. Further, the decor member <NUM> may include a shielding portion <NUM> extending from the front surface of the insertion portion <NUM> to both sides, and formed in a convexly rounded shape toward the front of the insertion portion <NUM>. The shielding portion <NUM> is supported on the front surfaces of the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> to shield the space S1 between the front surfaces of the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>.

The insertion portion <NUM> may include the through portion 510a, reducing an overall weight of the decor member <NUM> and minimizing damage to the decor member <NUM> during transport and installation. In detail, since the decor member <NUM> has a vertical length equal to the height of the refrigerator with respect to the bottom of the refrigerator body, there is a problem that the decor member <NUM> may be easily damaged during transport and installation. In the present disclosure, the through part 510a is formed so that when an external force acts on the decor member <NUM>, the through part 510a allows the external force to flow flexibly and be buffered.

The insertion portion <NUM> may include a front portion <NUM> forming a front surface of the insertion portion <NUM> and a side portion <NUM> extending rearward from the front portion <NUM> to form both sides of the insertion portion <NUM>. In addition, a rear portion <NUM> connected to the side portion <NUM> to form a rear surface of the insertion portion <NUM> may be included and the through portion 510a formed to pass through from the top to the bottom of the insertion portion <NUM> may be included. That is, the insertion portion <NUM> may have the shape of a square frame through which the center is penetrated.

In addition, the insertion portion <NUM> may further include a central portion <NUM> extending rearward from the center of the front portion <NUM> of the insertion portion <NUM> and connected to the center of the rear portion <NUM> of the insertion portion <NUM>. That is, the insertion portion 510a may be formed with a pair of through portions 510a by the central portion <NUM>.

A magnetic fixing member (not shown) may be inserted into each of the pair of through portions 510a. That is, the decor member <NUM> may be more firmly mounted on the sides of the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> by inserting magnetic fixing members into the pair of through portions 510a. The magnetic fixing member may be, for example, a magnet.

In addition, the central portion <NUM> may further include a support hole 516a formed to pass through from the top to the bottom at a center. A support wire made of a metal material may be inserted through the support hole 516a. The vertical length of the decor member <NUM> is formed to have a length corresponding to the height of the refrigerator, and the decor member <NUM> formed of a flexible plastic material may be bent by an external force or its own weight. In order to prevent such bending and improve durability of the decor member <NUM>, the support wire may be inserted into the support hole 516a. The support wire may be, for example, a copper wire, but is not limited thereto.

The decor member <NUM> may include side ribs <NUM> formed on both sides of the insertion portion <NUM> and protruding from both sides of the insertion portion <NUM> to the outside (a direction away from the insertion portion <NUM>). The side ribs <NUM> may serve to allow the decor member <NUM> to more firmly contact the sides of the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>.

A plurality of side ribs <NUM> may be formed at the rear end and the center of the insertion portion <NUM>.

For example, the side ribs <NUM> may include side ribs <NUM> extending from the rear ends of the side portions <NUM> of the insertion portions <NUM> in the directions of the side portions <NUM> of the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>.

In addition, the side ribs <NUM> may include central ribs <NUM> extending from the centers of the side portions <NUM> of the insertion portions <NUM> in the directions of the side portions <NUM> of the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>.

In addition, the side rib <NUM> may have an inclination to be closer to the front as it goes toward both ends of the side rib <NUM>. That is, the side rib <NUM> may extend in a direction to be closer to the front surface of the insertion portion <NUM> as it goes toward both ends.

Due to the inclined structure, when the decor member <NUM> is inserted into the space S1 between refrigerators, the decor member <NUM> is folded in the same direction in which the side rib <NUM> is inserted, so that the operator may facilitate insertion of side rib <NUM>.

The side rib <NUM> may be in contact with a front end of one side of the first refrigerator <NUM> and a front end of one side of the second refrigerator <NUM>.

The decor member <NUM> may include a shielding portion <NUM> connected to the front portion <NUM> of the insertion portion <NUM> and extending toward both sides of the insertion portion <NUM>.

The shielding portion <NUM> serves to shield the space S1 between the refrigerators from the front by connecting one side of the front surface of the body of the first refrigerator <NUM> and one side of the front surface of the body of the second refrigerator <NUM>.

The center of the shielding portion <NUM> may be formed convexly toward the front of the insertion portion <NUM>. In addition, both sides of the shielding portion <NUM> may have a structure inclined rearward as they go to the outside (a direction away from the insertion portion <NUM>). That is, the shielding portion <NUM> may have a shape rounded convexly toward the front of the refrigerator body. This is because this structure can minimize a sense of heterogeneity that a user has when the decor member <NUM> is inserted into the space S1 between refrigerators. In a case where the shielding portion <NUM> is formed to be convex to the rear of the insertion portion <NUM>, when the decor member <NUM> is inserted into the space S1 between the refrigerators, the user's sense of heterogeneity is inevitably large since the shielding portion <NUM> has a rounded shape from the front to the rear, making the user's sense of heterogeneity inevitably large.

In addition, both sides of the shielding portion <NUM> may be formed to extend further outward (in a direction away from the insertion portion <NUM>) than the side portion <NUM> of the insertion portion <NUM>. In addition, both side ends of the shielding portion <NUM> may extend more outward than both side ends of the side rib <NUM>. This is for the shielding portion <NUM> to completely shield the space S1 between the refrigerators from the front, and to maximize an area mounted on the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>. In addition, it is to prevent the decor member <NUM> from being excessively inserted into the space S1 between the refrigerators.

The decor member <NUM> may further include a rear decor <NUM> protruding rearward from the rear portion <NUM> of the insertion portion <NUM>. A connection hole 512a connected to the upper bracket <NUM> to be described later is formed in the center of the rear decor <NUM>.

In detail, the rear decor <NUM> extends rearward from the central portion <NUM> of the insertion portion <NUM>, and the horizontal length of the rear decor <NUM> is formed shorter than the horizontal length of the insertion portion <NUM> with respect to the bottom of the first outer case <NUM>.

The decor member <NUM> may be made of a plastic material, and for example, may be made of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. Specifically, by using the PVC material, the decor member <NUM> may be formed in the same or similar to the texture and color of the inner cases <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, the decor member <NUM> may have the same color as the inner cases <NUM> and <NUM>, so that when the user opens a door, the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> may be felt in a connected state, creating a sense of unity.

On the other hand, it is preferable that the insertion portion <NUM> is made of a hard plastic to be robust such that the shape of the decor member <NUM> can be maintained in the space S1 between the refrigerators. For example, the insertion portion <NUM> may be made of a hard PVC having a hardness of <NUM> to less than <NUM>. The rear decor <NUM> may also be made of the same material as the insertion portion <NUM>.

In addition, since the side ribs <NUM> and the shielding portion <NUM> are to be in close contact with the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>, it is preferable that they are made of a more flexible material than the insertion portion <NUM>. For example, the side ribs <NUM> and the shielding portion <NUM> may be made of a soft PVC having a hardness of <NUM> to less than <NUM>.

Next, the lower cover <NUM> and the front bracket <NUM> constituting an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

<FIG> is a front view showing a state in which a lower cover and a front bracket constituting an embodiment of the present disclosure are mounted on a refrigerator. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of a lower cover and a front bracket.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lower cover <NUM> on one side of a lower end of the outer case. Specifically, a first lower cover 610a and a second lower cover 610b may be respectively provided at one side of the lower ends of the first outer case <NUM> and one side of the second outer case <NUM> constituting the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>.

The first lower cover 610a is installed on one side of the lower end of the first outer case <NUM>. In addition, the first lower cover 610a may include a first coupling portion <NUM> extending horizontally with respect to the lower end of the first outer case <NUM> and coupled to the first outer case <NUM>, and a first bottom portion <NUM> protruding forward from a lower end of the first coupling portion.

The second lower cover 610b is installed on one side of the lower end of the second outer case <NUM>. In addition, the second lower cover 610b may include a second coupling portion <NUM> extending horizontally with respect to the lower end of the second outer case <NUM> and coupled to the second outer case <NUM>, and a second bottom portion <NUM> protruding forward from a lower end of the second coupling portion <NUM>.

The first lower cover 610a and the second lower cover 610b may be disposed on both sides of the space S1 between the first cabinet <NUM> and the second cabinet <NUM>.

Since the first and second lower covers 610a and 610b are installed in the same manner in the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>, a description will be given based on the first lower cover 610a installed in the first refrigerator <NUM>.

The first lower cover 610a may include a first coupling portion <NUM> extending horizontally with respect to the lower end of the first outer case <NUM> and coupled to one side of a lower end of the first outer case <NUM>, and a bottom portion <NUM> protruding forward from a lower end of the first coupling portion <NUM>.

The coupling portion <NUM> may have a rectangular plate shape with rounded corners. The rear surface of the coupling portion <NUM> may be coupled to the front surface of the first outer case <NUM>.

In addition, a pair of coupling holes 414a through which fastening members pass may be provided at both sides of the coupling portion <NUM>. Among the pair of coupling holes 414a and 414b, the fastening member passes through the coupling hole 414b close to the space S1 between the refrigerators and is coupled to the front bracket <NUM> to be described later and the first outer case <NUM>.

In addition, the other coupling hole 414a may be coupled to a first case hole 110a formed at the lower end of the first outer case <NUM> by a fastening member. Of course, the coupling hole 418a provided in the second lower cover 610b may be penetrated by a fastening member and may be coupled to the first case hole 210a formed at the lower end of the second outer case <NUM>.

The bottom portion <NUM> may protrude forward from the lower end of the front surface of the coupling portion <NUM>, and the lower end of the bottom portion <NUM> may extend to a bottom surface on which the refrigerator is installed. That is, the bottom portion <NUM> may serve to support the refrigerator from the lower side.

The door may be disposed above the bottom portion <NUM>. That is, when the door is completely closed, the upper surface of the bottom portion <NUM> may be completely covered by the door.

The rear end of the bottom portion <NUM> may be connected to the front surface of the coupling portion <NUM>, and a corner connecting the front surface and the side surface of the bottom portion <NUM> may have a smoothly rounded curve.

The first lower cover 610a and the second lower cover 610b may be connected to the front bracket <NUM>. That is, the refrigerator may include a front bracket <NUM> coupled to the first lower cover 610a and the second lower cover 610b at both ends to fix the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> to maintain a set interval (S1).

In detail, the first lower cover 610a and the second lower cover 610b are respectively connected to the first outer case <NUM> and the second outer case <NUM> at one sides of the lower ends thereof. The front bracket <NUM> is coupled at one side of the first lower cover 610a and one side of the second lower cover 610b to connect and fix the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> with each other.

One side end of the first lower cover 610a may be positioned on the same line as one side end of the first outer case <NUM>, and one side end of the second lower cover 610b may be positioned on the same line as one side end of the second outer case <NUM>. That is, the first lower cover 610a and the second lower cover 610b may be positioned at both side ends of the space S1 between the refrigerators.

The front bracket <NUM> may have a rectangular plate shape with rounded corners. The front bracket <NUM> may be formed to have a vertical length corresponding to a vertical length of the coupling portion of the lower cover <NUM> with respect to the lower end of the first outer case <NUM>.

In addition, the front bracket <NUM> may be formed to have a horizontal length longer than the horizontal length of the space S1 between the refrigerators, with respect to the lower end of the first outer case <NUM>.

The rear surface of the front bracket <NUM> may be in contact with the rear surfaces of the coupling portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the lower cover. The lower end of the front bracket <NUM> may be disposed in contact with the upper ends of the bottom portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the first lower cover 610a and the second lower cover 610b.

The front bracket <NUM> may include a pair of bracket holes 620b, through which fastening members pass, at both sides. One of the pair of bracket holes may be connected to a coupling hole 614b of the first lower cover <NUM> by a fastening member, and the other bracket hole may be connected to a coupling hole 618b of the second lower cover <NUM> by a fastening member. In addition, the bracket holes 620b may be connected to second case holes 110b and 210b provided in the the first outer case <NUM> and the second outer case <NUM> by fastening members.

The first lower cover <NUM>, the second lower cover <NUM>, and the upper end of the front bracket <NUM> may be positioned on the same line in a horizontal direction with respect to the lower end of the first outer case <NUM>.

In addition, a lower end of the decor member <NUM> may be positioned above the first and second lower covers <NUM> and the front bracket <NUM>.

Next, a top bracket <NUM> constituting another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a top bracket and a decor member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from above. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a coupling structure of the decor member and the top bracket.

A refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a decor member <NUM> in front of the space S1 between refrigerators, and the top bracket <NUM> is connected to the upper end of the decor member <NUM>, so that the decor member <NUM> is coupled more firmly to the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>.

That is, the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a top bracket <NUM> arranged to cross a space between the first cabinet <NUM> and the second cabinet <NUM> such that both ends thereof are coupled to the upper surface of the first cabinet and the upper surface of the second cabinet and the first cabinet <NUM> and the second cabinet <NUM> maintain a set interval (S1).

The top bracket <NUM> may include a bracket body <NUM> formed to extend in a front-rear direction with respect to a lower end of the first outer case <NUM>, and provided on an upper surface of the space S1 between the refrigerators, and a bracket coupling portion <NUM> extending from the rear end to both sides and coupled to the first outer case <NUM> and the second outer case <NUM>.

In other words, the top bracket <NUM> may include a bracket body <NUM> extending along a space between the first cabinet <NUM> and the second cabinet <NUM> and a bracket coupling portion <NUM> extending from the rear end of the bracket body <NUM> to both sides and coupled to the first cabinet <NUM> and the second cabinet <NUM>.

The upper end of the bracket body <NUM> may be positioned above the front end of the insertion portion <NUM>. One side end of the bracket body <NUM> may be positioned above one side end of the upper surface of the first outer case <NUM>. Further, the other side end of the bracket body <NUM> may be positioned above one side end of the upper surface of the second outer case <NUM>. That is, the bracket body <NUM> may shield a part or all of the upper surface of the space S1 between the refrigerators.

In addition, the bracket body <NUM> may include a first bracket connection hole 720a through which a fastening member, which passes through the connection hole 512a of the decor member <NUM>, passes. The first bracket connection hole 720a may be provided at a position corresponding to the connection hole 512a of the decor member <NUM> in a front portion of the bracket body <NUM>. Thus, the top bracket <NUM> may be coupled to the decor member <NUM> in such a way that fastening members pass through a first bracket connection hole 720a and the connection hole 512a of the decor member <NUM>.

The bracket body <NUM> may shield the opening of the decor member <NUM> from above, thereby preventing foreign matters from entering through the opening.

The bracket coupling portion <NUM> is formed to extend in both sides from the rear end of the bracket body <NUM>. That is, the bracket coupling portion <NUM> may be formed to across the first outer case <NUM> and the second outer case <NUM>.

A pair of second bracket connection holes 710a connected to the first outer case <NUM> and the second outer case may be provided at both sides of the bracket coupling portion <NUM>. One of the pair of second bracket connection holes 710a may be connected to a connection hole 110c formed in an upper surface of the first outer case <NUM> by a fastening member. In addition, the other of the second bracket connection holes 710a may be connected to a connection hole 210c formed in the upper surface of the second outer case <NUM> by a fastening member.

That is, the bracket coupling portion <NUM> is connected to the first and second outer cases <NUM> to more firmly fix the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> from the top.

The top bracket <NUM> may include a bent portion <NUM> that is bent and extending upward from a front end of the bracket body <NUM> and coupled to the decor member <NUM>.

The front surface of the bent portion <NUM> may be positioned in contact with the rear surface of the shielding portion <NUM>. The shielding part <NUM> may be formed to further extend upward from the front portion <NUM> of the insertion portion <NUM>, and the bent part <NUM> may serve to support the shielding portion <NUM> from the rear. Accordingly, the shielding portion <NUM> may be maintained in shape without being bent, due to the bent portion <NUM>.

The bent portion <NUM> may further include an extension portion <NUM> formed to bent and extending rearward from the upper end of the bent portion <NUM>. The extension portion <NUM> may extend to the front of the first bracket connection hole 720a.

A refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be installed in the following manner. The first and second lower covers 610a and 610b may be arranged at lower ends of the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>, and a front bracket <NUM> may be arranged in the front of the first and second lower covers 610a and 610b and fasten thereto with a screw (S).

The top bracket <NUM> may be disposed between the tops of the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>, and the top bracket <NUM> is fastened and fixed by a screw passing through the second bracket connection hole 710a. The decor member <NUM> may be fitted to the upper end of the space S1 between refrigerators, and then assembled to while being in close contact with the both sides of the first and second refrigerators <NUM>. Thereafter, the decor member <NUM> may be fixed and installed by a screw (S) passing through the first bracket connection hole 720a and the connection hole 512a of the insertion portion <NUM>.

When two or more refrigerators are installed in parallel, that is, when a pair installation type refrigerator is installed, the decor member <NUM> has an effect of having a beautiful appearance by forming a sense of unity in the appearance of two or more refrigerators.

In addition, the decor member <NUM> may include a through portion 510a communicating the upper end and lower end of the insertion portion <NUM>, which can facilitate insertion into the space between a refrigerator and a refrigerator and transportation.

The decor member <NUM> is formed to have a structure in which the side ribs <NUM> are inclined forward as they go toward sides, so that there is an advantage of easy insertion of the decor member <NUM> into the space between the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM>.

The decor member <NUM> may have a support hole 516a in the center of the insertion portion <NUM>, and a support wire made of a metal material may be inserted into the support hole 516a, so that there is an advantage of minimizing damage to the decor member <NUM> during the transportation and installation process.

The decor member <NUM> may include a shielding portion <NUM> connected to the front surface of the insertion portion <NUM> and extending to both sides of the insertion portion <NUM> to connect one side of the first refrigerator <NUM> and one side of the second refrigerator <NUM> and shield the space between the refrigerators from the front.

The shielding portion is formed to protrude to be convex forward and to be inclined rearward toward both sides, so that the decor member <NUM> has the advantage of minimizing the user's sense of heterogeneity between the refrigerator and the decor member.

The decor member <NUM> may include a rear decor <NUM> protruding rearward from the rear surface of the insertion portion <NUM> and including a connection hole, and is coupled to the upper bracket <NUM>, thus making the fixing between the first refrigerator and the second refrigerator and fixing between the refrigerator and the decor member <NUM> more robust.

In addition, an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first lower cover 610a and a second lower cover 610b on one side of a lower end of the first refrigerator and one side of a lower end of the second refrigerator, respectively, and the front bracket <NUM> may be connected to the first lower cover 610a and the second lower cover 610b, thus fixing the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> even at the lower end.

In addition, another embodiment of the present disclosure has an advantage in that the first refrigerator <NUM> and the second refrigerator <NUM> can be more firmly fixed by providing the upper bracket <NUM> on the upper surface of the space between the refrigerators.

The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described by taking, as an example, a pair installation type a refrigerator in which at least two refrigerators are arranged in parallel at a set interval, but is not limited thereto.

For example, the refrigerator according to the present disclosure may be a built-in type refrigerator that can be integrally mounted with furniture disposed indoors or a wall on which exteriors are formed.

In addition, two or more refrigerators may have an elegant appearance by forming a sense of unity in appearance by providing the decor member.

The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can expect the following effects.

In the refrigerator according to the present disclosure, a flow guide formed on the side of the outer case may guide air discharged from the machine room through the discharge portion to be discharged toward the upper portion of the outer case.

Accordingly, there is an advantage of preventing dew condensation phenomenon by increasing the dew point of the side of the outer case by using the heat source of the air.

Specifically, there is an effect of preventing the dew condensation phenomenon occurring on the side of the refrigerator when refrigerators are arranged in parallel at regular intervals or installed close to a wall surface.

In addition, when two or more refrigerators are installed in parallel, that is, when a pair installation type refrigerator is installed, the refrigerator according to the present disclosure includes a decor member constituting an embodiment of the present disclosure in the front of one side of the refrigerator, so that two or more refrigerators form a sense of unity in appearance, providing a beautiful appearance.

The decor member may include a through portion communicating the upper end and lower end of the insertion portion, which can facilitate insertion into the space between a refrigerator and a refrigerator and transportation.

Claim 1:
Modular refrigerator arrangement, comprising:
a first refrigerator (<NUM>) having a first cabinet (<NUM>) and a first door (<NUM>) for opening and close a first storage space (<NUM>) in the first cabinet (<NUM>);
a first machine room (<NUM>) formed under the first cabinet (<NUM>);
a second refrigerator (<NUM>) arranged adjacent to the first refrigerator (<NUM>), the second refrigerator (<NUM>) including a second cabinet (<NUM>) and a second door (<NUM>) for opening and closing a second storage space (<NUM>) in the second cabinet (<NUM>); the second cabinet (<NUM>) being spaced apart from the first cabinet (<NUM>);
a second machine room (<NUM>) formed under the second cabinet (<NUM>);
wherein the modular refrigerator arrangement further comprising:
a decor member (<NUM>) disposed between the first and second refrigerator (<NUM>, <NUM>) to shield a space between the first and second refrigerator (<NUM>, <NUM>) from the front in a state in which the first and the second refrigerator (<NUM>, <NUM>) are disposed adjacent to each other, wherein the decor member (<NUM>) individually fixes the first cabinet (<NUM>) and the second cabinet (<NUM>) at an upper portion thereof;
a first discharge portion (<NUM>) formed on a side wall of the first cabinet (<NUM>) to communicate with the first machine room (<NUM>); and
a flow guide (<NUM>) detachably coupled to the side wall (<NUM>) of the first cabinet (<NUM>) to cover the first discharge portion (<NUM>), wherein the flow guide (<NUM>) includes:
a guide body (<NUM>) configured to form an edge, and
a guide inner surface (310a) facing the discharge portion (<NUM>) and configured to guide the air discharged from the discharge portion (<NUM>) toward an upper side of the flow guide (<NUM>) being open.