REFRIGERATOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of international application No. PCT/KR2025/017620, filed on October 30, 2025, which claims priority under 35 U. S. C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0175933, filed on November 29, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure to a refrigerator having an improved structure.

BACKGROUND ART

A refrigerator is an appliance for keeping food fresh, including a main body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply system for supplying cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment in which the food is kept refrigerated at a temperature of about 0℃ to 5℃, and a freezing compartment in which the food is kept frozen at a temperature of about -23℃ to -17℃. The storage compartment is provided with an open front for putting in and taking out food.

The refrigerator uses a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to repeat a cooling cycle in which the refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated. At this time, both the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment may be cooled by one evaporator installed on the freezing compartment side, or the freezing compartment and the refrigerating compartment may each be provided with an evaporator and cooled independently.

A temperature of the storage compartment needs to be maintained within a certain range required for keeping food fresh. To maintain the temperature of the storage compartment, an open front of the storage compartment may be closed by a door. In addition, an insulation and the like may be provided inside the door.

Disclosure

Technical Problem

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator in which an insulation panel is provided inside a door frame.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a partition member configured to partition a hollow formed by an insulation panel and a door frame.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator with relatively high heat insulation efficiency of a storage compartment.

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

Technical Solution

A refrigerator, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a main body including a storage compartment; and a door configured to open or close the storage compartment; wherein the door includes: a door frame including a storage space, the door frame including a protrusion provided along an edge of the door frame and including a first portion exposed to an inside of the storage compartment based on the door being closed and a second portion exposed to an outside of the storage compartment based on the door being closed; an insulation panel, arrangeable inside the door frame, such that while the insulation panel is arranged inside the door frame, the insulation panel and the protrusion form a hollow area that is surrounded by the protrusion and the insulation panel where the hollow are includes a flow space; and a partition member in the hollow area configured to partition the hollow area into a first partitioned space surrounded by the first portion and a second partitioned space surrounded by the second portion such that the flow space is narrowed.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a main body in which a storage compartment is provided, and a door configured to open or close the storage compartment. The door includes an insulation panel, a door frame in which the insulation panel is disposed therein, the door frame including a protrusion provided along an edge of the door frame, and a partition member disposed in a first hollow surrounded by the protrusion and the insulation panel to partition the first hollow into a first partitioned space and a second partitioned space. A second hollow is provided inside the partition member.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a state in which a storage compartment of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 is opened.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a door according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the door shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the door shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of region C shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of region D shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a door, a main body, a gasket, and surrounding components when the storage compartment of the refrigerator is closed, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a door frame, an insulation panel, and a partition member according to an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the door frame, the insulation panel, and the partition member according to an embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the partition member according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a partition member according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

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

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

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

Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary”, or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

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

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

When a given element is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

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

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

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

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

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

The “storage compartment” may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include the inner case defining the space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may store a variety of items, such as food, medicines, cosmetics, and the like, and the storage compartment may be configured to be open on at least one side for insertion and removal of the items.

The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. In a case in which two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different purposes of use, and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, the respective storage compartments may be partitioned by a partition wall including an insulation.

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

The storage compartment may also be referred to by various terms, such as “vegetable compartment”, “freshness compartment”, “cooling compartment”, and “ice-making compartment”, in addition to “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, and “temperature conversion compartment”, and the terms, such as “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, “temperature conversion compartment”, etc., as used below are to be understood as representing storage compartments having the corresponding purposes of use and the corresponding temperature ranges.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one door configured to open or close the open side of the storage compartment. The respective doors may be provided to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted to the front of the main body.

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

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

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

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

The refrigerator may be classified as French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF), Top Mounted Freezer (TMF), or Single Door Refrigerator according to the arrangement of the doors and the storage compartments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The “controller” may include a memory for storing and/or recording data and/or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor for outputting control signals for controlling the cold air supply device, etc. in accordance with the programs and/or data stored in the memory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For example, the X direction may be defined as the front-rear direction. For example, the Y direction may be defined as the lateral direction. For example, the Z direction may be defined as the vertical direction. For example, the +X direction may be defined as the front direction, and the −X direction may be defined as the rear direction. For example, the +Y direction may be defined as the left direction, and the −Y direction may be defined as the right direction. For example, the +Z direction may be defined as the upward direction, and the −Z direction may be defined as the downward direction.

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a state in which a storage compartment of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 is opened.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body 10, a storage compartment 20 provided inside the main body 10, a plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33 configured to open or close the storage compartment 20, and a cold air supply device (not shown) configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment 20.

The main body 10 may include an inner case 11 forming the storage compartment 20, an outer case 12 coupled to an outer side of the inner case 11 to form an exterior, and a main body insulation 13 (see FIG. 10) provided between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to thermally insulate the storage compartment 20.

The storage compartment 20 may be partitioned into a plurality of sections by a horizontal partition wall 15 and a vertical partition wall 16. Specifically, storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 may be partitioned into an upper storage compartment 21 and lower storage compartments 22 and 23 by the horizontal partition wall 15, and the lower storage compartments 22 and 23 may be partitioned into a right lower storage compartment 22 and a left lower storage compartment 23 by the vertical partition wall 16.

The upper storage compartment 21 may be used as a refrigerating compartment, and the lower storage compartments 22 and 23 may be used as a freezing compartment. However, the division and use of the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 as described above are only an example and are not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may be a side by side (SBS) type in which a storage compartment is partitioned into left and right by a vertical partition wall, a French door refrigerator (FDR) type in which a storage compartment is partitioned into an upper refrigerating compartment and a lower refrigerating compartment by a horizontal partition wall, or a one-door type having a single storage compartment and a single door.

The refrigerator 1 may include a shelf 24 on which food is placed and a storage container 25 in which food is stored. The shelf 24 and the storage container 25 may each be provided inside the storage compartment 20. The shelf 24 and the storage container 25 may each be provided in a plurality.

The cold air supply device may generate cold air using a cooling circulation cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant, and supply the generated cold air to the storage compartment 20.

The refrigerator 1 may include a first door 100 and a second door 31. The upper storage compartment 21 may be opened or closed by the first and second doors 100 and 31.

The first door 100 and the second door 31 may each be rotatably coupled to the main body 10. For example, the first door 100 and the second door 31 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 by an upper hinge 36 and a middle hinge 37, respectively.

One of the first door 100 and the second door 31 may be provided with a pillar (not shown) that prevents cold air in the upper storage compartment 21 from escaping between the first door 100 and the second door 31 when the first door 100 and the second door 31 are closed.

The refrigerator 1 may include a third door 32 and a fourth door 33. The right lower storage compartment 22 may be opened or closed by the third door 32, and the left lower storage compartment 23 may be opened or closed by the fourth door 33.

The third door 32 and the fourth door 33 may each be rotatably coupled to the main body 10. For example, the third door 32 and the fourth door 33 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 by the middle hinge 37 and a lower hinge 38, respectively.

Each of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33 may include a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface of each of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33 may be a surface exposed to an outside of the refrigerator 1 when each of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33 is closed. The rear surface of each of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33 may be a surface exposed to the storage compartment 20 when each of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33 is opened.

The refrigerator 1 may include a gasket 40. The gasket 40 may be provided on the rear surface of each of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33. Specifically, the gasket 40 may be disposed along an edge of each of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33. The gasket 40 may include an elastic material.

When each of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33 is closed, the gasket 40 may be in close contact with a front surface of the main body 10. With such a configuration, the gasket 40 may seal between each of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33 and the front surface of the main body 10.

When each of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33 is closed, the gasket 40 may partition an inside of the storage compartment 20 and an outside of the storage compartment 20. Further details thereof will be described later.

The refrigerator 1 may include a door basket 50. The door basket 50 may form a storage space for storing items.

The door basket 50 may be provided on the rear surface of each of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33. In other words, the door basket 50 may be mounted on the rear surface of each of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33. The door basket 50 may be supported by a dyke 112b, which will be described later.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a door according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the door shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the door shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' shown in FIG. 3.

In the following, the first door 100, which is one of the plurality of doors 100, 31, 32, and 33, will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7. However, the configuration and structure of the first door 100 described below may be applied to any one of the second door 31, the third door 32, and the fourth door 33. In addition, the first door 100 may be referred to as a door 100 below.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the door 100 may include a door frame 110. The door frame 110 may form an exterior of the door 100. For example, a front surface of the door frame 110 may form the front surface of the door 100, a rear surface of the door frame 110 may form the rear surface of the door 100, and side surfaces of the door frame 110 may form side surfaces of the door 100. In addition, a storage space for accommodating various configurations of the door 100 may be provided inside the door frame 110.

The door 100 may include an insulation panel 120. The insulation panel 120 may be configured to thermally insulate the storage compartment 20 (see FIG. 10).

The insulation panel 120 may be disposed inside the door frame 110. In other words, the door frame 110 may receive the insulation panel 120.

The insulation panel 120 may include a panel body 121. The panel body 121 may include a material with a low thermal conductivity to insulate the storage compartment 20 (see FIG. 10). For example, the panel body 121 may include a vacuum insulation panel. The panel body 121 may have a substantially hexahedral shape.

The insulation panel 120 may include a body cover 122. The body cover 122 may be configured to cover the panel body 121. For example, the body cover 122 may be configured to cover a portion of a rear surface of the panel body 121 and a side surface of the panel body 121. The body cover 122 may be provided along an edge of the panel body 121.

Since the insulation panel 120 is a unitary component, the insulation panel 120 may be disposed inside the door frame 110 simply by performing a process of installing the insulation panel 120 within the door frame 110. Accordingly, the process of installing the insulation panel 120 inside the door frame 110 may be simpler than a process of foaming and curing a foaming liquid inside the door frame 110. Such a configuration may cause an assembly process of the door 100 to be simplified.

The door frame 110 may include a first door panel 111. The first door panel 111 may form the front surface of the door frame 110.

The first door panel 111 may be provided in front of the insulation panel 120 to cover a front surface of the insulation panel 120. At least a portion of a rear surface of the first door panel 111 may contact the front surface of the insulation panel 120.

The door frame 110 may include a second door panel 112. The second door panel 112 may form the rear surface of the door frame 110.

The second door panel 112 may be provided on a rear side of the insulation panel 120 to cover a rear surface of the insulation panel 120. At least a portion of a front surface of the second door panel 112 may contact a rear surface of the insulation panel 120.

The door frame 110 may include a door cap 113. The door cap 113 may form a side surface of the door frame 110. The door cap 113 may be coupled to an edge of the first door panel 111 and an edge of the second door panel 112.

The door cap 113 may be provided on a side of the insulation panel 120 to cover a side surface of the insulation panel 120. The door cap 113 may cover the side surface of the insulation panel 120 while being spaced apart from the side surface of the insulation panel 120.

The door cap 113 may include a first door cap 113a, a second door cap 113b, a third door cap 113c, and a fourth door cap 113d.

The first door cap 113a may be an upper portion of the door cap 113. Specifically, the first door cap 113a may be coupled to an upper edge of the first door panel 111 and an upper edge of the second door panel 112.

The second door cap 113b may be a lower portion of the door cap 113. Specifically, the second door cap 113b may be coupled to a lower edge of the first door panel 111 and a lower edge of the second door panel 112.

The third door cap 113c may be a left side (+Y direction) of the door cap 113. Specifically, the third door cap 113c may be coupled to a left edge of the first door panel 111 and a left edge of the second door panel 112. In other words, the third door cap 113c may extend between one end of the first door cap 113a and one end of the second door cap 113b.

The fourth door cap 113d may be a right side (-Y direction) of the door cap 113. Specifically, the fourth door cap 113d may be coupled to a right edge of the first door panel 111 and a right edge of the second door panel 112. In other words, the fourth door cap 113d may extend between the other end of the first door cap 113a and the other end of the second door cap 113b.

As described above, at least a portion of the rear surface of the first door panel 111 may contact the front surface of the insulation panel 120, and at least a portion of the front surface of the second door panel 112 may contact the rear surface of the insulation panel 120. Specifically, the first door panel 111 may include a first contact portion 111a that contacts the front surface of the insulation panel 120 so as to cover the front surface of the insulation panel 120, and the second door panel 112 may include a second contact portion 112a that contacts the rear surface of the insulation panel 120 so as to cover the rear surface of the insulation panel 120.

The door frame 110 may include a protrusion P. The protrusion P may be formed to protrude from a portion in which the door frame 110 and the insulation panel 120 contact. For example, the protrusion P may protrude from the first contact portion 111a or the second contact portion 112a.

The protrusion P may not contact the insulation panel 120. In other words, the protrusion P may be spaced apart from the insulation panel 120. Specifically, the protrusion P may be spaced apart from the side surface of the insulation panel 120 and the rear surface of the insulation panel 120.

The protrusion P may be provided along an edge of the insulation panel 120. The protrusion P may be provided along an edge of the door frame 110. In other words, the protrusion P may be provided along the door cap 113.

A first hollow S1 may be formed between the protrusion P and the insulation panel 120. In other words, the protrusion P may form the first hollow S1 together with the insulation panel 120. In other words, the door frame 110 may form the first hollow S1 together with the insulation panel 120. Specifically, the first hollow S1 may be surrounded by the protrusion P and the insulation panel 120.

The first hollow S1 may be provided along the edge of the insulation panel 120. The first hollow S1 may be provided along the edge of the door frame 110. In other words, the first hollow S1 may be provided along the door cap 113.

The door 100 may include a partition member 200 (e.g., a partition). The partition member 200 may be disposed inside the door frame 110. Specifically, the partition member 200 may be disposed in the first hollow S1. The partition member 200 may partition the first hollow S1.

The partition member 200 may extend along the edge of the insulation panel 120. In other words, the partition member 200 may extend along the edge of the door frame 110. In other words, the partition member 200 may extend along the door cap 113.

Further details regarding the partition member 200 will be described later.

The door 100 may include a door reinforcing member 130. The door reinforcing member 130 may be configured to increase rigidity of the door 100. For example, the door reinforcing member 130 may be provided in a bar shape extending in one direction.

The door reinforcing member 130 may be disposed inside the door frame 110. In other words, the door frame 110 may receive the door reinforcing member 130. Specifically, the door reinforcing member 130 may be disposed between the door cap 113 and the insulation panel 120. In other words, the door reinforcing member 130 may be disposed in the first hollow S1.

The door reinforcing member 130 may include a first door reinforcing member 131 and a second door reinforcing member 132. The first door reinforcing member 131 may be disposed between the first door cap 113a and an upper surface of the insulation panel 120. The second door reinforcing member 132 may be disposed between the second door cap 113b and a lower surface of the insulation panel 120.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of region C shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of region D shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a door, a main body, a gasket, and surrounding configurations when the storage compartment of the refrigerator is closed, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the first door panel 111 may include the first contact portion 111a. The first contact portion 111a may contact the front surface of the insulation panel 120 to cover the front surface of the insulation panel 120. In other words, the first contact portion 111a may be a portion of the first door panel 111 that contacts the front surface of the insulation panel 120.

The first door panel 111 may include a first extension portion 111b. The first extension portion 111b may be formed to extend outwardly from the first contact portion 111a. Specifically, the first extension portion 111b may be a portion of the first door panel 111 that extends from the first contact portion 111a to the edge of the first door panel 111. In addition, the first extension portion 111b may be a portion of the protrusion P.

The second door panel 112 may include the second contact portion 112a. The second contact portion 112a may contact the rear surface of the insulation panel 120 to cover the rear surface of the insulation panel 120. In other words, the second contact portion 112a may be a portion of the second door panel 112 that contacts the rear surface of the insulation panel 120.

The second door panel 112 may include the dyke 112b. The dyke 112b may be configured to support the door basket 50.

The dyke 112b may be provided along an edge of the rear surface of the door frame 110. In other words, the dyke 112b may be provided along the edge of the second door panel 112.

The dyke 112b may protrude rearwardly from an edge of the second contact portion 112a. In other words, the dyke 112b may protrude rearwardly from the rear surface of the second door panel 112. The dyke 112b may be a portion of the protrusion P.

The second door panel 112 may include a gasket mounting portion 112c. The gasket mounting portion 112c may be provided for the gasket 40 to be mounted. Specifically, the gasket mounting portion 112c may form a gasket mounting groove 112d to allow a portion of the gasket 40 to be inserted.

For example, the gasket mounting portion 112c may be formed to be recessed from a portion of the second door panel 112. At this time, the gasket mounting groove 112d may be an inner space of the gasket mounting portion 112c.

The gasket mounting portion 112c may be provided along the edge of the rear surface of the door frame 110. In other words, the gasket mounting portion 112c may be provided along the edge of the second door panel 112.

The gasket mounting portion 112c may be provided on an outer side of the dyke 112b. The gasket mounting portion 112c may be connected to the dyke 112b. The gasket mounting portion 112c may be spaced apart rearwardly from the rear surface of the insulation panel 120. The gasket mounting portion 112c may be a portion of the protrusion P.

The second door panel 112 may include a second extension portion 112e. The second extension portion 112e may be formed to extend outwardly from the gasket mounting portion 112c. Specifically, the second extension portion 112e may be a portion of the second door panel 112 that extends from the gasket mounting portion 112c to the edge of the second door panel 112. In addition, the second extension portion 112e may be a portion of the protrusion P.

The door cap 113 may be coupled to the edge of the first door panel 111 and the edge of the second door panel 112. In other words, the door cap 113 may be coupled to the first extension portion 111b of the first door panel 111 and the second extension portion 112e of the second door panel 112. Such a configuration may cause the door cap 113 to be spaced apart outwardly from the side surface of the insulation panel 120. The door cap 113 may be a portion of the protrusion P.

In other words, each of the first extension portion 111b of the first door panel 111, the dyke 112b, the gasket mounting portion 112c, and the second extension portion 112e of the second door panel 112, and the door cap 113 may be a portion of the protrusion P. In other words, the protrusion P may include the first extension portion 111b of the first door panel 111, the dyke 112b and the gasket mounting portion 112c and the second extension portion 112e of the second door panel 112, and the door cap 113.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the door 100 is closed, the storage compartment 20 may be formed inside the door 100 and the main body 10. AT this time, cold air in the storage compartment 20 may leak to the outside of the storage compartment 20 through a gap formed between the door 100 and the front surface of the main body 10. Specifically, the gap may be formed between the protrusion P and the front surface of the main body 10.

The gasket 40 may be provided in the gap. The gasket 40 may be provided in the gap, thereby sealing the storage compartment 20. In other words, the gasket 40 may partition the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the storage compartment 20.

The refrigerator 1 may include configurations for insulating the storage compartment 20. For example, the main body 10 may include the main body insulation 13 provided between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12, and the door 100 may include the insulation panel 120 provided inside the door frame 110.

In this case, at least a portion of the protrusion P may be configured to be spaced apart rearwardly from the insulation panel 120, so that at least a portion of the protrusion P may be provided between the main body insulation 13 of the main body 10 and the insulation panel 120 of the door 100.

However, an insulation such as the main body insulation 13 or the insulation panel 120 may not be provided in the first hollow S1 inside the protrusion P. Accordingly, heat exchange may occur between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the storage compartment 20 through the first hollow S1 inside the protrusion P.

Specifically, the protrusion P may include a first portion P1 exposed to the inside of the storage compartment 20 when the door 100 is closed and a second portion P2 exposed to the outside of the storage compartment 20 when the door 100 is closed. The first portion P1 may have a relatively low temperature because it directly exchanges heat with the inside of the storage compartment 20, and the second portion P2 may have a relatively high temperature because it directly exchanges heat with the outside of the storage compartment 20.

Gas particles may be filled inside the first hollow S1. The gas particles inside the first hollow S1 may flow within the first hollow S1. In particular, since the gas particles around the first portion P1 may have a lower temperature than the gas particles around the second portion P2, the gas particles inside the first hollow S1 may flow due to thermal convection. As the gas particles inside the first hollow S1 flow, the gas particles around the first portion P1 and the gas particles around the second portion P2 may be mixed with each other, and accordingly, indirect heat exchange may occur between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2.

The occurrence of heat exchange between the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 may correspond to the occurrence of heat exchange between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the storage compartment 20. Accordingly, when a separate configuration for suppressing the flow of gas particles inside the first hollow S1 is not provided, heat exchange may occur between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the storage compartment 20 through the first hollow S1 inside the protrusion P.

According to the concept of the present disclosure, the partition member 200 may be disposed in the first hollow S1 to partition the first hollow S1. In other words, the first hollow S1 may be partitioned into a plurality of spaces by the partition member 200. With such a configuration, a space in which the gas particles inside the first hollow S1 may flow may be formed relatively narrow, and the flow of the gas particles may be suppressed. Accordingly, heat exchange between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the storage compartment 20 may be primarily restricted.

In particular, the partition member 200 may partition the first hollow S1 into a first partitioned space S11 and a second partitioned space S12. The first partitioned space S11 may be formed by the insulation panel 120, the partition member 200, and the first portion P1 of the protrusion P. The second partitioned space S12 may be formed by the insulation panel 120, the partition member 200, and the second portion P2 of the protrusion P. In other words, the first partitioned space S11 may be surrounded by the first portion P1, and the second partitioned space S12 may be surrounded by the second portion P2.

The partition member 200 may partition a space formed by the first portion P1 of the protrusion P exposed to the inside of the storage compartment 20 and a space formed by the second portion P2 of the protrusion P exposed to the outside of the storage compartment 20. Such a configuration may prevent direct mixing of the gas particles around the first portion P1 and the gas particles around the second portion P2. In addition, such a configuration may reduce a temperature difference between gas particles within each space, thereby reducing the generation of gas flow due to thermal convection. In other words, the occurrence of heat exchange between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the storage compartment 20 may be secondarily restricted.

Specifically, the partition member 200 may be disposed between the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120. As described above, the gasket 40 may partition the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the storage compartment 20, and may be mounted on the gasket mounting portion 112c. Accordingly, the partition member 200 may be disposed between the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120, so that the first hollow S1 may be partitioned into the first partitioned space S11 and the second partitioned space S12.

In this case, the first portion P1 of the protrusion P may be provided on one side of the gasket mounting portion 112c, and the second portion P2 of the protrusion P may be provided on the other side opposite to the one side of the gasket mounting portion 112c. For example, the first portion P1 may be provided on an inner side of the gasket mounting portion 112c, and the second portion P2 may be provided on an outer side of the gasket mounting portion 112c.

The first portion P1 may be provided with the dyke 112b of the second door panel 112 and a portion of the gasket mounting portion 112c. In other words, the dyke 112b and the portion of the gasket mounting portion 112c may form the first partitioned space S11 together with the insulation panel 120 and the partition member 200.

The second portion P2 may be provided with the first extension portion 111b of the first door panel 111, another portion of the gasket mounting portion 112c and the second extension portion 112e of the second door panel 112, and the door cap 113. In other words, the first extension portion 111b, another portion of the gasket mounting portion 112c, the second extension portion 112e, and the door cap 113 may form the second partitioned space S12 together with the insulation panel 120 and the partition member 200.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the partition member 200 may include a frame coupling portion 210. The frame coupling portion 210 may be configured to be coupled to the door frame 110. As the frame coupling portion 210 is coupled to the door frame 110, the partition member 200 may be coupled to the door frame 110. The frame coupling portion 210 may be provided on a rear surface of the partition member 200.

The frame coupling portion 210 may form a frame coupling groove 210a provided inside the frame coupling portion 210. The frame coupling groove 210a may be provided for at least a portion of the gasket mounting portion 112c to be inserted. As at least a portion of the gasket mounting portion 112c is inserted into the frame coupling groove 210a, the frame coupling portion 210 may be coupled to the door frame 110.

A second hollow S2 may be provided inside the partition member 200. Specifically, the partition member 200 may include a shell member 220 forming a front surface, a rear surface, an inner side surface, and an outer side surface of the partition member 200, and the second hollow S2 may be a space formed inside the shell member 220. Gas particles may be filled in the second hollow S2.

In general, a gaseous material may have a lower thermal conductivity than a solid material. Accordingly, when gas particles are filled in the second hollow S2 of the partition member 200, a thermal conductivity of the partition member 200 itself may be further reduced. Thus, heat exchange between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the storage compartment 20 may be further restricted.

The partition member 200 may include a separation layer 230. The separation layer 230 may be disposed in the second hollow S2. In other words, the separation layer 230 may be disposed inside the shell member 220.

The separation layer 230 may be configured to partition the second hollow S2. Specifically, the separation layer 230 may be configured to partition the second hollow S2 into a third partitioned space S21 and a fourth partitioned space S22.

One end of the separation layer 230 may be provided on one surface of the partition member 200, and the other end of the separation layer 230 may be provided on the other surface opposite to the one surface of the partition member 200. Specifically, one end of the separation layer 230 may be provided on a front surface of the partition member 200, and the other end of the separation layer 230 may be provided on the rear surface of the partition member 200. In other words, the separation layer 230 may extend in a substantially front-to-back direction.

A direction in which the separation layer 230 partitions the second hollow S2 may be the same as a direction in which the partition member 200 partitions the first hollow S1. In other words, the second hollow S2 may be partitioned into the third partitioned space S21 provided more adjacent to the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the fourth partitioned space S22 provided more adjacent to the outside of the storage compartment 20. With a configuration, a space in which the gas particles inside the second hollow S2 may flow may to be formed relatively narrow, and the flow of the gas particles may be suppressed. Accordingly, heat exchange within the second hollow S2 may be restricted, and the thermal conductivity of the partition member 200 may be further reduced. In addition, heat exchange between the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the storage compartment 20 may be further restricted.

A direction in which the third partitioned space S21 and the fourth partitioned space S22 are arranged may be the same as a direction in which the first partitioned space S11 and the second partitioned space S12 are arranged. Specifically, the first partitioned space S11, the third partitioned space S21, the fourth partitioned space S22, and the second partitioned space S12 may be sequentially arranged along one direction from the inside of the storage compartment 20 toward the outside of the storage compartment 20.

As described above, the partition member 200 may be disposed between the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120. In addition, the partition member 200 may have a width corresponding to a distance by which the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120 are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction. Accordingly, the partition member 200 may be pressed by the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120, and may be fixed between the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120.

However, due to a tolerance in the manufacturing process of the door 100, the width of the partition member 200 or the distance by which the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120 are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction may be slightly vary. When the width of the partition member 200 is greater than the distance between the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120 in the front-to-back direction, the partition member 200 may be damaged by strong pressure between the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120. In other words, due to the tolerance in the manufacturing process of the door 100, defects may occur in the door 100.

According to the concept of the present disclosure, the partition member 200 may include a structure and configuration for responding to the tolerance in the manufacturing process of the door 100. With such a configuration, defects in the door 100 due to the tolerance in the manufacturing process of the door 100 may be prevented. The structure and configuration of the partition member 200 for responding to the tolerance in the manufacturing process of the door 100 will be described in more detail below.

First, the partition member 200 may include an elastic material. Specifically, the frame coupling portion 210, the shell member 220, and the separation layer 230 of the partition member 200 may include an elastic material. For example, the partition member 200 may include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or silicone.

Because the partition member 200 may include an elastic material, even when the partition member 200 is subject to strong pressure between the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120, it may only cause elastic deformation and may not be permanently damaged. Accordingly, even when the width of the partition member 200 is greater than the distance between the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120 in the front-to-back direction, the partition member 200 may be fixed between the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120 without damage through elastic deformation of the partition member 200.

In addition, the thicknesses of the shell member 220 and the separation layer 230 of the partition member 200 may be relatively thin compared to a size of the second hollow S2. For example, the thicknesses of the shell member 220 and the separation layer 230 may be 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm. However, the above range for the thicknesses of the shell member 220 and the separation layer 230 is not limited thereto.

As described above, since the partition member 200 may include an elastic material, and the thicknesses of the shell member 220 and the separation layer 230 may be provided relatively thin compared to the size of the second hollow S2, the extent to which the partition member 200 may undergo elastic deformation may be further increased.

In addition, the separation layer 230 of the partition member 200 may include inclined portions 231 and 232. The inclined portions 231 and 232 may be inclined with respect to the front surface or the rear surface of the partition member 200. As the separation layer 230 includes the inclined portions 231 and 232, the extent to which the partition member 200 may be elastically deformed may be further increased.

The inclined portions 231 and 232 may be provided in a plurality. For example, the inclined portions 231 and 232 may include a first inclined portion 231 and a second inclined portion 232.

The first inclined portion 231 may extend from one surface of the partition member 200. The first inclined portion 231 may be inclined with respect to the one surface of the partition member 200. The first inclined portion 231 may extend in a first direction D1 from the one surface of the partition member 200 so as to be inclined with respect to the one surface of the partition member 200.

Specifically, the first inclined portion 231 may extend from the front surface of the partition member 200. The first inclined portion 231 may be inclined with respect to the front surface of the partition member 200. The first inclined portion 231 may be inclined with respect to the front surface of the partition member 200 by extending from the front surface of the partition member 200 toward an outer side direction of the partition member 200.

The second inclined portion 232 may extend from the other surface opposite to the one surface of the partition member 200. The second inclined portion 232 may be inclined with respect to the other surface of the partition member 200. The second inclined portion 232 may extend in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1 from the other surface of the partition member 200 so as to be inclined with respect to the other surface of the partition member 200. As a result, the second inclined portion 232 may be arranged substantially parallel to the first inclined portion 231.

The second inclined portion 232 may extend from the rear surface of the partition member 200. The second inclined portion 232 may be inclined with respect to the rear surface of the partition member 200. The second inclined portion 232 may be inclined with respect to the rear surface of the partition member 200 by extending from the rear surface of the partition member 200 toward an inner side direction of the partition member 200.

The separation layer 230 may include a connecting portion 233. The separation layer 230 may connect the first inclined portion 231 and the second inclined portion 232. The separation layer 230 may be arranged to be aligned with the one surface of the partition member 200 or the other surface of the partition member 200. Specifically, the separation layer 230 may be arranged parallel to the front surface of the partition member 200 or the rear surface of the partition member 200.

Because the separation layer 230 includes the first inclined portion 231, the second inclined portion 232, and the connecting portion 233, a width between the one surface of the partition member 200 in which one end of the separation layer 230 is provided and the other surface of the partition member 200 in which the other end of the separation layer 230 is provided may increase or decrease within a given range. Specifically, the width between the front surface of the partition member 200 in which one end of the separation layer 230 is provided and the rear surface of the partition member 200 in which the other end of the separation layer 230 is provided may increase or decrease within a given range. Accordingly, a range in which the partition member 200 may be elastically deformed may be further increased.

However, there is no particular limitation on the number of the inclined portions 231 and 232 and the connecting portion 233. For example, the separation layer may include a plurality of inclined portions arranged parallel to each other and a plurality of connecting portions for connecting two adjacent inclined portions.

According to the concept of the present disclosure, the partition member 200 may include an elastic material, resulting in elastic deformation. In addition, the range within which the partition member 200 may elastically deform may be further increased by the shell member 220 and the separation layer 230, which have a thin thickness, and the inclined portions 231 and 232 of the separation layer 230. With such a configuration, even when the partition member 200 is subject to strong pressure between the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120, the partition member 200 may not be damaged. In other words, defects in the door 100 due to the tolerance in the manufacturing process of the door 100 may be prevented.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a door frame, an insulation panel, and a partition member according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the door frame, the insulation panel, and the partition member according to an embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the partition member according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the partition member 200 may extend along the edge of the insulation panel 120. In other words, the partition member 200 may extend along the edge of the door frame 110. In other words, the partition member 200 may extend along the door cap 113.

The partition member 200 may include a first partition member 200a. The first partition member 200a may be provided on an upper portion of the partition member 200.

The first partition member 200a may be provided along an upper edge of the insulation panel 120. In other words, the first partition member 200a may extend along an upper edge of the door frame 110. In other words, the first partition member 200a may extend along the first door cap 113a.

The partition member 200 may include a second partition member 200b. The second partition member 200b may be provided on a lower portion of the partition member 200.

The second partition member 200b may be provided along a lower edge of the insulation panel 120. In other words, the second partition member 200b may extend along a lower edge of the door frame 110. In other words, the second partition member 200b may extend along the second door cap 113b.

The partition member 200 may include a third partition member 200c. The third partition member 200c may be provided between one end of the first partition member 200a and one end of the second partition member 200b. For example, the third partition member 200c may be provided on the left side (+Y direction) of the partition member 200.

The third partition member 200c may be provided along a left edge (+Y direction) of the insulation panel 120. In other words, the third partition member 200c may extend along a left edge of the door frame 110. In other words, the third partition member 200c may extend along the third door cap 113c.

The partition member 200 may include a fourth partition member 200d. The fourth partition member 200d may be provided between the other end of the first partition member 200a and the other end of the second partition member 200b. For example, the fourth partition member 200d may be provided on the right side (-Y direction) of the partition member 200.

The fourth partition member 200d may be provided along a right edge (-Y direction) of the insulation panel 120. In other words, the fourth partition member 200d may extend along a right edge of the door frame 110. In other words, the fourth partition member 200d may extend along the fourth door cap 113d.

The first partition member 200a, the second partition member 200b, the third partition member 200c, and the fourth partition member 200d may be connected to each other. In other words, the first partition member 200a, the second partition member 200b, the third partition member 200c, and the fourth partition member 200d may be integrally formed.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a partition member according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, a partition member 200' according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 14. In describing the partition member 200', the same reference numerals may be assigned to configurations substantially the same as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 13, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The partition member 200' may include a first partition member 200a', a second partition member 200b', a third partition member 200c', and a fourth partition member 200d'.

The first partition member 200a' may be provided on an upper portion of the partition member 200'. The second partition member 200b' may be provided on a lower portion of the partition member 200'. The third partition member 200c' may be provided between one end of the first partition member 200a' and one end of the second partition member 200b'. The fourth partition member 200d' may be provided between the other end of the first partition member 200a' and the other end of the second partition member 200b'.

The first partition member 200a', the second partition member 200b', the third partition member 200c', and the fourth partition member 200d' may be configured to be separable from each other. With such a configuration, an assemblability of the door 100 may be further improved.

The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes the main body 10 including a storage compartment 20, and the door 100 configured to open or close the storage compartment 20. The door 100 may include the door frame 110 including a storage space, the door frame 110 including the protrusion P provided along an edge of the door frame 110 and including the first portion P1 exposed to an inside of the storage compartment 20 based on the door 100 being closed and the second portion P2 exposed to an outside of the storage compartment 20 based on the door 100 being closed, the insulation panel 120, arrangeable inside the door frame 110, such that the the insulation panel 120 is arranged inside the door frame 110, the insulation panel 120 and the protrusion P form a hollow area S1 that is surrounded by the protrusion P and the insulation panel 120 where the hollow area S1 includes a flow space, and the partition member 200 in the hollow area S1 configured to partition the hollow area S1 into the first partitioned space S11 surrounded by the first portion P1 and the second partitioned space S12 surrounded by the second portion P2 such that the flow space is narrowed.

The hollow area S1 may be a first hollow area S1. The partition member 200 may include a second hollow area S2.

The partition member 200 may include the separation layer 230 configured to partition the second hollow area S2 into the third partitioned space S21 and the fourth partitioned space S22.

A direction in which the separation layer 230 partitions the second hollow area S2 may be a same direction as a direction in which the partition member 200 partitions the first hollow area S1.

The separation layer 230 may include the first inclined portion 231 extending from a front surface of the partition member 200 and inclined with the front surface of the partition member 200, the second inclined portion 232 extending from a rear surface of the partition member 200 and inclined with the rear surface of the partition member 200, and the connecting portion 233 connecting the first inclined portion 231 and the second inclined portion 232.

The protrusion P may be configured to be spaced apart from a side surface of the insulation panel 120 and a rear surface of the insulation panel 120.

The door frame 110 may include the first door panel 111 configured to cover a front surface of the insulation panel 120, the second door panel 112 configured to cover a rear surface of the insulation panel 120, and the door cap 113 coupleable to an edge of the first door panel 111 and an edge of the second door panel 112 to cover the side surface of the insulation panel 120. The door cap 113 may be provided on the second portion P2 and may be configured to be spaced apart from the side surface of the insulation panel 120 to form the second partitioned space S12.

The refrigerator 1 may further include the door basket 50 provided on a rear surface of the door 100. The second door panel 112 may include the contact portion 112a in contact with the rear surface of the insulation panel 120 to cover the rear surface of the insulation panel 120, and the dyke 112b protruding rearward from an edge of the contact portion 112a to support the door basket 50. The dyke 112b may be provided on the first portion P1.

The refrigerator 1 may further include the gasket 40 configured to seal between the main body 10 and the door 100 based on the door 100 being closed, and to partition the inside of the storage compartment 20 and the outside of the storage compartment 20. The door frame 110 may further include the gasket mounting portion 112c forming the mounting groove 112d into which a portion of the gasket 40 is inserted. The partition member 200 may be between the gasket mounting portion 112c and the insulation panel 120.

The first portion P1 may be provided on a side of the gasket mounting portion 112c. The second portion P2 may be provided on an other side of the gasket mounting part 112c opposite to the one side of the gasket mounting portion 112c.

The partition member 200 may include the frame coupling portion 210 configured to couple to the door frame 110, the frame coupling portion 210 forming the coupling groove 210a into which at least a portion of the gasket mounting portion 112c is inserted.

The partition member 200 may extend along an edge of the insulation panel 120.

The partition member 200 may include the first partition member 200a extending along an upper edge of the insulation panel 120, the second partition member 200b extending along a lower edge of the insulation panel 120, the third partition member 200c provided between an end of the first partition member 200a and an end of the second partition member 200b, and the fourth partition member 200d provided between an other end of the first partition member 200a and an other end of the second partition member 200b.

The first partition member 200a, the second partition member 200b, the third partition member 200c, and the fourth partition member 200d may be configured to be separable from each other.

The partition member 200 may include an elastic material.

The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment may include the main body 10 including the storage compartment 20 therein, and the door 100 configured to open or close the storage compartment 20. The door 100 may include the insulation panel 120, the door frame 110 in which the insulation panel 120 is disposed therein, the door frame 110 including the protrusion P provided along an edge of the door frame 110, and the partition member 200 disposed in the first hollow S1 surrounded by the protrusion P and the insulation panel 120 to partition the first hollow S1 into the first partitioned space S11 and the second partitioned space S12. The second hollow S2 may be provided inside the partition member 200.

The partition member 200 may include the separation layer 230 configured to partition the second hollow S2 into the third partitioned space S21 and the fourth partitioned space S22.

One end of the separation layer 230 may be provided on one surface of the partition member 200. The other end of the separation layer 230 may be provided on the other surface opposite to the one surface of the partition member 200.

The separation layer 230 may include the first inclined portion 231 extending from one surface of the partition member 200 in a first direction so as to be inclined with respect to the one surface of the partition member 200, and the second inclined portion 232 extending from the other surface of the partition member 200 in a second direction opposite to the first direction so as to be inclined with respect to the other surface of the partition member 200.

The separation layer 230 may further include the connecting portion 233 connecting the first inclined portion 231 and the second inclined portion 232, and provided parallel to the one surface of the partition member 200 or the other surface of the partition member 200.

According to the concept of the present disclosure, the insulation panel may be provided inside the door frame. Since the process of installing the insulation panel inside the door frame is simpler than the process of foaming and curing a foaming liquid inside a door frame, the process of assembling the door may be relatively simplified.

According to the concept of the present disclosure, the insulation panel and the door frame may form the hollow provided along the edge of the insulation panel, and the partition member may be disposed in the hollow to partition the hollow. According to such a configuration, the flow of gas particles in the hollow may be suppressed, and heat exchange between the inside of the storage compartment and the outside of the storage compartment may be restricted. Accordingly, the heat insulation efficiency of the storage compartment may be relatively increased.

Although the above technical ideas of the disclosure have been described by way of specific embodiments, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications and variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical ideas of the disclosure as set forth in the claims of the patent will be deemed to be within the scope of the disclosure.