WO2025042032A1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

This refrigerator has: a main body formed by the assembly of a plurality of adiabatic panels; and a storage space formed inside the main body. The plurality of adiabatic panels include a first adiabatic panel and a second adiabatic panel coupled to the first adiabatic panel. The first adiabatic panel has an inner case and an outer case coupled to the inner case to form an adiabatic space therebetween. The inner case has a space-forming portion that defines one side of the storage space, and a contact portion that is offset from the space-forming portion to contact an outer surface of the second adiabatic panel, wherein the contact portion includes at least one opening to reduce heat transfer between the first adiabatic panel and the second adiabatic panel through the contact portion.

Description

refrigerator

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator having a main body formed by assembling a plurality of insulating panels.

A refrigerator is a home appliance that has a main body having a storage space, a cooling device configured to supply cold air to the storage space, and a door configured to open and close the storage space to keep food fresh.

Typically, the body of a refrigerator is manufactured by foaming and curing a foam solution between an inner case made of resin material and an outer case made of metal material placed on the outside of the inner case.

In this method, due to the size of the internal and external damage, it requires a lot of cost, time and manpower to store and transport the accessories or to manufacture and manage the main body, and it is impossible to disassemble the main body after it is manufactured.

One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator formed by assembling a plurality of insulating panels.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a refrigerator in which assembly of a plurality of insulation panels is easy and the bonding strength of the plurality of insulation panels is improved.

One aspect of the present disclosure discloses a refrigerator having improved insulation performance.

The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

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

The above contact portion may include a horizontal contact portion extending horizontally from the space forming portion, and a vertical contact portion extending vertically from the horizontal contact portion.

The insulation material of the first insulation panel can be exposed through the at least one opening.

The above inner surface can be formed of a resin material.

The above insulation may include urethane foam.

The above inner part is a molded member,

The at least one opening may be formed together with the inner surface.

The at least one opening may be a cut-out portion of the inner surface.

The above inner wall may include a joint joined to the second insulating panel.

The above-mentioned joint may include a joint projection inserted into the second insulating panel.

The above-mentioned joining projection may be protruded so as to form the same plane as the above-mentioned space forming portion.

The above-mentioned joining portion may include a hook joining portion formed on the joining projection so as to be hook-joined to the second insulating panel.

The above inner wall may include a reinforcing rib protruding from an edge of at least one opening of the contact portion to reinforce the rigidity of the first insulation panel.

The above contact portion includes a contact surface formed on a first side to contact the second insulation panel, and an opposite surface formed on a second side opposite to the first side, and the reinforcing rib can protrude from the opposite surface.

The reinforcing rib may include a first horizontal reinforcing member protruding from an upper edge of the at least one opening, a second horizontal reinforcing member protruding from a lower edge of the at least one opening, a first vertical reinforcing member protruding from a first side edge of the at least one opening, and a second vertical reinforcing member protruding from a second side edge of the at least one opening.

In another aspect, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator comprises: a main body formed by assembling a plurality of insulating panels; a storage space formed inside the main body; a door arranged to open and close the storage space; and a cooling device arranged to supply cold air to the storage space. , wherein the plurality of insulating panels include a first insulating panel and a second insulating panel coupled to the first insulating panel, wherein the first insulating panel includes a first inner layer, a first outer layer coupled to the first inner layer, and a first insulating material provided in a first insulating space formed by the first inner layer and the first outer layer, and wherein the second insulating panel includes a second inner layer, a second outer layer coupled to the second inner layer, and a second insulating material provided in a second insulating space formed by the second inner layer and the second outer layer, wherein the first inner layer includes a first space forming portion forming one side of the storage space, and a first contact portion extending from the first space forming portion to the first outer layer, and wherein the second inner layer includes a second space forming portion forming the other side of the storage space, and a second contact portion extending from the second space forming portion to the second outer layer and being supported by contacting the first contact portion.

The first contact portion may include a first opening provided to expose the first insulation material to the exterior of the first insulation panel, and the second contact portion may include a second opening provided to expose the second insulation material to the exterior of the second insulation panel.

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

The above first insulation material and the above second insulation material can be in contact with each other through the first opening and the above second opening.

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

The above first inner surface and the above second inner surface can each be molded from a resin material.

According to the present disclosure, a plurality of insulating panels are assembled to form a main body, so that the method for manufacturing a refrigerator can be simplified and facilitated.

According to the present disclosure, the bonding strength and bonding durability between a plurality of insulating panels can be improved.

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

The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

Various aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a structure in which a left panel and a right panel are coupled to a rear panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a left panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a rear panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an upper panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the upper panel from another angle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the inner and outer surfaces of an upper panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

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

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

FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating the shape of an opening according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the shape of an opening according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a reinforcing rib according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating an opening and reinforcing ribs according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

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

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this disclosure, each of the phrases "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" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

The term "and/or" includes any combination of multiple related described elements or any one of multiple related described elements.

Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

The terms "include" or "have" and the like are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “contacted” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

The body may include an insulating material. The insulating material may insulate the inside of the storage compartment and the outside of the storage compartment so that the temperature inside the storage compartment can be maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the environment outside the storage compartment. In one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foam insulating material such as polyurethane foam. In one embodiment, the insulating material may additionally include a vacuum insulating material in addition to the foam insulating material, or the insulating material may be composed only of the vacuum insulating material instead of the foam insulating material.

A storage room can store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room can be formed so that at least one side is open for putting items in and taking them out.

The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different purpose and may be maintained at a different temperature. For this purpose, each storage compartment may be separated from each other by a partition containing insulation.

The storage room may be arranged to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the intended use, and may include a "refrigerator", a "freezer" or a "variable temperature room" which are distinguished depending on the intended use and/or temperature range. The refrigerator may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for refrigerating an item, and the freezer may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for freezing an item. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling an item to a temperature that does not freeze, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling an item to freeze or maintain it in a frozen state, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's option or not.

In addition to being called by names such as "refrigerator", "freezer", and "variable temperature room", a storage room may also be called by various names such as "vegetable room", "freshness room", "cooling room", and "ice room". The terms "refrigerator", "freezer", and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

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

The door may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, like the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming a front side of the door, a door inner panel forming a rear side of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

The inner door panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by being pressed against the front of the body when the door is closed. The inner door panel may include a dyke that projects rearwardly to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

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

Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF), Top Mounted Freezer (TMF), or Single Door Refrigerator.

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

A cold air supply device may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and/or combinations thereof capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool a storage compartment.

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

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

The machine room may be provided with a partition and insulation from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be in communication with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided in the door to provide water and/or ice. The dispenser may be provided in the door so as to be accessible to a user without opening the door.

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

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

The control unit may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and/or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and/or data stored in the memory.

The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. required for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated during the process of generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory can include at least one of volatile memory and nonvolatile memory, or a combination of both.

The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control components of the refrigerator by executing a program stored in the memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of the artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit, a graphics processor (GPU), etc. The processor may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply unit based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

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

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

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory that control all of the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and a memory that control the operation of a user interface according to a user input.

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

The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

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

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

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

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

A plurality of insulating panels can be assembled together to form a body (100) having a storage space (110). The storage space (110) can store items. The storage space (110) can be formed with a front side that is open so that items can be introduced into the storage space (110) or withdrawn from the storage space (110).

A door (120) may be provided on the front of the main body (100) to open and close the storage space (110). The door (120) may be rotatably coupled to the main body (100) via an upper hinge (140) and a lower hinge (150). A gasket may be provided on the back surface of the door (120) to seal the storage space (110) when the door (120) is closed.

The cooling device (130) may include a thermoelectric module that cools the storage space (110) through the Peltier effect. The thermoelectric module may include a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element has a heat-absorbing surface and a heat-generating surface, and when current is applied to the thermoelectric element, heat may move from the heat-absorbing surface to the heat-generating surface, thereby generating a temperature difference between the heat-absorbing surface and the heat-generating surface. In other words, heat may be generated at the heat-generating surface and heat may be absorbed at the heat-absorbing surface. The thermoelectric element may be arranged such that the heat-absorbing surface faces the storage space (110) and the heat-generating surface faces the outside of the main body. The thermoelectric module may include a cooling sink attached to the heat-absorbing surface so that heat absorption can occur efficiently, and a heat sink attached to the heat-generating surface so that heat generation can occur efficiently.

The cooling device (130) may be provided on at least one of the insulation panels among the plurality of insulation panels. In the drawing, the cooling device (130) is illustrated as being provided on the rear panel (300), but is not limited thereto and may be provided on other insulation panels.

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

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

The plurality of insulating panels may each include an inner case defining a storage space and an outer case joined to the inner case. An insulating space may be formed between the inner case and the outer case, and an insulating material may be provided in the insulating space.

That is, the rear panel (300) may include an inner surface (310) and an outer surface (380), the left panel (400) may include an inner surface (410) and an outer surface (480), the right panel (500) may include an inner surface (510) and an outer surface (580), the upper panel (600) may include an inner surface (610) and an outer surface (680), and the lower panel (700) may include an inner surface (710) and an outer surface (780).

The inner case (310, 410, 510, 610, 710) can be formed of a resin material such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), and the outer case (380, 480, 580, 680, 780) can be formed of a metal material such as iron plate or stainless steel considering rigidity and appearance. The inner case (310, 410, 510, 610, 710) can be formed by injection molding or vacuum molding.

The insulation may include foam insulation, such as polyurethane foam. Alternatively, the insulation may include vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of vacuum insulation instead of foam insulation.

The left panel (400) can be connected to the left end of the rear panel (300) using a hook connection method.

That is, as shown by arrow A1 in Fig. 3, the left panel (400) and the rear panel (300) can be combined through a first operation in which the left panel (400) moves rearward, and a second operation in which the left panel (400) moves upward after the first operation.

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

The left panel rear joint (420) can be formed on the inner surface (410) of the left panel (400). The left panel rear joint (420) can be formed integrally with the inner surface (410) of the left panel (400).

The rear panel left joining portion (320) may be formed on the inner surface (310) of the rear panel (300). The rear panel left joining portion (320) may be formed integrally with the inner surface (310) of the rear panel (300).

The left panel rear joint (420) and the rear panel left joint (320) can be joined through a first operation in which the left panel rear joint (420) moves rearward toward the rear panel left joint (320), and a second operation in which the left panel rear joint (420) moves upward after the first operation.

The right panel (500) can be connected to the right end of the rear panel (300) using a hook connection method.

That is, as shown by arrow A2 in Fig. 3, the right panel (500) and the rear panel (300) can be combined through a first operation in which the right panel (500) moves rearward, and a second operation in which the right panel (500) moves upward after the first operation.

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

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

The rear panel right joining portion (330) may be formed on the inner surface (310) of the rear panel (300). The rear panel right joining portion (330) may be formed integrally with the inner surface (310) of the rear panel (300).

The right panel rear joint (not shown) and the rear panel right joint (330) can be joined through a first operation in which the right panel rear joint (not shown) moves rearward toward the rear panel right joint (330), and a second operation in which the right panel rear joint (not shown) moves upward after the first operation.

The upper panel (600) can be connected to the upper part of the left panel (400) and the upper part of the right panel (500) using a hook connection method.

That is, as shown by arrow A3 in Fig. 4, the upper panel (600) and the left panel (400) can be combined through a first operation in which the upper panel (600) moves downward, and a second operation in which the upper panel (600) moves backward after the first operation.

Additionally, the upper panel (600) and the right panel (500) can be combined through a first operation in which the upper panel (600) moves downward, and a second operation in which the upper panel (600) moves backward after the first operation.

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

Additionally, the upper panel (600) may include an upper panel right joining portion (630), and the right panel (500) may include a right panel upper joining portion (530).

The upper panel left joining portion (620) and the upper panel right joining portion (630) may be formed on the inner surface (610) of the upper panel (600). The upper panel left joining portion (620) and the upper panel right joining portion (630) may be formed integrally with the inner surface (610) of the upper panel (600).

The upper joint (430) of the left panel can be formed on the inner surface (410) of the left panel (400). The upper joint (430) of the left panel can be formed integrally with the inner surface (410) of the left panel (400).

The right panel upper joint (530) can be formed on the inner surface (510) of the right panel (500). The right panel upper joint (530) can be formed integrally with the inner surface (510) of the right panel (500).

The upper panel left joining portion (620) and the left panel upper joining portion (430) can be joined through a first operation in which the upper panel left joining portion (620) moves downward toward the left panel upper joining portion (430), and a second operation in which the upper panel left joining portion (620) moves rearward after the first operation.

The upper panel right joining portion (630) and the right panel upper joining portion (530) can be joined through a first operation in which the upper panel right joining portion (630) moves downward toward the right panel upper joining portion (530), and a second operation in which the upper panel right joining portion (630) moves rearward after the first operation.

The lower panel (700) can be connected to the lower part of the left panel (400) and the lower part of the right panel (500) using a hook connection method.

That is, as shown by arrow A4 in Fig. 4, the lower panel (700) and the left panel (400) can be combined through a first operation in which the lower panel (700) moves upward, and a second operation in which the lower panel (700) moves backward after the first operation.

Additionally, the lower panel (700) and the right panel (500) can be combined through a first operation in which the lower panel (700) moves upward, and a second operation in which the lower panel (700) moves backward after the first operation.

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

Additionally, the lower panel (700) may include a lower panel right joining portion (730), and the right panel (500) may include a right panel lower joining portion (540).

The lower panel left joining portion (720) and the lower panel right joining portion (730) may be formed on the inner surface (710) of the lower panel (700). The lower panel left joining portion (720) and the lower panel right joining portion (730) may be formed integrally with the inner surface (710) of the lower panel (700).

The left panel lower joint (440) can be formed on the inner surface (410) of the left panel (400). The left panel lower joint (440) can be formed integrally with the inner surface (410) of the left panel (400).

The right panel lower joint (540) can be formed on the inner surface (510) of the right panel (500). The right panel lower joint (540) can be formed integrally with the inner surface (510) of the right panel (500).

The lower panel left joining portion (720) and the left panel lower joining portion (440) can be joined through a first operation in which the lower panel left joining portion (720) moves upward toward the left panel lower joining portion (440), and a second operation in which the lower panel left joining portion (720) moves backward after the first operation.

The lower panel right joining portion (730) and the right panel lower joining portion (540) can be joined through a first operation in which the lower panel right joining portion (730) moves upward toward the right panel lower joining portion (540), and a second operation in which the lower panel right joining portion (730) moves backward after the first operation.

In this way, by connecting multiple insulation panels through hook connections (or double sliding connections), the bonding strength between the multiple insulation panels is increased and deformation may not occur even after long-term use.

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

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 6 and FIGS. 15 to 16, the structure of the left panel (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described. The right panel (500) has a structure symmetrical to the left panel (400), and since the description of the left panel (400) can be commonly applied, the description of the right panel (500) is omitted.

The left panel (400) includes an inner case (410), an outer case (480) coupled to the inner case (410), and an insulating material (490) provided in an insulating space (491, FIG. 13) formed between the inner case (410) and the outer case (480). The left panel (400) can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam into the insulating space (491) after coupling the inner case (410) and the outer case (480).

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

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

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

The horizontal contact portion (461) can be supported by making vertical contact with the upper panel (600). That is, the vertical load by the upper panel (600) can be supported by the horizontal contact portion (461) of the left panel (400).

The vertical contact portion (462) can be supported by making horizontal contact with the upper panel (600). That is, the horizontal load by the upper panel (600) can be supported by the vertical contact portion (462) of the left panel (400).

In this way, the contact portion (460) of the inner case (410) extends from the space forming portion (450) to the outer case (480) and is formed of a material (e.g., a resin material) having a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating material (490), so that the contact portion (460) of the inner case (410) itself can act as a path for transferring heat. That is, heat from the outside of the main body (100) can be transferred to the storage space (110) through the contact portion (460), which can deteriorate the insulation performance of the refrigerator (1).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an opening (470) may be formed in the contact portion (460) to reduce heat transfer through the contact portion (460). The opening (470) is an empty space formed by removing a portion of the contact portion (460), and may include a cut-out, a cut-out, or the like. The heat transfer path through the contact portion (460) may be partially blocked by the opening (470) formed in the contact portion (460).

Additionally, the insulation (490) can be exposed to the outside of the left panel (400) through the opening (470) of the contact portion (460).

In the drawing, the opening (470) is formed in the vertical contact portion (462), but is not limited thereto, and depending on the embodiment, the opening (470) may be formed in the horizontal contact portion (461), and further, may be formed in both the vertical contact portion (462) and the horizontal contact portion (461).

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

In the drawing, one opening (470) is provided in a rectangular shape, but there is no limitation on the shape and number of the openings (470). For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of openings (470a) may be provided. The plurality of openings (470a) may be arranged in a row from the front to the rear. The plurality of openings (470a) may be spaced apart from each other by a certain interval. Since the plurality of openings (470a) are spaced apart from each other by a certain interval, the rigidity of the contact part can be maintained evenly.

In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 16, the opening (470b) may be formed in a circular shape. However, the shape of the opening (470b) may have various shapes such as an oval or a pentagon in addition to a square or a circular shape.

The opening (470) may be formed together with the inner case (410) during the forming of the inner case (410). Alternatively, the opening (470) may be formed by cutting a portion of the inner case (410) after the inner case (410) is formed. In this case, when foaming the insulation (490) into the insulating space (491) between the inner case (410) and the outer case (480), the opening (470) may be temporarily covered with a jig while the insulation (490) is foamed, and when the foaming is complete, the jig may be separated. The opening (470) may be filled with insulation. That is, the insulation filled in the opening (470) may form the same plane as the outer surface of the inner case (410). Furthermore, the insulation may be formed to protrude somewhat outside the opening (470).

With this structure, as described later, the insulation materials of a plurality of adjacent insulation panels can come into contact with each other through the openings, and the insulation performance can be further improved.

According to an embodiment, the opening (470) may be formed by combining the inner case (410) and the outer case (480) and foaming an insulating material (490) into the insulating space (491) between the inner case (410) and the outer case (480), and then cutting a portion of the inner case (410).

In this way, by forming an opening (410) in the contact portion (460), it is possible to effectively prevent cold air in the storage space (110) from leaking out through the contact portion (460). In addition, since the opening (410) is formed in the inner case (410) itself, there is no need to separate the inner case (410) and the outer case (480) when assembling them, so there is an advantage in that it does not affect the assembly of the inner case (410) and the outer case (480).

The inner part (410) may include a left panel rear joining part (420), a left panel upper joining part (430), and a left panel lower joining part (440).

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

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

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

These joining projections may be protruded so as to form the same plane as the space forming portion (450) of the inner surface (410).

FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating a rear panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, a rear panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is specifically described.

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

A rear panel left joining part (320) may be formed at the left end of the inner case (310), and a rear panel right joining part (330) may be formed at the right end of the inner case (310).

The rear panel left-side connecting portion (320) may include a connecting groove (321) and a hook (322) provided in the connecting groove (321). The rear panel right-side connecting portion (330) may include a connecting groove (331) and a hook (332) provided in the connecting groove (331).

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

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

An upper panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. A lower panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is symmetrical to the upper panel, and a description of the lower panel will be omitted.

The upper panel (600) includes an inner case (610), an outer case (680) coupled to the inner case (610), and an insulating material (690) provided in an insulating space (691, FIG. 13) formed between the inner case (610) and the outer case (680). The upper panel (600) can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam into the insulating space (691) after coupling the inner case (610) and the outer case (680).

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

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

The left contact portion (660) may include a left horizontal contact portion (661) extending in a horizontal direction and a left vertical contact portion (662) extending in a vertical direction. For example, the left horizontal contact portion (661) may extend horizontally from the upper panel left joining portion (620), and the left vertical contact portion (662) may extend vertically from the left horizontal contact portion (661) to the left end of the outer surface (680).

The left horizontal contact portion (661) can be supported by making vertical contact with the left panel (400). That is, the vertical load by the left panel (400) can be supported by the left horizontal contact portion (661) of the upper panel (600).

The left vertical contact portion (662) can be supported by making horizontal contact with the left panel (400). That is, the horizontal load by the left panel (400) can be supported by the left vertical contact portion (662) of the upper panel (600).

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

The right contact portion (660a) may include a right horizontal contact portion (661a) extending in a horizontal direction and a right vertical contact portion (662a) extending in a vertical direction. For example, the right horizontal contact portion (661a) may extend horizontally from the right joining portion (630) of the upper panel, and the right vertical contact portion (662a) may extend vertically from the right horizontal contact portion (661a) to the right end of the outer surface (680).

The right horizontal contact portion (661a) can be supported by making vertical contact with the right panel (500). That is, the vertical load by the right panel (500) can be supported by the right horizontal contact portion (661a) of the upper panel (600).

The right vertical contact portion (662a) can be supported by making horizontal contact with the right panel (400). That is, the horizontal load by the right panel (500) can be supported by the right vertical contact portion (662a) of the upper panel (600).

In this way, the left contact portion (660) and the right contact portion (660a) of the inner case (610) extend from the space forming portion (650) to the outer case (680) and are formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the insulating material (690), so that the left contact portion (660) and the right contact portion (660a) of the inner case (610) can act as a path for transferring heat. That is, heat from the outside of the main body (100) may be transferred to the storage space (110) through the left contact portion (660) and the right contact portion (660a), which may deteriorate the insulation performance of the refrigerator (1).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an opening (670) and an opening (670a) may be formed in the left contact portion (660) and the right contact portion (660a), respectively, to reduce heat transfer through the left contact portion (660) and the right contact portion (660a). The opening (670) and the opening (670a) are empty spaces formed by removing a portion of the left contact portion (660) and the right contact portion (660a), respectively, and may include cut-outs and incisions.

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

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

As with the aforementioned opening (470), there is no limitation on the shape and number of the opening (670) and the opening (670a). In addition, as with the aforementioned opening (470), the opening (670) and the opening (670a) may be formed during the molding of the inner case (610), or may be formed by cutting a part of the inner case (610) after the molding of the inner case (610).

The inner part (610) may include an upper panel left joining part (620) and an upper panel right joining part (630).

The upper panel left-side connecting portion (620) may include a connecting groove (621) and a hook (622) formed in the connecting groove (621). The upper panel right-side connecting portion (630) may include a connecting groove and a hook formed in the connecting groove.

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

Referring to Fig. 11, the joint structure of the left panel and the rear panel, and the joint structure of the upper panel and the left panel are described. The joint structure of the right panel and the rear panel is the same as the joint structure of the left panel and the rear panel, and the joint structure of the upper panel and the right panel is the same as the joint structure of the upper panel and the left panel, so the description thereof is omitted.

The left panel (400) and the rear panel (300) can be connected to each other by hook-connecting the left panel rear connecting portion (420) of the left panel (400) and the rear panel left connecting portion (320) of the rear panel (300).

Specifically, the left panel (400) and the rear panel (300) can be combined through a first operation in which the left panel (400) moves rearward, and a second operation in which the left panel (400) moves upward after the first operation.

That is, through the first operation, the engaging projection (421) of the left panel rear engaging portion (420) is inserted into the engaging groove (321) of the left rear panel engaging portion (320), and through the second operation, the hook (322) of the left rear panel engaging portion (320) can be hook-connected to the hook engaging portion (422) of the left panel rear engaging portion (420).

The upper panel (600) and the left panel (400) can be connected to each other by hook-connecting the upper panel left connecting portion (620) of the upper panel (600) and the left panel upper connecting portion (430) of the left panel (400).

Specifically, the upper panel (600) and the left panel (400) can be combined through a first operation in which the upper panel (600) moves downward, and a second operation in which the upper panel (600) moves backward after the first operation.

That is, through the first operation, the joining projection (431) of the left panel upper joining part (430) is inserted into the joining groove (621) of the left panel left joining part (620), and through the second operation, the hook (622) of the upper panel left joining part (620) can be hook-joined to the hook joining part (432) of the left panel upper joining part (430).

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of a left panel, an upper panel, and a right panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of a left panel and an upper panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is an enlarged view of a portion 'O' of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of a left panel and an upper panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the joint structure of the left panel and the upper panel will be described. However, the following description can be equally applied to the joint structure of other insulating panels that are joined together as well as the left panel and the upper panel.

The left panel (400) may include an inner casing (410), an outer casing (480) coupled to the inner casing (410), and an insulating material (490) provided in an insulating space (491) formed by the inner casing (410) and the outer casing (480).

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

The left panel (400) and the upper panel (600) can be connected to each other by hook-connecting the connecting portion (430) of the left panel (400) and the connecting portion (620) of the upper panel (600).

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

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

In this way, the joining portion (430) of the left panel (400) and the joining portion (620) of the upper panel (600) are hook-joined, the horizontal contact portion (461) of the left panel (400) and the horizontal contact portion (661) of the upper panel (600) are supported by contacting each other in the vertical direction, and the vertical contact portion (462) of the left panel (400) and the vertical contact portion (662) of the upper panel (600) are supported by contacting each other in the horizontal direction, so that the left panel (400) and the upper panel (600) can be firmly joined. In addition, since the space between the left panel (400) and the upper panel (600) is closely contacted with the uneven structure, leakage of cold air from the storage space (110) can be prevented.

An opening (470) may be formed in the contact portion (460) of the left panel (400). In addition, an opening (670) may also be formed in the contact portion (660) of the upper panel (600). Heat transfer through the contact portion (460) and the contact portion (660) may be reduced by the opening (470) and the opening (670). Accordingly, the storage space (110) may be insulated more efficiently.

Through the opening (470) of the left panel (400), the insulation (490) of the left panel (400) can be exposed to the outside of the left panel (400). Through the opening (670) of the upper panel (600), the insulation (690) of the upper panel (600) can be exposed to the outside of the upper panel (600).

The opening (470) of the left panel (400) and the opening (670) of the upper panel (600) may be formed at positions corresponding to each other. In this case, the insulation material (490) of the left panel (400) exposed to the outside of the left panel (400) through the opening (470) of the left panel (400) and the insulation material (690) of the upper panel (600) exposed to the outside of the upper panel (600) through the opening (670) of the upper panel (600) may come into contact with each other. In this way, the insulation performance of the refrigerator (1) may be further improved by bringing the insulation material (490) of the left panel (400) and the insulation material (690) of the upper panel (600) into contact with each other.

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

Since the air insulation layer (800) has lower thermal conductivity than the inner surface made of resin material or the outer surface made of metal material, even when the air insulation layer (800) is formed, the insulation efficiency can be better than when the opening (470) and the opening (670) are not formed.

FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a reinforcing rib according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a joint structure of a left panel and an upper panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating an opening and a reinforcing rib according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

The inner wall according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a reinforcing rib protruding from the edge of the opening of the contact portion to reinforce the rigidity of the insulating panel.

For example, the inner casing (410a) of the left panel (400) may include a reinforcing rib (471) protruding from the edge of the opening (470) to reinforce the rigidity of the left panel (400). However, the reinforcing rib (471) may be formed not only in the left panel (400) but also around the opening of another insulating panel.

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

The reinforcing rib (471) may protrude from the edge of the opening (470) of the opposite surface (464). The reason why the reinforcing rib (471) protrudes from the opposite surface (464) of the contact portion (460) is to prevent the reinforcing rib (471) from interfering when the left panel (400) and the upper panel (600) are hook-coupled (i.e., when sliding).

The reinforcing rib (471) may be formed on all edges of the opening (470). For example, when the opening (470) has a rectangular shape, the reinforcing rib (471) may include a first horizontal reinforcing member (472) formed on an upper edge of the opening (470), a second horizontal reinforcing member (473) formed on a lower edge of the opening (470), and a first vertical reinforcing member (475) and a second vertical reinforcing member (474) formed on the front and rear edges of the opening (470). However, depending on the embodiment, the reinforcing rib (471) may be provided on only some edges of the opening (470).

The reinforcing rib (471) can be formed together with the inner case (410a) during the forming of the inner case (410a).

In this way, by providing a reinforcing rib (471) around the opening (470) of the contact portion (460), the rigidity around the opening (470) can be reinforced and deformation can be prevented.

As illustrated in Fig. 19, when a plurality of openings (470a) are provided in the inner surface (410b), a reinforcing rib (471) may be formed at the edge of each of the plurality of openings (470a).

Although the technical idea of the present invention has been described above by specific examples, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples. Various embodiments that can be modified or changed by a person skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the technical idea of the present invention as stated in the claims are also within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (14)

A body formed by assembling multiple insulating panels; A storage space formed inside the above body; a door provided to open and close the above storage space; and A cooling device configured to supply cold air to the storage space; The above plurality of insulation panels include a first insulation panel and a second insulation panel joined to the first insulation panel, The above first insulation panel includes an inner surface, an outer surface joined to the inner surface to form an insulating space between the inner surface and the outer surface, and an insulating material provided in the insulating space. The above inner wall includes a space forming portion defining one side of the storage space, and a contact portion offset from the space forming portion and contacting the outer surface of the second insulation panel, A refrigerator wherein the contact portion includes at least one opening to reduce heat transfer between the first insulation panel and the second insulation panel through the contact portion. In the first paragraph, A refrigerator wherein the contact portion includes a horizontal contact portion extending horizontally from the space forming portion and a vertical contact portion extending vertically from the horizontal contact portion. In the first paragraph, A refrigerator wherein the insulation of the first insulation panel is exposed through at least one opening. In the first paragraph, The above refrigerator is made of resin material. In the first paragraph, The above insulation is a refrigerator containing polyurethane foam. In the first paragraph, The above inner part is a molded member, A refrigerator wherein at least one opening is formed together with the inner surface. In the first paragraph, A refrigerator wherein at least one of said openings is a cut-out portion of said inner wall. In the first paragraph, A refrigerator wherein the inner wall includes a joint joined to the second insulating panel. In Article 8, A refrigerator wherein the above-mentioned joint includes a joint projection inserted into the second insulation panel. In Article 9, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned joining projection protrudes so as to form the same plane as the above-mentioned space forming portion. In Article 9, A refrigerator wherein the above-mentioned connecting portion includes a hook connecting portion formed on the connecting projection so as to be hook-connected to the second insulating panel. In the first paragraph, A refrigerator wherein the inner wall includes a reinforcing rib protruding from an edge of at least one opening of the contact portion to reinforce the rigidity of the first insulation panel. In Article 12, The above contact portion includes a contact surface formed on a first side to contact the second insulation panel, and an opposite surface formed on a second side opposite to the first side, The above reinforcing rib is a refrigerator protruding from the opposite surface. In Article 12, wherein at least one of the above openings has a rectangular shape, A refrigerator in which the reinforcing rib includes a first horizontal reinforcing member protruding from an upper edge of the at least one opening, a second horizontal reinforcing member protruding from a lower edge of the at least one opening, a first vertical reinforcing member protruding from a first side edge of the at least one opening, and a second vertical reinforcing member protruding from a second side edge of the at least one opening.

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