US20130088135A1

US20130088135A1 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: US20130088135A1
Application number: US13/575,321
Authority: US
Inventors: Hyoungsoek Kim; Jongsoo YOON
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2010-06-30
Filing date: 2011-06-30
Publication date: 2013-04-11
Also published as: WO2012002748A3; EP2588820A2; EP2588820A4; EP2588820B1; WO2012002748A2; CN102741632B; CN102741632A

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a space having a function of securing a supporting member provided in an inner case as well as a function of maintaining a predetermined gap between the inner case and an outer case, and it can reduce the number of parts in a manufacture process and which can improve work performance.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a refrigerator configured to store foods at a low point of a temperature.

BACKGROUND ART

Generally, a refrigerator is an electric appliance which can store foods at a low point of a temperature to preserve foods fresh for a relatively long time. Based on states of storing items which are the foods, cold air is controlled to preserve them in a freezing or refrigerating state.
The cold air supplied to the inside of the refrigerator is generated by heat exchange of refrigerant and it is constantly supplied to the inside of the refrigerator while a cycle configured of compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation is performed repeatedly. The supplied refrigerant is uniformly transported into the refrigerator by convection, such that the foods located in the refrigerator may be preserved at a desired point of a temperature.
Such the refrigerator may be categorized, based on a structure of freezer and refrigerator compartments provided therein, into a traditional top freezer type refrigerator, a side by side refrigerator and a bottom freezer type refrigerator.
The traditional top freezer type refrigerator includes a refrigerator compartment located on a top and a refrigerator compartment located at a bottom. The side by side type refrigerator includes freezer and refrigerator compartments located side by side.
The bottom freezer type refrigerators have been used a lot in the North America and the Europe and such the bottom freezer type refrigerator includes a large sized refrigerator compartment located on a top and a freezer compartment located at a bottom.
In the meanwhile, the refrigerator includes an outer case and an inner case arranged in the outer case. An insulation material is filled into a predetermined space formed between the outer case and the inner case to insulate heat between an internal space room for freezing or refrigerating and an external space. A space is arranged in the space located between the outer case and the inner case to maintain a predetermined gap there between.
Moreover, a variety of structures used for storing more items may be provided in freezer and refrigerator compartments for a user's convenience. At least one shelf partitioning an internal room of the freezer or refrigerator compartment into a plurality of areas may be configured to stand the weight of the foods stored therein. A supporting member may be provided in the inner case to support a bottom surface of the shelf to support the load applied to the shelf.
However, it is necessary to provide an auxiliary bracket to fix the supporting member to an inner circumferential surface of the inner case securely. Because of that, work performance may deteriorate and the number of required parts may increase disadvantageously.
Moreover, the bracket is projected toward an inside of the inner case and beauty of the product might be damaged. In addition, the storing space might be decreased to generate the user's dissatisfaction.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

To solve the problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator which includes a space having a function of securing a supporting member provided in an inner case as well as a function of maintaining a predetermined gap between the inner case and an outer case.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator which can reduce the number of parts in a manufacture process and which can improve work performance.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator which can reduce the number of the spaces, with requiring no auxiliary bracket used to secure a shelf.

Solution to Problem

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a refrigerator includes an outer case; an inner case arranged in the outer case; a supporting member mounted to an inner circumferential surface of the inner case; and a spacer arranged between the inner case and the outer case, the spacer to be secured to the supporting member.
Here, the spacer may include a securing hole formed at a longitudinal end thereof, corresponding to the inner case.
Also, a spiral part may be provided in an inner circumferential surface of the securing hole.
Also, an opening may be provided in a predetermined portion of the inner case corresponding to the securing hole and a projected part to be linked to the opening may be provided at an open end of the securing hole provided in the spacer.
A protruded part projected toward the securing hole is provided in the inner case and a groove to be linked to the protruded part may be provided at an open end of the securing hole provided in the spacer.
The inner case may include first and second inner cases arranged in the outer case, respectively, and the spacer may be arranged between the first and second inner cases and the spacer comprises a securing hole formed at a longitudinal end thereof corresponding to one of the inner cases.
A spiral part may be provided in an inner circumferential surface of the securing hole.
An opening may be provided in the inner case, corresponding to the securing hole and a projected part to be linked to the opening may be provided at an open end of the securing hole formed in the spacer.
A protruded part projected toward the securing hole may be provided in the inner case and a groove to be linked to the protruded part may be provided at an open end of the securing hole formed in the spacer.
The spacer may include first and second supporting plates in contact with the first and second inner cases, respectively; and a coupling rod to couple the first and second supporting plates to each other.
Also, the spacer may maintain at least two of gaps formed between the first and second inner cases, between the first inner case and the outer case and between the second inner case and the outer case.
Also, the spacer may include a horizontal member arranged between the outer case and at least one of the inner cases; and a vertical member arranged between neighboring two inner cases, with being extended from the horizontal member vertically.
Here, a plurality of through holes may be formed in the horizontal member and the vertical member.
Also, the spacer may have a “T”-shaped cross section.
Also, the spacer may maintain a gap formed between the outer case and a side surface of the inner case and a gap formed between the outer case and a rear surface of the inner case.
Also, the spacer may include a first member arranged between the outer case and the side surface of the inner case; and a second member arranged between the outer case and the rear surface of the inner case, with being extended from the first member.
Here, a plurality of through holes may be formed in the first member and the second member.
Also, the spacer may have a “
”-shaped cross section.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

As mentioned above, the refrigerator according to at least one embodiment of the present invention includes the spacer with not only the function of maintaining the gap between the inner and outer cases but also the function of securing the supporting member to the inner case. As a result, the number of the parts may be reduced and work performance may be enhanced.
Furthermore, according to the refrigerator according to the at least one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the spacers may be reduced and no auxiliary bracket used to secure a shelf may be required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the disclosure.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is open partially;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating key parts composing the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views illustrating the key parts, cut away along A-A′line of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a spacer provided in the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the key parts, cut away along A-A′line of FIG. 2; and

FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views illustrating a spacer provided in the refrigerator according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As follows, a refrigerator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail in reference to the accompanying drawings.
The accompanying drawings illustrate examples of the present invention and they are provided to explain the present invention in more detail. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the drawings.
Regardless of numeral references, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts and repeated description will be omitted. The size and appearance of each element shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or shrunk.
In the meanwhile, the terms including ordinal numbers such as ‘first’ and ‘second’ used in the specification may be used to explain a variety of elements and the elements are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for distinguishing one of the elements from the other.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is open partially. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating key parts composing the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be applicable various types of refrigerators such as a traditional top freezer type refrigerator, a side by side type refrigerator or a bottom freezer type refrigerator. To explain the present invention conveniently, the side by side type refrigerator used broadly in recent is embodied which includes freezer and refrigerator compartments located side by side, with being selectively closed by doors provided respectively.
As follows, all of elements composing the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in reference to the accompanying drawings.
The refrigerator 1 includes a case 10 which defines an external appearance of the refrigerator, with a predetermined room capable of storing foods and food containers at a low temperature. The case 10 has an approximately cube shape, with an open front to receive foods and foods containers, and it includes an outer case 11 and at least one inner case 12:12-1 and 12-2.
The inner case 12 may include a first inner case 12-1 for forming a freezing room and a second inner case 12-2 for forming a refrigerating room.
Here, the outer case 11 defines the exterior appearance of the refrigerator 1 and the inner case 12 is arranged in the outer case 11, with providing a predetermined room for freezing or refrigerating the stored foods.
A door is rotatably coupled to the open front of the case 10 to open and close the open front of the case 10 selectively. FIG. 1 illustrates the side by side type refrigerator which includes a first door 20 and a second door 30 coupled to the case 10 to open and close the first inner case 12-1 and the second inner case 12-2, respectively.
In recent, various functions are added to the refrigerator to make a user use it conveniently. To realize the functions, a home bar 31 and a dispenser 21 may be further provided in the doors 20 and 30. The user may keep and store a predetermined amount of food or food containers in the home bar 31 and he or she may get purified water or ice from the dispenser 21 outside.
Moreover, an internal space of the case 10 may be partitioned off into a left room and a right room. Commonly, the left room is employed as a freezer compartment (not shown) storing foods and food containers below zero temperatures and the right room is employed as a refrigerator compartment 40 storing foods and food containers above zero temperatures.
The freezer compartment freezes the foods stored therein below the zero temperatures and it is used to store the foods for a relatively long time period. The refrigerator compartment 40 maintains the temperature lower than room temperature and it is used to store the foods fresh.
A plurality of shelves 41 are provided in the freezer compartment and refrigerator compartment 40 and the foods and the food containers are placed on the plurality of the shelves 41. Because of the shelves 41, the internal rooms of the freezer and refrigerator compartments are partitioned into a plurality of layers. Also, a drawer 42 may be further provided in the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment 40 to receive food items such as vegetables or fruits.
A basket (not shown) receiving relatively small sized foods or beverages therein may be provided in a rear surface of the door 30. The basket may be detachably mounted to the rear surface of the door and it may enhance internal space utilization and usage convenience.
An insulation material is filled in a predetermined space formed between the outer case 11 and the inner case 12 of the case 10. A plurality of spacers (100, see FIG. 3) may be arranged between the outer case 11 and the inner case 12 at a predetermined distance to maintain a proper gap between the outer case 11 and the inner case 12.
In the meanwhile, the kinds of food items are versified and an optimal freezing or refrigerating temperature required by each of the kinds may be differentiated. Because of that, an internal room of the inner case configured of the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2 may be partitioned off into a plurality of rooms
At this time, to partition the internal room into the plurality of the storing rooms, a shelf 41 or a basket 42 may be mounted in each of the inner cases 12-1 and 12-2. The shelf 41 or the basket 42 may be detachable.
The shelf 41 or the basket 42 may be arranged on a supporting member 50 secured to the inner case 12-1 and 12-2 to stand the load of the foods stored on the shelf 41 or in the basket 42. For example, each edge of the shelf 41 may be seated on the supporting member 50 fixed to each inner circumferential surface of the inner case 12-1 and 12-2, spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other, and the shelf 41 is mounted to be slidingly detachable.
Such the supporting member 50 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the inner case 12-1 and 12-2 by various fastening members (S), for example, a bolt and a piece, to support the load of the shelf and the load of the foods placed on the shelf.
Alternatively, the supporting member 50 may be a plurality of supporting pieces arranged along the inner circumferential surface of the inner case 12-1 and 12-2 at a predetermined distance, to support edges of the shelf 41 or it may be a rail to guide the sliding movement of the shelf.
FIGS. 3 and 4 are sectional views illustrating the key parts, cut away along A-A line of FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a spacer provided in the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the outer case 11, the inner case 12 arranged in the outer case 11, the supporting member 50 mounted to the inner circumferential surface of the inner case 12, and a spacer 100 arranged between the inner case 12 and the outer case 11 to maintain a gap between the outer case 11 and the inner case 12.
Here, a securing hole 104 is provided at a longitudinal end of the spacer 100, corresponding to the inner case 12.
In reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, a refrigerator 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes an outer case 11, first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2 arranged in the outer case 11, a supporting member 50 mounted to an inner circumferential surface of the first inner case 12-1 or the second inner case 12-2, and a spacer 200 arranged to maintain a predetermined gap between the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2, the spacer 200 fixed to the supporting member 50.
Here, securing holes 204 and 205 may be provided at longitudinal ends of the spacer 200 corresponding to the inner cases 12-1 and 12-2.
As follows, the spacer 100 and 200 performing a function of accommodating a predetermined area of a securing member (S) used for securing the supporting member 50 will be described in detail in reference to the accompanying drawings.
In reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the securing hole 104 may be provided at the longitudinal end of the spacer 100 provided in the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to the inner case 12-1 and 12-2. Also, a spiral part (not shown) may be provided in an inner circumferential surface of the securing hole 104.
In other words, based on the type of the securing member (S), a corresponding spiral part may be provided in the inner circumferential surface of the securing hole 104 if the securing member, for example, a bolt includes a spiral part. If the securing member includes no spiral part, no spiral part may be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the securing hole 104 and the securing member may be insertedly coupled to the securing hole 104.
In reference to FIG. 3, the spacer 100 may not only maintain the gap between one of the inner cases 12-1 and the outer case 11 but also accommodate a predetermined area of the securing member (S) used for securing the supporting member 50 to the inner circumferential surface of the inner case 12-1.
In other words, a variety of design members (not shown) configured to improve an external appearance of the inner case 12-1 as well as the supporting member 50 configured to support the shelf or the basket arranged in the inner case 12-1 may be secured stably via the securing hole 104.
The predetermined area of the securing member (S) configured to secure the supporting member 50 is supportingly accommodated in the spacer 100. Because of that, the load of the foods may be dispersed effectively.
Moreover, to fix the positions of the inner case 12-1 and the spacer 100, an opening 13 may be provided in a predetermined portion of the inner case 12-1, corresponding to the securing hole 104, and a projected part (not shown) may be provided at an open end of the securing hole 104 provided in the spacer 100, to be linked to the opening 13 of the inner case 12-1.
The opening 13 of the inner case 12-1 and the projected part insertedly coupled to the opening 13 may have various structures and sizes which can allow them to be linked to each other.
The inner case 12-1 and the spacer 100 may be insertedly secured to each other.
Because of that, the position of the spacer 100 may be prevented from changing while the insulation material is filled.
Different from that, a protruded part (not shown) projected toward the securing hole 104 of the spacer 100 may be provided in the inner case 12-1 and a groove (not shown) may be provided at the open end of the securing hole 104 provided in the spacer 100 to be linked to the protruded part.
In the meanwhile, in reference to FIG. 5, the spacer 100 includes first and second supporting plates 101 and 102 to contact with the inner case 12-1 and the outer case 11, respectively, and a coupling rod 103 configured to couple the first and second supporting plates 101 and 102 to each other.
In other words, the spacer 100 may have the structure which can prevent interference with the insulation material, with maximizing a supporting area.
Moreover, in reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, a refrigerator 1 according to a further embodiment of the present invention includes an outer case 11, first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2 arranged in the outer case 11, a supporting member 50 mounted to an inner circumferential surface of the first inner case 12-1 or the second inner case 12-2, and a spacer 200 secured to the supporting member 50, with maintaining a predetermined gap between the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2.
Here, securing holes 204 and 205 are provided at longitudinal ends of the spacer 200, corresponding to the inner cases 12-1 and 12-2.
In reference to FIG. 4, an insulation material (not shown) is filled in a predetermined space located between the first inner case 12-1 and the second inner case 12-2 of a case 10. The plurality of the spacers 200 are arranged at a predetermined distance, to maintain the gap between the first inner case 12-1 and the second inner case 12-2.
In the meanwhile, internal rooms of the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2 may be partitioned off into a plurality of rooms, respectively, as types of food items are diversified and as an optimal freezing or refrigerating temperature required by each type of the food items is varied.
At this time, a shelf or a basket may be mounted in each of the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2 to partition off each of the internal rooms into the plurality of the storage rooms. Here, the shelf or the basket may be detachable.
Also, the shelf or the basket may be arranged on the supporting members 50 mounted in the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2, to stand the load of the foods placed thereon. Such the supporting members 50 are fixed to inner circumferential surfaces of the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2 by various securing members (S, for example, a bolt or a piece) to support the load of the shelf and the load of the foods placed on the shelf.
Alternatively, the supporting member 50 may be a plurality of supporting pieces spaced apart a predetermined distance along each inner circumferential surface of the first and second inner case 12-1 and 12-3 to support edges of the shelf or a rail guiding the sliding movement of the shelf.
In the meanwhile, the securing holes 204 and 205 may be provided at the longitudinal ends the spacer 200 provided in the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to the inner cases 12-1 and 12-2. A spiral part (not shown) may be provided in an inner circumferential surface of each of the securing holes 204 and 205.
Moreover, to fix the positions of the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2 and the spacer 200, openings 14 and 15 may be provided in the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2, respectively, corresponding to the securing holes 204 and 205, and projected parts (not shown) to be linked to the openings 14 and 15 of the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2 may be provided at open ends of the securing holes 204 and 205 provided in the spacer 200, respectively.
Also, the spacer 200 may include first and second plates 201 and 202 to contact with the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2, respectively, and a coupling rod 203 to couple the first and second supporting plates 201 and 202 to each other.
In other words, the spacer 200 may have a structure which can prevent interference with the filled insulation material, with maximizing a supporting area.
So far, the spacer 100 and 200 and the supporting member 50 are secured by the auxiliary securing member (S). However, the present invention is not limited thereto and a predetermined area of the supporting member 50 may be fixedly accommodated in the securing hole of the spacer, without the securing member.
As mentioned above, the refrigerator according to at least one embodiment of the present invention may include the spacer with not only the function of maintaining the gap between the inner and outer cases but also the function of securing the supporting member 50 to the inner case. As a result, the number of the parts may be reduced and work performance may be enhanced.
In the meanwhile, it is described that the spacer 100 and 200 is arranged between the outer case 11 and one of the inner case 12-1 to maintain the gap between the outer case 11 and one of the inner cases 12-1 and that the spacer is arranged between the first inner case 12-1 and the second inner case 12-2 to maintain the gap between the first inner case 12-1 and the second inner case 12-2.
In the structure, if a longitudinal end of the spacer 100 and 200 is in close contact with the outer case 11, the other opposite longitudinal end may be in close contact with one of the inner cases 12-1, or if the longitudinal end is in close contact with the first inner case 12-1, the other opposite end may be in close contact with the second inner case 12-2.
The spacer 100 and 200 may have the structure which maintains at least two of the gap between the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2, the gap between the first inner case 12-1 and the outer case 11 and the gap between the second inner case 12-2 and the outer case 11.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the key parts, cut away along A-A line of FIG.
2, and FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective views illustrating a spacer provided in the refrigerator according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
In reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a spacer 300 provided in the refrigerator according to this embodiment of the present invention may maintain at least two of gaps between first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2, between a first inner case 12-1 and an outer case 11 and between a second inner case 12-2 and the outer case 11.
According to an embodiment, FIG. 6 illustrates a spacer 300 having a structure which maintains all of gaps between the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2, between the first inner case 12-1 and an outer case 11 and between the second case 12-2 and the outer case 11. The present invention is not limited thereto.
The spacer 300 includes a horizontal member 310 arranged between the outer case 11 and one of the inner cases 12-1 and 12-2, and a vertical member 320 arranged between neighboring two inner cases 12-1 and 12-2, with being extended from the horizontal member 310 vertically. The spacer 300 may have a substantially “T”-shaped section area.
Moreover, a plurality of through holes 130 may be formed in the horizontal member 110 and the vertical member 120 such that interference may be prevented from occurring while the insulation material is filled.
As described above, the refrigerator according to this embodiment of the present invention includes the single spacer 300 to maintain at least two of the gaps between the first and second inner cases 12-1 and 12-2, between the first inner case 12-1 and the outer case 11 and between the second inner case 12-2 and the outer case 11. Because of that, the number of the spacers may be reduced and work performance may be enhanced accordingly.
In reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, a spacer 400 may maintain a gap between the outer case 11 and a side surface of the inner case 12-1 and a gap between the outer case 11 and a rear surface of the inner case 12-1.
According to an embodiment, FIG. 6 illustrates the spacer 400 having a structure which maintains all of the gaps between a side surface of each inner case 12-1 and 12-2 and an outer case 11 and between a rear surface of each inner case 12-1 and 12-2 and the outer case 11.
The spacer 400 may include a first member 410 arranged between the outer case 11 and the side surface of the inner case 12-1, and a second member 420 arranged between the outer case 11 and the rear surface of the inner case 12-1, with being extended from the first member 410. The spacer 400 may have a substantially “
”-shaped cross section.
Moreover, a plurality of through holes 430 may be formed in the first member 410 and the second member 420, to prevent interference from occurring while the insulation member is filled.
As described above, the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the single spacer 400 used to maintain all of the gaps between the side surface of each inner case 12-1 and 12-2 and the outer case 11 and between the rear surface of each inner case 12-1 and 12-2 and the outer case 11. Because of that, the number of the spacers may be reduced and work performance may be enhanced.
In addition, each of the spacers 300 and 400 includes securing hole (not shown) formed at a position corresponding to the supporting member 50 arranged in the inner case 12-1 and 12-2.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:

an outer case;

an inner case arranged in the outer case;

a supporting member mounted to an inner circumferential surface of the inner case; and

a spacer arranged between the inner case and the outer case, the spacer to be secured to the supporting member,

wherein the spacer comprises a securing hole formed at a longitudinal end thereof, corresponding to the inner case.

2. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein a spiral part is provided in an inner circumferential surface of the securing hole.

3. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein an opening is provided in a predetermined portion of the inner case corresponding to the securing hole, and

a projected part to be linked to the opening is provided at an open end of the securing hole provided in the spacer.

4. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein a protruded part projected toward the securing hole is provided in the inner case, and a groove to be linked to the protruded part is provided at an open end of the securing hole provided in the spacer.

5. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner case comprises first and second inner cases arranged in the outer case, respectively, and

the spacer is arranged between the first and second inner cases and the spacer comprises a securing hole formed at a longitudinal end thereof corresponding to one of the inner cases.

6. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 5, wherein a spiral part is provided in an inner circumferential surface of the securing hole.

7. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 5, wherein an opening is provided in the inner case, corresponding to the securing hole, and

a projected part to be linked to the opening is provided at an open end of the securing hole formed in the spacer.

8. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 5, wherein a protruded part projected toward the securing hole is provided in the inner case, and a groove to be linked to the protruded part is provided at an open end of the securing hole formed in the spacer.

9. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 5, wherein the spacer comprises, first and second supporting plates in contact with the first and second inner cases, respectively; and

a coupling rod to couple the first and second supporting plates to each other.

10. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 5, wherein the spacer maintains at least two of gaps formed between the first and second inner cases, between the first inner case and the outer case and between the second inner case and the outer case.

11. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 10, wherein the spacer comprises, a horizontal member arranged between the outer case and at least one of the inner cases; and

a vertical member arranged between neighboring two inner cases, with being extended from the horizontal member vertically.

12. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 11, wherein a plurality of through holes are formed in the horizontal member and the vertical member.

13. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 11, wherein the spacer has a “T”-shaped cross section.

14. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spacer maintains a gap formed between the outer case and a side surface of the inner case and a gap formed between the outer case and a rear surface of the inner case.

15. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 14, wherein the spacer comprises, a first member arranged between the outer case and the side surface of the inner case; and

a second member arranged between the outer case and the rear surface of the inner case, with being extended from the first member.

16. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 15, wherein a plurality of through holes are formed in the first member and the second member.

17. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 15, wherein the spacer has a “

”-shaped cross section.