REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

 A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a cabinet including an inner case forming a storage space, an outer case disposed outside the inner case to form an outer surface, an insulating material filled between the inner case and the outer case, and a back cover forming a rear surface; a door configured to open and close the storage space; a module case forming a recessed accommodation space on an upper surface of the outer case; a signal receiver disposed in front of the module case and configured to receive a signal provided by the user; and a speaker module disposed in the accommodation space of the module case and driven by the signal.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a device used to keep food fresh for a long period of time. This refrigerator basically has a certain size, so when the refrigerator is installed on one wall of a kitchen, a living room, or the like, outwardly, the refrigerator appears to protrude from the wall by the size. Due to this installation structure, there is a problem of poor aesthetics and poor usability in terms of space.

[0003] As an example to solve this problem, a refrigerator can be installed and used as a built-in furniture in a furniture cabinet.

[0004] Meanwhile, recently released home appliances placed indoors have various additional functions added in addition to the functions originally performed by the home appliances, thereby increasing user convenience.

[0005] In a case of the conventional refrigerator, the refrigerator could simply perform the function of storing food at low temperature. However, in recent years, the need for additional functions in addition to food storage functions has increased.

[0006] For example, the refrigerator is released which is equipped with various multimedia devices on one side of the door and can automatically perform desired functions by recognizing the user's voice or play music desired by the user through a speaker module.

[0007] In Korean Patent Publication No. 1245886, as a disclosure related to "Speaker Mounting Structure for Refrigerator", a refrigerator is disclosed which is configured to have a speaker provided on one side of the door cap decoration which forms the outer shape of the upper portion of the refrigerating chamber door and outputs sound to the outside and a speaker hole which opens corresponding to the position of the speaker.

[0008] However, in the case of a refrigerator according to the prior art, the speaker module installed therein may protrude outside the refrigerator. Therefore, if the refrigerator is embedded in a furniture cabinet, a separate customized furniture cabinet may be needed, or even if the refrigerator is embedded, the efficiency of the internal space of the furniture cabinet may be low.

[0009] In addition, in the case of a refrigerator according to the prior art, if the refrigerator is placed outdoors and it is rainy, or if a ceiling leak occurs indoors where the refrigerator is placed, the refrigerator may be flooded and a problem may occur in the speaker module.

SUMMARY

[0010] An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator having a structure in which the speaker module is not exposed when viewed from the front.

[0011] An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator having a structure in which a speaker module is embedded inside a cabinet.

[0012] An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator equipped with a drainage structure in a module case in which a speaker module is accommodated.

[0013] The object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0014] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet including an inner case forming a storage space, an outer case disposed outside the inner case to form an outer surface, an insulating material filled between the inner case and the outer case, and a back cover forming a rear surface; a door configured to open and close the storage space; a module case forming a recessed accommodation space on an upper surface of the outer case; a signal receiver disposed in front of the module case and configured to receive a signal provided by the user; and a speaker module disposed in the accommodation space of the module case and driven by the signal.

[0015] The outer case may have an upper opening being opened upward.

[0016] The module case may be mounted to shield the upper opening.

[0017] The refrigerator may further include a drain pipe coupled to the module case and the back cover.

[0018] The drain pipe may be configured to discharge water inside the module case to the outside of the cabinet.

[0019] The module case may include a drain hole connected to the drain pipe and opened.

[0020] The refrigerator may further includes a grille pan disposed in the storage space and forming a cold air discharge port discharging cold air toward the front

[0021] The grille pan may be disposed to overlap the module case in a vertical direction.

[0022] The drain hole may be disposed behind the cold air discharge port.

[0023] The module case may include a lower surface portion where the drain hole is formed.

[0024] The lower surface portion may include an inclined surface inclined toward the drain hole.

[0025] The lower surface portion may be disposed to be spaced apart from the speaker module in the vertical direction.

[0026] The drain pipe may be surrounded by the insulating material.

[0027] The module case may further include a lower surface portion forming a lower surface; a first side wall portion extending upward from the outer edge of the lower surface portion; and a first seating part extending outward from the upper end of the first side wall portion and configured to support the speaker module.

[0028] The module case may further include a second side wall portion extending upward from the outer edge of the first seating part.

[0029] The module case may further include an output guide connected to the second side wall portion and including an inclined surface inclined outward from the second side wall portion.

[0030] The speaker module may include a first output part disposed toward the front and a second output part disposed toward the rear.

[0031] The output guide may include a first output guide aligned with the first output part and a second output guide aligned with the second output part.

[0032] The first output part may output a higher-pitched sound than the second output part.

[0033] The width of the first output guide in a left and right direction may be larger than the width of the second output guide in the left and right direction.

[0034] The module case may further include a second seating part extending outward from the upper end of the second side wall portion.

[0035] The module case may further include a case cover seated on the second seating part.

[0036] The output guide may not overlap with the case cover and thus may be exposed to the upper portion.

[0037] An upper surface of the case cover may not protrude upward compared to the upper surface of the outer case.

[0038] The height of the second side wall portion may be greater than the thickness of the speaker module in the vertical direction.

[0039] The module case may include a fixing protrusion disposed on the lower surface portion.

[0040] The speaker module may include a fixing part configured to insert the fixing protrusion therein.

[0041] The speaker module may not protrude upward compared to the upper surface of the outer case.

[0042] The refrigerator may further include a door panel provided on a front surface of the door and whose color changes according to the door light.

[0043] The refrigerator may further include a control assembly provided at the rear surface of the cabinet.

[0044] The control assembly may include a first controller configured to control the speaker module through the signal and a second controller configured to control the door light.

[0045] The control assembly may be provided with a core part disposed between the first controller and the second controller and may include ferrite.

[0046] The refrigerator may further include a drain pipe connected to the module case and the back cover and configured to discharge water inside the module case to the outside of the cabinet.

[0047] The drain pipe may include a first coupling part coupled to the module case and a second coupling part coupled to the back cover.

[0048] The second coupling part may be disposed below the control assembly.

[0049] The refrigerator according to the proposed embodiment may be expected to have the following effects.

[0050] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a speaker module embedded in the upper surface of the cabinet, so that the speaker module does not protrude to the outside when viewed from the front, allowing excellent space utilization and improved outer appearance.

[0051] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a module case including an inclined part formed on a side of the sound generation part of the speaker module accommodated. Through this, the acoustic efficiency of the speaker may be increased.

[0052] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a module case provided with a drainage structure. Through this, when the refrigerator is placed outdoors, the possibility of failure due to flooding of the speaker module can be reduced even in rainy weather. Additionally, when the refrigerator is placed indoors, the possibility of failure of the speaker module due to flooding can be reduced even in the event of a ceiling leak.

[0053] In the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the speaker module may be positioned in a place where the effect on cold air can be minimized. Through this, the refrigerator's insulation performance can be maintained despite a decrease in insulation thickness due to recession where the speaker module is positioned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] 

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

FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating area A of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 exploded perspective view illustrating a speaker module and a module case of an embodiment.

FIG. 7 perspective view of a module case of an embodiment to which a drain pipe is coupled.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views illustrating a speaker module according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating a control assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where a refrigerator is embedded in a furniture cabinet according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0055] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail along with the drawings. However, the present disclosure cannot be said to be limited to the embodiments in which the idea of the present disclosure is presented, and other disclosures that are regressive or other embodiments included within the scope of the present disclosure can be easily suggested by adding, changing, or deleting other components.

[0056] Before explaining, the direction is defined. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction toward the door 20 relative to the cabinet 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be defined as a front direction, the direction toward the cabinet 10 relative to the door 20 may be defined as a rear direction, and the direction toward the floor in which the refrigerator 1 is installed may be defined as a downward direction, and the direction away from the floor can be defined as an upward direction.

[0057] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment, FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating area A of FIG. 4.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may include a cabinet 10 and a door 20. The cabinet 10 may include an inner case 13 that forms a storage space and an outer case 11 that is disposed outside the inner case 13 and forms the outer appearance of the refrigerator 1. The door 20 can open and close the storage space.

[0059] For example, the refrigerator 1 may form a storage space divided into upper and lower sections, with a refrigerating chamber formed at the upper portion and a freezing chamber formed at the lower portion. The refrigerating chamber may be referred to as an upper storage space, and the freezing chamber may be referred to as a lower storage space.

[0060] The door 20 may be configured to open and close the refrigerating chamber and the freezing compartment, respectively. For example, the door 20 may be rotatably mounted, and the refrigerating chamber and the freezing compartment may be opened and closed by rotation thereof. Of course, the door 20 may have a structure that opens and closes by pulling in and out.

[0061] The door 20 may form the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator 1 in a closed state. Additionally, the door 20 may form the outer appearance of the refrigerator 1 that is visible from the front when the refrigerator 1 is installed.

[0062] The door 20 may include a refrigerating chamber door 21 that opens and closes the refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber door 22 that opens and closes the freezing chamber. In this specification, the description is based on the refrigerator 1 equipped with one refrigerating chamber door 21 and one freezing chamber door 22, but it is not limited thereto, and a pair of refrigerating chamber doors 21 may disposed side by side on both left and right sides and each refrigerating chamber door 21 may partially open and close the refrigerating chamber. A pair of freezing chamber doors 22 may also be disposed side by side on both left and right sides and may open and close the freezing chambers divided into left and right sides, respectively.

[0063] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation and understanding, the refrigerator 1 is described as an example in which the refrigerating chamber is disposed at the upper portion and the freezing chamber is disposed at the lower portion, but, it is not limited to the shape of the refrigerator 1 and may be applied to all types of refrigerators 1.

[0064] The front surface of the door 20 may be configured to include a door panel 30 that can selectively emit light and thus to illuminate with a set color and/or brightness. Accordingly, the user can change the front color and/or brightness of the door 20 and change the overall outer appearance of the refrigerator 1 by controlling the door panel 30 without removing or disassembling the door 20.

[0065] As an example, each of the refrigerating chamber door 21 and the freezing chamber door 22 may include a door panel 30 that forms the outer appearance of the front surface thereof. In other words, each of the refrigerating chamber door 21 and the freezing chamber door 22 may be configured to have a door panel 30 mounted on the front surface thereof.

[0066] The door panel 30 is detachably formed in a plate shape and may form the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerating chamber door 21. Since the door panel 30 forms the outer appearance of the front surface of the refrigerator 1, the door panel may also be referred to as an exterior panel.

[0067] The color of the outer appearance of the front surface of each of the refrigerating chamber door 21 and the freezing chamber door 22 may be determined by the color of the front surface of the door panel 30. In addition, the entire front surface of the door panel 30 may be configured to shine in a color specified by the user and may be changed to various colors selected by the user to express the color of the front surface of each of the refrigerating chamber door 21 and the freezing chamber door 22 in various ways.

[0068] Although not illustrated, the door panel 30 may include a lighting device 31 that emits light, a light guide plate that guides the light emitted from the lighting device 31, a back case cover that forms the outer appearance of the rear surface of the door panel 30, and the like.

[0069] An electric wire 15 through which a signal for driving is applied may be connected to the door panel 30. The signal may be applied from the control assembly 80 positioned behind the refrigerator 1 through the electric wire 15. The electric wire 15 may penetrate the area filled with the insulating material between the outer case 11 and the inner case 13, extend toward the door 20, and be connected to the door panel 30. As an example, the electric wire 15 may extend toward the door 20 through the door hinge positioned at the lower portion of the freezing chamber door 22 and thus connect to the door panel 30 on the refrigerating chamber door 21 and the door panel 30 on the freezing chamber door 22.

[0070] In this embodiment, the description is based on a structure in which the door panel 30 is provided on both the refrigerating chamber door 21 and the freezing chamber door 22, but, in another embodiment, only some of the plurality of doors may be provided with the door panel 30. For example, the door panel 30 may be provided only on the refrigerating chamber door 21 or the door panel 30 may be provided only on the freezing chamber door 22.

[0071] The outer case 11 according to one embodiment may be formed to have an open front surface. The outer case 11 may include an upper portion wall 111 constituting the upper surface of the refrigerator 1 and a side portion wall 112 extending downward from both sides of the upper portion wall 111 and constituting the side wall of the refrigerator 1. The upper portion wall 111 and the side portion wall 112 may be formed as one piece. An insulating material may be filled between the outer case 11 and the inner case 13. At the rear of the lower end of the outer case 11, a machine room may be provided where the compressor and condenser forming the cooling cycle are positioned.

[0072] The upper portion wall 111 of the outer case 11 may have an upper opening 11a that is opened upward. The upper opening 11a may be positioned closer to the rear than the front of the upper portion wall 111. A module case 40, which will be described later, can be mounted in the upper opening 11a. The module case 40 may be exposed upward through the upper opening 11a. In a plan view, the upper opening 11a may have a shape corresponding to the outer appearance of the module case 40. The inner circumferential surface of the upper portion wall 111 defining the upper opening 11a may have a shape corresponding to the outer appearance of the module case 40.

[0073] Meanwhile, in another embodiment, the module case 40 may be formed integrally with the outer case 11. As an example, the upper portion wall 111 of the outer case 11 may be configured to be recessed downward to correspond to the module case 40 in which the speaker module 50 is accommodated.

[0074] A signal receiver 90 may be placed in front of the upper portion wall 111. The signal receiver 90 may receive a control signal provided by the user. The control signal provided to the signal receiver 90 can control the speaker module 50. In the refrigerator 1, the signal receiver 90 may be positioned in front of the module case 40.

[0075] A back cover 70 may be coupled to the rear of the outer case 11. The back cover 70 may form the rear outer appearance of the refrigerator 1. The back cover 70, together with the outer case 11, can form the outer appearance of the upper portion, the side portion, and rear surface portion of the refrigerator 1. The back cover 70 may cover the rear surface of the inner case 13.

[0076] The back cover 70 may include a rear opening 71 that opens rearward. The rear opening 71 may be positioned on the upper side of the back cover 70. A control assembly 80, which will be described later, may be mounted in the rear opening 71. The control assembly 80 may be exposed rearwardly by the rear opening 71.

[0077] When viewed from the rear of the refrigerator, the rear opening 71 may have a shape that corresponds to the outer appearance of the control assembly 80. The open shape of the rear opening 71 may correspond to the outer appearance of the control assembly 80 in a plan view.

[0078] The back cover 70 may further include a back cover drain guide 72 positioned below the rear opening 71. The second coupling part 62 of the drain pipe 60, which will be described later, may be coupled to the back cover drain guide 72. As the back cover drain guide 72 is positioned below the rear opening 71, the control assembly 80 can be prevented from being damaged by water discharged from the back cover drain guide 72.

[0079] The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may include a module case 40. The module case 40 can be inserted and mounted into the refrigerator 1 through the upper opening 11a. Through this, the module case 40 may not protrude upward from the upper portion wall 111. The space defined by the lower surface of the module case 40, the inner surface of the outer case 11, and the inner surface of the back cover 70 may be filled with an insulating material.

[0080] The module case 40 may be coupled to the upper portion wall 111 by an adhesive member (not illustrated) disposed between the upper portion wall 111 and the module case 40. However, the method of combining the module case 40 and the upper portion wall 111 is not limited thereto.

[0081] The module case 40 may include a recessed internal space 40s. A speaker module 50 may be placed in the internal space 40s of the module case 40.

[0082] The speaker module 50 may be disposed in the internal space 40s of the module case 40 and may not protrude upward from the upper portion wall 111. A detailed description of the internal space 40s of the module case 40 will be described later.

[0083] The module case 40 may include a case drain guide 46 that opens and extends downward. As will be described later, the lower surface of the module case 40 may have a structure of being inclined to guide water entering the internal space 40s of the module case 40 toward the case drain guide46.

[0084] The case drain guide 46 may be positioned at the upper portion of the inner case 13. A drain pipe 60 may be coupled to the case drain guide 46. The drain pipe 60 may be disposed between the outer case 11 and the back cover 70, which form the outer appearance of the refrigerator 1, and the inner case 13. In other words, the drain pipe 60 may be placed in a space filled with an insulating material and surrounded by the insulating material.

[0085] The drain pipe 60 may extend to the lower rear and be coupled to the back cover 70. The internal space 40s of the module case 40, the drain pipe 60, and the rear of the refrigerator 1 may be spatially connected.

[0086] One side of the drain pipe 60 may be coupled to the case drain guide 46, and the other side thereof may be coupled to the back cover 70. As an example, the drain pipe 60 may include a first coupling part 61 coupled to the module case 40 and a second coupling part 62 coupled to the back cover 70.

[0087] The first coupling part 61 may be disposed between the inner case 13 and the module case 40. Although not illustrated, the first coupling part 61 may be coupled to the case drain guide 46 and sealed by a sealing member (not illustrated). For example, the first coupling part 61 and the case drain guide 46 may be sealed with a tape, but this is not limited thereto, and the first coupling portion 61 and the case drain guide portion 46 may be coupled by screwing or inserting, but the coupling method is not limited thereto.

[0088] The second coupling part 62 may be coupled to the back cover drain guide 72. The second coupling part 62 and the back cover drain guide 72 may be disposed below the control assembly 80. Through this, the control assembly 80 can be prevented from being damaged by water discharged from the second coupling part 62 and the back cover drain guide 72.

[0089] The drain pipe 60 may further include a connection part 63 positioned between the first coupling part 61 and the second coupling part 62. The connection part 63 of the drain pipe 60 may guide water entering from the first coupling part 61 toward the second coupling part 62. The connection part 63 may be disposed between the inner case 13 and the back cover 70.

[0090] Water entering the case drain guide 46 may be discharged to the rear of the refrigerator 1 through the drain pipe 60. The internal space 40s of the module case 40 can be smoothly drained through the case drain guide 46, the drain pipe 60, and the back cover drain guide 72.

[0091] A grille pan 14 may be disposed inside the inner case 13. The space between the inner case 13 and the grille pan 14 may be a cold air flow path 14a through which cold air provided from the machine room moves. The module case 40 may be positioned on the upper portion of the grille pan 14. The grille pan 14 may be disposed to overlap the module case 40 in the vertical direction.

[0092] A cold air discharge port 14b may be formed between the upper end of the grille pan 14 and the upper surface of the inner case 13. The cold air discharge port 14b is a portion where cold air moving through the cold air flow path 14a is discharged, and is disposed at the lower portion of the module case 40 and may be open toward the front. In other words, cold air moving through the cold air flow path 14a may be discharged forward through the cold air discharge port 14b. Through the above-described structure, the insulation performance of the refrigerator 1 may be maintained despite a decrease in insulation thickness due to recession of the area where the module case 40 is placed.

[0093] In particular, the drain guide 46 may be disposed rearward than the cold air discharge port 14b. The drain guide 46 is a portion where the insulation thickness becomes thinnest, and it may be desirable to maintain insulation performance by locating it in a place where it is not affected by discharged cold air. Accordingly, the drainage guide 46 is disposed in an area behind the cold air discharge port 14b that is not affected by the discharged cold air, thereby preventing deterioration in insulation performance and preventing freezing.

[0094] The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may further include a case cover 48 that partially shields the module case 40. In other words, the case cover 48 may partially expose the module case 40. The case cover 48 may be placed on the speaker module 50 to cover the upper surface of the speaker module 50. The upper surface of the case cover 48 may be positioned on the same plane as the upper surface of the upper portion wall 111 of the outer case 11. Through this, the speaker module 50 does not protrude to the outside, thereby improving space efficiency and improving the outer appearance.

[0095] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a speaker module and a module case according to an embodiment, FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a module case according to an embodiment to which a drain pipe is coupled, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views illustrating a speaker module according to one embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 11, the speaker module 50 included in the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may be stored in the internal space 40s of the module case 40. The internal space 40s of the module case 40 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the speaker module 50. For example, the speaker module 50 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the internal space 40s of the module case 40 may have a rectangular recessed shape to accommodate the speaker module 50.

[0097] The speaker module 50 may include a first output part 51 that opens toward one side and a second output part 52 that opens toward the other side. In the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment, the first output part 51 of the speaker module 50 may be disposed toward the front of the refrigerator 1, and the second output part 52 may be disposed toward the rear of the refrigerator 1. The sound range of the sound output from the first output part 51 may be higher than the sound range of the sound output from the second output part 52. The second output part 52 may be a woofer.

[0098] The speaker module 50 may be accommodated and fixed in the module case 40. As will be described later, the module case 40 may include a fixing protrusion 47. The fixing protrusion 47 may include an internal groove in which a screw groove is formed. The speaker module 50 may include a fixing hole 50a formed through the thickness direction so that the fixing protrusion 47 is inserted. The fixing protrusion 47 of the module case 40 and the fixing hole 50a of the speaker module 50 may be formed to be positioned in corresponding areas. In other words, when the speaker module 50 is seated in the internal space 40s of the module case 40, the fixing protrusion 47 of the module case 40 may be inserted into the fixing hole 50a of the speaker module 50.

[0099] The speaker module 50 seated on the module case 40 may be fixed by a fixing member 471. The fixing member 471 may pass through the fixing hole 50a of the speaker module 50 and be fastened to the inner groove of the fixing protrusion 47 of the module case 40. Through this, the speaker module 50 can be fixed to the module case 40.

[0100] The lower surface portion 41 of the module case 40 may include a drain hole 41a that penetrates and is spatially connected to the case drain guide 46. The drain hole 41a may be disposed rearward of the cold air discharge port 14b.

[0101] The drain hole 41a may be positioned closer to the rear than the front of the module case 40. In other words, the drain hole 41a may be positioned closer to the back cover 70 than the door 20. Through this, the drainage path to the back cover drainage guide 72 can be shortened to ensure smooth drainage to the rear. In addition, when the drain hole 41a is positioned closer to the back cover 70 than the door 20, the fastening inclination angle of the drain pipe 60 may be increased to prevent residual water that may occur inside the drain pipe 60. Additionally, the drain hole 41a may be positioned at a corner of the lower surface portion 41 of the module case 40, but is not limited thereto.

[0102] The module case 40 is connected to the lower surface portion 41 and may include a case drain guide 46 spatially connected to the drain hole 41a. The case drain guide 46 may have a hollow shape and a shape extending downward. The case drain guide 46 may guide water entering the drain hole 41a from the internal space 40s of the module case 40 to the outside.

[0103] A drain pipe 60 may be coupled to the case drain guide 46. In the drain pipe 60, the first coupling part 61 may be coupled to the module case 40, and the second coupling part 62 may be coupled to the back cover 70. The second coupling part 62 may be positioned lower than the first coupling part 61. Accordingly, water entering the drain pipe 60 through the first coupling part 61 may pass through the connecting portion 63 and be discharged to the outside through the second coupling part 62 by gravity.

[0104] The module case 40 may include a lower surface portion 41, a first seating part 43 positioned higher on the outside than the lower surface portion 41, and a second seating part 45 positioned higher on the outside than the first seating part 43, and an output guide 49 positioned between the first seating part 43 and the second seating part 45 and including an inclined surface.

[0105] The module case 40 may further include a first side wall portion 42 extending upward from the outer edge of the lower surface portion 41 and a second side wall portion 44 extending upward from the outer edge of the first seating part 43. The internal space 40s of the module case 40 may be defined by the lower surface portion 41, the first side wall portion 42, the first seating part 43, and the second side wall portion 44.

[0106] The lower surface portion 41 may include an inclined surface inclined toward the drain hole 41a. The drain hole 41a may be positioned at the lowest portion of the lower surface portion 41. Therefore, when water is positioned at any location on the lower surface portion 41, the lower surface portion 41 may guide the water toward the drain hole 41a.

[0107] For example, the lower surface portion 41 may include a first lower surface inclined part 411 disposed on one side with respect to the drain hole 41a and a second lower surface inclined part 412 disposed on the other side.

[0108] The first lower surface inclined part 411 may include an inclined surface inclined toward the drain hole 41a, and the second lower surface inclined part 412 may include an inclined surface inclined toward the drain hole 41a. A lower surface slope valley 413 may be formed between the first lower surface inclined part 411 and the second lower surface inclined part 412. The lower surface slope valley 413 may be formed inclined toward the drain hole 41a. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the lower surface portion 41 may include an integrated inclined surface inclined toward the drain hole 41a, or may be formed to include a plurality of lower surface slope valleys 413 including more subdivided inclined surfaces.

[0109] A fixing protrusion 47 may be disposed on the lower surface portion 41. In this embodiment, the description is based on the structure in which the fixing protrusion 47 is disposed on the first lower surface inclined part 411, but the position of the fixing protrusion 47 is not limited thereto.

[0110] When the speaker module 50 is stored and fixed in the module case 40, the lower surface of the speaker module 50 may not be in contact with the lower surface portion 41. In other words, the speaker module 50 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the lower surface portion 41 in the vertical direction.

[0111] The plan view area of the lower surface portion 41 may be smaller than the plan view area of the speaker module 50. Additionally, in a plan view, the edge of the lower surface portion 41 may be positioned inside the edge of the speaker module 50.

[0112] A first side wall portion 42 extending upward may be disposed outside the lower surface portion 41. The first side wall portion 42 may be disposed to surround the lower surface portion 41. The first side wall portion 42 may extend upward from the outer edge of the lower surface portion 41. The lower end of the first side wall portion 42 may correspond to the edge of the lower surface portion 41. When the speaker module 50 is stored and fixed in the module case 40, the speaker module 50 and the lower surface portion 41 may be spaced apart from the edge of the lower surface portion 41 by the height of the first side wall portion 42. In other words, a space defined by the lower surface portion 41 and the first side wall portion 42 may be formed below the speaker module 50.

[0113] A first seating part 43 extending outward may be disposed at the upper end of the first side wall portion 42. The first seating part 43 may include a flat surface. For example, the first seating part 43 may be parallel to the upper surface of the upper portion wall 111. A speaker module 50 may be disposed on the first seating part 43. The first seating part 43 may support the speaker module 50 by being in contact with the lower surface of the speaker module 50. The inner edge of the first seating part 43 may correspond to the upper end of the first side wall portion 42, and the outer edge of the first seating part 43 may correspond to the lower end of the second side wall portion 44, which will be described later. The outer edge of the first seating part 43 may be substantially similar to the edge shape of the speaker module 50 accommodated in the module case 40 in a plan view.

[0114] An output guide 49 and a second side wall portion 44 may be disposed outside the first seating part 43. The output guide 49 and the second side wall portion 44 may be disposed to surround the first seating part 43. The lower end of the second side wall portion 44 may correspond to the edge of the first seating part 43.

[0115] The output guide 49 is connected to the second side wall portion 44 and may include an inclined surface inclined outward from the second side wall portion 44. Accordingly, the outside of the output guide 49 may be positioned higher than the inside. The outside of the output guide 49 may be positioned at substantially the same height as the second seating part 45. The inside of the output guide 49 may be positioned at substantially the same height as the first seating part 43, but is not limited thereto.

[0116] As will be described later, the output guide 49 may be positioned to correspond to the first output part 51 and the second output part 52 of the speaker module 50. Sound waves output from the first output part 51 and the second output part 52 of the speaker module 50 may be guided by the output guide 49. The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment can smoothly propagate sound waves output from the first output part 51 and the second output part 52 through the inclined surface of the output guide 49.

[0117] The output guide 49 may include a first output guide 491 positioned at the front and a second output guide 492 positioned at the rear. A second side wall portion 44 may be disposed between the first output guide 491 and the second output guide 492.

[0118] There may be a plurality of first output guides 491 and second output guides 492, respectively. When a plurality of the first output guides 491 and a plurality of the second output guides 492 are provided, a second side wall portions 44 are provided between the first output guides 491 and between the second output guides 492, respectively.

[0119] In this embodiment, the description is made based on the module case 40 including two first output guides 491 and two second output guides 492, respectively, but the number is not limited thereto.

[0120] The output guide 49 may be exposed upwardly by non-overlapping with the case cover 48. In other words, the first output guide 491 and the second output guide 492 may not overlap with the case cover 48 and be exposed upward. Through this structure, the output guide 49 may provide an emission path for sound waves emitted from the speaker module 50 disposed below the case cover 48.

[0121] The first output guide 491 may be disposed at an angle toward the front door 20 of the refrigerator 1. The first output guide 491 may be set to face the first output part 51 from which sound is output from the speaker module 50. In other words, the location, number, or the like of the first output guides 491 of the module case 40 in which the speaker module 50 is accommodated may be determined according to the location, number, or the like of the first output parts 51 of the speaker module 50. Accordingly, the first output part 51 and the first output guide 491 may be disposed to be aligned with each other. The first output guide 491 may provide a sound wave emission path so that the sound output from the first output part 51 of the speaker module 50 is output toward the front of the refrigerator 1.

[0122] The second output guide 492 may be disposed at an angle from the second side wall portion 44 toward the back cover 70 at the rear of the refrigerator 1. The second output guide 492 may be set to be disposed in a position facing the second output part 52 in the speaker module 50. In other words, the location, number, or the like of the second output guides 492 of the module case 40 in which the speaker module 50 is accommodated may be determined according to the location, number, or the like of the second output parts 52 of the speaker module 50. Accordingly, the second output part 52 and the second output guide 492 may be disposed to be aligned with each other. The second output guide 492 may provide a sound wave emission path so that the low-pitched sound output from the second output part 52 of the speaker module 50 is output toward the upper side of the refrigerator 1.

[0123] In the speaker module 50, the width of the first output part 51 in the left and right direction may be larger than the width of the second output part 52 in the left and right direction. Accordingly, in the module case 40, the width of the first output guide 491 in the left and right direction may be larger than the width of the second output guide 492 in the left and right direction. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0124] In this way, the first output part 51 and the second output part 52 are disposed to face each other, and a sound emission path of the speaker module 50 is secured through the first output guide 491 and the second output guide 492, thereby preventing a decrease in the sound efficiency of the speaker module 50.

[0125] Additionally, the first output guide 491 and the second output guide 492 may guide water entering the module case 40 toward the lower surface part 41. The first output guide 491 may guide water entering through the frontward inclined surface of the refrigerator 1 toward the lower surface part 41. Additionally, the second output guide 492 may guide water entering through a rearward inclined surface of the refrigerator 1 toward the lower surface portion 41. Water guided to the lower surface portion 41 may be discharged to the outside through the drain hole 41a.

[0126] The second output guide 492 may be positioned closer to the drain hole 41a than the first output guide 491. For example, the distance from the first output guide 491 positioned closest to the drain hole 41a to the drain hole 41a may be larger than the distance from the second output guide 492 positioned closest to the drain hole 41a to the drain hole 41a.

[0127] The second side wall portion 44 may extend upward from the outside of the first seating part 43. The second side wall portion 44 may be positioned at the inside of the first output guide 491 and the second output guide 492. In other words, when the module case 40 is coupled to the refrigerator 1, the first output guide 491 may be positioned in front of the second side wall portion 44, and the second output guide 492 may be positioned in rear of the second side wall portion 44.

[0128] The second side wall portion 44 may include an open electric wire opening portion 44a. In the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment, the electric wire opening 44a may be opened toward the rear of the refrigerator 1. The electric wire opening 44a may provide a passage for electric wires connected to the speaker module 50 accommodated in the module case 40. The electric wire connected to the speaker module 50 may be connected to the first controller 82, which will be described later, through the electric wire opening 44a. Through this electric wire connection structure, the speaker module 50 control signal provided from the first controller 82 can be transmitted to the speaker module 50.

[0129] The second side wall portion 44 may have a shape extending upward from the outside of the first seating part 43. The second side wall portion 44 and the first seating part 43 may form a right angle, but are not limited thereto. The height of the second side wall portion 44 may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the speaker module 50. Through this, in the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment, the speaker module 50 can be disposed in the refrigerator 1 so that the speaker module does not protrude above the upper portion wall 111.

[0130] A second seating part 45 extending outward may be positioned at the upper end of the second side wall portion 44. The case cover 48 may be seated on the second seating part 45. The second seating part 45 may support the edge of the case cover 48. The second seating part 45 may include a surface parallel to at least one of the lower surface portion 41 and the first seating part 43. The edge of the second seating part 45 may correspond to the open shape of the upper opening 11a. In other words, the opened shape of the upper opening 11a may have a shape substantially similar to the shape of the edge of the second seating part 45.

[0131] When the speaker module 50 is accommodated and fixed in the module case 40, the second seating part 45 may be positioned on the same plane as the upper surface of the speaker module 50, or be positioned on the upper side of the upper surface of the speaker module 50. Through this, the speaker module 50 may be placed in the internal space 40s of the module case 40 and not protrude upward from the upper portion wall 111.

[0132] As described above, the module case 40 may include an internal space 40s defined by the lower surface portion 41, the first side wall portion 42, the first seating part 43, and the second side wall portion 44. The internal space 40s of the module case 40 may include a first space 41s defined by the lower surface portion 41 and the first side wall portion 42, and a second space 43s defined by the first seating part 43 and the second side wall portion 44.

[0133] As an example, the speaker module 50 may be disposed in the second space 43s of the module case 40. With the speaker module 50 disposed in the second space 43s of the module case 40, the first space 41s may be defined by the lower surface portion 41 and the first side wall portion 42 as well as the lower surface of the speaker module 50.

[0134] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating a control assembly according to one embodiment.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 12, the control assembly 80 according to one embodiment may include a frame 81, a first controller 82 that controls the speaker module 50, a second controller that controls the lighting operation of the door panel 30, and a core part 84 disposed adj acent to the first controller 82 and the second controller 83.

[0136] The frame 81 may form the outer appearance of the control assembly 80 and may support the above-described first controller 82, second controller 83, and core part 84. The frame 81 may be coupled to the rear opening 71 of the back cover 70. The outer appearance of the frame 81 may be substantially similar to the open shape of the rear opening 71.

[0137] The frame 81 may include a first frame opening 82a through which electric wires connected to the first controller 82 pass and a second frame opening 83a through which electric wires connected to the second controller 83 pass.

[0138] The electric wires passing through the first frame opening 82a and connected to the first controller 82 may be connected to the signal receiver 90 and the speaker module 50, respectively. At least a portion of the electric wire passing through the first frame opening 82a is connected to the signal receiver 90, and the other portion thereof may pass through the electric wire opening 44a of the module case 40 and may be connected to the speaker module 50.

[0139] The electric wires passing through the first frame opening 82a and connecting the first controller 82 and the signal receiver 90 may transmit the control signal received from the signal receiver 90 to the first controller 82. The electric wire passing through the first frame 81 and connecting the first controller 82 and the speaker module 50 may transmit a control signal provided from the first controller 82 to the speaker module 50. Through this, the speaker module 50 may be operated using the speaker module 50 control signal provided by the user.

[0140] The electric wires passing through the second frame opening 83a and connected to the second controller 83 may be connected to the door panel 30. As described above, the electric wires connected to the second controller 83 may pass through the area filled with the insulating material between the outer case 11 and the inner case 13 and extend toward the door 20 to connect to the door panel 30. The electric wire may extend toward the door 20 through the door hinge positioned at the lower portion of the freezing chamber door 22.

[0141] In the control assembly 80, the core part 84 may be disposed in an area adjacent to the first controller 82 and the second controller 83. The core part 84 can prevent the signals applied to the first controller 82 and the signals applied to the second controller 83 from interfering with each other. In other words, even if the first controller 82 and the second controller 83 are positioned in one control assembly 80, interference between signals applied to each through the core part 84 may be prevented. Therefore, space may be saved by placing the first controller 82 and the second controller 83 together in one control assembly 80, and through this, the storage space in the refrigerator 1 may be increased.

[0142] The core part 84 may be disposed between the first controller 82 and the second controller 83.

[0143] The core part 84 may be positioned on the left side of the second controller 83 and below the second frame opening 83a. For example, the core part 84 may include a ferrite material. However, the location, number, size, type, and the like of the core part 84 are not limited thereto and may be set in various ways according to the case.

[0144] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where a refrigerator is embedded in a furniture cabinet according to an embodiment.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 13, the furniture cabinet 2 may include an embedded space in which the refrigerator 1 may be embedded. The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may be embedded in the furniture cabinet 2.

[0146] The furniture cabinet 2 can be formed in a standardized manner. The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment can be stably embedded in a standardized furniture cabinet 2 because the speaker module 50 disposed at the upper portion does not protrude above the upper portion wall 111.

[0147] Meanwhile, even when the furniture cabinet 2 is manufactured separately, the speaker module 50 disposed at the upper portion of the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment does not protrude higher than the upper portion wall 111, so that the upper free space between the upper portion wall 111 of the refrigerator 1 and the furniture cabinet 2 may be reduced. Through this, the visual aesthetics of the refrigerator 1 embedded in the furniture cabinet 2 may be improved.

[0148] The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may have a structure in which the speaker module 50 is not exposed to the outside when viewed from the front. Accordingly, unnecessary space in the furniture cabinet 2 may be reduced, space efficiency may be improved, and the refrigerator 1 with improved visual aesthetics may be provided.

[0149] The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may include a module case 40 including output guides 49 that are aligned with the first output part 51 and the second output part 52 of the speaker module 50 accommodated therein, respectively. Through this, the acoustic efficiency of the speaker module 50 may be increased.

[0150] The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may include a module case 40 provided with a drainage structure. Through this, when the refrigerator 1 is placed outdoors, the possibility of failure of the speaker module 50 due to flooding may be reduced even in rainy weather. Additionally, when the refrigerator 1 is placed indoors, the possibility of failure of the speaker module 50 due to flooding may be reduced even in the event of a ceiling leak. The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment may include a module case 40 including output guides 49 that are aligned with the first output part 51 and the second output part 52 of the speaker module 50 accommodated therein, respectively. Through this, the acoustic efficiency of the speaker module 50 may be increased.

[0151] In the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment, the speaker module 50 may be placed in an area where cold air is not directly discharged. Through this, the insulation performance of the refrigerator 1 may not be affected despite a reduction in the volume of the insulating material.

[0152] In the above, the present disclosure has been described focusing on the embodiments of the present disclosure, but this is only an example and does not limit the present disclosure, and those of ordinary skill in the field to which the present disclosure pertains will recognize that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, each component specifically illustrated in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified and implemented. In addition, these variations and differences in application should be construed as being included in the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:

a cabinet (10) including an inner case (13) forming a storage space, an outer case (11) disposed outside the inner case (13) to form an outer surface, an insulating material filled between the inner case (13) and the outer case (11), and a back cover (70) forming a rear surface;

a door (21) configured to open and close the storage space;

a module case (40) forming a recessed accommodation space on an upper surface of the outer case (11);

a signal receiver (90) disposed in front of the module case (40) and configured to receive a signal provided by the user; and

a speaker module (50) disposed in the accommodation space of the module case (40) and driven by the signal.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the outer case (11) has an upper opening (11a) being opened upward, and wherein the module case (40) is mounted to shield the upper opening (11a).

3. The refrigerator of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a drain pipe (60) coupled to the module case (40) and the back cover (70) and configured to discharge water inside the module case (40) to the outside of the cabinet (10), wherein the module case (40) includes a drain hole (41a) connected to the drain pipe (40) and opened.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, further comprising:

a grille pan (14) disposed in the storage space and forming a cold air discharge port (14b) discharging cold air toward the front,

wherein the grille pan (14) is disposed to overlap the module case (40) in a vertical direction, and

wherein the drain hole (41a) is disposed behind the cold air discharge port (14b).

5. The refrigerator of claim 3 or 4, wherein the module case (40) includes a lower surface portion (41) where the drain hole (41a) is formed, wherein the lower surface portion (41) includes an inclined surface inclined toward the drain hole (41a).

6. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the lower surface portion (41) is disposed to be spaced apart from the speaker module (50) in the vertical direction.

7. The refrigerator of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module case (40) further includes:

a lower surface portion (41) forming a lower surface;

a first side wall portion (42) extending upward from the outer edge of the lower surface portion (41); and

a first seating part (43) extending outward from the upper end of the first side wall portion (42) and configured to support the speaker module (50).

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the module case (40) further includes:

a second side wall portion (44) extending upward from the outer edge of the first seating part (43); and

an output guide (49) connected to the second side wall portion (44) and including an inclined surface inclined outward from the second side wall portion (44); and/or

the speaker module (50) includes a first output part (51) disposed toward the front and a second output part (52) disposed toward the rear, and/or

the output guide (49) includes a first output guide (491) aligned with the first output part (51) and a second output guide (492) aligned with the second output part (52).

9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the first output part (51) outputs a higher-pitched sound than the second output part (52), and/or the width of the first output guide (491) in a left and right direction are larger than the width of the second output guide (492) in the left and right direction.

10. The refrigerator of claim 8 or 9, wherein the module case (40) includes at least one of a second seating part (45) extending outward from the upper end of the second side wall portion (44), and a case cover (48) seated on the second seating part (45).

11. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein the output guide (49) does not overlap with the case cover (48) and thus is exposed to the upper portion (111); and/or an upper surface of the case cover (48) does not protrude upward compared to the upper surface of the outer case (11) and/or the speaker module (50) does not protrude upward compared to the upper surface of the outer case (11).

12. The refrigerator of any one of the preceding claims 8-11, wherein the height of the second side wall portion (44) is greater than the thickness of the speaker module (50) in the vertical direction.

13. The refrigerator of any one of the preceding claims 7-12, wherein the module case (40) includes a fixing protrusion (47) disposed on the lower surface portion (41), wherein the speaker module (50) includes a fixing part configured to insert the fixing protrusion (47) therein.

14. The refrigerator of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a door panel (30) provided on a front surface of the door (21) and configured to color change;

a control assembly (80) provided at the rear surface of the cabinet (10), wherein the control assembly (80) includes a first controller (82) configured to control the speaker module (50) through the signal and a second controller (83) configured to control a door light of the door panel (30), preferably the control assembly (80) is provided with a core part (84) disposed between the first controller (82) and the second controller (83) and includes ferrite.

15. The refrigerator of claim 14, further comprising a drain pipe (60) connected to the module case (40) and the back cover (70) and configured to discharge water inside the module case (40) to the outside of the cabinet (10),
wherein the drain pipe (60) includes a first coupling part (61) coupled to the module case (40) and a second coupling part (62) coupled to the back cover (70), and wherein the second coupling part (62) is disposed below the control assembly (80).

Amended claims

Amended claims in accordance with Rule 137(2) EPC.

1. A refrigerator comprising:

a cabinet (10) including an inner case (13) forming a storage space, an outer case (11) disposed outside the inner case (13) to form an outer surface, an insulating material filled between the inner case (13) and the outer case (11), and a back cover (70) forming a rear surface;

a door (21) configured to open and close the storage space;

a module case (40) forming a recessed accommodation space on an upper surface of the outer case (11);

a signal receiver (90) disposed in front of the module case (40) and configured to receive a signal provided by the user;

a speaker module (50) disposed in the accommodation space of the module case (40) and driven by the signal; and

a case cover (48) that partially shields the module case (40) and partially exposes the module case (40), wherein the case cover (48) is placed on the speaker module (50) to cover an upper surface of the speaker module (50), and wherein an upper surface of the case cover (48) is positioned on the same plane as an upper surface of an upper portion wall (111) of the outer case (11).

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the outer case (11) has an upper opening (11a) being opened upward, and wherein the module case (40) is mounted to shield the upper opening (11a).

3. The refrigerator of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a drain pipe (60) coupled to the module case (40) and the back cover (70) and configured to discharge water inside the module case (40) to the outside of the cabinet (10), wherein the module case (40) includes a drain hole (41a) connected to the drain pipe (40) and opened.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, further comprising:

a grille pan (14) disposed in the storage space and forming a cold air discharge port (14b) discharging cold air toward the front,

wherein the grille pan (14) is disposed to overlap the module case (40) in a vertical direction, and

wherein the drain hole (41a) is disposed behind the cold air discharge port (14b).

5. The refrigerator of claim 3 or 4, wherein the module case (40) includes a lower surface portion (41) where the drain hole (41a) is formed, wherein the lower surface portion (41) includes an inclined surface inclined toward the drain hole (41a).

6. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the lower surface portion (41) is disposed to be spaced apart from the speaker module (50) in the vertical direction.

7. The refrigerator of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the module case (40) further includes:

a lower surface portion (41) forming a lower surface;

a first side wall portion (42) extending upward from the outer edge of the lower surface portion (41); and

a first seating part (43) extending outward from the upper end of the first side wall portion (42) and configured to support the speaker module (50).

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the module case (40) further includes:

a second side wall portion (44) extending upward from the outer edge of the first seating part (43); and

an output guide (49) connected to the second side wall portion (44) and including an inclined surface inclined outward from the second side wall portion (44); and/or

the speaker module (50) includes a first output part (51) disposed toward the front and a second output part (52) disposed toward the rear, and/or

the output guide (49) includes a first output guide (491) aligned with the first output part (51) and a second output guide (492) aligned with the second output part (52).

9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the first output part (51) outputs a higher-pitched sound than the second output part (52), and/or the width of the first output guide (491) in a left and right direction are larger than the width of the second output guide (492) in the left and right direction.

10. The refrigerator of claim 8 or 9, wherein the module case (40) includes at least one of a second seating part (45) extending outward from the upper end of the second side wall portion (44), and the case cover (48) is seated on the second seating part (45).

11. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein the output guide (49) does not overlap with the case cover (48) and thus is exposed to the upper portion wall (111); and/or an upper surface of the case cover (48) does not protrude upward compared to the upper surface of the outer case (11) and/or the speaker module (50) does not protrude upward compared to the upper surface of the outer case (11).

12. The refrigerator of any one of the preceding claims 8-11, wherein the height of the second side wall portion (44) is greater than the thickness of the speaker module (50) in the vertical direction.

13. The refrigerator of any one of the preceding claims 7-12, wherein the module case (40) includes a fixing protrusion (47) disposed on the lower surface portion (41), wherein the speaker module (50) includes a fixing part configured to insert the fixing protrusion (47) therein.

14. The refrigerator of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

a door panel (30) provided on a front surface of the door (21) and configured to color change;

a control assembly (80) provided at the rear surface of the cabinet (10), wherein the control assembly (80) includes a first controller (82) configured to control the speaker module (50) through the signal and a second controller (83) configured to control a door light of the door panel (30), preferably the control assembly (80) is provided with a core part (84) disposed between the first controller (82) and the second controller (83) and includes ferrite.

15. The refrigerator of claim 14, further comprising a drain pipe (60) connected to the module case (40) and the back cover (70) and configured to discharge water inside the module case (40) to the outside of the cabinet (10),
wherein the drain pipe (60) includes a first coupling part (61) coupled to the module case (40) and a second coupling part (62) coupled to the back cover (70), and wherein the second coupling part (62) is disposed below the control assembly (80).

Drawing