refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator of the present invention comprises: a cabinet for providing an accommodation space of articles; a refrigeration chamber which is the accommodation space for storing the articles in a refrigerated state; a refrigeration chamber door for opening / closing the refrigeration chamber; a freezer chamber which is the accommodation space for storing the articles in a frozen state; and a switching chamber which is provided at the refrigeration chamber door and has an internal temperature which can be implemented to be higher than the temperature of the refrigeration chamber or lower than the temperature of the refrigeration chamber.

Description

Title of Invention REFRIGERATOR Technical Field [1] The present invention relates to a refrigerator. The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a switching chamber. Background Art [2] A switching chamber may be provided in a refrigerator. The switching chamber refers to a storage space in which temperature may be switched. The refrigerator having the switching chamber has been presented by the applicant of the present invention in Korean Patent KR102279054B1. [3] In the cited technology, a switching chamber is provided in a space between the refrigerator and a refrigeration chamber. In the switching chamber of the cited technology, articles stored therein may be taken out by entirely opening the door. In the switching chamber of the cited technology, the articles cannot be checked before opening the door. The switching chamber of the cited technology needs to occupy a separate space between the refrigeration chambers. Disclosure Technical Problem [4] The present invention proposes a refrigerator in which accessibility to all spaces in a switching chamber may be improved. [5] The present invention proposes a refrigerator in which articles stored therein may be checked before opening the door. [6] The present invention proposes a refrigerator using an accommodation space of a door. Technical Solution [7] A refrigerator according to the present invention may include a cabinet configured to provide an accommodation space of articles, a refrigeration chamber which is the accommodation space for storing the articles in a refrigerated state, a refrigeration chamber door configured to open and close the refrigeration chamber, a freezer chamber which is the accommodation space for storing the articles in a frozen state, and a switching chamber which is provided at the refrigeration chamber door and is configured to have an internal temperature higher than or lower than a temperature of the refrigeration chamber. [8] The refrigerator may include an evaporator configured to evaporate a refrigerant to supply cold air to the freezer chamber. The refrigerator may include a supply path configured to supply the cold air generated from the evaporator to the switching chamber. The refrigerator may include a return path configured to guide air inside the switching chamber to the evaporator. [9] The refrigeration chamber door may include a first refrigeration door configured to provide the switching chamber, and a second refrigeration door having an ice-making device.

[10] The ice-making device may receive the cold air generated from the evaporator.

[11] The freezer chamber may include a switching fan configured to supply the cold air to the switching chamber, a main fan configured to supply the cold air to the freezer chamber, and an icemaking fan which is configured to supply the cold air to the ice-making device and the switching fan, the main fan, and the ice-making fan are provided to be spaced apart from one another in a leftright direction within the freezer chamber.

[12] The freezer chamber may include a switching fan configured to supply the cold air to the switching chamber, and a main fan which is configured to supply the cold air to the freezer chamber and is provided to be spaced apart from the switching fan in a left-right direction within the freezer chamber.

[13] The refrigerator may include a grille configured to support the switching fan and provide a flow path for cold air blown from the switching fan, and a shroud configured to guide cold air drawn to the switching fan.

[14] The switching fan may be a centrifugal fan configured to discharge cold air drawn forward in a circumferential direction.

[15] The refrigerator may include a switching supply flow path configured to guide air discharged from the switching fan to the supply path, and a main supply flow path configured to guide the air discharged from the switching fan into the freezer chamber.

[16] In response to a temperature detected by a sensor configured to detect a temperature of the switching chamber, the switching fan may be controlled to be turned on and off, and the main fan and the ice-making fan may not be controlled to be turned on and off.

[17] The switching fan and the main fan may have an offset in a front-rear direction within the freezer chamber.

[18] The refrigerator may include a grille configured to support the switching fan and provide a flow path for cold air blown from the switching fan. The refrigerator may include a first freezing-air flow path through which air blown from the main fan is discharged and which is provided above the grille. The refrigerator may include a third freezing-air flow path through which the air blown from the main fan is discharged and which is provided below the grille. The refrigerator may include a second freezing-air flow path through which the air blown from the main fan is discharged and which is provided between the first freezing-air flow path and the third freezing-air flow path. The refrigerator may include a return end through which returning through the return path is discharged and which is provided below the third freezing-air flow path.

[19] An outlet of the return end may have a predominant component extending in the left-right direction within the freezer chamber. An outlet of the third freezing-air flow path may have a predominant component extending in a front-rear direction within the freezer chamber.

[20] The refrigerator may include a first heater configured to heat at least one of the supply path and the return path.

[21] The switching chamber may include an inner shell having open front and rear surfaces. The switching chamber may include an outer shell having open front and rear surfaces and having an insulating material provided between the outer shell and the inner shell. The switching chamber may include an inner wall which is provided on a rear surface of the switching chamber and transmits light. The switching chamber may include an outer wall which is provided on a front surface of the switching chamber, transmits light, and is openable and closable. The switching chamber may include a first gasket configured to perform a sealing and insulating function during opening and closing operations of the outer wall. The switching chamber may include a second gasket configured to block cold air leakage through at least one of a discharge end of the supply path and a suction end of the return path in response to the opening and closing of the refrigeration chamber door.

[22] The refrigerator may include a gasket heater provided near the second gasket to prevent condensation on the cabinet. The refrigerator may include a heating heater provided between the inner shell and the outer shell to heat the switching chamber.

[23] The refrigerator may include a recess formed by recessing a sidewall of the switching chamber to guide air blown into the switching chamber. The refrigerator may include a guide seated in the recess.

[24] A refrigerator may include a first evaporator which evaporates a refrigerant and is closer to the freezer chamber than to the refrigeration chamber to supply cold air to the freezer chamber, a second evaporator which evaporates a refrigerant and is closer to the refrigeration chamber than to the freezer chamber to supply cold air to the refrigeration chamber, a supply path passing through the cabinet to supply the cold air generated from the first evaporator to the switching chamber, and a return path passing through the cabinet to guide air in the switching chamber to the first evaporator and return the air thereto.

[25] The refrigerator may include a return end adjacent to an inlet of the first evaporator to discharge the refrigerant returning through the return path.

[26] An internal temperature of the switching chamber may be higher than or lower than a temperature of the refrigeration chamber. The internal temperature of the switching chamber may be higher than a temperature of the freezer chamber.

[27] The refrigerator may include a heater provided in the switching chamber to raise the internal temperature of the switching chamber. The refrigerator may include a supply path configured to supply the cold air generated from the evaporator to the switching chamber without passing through the freezer chamber.

[28] The heater may be provided between the inner shell of the switching chamber and the outer shell of the switching chamber. The heater may be closer to the inner shell than to the outer shell. Advantageous Effects

[29] According to the present invention, all articles stored in the switching chamber can be easily accessed.

[30] According to the present invention, the articles stored in the switching chamber can be viewed before a door is opened.

[31] According to the present invention, an accommodation space of the door can be used, thereby securing a large internal space of a cabinet for refrigeration and freezer chambers.

[32] According to the present invention, a temperature lower than that of the refrigeration chamber can be achieved in the switching chamber.

[33] According to the present invention, a temperature higher than that of the refrigeration chamber can be achieved in the switching chamber.

[34] In the description of various embodiments, other objects and effects are presented in addition to the representative technical objects and effects described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[35] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator.

[36] FIG. 2 is a view for describing a relationship between a switching chamber and a freezer chamber.

[37] FIG. 3 is a view showing a cold-air circulation configuration to the switching chamber.

[38] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the switching chamber.

[39] FIG. 5 is a view for describing temperature control of the switching chamber.

[40] FIGS. 6 to 9 are detailed views showing components adjacent to a switching fan, in which FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view showing a suction portion of a shroud. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view in a left-right direction (yz plane) of the switching fan. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view in a region in which a return end of a supply path communicates with the freezer chamber. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view in a left-right direction of the supply path and a return path. FIG. 10 is a crosssectional view in a front-rear direction (xy plane) of a second fan support.

[41] FIGS. 11 to 13 are views showing the switching chamber, a discharge end of the supply path, and an inlet end of the return path, in which FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the switching chamber. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view in the front-rear direction (xy plane) of the switching chamber. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view in a vertical direction (xz plane) of the switching chamber.

[42] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[43] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and those skilled in the art having an understanding of the spirit of the present invention may readily propose other embodiments falling within the scope of the same spirit through addition, modification, omission, addition, and the like of components, and these embodiments may also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[44] In the description of the drawings, the same or similar components are denoted as the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and overlapping descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[45] The suffixes “module” and “unit” for components used in the following description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of only ease of preparing the specification and not have meanings or roles that are distinct from each other by themselves.

[46] In describing various embodiments disclosed herein, detailed descriptions of related well-known functions or constructions may be omitted when it is determined that such descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the gist of various embodiments disclosed herein.

[47] The accompanying drawings are provided only to facilitate understanding of various embodiments disclosed herein, and the technical spirit disclosed herein is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it should be understood that the present invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[48] The terms including ordinal numbers, such as “first” and “second,” may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[49] When a certain component is described as being “connected” or “coupled” to the other component, it should be understood that the certain component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component or another component may be present therebetween. On the other hand, when a certain component is described as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to the other component, it can be understood that another component is not present therebetween.

[50] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[51] In the application, it should be understood that terms “include” and “have” are intended to specify that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, a component, a part, or a combination thereof described in the specification is present, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[52] In describing various embodiments, directions are defined with reference to a user facing a front side of a refrigerator. For example, left and right directions from the front of the refrigerator correspond to a left-right direction (x-axis), upper and lower directions correspond to a vertical direction (y-axis), and front and rear directions along a viewing direction correspond to a front-rear direction (z-axis).

[53] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[54] Reference is made to FIG. 1. The refrigerator may include a cabinet 100 having a space for accommodating articles. The cabinet 100 may provide a refrigeration chamber (R) and a freezer chamber (F). The refrigeration chamber may be provided above the freezer chamber. The refrigerator may employ a refrigeration system using a refrigerant. For circulation of the refrigerant, the refrigerator may include a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator. The evaporator may include a first evaporator 103 for providing cold air to the freezer chamber. The first evaporator may be disposed closer to the freezer chamber than to the refrigeration chamber. The evaporator may include a second evaporator 104 for providing cold air to the refrigeration chamber. The second evaporator may be disposed closer to the refrigeration chamber than to the freezer chamber.

[55] The refrigeration chamber may be opened using two doors. The two doors may rotate about respective rotation axes extending in a vertical direction. The two doors may be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction. FIG. 2 shows open doors. A first refrigeration door 101 of the refrigeration chamber may have a switching chamber 1. The switching chamber may also rotate together with the first refrigeration door. A second refrigeration door 102 of the refrigeration chamber may have an ice-making device. The ice-making device may also rotate together with the second refrigeration door. The refrigerator may include a door for opening and closing the freezer chamber.

[56] The ice-making device may receive cold air from a first evaporator 103. The switching chamber 1 may receive cold air from the first evaporator. The switching chamber may receive internal cold air from the refrigeration chamber, but this is not preferable because it cannot achieve a temperature lower than the temperature inside the refrigeration chamber. That is, when the cold air from the second evaporator is indirectly used, it may be difficult to achieve a low temperature in the switching chamber. The switching chamber may receive cold air from the second evaporator, but this is not preferable because it cannot respond to a load of the refrigeration chamber or a flow path is complicated. That is, when the cold air from the second evaporator is directly used, it may be difficult to respond to the load of the refrigeration chamber and difficult to provide an airflow path. Considering these matters, the cold air from the first evaporator 103 may be supplied to the switching chamber 1. Low-temperature air generated from the first evaporator may be directly supplied to the switching chamber. The low-temperature air generated from the first evaporator may be supplied to the switching chamber without being used for a refrigeration load of the freezer chamber.

[57] Several challenges may arise in providing the switching chamber to the door of the refrigeration chamber. For example, a cold-air flow path between the freezer chamber and the switching chamber may be blocked by frost. Cold air required for the freezer chamber may be insufficient due to cold air drawn out to the switching chamber. Condensation may occur due to low temperatures near the cold-air flow path of the switching chamber. A flow of cold air within the switching chamber is difficult because the switching chamber is provided to extend in vertical and left-right directions. There is a problem with the complex configuration of a grille and a shroud to install multiple blower fans in the freezer chamber. The cold air may flow back into the switching chamber during operation of a main fan 201. The embodiment may achieve the above objects.

[58] The first evaporator may supply cold air (cold air) using evaporation of a refrigerant. A blower fan for blowing the cold air may be provided. The blower fan may include the main fan 201 for supplying cold air to the freezer chamber. The blower fan may include a switching fan 202 for blowing cold air to the switching chamber. The blower fan may include an ice-making fan 203 for supplying cold air to the ice-making device. The main fan may be referred to as a first blower fan or a second fan, the switching fan may be referred to as a second blower fan or the second fan, and the ice-making fan may be referred to as a third blower fan or a third fan. The main fan, the switching fan, and the ice-making fan may be spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction. The main fan may be disposed between the switching fan and the ice-making fan. The blower fan may include a centrifugal fan. The centrifugal fan may be installed in a narrow space. The centrifugal fan may discharge air drawn from a center in a direction of a rotation axis of the centrifugal fan in a circumferential direction. The centrifugal fan may discharge air in all directions of 360 degrees. The discharged air from the centrifugal fan may be guided by a flow path guide.

[59] FIG. 2 is a view for describing a relationship between a switching chamber and a freezer chamber.

[60] Reference is made to FIG. 2. A grille 10 for supporting components and providing a flow path may be included inside the freezer chamber. The grille is referred to as a grille fan. A shroud 50 (see FIG. 6) may be provided behind the grille. The grille and the shroud may be provided with a flow path guide 51 for guiding the air from the blower fan. The flow of air may be guided by the flow path guide. Cold air may be drawn forward from a rear surface of the shroud. Here, the cold air may be cold air immediately after passing through the first evaporator 201. The first evaporator may be installed so as to extend in front, rear, left, and right directions behind the shroud. The cold air that has passed through the shroud may be subjected to centrifugal force by the blower fan. The cold air discharged from the blower fan may be discharged in the circumferential direction. Here, the circumferential direction may include a vertical component and a horizontal component.

[61] The grille 10 may have fan supports 11, 12, and 13 for supporting the rotation axis of the blower fan corresponding to each blower fan. The first fan may be supported by a first fan support 11 and may discharge cold air in the circumferential direction. The second fan may be supported by a second fan support 12 and may discharge cold air in the circumferential direction. The third fan may be supported by a third fan support 13 and may discharge cold air in the circumferential direction.

[62] The cold air may be discharged in multiple directions around the first fan support 11. For example, the multiple directions may include four directions. An arrow indicates a direction of discharge of the cold air. The cold air discharged from the main fan may be supplied to a first freezing-air flow path 15 at an upper side of the freezer chamber, a third freezing-air flow path 17 at a lower side of the freezer chamber, and a second freezing-air flow path 16 at about a middle height of the freezer chamber. The main fan may supply the cold air forward from multiple spacedapart positions. The cold air supplied to the freezer chamber may flow into the first evaporator and circulate. An inlet 19 through which air that has cooled the freezer chamber is drawn may be provided below the first evaporator. The cold air may sequentially pass through the inlet 19, the first evaporator, and the shroud. Accordingly, a circulation cycle through the first fan may be formed.

[63] Cold air may be discharged in multiple directions of the second fan support 11. For example, the multiple directions may include two directions. A first direction of the two directions may be directed toward the freezer chamber. The first direction may communicate with a main supply flow path 22. A second direction of the two directions may be directed toward the switching chamber 1. The second direction may communicate with a switching supply flow path 21. Cold air may pass through the switching supply flow path 21. The switching supply flow path may be disposed on a rear surface of the cabinet. The switching supply flow path may be disposed on an inner surface of the freezer chamber. Cold air may be supplied to the switching chamber through a supply path 20. The supply path may be inserted into a sidewall of the cabinet. The supply path may be insulated by the sidewall of the cabinet. The switching chamber may be cooled by the cold air. Since the cold air that has passed through the first evaporator is directly supplied, the switching chamber may maintain a low temperature at the required level. The air that has cooled the switching chamber may return to the freezer chamber through a return path 40. The return path may be inserted into the sidewall of the cabinet. The return path may be insulated by the sidewall of the cabinet. The cold air may sequentially pass through the inlet 19, the first evaporator, and the shroud. Accordingly, a circulation cycle through the second fan may be formed.

[64] A return end 41 may be provided at a discharge side of the return path. The return end 41 may be disposed below the third freezing-air flow path 17. The return end 41 may be adjacent to an inlet of the evaporator. The air discharged from the return end 41 may directly flow into the first evaporator. Accordingly, adverse effects on low-temperature food in the freezer chamber can be avoided. An outlet of the return end 41 may discharge air in the left-right direction. The third freezing-air flow path may discharge cold air in the front-rear direction. Depending on at least one of the factors, when the main fan is operating, the discharged air may not flow into the return path 40. Accordingly, backflow of cold air through the return path can be prevented.

[65] Cold air may be discharged around the third fan support 13. The cold air discharged from the ice-making fan may be supplied to an ice-making device (not shown). A known method may be applied to supply cold air to and return cold air from the ice-making device. For example, the supply path and return path of the switching chamber may be mirrored. Here, mirroring may refer to a structure in which the configuration of a left wall is provided to a right wall like a mirror. The cold air supplied to the ice-making device may flow into the first evaporator and circulate. The inlet 19 through which air that has cooled the freezer chamber is drawn may be provided below the first evaporator. The cold air may sequentially pass through the inlet 19, the first evaporator, and the shroud.

[66] Multiple blower fans can be efficiently disposed by the configuration of the blower fan, the fan support, and the flow path guide. Cold air to be supplied through multiple paths may be smoothly supplied.

[67] FIG. 3 is a view showing a cold-air circulation configuration to the switching chamber. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the switching chamber.

[68] Reference is made to FIGS. 3 and 4. Cold air blown from the switching fan 202 may pass through the supply path 20. A damper 25 may be provided at either the switching supply flow path 21 or the supply path 20. The damper 25 may perform an opening and closing operation of allowing cold air to pass therethrough. The damper 25 can precisely control the cold air supplied to the switching chamber. For example, when the damper is closed, cold air cannot be supplied to the switching chamber even when the switching fan operates. For example, when the damper is closed, cold air cannot be supplied to the switching chamber even when indirect airflow is generated by the operation of the main fan and / or the ice-making fan. Accordingly, the flow of cold air into the switching chamber can be controlled more precisely. The damper can prevent backflow of cold air into the switching chamber. Specifically, cold air circulation in the switching chamber can be achieved through the supply path and the return path. That is, in the switching chamber, only the supply path and the return path may be opened and closed. In addition, by closing the supply path, the inflow of low-temperature cold air from the freezer chamber through the return path can be blocked. Accordingly, frost blockage in the return path can be prevented. The same may apply even when the main fan and / or the ice-making fan and / or the switching fan operate.

[69] The supply path 20 and the return path 40 may be collectively referred to as side ducts. A first heater may be provided adjacent to an outer wall of the supply path 20 and / or the return path 40. The first heater may be a side duct heater. The first heater may remove frost inside the supply path and / or the return path. A side duct heater 49 can prevent blockage of the supply path and / or the return path. To prevent cold loss, the first heater may be heated to a minimum necessary level.

[70] The first refrigeration door 101 may include a first door 110 adjacent to the cabinet and a second door 120 adjacent to an outer side of the first door 110. The user may open only the second door. The user may open the first door 110. A main body of the switching chamber 1 may be provided on the first door. A front surface of the switching chamber may be provided to the second door. The switching chamber may be opened by opening only the second door.

[71] The switching chamber 1 may have an inner shell 2 with open front and rear surfaces. An outer shell 3 with open front and rear surfaces may be provided outside the inner shell. An insulating material may be provided in a space between the outer shell and the inner shell. A second heater may be provided in the space between the outer shell and the inner shell. The second heater may be installed adjacent to the inner shell. The second heater may be disposed to be spaced apart from the outer shell. The second heater may be referred to as a heating heater. The second heater may raise the temperature of the switching chamber. The second heater may be used when the temperature of the switching chamber is higher than the temperature of the refrigeration chamber.

[72] The front and rear surfaces of the switching chamber may be provided to have a structure that allows light to pass therethrough. Articles stored in the switching chamber may be viewed through the front and rear of the switching chamber. An inner wall 210 may be provided on a rear surface of the switching chamber 1. The inner wall may be provided as at least two spaced-apart transparent members. An insulating material may be provided between the spaced-apart transparent members. The insulating material may include vacuum or air. An outer wall 220 (see FIG. 12) may be provided on the front surface of the switching chamber 1. The outer wall may be provided as at least three spaced-apart transparent members. An insulating material may be provided between the spacedapart transparent members. The insulating material may include vacuum or air. The number of transparent members provided on the outer wall may be greater than that of the inner wall. Accordingly, the insulation effect can be further increased. The outer wall 220 may be provided on the second door 120. A first gasket 6 may be provided for insulation corresponding to the opening and closing of the second door. For example, the first gasket may be provided at a boundary between the outer wall and the inner shell. The first gasket may be formed of soft rubber. The boundary may be sealed when the outer wall is closed due to the elastic deformation action of the first gasket. The outer wall may become the second door. The outer wall may be opened and closed independently of the second door. A user may view an interior of the switching chamber through the front and rear of the switching chamber.

[73] A guide 8 may be provided on the sidewall of the switching chamber. The guide may guide cold air discharged from a discharge end of the supply path 20 and / or cold air drawn from a suction end of the return path 40. The guide 8 may also move together with the first door. A second gasket may be provided between the guide and the supply path and / or between the guide and the return path. By the second gasket, leakage of cold air corresponding to the opening and closing of the first door can be blocked. A third heater 79 may be provided between the guide and the supply path and / or between the guide and the return path. The third heater may be referred to as a gasket heater. The third heater can prevent condensation on the cabinet caused by low temperatures near the second gasket. The third heater may be adjacent to the outer shell 3. The third heater may be spaced apart from the inner shell.

[74] A sensor 5 in contact with air inside the switching chamber may be provided. The sensor may be installed inside the switching chamber. The sensor 5 may be provided to precisely control the temperature of the switching chamber 1. The damper 25 may not be provided. Specifically, the switching fan may be stopped when the temperature of the sensor 5 is lower than a predetermined temperature. The switching fan may be operated when the temperature of the sensor 5 is higher than the predetermined temperature. The temperature of the switching chamber may be controlled only by the operation of the switching fan. In this case, due to the absence of a damper, there may be a small amount of cold-air flow unrelated to the operation of the switching fan. For example, there may be a small amount of cold-air inflow through the return path. However, the return path may be sufficiently narrow to have flow resistance, thereby preventing blockage. The same may apply even when the main fan and / or the ice-making fan are operated.

[75] FIG. 5 is a view for describing temperature control of the switching chamber.

[76] Reference is made to FIG. 5. A compressor may be operated for cooling operation of the refrigeration chamber and the freezer chamber. To operate the refrigeration and freezer chambers, fans corresponding to the respective chambers may be operated. The temperature of the switching chamber 1 may be controlled by operating the switching fan 202. The damper may also be operated for precise temperature control of the switching chamber. There is no need to control the compressor for temperature control of the switching chamber. This is because the switching chamber of the embodiment may receive cold air from the first evaporator of the freezer chamber. This is because the switching chamber of the embodiment may receive cold air from the freezer chamber. This is because the switching chamber of the embodiment may provide warm air through the heating heater.

[77] A target temperature Notch 3 of the refrigeration chamber may be higher or lower than a target temperature Notch 1 of the switching chamber. A target temperature Notch 2 of the refrigeration chamber may be lower than the target temperature Notch 1 of the switching chamber. The target temperature Notch 1 of the switching chamber may be set over a wider range of variations than the target temperature Notch 2 of the refrigeration chamber and the target temperature Notch 2 of the freezer chamber. For example, the target temperature Notch 1 of the switching chamber may be set to correspond to a wine storage temperature. In this case, the target temperature Notch 1 of the switching chamber may be set to a temperature higher than that of the refrigeration chamber. For example, the target temperature Notch 1 of the switching chamber may be suitable for storing beverages and meat. In this case, the target temperature Notch 1 of the switching chamber may be lower than that of the refrigeration chamber. In this way, the set temperature of the switching chamber may be switched (switched) to at least two cases. The temperature of the switching chamber may be higher than that of the freezer chamber. The temperature of the switching chamber may be a temperature at which water does not freeze.

[78] A setting range of the target temperature Notch 1±Diff of the switching chamber may be narrower than a setting range of the target temperature Notch 3±Diff of the refrigeration chamber and / or a setting range of the target temperature Notch 2±Diff of the freezer chamber. By precisely controlling the setting range of the target temperature Notch 1±Diff of the switching chamber, consumer satisfaction can be further enhanced. To control the target temperature of the switching chamber more precisely, the switching fan 202 may be turned on and off more frequently than the main fan. To cope with such frequent on-off operations, it may be preferable that the switching fan and the main fan are provided independently of each other. The switching fan and the main fan may be operated independently of each other. Specifically, the switching fan may be turned on and off to control the temperature of the switching chamber. The main fan may not be turned on and off to control the temperature of the switching chamber. For example, only the switching fan may be controlled to be turned on and off in response to the temperature detected by the sensor 5. To cope with such frequent on-off operations, it may be preferable that the switching fan and the ice-making fan are operated independently of each other. The switching fan and the ice-making fan may be operated independently of each other. Specifically, the switching fan may be turned on and off to control the temperature of the switching chamber. To control the temperature of the switching chamber, the ice-making fan may not be turned on or off. For example, only the switching fan may be controlled to be turned on and off in response to the temperature detected by the sensor 5.

[79] FIGS. 6 to 9 are views showing components adjacent to the switching fan in detail. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view showing a suction portion of a shroud. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view in a left-right direction (yz plane) of the switching fan. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view in a region in which a return end of a supply path communicates with a freezer chamber. FIG. 9 is a crosssectional view in a left-right direction of the supply path and a return path. FIG. 10 is a crosssectional view in a front-rear direction (xy plane) of a second fan support.

[80] Referring to FIG. 6, cold air may be drawn through holes provided in a rear surface of the shroud. Three spaced-apart holes may be provided in the shroud. Each hole may correspond to each blower fan. The first evaporator 103 may be disposed behind the shroud. The first evaporator may be disposed on a rear surface of a bent lower portion of the shroud. The return end may be adjacent to a side of the first evaporator.

[81] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, the first fan 201 and the second fan 202 may have an offset w1 of a predetermined length in the front-rear direction (z-direction). The first fan 201 and the second fan 202 may be disposed differently from each other in the front-rear direction. For example, the first fan 201 may protrude further forward than the second fan 202 by the offset w1 of the predetermined length.

[82] Accordingly, a passage for air blown by the second fan 202 may be provided. Accordingly, a space in which at least a portion of the air blown by the second fan merges into the main supply flow path 22 may be provided. The air blown by the second fan may be guided to the main supply flow path through the offset portion. A portion of the air blown by the second fan (switching fan) may be supplied to the freezer chamber through the main supply flow path 22. For example, the main supply flow path 22 may protrude further rearward than the switching supply flow path 21. In this case, a portion of the main supply flow path 22 may be disposed so as to overlap with the switching supply flow path 21 in the left-right direction. A vertical height of the switching supply flow path 21 communicating with the second fan may be set to be greater than a vertical height of the main supply flow path 22. In this way, due to the offset w1 of the first fan 201 and the second fan 202 in the front-rear direction, the cold air blown from the second fan may be induced to be blown more into the switching supply flow path 21 than into the main supply flow path 22.

[83] In addition, according to the present invention, cold air in the freezer chamber that may become insufficient due to the supply of cold air to the switching chamber may also be supplemented. As seen in the description of FIG. 5, the supply of cold air to the switching chamber may be frequently turned on and off. Accordingly, the cold air supplied to the freezer chamber may be insufficient. In this case, the switching fan may supplement the shortage of cold air in the freezer chamber. That is, by separately installing the switching fan, two objectives, that is, properly controlling the low temperature of the switching chamber and supplying sufficient cold air to the freezer chamber, can be simultaneously achieved.

[84] Meanwhile, referring further to FIG. 8, the return path 40 may extend diagonally downward and rearward along a side surface of a freezer chamber F and communicate with the freezer chamber F. The cold air recovered from the switching chamber may be introduced into the freezer chamber F and then recovered to a first evaporator chamber 103e in which the first evaporator 103 is disposed behind the grille 10, and thus, may be re-cooled by the first evaporator 103. However, since the cold air recovered by the return path 40 has relatively high temperature and high humidity characteristics compared to the cold air supplied to the switching chamber, it is preferable for the cold air introduced into the freezer chamber F to be recovered to the first evaporator chamber 103e through the shortest possible recovery path. In the case of the freezer chamber F, the grille 10 may be disposed on an inner rear side thereof, and the inlet 19 communicating with the first evaporator chamber 103e may be formed between a rear surface of the grille 10 and a rear surface of the freezer chamber F. Accordingly, the inlet 19 communicating with the first evaporator chamber 103e may be formed at a lower end of the first evaporator chamber 103e. For example, the inlet 19 may be formed to be inclined downward and forward. The third freezing-air flow path 17 for discharging cold air into the freezer chamber F may be formed in the grille 10. The third freezing-air flow path 17 may be disposed above the inlet 19. In this case, since the third freezing-air flow path 17 may be formed as close as possible to the inlet 19, the cold air discharged from the third freezing-air flow path 17 may be recovered to the inlet 19 through minimal cold air circulation.

[85] A storage unit 60 may be disposed in front of the grille 10. The storage unit 60 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the grille 10 by a predetermined distance so as not to interfere with the inlet 19 or the third freezing-air flow path 17 disposed therebehind. Accordingly, a spaced-apart space 61 having a predetermined space may be formed between a rear surface of the storage unit 60 and a front surface of the grille 10. The return path 40 may flow into the spaced-apart space 61 formed in this way. In this way, according to the present invention, by ensuring that the cold air recovered from the return path 40 is recovered into the spaced-apart space 61 formed between the storage unit 60 and the grille 10 of the freezer chamber F, the cold air recovered into the freezer chamber F may be recovered to the first evaporator chamber 103e along a minimal recovery path without the flow of recovered cold air being obstructed by the storage unit 60. Accordingly, by providing a structure that allows the relatively hot and humid recovered cold air to be recovered directly to the first evaporator 103 seated in the first evaporator chamber 103e without circulating in the freezer chamber F, the energy efficiency of the refrigerator can be improved without changing temperature within the freezer chamber.

[86] In addition, according to the present invention, the return end 41 formed at the end of the return path 40 communicating with the freezer chamber F may be disposed so as not to overlap with the storage unit 60 in the left-right direction of the freezer chamber F. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a portion of the return end 41 may overlap with the storage unit 60 in the left-right direction of the freezer chamber F, but when a non-overlapping region is larger, the inflow of cold air from the return path 40 may not be obstructed by the storage unit 60.

[87] In addition, according to the present invention, at least a portion of the return end 41 communicating with the freezer chamber F may be disposed so as to overlap with at least a portion of the grille 10 in the left-right direction of the freezer chamber F. As described above, since it is desirable for the recovered cold air introduced into the freezer chamber F to be recovered to the first evaporator chamber 103e through the minimum recovery path, the return end 41 is preferably disposed as close as possible to the grille 10 disposed in front of the first evaporator chamber 103e. To this end, since at least a portion of the return end 41 is disposed so as to overlap with the inlet 19 in the left-right direction of the freezer chamber F and the freezer chamber F, the cold air may be recovered to the first evaporator chamber 103e through the minimal recovery path.

[88] In FIG. 10, the cold air may be blown in two directions, that is, toward the switching supply flow path 21 and the main supply flow path 22 with respect to the second fan support. Cold air drawn upward from the second fan support may be guided to the main supply flow path 22. The offset may be required to provide a main supply flow path adjacent to the second fan support. With the above configuration, an efficient configuration of the grille, the shroud, and the flow path guide, in which a plurality of fans are provided, may be provided.

[89] Referring to FIG. 9, a width t3 of the switching supply flow path 21 in the front-rear direction (z) is greater than a width t1 of the supply path 20 in the left-right direction and a width t2 of the return path 40 in the left-right direction. Here, the switching supply flow path may extend in the left-right direction. The supply path and the return path may extend in the front-rear direction. In the size of a channel through which cold air flows, the supply path and the return path may be narrower than the switching supply flow path. Accordingly, flow resistance can be increased. Accordingly, an unintended flow of cold air caused by a pressure difference between the switching chamber and the freezer chamber can be prevented. In addition, the width t1 of the supply path 20 in the left-right direction and the width t2 of the return path 40 in the left-right direction are considerably smaller. Accordingly, the supply path 20 and the return path 40 may be accommodated in the sidewall of a narrow cabinet. Accordingly, sufficient insulation action can be achieved for the supply path and the return path.

[90] FIGS. 11 to 13 are views showing the switching chamber, a discharge end of the supply path, and an inlet end of the return path. FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the switching chamber. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view in the front-rear direction (xy plane) of the switching chamber. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view in the vertical direction (xz plane) of the switching chamber.

[91] Referring to FIG. 11, the switching chamber may include a recess 2 formed by recessing the sidewall. The blower guide 8 may be provided in the recess 8. The guide and the recess may guide the inflow of cold air into the switching chamber. The guide and the recess may guide the discharge of cold air from the switching chamber.

[92] Referring to FIG. 12, the guide may include a blower guide 8a. The blower guide may change the direction of the cold air from the left-right direction (x) to the vertical direction (y). That is, a direction of flow of the cold air flowing through the sidewall extending in the left-right direction (x) of the switching chamber may be changed to the vertical direction (y). More precisely, the cold air may be discharged upward (+y). Referring to FIG. 12, a direction of flow of the cold air passing through the sidewall in the left-right direction may be identified.

[93] The recess may include a blower recess 2a. The blower recess 2a may be provided by recessing the sidewall of the switching chamber in the left-right direction. An upper end of the blower recess 2a may be provided to be rounded in the vertical direction. The rounded upper end of the recess may guide cold air blown at a predetermined velocity. The guided cold air may be supplied to the entire region of the switching chamber in the left-right direction (x). More precisely, the cold air may be guided in a left direction (-x).

[94] The cold air may be supplied to the entire region of the switching chamber by the blower guide and the blower recess. Since the switching chamber is provided in the door, a region inside the switching chamber may be formed to be the narrowest in the front-rear direction (z). The region inside the switching chamber may be formed to be greater in the left-right and vertical directions than in the front-rear direction. The cold air may be supplied to the entire region inside the switching chamber corresponding to the above-described internal configuration of the switching chamber.

[95] The guide may include a return guide 8b. The return guide guides cold air from a floor of the switching chamber to be drawn. That is, the return guide may have a downwardly open structure. Accordingly, cold air that has been used for temperature control of the switching chamber and has moved downward may be selectively drawn.

[96] The recess may include a return recess 2b. The return recess 2b may be provided by recessing the sidewall of the switching chamber in the left-right direction. The return recess 2b may guide cold air in a right direction (+y). The cold air used for temperature control of the switching chamber may be returned into the freezer chamber by the return recess and the return guide.

[97] The present invention may include another embodiment.

[98] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a refrigerator according to another embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, a main fan and a switching fan may be provided, and the ice-making fan may not be provided. Other components may be the same as those of the foregoing embodiment. Even in this case, cold air used for freezing may be supplied to a switching chamber provided at a refrigeration chamber door.

[99] According to still another embodiment, the refrigeration chamber may be opened by a single door. Even in this case, the switching chamber may be provided in the door. Industrial applicability

[100] According to the present invention, by providing a switching chamber at a refrigeration chamber door, a user may use a switching function more conveniently. Furthermore, since cold air from a freezer chamber is supplied, a control temperature of the switching chamber can be provided to be lower than that of the refrigeration chamber. Furthermore, since only the switching chamber can be independently controlled, operating conditions of the switching chamber can be perfectly achieved.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:a cabinet configured to provide an accommodation space of articles;a refrigeration chamber which is the accommodation space for storing the articles in a refrigerated state;a refrigeration chamber door configured to open and close the refrigeration chamber;a freezer chamber which is the accommodation space for storing the articles in a frozen state;a switching chamber which is provided at the refrigeration chamber door and is configured to have an internal temperature higher than or lower than a temperature of the refrigeration chamber;an evaporator configured to evaporate a refrigerant to supply cold air to the freezer chamber;a supply path configured to supply the cold air generated from the evaporator to the switching chamber; anda return path configured to guide air inside the switching chamber to the evaporator.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the refrigeration chamber door includes:a first refrigeration door configured to provide the switching chamber; anda second refrigeration door having an ice-making device.

3. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the ice-making device receives the cold air generated from the evaporator.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the freezer chamber includes:a switching fan configured to supply the cold air to the switching chamber;a main fan configured to supply the cold air to the freezer chamber; andan ice-making fan which is configured to supply the cold air to the ice-making device, wherein the switching fan, the main fan, and the ice-making fan are provided to be spaced apart from one another in a left-right direction within the freezer chamber.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the freezer chamber includes:a switching fan configured to supply the cold air to the switching chamber; anda main fan which is configured to supply the cold air to the freezer chamber and is provided to be spaced apart from the switching fan in a left-right direction within the freezer chamber.

6. The refrigerator of claim 5, comprising:a grille configured to support the switching fan and provide a flow path for cold air blown from the switching fan; anda shroud configured to guide cold air drawn to the switching fan,wherein the switching fan is a centrifugal fan configured to discharge cold air drawn forward in a circumferential direction.

7. The refrigerator of claim 5, comprising:a switching supply flow path configured to guide air discharged from the switching fan to the supply path; anda main supply flow path configured to guide the air discharged from the switching fan into the freezer chamber.

8. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein, in response to a temperature detected by a sensor configured to detect a temperature of the switching chamber,the switching fan is controlled to be turned on and off, and the main fan and the ice-making fan are not controlled to be turned on and off.

9. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the switching fan and the main fan have an offset in a front-rear direction within the freezer chamber.

10. The refrigerator of claim 5, comprising:a grille configured to support the switching fan and provide a flow path for cold air blown from the switching fan;a first freezing-air flow path through which air blown from the main fan is discharged and which is provided above the grille;a third freezing-air flow path through which the air blown from the main fan is discharged and which is provided below the grille;a second freezing-air flow path through which the air blown from the main fan is discharged and which is provided between the first freezing-air flow path and the third freezing-air flow path; anda return end through which air returning through the return path is discharged and which is provided below the third freezing-air flow path.

11. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein an outlet of the return end has a predominant component extending in the left-right direction within the freezer chamber, andan outlet of the third freezing-air flow path has a predominant component extending in a frontrear direction within the freezer chamber.

12. The refrigerator of claim 1, comprising a first heater configured to heat at least one of the supply path and the return path.

13. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the switching chamber includes:an inner shell having open front and rear surfaces;an outer shell having open front and rear surfaces and having an insulating material provided between the outer shell and the inner shell;an inner wall which is provided on a rear surface of the switching chamber and transmits light;an outer wall which is provided on a front surface of the switching chamber, transmits light, and is openable and closable;a first gasket configured to perform a sealing and insulating function during opening and closing operations of the outer wall; anda second gasket configured to block cold air leakage through at least one of a discharge end of the supply path and a suction end of the return path in response to the opening and closing of the refrigeration chamber door.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, comprising:a gasket heater provided near the second gasket to prevent condensation on the cabinet; anda heating heater provided between the inner shell and the outer shell to heat the switching chamber.

15. The refrigerator of claim 13, comprising:a recess formed by recessing a sidewall of the switching chamber to guide air blown into the switching chamber; anda guide seated in the recess.

16. A refrigerator comprising:a cabinet configured to provide an accommodation space of articles;a refrigeration chamber which is the accommodation space for storing the articles in a refrigerated state;a refrigeration chamber door configured to open and close the refrigeration chamber;a freezer chamber which is the accommodation space for storing the articles in a frozen state;a freezer chamber door configured to open and close the freezer chamber;a switching chamber provided at the refrigeration chamber door;a first evaporator which evaporates a refrigerant and is closer to the freezer chamber than to the refrigeration chamber to supply cold air to the freezer chamber;a second evaporator which evaporates a refrigerant and is closer to the refrigeration chamber than to the freezer chamber to supply cold air to the refrigeration chamber;a supply path passing through the cabinet to supply the cold air generated from the first evaporator to the switching chamber; anda return path passing through the cabinet to guide air in the switching chamber to the first evaporator and return the air thereto.

17. The refrigerator of claim 16, comprising a return end adjacent to an inlet of the first evaporator to discharge the refrigerant returning through the return path.

18. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein an internal temperature of the switching chamber is higher than or lower than a temperature of the refrigeration chamber, andthe internal temperature of the switching chamber is higher than a temperature of the freezer chamber.

19. A refrigerator comprising:a cabinet configured to provide an accommodation space of articles;a refrigeration chamber which is the accommodation space for storing the articles in a refrigerated state;a refrigeration chamber door configured to open and close the refrigeration chamber;a freezer chamber which is the accommodation space for storing the articles in a frozen state;a switching chamber which is provided at the refrigeration chamber door and switches a set temperature to have an internal temperature higher than or lower than a temperature of the refrigeration chamber;a heater provided in the switching chamber to raise the internal temperature of the switching chamber;an evaporator configured to evaporate a refrigerant to supply cold air to the freezer chamber;a supply path configured to supply the cold air generated from the evaporator to the switching chamber without passing through the freezer chamber; anda return path configured to guide air of the switching chamber to the freezer chamber.

20. The refrigerator of claim 19, wherein the heater is provided between the inner shell of the switching chamber and the outer shell of the switching chamber, andthe heater is closer to the inner shell than to the outer shell.

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