Refrigerator

Abstract

The refrigerator includes: a housing; an inner shell; an evaporator; the partition piece is detachably installed in the inner shell so as to limit a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber arranged below the refrigerating chamber; a cold air duct that is provided behind the partition and that guides cold air in the inner case; and a cold air connector, which is connected to a cold air duct on an outer side of the inner case, and which transfers cold air within the refrigerating compartment to the evaporator. The cool air duct includes a first discharge port, a second discharge port, and a recovery path extending from the refrigerating compartment to the cool air connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having an improved structure. Background Art

[0002] A refrigerator is an appliance including a main body having a storage chamber and a cold air supply system for supplying cold air to the storage chamber, thereby keeping food fresh. The storage chamber includes a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, the refrigerating chamber is maintained at a temperature of about 0 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius to keep food refrigerated, and the freezing chamber is maintained at a temperature of about 0 degrees Celsius to -30 degrees Celsius to keep food frozen. Usually, the front of the storage chamber is open to allow food to be put in and taken out, and the open front of the storage chamber is opened and closed by a door.

[0003] The refrigerator repeats a cooling cycle in which a refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated using a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator. In this case, both the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber can be cooled by one evaporator disposed on the freezing chamber side, and the freezing chamber and the refrigerating chamber can be respectively provided with evaporators for independent cooling.

[0004] Refrigerators may be classified into several categories according to the shapes of storage chambers and doors, for example, by vertically dividing the storage chamber by a horizontal partition wall, refrigerators may be classified into a top mounted freezer (TMF) category in which a freezer chamber is formed on an upper side and a refrigerating chamber is formed on a lower side, and a bottom mounted freezer (BMF) category in which a refrigerating chamber is formed on an upper side and a freezer chamber is formed on a lower side. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues to be solved

[0006] The present invention provides a refrigerator having a cold air duct with an improved structure.

[0007] Furthermore, a refrigerator having improved aesthetics of the refrigerator is provided.

[0008] Furthermore, a refrigerator capable of reducing the number of components is provided.

[0009] Furthermore, a refrigerator having improved convenience in use is provided.

[0010] Furthermore, a refrigerator is provided in which one storage chamber can be implemented as a refrigerating chamber and / or a freezing chamber.

[0011] In addition, a refrigerator is provided in which a ratio of a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber can be adjusted.

[0012] The technical tasks to be achieved herein are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] A refrigerator may include: an outer shell; an inner shell; an evaporator; a partition, which is detachably installed in the inner shell to define a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber located below the refrigerating chamber; a cold air duct, which is located behind the partition and is configured to guide the cold air in the inner shell; and a cold air connector, which is connected to the cold air duct from the outside of the inner shell, and is configured to transport the cold air in the refrigerating chamber to the evaporator. The cold air duct may include: a first discharge hole, which is connected to the refrigerating chamber to supply the cold air cooled by the evaporator to the refrigerating chamber; a second discharge hole, which is connected to the freezing chamber to supply the cold air cooled by the evaporator to the freezing chamber; and a return flow path, which extends from the refrigerating chamber to the cold air connector and is configured to guide the cold air in the refrigerating chamber to the cold air connector, the return flow path having a first side configured to receive the cold air returned from the refrigerating chamber and a second side configured to supply the returned cold air to the cold air connector.

[0015] The cool air duct may further include a discharge flow path configured to guide cool air cooled by the evaporator to the first discharge hole. The cool air duct may further include a wall separating the return flow path and the discharge flow path.

[0016] When the partition is separated from the inner case, the interior of the inner case may define the refrigerating chamber or the freezing chamber.

[0017] The cold air duct can be arranged to form: a first return hole, which is connected to the refrigerating chamber to return the cold air in the refrigerating chamber, and the first return hole is positioned below the first discharge hole; and a second return hole, which is connected to the freezing chamber to return the cold air in the freezing chamber, and the second return hole is positioned below the second discharge hole.

[0018] The return flow path may be a first return flow path. The cool air duct may form a second return flow path configured to guide the cool air returned through the second return hole to the evaporator.

[0019] The partition may be located between the first return hole and the second discharge hole.

[0020] The partition may be configured to be movable between the first return hole and the second discharge hole.

[0021] The cold air duct may extend in a height direction of the inner shell. A first portion of the cold air duct may correspond to a refrigerating chamber. A second portion of the cold air duct may correspond to a freezing chamber.

[0022] The cold air duct may be configured to divide the interior of the inner case into: (i) a storage space in which the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber are formed; and (ii) a cold air generating space in which the evaporator is disposed. The cold air generating space may be disposed behind at least a portion of the storage space.

[0023] The cold air duct may include: a rear body, the cold air generating space of the rear body is to face the rear surface of the inner shell; and a front body, the front body is coupled to the front of the rear body, the cold air generating space of the front body is to be exposed toward the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber. The partition may be detachably mounted on the front surface of the front body.

[0024] The cold air duct may further include a support member between the front body and the rear body, the support member being configured to form the return flow path.

[0025] The refrigerator may further include a door configured to simultaneously open and close the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber.

[0026] The refrigerator may further include a heat insulator between the inner case and the outer case. The cold air connector may be configured to be embedded in the heat insulator.

[0027] The cool air duct may further include a first discharge flow path configured to guide the cool air cooled by the evaporator to the first discharge hole, and a second discharge flow path configured to guide the cool air cooled by the evaporator to the second discharge hole.

[0028] The refrigerator may further include: a fan configured to draw cold air cooled by the evaporator and discharge the drawn cold air into the first discharge flow path and the second discharge flow path; a damper configured to open and close the first discharge flow path; a first temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerating chamber; a second temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the freezing chamber; and a controller configured to control the damper to open or close the first discharge flow path based on information obtained from at least one of the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor.

[0029] A refrigerator may include: a main body, the main body forming a storage chamber; an evaporator, the evaporator being located in the storage chamber; a partition, the partition being configured to partition the storage chamber into a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber located below the refrigerating chamber, the partition being arranged in front of the evaporator; and a cold air duct, the cold air duct extending between the evaporator and the partition in the height direction of the storage chamber, the cold air duct being configured to supply cold air cooled from the evaporator to the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber. The cold air duct may be configured to form: a first return hole, the first return hole being communicated with the refrigerating chamber so as to return the cold air in the refrigerating chamber; a first return flow path, the first return flow path having a shape extending backward from the first return hole so as to guide the cold air introduced through the first return hole to the evaporator; a second return hole, the second return hole being communicated with the freezing chamber so as to return the cold air in the freezing chamber; and a second return flow path, the second return flow path having a shape extending backward from the second return hole so as to guide the cold air introduced through the second return hole to the evaporator.

[0030] The partition may be detachably mounted in front of the cold air duct.

[0031] The first return hole may be a plurality of first return holes arranged in a height direction of the storage chamber. The partition may be movable in a height direction of the storage chamber. The partition may be configured to be positioned below at least one of the plurality of first return holes. The refrigerator may further include a return hole cover configured to cover a first return hole positioned below the partition among the plurality of first return holes.

[0032] The refrigerator may further include a fan located in the cold air duct, the fan being configured to generate a blowing force. The cold air duct may further include a discharge flow path extending from a discharge side of the fan to the refrigerating chamber to guide the cold air cooled from the evaporator to the refrigerating chamber. The cold air duct may further include a wall formed between the first return flow path and the discharge flow path to separate the first return flow path from the discharge flow path.

[0033] The discharge flow path may be a first discharge flow path. The cold air duct may further include a second discharge flow path extending from a discharge side of the fan to the freezing chamber to guide the cold air cooled from the evaporator to the freezing chamber.

[0034] Beneficial Effects

[0035] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may have a cold air duct having an improved structure.

[0036] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may form an overall aesthetic appearance because one cold air duct for supplying cold air to the refrigerating chamber and / or the freezing chamber is provided at the rear portion of the storage chamber.

[0037] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, since the refrigerator has an inner case forming one storage chamber, a member for separating a refrigerating chamber inner case and a freezing chamber inner case may be omitted.

[0038] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may implement one storage chamber as a refrigerating chamber, a freezing chamber, or a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber separated.

[0039] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a refrigerator may change a ratio of a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber.

[0040] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the convenience of use of a refrigerator can be improved.

[0041] Effects obtainable according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2 is a side sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 3are perspective views of some configurations of a refrigerator according to an embodiment;

[0045] Figure 4 It is shown from behind. Figure 3 A perspective view of some configurations of a refrigerator shown in FIG.

[0046] Figure 5 is Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of some configurations of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

[0047] Figure 6 It is shown from behind. Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of some configurations of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

[0048] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a pipe assembly according to an embodiment;

[0049] Figure 8 It is shown from behind. Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the pipeline assembly shown in FIG.

[0050] Fig. 9 is through along Figure 3 A perspective view taken along the line AA' shown in FIG.

[0051] Fig.10 is Fig. 9 an enlarged view of a portion of the side section shown;

[0052] Fig.11 is through along Figure 3 A perspective view taken along the line BB' shown in FIG.

[0053] Fig.12 is Fig.11 An enlarged view of a portion of the side section shown in FIG.

[0054] Fig.13 is Fig.11 An enlarged view of another portion of the side section shown in FIG.

[0055] Fig.14 is through along Figure 3 A plan view taken along the line CC' shown in FIG.

[0056] Fig.15 is a view illustrating that a partition according to an embodiment can be detached from an inner case and a cold air duct;

[0057] Fig.16 is a front view illustrating installation of a partition in an inner shell and a cold air duct according to an embodiment;

[0058] Fig.17is a front view illustrating separation of a partition from an inner shell and a cold air duct according to an embodiment;

[0059] Fig.18 is a front view illustrating that a refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a plurality of refrigerating chamber return holes;

[0060] Fig.19 It is shown in the figure Fig.18 A front view showing the partition being moved;

[0061] Fig. 20 is a front view illustrating that a refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a plurality of freezing chamber discharge holes;

[0062] Fig.21 It is shown in the figure Fig. 20 A front view showing the partition being moved;

[0063] Fig. 22 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment;

[0064] Fig.23 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to an embodiment; and

[0065] Fig.24 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The various embodiments and terms herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0067] In conjunction with the description of the drawings, the same reference numerals may be used for the same or related elements.

[0068] Unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise, a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one item or a plurality of items.

[0069] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0070] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related components or any one of a plurality of related components.

[0071] Terms such as “first,” “second,” “primary,” and “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish a given component from other corresponding components, and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respects (eg, importance or order).

[0072] When any (e.g., first) component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., second) component with or without the term "functionally" or "communicatively", it means that any component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0073] The terms “including” and “having” are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or a combination thereof described herein, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or a combination thereof.

[0074] When any component is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “supported” or “contacting” another component, this includes the case where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported or contacting each other via a third component as well as being directly connected, coupled, supported or contacting each other.

[0075] When any component is referred to as being “on” or “over” another component, this includes not only a case where any component is in contact with another component but also a case where another component exists between the two components.

[0076] The terms "front-to-back direction", "front", "rear", "up-down direction", "height direction", "upper side", "lower side", "left-right direction", "left", and "right" used in the following description are defined with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0077] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a side sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0079] refer to Figure 1 to Figure 2 , the refrigerator 1 may include a main body 10. The refrigerator 1 may include a storage chamber 20 disposed in the main body 10. The refrigerator 1 may include a door 30 configured to open or close the storage chamber 20. The refrigerator 1 may include a cooling system configured to supply cool air to the storage chamber 20.

[0080] The main body 10 may form at least a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator 1. The main body 10 may be formed such that its front portion is open so that a user can put food into and take food out of the storage chamber 20. The main body 10 may include an opening 10a. The opening 10a of the main body 10 may be opened and closed by a door 30.

[0081] The door 30 may be configured to open or close the main body 10. The door 30 may be configured to open or close the opening 10a of the main body 10. The door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10. For example, the door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the main body 10 by a hinge 40 connected to the door 30 and the main body 10, respectively.

[0082] The outer surface 31 of the door 30 may form a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator 1. The outer surface 31 of the door 30 may form a front surface of the door 30 in a position where the door 30 is closed.

[0083] The inner surface 32 of the door 30 may be formed on a side opposite to the outer surface 31 of the door 30. In a position where the door 30 is closed, the inner surface 32 of the door 30 may form a rear surface of the door 30. In a position where the door 30 is closed, the inner surface 32 of the door 30 may be disposed to face the inside of the body 10. In a position where the door 30 is closed, the inner surface 32 of the door 30 may be disposed to cover the front of the storage chamber 20.

[0084] The door 30 may include a door insulator 35. The door insulator 35 may be disposed between an outer surface 31 of the door 30 and an inner surface 32 of the door 30. For example, a foaming space may be formed between the outer surface 31 of the door 30 and the inner surface 32 of the door 30, and the door insulator 35 may be foamed in the foaming space. The door insulator 35 may prevent heat exchange between the outer surface 31 and the inner surface 32 of the door 30. The door insulator 35 may improve thermal insulation performance between the interior of the storage chamber 20 and the exterior of the door 30.

[0085] For example, polyurethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, and / or vacuum insulation panels may be used as the door insulator 35. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the door insulator 35 may include various materials for improving insulation performance between the storage chamber 20 and the door 30.

[0086] For example, the door insulator 35 may be made of the same material as the body insulator 55 to be described later. Alternatively, for example, the door insulator 35 may be made of a material different from that of the body insulator 55.

[0087] The door 30 may include a door gasket 33. The door gasket 33 may be disposed on the inner surface 32 of the door 30. The door gasket 33 may seal the gap between the door 30 and the main body 10 to prevent cold air from leaking from the storage chamber 20. The door gasket 33 may be formed along the periphery of the inner surface 32 of the door 30. When the door 30 is closed, the door gasket 33 may be disposed parallel to the opening 10a of the main body 10. The door gasket 33 may be configured to include an elastic material such as rubber. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the door gasket 33 may include a variety of materials for sealing the gap between the door 30 and the main body 10.

[0088] The door 30 may include a door basket 34 capable of storing food. The door basket 34 may be provided on the inner surface 32 of the door 30.

[0089] The door 30 may be provided as one door. One door 30 may be provided to open or close the internal space of the main body 10 as a whole. One door 30 may be provided to open or close the storage chamber 20 provided in the main body 10. As will be described later, the storage chamber 20 formed by the inner shell 60 may not be divided into a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber, but may be provided as a single space, and the door 30 may also be provided as one door. For example, even in the case where the storage chamber 20 is divided into a first storage chamber 21 and a second storage chamber 22 by a partition 70 to be described later, one door 30 may be provided to open or close the first storage chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 together. That is, in the case where there is no door for opening and closing the first storage chamber 21 and a door for opening and closing the second storage chamber 22, the first storage chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 may be opened and closed by one door 30. Therefore, the number of components (e.g., doors) of the refrigerator 1 may be reduced. In addition, the manufacturing process of the refrigerator 1 may be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the refrigerator 1 may be reduced.

[0090] For example, the door 30 may close the first storage chamber 21 while closing the opening 10a of the main body 10. The door 30 may cover the front portion of the first storage chamber 21 while closing the opening 10a of the main body 10.

[0091] For example, the door 30 may close the second storage chamber 22 when closing the opening 10a of the main body 10. The door 30 may cover the front portion of the second storage chamber 22 when closing the opening 10a of the main body 10.

[0092] For example, the door 30 may cover the front of the first drawer 25 to be described later when closing the opening 10a of the body 10. In a position where the first drawer 25 is retracted into the first lower storage chamber 21b, the front of the first drawer 25 may be covered by the door 30. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the door 30 may directly close the first lower storage chamber 21b.

[0093] For example, the door 30 may cover the front of the second drawer 26 to be described later when closing the opening 10a of the body 10. In the position where the second drawer 26 is retracted into the second storage chamber 22, the front of the second drawer 26 may be covered by the door 30. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the door 30 may directly close the second storage chamber 22.

[0094] For example, the door 30 may cover the front of the first shelf 23 to be described later when closing the opening 10a of the main body 10. The entire first shelf 23 may be disposed within the main body 10, and the first shelf 23 may be covered by the door 30 in a state where the opening 10a of the main body 10 is closed, so that the outside of the first shelf 23 is not exposed.

[0095] For example, the door 30 may cover the front portion of the second shelf 24 to be described later when closing the opening 10a of the main body 10. The entirety of the second shelf 24 may be disposed within the main body 10, and the second shelf 24 may be covered by the door 30 in a state where the opening 10a of the main body 10 is closed, so that the exterior of the second shelf 24 is not exposed.

[0096] The main body 10 may include a housing 50. The housing 50 may form at least a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator 1. The housing 50 may be disposed outside the inner shell 60. The housing 50 may be formed to have a substantially box shape with an open front. For example, the housing 50 may form the upper surface, the lower surface, the left surface, the right surface, and the rear surface of the refrigerator 1.

[0097] The housing 50 may be configured to include a metal material. For example, the housing 50 may be manufactured by processing a steel plate material.

[0098] The body 10 may include an inner shell 60. The inner shell 60 may be disposed within the outer shell 50. The inner shell 60 may form the storage chamber 20. The inner space of the inner shell 60 may be provided as the storage chamber 20. The inner shell 60 may have a front opening shape. The inner shell 60 may be formed to have a substantially box shape with an open front.

[0099] The inner housing 60 may include inner walls 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , and 65 .

[0100] For example, the inner case 60 may include a right wall 61, an upper wall 62, a left wall 63, a bottom wall 64, and a rear wall 65. For example, the right wall 61, the upper wall 62, the left wall 63, the bottom wall 64, and the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60 may form the storage chamber 20.

[0101] The inner shell 60 can be configured to include a plastic material. For example, the inner shell 60 can be manufactured by a vacuum forming process. For example, the inner shell 60 can be manufactured by an injection molding process.

[0102] The body 10 may include a body insulator 55. The body insulator 55 may be disposed between the outer shell 10 and the inner shell 60. The body insulator 55 may be disposed to thermally insulate the outer shell 50 and the inner shell 60 from each other. The body insulator 55 may couple the outer shell 50 and the inner shell 60 by being foamed between the outer shell 50 and the inner shell 60. The body insulator 55 prevents heat exchange between the inside of the storage chamber 20 and the outside of the body 10, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the storage chamber 20.

[0103] For example, polyurethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, and / or vacuum insulation panels may be used as the body insulator 55. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the body insulator 55 may be configured to include various materials.

[0104] The body 10 may include a storage chamber 20. The storage chamber 20 may be formed by an inner shell 60. The storage chamber 20 may be provided as a single configuration. The storage chamber 20 may be provided as a space located within the inner shell 60. For example, the inner shell 60 may have a substantially box shape with an open front, and the storage chamber 20 may be formed in the inner shell 60.

[0105] The inner space of the inner case 60 may be partitioned into a plurality of spaces by a shelf 70 to be described later. The storage chamber 20 may be divided into a plurality of chambers by the partition 70. For example, the storage chamber 20 may be divided into a first storage chamber 21 and a second storage chamber 22 by the partition 70. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

[0106] The body 10 may include a first storage chamber 21 and a second storage chamber 22. The first storage chamber 21 may be disposed above the second storage chamber 22. The first storage chamber 21 may be disposed in an upward direction (+Z direction) of the second storage chamber 22. The second storage chamber 22 may be disposed below the first storage chamber 21. The second storage chamber 22 may be disposed in a downward direction (-Z direction) of the first storage chamber 21.

[0107] The first storage chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 may be set to have different temperatures. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first storage chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 may be set to have the same temperature as needed.

[0108] For example, the first storage chamber 21 may include a first upper storage chamber 21a and a first lower storage chamber 21b. The first upper storage chamber 21a may be disposed above the first lower storage chamber 21b. The first upper storage chamber 21a may be disposed in an upward direction (+Z direction) of the first lower storage chamber 21b. The first lower storage chamber 21b may be disposed below the first upper storage chamber 21a. The first lower storage chamber 21b may be disposed in a downward direction (-Z direction) of the first upper storage chamber 21a.

[0109] For example, a first shelf 23 on which food can be placed and / or a storage container on which food can be stored can be provided in the first upper storage chamber 21a. One or more first shelves 23 can be provided. One or more storage containers can be provided.

[0110] For example, the first drawer 25 may be disposed in the first lower storage chamber 21b. The first drawer 25 may be disposed so that the first drawer 25 can be withdrawn from the first lower storage chamber 21b through the opening 10a of the main body 10 or can be retracted into the first lower storage chamber 21b. The first drawer 25 may be configured to be retracted and withdrawn in the front-rear direction (X direction). For example, the second shelf 24 may be disposed in the upward direction (+Z direction) of the first drawer 25. Food may be placed on the second shelf 24. For example, the first lower storage chamber 21b may be defined by the first drawer 25 and the second shelf 24.

[0111] Unlike the first upper storage chamber 21a, the first lower storage chamber 21b may be prevented from contacting with external air when the door 30 is opened relative to the body 10. Therefore, compared with the first upper storage chamber 21a, the first lower storage chamber 21b may be provided as a space for food that needs to be stored for a relatively long time.

[0112] For example, the second drawer 26 may be disposed in the second storage chamber 22. The second drawer 26 may be disposed so that the second drawer 26 can be withdrawn from the second storage chamber 22 or retracted into the second storage chamber 22 through the opening 10a of the main body 10. The second drawer 26 may be configured to be retracted and withdrawn in the front-rear direction (X direction). For example, the shelf 70 may be disposed in the upward direction (+Z direction) of the second drawer 26. For example, the second storage chamber 22 may be defined by the second drawer 26 and the partition 70. However, the size of the second storage chamber 22 may vary depending on the position of the partition 70.

[0113] The first storage chamber 21 may be provided as a refrigerating chamber 21, and the second storage chamber 22 may be provided as a freezing chamber 22. In this case, the ice maker 27 may be provided in the second storage chamber 22. However, this is merely exemplary, and the first storage chamber 21 may be provided as a freezing chamber and the second storage chamber 22 may be provided as a refrigerating chamber. In this case, the ice maker 27 may be provided in the first storage chamber 21.

[0114] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where the first storage chamber 21 is provided as the refrigerating chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 is provided as the freezing chamber 22 is described as an example.

[0115] The refrigerating chamber 21 may be configured to keep food in a refrigerated state. The refrigerating chamber 21 may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for storing food in a refrigerated state. For example, the refrigerating chamber 21 may be implemented to be in the range of -0.5 degrees Celsius to 8.0 degrees Celsius. However, this is merely exemplary, and the refrigerating chamber 21 may have a variety of temperature ranges. The user may change the temperature range in the refrigerating chamber 21 as desired.

[0116] The freezing chamber 22 may be configured to keep food in a frozen state. The freezing chamber 22 may be maintained at an appropriate temperature for storing food in a frozen state. For example, the freezing chamber 22 may be implemented to be in the range of -24.5 degrees Celsius to -13 degrees Celsius. However, this is merely exemplary, and the freezing chamber 22 may have a variety of temperature ranges. The user may change the temperature range in the freezing chamber 22 as desired.

[0117] The refrigerator 1 may include a cooling system configured to generate cool air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cool air to the storage chamber 20. The cooling system may generate cool air by using latent heat of evaporation of a refrigerant in the cooling cycle.

[0118] For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a compressor 11. The refrigerator 1 may include a condenser. The refrigerator 1 may include an expansion valve. The refrigerator 1 may include an evaporator 12. The refrigerator 1 may include a fan 13. The cooling system may include at least one of the compressor 11, the condenser, the expansion valve, the evaporator 12, and the fan 13. The cooling system may be referred to as a cold air generating device.

[0119] The cooling chamber 20b may be provided in the main body 10. For example, the evaporator 12 and / or the fan 13 may be provided in the cooling chamber 20b. The cooling chamber 20b may be provided as a partial space of the storage chamber 20. The cooling chamber 20b may be provided to communicate with the refrigerating chamber 21. The cooling chamber 20b may be provided to communicate with the freezing chamber 22. The cooling chamber 20b may sometimes be referred to as a cold air generating space 20b.

[0120] The machine room 15 may be provided in the main body 10 . For example, the compressor 11 and / or the condenser may be provided in the machine room 15 .

[0121] The components of the refrigerator 1 constituting the cooling system may have a relatively heavy weight. Therefore, the cooling chamber 20b and the machine room 15 may be disposed in the lower portion of the body 10. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the cooling chamber 20b and the machine room 15 may be disposed in various ways, and the components constituting the cooling system may be disposed in various ways to correspond to the positions of the cooling chamber 20b and the machine room 15.

[0122] Since cold air is generated by the evaporator 12 in the cooling chamber 20b, the cooling chamber 20b can be maintained at a relatively low temperature. In contrast, since heat is generated in the machine room 15 by, for example, the compressor 11 and / or the condenser, the machine room 15 may be maintained at a relatively high temperature. Therefore, the cooling chamber 20b and the machine room 15 may be formed in a space separated from each other to be insulated. For example, a main body heat insulator 55 may be provided between the cooling chamber 20b and the machine room 15.

[0123] The evaporator 12 provided in the cooling chamber 20b may generate cold air by evaporating the refrigerant, and the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may flow through the fan 13. The cold air flowing through the fan 13 may be supplied to the storage chamber 20. The evaporator 12 may generate cold air in the cooling chamber 20b, and the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may flow from the cooling chamber 20b to the refrigerating chamber 21 and / or the freezing chamber 22 through the fan 13.

[0124] The refrigerator 1 may be an indirect cooling type refrigerator. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the refrigerator 1 is described on the premise that the refrigerator 1 is an indirect cooling type refrigerator, but the embodiment is not limited thereto and may be applied to a direct cooling type refrigerator.

[0125] For example, the evaporator 12 and / or the fan 13 provided in the cooling chamber 20 b may be referred to as a cool air supply device because they supply cool air to the storage chamber 20 by generating and flowing the cool air.

[0126] The refrigerator 1 may include a damper 14. The damper 14 may be accommodated in a cold air duct 80 to be described later. The damper 14 may be configured to open or close a flow path formed in the cold air duct 80. For example, the damper 14 may be configured to open or close a first discharge flow path 340 of the cold air duct 80 to be described later. For example, the damper 14 may be configured to adjust the opening degree of the first discharge flow path 340 of the cold air duct 80 to be described later.

[0127] For example, only one evaporator 12 may be provided in the cooling chamber 20b. The fan 13 may cause the cold air generated by the one evaporator 12 to flow into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, respectively. In this case, the cold air generated by the one evaporator 12 may have a temperature within a certain range. Therefore, in order to keep the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 at different temperatures, the amounts of cold air introduced into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, respectively, may be different. As an example, the damper 14 may be provided on the first discharge flow path 340 of the cold air duct 80 to adjust the amount of cold air guided to the refrigerating chamber 21.

[0128] For example, when the damper 14 opens the first discharge flow path 340 of the cold air duct 80, the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 can flow into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. For example, when the damper 14 closes the first discharge flow path 340 of the cold air duct 80, the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 can flow into the freezing chamber 22.

[0129] However, the embodiment is not limited to the above example, and various configurations for maintaining the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 at different temperatures may be provided. For example, two or more evaporators may be provided in the cooling chamber 20b.

[0130] The refrigerator 1 may include a cold air duct 80. The cold air duct 80 may form a flow path so that cold air may flow through the flow path. The cold air duct 80 may be configured to guide the cold air in the inner shell 60. The cold air duct 80 may be configured to return the cold air in the storage chamber 20 and guide the returned cold air to the evaporator 12. The cold air duct 80 may be configured to guide the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 into the storage chamber 20. The cold air duct 80 may be configured to supply the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 to the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22.

[0131] The cold air duct 80 may be provided so that the storage chamber 20 may be partitioned into a storage space 20a and a cooling chamber 20b. The storage space 20a may be a space in which the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 are formed. The cooling chamber 20b may be a space in which the evaporator 12 is provided. The cooling chamber 20b may be provided behind at least a portion of the storage space 20a.

[0132] For example, when the cold air duct 80 is installed on the rear wall 65 of the inner shell 60, the storage room 20 may be divided into the storage space 20a and the cooling chamber 20b. For example, when the cold air duct 80 is installed on the inner side of the rear wall 65, the storage space 20a may be a space formed in front of the cold air duct 80 in the storage room 20. For example, when the cold air duct 80 is installed on the inner side of the rear wall 65, the cooling chamber 20a may be a space formed behind the cold air duct 80 in the storage room 20. For example, the cooling chamber 20b may be formed between the cold air duct 80 and the rear wall 65 of the inner shell 60.

[0133] The refrigerator 1 may include a cold air connector 90. The cold air connector 90 may be configured to deliver cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21 to the evaporator 12. The cold air connector 90 may be configured to be connectable to the cold air duct 80. One side of the cold air connector 90 may be in communication with the cold air duct 80. The other side of the cold air connector 90 may be in communication with the cooling chamber 20b.

[0134] The cold air connector 90 may be provided outside the inner case 60. The cold air connector 90 may be provided between the inner case 60 and the outer case 50. For example, the cold air connector 90 may be provided to be embedded in the main body insulator 55.

[0135] For example, the refrigerator 1 may have only one evaporator 12. In this case, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21 having a relatively higher temperature than the freezing chamber 22 needs to be returned to the cooling chamber 20b to exchange heat with the evaporator 12. In order to transport the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21 to the cooling chamber 20b, a cold air connector 90 may be provided.

[0136] Figure 3 are perspective views of some configurations of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Figure 4 It is shown from behind. Figure 3 Perspective views of some configurations of refrigerators are shown in FIG. Figure 5 is Figure 3 Exploded perspective views of some configurations of the refrigerator shown in FIG. Figure 6 It is shown from behind. Figure 5 Exploded perspective views of some configurations of the refrigerator shown in FIG.

[0137] The inner shell 60 may not be divided into a refrigerator inner shell and a freezer inner shell. Therefore, the inner shell 60 may include a storage chamber 20 formed as one space. That is, the storage chamber 20 is formed as one space and may not be divided into a storage chamber formed by the refrigerator inner shell and a storage chamber formed by the freezer inner shell. As will be described later, the storage chamber 20 formed as one space may be divided into a plurality of storage chambers by a partition 70.

[0138] For example, the refrigerator 1 may not include at least two or more ducts (e.g., a refrigerator duct and a freezer duct) for conveying the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 to each of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber. For example, the refrigerator 1 may not include a component for connecting the inner shell of the refrigerating chamber and the inner shell of the freezing chamber. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include one cold air duct 80.

[0139] For example, the refrigerator 1 may not include at least two or more doors (eg, a refrigerator door and a freezer door) for opening or closing the storage chamber formed by the refrigerator inner shell and the storage chamber formed by the freezer inner shell, respectively.

[0140] The cold air duct 80 may be disposed in the inner case 60. The cold air duct 80 may be disposed in the storage chamber 20. For example, the cold air duct 80 may be disposed behind the partition 70 in the inner case 60. For example, at least a portion of the cold air duct 80 may be disposed in front of the evaporator 12.

[0141] The cool air duct 80 may be detachably installed in the inner case 60. The cool air duct 80 may be detachably coupled to the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60.

[0142] The cold air duct 80 may extend in the height direction (Z direction) of the main body 10. The cold air duct 80 may extend in the height direction (Z direction) of the inner shell 60. The cold air duct 80 may extend in the height direction (Z direction) of the storage chamber 20. The cold air duct 80 may extend in the up-down direction (Z direction). The cold air duct 80 may extend in the height direction of the storage chamber 20 between the evaporator 12 and the partition 70. A portion of the cold air duct 80 may correspond to the refrigerating chamber 21, and another portion of the cold air duct 80 may correspond to the freezing chamber 22.

[0143] The cold air duct 80 may be provided as one cold air duct. One cold air duct 80 may be provided to supply cold air to both the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. That is, it is not necessary to provide both a cold chamber duct for supplying cold air to the refrigerating chamber 21 and a cold chamber duct for supplying cold air to the refrigerating chamber 22, and cold air may be supplied to both the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 through one cold air duct 80.

[0144] In addition, since one cold air duct 80 is provided in the storage chamber 20, an overall aesthetic feeling can be formed. That is, since one cold air duct 80 is provided at the rear portion of the storage chamber 20, a seamless aesthetic feeling can be formed without being divided into a cold storage chamber duct for supplying cold air to the cold storage chamber 21 and a cold storage chamber duct for supplying cold air to the cold storage chamber 22. For example, the front surface of the cold air duct 80 corresponding to the cold storage chamber 21 and the front surface of the cold air duct 80 corresponding to the freezing chamber 22 can be regarded as one surface. Thus, the aesthetic feeling of the interior of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

[0145] The cold air duct 80 may include return holes 310 and 410, which are configured to return cold air from the storage chamber 20. The return holes 310 and 410 may be configured to return cold air in the storage chamber 20. The return holes 310 and 410 may be configured to extract cold air circulating through the storage chamber 20.

[0146] For example, the cold air duct 80 may include a first return hole 310 for returning cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21. For example, the first return hole 310 may be provided to communicate with the refrigerating chamber 21. For example, the first return hole 310 may be located below a first discharge hole 320 to be described later.

[0147] For example, the cold air duct 80 may include a second return hole 410 for returning cold air in the freezing chamber 22. For example, the second return hole 410 may be provided to communicate with the freezing chamber 22. For example, the second return hole 410 may be located below a second discharge hole 420 to be described later.

[0148] The cold air duct 80 may form the return flow paths 330 and 430 (see Fig. 9 and Fig.10 ), the cold air returned from the storage chamber 20 flows through the return flow paths 330 and 430. The cold air returned from the storage chamber 20 may flow toward the evaporator 12 along the return flow paths 330 and 430.

[0149] For example, the cold air duct 80 may form a first return flow path 330 through which the cold air returned from the refrigerating chamber 21 flows. The first return flow path 330 may be provided to guide the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21. The first return flow path 330 may be provided to guide the cold air returned through the first return hole 310 to the evaporator 12. The first return flow path 330 may be provided to guide the cold air returned from the refrigerating chamber 21 to the evaporator 12.

[0150] For example, the first return flow path 330 may be provided to guide the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21 to the cold air connector 90. For example, the first return flow path 330 may extend from the refrigerating chamber 21 to the cold air connector 90. For example, the first return flow path 330 may have a shape extending backward from the refrigerating chamber 21.

[0151] For example, the first return flow path 330 may be provided to communicate the refrigerating chamber 21 and the cold air connector 90 .

[0152] The first return flow path 330 may be provided to communicate with the refrigerating chamber 21. For example, the first return flow path 330 may be provided to communicate with the refrigerating chamber 21 through the first return hole 310. For example, one side 331 of the first return flow path 330 may be provided to receive cold air returned from the refrigerating chamber 21.

[0153] The first return flow path 330 may be arranged to communicate with the cooling chamber 20b. For example, the first return flow path 330 may be arranged to communicate with the cooling chamber 20b through the cold air connector 90. For example, the other side 332 of the second return flow path 330 may be arranged to provide the cold air returned from the refrigerating chamber 21 to the cold air connector 90. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first return flow path 330 may be arranged to communicate directly with the cooling chamber 20b.

[0154] For example, the cold air duct 80 may form a second return flow path 430 through which the cold air returned from the freezing chamber 22 flows. The second return flow path 430 may be provided to guide the cold air returned through the second return hole 410 to the evaporator 12. The second return flow path 430 may be provided to guide the cold air returned from the freezing chamber 22 to the evaporator 12.

[0155] For example, the second return flow path 430 may be provided to guide the cold air in the freezing chamber 22 to the evaporator 12. For example, the second return flow path 430 may extend from the freezing chamber 22 to the cooling chamber 20b. For example, the second return flow path 430 may have a shape extending backward from the freezing chamber 22.

[0156] The second return flow path 430 may be provided to communicate with the freezing chamber 22. For example, the second return flow path 430 may be provided to communicate with the freezing chamber 22 through the second return hole 410. For example, one side of the second return flow path 430 may be provided to receive cold air returned from the freezing chamber 22.

[0157] The second return flow path 430 may be provided to communicate with the cooling chamber 20b. For example, the other side of the second return flow path 430 may be provided to provide cool air returned from the freezing chamber 22 to the cooling chamber 20b.

[0158] The cool air duct 80 may include discharge holes 320 and 420 for supplying cool air generated from the evaporator 12 to the storage chamber 20. The discharge holes 320 and 420 may be provided to provide relatively low temperature cool air to the storage chamber 20 by exchanging heat with the evaporator 12.

[0159] For example, the cool air duct 80 may include a first discharge hole 320 for supplying cool air generated by the evaporator 12 to the refrigerating chamber 21. For example, the first discharge hole 320 may be provided to communicate with the refrigerating chamber 21.

[0160] For example, the first discharge hole 320 may be positioned above the first return hole 310. Relatively low temperature cold air may move downward due to convection. In view of this, the first discharge hole 320 may be arranged to communicate with the upper portion of the refrigerating chamber 21. The first return hole 310 may be arranged away from the first discharge hole 320 so that the cold air discharged from the first discharge hole 320 does not return immediately. The first return hole 310 may be arranged to communicate with the lower portion of the refrigerating chamber 21. However, this is merely exemplary, and the first discharge hole 320 may be positioned below the first return hole 310.

[0161] For example, the cool air duct 80 may include a second discharge hole 420 for supplying cool air generated by the evaporator 12 to the freezing chamber 22. For example, the second discharge hole 420 may be provided to communicate with the freezing chamber 22.

[0162] For example, the second discharge hole 420 may be positioned above the second return hole 410. Relatively low temperature cold air may move downward due to convection. In view of this, the second discharge hole 420 may be arranged to communicate with the upper portion of the refrigerating chamber 21. The second return hole 410 may be arranged away from the second discharge hole 420 so that the cold air discharged from the second discharge hole 420 does not return immediately. The second return hole 410 may be arranged to communicate with the lower portion of the refrigerating chamber 21. However, this is merely exemplary, and the second discharge hole 420 may be positioned below the second return hole 410.

[0163] The cold air duct 80 may form exhaust flow paths 340 and 440 (see Figures 11 to 13 ), the cool air generated from the evaporator 12 flows through the exhaust return flow paths 340 and 440. The cool air having exchanged heat with the evaporator 12 may flow toward the storage chamber 20 along the exhaust flow paths 340 and 440.

[0164] For example, the cold air duct 80 may form a first discharge flow path 340 through which the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 flows. The first discharge flow path 340 may be configured to guide the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 to the first discharge hole 320. The first discharge flow path 340 may be configured to communicate with the cooling chamber 20b. The first discharge flow path 340 may be configured to communicate with the refrigerating chamber 21 through the first discharge hole 320.

[0165] For example, the cold air duct 80 may form a second discharge flow path 440 through which the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 flows. The second discharge flow path 440 may be configured to guide the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 to the second discharge hole 420. The second discharge flow path 440 may be configured to communicate with the cooling chamber 20b. The second discharge flow path 440 may be configured to communicate with the freezing chamber 22 through the second discharge hole 420.

[0166] The evaporator 12 may be disposed in the storage chamber 20. The evaporator 12 may be disposed between the cold air duct 80 and the inner shell 60. The evaporator 12 may be disposed behind the cold air duct 80. The evaporator 12 may be disposed in front of the rear wall 65 of the inner shell 60. The evaporator 12 may be disposed in the cooling chamber 20b (see Figure 2 ) to exchange heat with the cold air introduced into the cooling chamber 20b.

[0167] The refrigerator 1 may include a partition 70. The partition 70 may be disposed in the inner case 60. The partition 70 may be disposed in the storage chamber 20. The partition 70 may partition the storage chamber 20 into a plurality of storage chambers. The partition 70 may partition the storage chamber 20 into a refrigerating chamber 21 and a freezing chamber 22. The partition 70 may form the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22.

[0168] The partition 70 may be disposed in front of the cold air duct 80. The partition 70 may be detachably installed in the cold air duct 80. For example, the partition 70 may be detachably coupled to the front surface of the cold air duct 80.

[0169] For example, the cold air duct 80 may include a first partition mounting portion 700, and the partition 70 may be detachably coupled to the first partition mounting portion 700. For example, the first partition mounting portion 700 may have a protrusion and / or groove shape for fixing the partition 70. For example, the first partition mounting portion 700 may be formed on the front surface of the cold air duct 80. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above example, and the cold air duct 80 may include a variety of shapes so that the partition 70 can be mounted thereon.

[0170] The partition 70 may be detachably installed in the body 10. The partition 70 may be detachably installed in the inner shell 60. For example, the partition 70 may be detachably coupled to at least one of the left wall 63 or the right wall 61 of the inner shell 60. For example, the partition 70 may be configured to form the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 by being detachably installed in the inner shell 60.

[0171] For example, the inner shell 60 may include a second partition mounting portion 67, and the partition 70 may be detachably coupled to the second partition mounting portion 67. For example, the partition mounting portion 67 may be formed on at least one of the two side walls 61, 63 of the inner shell 60. For example, the second partition mounting portion 67 may include a track portion 671. For example, the partition 70 may slide along the track portion 671. For example, the partition 70 may be configured so that the partition 70 can be withdrawn from and retracted into the inner shell 60. For example, the second partition mounting portion 67 may include a first support protrusion 672 formed on the upper side of the track portion 671 to support the upper surface of the partition 70. For example, the second partition mounting portion 67 may include a second support protrusion 673 formed on the lower side of the track portion 671 to support the lower surface of the partition 70. However, the embodiment is not limited to the above example, and the inner shell 60 may include a variety of shapes so that the partition 70 can be mounted thereon.

[0172] The partition 70 may include a partition insulator 71 (see Figure 2 ). A partition insulator 71 may be disposed inside the partition 70. The partition insulator 71 may prevent heat exchange between the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22.

[0173] For example, polyurethane foam insulation, collision polystyrene insulation, and / or vacuum insulation panels may be used as the partition insulator 71. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the partition insulator 71 may be configured to include various materials.

[0174] The cold air connector 90 may be provided behind the inner case 60. The cold air connector 90 may be detachably installed on the outside of the inner case 60. The cold air connector 90 may be detachably coupled to the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60.

[0175] The cold air connector 90 may extend in the direction in which the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 are arranged. For example, the cold air connector 90 may have a shape extending in the up-down direction (Z direction). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and in the case where the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 are arranged side by side, the cold air connector 90 may have a shape extending in the left-right direction (Y direction).

[0176] For example, the cold air connector 90 may include a connector body 91 forming the exterior of the cold air connector 90. A flow path through which the cold air flows may be formed inside the connector body 91.

[0177] For example, the cold air connector 90 may include an inlet portion 92 formed on one side of the connector body 91. The inlet portion 92 may include an inlet hole 921, which is configured to receive cold air returned from the refrigerating chamber 21. The inlet hole 921 may be configured to communicate with the refrigerating chamber 21. The inlet hole 921 may be configured to communicate with the first return flow path 330. The inlet hole 921 may be configured to communicate with the first guide hole 66a formed on the rear wall 65 of the inner shell 60.

[0178] For example, the cold air connector 90 may include an outlet portion 93 formed on the other side of the connector body 91. The outlet portion 93 may include an outlet hole 931, which is configured to discharge the cold air introduced into the cold air connector 90 to the cooling chamber 20b. The outlet hole 931 may be configured to communicate with the cooling chamber 20b. The outlet hole 931 may be configured to communicate with the second guide hole 66b formed on the rear wall 65 of the inner shell 60.

[0179] The refrigerator 1 may include at least one temperature sensor. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a first temperature sensor 821 configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 (see Figure 3For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a second temperature sensor 822 configured to detect the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 (refer to Figure 3 ). Controller 810 (see Fig. 22 ) The operation of the damper 14 may be controlled based on information obtained from at least one of the first temperature sensor 821 or the second temperature sensor 821. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

[0180] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a pipe assembly according to an embodiment. Figure 8 It is shown from behind. Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the pipeline assembly is shown in FIG.

[0181] Reference below Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example of a duct assembly is described below. The duct assembly may refer to the cold air duct 80 and components accommodated in the cold air duct 80.

[0182] The cool air duct 80 may include a duct body 100. The duct body 100 may form an exterior of the cool air duct 80. The duct body 100 may form a flow path through which cool air flows.

[0183] The duct body 100 may include a front body 110 and a rear body 120 .

[0184] The front body 110 may be coupled to the front of the rear body 120. The front body 110 may be disposed to face the storage chamber 20. The front body 110 may be disposed to be exposed toward the storage chamber 20. The front body 110 may be disposed to face the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. The front body 110 may be disposed to be exposed toward the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22.

[0185] For example, the front body 110 may include a first front body 111 of a first body unit 100a to be described later and a second front body 112 of a second body unit 100b to be described later. Although the drawings illustrate that the first front body 111 and the second front body 112 are provided as separate structures, the first front body 111 and the second front body 112 may be provided as an integrated structure.

[0186] The rear body 120 may be coupled to the rear of the front body 110. The rear body 120 may be disposed to face the rear surface of the inner case 60. The rear body 120 may be disposed to face the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60.

[0187] For example, the rear body 120 may include a first rear body 121 of a first body unit 100a to be described later and a second rear body 122 of a second body unit 100b to be described later. Although the drawings illustrate that the first rear body 121 and the second rear body 122 are provided as separate structures, the first rear body 121 and the second rear body 122 may be provided as an integrated structure.

[0188] The front body 110 and the rear body 120 may be detachably coupled. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the front body 110 and the rear body 120 may be provided as an integrated structure.

[0189] The duct body 100 may include a support member 130 disposed between the front body 110 and the rear body 120. The support member 130 may be disposed to support at least one of the front body 110 and the rear body 120. The support member 130 may be disposed to fix the front body 110 relative to the rear body 112. For example, the support member 130 may be disposed to make surface contact with at least one of the front body 110 and the rear body 120 when the front body 110 is coupled to the rear body 120.

[0190] The support member 130 may form a flow path so that cold air may flow through the flow path. A predetermined space may be provided between the support member 130 and the rear body 120. The support member 130 may form a first return flow path 330. When the support member 130 is coupled to the rear body 120, the support member 130 may form a first exhaust flow path 340. When the support member 130 is coupled to the rear body 120, the support member 130 may form a second exhaust flow path 440.

[0191] For example, the support member 130 may include a first support member 131 of a first body unit 100a to be described later and a second support member 132 of a second body unit 100b to be described later. Although the drawings show that the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 are provided as separate structures, the first support member 131 and the second support member 132 may be provided as an integrated structure.

[0192] The support member 130 may be provided to insulate between the front body 110 and the rear body 120. The support member 130 may prevent heat exchange between the front body 110 and the rear body 120. Therefore, the temperature of the cool air flowing in the cool air duct 80 may be kept constant.

[0193] For example, the support member 130 may include at least one of expanded polystyrene insulation, polyurethane foam insulation, and vacuum insulation panels. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the support member 130 may include a variety of materials for improving the insulation performance of the cold air duct 80. The support member 130 may be referred to as an insulation member 130.

[0194] The pipe body 100 may include a first body unit 100a and a second body unit 100b. The first body unit 100a may form an upper outer portion of the pipe body 100. The second body unit 100b may form a lower outer portion of the pipe body 100. The first body unit 100a may be referred to as an upper body unit 100a. The second body unit 100b may be referred to as a lower body unit 100b.

[0195] The first body unit 100a and the second body unit 100b may be detachably coupled. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first body unit 100a and the second body unit 100b may be provided as an integral structure.

[0196] For example, the first body unit 100 a may include a first front body 111 and a first rear body 121 .

[0197] The first front body 111 may be coupled to the front of the first rear body 121. The first front body 111 may be exposed toward the storage chamber 20. The first rear body 121 may be coupled to the rear of the first front body 111. The first rear body 121 may be disposed to face the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60.

[0198] For example, the first body unit 100a may include a first support member 131 disposed between the first front body 111 and the first rear body 121. The first support member 131 may be disposed to support at least one of the first front body 111 and the first rear body 121. The first support member 131 may be disposed to fix the first front body 111 relative to the first rear body 121.

[0199] For example, the second body unit 100 b may include a second front body 112 and a second rear body 122 .

[0200] The second front body 112 may be coupled to the front of the second rear body 122. The second front body 112 may be exposed toward the storage chamber 20. The second rear body 122 may be coupled to the rear of the second front body 112. The second rear body 122 may be disposed to face the rear wall 65 of the inner case 60.

[0201] For example, the second body unit 100b may include a second support member 132 disposed between the second front body 112 and the second rear body 122. The second support member 132 may be configured to support at least one of the second front body 112 and the second rear body 122. The second support member 132 may be configured to fix the second front body 112 relative to the second rear body 122.

[0202] The cold air duct 80 may include a cover plate 200 disposed in front of the duct body 100. The cover plate 200 may be detachably mounted on the front surface of the front body 111. The cover plate 200 may be disposed to cover at least a portion of the front body 111. The cover plate 200 may be disposed to be exposed to the storage chamber 20. However, in the case where the cover plate 200 is omitted, the front body 111 may be exposed to the storage chamber 20.

[0203] The design of the cover plate 200 can be freely changed. Therefore, when the design of the cover plate 200 is changed, the external design of the cold air duct 80 and the internal design of the refrigerator 1 can be realized in different ways. The user can freely replace the cover plate 200 as needed.

[0204] The first return hole 310 may communicate with the first return flow path 330. The first return hole 310 may correspond to one side 331 of the first return flow path 330.

[0205] For example, the first return hole 310 may be formed on the front body 110. For example, the first return hole 310 may be formed to penetrate the second front body 112.

[0206] The first return flow path 330 may be in communication with the first return hole 310. One side 331 of the first return flow path 330 may correspond to the first return hole 310. The first return flow path 330 may be in communication with the outside of the cold air duct 80 through the communication hole 350. The other side 332 of the first return flow path 330 may correspond to the communication hole 350. The first return flow path 330 may extend from the first return hole 310 toward the communication hole 350.

[0207] For example, the first return flow path 330 may be formed on the support member 130. For example, the first return flow path 330 may be formed to penetrate the second support member 132.

[0208] The communicating hole 350 may be provided to discharge the cold air flowing in the first return flow path 330. The communicating hole 350 may correspond to the first guide hole 66a of the inner shell 60. The communicating hole 350 may be communicated with the first guide hole 66a of the inner shell 60. The communicating hole 350 may correspond to the inlet portion 92 of the cold air connector 90. The communicating hole 350 may be communicated with the inlet hole 921 of the cold air connector 90. The cold air discharged from the communicating hole 350 may flow to the cold air connector 90.

[0209] For example, the communication hole 350 may be formed on the rear body 120. For example, the communication hole 350 may be formed to penetrate the second rear body 122.

[0210] The first exhaust flow path 340 may extend from the exhaust side 13b of the fan 13 toward the first exhaust hole 320. The first exhaust flow path 340 may be formed between the support member 130 and the rear body 120.

[0211] For example, when the first support member 131 is coupled to the first rear body 121, the first support member 131 may form a portion of the first exhaust flow path 340. For example, the first support member 131 may include an exhaust flow path forming portion 340c, and the first rear body 121 may include an exhaust flow path forming portion 340d. When the first support member 131 is coupled to the first rear body 121, the exhaust flow path forming portion 340c and the exhaust flow path forming portion 340d form an upper portion 342 of the first exhaust flow path 340 (see Fig.11 and Fig.12 ). An upper portion 342 of the first exhaust flow path 340 may be formed within the first body unit 100a.

[0212] For example, when the second support member 132 is coupled to the second rear body 122, the second support member 132 may form a portion of the first exhaust flow path 340. For example, the second support member 132 may include an exhaust flow path forming portion 340a, and the second rear body 122 may include an exhaust flow path forming portion 340b. When the second support member 132 is coupled to the second rear body 122, the exhaust flow path forming portion 340a and the exhaust flow path forming portion 340b form a lower portion 341 of the first exhaust flow path 340 (see Fig.11 and Fig.12 ). A lower portion 341 of the first exhaust flow path 340 may be formed within the second body unit 100b.

[0213] For example, the cold air blown by the fan 13 may move from the lower portion 341 of the first discharge flow path 340 to the upper portion 342 of the first discharge flow path 340. For example, the cold air of the lower portion 341 of the first discharge flow path 340 may pass through the connection hole 360 ​​and flow to the upper portion 342 of the first discharge flow path 340. For example, the connection hole 360 ​​may include a first connection hole 361 formed on the second rear body 122, a second connection hole 362 formed on the first front body 111, and a third connection hole 363 formed on the first support member 131. The first connection hole 361, the second connection hole 362, and the third connection hole 363 may overlap in the front-rear direction.

[0214] However, the embodiment is not limited to the above example, and the first exhaust flow path 340 may not be divided into the upper portion and the lower portion. The first exhaust flow path 340 may be formed as a single flow path.

[0215] The first discharge hole 320 may communicate with the first discharge flow path 340 .

[0216] For example, the first discharge hole 320 may be formed in the first body unit 100a. For example, the first discharge hole 320 may be communicated with the upper portion 342 of the first discharge flow path 340. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the first discharge hole 320 may be formed in the second body unit 100b as long as the first discharge hole 320 may be communicated with the first discharge flow path 340. The first discharge hole 320 may be communicated with the lower portion 341 of the first discharge flow path 340.

[0217] For example, the first discharge hole 320 may include a first opening 321 formed on the cover plate 200, a second opening 322 formed on the first front body 111, and a third opening 323 formed on the first support member 131. The first opening 321, the second opening 322, and the third opening 323 may overlap in the front-rear direction. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and for example, in the case where the first discharge hole 320 is formed in the second body unit 100b, the opening may be provided on each of the second front body 112, the second support member 132, and the second rear body 122.

[0218] The second return hole 410 may communicate with the second return flow path 430. The second return hole 410 may be formed when the cold air duct 80 is installed in the inner case 60. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

[0219] The second return flow path 430 may communicate with the second return hole 410. The second return flow path 430 may communicate with the cooling chamber 20b in which the evaporator 12 is disposed. The second return flow path 430 may be formed when the cold air duct 80 is installed in the inner case 60. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

[0220] The second exhaust flow path 440 may extend from the exhaust side 13b of the fan 13 toward the second exhaust hole 420. The second exhaust flow path 440 may be formed between the support member 130 and the rear body 120.

[0221] For example, when the second support member 132 is coupled to the second rear body 122, the second support member 132 may form the second exhaust flow path 440. For example, the second support member 132 may include an exhaust flow path forming portion 440a, and the second rear body 122 may include an exhaust flow path forming portion 440b. When the second support member 132 is coupled to the second rear body 122, the exhaust flow path forming portion 440a and the exhaust flow path forming portion 440b form the second exhaust flow path 440 (see Fig.11 and Fig.13 ). The second exhaust flow path 440 may be formed in the second body unit 100b.

[0222] The second discharge hole 420 may communicate with the second discharge flow path 440. The second discharge hole 420 may correspond to one side of the second discharge flow path 440.

[0223] For example, the second discharge hole 420 may be formed on the front body 110. For example, the second discharge hole 420 may be formed to penetrate the second front body 112.

[0224] The fan 13 may be accommodated in the cold air duct 80. The fan 13 may generate a blowing force. The fan 13 may be disposed between the support member 130 and the rear body 120. For example, the fan 13 may be disposed between the second support member 132 and the second rear body 122.

[0225] The fan 13 may be configured to draw the cool air generated by the evaporator 12. For example, the fan 13 may draw the cool air generated by the evaporator 12 through the inlet hole 500 formed in the cool air duct 80. For example, the inlet hole 500 may be formed on the rear body 120. For example, the inlet hole 500 may be formed to penetrate the second rear body 122. For example, the inlet hole 500 may be configured to communicate with the cooling chamber 20b.

[0226] The fan 13 may be configured to discharge the cold air drawn from the cooling chamber 20b toward the discharge flow paths 340, 440. For example, a portion of the cold air discharged from the fan 13 may flow toward the first discharge flow path 340, and another portion of the cold air discharged from the fan 13 may flow toward the second discharge flow path 440.

[0227] The suction side 13a of the fan 13 may be arranged to face the cooling chamber 20b. The suction side 13a of the fan 13 may be communicated with the cooling chamber 20b through the inlet hole 500. The discharge side 13b of the fan 13 may be arranged to face the discharge flow paths 340 and 440. The discharge side 13b of the fan 13 may be communicated with the first discharge flow path 340 and the second discharge flow path 440, respectively.

[0228] For example, the fan 13 may be configured as a centrifugal fan. The fan 13 may draw cool air in an axial direction and discharge cool air in a radial direction. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the fan 13 may be configured as various types of fans to forcibly flow cool air.

[0229] The damper 14 may be accommodated in the cold air duct 80. The damper 14 may be disposed between the support member 130 and the rear body 120. For example, the damper 14 may be disposed between the second support member 132 and the second rear body 122. For example, the damper 14 may be disposed above the fan 13.

[0230] The damper 14 may be provided on the first discharge flow path 340 to adjust the amount of cold air to be supplied to the refrigerating chamber 21. The damper 14 may be provided to open or close the first discharge flow path 340. The damper 14 may adjust the amount of cold air guided to the first discharge hole 320 by adjusting the opening of the first discharge flow path 340. The refrigerator 1 may control the temperature in the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 by controlling the operation of the damper 14.

[0231] For example, the damper 14 may include a damper housing 141 and a damper plate 142 rotatably installed in the damper housing 141 .

[0232] Fig. 9 is through along Figure 3 A perspective view taken along line AA' shown in FIG. Fig.10 is Fig. 9 An enlarged view of a portion of the side section is shown.

[0233] The following will refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The flow of the cold air to be returned from the storage chamber 20 will be described.

[0234] The cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21 may be introduced into the cold air duct 80 through the first return hole 310. The cold air introduced into the cold air duct 80 may flow along the first return flow path 330. The cold air introduced into the cold air duct 80 may be guided by the first return flow path 330. The cold air guided by the first return flow path 330 may flow to the cold air connector 90.

[0235] For example, one side 331 of the first return flow path 330 may communicate with the first return hole 310. For example, the other side 332 of the first return flow path 330 may communicate with the guide hole 66a of the inner shell 60. For example, the other side 332 of the first return flow path 330 may communicate with the inlet hole 921 of the cold air connector 90.

[0236] The cool air introduced into the cool air connector 90 may flow along a flow path formed in the duct body 91. The cool air introduced into the cool air connector 90 may be guided by the duct body 91. The cool air guided by the duct body 91 may flow into the cooling chamber 20b.

[0237] For example, the inlet hole 921 of the cold air connector 90 may communicate with the first return flow path 330. For example, the outlet hole 931 of the cold air connector 90 may communicate with the cooling chamber 20b.

[0238] The cold air introduced into the cooling chamber 20b through the cold air connector 90 may be arranged to exchange heat with the evaporator 12. The cold air having exchanged heat with the evaporator 12 may flow into the cold air duct 80 by means of the suction force of the fan 13. For example, the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may move into the cold air duct 80 through the inlet hole 500 of the cold air duct 80.

[0239] However, unlike the above example, the first return flow path 330 may be in direct communication with the cooling chamber 20 b , that is, the cold air guided by the first return flow path 330 may flow directly into the cooling chamber 20 b without passing through the cold air connector 90 .

[0240] Typically, the inner shell includes a refrigerator compartment inner shell and a freezer compartment inner shell. Therefore, the inner shell includes a refrigerator compartment formed by the refrigerator compartment inner shell and a freezer compartment formed by the freezer compartment inner shell. Therefore, it is necessary to separately set a refrigerator compartment duct, the refrigerator compartment duct being arranged in the refrigerator compartment to supply cold air to the refrigerator compartment, and a freezer compartment duct being arranged in the freezer compartment to supply cold air to the freezer compartment. For example, in the case where a single evaporator is arranged in the freezer compartment, it is necessary to transport the cold air returned from the refrigerator compartment to the freezer compartment, and it is necessary to transport the cold air generated by the evaporator to the refrigerator compartment. For this reason, an additional connecting portion may be required to connect the refrigerator compartment duct and the freezer compartment duct. In addition, a separate return flow path cannot be formed in the refrigerator compartment duct. Therefore, the suction force for returning the cold air in the refrigerator compartment may be weak. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator may be reduced.

[0241] On the contrary, the inner shell 60 may include a storage chamber 20 formed as a single space. A cold air duct 80 may be provided in the storage chamber 20 forming a space. The storage chamber 20 may be divided into a refrigerating chamber 21 and a freezing chamber 22 by a partition 70 installed in the inner shell 60 and a cold air duct 80. The cold air duct 80 may not be divided into a refrigerating chamber duct and a freezing chamber duct, and may not include an additional connecting portion. In addition, the cold air duct 80 may include a first return flow path 340 for returning the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21. The first return flow path 340 may be arranged to extend a predetermined length in the cold air duct 80. Thus, the suction area for drawing the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21 can be increased, and the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21 can be returned more easily. Thus, the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

[0242] The cold air in the freezing chamber 22 may be introduced into the cold air duct 80 through the second return hole 410. The cold air introduced into the cold air duct 80 may flow along the second return flow path 430. The cold air introduced into the cold air duct 80 may be guided by the second return flow path 430. The cold air guided by the second return flow path 430 may flow into the cooling chamber 20b.

[0243] The cold air duct 80 may form a second return hole 410. When the cold air duct 80 is installed in the inner shell 60, the cold air duct 80 may form the second return hole 410. For example, the second return hole 410 may be formed between the end of the front body 110 of the cold air duct 80 and the inner wall of the inner shell 60. For example, the second return hole 410 may be formed between the end of the front body 110 of the cold air duct 80 and the rear wall 65 of the inner shell 60.

[0244] The cold air duct 80 may form a second return flow path 430. When the cold air duct 80 is installed in the inner shell 60, the cold air duct 80 may form the second return flow path 430. For example, the second return flow path 430 may be formed between the cold air duct 80 and the inner shell 60. For example, the second return flow path 430 may be formed between the cold air duct 80 and the rear wall 65 of the inner shell 60. For example, a portion of the second return flow path 430 may be formed between the front body 110 and the rear wall 65 of the inner shell 60. For example, another portion of the second return flow path 430 may be formed between the rear body 120 and the rear wall 65 of the inner shell 60.

[0245] For example, the second return flow path 430 may extend from the second return hole 410 to the cooling chamber 20b. For example, one side of the second return flow path 430 may communicate with the second return hole 410. For example, the other side of the second return flow path 430 may communicate with the cooling chamber 20b.

[0246] The cold air introduced into the cooling chamber 20b through the second return flow path 430 may exchange heat with the evaporator 12. The cold air that has exchanged heat with the evaporator 12 may flow into the cold air duct 80 by means of the suction force of the fan 13. For example, the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may move into the cold air duct 80 through the inlet hole 500 of the cold air duct 80.

[0247] The cold air duct 80 can easily return the cold air in the storage chamber 20 by having a plurality of return flow paths 330 and 430. In the case where the partition 70 partitions the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, the cold air duct 80 can simultaneously draw the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 21 and the cold air in the freezing chamber 22. In the case where the partition 70 does not partition the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, the cold air duct 80 can draw the cold air in the storage chamber 20 from a plurality of points. Thus, the suction force for returning the cold air from the storage chamber 20 can be increased, and the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

[0248] Fig.11 is through along Figure 3 A perspective view taken along line BB' shown in FIG. Fig.12 is Fig.11 An enlarged view of a portion of the side section is shown. Fig.13 is Fig.11 An enlarged view of another portion of the side section is shown in FIG.

[0249] The following will refer to Figures 11 to 13 The flow of cool air to be supplied to the storage chamber 20 will be described.

[0250] refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the cold air discharged from the fan 13 may flow along the first discharge flow path 340. The cold air discharged from the fan 13 may be guided by the first discharge flow path 340. The cold air guided by the first discharge flow path 340 may flow toward the first discharge hole 320. The cold air flowing on the first discharge flow path 340 may be supplied to the refrigerating chamber 21 through the first discharge hole 320.

[0251] For example, one side of the first exhaust flow path 340 may communicate with the exhaust side 13b of the fan 13. For example, the other side of the first exhaust flow path 340 may communicate with the first exhaust hole 320.

[0252] refer to Fig.11 and Fig.13 , the cold air discharged from the fan 13 may flow along the second discharge flow path 440. The cold air discharged from the fan 13 may be guided by the second discharge flow path 440. The cold air guided by the second discharge flow path 440 may flow toward the second discharge hole 420. The cold air flowing on the second discharge flow path 440 may be supplied to the freezing chamber 22 through the second discharge hole 420.

[0253] For example, one side of the second exhaust flow path 440 may communicate with the exhaust side 13b of the fan 13. For example, the other side of the second exhaust flow path 440 may communicate with the second exhaust hole 420.

[0254] As described above, one cold air duct 80 may be provided in the storage chamber 20 forming one space. That is, the cold air duct 80 is not divided into a refrigerating chamber duct and a freezing chamber duct, and an additional component for connecting the inner shell of the refrigerating chamber and the inner shell of the freezing chamber is not required. Therefore, the refrigerator 1 can supply cold air to both the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 through one cold air duct 80.

[0255] The cold air duct 80 can easily supply cold air to the storage chamber 20 by having a plurality of discharge flow paths 340 and 440. In the case where the partition 70 partitions the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, the cold air duct 80 can simultaneously supply cold air to the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. In the case where the partition 70 does not partition the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, the cold air duct 80 can discharge cold air to the storage chamber 20 from a plurality of points. Therefore, the discharge force for supplying cold air to the storage chamber 20 may be increased. Thus, the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator 1 may be improved.

[0256] Fig.14 is through along Figure 3 A plan view taken along the line CC' shown in FIG.

[0257] refer to Fig.14 , the cold air duct 80 may include a wall 370. The wall 370 may be provided to separate the first return flow path 330 and the first discharge flow path 340. The wall 370 may be formed between the first return flow path 330 and the first discharge flow path 340. The wall 370 may be provided so that the cold air flowing in the first return flow path 330 and the cold air flowing in the first discharge flow path 340 do not mix with each other. The wall 370 may prevent heat exchange between the cold air flowing in the first return flow path 330 and the cold air flowing in the first discharge flow path 340. Thus, the temperature of the cold air flowing in the first discharge flow path 340 may be maintained, and the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator 1 may not be reduced. For example, the wall 370 may be formed on the support member 130. For example, the wall 370 may be formed on the second support member 132.

[0258] Fig.15 is a view illustrating that a partition according to an embodiment can be detached from an inner case and a cold air duct. Fig.16 is a front view illustrating that a partition according to an embodiment is installed in an inner case and a cold air duct. Fig.17 is a front view illustrating that a partition is separated from an inner case and a cold air duct according to an embodiment.

[0259] refer to Fig.15 , the partition 70 may be detachably mounted in the inner shell 60. For example, the partition 70 may be detachably coupled to at least one of the side walls 61 and 63 of the inner shell 60. The partition 70 may be detachably mounted in the cold air duct 80. The partition 70 may be detachably coupled to the front portion of the cold air duct 80. For example, the partition 70 may be detachably coupled to the front body 110.

[0260] refer to Fig.16 The partition 70 may partition the storage chamber 20 into the first storage chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 by being installed in the inner case 60 and the cold air duct 80. For example, the partition 70 may be provided to partition the storage chamber 20 in the up-and-down direction.

[0261] For example, when the partition 70 is installed in the inner shell 60 and / or the cold air duct 80, the first storage chamber 21 can be implemented as a refrigerating chamber, and the second storage chamber 22 can be implemented as a freezing chamber. The first storage chamber 21 can be implemented as a refrigerating chamber with a first temperature, and the second storage chamber 22 can be implemented as a refrigerating chamber with a second temperature. However, this is only exemplary, and the first storage chamber 21 can be implemented as a freezing chamber, and the second storage chamber 22 can be implemented as a refrigerating chamber. The first storage chamber 21 can be implemented as a freezing chamber with a third temperature, and the second storage chamber 22 can be implemented as a freezing chamber with a fourth temperature. The first storage chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 can be implemented to have the same temperature.

[0262] refer to Fig.17 , the partition 70 can be separated from the inner shell 60 so that the inside of the inner shell 60 is set as a refrigerating chamber or a freezing chamber. The partition 70 can be separated from the cold air duct 80 so that the inside of the inner shell 60 is set as a refrigerating chamber or a freezing chamber. That is, in the case where the partition 70 is not installed in the refrigerator 1, the storage chamber 20 can be set as a refrigerating chamber or a freezing chamber. In the case where the partition 70 is not installed in the inner shell 60 and the cold air duct 80, the storage chamber 20 can be set as a single space, and can be implemented as a refrigerating chamber or a freezing chamber according to the temperature therein.

[0263] In the case where the partition 70 is separated from the inner shell 60 and / or the cold air duct 80, the cold air duct 80 can return the cold air in the storage chamber 20 through the first return hole 310 and the second return hole 410. The cold air returned through the first return hole 310 can be guided to the evaporator 12 along the first return flow path 330. The cold air returned through the second return hole 410 can be guided to the evaporator 12 along the second return flow path 430. That is, the cold air in the storage chamber 20 can be sucked from multiple points at the same time. Therefore, the return efficiency of the cold air in the storage chamber 20 can be improved.

[0264] In the case where the partition 70 is separated from the inner case 60 and / or the cold air duct 80, the cold air duct 80 may guide the cold air generated from the evaporator 12 through the first discharge flow path 340 and the second discharge flow path 440. The cold air guided by the first discharge flow path 340 may be discharged to the storage chamber 20 through the first discharge hole 320. The cold air guided by the second discharge flow path 440 may be discharged to the storage chamber 20 through the second discharge hole 420. That is, the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may be supplied to the inside of the storage chamber 20 from a plurality of points at the same time. Therefore, the supply efficiency of the cold air to the storage chamber 20 may be improved.

[0265] refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17The storage chamber 20 can be implemented as a refrigerator, a freezer, or a refrigerator and a freezer separated from each other. The user can implement the storage chamber 20 in various ways according to the purpose. Since the usability of the storage chamber 20 is excellent, the user's satisfaction can be improved.

[0266] Hereinafter, for convenience of description, an example in which the first storage chamber 21 is implemented as the refrigerating chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 22 is implemented as the freezing chamber 22 will be described.

[0267] In a case where the partition 70 is installed in the inner case 60 and / or the cold air duct 80 , the storage chamber 20 may be partitioned into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 disposed below the refrigerating chamber 21 .

[0268] The partition 70 may be disposed between the first return hole 310 and the second discharge hole 420. With this arrangement, the cold air circulating in the refrigerating chamber 21 may be returned through the first return hole 310, and the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may be discharged to the freezing chamber 22 through the second discharge hole 420. However, in the case where the first discharge hole 320 is disposed above the first return hole 310 and the second discharge hole 420 is disposed above the second return hole 410, the arrangement of the partition 70 as described above may be applied.

[0269] The partition 70 may be provided to be movable between the first return hole 310 and the second discharge hole 420. For example, the partition 70 may be movable up and down between the first return hole 310 and the second discharge hole 420. For example, the partition 70 may be provided to be slidable in the up and down directions relative to the inner case 60 and / or the cold air duct 80.

[0270] As the installation position of the partition 70 changes, the ratio of the refrigerating chamber 21 to the freezing chamber 22 can change. For example, when the partition 70 is moved from the initial position (see Fig.16 ) upward, the size of the refrigerating chamber 21 can be reduced, and the size of the freezing chamber 22 can be increased. For example, when the partition 70 is moved from the initial position (see Fig.16 ) moves downward, the size of the refrigerating chamber 21 can be increased and the size of the freezing chamber 22 can be reduced.

[0271] Generally, the inner shell may be divided into a refrigerating chamber inner shell and a freezing chamber inner shell. In addition, the inner shell may include an intermediate wall for dividing the refrigerating chamber inner shell and the freezing chamber inner shell. The ratio of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber is fixed, and the intermediate wall may be embedded in the insulation. Therefore, the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber can only be used in the size originally manufactured. That is, the user cannot adjust the ratio of the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber.

[0272] In contrast, the user can adjust the ratio of the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 by adjusting the position of the partition 70. Therefore, the user can set the ratio of the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 as needed. For example, in the case where more food is stored in a refrigerated state than in a frozen state, the space of the freezing chamber 22 can be reduced to ensure the space of the refrigerating chamber 21. For example, in the case where more food is stored in a frozen state than in a refrigerated state, the space of the freezing chamber 22 can be reduced to ensure the space of the refrigerating chamber 21. Therefore, the convenience of use of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

[0273] Fig.18 is a front view illustrating that a refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a plurality of refrigerating chamber return holes. Fig.19 It is shown in the figure Fig.18 A front view showing the divider being moved.

[0274] The following will refer to Fig.18 and Fig.19 An example of adjusting the ratio of the refrigerating chamber 21 to the freezing chamber 22 of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

[0275] The refrigerator 1 may include a plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, and 310c. The plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, and 310c may be arranged substantially in the up-down direction. The plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, and 310c may be arranged substantially in the height direction of the storage chamber 20. For example, the plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, and 310c may include a 1a return hole 310a, a 1b return hole 310b located below the 1a return hole 310a, and a 1c return hole 310c located below the 1b return hole 310b. Each of the plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, and 310c may be communicated with the first return flow path 330.

[0276] The partition 70 may be moved substantially in the up-down direction. The partition 70 may be moved substantially in the height direction of the storage chamber 20. The partition 70 may be disposed to be positioned below at least one of the plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, and 310c.

[0277] The first return holes among the plurality of first return holes 310 a , 310 b , and 310 c positioned below the partition 70 may be covered by the return hole cover 18 .

[0278] For example, refer to Fig.18, the plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, and 310c may be positioned above the partition 70. That is, all of the plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, and 310c may be provided in the refrigerating chamber 21. The plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, and 310c may not be covered by the return hole cover 18. However, the remaining first return holes of the plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, and 310c, except for the first return hole positioned farthest from the first discharge hole 320, may be covered by the return hole cover 18. For example, the 1a return hole 310a and the 1b return hole 310b, except for the 1c return hole 310c, may be covered by the return hole cover 18. Therefore, the cold air discharged through the first discharge hole 320 may circulate in the refrigerating chamber 21 for a predetermined time without immediately returning through the 1a return hole 310a and the 1b return hole 310b. The cool air circulating in the refrigerating chamber 21 may be introduced into the cool air duct 80 through the first return hole 310 c .

[0279] For example, refer to Fig.19 , some of the plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, and 310c may be positioned below the partition 70. That is, some of the plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, 310c may be provided in the freezer compartment 22. The first return holes positioned below the partition 70 among the plurality of first return holes 310a, 310b, 310c may be provided so as not to communicate with the freezer compartment 22 by being covered by the return hole cover 18. For example, the 1c return hole 310c may be covered by the return hole cover 18. For example, the first return hole 310a and the first return hole 310b may not be covered by the return hole cover 18. However, except for the 1b return hole 310b positioned farthest from the first discharge hole 310 among the first return holes positioned above the partition 70, the 1a return hole 310a may be covered by the return hole cover 18. Therefore, the cold air discharged through the first discharge hole 320 may circulate in the refrigerating compartment 21 for a predetermined time without immediately returning through the 1a return hole 310a. The cool air circulating in the refrigerating chamber 21 may be introduced into the cool air duct 80 through the 1b return hole 310b.

[0280] In a case where the partition 70 is positioned between the 1 a return hole 310 a and the 1 b return hole 310 b , the 1 b return hole 310 b and the 1 c return hole 310 c may be covered by the return hole cover 18 so as not to communicate with the freezing chamber 22 .

[0281] Although the accompanying drawings illustrate that the plurality of first return holes 310 include 1a return holes 310a, 1b return holes 310b, and 1c return holes 310c arranged in the up-down direction, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, it is sufficient that the plurality of first return holes 310 are provided as two or more, and the number of the first return holes is not limited. For example, the plurality of first return holes 310 may be arranged in the left-right direction, and in this case, the first return flow path 330 may also extend in the left-right direction to communicate with each of the plurality of first return holes 310.

[0282] Fig. 20 is a front view illustrating that a refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a plurality of freezing chamber discharge holes. Fig.21 It is shown in the figure Fig. 20 A front view showing the divider being moved.

[0283] The following will refer to Fig. 20 and Fig.21 An example of adjusting the ratio of the refrigerating chamber 21 to the freezing chamber 22 of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

[0284] The refrigerator 1 may include a plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b. The plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b may be arranged substantially in the up-down direction. The plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b may be arranged substantially in the height direction of the storage chamber 20. For example, the plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b may include a 2a discharge hole 420a and a 2b discharge hole 420b positioned below the 2a discharge hole 420a. Each of the plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b may be communicated with the second return flow path 430.

[0285] The partition 70 may be moved substantially in the up-down direction. The partition 70 may be moved substantially in the height direction of the storage chamber 20. The partition 70 may be disposed to be positioned above at least one of the plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b.

[0286] The second drain holes positioned above the partition 70 among the plurality of second drain holes 420 a and 420 b may be covered by the drain hole cover 19 .

[0287] For example, refer to Fig. 20, a plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b may be positioned below the partition 70. That is, all of the plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b may be disposed in the freezer compartment 22. The plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b may not be covered by the discharge hole cover 19. However, the remaining second discharge holes of the plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b, except for the second discharge holes positioned farthest from the second return hole 410, may be covered by the discharge hole cover 19. For example, the 2b discharge hole 420b, except for the 2a discharge hole 420a, may be covered by the discharge hole cover 19. Therefore, the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may be discharged into the freezer compartment 22 through the 2a discharge hole 420a, but not through the 2b discharge hole 420b. That is, the second discharge hole 420 and the second return hole 410 may be disposed far away from each other. Therefore, the cold air discharged through the second discharge hole 420a may circulate in the freezer compartment 22 for a predetermined time.

[0288] For example, refer to Fig.21 , some of the plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b may be positioned above the partition 70. That is, some of the plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b may be provided in the refrigerating chamber 21. The second discharge holes positioned above the partition 70 among the plurality of second discharge holes 420a and 420b may be provided so as not to communicate with the refrigerating chamber 21 by being covered by the discharge hole cover 19. For example, the 2a discharge hole 420a may be covered by the discharge hole cover 19.

[0289] Although the drawings illustrate that the plurality of second discharge holes 420 include 2a discharge holes 420a and 2b discharge holes 420b arranged in the up-down direction, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, it is sufficient that the plurality of second discharge holes 420 are provided as two or more, and the number of the second discharge holes is not limited. For example, the plurality of second discharge holes 420 may be arranged in the left-right direction, and in this case, the second return flow path 430 may also extend in the left-right direction to communicate with each of the plurality of second discharge holes 420.

[0290] exist Fig.18 and Fig.19 The plurality of first return holes 310 shown in Fig. 20 and Fig.21A combination of a plurality of second discharge holes 420 shown in FIG. 4 is also possible. In addition, as an example, in order to implement the storage chamber 20 as the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, at least some of the return holes 310 and 410 and / or the discharge holes 320 and 420 may be opened or closed corresponding to the position of the partition 70. As an example, in order to implement the storage chamber 20 as the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22, at least some of the return flow paths 330 and 430 and / or the discharge flow paths 340 and 440 may be opened or closed corresponding to the position of the partition 70.

[0291] Fig. 22 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0292] refer to Fig. 22 , the refrigerator 1 may include a controller 810. The refrigerator 1 may include a sensor unit 820. The refrigerator 1 may include a user interface 830. The refrigerator 1 may include a compressor 11. The refrigerator 1 may include a fan 13. The refrigerator 1 may include a damper 14.

[0293] According to the embodiment, the Fig. 22 Each component of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 1 and may also be included in the refrigerator 1 according to the embodiment Fig. 22 Components not shown.

[0294] The controller 810 may control the operation or operation of the components of the refrigerator 1. For example, the controller 810 may control the operation or operation of the compressor 11. For example, the controller 810 may control the operation or operation of the fan 13. For example, the controller 810 may control the operation of the damper 14. In addition, the controller 810 may control the operation or operation of various components of the refrigerator 1.

[0295] The controller 810 may include at least one memory 812 storing data in the form of an algorithm and / or a program in order to control the operation or function of the refrigerator 1 .

[0296] The controller 810 may include at least one processor 811 that generates a control signal related to the operation of the refrigerator 1. The processor 811 may perform operations or operations of components of the refrigerator 1 using data stored in the memory 812.

[0297] The memory 812 and the processor 811 may be implemented as separate chips. The processor 811 may include one or more processor chips, or may include one or more processing cores. The memory 812 may include one or more memory chips or may include one or more memory blocks. In addition, the memory 812 and the processor 811 may be implemented as a single chip.

[0298] The controller 810 may process a user input received through the user interface 830 and control components of the refrigerator 1 based on the processing of the user input.

[0299] The compressor 11 may be disposed in a machine room 15 disposed within the main body 10. The compressor 11 may compress the refrigerant to a high temperature and a high pressure. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 may be configured to travel through a condenser. The compressor 11 may operate a cooling cycle of the refrigerator 1.

[0300] The fan 13 may be provided in the cool air duct 80. The fan 13 may be provided to flow the cool air generated from the evaporator 12. The fan 13 may circulate the cool air in the refrigerator 1.

[0301] The damper 14 may be provided in the cold air duct 80. The damper 14 may be provided on the first discharge flow path 340 to open or close the first discharge flow path 340. For example, when the damper 14 opens the first discharge flow path 340, the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may be supplied to the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22. For example, when the damper 14 closes the first discharge flow path 340, the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may be supplied to the freezing chamber 22. That is, as the amount of cold air supplied to the refrigerating chamber 21 and / or the freezing chamber 22 is adjusted, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 and the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 may be adjusted.

[0302] The user interface 830 may be implemented as a control panel, and may include an input device 831 for receiving a user input and an output device 832 for displaying information related to the operation of the refrigerator 1 .

[0303] For example, the input device 831 may include at least one of a tactile switch, a push switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a micro switch, a touch switch, a touch screen, and a button. However, the input device is not limited thereto and may include various known input devices for receiving user input.

[0304] For example, the output device 832 may output information related to the refrigerator 1 through display or audio. For example, the output device 832 may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, or a speaker. However, the output device is not limited thereto, and may include various known output devices for displaying information related to the refrigerator 1.

[0305] The sensor unit 820 may be configured to detect various states of the refrigerator 1 .

[0306] The sensor unit 820 may include a first temperature sensor 821 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21. The first temperature sensor 821 may be disposed in the refrigerating chamber 21. For example, the first temperature sensor 821 may be detachably mounted on the front surface of the cold air duct 80 exposed to the refrigerating chamber 21. For example, in the case where the partition 70 partitions the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezer chamber 22 disposed below the refrigerating chamber 21, the first temperature sensor 821 may be disposed above the partition 70.

[0307] The controller 810 may control the operation of the damper 14 based on information obtained from the first temperature sensor 821. When the first temperature sensor 821 detects a first preset condition, the controller 810 may cause the damper 14 to operate or stop the operation of the damper 14. For example, the controller 810 may control the operation of the damper 14 to open the first discharge flow path 340 based on the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 being higher than the first set temperature. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

[0308] The sensor unit 820 may include a second temperature sensor 822 for detecting the temperature of the freezing chamber 22. The second temperature sensor 822 may be provided in the freezing chamber 22. For example, the second temperature sensor 822 may be detachably mounted on the front surface of the cold air duct 80 exposed to the freezing chamber 22. For example, in the case where the partition 70 partitions the storage chamber 20 into the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 provided below the refrigerating chamber 21, the second temperature sensor 822 may be provided below the partition 70.

[0309] The controller 810 may control the operation of the damper 14 based on information obtained from the second temperature sensor 822. When the second temperature sensor 822 detects the second preset condition, the controller 810 may cause the damper 14 to operate or stop the operation of the damper 14. For example, the controller 810 may control the operation of the damper 14 to close the first discharge flow path 340 based on the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 being higher than the second set temperature. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

[0310] Fig.23 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0311] When the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 is higher than the first set temperature ("Yes" in 1100), it may be determined whether the compressor 11 is operating (1200). For example, the controller 810 may determine whether the compressor 11 is operating based on the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 being higher than the first set temperature. For example, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 may be measured by the first temperature sensor 821. For example, the controller 810 may be configured to compare the value received from the first temperature sensor 821 with the first set temperature.

[0312] When the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 is not higher than the first set temperature (No in 1100 ), the fan 13 may be stopped ( 1400 ). For example, the controller 810 may stop the fan 13 based on the fact that the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 is not higher than the first set temperature.

[0313] When the compressor 11 is operating ("Yes" in 1200), the fan 13 may be operated (1300). For example, the controller 810 may operate the fan 13 based on the operation of the compressor 11. That is, after the compressor 11 is operated first, the fan 13 may be operated.

[0314] When the compressor 11 is not operating (No in 1200), the operation of the fan 13 may be stopped (1400). For example, the controller 810 may stop the operation of the fan 13 based on the fact that the compressor 11 is not operating. That is, the fan 13 may not be operated until the compressor 11 is operated.

[0315] When the fan 13 operates ( 1300 ), the damper 14 may be operated to open the first exhaust flow path 340 ( 1500 ). For example, the controller 810 may control the operation of the damper 14 to open the first exhaust flow path 340 based on the operation of the fan 13 .

[0316] For example, when the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 is higher than the first set temperature ("Yes" in 1100) and the compressor 11 is running ("Yes" in 1200), the fan 13 may be operated to flow cold air in the cold air duct 80 (1300), and the damper 14 may open the first discharge flow path 340 so as to supply the cold air flowing through the fan 13 to the refrigerating chamber 21. Therefore, the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 may be discharged to the refrigerating chamber 21 via the first discharge flow path 340. Thus, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 may be lowered. Therefore, when the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 is equal to or lower than the first set temperature ("No" in 1100 after returning), the fan 13 may be stopped from operating.

[0317] Fig.23 The flowchart shown in the flowchart is not intended to limit the order of each step in steps 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500, and the order of each step in steps 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, and 1500 may be changed according to various embodiments. For example, the determination of whether the compressor is operating (1200) may be performed before determining whether the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 is higher than the first set temperature (1100).

[0318] Fig.24 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to another embodiment.

[0319] When the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 is higher than the second set temperature ("Yes" in 2100), it is determined whether the compressor 11 is operating (2200). For example, the controller 810 may determine whether the compressor 11 is operating based on the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 being higher than the second set temperature. For example, the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 may be measured by the second temperature sensor 822. For example, the controller 810 may be configured to compare the value received from the second temperature sensor 822 with the second set temperature.

[0320] When the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 is not higher than the second set temperature (No in 2100 ), the fan 13 may be stopped ( 2400 ). For example, the controller 810 may stop the fan 13 based on the fact that the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 is not higher than the second set temperature.

[0321] When the compressor 11 is operating (Yes in 2200), the fan 13 may be operated (2300). For example, the controller 810 may operate the fan 13 based on the operation of the compressor 11. That is, after the compressor 11 is operated first, the fan 13 may be operated.

[0322] When the compressor 11 is not running (No in 2200), the fan 13 may be stopped (2400). For example, the controller 810 may stop the fan 13 based on the fact that the compressor 11 is not running. That is, the fan 13 may be stopped until the compressor 11 is running.

[0323] When the fan 13 operates (2300), the damper 14 is operated to close the first exhaust flow path 340 (2500). For example, the controller 810 may control the operation of the damper 14 to close the first exhaust flow path 340 based on the operation of the fan 13.

[0324] For example, when the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 is higher than the second set temperature ("Yes" in 2100) and the compressor 11 is running ("Yes" in 2200), the fan 13 can be operated to flow cold air in the cold air duct 80 (2300), and the damper 14 can close the first discharge flow path 340 so that the cold air flowing through the fan 13 is centrally supplied to the freezing chamber 22. Therefore, the cold air generated by the evaporator 12 can be discharged to the freezing chamber 22 via the second discharge flow path 440. Therefore, the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 can be reduced. Therefore, when the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 is equal to or lower than the second set temperature ("No" in 2100 after returning), the fan 13 can be stopped.

[0325] exist Fig.24The flowchart shown in the flowchart is not intended to limit the order of each step in steps 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and 2500, and the order of each step in steps 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, and 2500 may be changed according to various embodiments. For example, the determination of whether the compressor is operating (2200) may be performed before determining whether the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 is higher than the second set temperature (2100).

[0326] When the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 is higher than the first set temperature and the temperature of the freezing chamber 22 is higher than the second set temperature, it is determined whether the compressor 11 is operating, and operations of the fan 13 and the damper 14 may be controlled.

[0327] For example, when the compressor 11 is not running, the fan 13 may be stopped from running. That is, the fan 13 may be stopped from running until the compressor 11 is running.

[0328] For example, when the compressor 11 is running, the fan 13 may be operated to make the cold air flow in the cold air duct 80, and the damper 14 may be operated to close the first exhaust flow path 340 after opening the first exhaust flow path 340 for a predetermined time. The controller 810 may output a signal so that the damper 14 opens or closes the first exhaust flow path 340.

[0329] For example, the damper 14 may be operated to open the first discharge flow path 340 based on the operation of the compressor 11 and the operation of the fan 13. A portion of the cold air generated from the evaporator 12 may be supplied to the refrigerating chamber 21 along the first discharge flow path 340. Another portion of the cold air generated from the evaporator 12 may be supplied to the freezing chamber 22 along the second discharge flow path 440. Therefore, the temperatures of both the refrigerating chamber 21 and the freezing chamber 22 may be lowered. When the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 is equal to or lower than the first set temperature, the damper 14 may be operated to close the first discharge flow path 340. All of the cold air generated from the evaporator 12 may be supplied to the freezing chamber 22 along the second discharge flow path 440. Therefore, after the temperature of the refrigerating chamber 21 is met, the damper 14 may be operated to meet the temperature of the freezing chamber 22.

[0330] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the technical concept described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: shell; Inner shell; Evaporator; a partition detachably mounted in the inner shell to define a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber located below the refrigerating chamber; a cold air duct located behind the partition, the cold air duct being configured to guide cold air within the inner shell; as well as a cold air connector connected to the cold air duct from the outside of the inner shell, the cold air connector being configured to deliver the cold air in the refrigerating chamber to the evaporator, Wherein, the cold air duct comprises: a first discharge hole communicating with the refrigerating chamber to supply cool air cooled by the evaporator to the refrigerating chamber; a second discharge hole communicating with the freezing chamber to supply cool air cooled by the evaporator to the freezing chamber; and A return flow path extends from the refrigerated chamber to the cold air connector and is configured to guide the cold air in the refrigerated chamber to the cold air connector, the return flow path having a first side configured to receive the cold air returned from the refrigerated chamber and a second side configured to supply the returned cold air to the cold air connector.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in, The cold air duct also includes: a discharge flow path configured to guide cool air cooled by the evaporator to the first discharge hole; and A wall separates the return flow path from the exhaust flow path.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: When the partition is separated from the inner case, the interior of the inner case defines the refrigerating chamber or the freezing chamber.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in, The cold air duct is arranged to form a first return hole and a second return hole, The first return hole is communicated with the refrigerating chamber to return the cold air in the refrigerating chamber, and the first return hole is positioned below the first discharge hole. The second return hole communicates with the freezing chamber to return cold air within the freezing chamber, and the second return hole is positioned below the second discharge hole.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, in, The return flow path is a first return flow path, and The cold air duct forms a second return flow path configured to guide the cold air returned through the second return hole to the evaporator.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein: The partition is located between the first return hole and the second discharge hole.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein: The partition is configured to be movable between the first return hole and the second discharge hole.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in, The cold air duct extends along the height direction of the inner shell, wherein the first portion of the cold air duct corresponds to the refrigerating chamber, and Wherein, the second portion of the cold air duct corresponds to the freezing chamber.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in, The cold air duct is configured to divide the interior of the inner case into: (i) a storage space in which the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber are formed; and (ii) a cold air generating space in which the evaporator is disposed, and Wherein, the cold air generating space is arranged behind at least a portion of the storage space.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in, The cold air duct comprises: a rear body configured to face a rear surface of the inner shell; and a front body coupled to a front portion of the rear body, the front body being configured to be exposed toward the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber, and Wherein, the partition is detachably mounted on the front surface of the front body.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein: The cold air duct further includes a support member located between the front body and the rear body, the support member being configured to form the return flow path.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: A door is configured to simultaneously open and close the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, in, The refrigerator further includes a heat insulator located between the inner shell and the outer shell, and Wherein, the cold air connector is configured to be embedded in the thermal insulation body.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The cold air duct also includes: a first discharge flow path configured to guide cool air cooled by the evaporator to the first discharge hole; and A second discharge flow path is configured to guide cool air cooled by the evaporator to the second discharge hole.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 14, further comprising: a fan configured to draw cool air cooled by the evaporator and discharge the drawn cool air into the first discharge flow path and the second discharge flow path; a damper configured to open and close the first exhaust flow path; a first temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the refrigerating chamber; a second temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the freezing chamber; as well as A controller is configured to control the damper to open or close the first exhaust flow path based on information obtained from at least one of the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor.

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