Refrigerator and method for controlling temperature of refrigerator

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling a temperature of the refrigerator. According to the refrigerator and the method for controlling a temperature of the refrigerator according to the present disclosure, by supplying cool air generated by a refrigerating chamber evaporator to a variable temperature chamber, a variable temperature chamber cooling mode, in which the temperature of the variable temperature chamber is lower than the temperature of the refrigerating chamber, and a variable temperature chamber heating mode, in which the temperature of the variable temperature chamber is higher than the temperature of the refrigerating chamber, can be implemented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to refrigerators and methods for controlling the temperature of refrigerators, and more specifically, to refrigerators including a variable temperature compartment. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is a household appliance used to supply cold air, generated through a refrigerant cycle, to a storage compartment to keep various types of stored items fresh for extended periods. The cold air supplied to a refrigerator is generated as follows: refrigerant circulates sequentially through a compressor, condenser, and evaporator before flowing into the evaporator, where liquid refrigerant vaporizes into gaseous refrigerant by absorbing heat from the refrigerator's interior. The cold air generated while passing through the evaporator is supplied to the storage compartment via a grille fan assembly, which includes a cold air flow path and a blower fan that directs the cold air into the storage compartment.

[0003] Storage compartments can serve multiple purposes, such as refrigerators or freezers. Since the refrigerator compartment stores items under refrigerated conditions and the freezer compartment stores items under frozen conditions, the amount of cold air supplied to the refrigerator and freezer compartments needs to be controlled differently to maintain different temperatures. Therefore, a refrigerator can have multiple independent storage compartments to ensure multiple storage spaces for various purposes. When a refrigerator has multiple storage compartments with independent storage spaces, cold air can be supplied to each compartment through separate evaporators located in each refrigerator and freezer compartment.

[0004] Meanwhile, to meet users' diverse food storage needs, refrigerators may feature a variable-temperature compartment, a multi-purpose storage space that can maintain refrigeration, freezing, or a user-specified temperature by controlling the temperature according to user requirements. The variable-temperature compartment can be configured as a separate storage space from the refrigerator and freezer compartments and requires an independent cooling control system.

[0005] When cold air generated from the freezer evaporator is supplied to the variable temperature compartment, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment can reach below 0°C. However, a separate blower fan for supplying cold air to the variable temperature compartment needs to be installed on the freezer evaporator, and the variable temperature compartment needs to be carefully insulated and shielded. This will lead to inconvenience in structural modifications and increased material costs.

[0006] Furthermore, since the cold air supplied to the variable temperature compartment is preferably returned to the evaporator and circulated, a separate return pipe can be provided for returning the cold air from the variable temperature compartment. However, providing a separate return pipe for returning the cold air from the variable temperature compartment increases the design complexity and cost of the refrigerator.

[0007] Furthermore, temperature fluctuations in the variable-temperature compartment can affect the refrigerator's energy efficiency. During the temperature control process of the variable-temperature compartment, when energy consumption increases, the refrigerator's power consumption will also increase, which can impose an economic burden on users. For example, heating elements such as heaters can be used to raise the temperature of the variable-temperature compartment, but the use of such heaters will disrupt the overall cooling balance of the refrigerator.

[0008] In recent years, storage compartments that can be accessed by opening only the front surface of the door without fully opening the door have been used. When the variable temperature compartment is also operated in this way, it further disrupts the overall cooling balance of the refrigerator. Therefore, a cooling control system for the variable temperature compartment is needed that can reduce the impact on the refrigerator's energy efficiency and maintain the overall cooling balance of the refrigerator when the temperature of the variable temperature compartment changes (such as by raising or lowering the temperature of the variable temperature compartment).

[0009] Furthermore, when the temperature control of the variable-temperature compartment relies entirely on the air conditioning control system of the refrigerator or freezer compartment, the air conditioning control system of the refrigerator or freezer compartment also needs to be operated to control the temperature of the variable-temperature compartment, which reduces the energy efficiency of the refrigerator. Therefore, there is a need for an air conditioning control system for the variable-temperature compartment that can control the temperature of the variable-temperature compartment even when the air conditioning control system of the refrigerator or freezer compartment is not in operation.

[0010] Furthermore, when the temperature in the variable temperature compartment remains at the user-set level for an extended period, the cooling control system of the variable temperature compartment becomes inoperable, preventing the cooling air from circulating. This lack of circulation leads to temperature stratification within the variable temperature compartment.

[0011] To address these issues, the present invention proposes a refrigerator and a method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, which can use the cold air from the refrigerator compartment to control the temperature of the variable temperature compartment. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, which can realize both a variable temperature compartment cooling mode and a variable temperature compartment heating mode.

[0013] The present invention also aims to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, which can reduce structural modification problems and increased material costs associated with the insulation shielding of the variable temperature compartment.

[0014] The present invention also aims to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, which can operate independently of the cooling control system of the refrigerator compartment or the cooling control system of the freezer compartment, and realize both the cooling mode and the heating mode of the variable compartment.

[0015] The present invention also aims to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, which can improve the energy efficiency of the refrigerator without disrupting the overall cold air balance of the refrigerator.

[0016] The present invention also aims to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, which can realize a cold air circulation mode that allows cold air to circulate in a variable temperature compartment, independent of the operation of the cold air control system of the refrigerator compartment or the cold air control system of the freezer compartment.

[0017] The present invention also aims to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, which simplifies the design for returning cold air from the variable temperature compartment and reduces the cost of structural modifications.

[0018] The present invention also aims to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, which can discharge cold air from the variable temperature compartment to the cold storage compartment with minimal cooling loss.

[0019] The present invention also aims to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, which can prevent stored items in the variable temperature compartment from being damaged by cold air.

[0020] The present invention also aims to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, which can solve the problem of unbalanced cold air that may occur when a variable temperature compartment is installed on the door using a secondary door.

[0021] The objectives of this invention are not limited to those described above, and other objectives and advantages not mentioned herein may be understood through the following description and will become clearer through embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of this invention can be achieved through the means and combinations thereof described in the claims.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerator is provided, comprising: a cabinet including a refrigerator compartment; one or more doors for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment; a variable temperature compartment mounted on a door; a variable temperature compartment fan disposed on one side of the variable temperature compartment; a cold air supply duct configured to deliver cold air generated from an evaporator disposed in the refrigerator compartment to the variable temperature compartment; a damper configured to adjust the amount of cold air delivered to the variable temperature compartment; and a control unit configured to control the operation of the variable temperature compartment fan and the damper, wherein the control unit controls the variable temperature compartment fan and the damper to maintain the temperature of the variable temperature compartment at a temperature lower or higher than that of the refrigerator compartment.

[0023] The control unit can open the damper and operate the variable temperature compartment fan to keep the temperature in the variable temperature compartment lower than that in the cold storage compartment.

[0024] The refrigerator may also include a grille fan assembly with a blower fan mounted on it and located in the refrigerator compartment, wherein the control unit may additionally operate the blower fan to achieve a temperature in the variable temperature compartment that is lower than that in the refrigerator compartment.

[0025] The control unit can close the damper to block the cold air supplied from the cold air supply pipe to the variable temperature compartment, thereby making the temperature of the variable temperature compartment higher than that of the cold storage compartment.

[0026] The variable temperature compartment may include: a housing unit configured to house stored items; a flow path forming member configured to communicate with and be disposed on one side of the housing unit; and a variable temperature compartment heater disposed on one side of the flow path forming member. The control unit may operate the variable temperature compartment fan and the variable temperature compartment heater to achieve a temperature in the variable temperature compartment that is higher than that in the cold storage compartment.

[0027] The cold air circulating along the cold air circulation flow path formed by the containment unit and the flow path forming component can be heated while passing through the variable temperature chamber heater.

[0028] The variable temperature chamber may include a housing unit configured to house stored items and a flow path forming member configured to communicate with the housing unit and disposed on one side of the housing unit. The control unit may close the damper and operate the variable temperature chamber fan to circulate the cold air in the variable temperature chamber along the cold air circulation flow path formed by the housing unit and the flow path forming member.

[0029] The variable temperature compartment may include an outlet configured to discharge cold air supplied from the cold air supply duct into the cold storage compartment.

[0030] The cold air discharged into the refrigeration compartment through the outlet can return to the evaporator.

[0031] The exit can be configured to be selectively opened and closed.

[0032] The variable temperature compartment may include a housing unit configured to hold stored items and a variable temperature compartment door configured to open and close the rear side of the housing unit, and an outlet may be provided on the variable temperature compartment door.

[0033] The refrigerator may also include one or more storage units located in the refrigerator compartment, wherein the outlet may be located above the storage unit.

[0034] The variable temperature chamber may include an inlet connected to a cooling air supply duct, and the outlet and inlet may be positioned diagonally opposite each other.

[0035] The entrance can be located in the lower area on one side of the variable temperature chamber, and the exit can be located in the upper area on the other side of the variable temperature chamber.

[0036] The variable temperature chamber may include an inlet configured to communicate with a cooling air supply duct and an exhaust cover configured to cover the inlet, and the exhaust cover may include one or more exhaust guide ribs inclined toward the outlet.

[0037] The variable temperature chamber may include an inlet configured to communicate with a cooling air supply duct and an exhaust cover configured to cover the inlet, and the exhaust cover may include an exhaust opening that opens backward and / or upward from the variable temperature chamber and one or more exhaust guide ribs disposed in the exhaust opening.

[0038] The variable temperature compartment may include a housing unit configured to house stored items, a flow path forming member configured to communicate with the housing unit and disposed on one side of the housing unit, and an inlet configured to communicate with a cold air supply pipe and introduce cold air into the housing unit. The flow path forming member may include an inlet hole configured to communicate with the housing unit and introduce cold air into the flow path forming member, and a suction port configured to draw cold air passing through the flow path forming member into the inlet. The housing unit may include a through hole configured to communicate with the inlet hole and the suction port.

[0039] The inlet, flow hole, through hole, and suction port can be located on the same side of the variable temperature chamber.

[0040] The inlet can be located in the lower region of the variable temperature chamber, the inlet hole can be located in the upper region of the variable temperature chamber, and the through hole can be adjacent to the inlet and located between the inlet and the inlet hole.

[0041] The variable temperature chamber fan can be configured to communicate with the inlet, so that the cold air drawn in from the suction port passes through the variable temperature chamber fan and is introduced into the containment unit through the inlet.

[0042] The through-hole can be located above the fan in the variable temperature compartment.

[0043] The door may include a main door and a secondary door. The main door includes a front opening and can rotate from the cabinet to open and close the refrigerator compartment. The secondary door can rotate from the main door to open and close the front opening of the main door, and the variable temperature compartment can be installed on the main door.

[0044] The front surface of the variable temperature chamber can be opened to communicate with the front opening of the main door.

[0045] The refrigerator may also include a door supply duct configured to supply cold air generated from the evaporator to the door, the door supply duct extending forward from the rear of the cabinet and supplying cold air downward from the upper area of ​​the door.

[0046] The air supply duct may extend along one outer surface of the refrigerator compartment, and the door supply duct may be positioned closer to the outer surface of the refrigerator compartment than the other outer surface of the refrigerator compartment.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling the temperature of a refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator compartment, a variable temperature compartment mounted on a door for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment, a variable temperature compartment fan disposed on one side of the variable temperature compartment, a cold air supply pipe for conveying cold air generated from an evaporator disposed in the refrigerator compartment to the variable temperature compartment, and a damper configured to adjust the amount of cold air conveyed to the variable temperature compartment. The method includes a variable temperature compartment cooling mode and a variable temperature compartment heating mode. In the variable temperature compartment cooling mode, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment is lower than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment, and in the variable temperature compartment heating mode, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment is higher than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment.

[0048] When the preset temperature of the variable temperature compartment is not met, the cooling mode of the variable temperature compartment can open the air vents and operate the variable temperature compartment fan to make the temperature of the variable temperature compartment lower than that of the cold storage compartment.

[0049] The method may also include controlling the opening angle of the damper to control the amount of cold air delivered to the variable temperature chamber.

[0050] When the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber is met, the cooling mode of the variable temperature chamber can close the damper and stop the operation of the variable temperature chamber fan.

[0051] The variable temperature chamber heating mode can close the damper to block the cold air supplied to the variable temperature chamber through the cold air supply pipe.

[0052] The variable temperature chamber may include a containment unit configured to contain stored items and a flow path forming member configured to communicate with the containment unit and disposed on one side of the containment unit.

[0053] The variable temperature chamber may also include a variable temperature chamber heater disposed on one side of the flow path forming member, and when the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber is not met, the variable temperature chamber heating mode can close the damper and operate the variable temperature chamber fan and the variable temperature chamber heater to achieve a temperature in the variable temperature chamber that is higher than that in the cold storage chamber.

[0054] In the variable temperature chamber heating mode, the cold air inside the variable temperature chamber can be heated by the variable temperature chamber heater while circulating along the cold air circulation flow path formed by the containment unit and the flow path forming component.

[0055] When the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber is met, the variable temperature chamber heating mode can close the damper and stop the operation of the variable temperature chamber fan and heater.

[0056] The method may also include a variable-temperature chamber circulation mode that circulates cold air within the variable-temperature chamber.

[0057] When the damper is closed, if the duration of the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber exceeds the preset time, the variable temperature chamber circulation mode can operate the variable temperature chamber fan to make the cold air in the variable temperature chamber circulate along the cold air circulation flow path formed by the containment unit and the flow path forming component for a predetermined time.

[0058] When the damper is closed, the variable temperature chamber fan can remain stopped as long as the duration of maintaining the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber does not exceed the preset time.

[0059] The variable temperature chamber may also include a temperature sensor disposed on the flow path forming member, and the temperature sensor can measure the temperature of the variable temperature chamber.

[0060] According to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, by supplying cold air generated from the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment to the variable temperature compartment, a variable temperature compartment cooling mode and a variable temperature compartment heating mode can be realized. In the variable temperature compartment cooling mode, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment is lower than that of the refrigerator compartment, and in the variable temperature compartment heating mode, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment is higher than that of the refrigerator compartment.

[0061] Therefore, compared to supplying cooling air to the variable temperature chamber from the evaporator of the freezer chamber which provides relatively colder air, it is possible to reduce structural modification issues and material cost increases related to the insulation shielding of the variable temperature chamber.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, the operation of the variable temperature compartment fan and damper can be controlled, thereby achieving a temperature in the variable temperature compartment that is lower or higher than the temperature in the refrigerator compartment.

[0063] Therefore, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment can be controlled to increase or decrease independently of the air conditioning control system of the refrigerator compartment or the air conditioning control system of the freezer compartment.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator according to the present invention, the temperature of the variable compartment can be higher than that of the refrigerator compartment simply by closing the damper to block the cold air generated from the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment from being transported to the variable compartment through the cold air supply pipe.

[0065] Therefore, the temperature increase in the variable temperature compartment can be controlled without the need for a separate heating element, thereby improving the refrigerator's energy efficiency and maintaining the overall cold air balance of the refrigerator.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator according to the present invention, by operating the variable temperature compartment fan and the variable temperature compartment heater, the cold air passing through the variable temperature compartment heater is circulated along the cold air circulation flow path formed in the variable temperature compartment, so that the temperature of the variable temperature compartment can be higher than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment.

[0067] Therefore, in addition to locally heating the cold air in the variable temperature compartment using the variable temperature compartment heater, the heated cold air can also circulate along the cold air circulation path formed in the variable temperature compartment to increase the temperature of the variable temperature compartment more quickly and efficiently, thereby reducing the operating time of the variable temperature compartment heater to improve the energy efficiency of the refrigerator and maintain the cold air balance of the entire refrigerator.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, by closing the damper and operating the variable temperature compartment fan, the cold air in the variable temperature compartment is circulated along the cold air circulation path formed in the variable temperature compartment, which can periodically circulate the cold air in the variable temperature compartment and prevent the cold air in the variable temperature compartment from forming temperature stratification according to temperature.

[0069] Therefore, when the temperature of the variable temperature compartment is maintained at the user-set level for a long time, the operation of the cold air control system of the refrigerator compartment or the cold air control system of the freezer compartment can be realized to enable the cold air circulation mode of the variable temperature compartment.

[0070] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator according to the present invention, cold air received from the cold air supply pipe from the cold air variable compartment is discharged from the cold air variable compartment to the refrigerator compartment via an outlet formed in the cold air variable compartment, so that the cold air in the cold air variable compartment can be returned to the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment.

[0071] Therefore, since no separate return pipe is required, the design of cold air return can be simplified and the cost of structural modifications can be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator according to the present invention, by allowing the outlet of the variable temperature compartment to be selectively opened and closed, the variable temperature compartment can easily maintain various temperatures desired by the user, thereby providing the user with more options for changing the use of the variable temperature compartment.

[0073] Furthermore, the refrigerator according to the invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator, wherein the cold air discharged from the variable temperature compartment is positioned above the storage unit in the refrigerator compartment, so that the cold air discharged from the variable temperature compartment can be discharged into the refrigerator compartment with minimal cooling loss without interference from the storage unit.

[0074] Furthermore, the refrigerator and the method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator according to the present invention can achieve an indirect cooling method by allowing the vent cover (which covers the inlet that introduces cold air into the variable temperature compartment) to open backward and / or upward, i.e., applying cold air indirectly without applying cold air directly to the items stored in the containing unit, thereby preventing the stored items from being directly exposed to cold air and damaged.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator according to the present invention, by including a door supply pipe for supplying cold air downward from the upper region of the door, more cold air can be discharged to the side of the door of the refrigerator where the variable temperature compartment is provided.

[0076] Therefore, by additionally supplying cold air through the door supply pipe, it is possible to eliminate the imbalance of cold air throughout the refrigerator that may be caused by frequent inflow of warm air due to the user's frequent opening of the secondary door or by the operation of the variable temperature compartment heater.

[0077] The above effects and their specific effects will be described together with the following detailed description used to carry out this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Figure 1 This is a frontal 3D view of the refrigerator.

[0079] Figure 2 This is a front view of a refrigerator with the freezer door removed and the refrigerator compartment door (which has a variable temperature compartment) installed, shown in the open position.

[0080] Figure 3 The view shows the secondary door on the door of a cold storage room with a variable temperature compartment as being in the open position.

[0081] Figure 4 The view shows the refrigerator door and the variable temperature compartment door, which are installed with the variable temperature compartment, in the open position.

[0082] Figure 5 The view shows the refrigerator door, which has a variable temperature compartment, fully open.

[0083] Figure 6 This is a view illustrating the structure for supplying and returning cold air to and from the variable temperature chamber.

[0084] Figure 7 This is a view illustrating the cold air supply connection between the variable temperature compartment, the cold storage compartment grille fan assembly, the damper, and the cold air supply duct.

[0085] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the components constituting the variable temperature chamber according to one embodiment.

[0086] Figure 9 This is an exploded perspective view of some components of a variable temperature chamber according to another embodiment.

[0087] Figure 10 This is a view of the discharge cover according to one embodiment.

[0088] Figure 11 This is a view of the discharge cover according to another embodiment.

[0089] Figure 12 This is an example view showing a first variable temperature chamber heater, a variable temperature chamber fan, and a temperature sensor disposed on one side surface of the variable temperature chamber.

[0090] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the cold air circulation path of an example variable temperature chamber.

[0091] Figure 14 This is a view illustrating the control connection configuration of the control unit.

[0092] Figure 15 This is a view used to describe the temperature control of the variable temperature compartment based on the temperature control of the refrigerator compartment and the temperature control of the freezer compartment.

[0093] Figure 16 This is a flowchart of the cooling mode for a variable temperature chamber.

[0094] Figure 17 This is a flowchart used to adjust the set temperature of the variable temperature chamber in the cooling mode of the variable temperature chamber.

[0095] Figure 18 This is a flowchart of the heating mode for the variable temperature chamber.

[0096] Figure 19 This is a flowchart of the variable temperature chamber circulation mode. Detailed Implementation

[0097] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, and thus those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will be able to readily implement the technical spirit of this disclosure. In describing the invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the invention will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar parts.

[0098] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise stated, it is obvious that the first component can be the second component.

[0099] Throughout this instruction manual, unless otherwise stated, each component may be in the singular or plural form.

[0100] In the following text, the phrase "any component is positioned on the upper (or lower) part" or "above (or below) the part" can mean not only that the arbitrary component is positioned to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the part, but also that other components can be inserted between the component and any component positioned above (or below) the component.

[0101] Furthermore, when describing a first component as “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” to a second component, these components may be directly connected or engaged, but it should be understood that a third component may be “inserted” between these components, or these components may be “connected,” “joined,” or “engaged” through a third component.

[0102] Singular expressions used herein include plural expressions unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. In this application, terms such as “consisting of” or “comprising” should not be construed as necessarily including all the various components or operations described in the specification, but should be construed as excluding certain components or operations, or may further include additional components or operations.

[0103] Throughout the specification, when “A and / or B” is described, it means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise stated; and when “C to D” is described, it means C or more and D or fewer unless otherwise stated.

[0104] In the following text, a refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0105] [The structure of a refrigerator, including a variable temperature compartment]

[0106] Reference Figures 1 to 5 A refrigerator including a variable temperature compartment is described according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The exterior of the refrigerator 1 may be formed by a cabinet 10 and multiple doors. The cabinet 10 includes one or more storage compartments (storage spaces for items), and the multiple doors are capable of opening and closing the front surface of the cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 may include an outer shell 11 and an inner shell 12 that engages internally with the outer shell 11. Insulation material may be filled between the inner shell 12 and the outer shell 11, and various types of pipes associated with the refrigeration system may pass through this insulation material. A partition unit 17 may divide the inner shell 12 into separate spaces including a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment. The first storage compartment located at the top may be used as a refrigerator compartment 20, and the second storage compartment located at the bottom may be used as a freezer compartment 30.

[0108] The refrigerator compartment 20 and the freezer compartment 30 may each be equipped with a refrigerator compartment grille fan assembly 21 and a freezer compartment grille fan assembly 31, respectively, for supplying cold air generated by the evaporator to each storage compartment. In addition, the refrigerator compartment 20 may be equipped with one or more storage units 22 for storing items, and the freezer compartment 30 may also be equipped with one or more storage units 32 for storing items.

[0109] The refrigerator compartment 20 can be opened and closed via a pair of first doors 13. The pair of first doors 13 can be a pair of pivot doors that are rotatably connected to one side and the other side of the cabinet 10 via hinges. A dispenser 15 can be installed on one of the first doors 13, which allows the user to remove water or ice without opening the door.

[0110] Furthermore, a variable temperature compartment 40 may be installed on the other of the first doors 13, which can be used for different purposes according to user settings. Depending on the user settings, the variable temperature compartment 40 can be used as a refrigerator, a freezer, or a separate storage compartment with a desired temperature. The following description will provide an embodiment where the first door 13 with the dispenser 15 is the left door and the first door 13 with the variable temperature compartment 40 is the right door.

[0111] The freezer compartment 30 can be opened and closed via a pair of second doors 14. The pair of second doors 14 may be a pair of rotating doors that are rotatably connected to one side and the other side of the cabinet 10 via hinges, but are not limited thereto, and the pair of second doors 14 may also be drawer-type doors that are pulled in and out via guide rails.

[0112] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The first door 13, which includes the variable temperature compartment 40, can be composed of a main door 131 and a secondary door 132. The first door 13 can be implemented as a door within a door. The main door 131 is attached to the cabinet 10 and serves as the entrance to the entire interior of the refrigerator compartment 20. The secondary door 132 is connected to one side of the main door 131 by hinges and can be opened and closed independently of the main door 131. The main door 131 may include the variable temperature compartment 40. The variable temperature compartment 40 may include a receiving unit 41 for storing items to be stored and a variable temperature compartment door 42 covering the rear surface of the receiving unit 41.

[0113] A front opening 133 can be formed on the front surface of the main door 131. Therefore, the user can access the receiving unit 41 of the variable temperature compartment 40 through the front opening 133 simply by opening the secondary door 132 without opening the main door 131. That is, the front surface of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be closed when the secondary door 132 is closed, and can be opened when the secondary door 132 is open. Furthermore, when the variable temperature compartment door 42 is opened with both the main door 131 and the secondary door 132 in the open state, the user can access the variable temperature compartment 40 through the rear surface of the variable temperature compartment 40.

[0114] The front surface of the secondary door 132 may include a light-transmitting unit 16. Therefore, the user can easily view the items stored inside the variable temperature compartment 40 without opening the secondary door 132. In this case, the light transmittance of the light-transmitting unit 16 can be changed according to specific user actions (such as tapping) or user settings. For example, the light-transmitting unit 16 may typically remain opaque or semi-transparent, and can be changed to a light-transmitting state via input from the control unit.

[0115] A variable temperature compartment fan 44 and a sealing gasket 45 may be provided on the outer side of one side surface of the variable temperature compartment 40, and a discharge cover 46 may be provided on the inner side of the same side surface of the variable temperature compartment 40. The discharge cover 46 and the variable temperature compartment fan 44 may be arranged facing each other. A cold air supply pipe connection port 23 may be formed on one side of the inner shell 12 constituting the cold storage compartment 20. In the closed state of the main door 131, the variable temperature compartment fan 44 and the sealing gasket 45 of the variable temperature compartment 40 may be positioned in communication with the cold air supply pipe connection port 23 of the inner shell 12. Therefore, in the closed state of the main door 131, the cold air supply pipe connection port 23 of the inner shell 12 may communicate with the variable temperature compartment fan 44 and the discharge cover 46 of the variable temperature compartment 40. One or more retaining units 134 (such as storage shelves) may be installed on the main door 131. Although the present specification describes a structure in which the retaining units 134 are arranged above the variable temperature compartment 40, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0116] In this instruction manual, the refrigerator compartment may be referred to as the fresh food compartment or the food preservation compartment, the freezer compartment may be referred to as the ice-freezing compartment or the food freezing compartment, and the variable temperature compartment may be referred to as the switching compartment or the variable temperature compartment.

[0117] [Air conditioning system for the variable temperature compartment]

[0118] The following will refer to further details. Figure 6 A cooling system for a variable temperature chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0119] A refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e and a refrigerator compartment grille fan assembly 21 may be disposed within the refrigerator compartment 20. The refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e generates cold air to be supplied to the refrigerator compartment 20, and the refrigerator compartment grille fan assembly 21 supplies the cold air generated by the refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e into the refrigerator compartment 20. The refrigerator compartment grille fan assembly 21 may include a refrigerator compartment blower fan 212 for blowing the cold air generated from the refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e. The refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e and the refrigerator compartment grille fan assembly 21 may be disposed within the rear interior of the refrigerator compartment 20. The refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e may be disposed between the refrigerator compartment grille fan assembly 21 and the rear surface of the inner shell 12 constituting the refrigerator compartment 20, and the refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e may be disposed within the refrigerator compartment evaporator chamber 211. For example, the refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e may be located below the refrigerator compartment blower fan 212. The refrigerator compartment grille fan assembly 21, the refrigerator compartment blower fan 212, the refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e, and the refrigerator compartment evaporator chamber 211 may be referred to as the first grille fan assembly, the first blower fan, the first evaporator, and the first evaporator chamber, respectively.

[0120] The refrigerator compartment cooling system repeats the following cycle. High-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor releases heat in the condenser and changes to a liquid state. The liquid refrigerant moves through the expansion valve to the refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e, where it changes to a gaseous state and absorbs ambient heat to generate cold air. The cold air generated in this way is blown into the refrigerator compartment 20 by the refrigerator compartment blower fan 212, thereby cooling the interior of the refrigerator compartment 20.

[0121] A cold air exhaust structure 213 may be installed at the rear interior of the refrigerator compartment 20. This cold air exhaust structure 213 includes one or more cold air flow paths 214. The cold air exhaust structure 213 may also be referred to as a connecting pipe or a multi-pipe system. The cold air exhaust structure 213 may be located above the refrigerator compartment grille fan assembly 21 and may communicate with the refrigerator compartment grille fan assembly 21. The cold air blown by the refrigerator compartment blower fan 212 may move along the cold air flow paths 214 of the cold air exhaust structure 213 and be supplied to the refrigerator compartment 20 through cold air guide holes or the like formed in the cold air exhaust structure 213.

[0122] A freezer evaporator 311e and a freezer grille fan assembly 31 may be disposed in the freezer compartment 30. The freezer evaporator 311e generates cold air to be supplied to the freezer compartment 30, and the freezer grille fan assembly 31 supplies the cold air generated by the freezer evaporator 311e into the freezer compartment 30. The freezer grille fan assembly 31 may include a freezer blower fan 312 for blowing the cold air generated from the freezer evaporator 311e. The freezer evaporator 311e and the freezer grille fan assembly 31 may be disposed at the rear interior of the freezer compartment 30. The freezer evaporator 311e may be disposed between the freezer grille fan assembly 31 and the rear surface of the freezer compartment 30. For example, a freezer evaporator chamber 311 may be formed between the freezer grille fan assembly 31 and the rear surface of the inner shell 12 constituting the freezer compartment 30, and the freezer evaporator 311e may be disposed in the freezer evaporator chamber 311. For example, the freezer evaporator 311e may be disposed below the freezer blower fan 312. The freezer compartment grille fan assembly 31, freezer compartment blower fan 312, freezer compartment evaporator 311e, and freezer compartment evaporator chamber 311 can be referred to as the second grille fan assembly, the second blower fan, the second evaporator, and the second evaporator chamber, respectively.

[0123] In addition, the freezer compartment grille fan assembly 31 may also include an ice-making fan 313 for supplying cold air to an ice-making device. For example, the ice-making device may be installed on the freezer compartment 30, on the door, etc.

[0124] The freezer cooling system repeats the following cycle. High-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant from the compressor releases heat in the condenser and changes to a liquid state. The liquid refrigerant moves through the expansion valve to the freezer evaporator 311e, where it changes to a gaseous state and absorbs ambient heat to generate cold air. The cold air generated in this way is blown into the freezer compartment 30 by the freezer compartment blower fan 312, thereby cooling the interior of the freezer compartment 30.

[0125] For example, the compressor can be located in the machine compartment at the lower rear end of the freezer compartment 30. A single compressor can implement both the refrigerator compartment cooling system and the freezer compartment cooling system, but the invention is not limited to this, and the refrigerator compartment cooling system and the freezer compartment cooling system can also be implemented by two compressors respectively.

[0126] In this way, according to the present invention, the refrigerator compartment 20 and the freezer compartment 30 can each implement an independent cooling system. The variable temperature compartment 40 can receive cold air generated from the refrigerator compartment cooling system or the freezer compartment cooling system. In this invention, an embodiment in which the variable temperature compartment 40 receives cold air from the refrigerator compartment cooling system will be described.

[0127] Reference Figure 6 The variable temperature compartment 40 receives cold air generated from the evaporator 211e of the refrigerator compartment via a cold air supply duct 50 connected to the evaporator 211e of the refrigerator compartment. One side and the other side of the cold air supply duct 50 can be connected to the refrigerator compartment grille fan assembly 21 on which the evaporator 211e of the refrigerator compartment is located and to one side of the variable temperature compartment 40, respectively. The cold air supply duct 50 can be formed to extend from the rear surface of the inner shell 12 constituting the refrigerator compartment 20 along a side surface. The cold air supply duct 50 extending along this side surface of the inner shell 12 can be connected to a cold air supply duct connection port 23 formed on this side surface of the inner shell 12.

[0128] The amount of cold air supplied to the variable temperature compartment 40 can be controlled by a damper 54. For example, the damper 54 can be located between the refrigerator compartment grille fan assembly 21 and the cold air supply duct 50. When the damper 54 is open, cold air generated from the refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e can be delivered to the variable temperature compartment 40; however, when the damper 54 is closed, cold air generated from the refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e may not be delivered to the variable temperature compartment 40, thus blocking the introduction of cold air into the variable temperature compartment 40. The damper 54 can be opened at a predetermined angle, rather than fully opened or closed, and the amount of cold air passing through the damper 54 can be controlled according to the opening angle.

[0129] A variable temperature chamber fan 44 can be installed on one side surface of the variable temperature chamber 40. The variable temperature chamber fan 44 can be disposed on this side surface of the variable temperature chamber 40 and, with the main door 131 of the variable temperature chamber 40 closed, can communicate with the cold air supply duct connection port 23 formed on this side surface of the inner shell 12. Therefore, the variable temperature chamber fan 44 and the cold air supply duct 50 can communicate with each other when the inner shell 12 is inserted therein. The variable temperature chamber fan 44 can assist in drawing in cold air generated from the cold air supply duct 50 and discharging it into the variable temperature chamber 40; and when the cold air supplied from the cold air supply duct 50 is blocked by the damper 54, the variable temperature chamber fan 44 can be used to circulate the cold air within the variable temperature chamber 40.

[0130] According to the present invention, the variable temperature compartment 40 can receive cold air generated from the refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e, and the variable temperature compartment 40 can achieve a temperature lower or higher than that of the refrigerator compartment 20. That is, according to the present invention, since the variable temperature compartment 40 is supplied with cold air generated from the refrigerator compartment evaporator 211e, compared to supplying cold air to the variable temperature compartment 40 from the freezer compartment evaporator 311e which provides relatively colder air, there are no structural modification problems or increased material costs related to the thermal insulation of the variable temperature compartment 40.

[0131] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the operation of the variable temperature compartment fan 44 and the damper 54 can be controlled to achieve a variable temperature compartment cooling mode and a variable temperature compartment heating mode. In the variable temperature compartment cooling mode, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 is lower than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20, and in the variable temperature compartment heating mode, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 is higher than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20. However, the variable temperature compartment cooling mode defined herein is not limited to achieving a temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 lower than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20; it can also control the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 to achieve a predetermined temperature lower than the currently measured temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40. Similarly, the variable temperature compartment heating mode defined herein is not limited to achieving a temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 higher than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20; it can also control the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 to achieve a predetermined temperature higher than the currently measured temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40.

[0132] For example, the cooling mode of the variable temperature compartment can be implemented as follows. When the required temperature conditions for the cold storage compartment 20 are met, the operation of the cold air control system for the cold storage compartment can be stopped. In this case, the operation of the cold storage compartment blower 212 can also be stopped, thereby stopping the supply of cold air to the cold storage compartment 20. Even though the operation of the cold storage compartment blower 212 is stopped in this way, when the variable temperature compartment fan 44 of the variable temperature compartment 40 operates with the damper 54 open, the cold air generated in the cold storage compartment evaporator 211e can still be drawn into the variable temperature compartment 40 by the variable temperature compartment fan 44. Therefore, even if the supply of cold air to the cold storage compartment 20 is stopped, cold air can still be supplied to the variable temperature compartment 40, thereby achieving a temperature lower than that of the cold storage compartment 20.

[0133] Furthermore, even when the air conditioning control system of the refrigerator compartment operates in a state where the required temperature conditions for the refrigerator compartment 20 are not met, when the variable temperature compartment fan 44 of the variable temperature compartment 40 operates, compared to the refrigerator compartment 20 which is supplied with cold air solely by the air volume of the refrigerator compartment blower fan 212, more cold air is blown into the variable temperature compartment 40 by the combined air volume of the refrigerator compartment blower fan 212 and the variable temperature compartment fan 44, thereby achieving a temperature in the variable temperature compartment 40 that is lower than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20. In this way, according to the present invention, the temperature reduction of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be controlled independently of the operation of the air conditioning control system of the refrigerator compartment 20 or the air conditioning control system of the freezer compartment 30.

[0134] For example, the variable temperature compartment heating mode can be implemented as follows: The damper 54, which controls the amount of cold air supplied to the variable temperature compartment 40, can be closed to block the flow of cold air generated from the evaporator 211e of the refrigerator compartment to the variable temperature compartment 40 via the cold air supply pipe 50. In this way, when the cold air supply to the variable temperature compartment 40 is blocked, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be made higher than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20. In this way, according to the present invention, the temperature rise of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be controlled independently of the operation of the cold air control system of the refrigerator compartment 20 or the cold air control system of the freezer compartment 30.

[0135] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the temperature rise of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be controlled without using a separate heating element. When a separate heating element is installed in the variable temperature compartment 40 and generates heat, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be increased, but the temperature near the side of the refrigerator compartment 20 adjacent to the variable temperature compartment 40 will also increase. In this way, when the temperature near the side of the refrigerator compartment 20 adjacent to the variable temperature compartment 40 increases, an imbalance of cold air may occur between the left and right areas of the refrigerator compartment 20. In addition, when the temperature near the side of the refrigerator compartment 20 adjacent to the variable temperature compartment 40 increases, the cold air control system of the refrigerator compartment 20 needs to be continuously operated to meet the set temperature in the refrigerator compartment 20, which is detrimental to the energy efficiency of the refrigerator 1. In this way, according to the present invention, the temperature rise of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be controlled simply by controlling the opening and closing of the damper 54 without using a separate heating element, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the refrigerator 1 and preventing the cold air balance of the entire refrigerator 1 from being disrupted.

[0136] Meanwhile, to improve the energy efficiency of refrigerator 1 and maintain the overall cold air balance of refrigerator 1, cold air can be more concentratedly discharged to the first door 13 where the variable temperature compartment 40 is located. Especially when warm air is frequently introduced due to the user's frequent opening of the secondary door 132 to use the variable temperature compartment 40, or when the variable temperature compartment heater installed inside the variable temperature compartment 40 is operating, it may be difficult to maintain the cold air balance between the left and right areas of the refrigerator compartment 20. Therefore, a door supply pipe 52 can be additionally installed in the refrigerator compartment 20 to supply cold air to the first door 13 where the variable temperature compartment 40 is located. The door supply pipe 52 can be configured to extend from the outer side of the upper surface of the refrigerator compartment 20, allowing one end of the door supply pipe 52 to be connected through an opening formed on the upper surface of the inner shell 12, but is not limited to this configuration. The door supply pipe 52 can also be configured to extend from the inner side of the upper surface of the refrigerator compartment 20.

[0137] One side of the door supply pipe 52 can communicate with the cold air exhaust structure 213 located at the rear of the refrigerator compartment 20, and the other side of the door supply pipe 52 can exhaust cold air downwards from the upper region of the first door 13. The other side of the door supply pipe 52 that exhausts cold air to the first door 13 can be configured to vertically / perpend over the first door 13 where the variable temperature compartment 40 is located, and supply cold air thereto. The door supply pipe 52 is not directly connected to the first door 13 or the variable temperature compartment 40, but it can exhaust cold air downwards from a position that vertically / perpends over the upper region of the first door 13 where the variable temperature compartment 40 is located, thereby achieving an effect substantially similar to directly supplying cold air to the first door 13. In this way, according to the present invention, by additionally arranging the door supply pipe 52, more cold air can be supplied to the vicinity of the side where the first door 13 with the variable temperature compartment 40 is located, thereby solving the problem of cold air imbalance between the left and right regions of the refrigerator.

[0138] Furthermore, the door supply duct 52 can be positioned closer to the outer surface of the refrigerator compartment 20 where the extended cold air supply duct 50 is located, compared to the other outer surface of the refrigerator compartment 20 without the cold air supply duct 50. Therefore, in the left-right direction of the refrigerator compartment 20, the cold air supply duct 50 and the door supply duct 52 can be positioned more towards the first door 13 where the variable temperature compartment 40 is located. By arranging the cold air supply duct 50 and the door supply duct 52 adjacent to the first door 13 where the variable temperature compartment 40 is located in this way, the problem of unbalanced cold air caused by the presence of the variable temperature compartment 40 and the frequent opening of the secondary door 132 can be solved.

[0139] As described above, according to the present invention, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be controlled by controlling the operation of the variable temperature compartment fan 44 and the damper 54, thereby realizing a variable temperature compartment cooling mode and a variable temperature compartment heating mode. In the variable temperature compartment cooling mode, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 is maintained below the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20, and in the variable temperature compartment heating mode, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 is maintained above the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20. However, the refrigerator 1 of the present invention is not limited to realizing the variable temperature compartment cooling mode and the variable temperature compartment heating mode by controlling the operation of the variable temperature compartment fan 44 and the damper 54. It can also be realized by adding components or implementing other control methods. Therefore, additional embodiments will be described below.

[0140] Simultaneously, the cold air supplied to the variable temperature compartment 40 can be discharged into the cold storage compartment 20 through an outlet 421 formed on the variable temperature compartment 40. For example, the outlet 421 can be formed on the variable temperature compartment door 42. The cold air discharged into the cold storage compartment 20 through the outlet 421 can be recovered to the cold storage compartment evaporator chamber 211, cooled while passing through the cold storage compartment evaporator 211e, and then circulated and supplied back to the variable temperature compartment 40. In this way, according to the present invention, the cold air received from the variable temperature compartment 40 from the cold air supply duct 50 is discharged into the cold storage compartment 20 through the outlet 421 formed in the variable temperature compartment 40, thereby recovering the cold air in the variable temperature compartment 40 to the cold storage compartment evaporator 211e. Therefore, since a separate return duct is not required, the design of the cold air return can be simplified and the cost of structural modifications can be reduced.

[0141] [Structure of the variable temperature chamber]

[0142] The following will refer to further details. Figures 7 to 13 The structure of a variable temperature chamber according to one embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0143] Reference Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 13 The variable temperature compartment 40 can be installed on the door liner (or door retainer) 135. The door liner 135 can substantially form the main body of the main door 131. The door liner 135 can be formed in the shape of a hollow rectangular frame, in which a front opening 133 is formed. A pair of protrusions 136 can be formed on the two inner sides of the door liner 135, the pair of protrusions 136 being positioned opposite each other and protruding inward from the door liner 135. The pair of protrusions 136 can be used to support and fix the two sides of the variable temperature compartment 40. Thus, the variable temperature compartment 40 can be installed on the pair of protrusions 136 and fixed to the inner side of the door liner 135. Additional pairs of protrusions 136 can be provided on the inner side of the door liner 135 to additionally support and fix the retaining unit 134. A terminal storage unit 137, which will be described below, can be additionally formed on one side of the door liner 135. The terminal storage unit 137 can be covered by a terminal cover 48.

[0144] The variable temperature compartment 40 may include a receiving unit 41 for storing items. The receiving unit 41 may substantially form the main body of the variable temperature compartment 40. The receiving unit 41 may be referred to as the variable temperature compartment. The lower part of the receiving unit 41 may be formed in the shape of a basket capable of storing items. Therefore, a storage wall 418 with a predetermined height may be formed upward along the edge of the lower surface 41b of the receiving unit 41. The upper surface 41t of the receiving unit 41 may be formed in a plate shape to cover its upper area. A pair of inwardly recessed engaging portions 413 may be formed on both sides of the storage wall 418 of the receiving unit 41 to engage with the protrusions 136 of the door liner 135.

[0145] Furthermore, an inlet 411 may be formed on one side of the storage wall 418 of the housing unit 41, the inlet 411 being an opening of a predetermined size. The lower surface 41b and the upper surface 41t of the housing unit 41 may be connected by two vertically extending side surfaces 41s, respectively. That is, the two side surfaces 41s of the housing unit 41 may extend upward from a portion of the side surface of the storage wall 418 and connect with the upper surface 41t. An engaging portion 413 may be provided in front of the two side surfaces 41s of the housing unit 41, and the inlet 411 may be vertically (vertically) overlapping on the two side surfaces 41s of the housing unit 41. The inlet 411 may communicate with the cold air supply duct 50 and serve as a channel for introducing cold air blown from the cold air supply duct 50 from the cold air supply duct 50 into the variable temperature compartment 40. A through hole 412 may be formed at the upper end of the inlet 411. The through hole 412 may be formed as a slit shape extending in the front-rear direction of the housing unit 41. The front-to-back length of the through hole 412 can be similar to that of the inlet 411, but the vertical / vertical height of the through hole 412 can be made smaller than that of the inlet 411.

[0146] Both the front and rear surfaces of the receiving unit 41 may be formed as openings. The front surface of the receiving unit 41 refers to the direction facing the front surface of the refrigerator 1 when the first door 13 is closed, and its rear surface refers to the direction facing the refrigerator compartment 20 when the first door 13 is closed. The front surface of the receiving unit 41 may be formed in an open shape so that the receiving unit 41 can be accessed through the front opening 133 of the door liner 135 when the secondary door 132 is open. A blocking guide 47 may be formed on the front surface of the receiving unit 41, which acts as a sealing gasket to prevent cold air from leaking through the gap between the secondary door 132 and the receiving unit 41 when the secondary door 132 is closed. The blocking guide 47 may be provided along the contact surface between the receiving unit 41 and the secondary door 132.

[0147] The rear surface of the receiving unit 41 may be formed into an open shape and opened and closed by a variable temperature door 42. The variable temperature door 42 may be connected to one side of the receiving unit 41 by a vertically extending rotating rod 422 and opened and closed in a rotating manner. The variable temperature door 42 is generally formed into a plate shape, with both sides of the plate shape curved toward the receiving unit 41. Therefore, edge portions may be formed on both sides of the variable temperature door 42 in the curved areas.

[0148] In reference Figure 9 In another embodiment described, the outer side of the housing unit 41 may be additionally covered by a variable temperature chamber shell 414. The variable temperature chamber shell 414 may be formed to cover a portion of the side and top surfaces of the housing unit 41, excluding the rear and front surfaces of the housing unit 41. A variable temperature chamber door 42 is rotatably connected to one side of the variable temperature chamber shell 414. The space between the housing unit 41 and the variable temperature chamber shell 414 may be filled with insulating material. Thus, the variable temperature chamber 40 can be formed as an independent insulated storage space. When the variable temperature chamber 40 is insulated in this way, even if the temperature inside the variable temperature chamber 40 located within the cold storage chamber 20 differs significantly from the temperature inside the cold storage chamber 20, the impact on temperature fluctuations within the cold storage chamber 20 can be minimized.

[0149] An outlet 421 may be formed on the variable temperature compartment door 42. Since the outlet 421 is formed on the variable temperature compartment door 42, even when the housing unit 41 is insulated, it is not necessary to form an opening area for the outlet 421 in the insulated area, thereby preventing deterioration of the insulation performance of the housing unit 41. For example, the outlet 421 may be formed as a stack of multiple opening slits extending a predetermined length in the left-right direction, but the invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the outlet 421 may be formed as a stack of multiple opening slits extending a predetermined length vertically. The spacing between the multiple opening slits constituting the outlet 421 may remain constant, but is not limited thereto, and the spacing between the multiple opening slits may be set differently. For example, considering the flow of cold air generated within the refrigerator compartment 20 when cold air is discharged into the refrigerator compartment 20, the spacing between the multiple opening slits may be formed to be narrower or wider towards the bottom or top. Furthermore, the spacing between the multiple opening slits may be formed to be narrower or wider towards one side or the other side. Furthermore, while the multiple opening slits may have the same size, they are not limited to this; each opening slit may be formed with a different size. For example, considering the flow of cold air generated within the refrigerator compartment 20 when cold air is discharged into it, the sizes of the multiple opening slits may be formed to be larger or smaller towards the bottom or top. Additionally, the sizes of the multiple opening slits may be formed to be larger or smaller towards one side or the other. Furthermore, the outlet 421 is not limited to slits and may be formed in various patterns such as grids or dots.

[0150] The outlet 421 serves as a channel for discharging cold air from the variable temperature compartment 40 into the cold storage compartment 20. Therefore, when the area through which the outlet 421 opens is too large, the temperatures of the cold storage compartment 20 and the variable temperature compartment 40 are easily synchronized. Thus, the size of the outlet 421 is sufficient only to discharge the cold air from the variable temperature compartment 40. For example, the size of the outlet 421 can be smaller than the size of the inlet 411, which serves as the channel for introducing cold air into the variable temperature compartment 40.

[0151] An outlet 421 may be formed in the upper region of the variable temperature compartment door 42, which is adjacent to the other side of the housing unit 41, opposite to the side of the housing unit 41 where the inlet 411 is formed. The outlet 421 may be located at a corner formed in a curved region of the variable temperature compartment door 42. Therefore, when the variable temperature compartment door 42 is closed, the outlet 421 may open towards the rear surface and central region of the refrigerator compartment 20. Since the outlet 421 of the variable temperature compartment 40 is formed towards the central region of the refrigerator compartment 20, the cold air discharged through the outlet 421 helps maintain the cooling temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20 without biasing to either side, thereby maintaining a balance of cold air between the refrigerator compartments 20 in the left-right direction.

[0152] Furthermore, the outlet 421 can be located above the storage unit 22 disposed within the refrigerator compartment 20. That is, the outlet 421 can be configured not to overlap with the storage unit 22 in the front-back direction. Therefore, the flow path of the cold air discharged into the refrigerator compartment 20 through the outlet 421 is not obstructed by the storage unit 22, thereby helping to control the temperature within the refrigerator compartment 20. In this way, according to the present invention, since the outlet 421 for discharging cold air from the variable temperature compartment 40 can be located above the storage unit 22 within the refrigerator compartment 20, the cold air discharged from the variable temperature compartment 40 can be discharged into the refrigerator compartment 20 with minimal cooling loss without being obstructed by the storage unit 22.

[0153] Furthermore, the outlet 421 can be positioned diagonally opposite to the inlet 411 of the variable temperature chamber 40. For example, the inlet 411 can be located in the lower region of one side of the variable temperature chamber 40, and the outlet 421 can be located in the upper region of the other side of the variable temperature chamber 40. In this way, the inlet 411, which introduces cold air into the variable temperature chamber 40, and the outlet 421, which discharges cold air from the variable temperature chamber 40, are positioned as far apart as possible to ensure that the cold air introduced into the variable temperature chamber 40 through the inlet 411 is fully circulated within the variable temperature chamber 40 before being discharged to the outside. However, the location and number of outlets 421 are not limited to this. For example, the outlet 421 can be located in the upper region of one side of the variable temperature chamber 40, adjacent to the inlet 411 of the variable temperature chamber 40. Furthermore, the outlet 421 can be configured as multiple outlets, such as a first outlet positioned diagonally opposite to the inlet 411 of the variable temperature chamber 40, and a second outlet located in the upper region of one side of the variable temperature chamber 40, adjacent to the inlet 411 of the variable temperature chamber 40. In this case, a third outlet can be further formed in the central upper region between the first outlet and the second outlet of the variable temperature chamber 40. At this point, the first exit, the second exit, and the third exit can be formed together, or any two of them can be combined, or only one of them can be formed.

[0154] According to another embodiment of the invention, the outlet 421 can be configured to be selectively opened or closed. For example, there may be situations where the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 needs to be maintained at a relatively high or low level for an extended period, or where it is desired to use the variable temperature compartment 40 as a storage space completely independent of the refrigerator compartment 20. In this case, the outlet 421 can be closed to prevent cold air from the variable temperature compartment 40 from escaping into the refrigerator compartment 20 and to prevent cold air from the refrigerator compartment 20 from flowing back into the variable temperature compartment 40 through the outlet 421. For this purpose, a baffle member for allowing the user to manually close the outlet 421 can be further installed on the outlet 421. The baffle member of the outlet 421 can open and close automatically. For example, a separate drive member for opening and closing the baffle member can be further provided in the variable temperature compartment 40, which, under the control of the control unit, automatically opens and closes the baffle member by driving the drive member. In this way, according to the invention, the outlet 421 of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be selectively opened and closed, allowing the variable temperature compartment 40 to easily maintain various temperatures desired by the user, thereby providing the user with more options for changing the use of the variable temperature compartment 40.

[0155] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the variable temperature compartment 40 may not have an outlet 421. That is, the cold air introduced into the variable temperature compartment 40 through the inlet 411 may not be discharged into the cold storage compartment 20. In this case, the variable temperature compartment 40 may not be connected by a separate return pipe. In this way, since the variable temperature compartment 40 is not connected to the outlet 421 and a separate return pipe, the variable temperature compartment 40 can be implemented as an independent storage space, minimizing the impact of temperature fluctuations in the cold storage compartment 20 and / or the impact on the cold storage compartment 20.

[0156] A flow path forming member 43 may be disposed on the side of the housing unit 41 where the inlet 411 is formed. The flow path forming member 43 may include a circulating flow path 401 for circulating cold air within the housing unit 41. The flow path forming member 43 may include a first flow path forming member 431 and a second flow path forming member 432. The first flow path forming member 431 may be disposed inside the side surface 41s of the housing unit 41 where the inlet 411 is formed, while the second flow path forming member 432 may be disposed outside the side surface 41s of the housing unit 41 where the inlet 411 is formed. Thus, the first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432 may be disposed such that the side surface 41s of the housing unit 41 is inserted therebetween. The first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432 may be formed into a substantially vertically extending plate shape to correspond to the shape of the side surface 41s of the housing unit 41.

[0157] The first flow path forming member 431 may include one or more fastening protrusions 4314. The fastening protrusions 4314 may protrude toward the side surface 41s of the receiving unit 41. The fastening protrusions 4314 may protrude by a predetermined thickness to form a gap between the first flow path forming member 431 and the side surface 41s of the receiving unit 41. The circulating flow path 401 may be formed by the partition space formed by the gap between the first flow path forming member 431 and the side surface 41s of the receiving unit 41. A hole may be formed in the central portion of the fastening protrusions 4314.

[0158] A protruding fastening portion 416 may be formed on the side surface 41s of the receiving unit 41, and the protruding fastening portion 416 is positioned corresponding to the fastening protrusion 4314 of the first flow path forming member 431. The fastening protrusion 4314 can be fixedly inserted into the protruding fastening portion 416. Therefore, the outer diameter of the fastening protrusion 4314 may be formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the protruding fastening portion 416. The fastening protrusion 4314 may also protrude toward the first flow path forming member 431 by a predetermined thickness. In addition, the fastening protrusion 4314 may also protrude toward the second flow path forming member 432 by a predetermined thickness to form a gap between the fastening protrusion 4314 and the second flow path forming member 432. A through hole 417 passing through the protruding fastening portion 416 may be formed in the central portion of the protruding fastening portion 416.

[0159] A fastening hole 4324 may be formed in the second flow path forming member 432, which is located at a position corresponding to the protruding fastening portion 416 of the receiving unit 41. The fastening hole 4324 of the second flow path forming member 432 and the through hole 417 of the receiving unit 41 may be aligned with the hole formed in the central portion of the fastening protrusion 4314 of the first flow path forming member 431. The first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432 may be fixed to the receiving unit 41 using separate fastening members that pass through and are fastened to the holes formed in the first flow path forming member 431, the receiving unit 41, and the second flow path forming member 432. For example, the fastening member may be a screw member, but is not limited thereto.

[0160] A first suction port 4312 and a second suction port 4322 may be formed on the first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432, respectively, and the first suction port 4312 and the second suction port 4322 are configured to communicate with the inlet 411. Therefore, when the first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432 are engaged with the receiving unit 41, the first suction port 4312, the inlet 411 and the second suction port 4322 may be sequentially connected to each other from the inside to the outside of the receiving unit 41. The first suction port 4312 and the second suction port 4322 may be formed in the lower regions of the first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432, respectively.

[0161] The first suction port 4312 may be formed to have a size substantially the same as the inlet 411. The second suction port 4322 may be formed to have a larger size than the first suction port 4312 and the inlet 411. For example, the first suction port 4312 and the inlet 411 may be located inside the second suction port 4322. Furthermore, the through hole 412 located at the upper end of the inlet 411 may also be located inside the second suction port 4322. Therefore, when the second flow path forming member 432 is engaged with the receiving unit 41, the inlet 411 and the through hole 412 of the receiving unit 41 may be exposed to the outside through the second suction port 4322.

[0162] An inflow hole 4311 may be formed in the first flow path forming member 431, the inflow hole 4311 opening to communicate with the receiving unit 41. The inflow hole 4311 may be formed as a slit shape extending in the front-back direction of the receiving unit 41. The inflow hole 4311 may be formed in the upper region of the first flow path forming member 431. That is, the inflow hole 4311 may be spaced at a predetermined distance from the first suction port 4312 of the first flow path forming member 431 and disposed above the first suction port 4312. The inflow hole 4311 may be formed to a smaller size than the first suction port 4312.

[0163] The variable temperature chamber heater 434 can be disposed between the inlet 4311 and the first suction port 4312 of the first flow path forming member 431. Therefore, the variable temperature chamber heater 434 can be located in the circulating flow path 401 formed between the first flow path forming member 431 and the side surface 41s of the receiving unit 41. The variable temperature chamber heater 434 can indirectly heat the cold air in the variable temperature chamber 40 and directly heat the cold air passing through the circulating flow path 401.

[0164] Furthermore, a temperature sensor 433 may be disposed on the first flow path forming member 431 and may measure the temperature inside the variable temperature chamber 40. The temperature sensor 433 may be disposed in the upper region of the first flow path forming member 431 and may measure the temperature of the relatively high-temperature cold air. For example, the temperature sensor 433 may be disposed above the inlet 4311, but is not limited thereto. The temperature sensor 433 may communicate with the receiving unit 41 through a hole formed in the first flow path forming member 431 and may measure the temperature inside the receiving unit 41.

[0165] A variable-temperature chamber fan 44, communicating with inlet 411 and drawing cold air into the variable-temperature chamber 40, may be disposed outside the housing unit 41. The variable-temperature chamber fan 44 may be formed to have a shape that matches the inlet 411 of the housing unit 41 and the first suction port 4312 of the first flow path forming member 431. Therefore, the variable-temperature chamber fan 44 may be located inside the inlet 411 and the first suction port 4312. One side of the variable-temperature chamber fan 44 may coincide with the boundary surface of the inlet 411, and the other side of the variable-temperature chamber fan 44 may protrude outward from the first suction port 4312. The variable-temperature chamber fan 44 may be inserted into the inlet 411 and the first suction port 4312, and may be additionally fastened to the side surface 41s of the housing unit 41 by a plurality of fastening portions protruding outward from the variable-temperature chamber fan 44. For example, the fastening portions of the variable-temperature chamber fan 44 may be configured to be inserted between the first flow path forming member 431 and the side surface 41s of the housing unit 41. The fastening part of the variable temperature fan 44 can be fastened to the side surface 41s of the housing unit 41 by fastening members such as screws, but is not limited thereto.

[0166] A sealing gasket 45, which is hollow and surrounds the outer surface of the inlet 411, can be disposed outside the housing unit 41. The sealing gasket 45 can be disposed outside the second flow path forming member 432 along the outer surface of the second suction port 4322 of the second flow path forming member 432. For example, the sealing gasket 45 can be fixedly fastened to a sealing gasket fastening portion 415 formed to protrude outward from the side surface 41s of the housing unit 41. With the sealing gasket 45 engaged with the second flow path forming member 432, the inlet 411 and through-hole 412 of the housing unit 41, as well as the second suction port 4322 of the second flow path forming member 432, can be exposed to the outside through the sealing gasket 45. With the first door 13 of the variable temperature compartment 40 closed, the sealing gasket 45 can contact one side surface of the inner shell 12 forming the refrigerator compartment 20. Therefore, the sealing gasket 45 can surround the outer surface of the cold air supply pipe connection port 23 of the inner shell 12 and contact the inner shell 12, thereby enhancing the airtightness and enabling the cold air introduced through the cold air supply pipe connection port 23 to be delivered to the variable temperature chamber 40 without leakage.

[0167] The air supply duct 50 can be connected to the inner shell 12 via an air supply duct connection port 23 formed on one side surface of the inner shell 12. That is, one end of the air supply duct 50 can be connected to the air supply duct connection port 23 via the outer surface of the inner shell 12, and the other end of the air supply duct 50 can be connected to the damper 54 and the refrigerator compartment grille fan assembly 21.

[0168] An exhaust cover 46, communicating with inlet 411 to guide the direction of cold air discharged into the variable temperature chamber 40, may be disposed inside the housing unit 41. The exhaust cover 46 may be fixedly fastened to one side of the first flow path forming member 431. The exhaust cover 46 may be configured to cover the first suction port 4312 of the first flow path forming member 431 and the inlet 411 of the housing unit 41. For example, a connecting hole 4313 may be formed in the first flow path forming member 431, and a hook 465 may be formed on the exhaust cover 46 for removable fastening to the connecting hole 4313 in a hook-and-loop manner. The exhaust cover 46 may be located on the inner surface of the first flow path forming member 431 and fastened to protrude into the housing unit 41. By arranging the exhaust cover 46 in this way, the exhaust cover 46 and the variable temperature chamber fan 44 may be arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside of the housing unit 41, communicating with the inlet 411.

[0169] Reference Figure 10According to one embodiment of the invention, a discharge cover 46 may be disposed on one side surface of the variable temperature chamber 40 and open toward the other side surface of the variable temperature chamber 40. In this case, the discharge cover 46 may include one or more discharge guide ribs 463 to guide the direction of the cold air discharged through the discharge cover 46. For example, the discharge cover 46 may be formed having a hollow outer surface surrounding the first suction port 4312, and a plurality of discharge guide ribs 463 may be disposed in the hollow space formed inside the discharge cover. The plurality of discharge guide ribs 463 may be arranged in a vertical / vertical direction at predetermined intervals from each other. Each discharge guide rib 463, while being installed in the variable temperature chamber 40, may be formed to extend in both the front-back direction and the vertical / vertical direction of the variable temperature chamber 40. The plurality of vertically / vertically arranged discharge guide ribs 463 may be formed to be inclined toward the outlet 421. That is, the discharge guide ribs 463 may be inclined toward the upper region of the other side surface of the receiving unit 41. Therefore, the discharge cover 46 can guide the cold air introduced through the inlet 411 located in the lower region on one side of the variable temperature chamber 40 to the outlet 421 located in the upper region on the other side of the variable temperature chamber 40. By guiding the direction of the cold air in this way, it can help the cold air introduced into the variable temperature chamber 40 to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the variable temperature chamber 40, thereby promoting the circulation of the refrigeration cycle.

[0170] Reference Figure 11According to another embodiment of the invention, a discharge cover 46 may be disposed on a side surface of the variable temperature chamber 40 and open rearward and / or upward from the variable temperature chamber 40. The discharge cover 46 may be closed so that it does not open forward and downward from the variable temperature chamber 40. For example, the discharge cover 46 may be formed to have a partition space with a predetermined distance between the front surface of the first suction port 4312 and the discharge cover 46, and cover the front surface of the first suction port 4312. The discharge cover 46 may include a discharge opening 462 that opens rearward and / or upward from the variable temperature chamber 40. One or more discharge guide ribs 463 may be disposed in the discharge opening 462 that opens in this manner. When multiple discharge guide ribs 463 are provided, adjacent discharge guide ribs 463 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. For example, multiple discharge guide ribs 463 disposed in the discharge opening 462 that opens rearward from the variable temperature chamber 40 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the variable temperature chamber 40. Furthermore, a plurality of discharge guide ribs 463 provided in the discharge opening 462, which opens upward from the variable temperature chamber 40, can be arranged spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction of the variable temperature chamber 40. Each discharge guide rib 463 can be formed to be inclined upward towards the rear. Thus, cold air passing through the inlet 411 and the first suction port 4312 through the discharge cover 46 can be discharged backward and / or upward from the variable temperature chamber 40 where the discharge opening 462 is formed, rather than being discharged laterally from the variable temperature chamber 40. In addition, the discharge direction of the cold air can be guided backward and upward from the variable temperature chamber 40 along the inclined direction of the discharge guide ribs 463. In this way, according to the invention, by making the discharge cover 46 covering the inlet 411 for introducing cold air into the variable temperature chamber 40 open backward and / or upward, an indirect cooling method can be realized, that is, cold air is applied indirectly rather than directly to the articles stored in the housing unit 41, thereby preventing the stored articles from being directly exposed to the cold air and damaged by the cold air.

[0171] One or more exhaust holes 464 may be further formed in the exhaust cover 46, opening towards the side surface of the variable temperature chamber 40. The exhaust holes 464 can guide a portion of the cold air introduced into the exhaust cover 46 directly towards the side surface of the variable temperature chamber 40. Multiple exhaust holes 464 may be provided. One exhaust hole 464 may be formed adjacent to the lower region of the exhaust cover 46 in the form of a slit extending in the front-rear direction of the variable temperature chamber 40. Another exhaust hole 464 may be formed adjacent to the surface of the exhaust cover 46 on the front side of the variable temperature chamber 40 in the form of a slit extending in the vertical direction of the variable temperature chamber 40. The opening area of ​​the exhaust hole 464 may be formed smaller than the opening area of ​​the exhaust opening 462, such that a portion of the cold air can be discharged through the exhaust hole 464, and most of the cold air can be discharged through the exhaust opening 462.

[0172] Reference Figure 12Temperature sensor 433, variable temperature compartment heater 434, and variable temperature compartment fan 44 may be disposed on the first flow path forming member 431. Terminal storage unit 137 may be formed on the side surface of door liner 135, which is located on the side surface on which the first flow path forming member 431 is disposed. Wiring harness unit 138 may be disposed and stored in terminal storage unit 137, and wiring harness unit 138 may be electrically connected to a first wire 1381 connected to variable temperature compartment fan 44, a second wire 1382 connected to variable temperature compartment heater 434, and a third wire 1383 connected to temperature sensor 433. Terminal storage unit 137 may communicate with the upper region of door liner 135 along the side surface of door liner 135. The upper region of door liner 135 may be connected to a hinge that rotates the first door 13. Signal lines and power lines from the control unit and power supply unit of refrigerator 1 may be electrically connected to wiring harness unit 138 stored in terminal storage unit 137 through the hinge of first door 13 and the inside of the side surface of door liner 135. Therefore, the variable temperature chamber fan 44, variable temperature chamber heater 434 and temperature sensor 433 installed in the variable temperature chamber 40 can receive control signals and power.

[0173] [Cold air circulation path in the variable temperature compartment]

[0174] The following will refer to Figure 13 The structure of the cold air circulation path 400 formed within the variable temperature chamber 40 is described. Within the variable temperature chamber 40, in addition to the cold air supply flow path provided by the cold air system that receives cold air from the cold air supply duct 50, a separate cold air circulation path 400 can also be formed.

[0175] With the damper 54 open, cold air introduced through the cold air supply duct 50 can be introduced into the housing unit 41 through the second suction port 4322, inlet 411, and first suction port 4312. In addition to the variable-temperature blower fan 212 blowing cold air into the cold air supply duct 50, when the variable-temperature compartment fan 44 is also operating, the intake air volume of the cold air introduced through the cold air supply duct 50 increases, allowing a larger amount of cold air to be introduced into the variable-temperature compartment 40. Therefore, the temperature of the variable-temperature compartment 40 can be controlled to be lower than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20. Furthermore, even if the variable-temperature blower fan 212 is not operating, cold air can still be introduced into the variable-temperature compartment 40 through the cold air supply duct 50 simply by operating the variable-temperature compartment fan 44. In this way, the cold air introduced through the cold air supply flow path can help lower the temperature of the variable-temperature compartment 40.

[0176] The cold air circulation path 400 of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be formed by a flow path forming member 43, including a first flow path forming member 431 and a second flow path forming member 432. The cold air circulation path 400 refers to the flow path through which cold air circulates within the variable temperature compartment 40 when the damper 54 is closed. When the damper 54 is closed, cold air may not be introduced or discharged towards the cold air supply duct 50. Simultaneously, since the variable temperature compartment 40 has an outlet 421, during the cold air circulation process within the variable temperature compartment 40, some cold air may be discharged into the cold storage compartment 20 through the outlet 421. However, since the size of the outlet 421 is relatively much smaller than the size of the inlet 411 forming the cold air circulation path 400, only a small amount of cold air can be discharged into the cold storage compartment 20 through the outlet 421. Therefore, the cold air circulation path 400 formed in the variable temperature chamber 40 referred to in this article does not refer to a completely closed loop circulation path, but rather to the flow path through which most of the cold air moves when the amount of cold air circulating in the variable temperature chamber 40 is significantly greater than the amount of cold air discharged from the variable temperature chamber 40.

[0177] An inlet hole 4311 communicating with the receiving unit 41 may be disposed in the upper region of the first flow path forming member 431. One side of the circulating flow path 401 may communicate with the inlet hole 4311, and the other side may communicate with the through hole 412 of the receiving unit 41. The through hole 412 of the receiving unit 41 may communicate with the second suction port 4322 of the second flow path forming member 432. The second suction port 4322 of the second flow path forming member 432 may communicate with the inlet 411 disposed in the lower region of the receiving unit 41 and the first suction port 4312 of the first flow path forming member 431. The through hole 412 may be disposed closer to the inlet 411 than the inlet hole 4311, and located between the inlet 411 and the inlet hole 4311. The through hole 412 may be located above the variable temperature chamber fan 44. The inlet hole 4311, through hole 412, second suction port 4322, inlet 411 and first suction port 4312 formed in this way can be arranged on the same side surface 41s of the variable temperature chamber 40 to form a cold air circulation flow path 400.

[0178] When the variable temperature chamber fan 44 operates with the damper 54 closed, the cold air in the housing unit 41 can be drawn into the circulating flow path 401 formed in the flow path forming member 43 through the inlet hole 4311 due to the suction action of the variable temperature chamber fan 44. In this way, the cold air introduced into the circulating flow path 401 can move along the circulating flow path 401, pass through the through hole 412, and be drawn into the inlet 411 with the variable temperature chamber fan 44 via the second suction port 4322. Since the variable temperature chamber fan 44 blows the cold air drawn in through the second suction port 4322 back into the housing unit 41, the cold air blown by the variable temperature chamber fan 44 can be discharged back into the housing unit 41 through the first suction port 4312 and the discharge cover 46. In this way, the cold air discharged into the housing unit 41 can be drawn back into the circulating flow path 401 through the inlet hole 4311, thereby allowing the cold air in the variable temperature chamber 40 to continuously circulate through the cold air circulating flow path 400. In this way, according to the present invention, by closing the damper 54 and operating the variable temperature chamber fan 44, the cold air in the variable temperature chamber 40 is allowed to circulate along the cold air circulation path 400 formed in the variable temperature chamber 40, and the periodic circulation of the cold air in the variable temperature chamber 40 can be achieved.

[0179] A variable-temperature compartment heater 434 can be disposed in the circulating flow path 401 of the flow path forming member 43. Therefore, the cold air circulating along the cold air circulation flow path 400 is heated as it passes through the variable-temperature compartment heater 434 disposed in the circulating flow path 401. The cold air heated by the variable-temperature compartment heater 434 can be continuously supplied to the housing unit 41 along the cold air circulation flow path 400 and circulate therein, thereby increasing the temperature of the variable-temperature compartment 40. Therefore, according to the present invention, by operating the variable-temperature compartment fan 44 and the variable-temperature compartment heater 434, the temperature of the variable-temperature compartment 40 can be controlled to be higher than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20. In this way, according to the present invention, not only is the cold air in the variable-temperature compartment 40 locally heated by the variable-temperature compartment heater 434, but the heated cold air is also circulated along the cold air circulation flow path 400 formed in the variable-temperature compartment 40, which can increase the temperature of the variable-temperature compartment 40 faster and more efficiently, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the refrigerator by reducing the operating time of the variable-temperature compartment heater and preventing the cold air balance of the entire refrigerator from being disrupted.

[0180] [Air conditioning control system for the variable temperature compartment]

[0181] The following will refer to further details. Figures 14 to 19 Describe the cooling control system of the variable temperature greenhouse.

[0182] Refrigerator 1 may include a control unit 100, which is a central control device responsible for various operations and functions of refrigerator 1. Control unit 100 may include a microcontroller. Control unit 100 can control various sensors, actuators, etc., of refrigerator 1 to adjust operations such as temperature regulation, cooling, and overall system control. (See reference...) Figure 14 The control unit 100 of refrigerator 1 can control the operation of various components inside refrigerator 1 (such as air damper 54, variable temperature compartment fan 44, variable temperature compartment heater 434, temperature sensor 433, refrigerator compartment blower fan 212, freezer compartment blower fan 312 and compressor 56, etc.) or receive information.

[0183] Figure 15 It is a view used to describe the temperature control of the variable temperature compartment based on the temperature control of the refrigerator compartment and the temperature control of the freezer compartment. Figure 15 The example shows that the target temperature setting 1 of the variable temperature compartment is located between the target temperature setting 3 of the refrigerator compartment and the target temperature setting 2 of the freezer compartment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The target temperature setting 1 of the variable temperature compartment can be set to be higher than the target temperature setting 3 of the refrigerator compartment.

[0184] Compressor 56 is operable to control the temperatures of refrigerator compartment 20 and freezer compartment 30. To match the target temperature setting 3 of the refrigerator compartment, the temperature of refrigerator compartment 20 can be controlled so that the temperature of refrigerator compartment 20 varies within the set range of the target temperature (setting 3 ± difference). For example, when the temperature of refrigerator compartment 20 is higher than the target temperature setting 3, compressor 56 can be operated to perform refrigeration operation; and when the temperature of refrigerator compartment 20 is lower than the target temperature setting 3, the refrigeration operation can be stopped. Similarly, to match the target temperature setting 2 of the freezer compartment, the temperature of freezer compartment 30 can be controlled so that the temperature of freezer compartment 30 varies within the set range of the target temperature (setting 2 ± difference). For example, when the temperature of freezer compartment 30 is higher than the target temperature setting 2, compressor 56 can be operated to perform freezing operation; and when the temperature of freezer compartment 30 is lower than the target temperature setting 2, the freezing operation can be stopped. In this way, to control the temperatures of refrigerator compartment 20 and freezer compartment 30, refrigeration and freezing operations need to be performed simultaneously using the operation of compressor 56.

[0185] Meanwhile, the variable temperature chamber 40 of the present invention can independently control its temperature (independent of the refrigeration operation for temperature control of the refrigerator compartment 20 or the freezing operation for temperature control of the freezer compartment 30) to facilitate temperature control. To match the target temperature setting 1 of the variable temperature chamber, the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 can be controlled so that the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 varies within the target temperature setting range (setting 1 ± difference). For example, when the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 is higher than the target temperature setting 1, the damper 54 can be opened and the variable temperature chamber blower 44 can be operated; when the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 is lower than the target temperature setting 1, the damper 54 can be closed or the variable temperature chamber blower 44 can be operated additionally to increase the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40. If necessary, the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 can be increased more quickly by additionally operating the variable temperature chamber heater 434 installed within the variable temperature chamber 40. For example, the target temperature setting range (setting 1 ± difference) of the variable temperature chamber can be -1°C to 7°C, but is not limited to this.

[0186] In this way, according to the present invention, the variable temperature compartment 40 can achieve a temperature lower or higher than that of the refrigerator compartment 20 by controlling the operation of the variable temperature compartment fan 44 and the damper 54. Therefore, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be controlled to decrease or increase independently of the operation of the air conditioning control system of the refrigerator compartment 20 or the air conditioning control system of the freezer compartment 30.

[0187] The variable temperature chamber 40 according to the present invention can realize a variable temperature chamber cooling mode and a variable temperature chamber heating mode. In the variable temperature chamber cooling mode, the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 is lower than the temperature of the cold storage chamber 20, and in the variable temperature chamber heating mode, the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 is higher than the temperature of the cold storage chamber 20. In addition, a variable temperature chamber circulation mode that circulates the cold air in the variable temperature chamber 40 can also be realized.

[0188] Reference Figure 16 When the variable temperature compartment operation S100 is initiated to achieve the variable temperature compartment cooling mode, operation S110 is executed to determine whether the preset temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 is met. In this case, if the preset temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 is met, operation S120 is executed to close the damper 54 and not operate the variable temperature compartment blower 44, so no operation to lower the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 is performed. At the same time, if the preset temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 is not met, operation S130 is executed to open the damper 54 and operate the variable temperature compartment blower 44 to allow cold air to be introduced into the variable temperature compartment 40 through the cold air supply pipe 50, thereby lowering the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40. In this case, the control unit 100 may additionally operate the refrigerator compartment blower 212 to lower the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 more quickly. When the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 drops to the preset temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 while operation S130 is being executed, the condition for operation S110 is met, so operation S120 is executed.

[0189] Reference Figure 17The cooling mode of the variable temperature chamber can control the cooling speed or cooling temperature by adjusting the opening of the damper 54. When the variable temperature chamber operation S200 is started, operation S210 is executed to determine whether the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber is met. In this case, if the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 is met, operation S220 is executed to close the damper 54 and not operate the variable temperature chamber blower 44, so the operation of lowering the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 is not executed. At the same time, if the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 is not met, operation S230 is executed to control the set temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40. In the operation S230 of controlling the set temperature, when the target intensity level is set to low, operation S240 is executed to open the damper 54 so that the opening angle of the damper 54 reaches 45 degrees and introduce cold air into the variable temperature chamber 40; when the target intensity level is set to medium or high, operation S250 is executed to open the damper 54 so that the opening angle of the damper 54 reaches 90 degrees and introduce cold air into the variable temperature chamber 40. Setting the opening angle of damper 54 to 45 degrees in operation S240 and to 90 degrees in operation S250 are merely examples; the opening angle of damper 54 can be set to different angles in each setting operation. However, in operation S240, the opening angle of damper 54 can be set to a smaller angle than that in operation S250. Setting the opening angle of damper 54 to 90 degrees can be the maximum opening angle of damper 54, but it is not limited to this. When damper 54 is opened at its maximum opening angle, the variable temperature compartment 40 can achieve its lowest temperature. In this case, the lowest temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be lower than the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20. Furthermore, when damper 54 is opened at a predetermined angle (not the maximum opening angle) such as 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees, which is smaller than the maximum opening angle, the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 can be achieved as a temperature between the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 20 and the lowest temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40. When operations S240 and S250 are performed, the condition for operation S210 is met when the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 drops to the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40, and therefore operation S220 is performed. In this way, according to the present invention, the amount of cold air supplied to the variable temperature chamber 40 can be adjusted by controlling the opening angle of the damper 54.

[0190] Reference Figure 18When the variable temperature chamber operation S500 is started to achieve the variable temperature chamber heating mode, operation S510 is performed to determine whether the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 is met. In this case, if the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 is met, operation S520 is performed to close the damper 54 and not operate the variable temperature chamber fan 44 and the variable temperature chamber blower fan 44, so the operation to increase the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 is not performed. At the same time, if the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 is not met, operation S530 is performed to operate the variable temperature chamber fan 44 and the variable temperature chamber heater 434 while the damper 54 is closed, thereby blocking the introduction of cold air into the variable temperature chamber 40 through the cold air supply pipe 50 and increasing the temperature inside the variable temperature chamber 40 through the variable temperature chamber heater 434. In this case, as the variable temperature chamber fan 44 operates, the cold air inside the variable temperature chamber 40 can be heated by the variable temperature chamber heater 434 while circulating along the cold air circulation flow path 400 formed by the housing unit 41 and the flow path forming member 43. When the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 increases to the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 while performing operation S530, the condition for operation S510 is met, and therefore operation S520 is performed.

[0191] according to Figure 18 The aforementioned variable temperature chamber heating mode has been described as one embodiment of increasing the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 by operating not only the damper 54, but also the variable temperature chamber heater 434 and the variable temperature chamber fan 44, but it is not limited thereto. For example, when the set temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 to be increased is not high, the temperature inside the variable temperature chamber 40 can be increased simply by closing the damper 54 and blocking the supply of cold air from the evaporator 211e of the refrigerator compartment to the variable temperature chamber 40 without operating the variable temperature chamber heater 434 and the variable temperature chamber fan 44.

[0192] Reference Figure 19When the variable temperature chamber operation S600 is initiated to achieve the variable temperature chamber circulation mode, operation S610 is performed to determine whether the duration for which the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber is met exceeds a preset time. The variable temperature chamber circulation mode is performed with the damper 54 closed. For example, operation S610 can be performed by determining whether the duration for which the temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 is maintained at the preset temperature exceeds 60 minutes. The 60 minutes in operation S610 is only an example, and this time can be set differently according to user preferences. With the damper 54 closed, when the time required to meet the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber 40 exceeds the preset time of 60 minutes, operation S620 is performed to operate the variable temperature chamber fan 44 with the damper 54 closed. When operation S620 is performed in this way, the cold air in the variable temperature chamber 40 circulates along the cold air circulation flow path 400 formed by the housing unit 41 and the flow path forming member 43. With the execution of operation S620, operation S630 is performed to determine whether the variable temperature chamber circulation mode has been operated for a predetermined time, and when the preset time is met, the process returns to operation S610. In this case, the circulation time of the variable temperature compartment's air circulation mode can be set to 30 seconds, but it can also be set according to user preference. In operation S610, when the duration for which the preset temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 is met does not exceed a preset time of 60 minutes, operation S640 is executed to maintain the closed state of the damper 54 and to keep the operation of the variable temperature compartment fan 44 stopped. As operation S640 is executed, when the time required to meet the preset temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 exceeds the preset time of 60 minutes, the condition for fulfilling operation S610 is met, and therefore operation S620 is executed.

[0193] When the temperature of the variable temperature compartment 40 is maintained at the preset temperature for an extended period of time, no new cold air is supplied to the variable temperature compartment 40. In this way, when no new cold air is supplied to the variable temperature compartment 40, the cold air within the variable temperature compartment 40 does not circulate, and therefore the cold air within the variable temperature compartment 40 does not exhibit a uniform temperature distribution throughout the entire area; instead, temperature differences may occur between the upper and lower regions of the variable temperature compartment 40. Therefore, according to the present invention, by closing the damper 54 and operating the variable temperature compartment fan 44, the cold air within the variable temperature compartment 400 can circulate along the cold air circulation path 400 formed within the variable temperature compartment 40, thereby periodically circulating the cold air within the variable temperature compartment 400 to prevent temperature stratification based on temperature. Therefore, according to the present invention, when the temperature of the variable temperature compartment is maintained at the user-set level for a long period of time, a cold air circulation mode that circulates the cold air within the variable temperature compartment can be achieved, operating independently of the cold air control system of the refrigerator compartment or the cold air control system of the freezer compartment.

[0194] This disclosure includes non-restrictive examples of the following provisions:

[0195] Clause 1. A refrigerator, said refrigerator comprising:

[0196] The cabinet includes a refrigerator compartment;

[0197] One or more doors, said one or more doors for opening and closing the cold storage compartment;

[0198] A variable temperature compartment, which is installed on the door;

[0199] A variable temperature chamber fan, wherein the variable temperature chamber fan is disposed on one side of the variable temperature chamber;

[0200] A cold air supply duct, configured to deliver cold air generated from an evaporator located in the cold storage compartment to the variable temperature compartment;

[0201] A damper, configured to adjust the amount of cold air supplied to the variable temperature compartment; and

[0202] A control unit, configured to control the operation of the variable temperature compartment fan and the damper.

[0203] The control unit controls the variable temperature chamber fan and the damper to maintain the temperature of the variable temperature chamber at a level lower or higher than that of the cold storage chamber.

[0204] Clause 2. The refrigerator according to Clause 1, wherein the control unit opens the damper and operates the variable temperature compartment fan to achieve a temperature in the variable temperature compartment that is lower than the temperature in the refrigerator compartment.

[0205] Clause 3. The refrigerator according to Clause 2, further comprising a grille fan assembly, on which a blower fan is mounted, and wherein the grille fan assembly is disposed in the refrigerator compartment.

[0206] The control unit additionally operates the blower fan to achieve a temperature in the variable temperature compartment that is lower than the temperature in the cold storage compartment.

[0207] Clause 4. The refrigerator according to Clause 1, wherein the control unit closes the damper to block the supply of cold air from the cold air supply duct to the variable temperature compartment, thereby achieving a temperature in the variable temperature compartment that is higher than the temperature in the refrigerator compartment.

[0208] Clause 5. The refrigerator according to Clause 4, wherein the variable temperature compartment comprises:

[0209] A receiving unit configured to receive stored items;

[0210] A flow path forming member, configured to communicate with the receiving unit and disposed on one side of the receiving unit; and

[0211] A variable temperature chamber heater, wherein the variable temperature chamber heater is disposed on one side of the flow path forming member, and

[0212] The control unit operates the variable temperature chamber fan and the variable temperature chamber heater to achieve a temperature in the variable temperature chamber that is higher than the temperature in the cold storage chamber.

[0213] Clause 6. The refrigerator according to Clause 5, wherein cold air circulating along the cold air circulation flow path formed by the containing unit and the flow path forming member is heated as it passes the variable temperature compartment heater.

[0214] Clause 7. The refrigerator according to Clause 1, wherein the variable temperature compartment comprises:

[0215] A receiving unit, the receiving unit being configured to receive stored articles; and

[0216] A flow path forming member is configured to communicate with the receiving unit and is disposed on one side of the receiving unit.

[0217] The control unit closes the damper and operates the variable temperature chamber fan to circulate the cold air in the variable temperature chamber along the cold air circulation flow path formed by the containment unit and the flow path forming member.

[0218] Clause 8. The refrigerator according to Clause 1, wherein the variable temperature compartment includes an outlet configured to discharge the cold air supplied from the cold air supply duct into the refrigerator compartment.

[0219] Clause 9. The refrigerator as described in Clause 8, wherein the cold air discharged into the refrigerator compartment through the outlet returns to the evaporator.

[0220] Clause 10. The refrigerator according to Clause 8, wherein the variable temperature compartment comprises:

[0221] An inlet, configured to communicate with the air conditioning supply duct; and

[0222] An exhaust cover, configured to cover the inlet, and

[0223] The exhaust cover includes one or more exhaust guide ribs that are inclined toward the outlet.

[0224] Clause 11. The refrigerator according to Clause 1, wherein the variable temperature compartment comprises:

[0225] An inlet, configured to communicate with the air conditioning supply duct; and

[0226] An exhaust cover, configured to cover the inlet, and

[0227] The discharge cover includes:

[0228] A discharge opening, the discharge opening opening rearward and / or upward from the variable temperature chamber; and

[0229] One or more emission guide ribs are disposed in the emission opening.

[0230] Clause 12. The refrigerator according to Clause 1, wherein the variable temperature compartment comprises:

[0231] A receiving unit configured to receive stored items;

[0232] A flow path forming member, configured to communicate with the receiving unit and disposed on one side of the receiving unit; and

[0233] An inlet, configured to communicate with the cold air supply duct and introduce cold air into the housing unit,

[0234] The flow path forming component includes:

[0235] An inlet port, configured to communicate with the receiving unit and introduce cold air into the flow path forming member; and

[0236] A suction port, configured to draw cold air passing through the flow path forming member into the inlet, and

[0237] The receiving unit includes a through hole configured to communicate with the inlet hole and the suction port.

[0238] Clause 13. A method for controlling the temperature of a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a refrigerator compartment, a variable temperature compartment mounted on a door for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment, a variable temperature compartment fan disposed on one side of the variable temperature compartment, a cold air supply duct for supplying cold air generated from an evaporator disposed in the refrigerator compartment to the variable temperature compartment, and a damper configured to adjust the amount of cold air supplied to the variable temperature compartment, the method comprising:

[0239] A variable temperature compartment cooling mode, wherein the temperature of the variable temperature compartment is lower than the temperature of the cold storage compartment; and

[0240] The variable temperature chamber heating mode achieves a temperature higher than that of the cold storage chamber.

[0241] Clause 14. The method according to Clause 13, wherein, when the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber is not met,

[0242] The variable temperature chamber cooling mode opens the air vent and operates the variable temperature chamber fan to achieve a temperature in the variable temperature chamber that is lower than the temperature in the cold storage room.

[0243] Clause 15. The method according to Clause 13, wherein, when the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber is met,

[0244] The variable temperature chamber cooling mode then closes the damper and stops the operation of the variable temperature chamber fan.

[0245] Clause 16. The method according to Clause 13, wherein the variable temperature chamber heating mode closes the damper to block the supply of cold air to the variable temperature chamber through the cold air supply pipe.

[0246] Clause 17. The method according to Clause 13, wherein the variable temperature chamber comprises:

[0247] A receiving unit, the receiving unit being configured to receive stored articles; and

[0248] A flow path forming member is configured to communicate with the receiving unit and is disposed on one side of the receiving unit.

[0249] Clause 18. The method according to Clause 17, wherein the variable temperature chamber further includes a variable temperature chamber heater, the variable temperature chamber heater being disposed on one side of the flow path forming member, and

[0250] When the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber is not met,

[0251] In the variable temperature chamber heating mode, the damper is closed and the variable temperature chamber fan and the variable temperature chamber heater are operated to achieve a temperature in the variable temperature chamber that is higher than that in the cold storage chamber.

[0252] Clause 19. The method according to Clause 18, wherein, when the preset temperature of the variable temperature chamber is met,

[0253] In the variable temperature chamber heating mode, the damper is closed and the operation of the variable temperature chamber fan and the variable temperature chamber heater is stopped.

[0254] Clause 20. The method according to Clause 17, the method further comprising a variable temperature chamber circulation mode, the variable temperature chamber circulation mode circulating the cold air within the variable temperature chamber.

[0255] Although the invention has been described above with reference to exemplary drawings, it is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in the specification, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical spirit of the invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects of the construction according to the invention are not explicitly described in the description of the embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the effects expected from the corresponding construction are self-evident.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising: The cabinet includes a refrigerator compartment; One or more doors, said one or more doors for opening and closing the cold storage compartment; A variable temperature compartment, which is installed on the door; A variable temperature chamber fan, wherein the variable temperature chamber fan is disposed on one side of the variable temperature chamber; A cold air supply duct, configured to deliver cold air generated from an evaporator located in the cold storage compartment to the variable temperature compartment; A damper, configured to adjust the amount of cold air supplied to the variable temperature compartment; as well as A control unit, configured to control the operation of the variable temperature compartment fan and the damper. The control unit controls the variable temperature chamber fan and the damper to maintain the temperature of the variable temperature chamber at a level lower or higher than that of the cold storage chamber.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit opens the damper and operates the variable temperature chamber fan to achieve a temperature in the variable temperature chamber that is lower than the temperature in the cold storage chamber.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising a grille fan assembly, wherein a blower fan is mounted on the grille fan assembly, and the grille fan assembly is disposed in the refrigerator compartment. in, The control unit additionally operates the blower fan to achieve a temperature in the variable temperature compartment that is lower than the temperature in the cold storage compartment.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit closes the damper to block the cold air supplied from the cold air supply pipe to the variable temperature compartment, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the variable temperature compartment is higher than that of the cold storage compartment.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The variable temperature chamber includes: A receiving unit configured to receive stored items; A flow path forming member, configured to communicate with the receiving unit and disposed on one side of the receiving unit; and A variable temperature chamber heater, wherein the variable temperature chamber heater is disposed on one side of the flow path forming member, and The control unit operates the variable temperature chamber fan and the variable temperature chamber heater to achieve a temperature in the variable temperature chamber that is higher than the temperature in the cold storage chamber.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, The cold air circulating along the cold air circulation flow path formed by the containing unit and the flow path forming member is heated as it passes through the variable temperature chamber heater.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The variable temperature chamber includes: A receiving unit, the receiving unit being configured to receive stored articles; and A flow path forming member is configured to communicate with the receiving unit and is disposed on one side of the receiving unit. The control unit closes the damper and operates the variable temperature chamber fan to circulate the cold air in the variable temperature chamber along the cold air circulation flow path formed by the containment unit and the flow path forming member.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The variable temperature compartment includes an outlet configured to discharge the cold air supplied from the cold air supply duct into the cold storage compartment.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, The cold air discharged into the refrigeration compartment through the outlet returns to the evaporator.

10. A method for controlling the temperature of a refrigerator, the refrigerator comprising a refrigerator compartment, a variable temperature compartment mounted on a door for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment, a variable temperature compartment fan disposed on one side of the variable temperature compartment, a cold air supply duct for conveying cold air generated from an evaporator disposed in the refrigerator compartment to the variable temperature compartment, and a damper configured to adjust the amount of cold air conveyed to the variable temperature compartment, the method comprising: A variable temperature chamber cooling mode, wherein the temperature of the variable temperature chamber is lower than the temperature of the cold storage chamber; as well as The variable temperature chamber heating mode achieves a temperature higher than that of the cold storage chamber.

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