REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

Refrigerator that features: a cabinet (10) comprising an outer enclosure (101) that defines an external appearance of the cabinet (10), and an inner enclosure (102) that defines a storage space; an evaporator (500) arranged on a surface of the inner housing (102); an evaporator casing module (400) defining an inner wall of the storage space, wherein the evaporator casing module (400) defines a heat exchange space (460) designed to accommodate the evaporator (500) and which allows the cold air flow inside the evaporator casing module (400); a cold air supply module (300) located on the top of the storage space and configured to communicate with an upper end of the evaporator casing module (400), the cold air supply module (300) having an air outlet opening (318) configured to discharge cold air towards the storage space; and a blower fan (270) located on the cold air supply module (300) and designed to cause the circulation of cold air in the storage space, the cold air supply module (300) has: a lower channel (332) defined on the underside of the cold air supply module (300) and designed to communicate with the evaporator casing module (400), an upper channel (333) defined on the top of the cold air supply module (300) and designed to communicate with the air outlet opening (318), a channel formation part (330) that defines the upper channel (333) and the lower channel (332); a lower housing (310) that accommodates the channel-forming part (330) and is designed to cover the lower channel (332); and an upper housing (390) located on the top of the channel-forming part (330) and designed to cover the upper channel (333); wherein the cold air supply module (300) defines a connecting opening (331) at a position (331) where the upper channel (333) and the lower channel (332) overlap, wherein the blower fan (270) is located at the connecting opening (331) to draw in cold air from the heat exchange chamber (460) and to discharge cold air to the air outlet opening (318), and wherein the blower fan (270) is designed to draw in cold air through the lower channel (332) and to discharge cold air through the upper channel (333).

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

[0002] Generally, refrigerators are household appliances used to store food at low temperatures in a compartment covered by a door. To do this, the refrigerator cools the interior of the compartment using cool air, which is generated by exchanging heat with a coolant circulating through a cooling circuit, to keep the food in optimal condition.

[0003] In recent years, due to changes in dietary habits and the gentrification of products, refrigerators have become increasingly multifunctional, and refrigerators with various designs and household appliances have been introduced for user convenience and efficient use of indoor space.

[0004] Likewise, in recent years, a built-in type refrigerator has been developed in which the same panel is attached as a veneer or wall surface to a refrigerator door in order to create a uniform appearance with the surroundings or the wall surface in a room in which the refrigerator is located.

[0005] A built-in type refrigerator, in particular a refrigerator in which cold air is supplied to a plurality of rooms by means of an evaporator, is disclosed in KR 10 2006 0 132 770 A.

[0006] However, in a refrigerator with the structure described above, efficient cooling is difficult in the case of a relatively large refrigeration compartment with multiple compartments, and it is also difficult to control the temperature of each compartment individually. Furthermore, if multiple compartments are cooled via a single refrigeration circuit, the refrigerant quantity in each refrigeration circuit increases, leading to limitations such as oversizing the refrigeration circuit and non-compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

[0007] When a plurality of fin-type evaporators are arranged, the storage space in the refrigerator can be reduced by the plurality of evaporators, and likewise, the storage space in the refrigerator can be further reduced due to an arrangement of a separate fan, its motor, and the like.

[0008] US 3,103,797 A discloses a refrigerator with an outer and an inner casing, as well as an evaporator and a casing module therefor, which defines a heat exchange chamber. A cold air supply module is also provided. Further prior art is shown in CN 106 766 559 A, US 2016 / 0 223 245 A1, CN 102 645 068 A, US 2017 / 0 059 229 A1, and DE 203 04 566 U1.

[0009] Embodiments provide a refrigerator designed to minimize the reduction in storage space.

[0010] Embodiments also provide a refrigerator configured to cool a plurality of storage compartments in an independent manner.

[0011] Embodiments also provide a refrigerator configured to minimize penetration of a heat load in a built-in type refrigerator.

[0012] Embodiments also provide a refrigerator in which uniform cooling is possible throughout an entire area in the refrigerator.

[0013] Embodiments also provide the refrigerator in which a roll bond evaporator is arranged to provide a continuous defrost water drain and a cold air flow.

[0014] In one embodiment, a refrigerator is provided as defined in claim 1. Preferred developments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0015] The blower fan may have a configuration in which the cold air is sucked in the direction of a rotation axis and discharged in a circumferential direction, and the rotation axis may be arranged between the upper duct and the lower duct.

[0016] The rotation axis may be arranged in a direction that traverses a top or bottom of the storage space.

[0017] The duct forming part may include: a lower part forming a lower region of the duct forming part and connecting the lower duct between the blower fan and the evaporator cover module; and an upper part disposed above the lower part to define an upper region of the duct forming part and provide the upper duct between the blower fan and the air outlet opening.

[0018] An inlet part which projects further rearward from the lower part and is coupled to an upper end of the evaporator cover module to enable the cold to be introduced to be arranged in the upper part, and a guide surface which guides a cold air flow introduced from the evaporator cover module in a forward direction can be arranged further inside the inlet part.

[0019] A lighting device attachment component on which a lighting device for illuminating the inside of the refrigerator is arranged may be arranged at the lower part, and an outer surface of the lighting device attachment component may be rounded in a shape corresponding to the guide surface at a position corresponding to the inlet part to guide the cold air flow.

[0020] A front opening communicating with a front air outlet opening at a front end of the cold air supply module may be defined in a front end of the duct forming part, and a side opening communicating with a side air outlet opening disposed at each of the left and right ends of the cold air supply module may be defined in each of the left and right ends of the duct forming part.

[0021] The upper part may be provided with an air outlet guide surface which is rounded or inclined toward the rear ends of both side openings toward each other while passing through a rear side of the blower fan and guiding the cold air discharged from the blower fan to the front opening and the side opening.

[0022] A distribution component that divides the front opening to distribute the discharged cold air may extend from the front opening.

[0023] The upper part may have a shape that gradually widens towards the front, and the lower part may have a shape that gradually widens towards the back.

[0024] A fan bracket covering the connection opening is attached to the ducting part, and The fan bracket may include: a cover covering the connection opening and provided with a nozzle through which air is introduced into a blower fan; and a bracket edge arranged along a periphery of the cover and bent to engage with the air outlet guide surface.

[0025] The refrigerator may further include a fan bracket extending upward from a periphery of the nozzle and configured to fix and mount the blower fan at a position corresponding to the nozzle.

[0026] A casing fixing part stepped along a circumference at an open top of the upper duct may be arranged at an upper surface of the duct forming part, and the upper casing may have a shape corresponding to the casing fixing part to cover the entire open surface of the upper duct and the blower fan.

[0027] The inner housing can be provided by connecting at least one or more metal plates together.

[0028] The lower housing may be provided with a base plate having the form of a plate made of the same material as the inner housing and attached to the bottom surface of the lower housing to define an external appearance of a bottom surface of the cold air supply module.

[0029] The evaporator panel module may comprise: a rear plate defining a rear wall of the storage space and provided with an intake opening through which the cold air in the storage space is drawn in; a first insulation material attached to a back side of the rear plate to cover the roll bond evaporator at the front; and a second insulation material spaced from the first insulation material and attached to the inner casing to cover the roll bond evaporator at the back, wherein the heat exchange space is defined between the first insulation material and the second insulation material.

[0030] A pair of side channels defining both surfaces of the heat exchange space and each coming into contact with both ends of the evaporator so that all the drawn-in cold air flows through the evaporator may be arranged at a rear side of the evaporator shroud module.

[0031] The cabinet may have a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, the roll bond evaporator may be arranged in the refrigerator compartment and a fin type evaporator may be arranged in the freezer compartment.

[0032] The roll bond evaporator and the fin type evaporator can each be connected to compressors to form independent refrigeration cycles.

[0033] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Further features will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Fig. 1 is a view illustrating an attachment state of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator. Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which part of the doors of the refrigerator are opened. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator. Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a cold air supply module and an evaporator panel module are connected to each other according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a connection structure between the cold air supply module and the evaporator cover module. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the cold air supply module seen from a bottom side. Fig. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the cold air supply module in a front view. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the cold air supply module in a rear view. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a connection structure between the evaporator cover module and a roll-bond evaporator as viewed from the front. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the connection structure between the evaporator cover module and a roll-bond evaporator viewed from the rear. Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an evaporator cover module and a roll bond evaporator are bonded to each other. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of an evaporator fastener according to one embodiment. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of area A of Fig. 4. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold air flow state in a cooling compartment of the refrigerator. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold air flow state in the evaporator cover module and the cold air supply module. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold air flow state in the cold air supply module. Fig. 18 is a view illustrating a cooling state in the refrigerator compartment.

[0034] Below, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the proposed embodiments, and other regressive inventions or other embodiments falling within the scope of the idea of ​​the present invention can be proposed simply by adding, changing, deleting, and the like other elements.

[0035] Fig. 1 is a view illustrating an attachment state of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Also Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator. Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which part of the doors of the refrigerator are opened.

[0036] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment may be a built-in type refrigerator installed in an interior space or between walls where an outer surface is provided for a uniform appearance of the furniture.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the refrigerator can provide a uniform appearance with the furniture 2 when installed. Thus, the external appearance of the refrigerator 1 can be formed by a panel 3 made of the same material or having the same texture as the furniture. When the refrigerator 1 is installed, the panels 3 can be arranged around the refrigerator 1 on the same plane as the front of the furniture 2.

[0038] The refrigerator 1 may have an external appearance defined by a cabinet 10 defining a storage space and doors 21, 22, and 23 covering an open front of the cabinet 10. The doors 21, 22, and 23 may be in a state in which the panel 3 is attached. The panel 3 and the doors 21, 22, and 23 may be provided as separate parts.

[0039] The storage space in cabinet 10 can be divided into a plurality of compartments. As illustrated in the drawings, the upper storage space may include an upper refrigerating compartment 11, a lower freezing compartment 13, and a switching compartment 14 between the refrigerating compartment 12 and the freezing compartment 13. The refrigerating compartment 11 may be maintained at a temperature of a refrigerated range, and the freezing compartment 13 may be maintained at a temperature below zero to store food in a frozen state. Likewise, the switching compartment 14 can be used as the refrigerating compartment 12 or the freezing compartment 13 according to a selected cold air flow. If necessary, the switching compartment 14 can be maintained at a fixed temperature.

[0040] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the storage space according to this embodiment, but can also be applied to a refrigerator having various configurations of the storage space divided into at least two storage spaces.

[0041] The doors may include a refrigerator compartment door 21, a freezer compartment door 22, and a changeover compartment door 23, each independently opening the storage compartments. The door designs may be provided in various ways to match the designs of the storage compartments.

[0042] For example, the refrigerator compartment doors 21 may be provided in pairs to cover the refrigerator compartment 12. The refrigerator compartment doors 21 may be arranged on both the left and right sides and pivotally connected to the cabinet 10 via hinge devices 15 to open and close the refrigerator compartment 12.

[0043] Both the left and right sides of the pair of refrigerator compartment doors 21 may be provided with independent rotatable means. Thus, the refrigerator compartment 12 can be partially or completely opened and closed by means of the pair of refrigerator compartment doors 21. The hinge devices 15 may be arranged at the top and bottom of the refrigerator compartment door 21 so that the refrigerator compartment door 21 is rotatable. Since the refrigerator 1 is provided as a built-in type mounted in the form of the cabinet 2, the hinge devices must not interfere with the cabinet 2 adjacent to the panel 3 when the refrigerator compartment door 21 is opened and closed.

[0044] A covering device 24 may be disposed between the pair of refrigeration compartment doors 21. When the pair of refrigeration compartment doors 21 are closed, the covering device 24 may cover a gap between the pair of refrigeration compartment doors 21 to prevent cold air from leaking out of the refrigerator 12.

[0045] The refrigerator compartment door 22 and the switching compartment door 23 can be slidably pushed in and pulled out to open and close the freezer compartment 13 and the switching compartment 14. Likewise, a storage element can be connected to the freezer compartment door 22 and coupled to the switching compartment door 23 to provide a drawer-like configuration. The freezer compartment door 22 can be directly or indirectly connected to the sliding / pulling device, such as a rail arranged in the cabinet 10 that slides in and out like the drawer.

[0046] The panel 3 can be attached to the front sides of the refrigerator compartment door 21, the freezer compartment door 22, and the switching compartment door 23. Thus, when the refrigerator 1 is installed, the external appearance of the refrigerator 1 can be defined by the panel 3. Likewise, in the state in which the panel 3 is arranged on the front sides of the refrigerator compartment door 21, the freezer compartment door 22, and the switching compartment door 23, the refrigerator 1 can be considered part of the furniture 2 because the distance between the doors is very small.

[0047] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator.

[0048] As illustrated in the drawing, the cabinet 10 may include an outer casing 101 defining an outer surface thereof, and an inner casing 102 spaced apart from the outer casing 101 to define an inner surface thereof. The inner casing 102 may be made of a material such as stainless steel to define at least a portion of an interior surface of the refrigerator. Due to the arrangement of the inner casing 102, a sleek appearance can be presented when viewed toward the interior of the refrigerator 1, and the interior of the refrigerator 1 can be better cooled.

[0049] Likewise, the entire region within the refrigerator 1 can be cooled by conduction. An insulating material 103 can be filled between the outer casing 101 and the inner casing 102 to insulate the inside of the refrigerator 1 from the outside of the refrigerator 1. Likewise, a spacer 104, which is attached to hold both sides of the inner casing 102 and the outer casing 101 before a foam solution is injected to mold the insulating material 103, can be arranged between the inner casing 102 and the outer casing 101. The spacer 104 can maintain a certain distance between the inner casing 102 and the outer casing 101 to maintain the overall shape.

[0050] Two boundary elements 11 and 111 may be arranged at the top and bottom of the cabinet 10. The switching compartment 14 and the freezing compartment 13 may be divided by the boundary elements 11 and 111.

[0051] Likewise, a motor compartment 16 may be defined in a lower end of the cabinet 10, for example, a lower side of the freezer compartment 13. Compressors 161 and 162 and a condenser (not shown) constituting the refrigeration circuit may be provided in the motor compartment 16. The compressors 161 and 162 may be provided in duplicate, that is, comprising a first compressor 161 constituting a first refrigeration circuit for cooling the freezer compartment 13 and a second compressor 162 constituting a second refrigeration circuit for cooling the refrigerator compartment 12. That is, the freezer compartment 13 and the refrigerator compartment 12 may each be individually cooled by the independent refrigeration circuits.

[0052] As described above, the two refrigeration circuits can be provided separately to effectively cool the rooms independently of each other. Likewise, the separate refrigeration circuits can be provided such that the compressors 161 and 162 are designed with appropriate capacities, thereby reducing the size, i.e., the height, of the compressors 161 and 162. Thus, the volume occupied by a motor compartment 16 can be minimized to maximize the storage space capacity in the cabinet 10. Furthermore, the refrigeration circuits can be provided separately to reduce the amount of refrigerant provided in each of the refrigeration circuits, so that the refrigerator is used with a lower risk of explosion and with greater stability.

[0053] A first evaporator 134 constituting the first refrigeration circuit may be arranged at the rear of the freezer compartment 13. Generally, the first evaporator 134 may be provided as a finned tube type. Thus, the finned tube may be referred to as an evaporator. Likewise, a freezer compartment ventilation grille 133 may be arranged at a rear of the freezer compartment, and the first evaporator 134 and a freezer compartment blower fan 135 may be provided in an interior space defined by the freezer compartment blower fan 133. The cold air in the freezer compartment evaporator 134 may be supplied to the freezer compartment 13 in a concentrated manner by flowing through the freezer compartment blower fan 135.

[0054] A freezer drawer 131, which is designed to be pushed in and pulled out together with the freezer door 22, may be provided in the freezer door 13. Likewise, an ice maker 132 may be provided in the freezer compartment 13.

[0055] A switching compartment drawer 141, which is designed to be pushed in and pulled out together with the switching compartment door 23, may be provided in the switching compartment 14. A switching compartment vent grille 142 may be provided at a rear side of the switching compartment 14. Likewise, a switching compartment duct 111a, which communicates with a space in which the first evaporator 134 is arranged, may be provided at a rear side of the switching compartment vent grille 142. The switching compartment duct 111a may provide a channel for introducing the cool air from the first evaporator 134 into the switching compartment 14.

[0056] A damper 143 may be provided in the switching compartment duct 111a. The damper 143 may be configured to open and close the switching compartment duct 111a. The supply of cold air into the switching compartment 14 can be selectively adjusted according to an opening degree of the damper 143 and the opening / closing of the damper 143. Thus, the interior of the switching compartment 14 can be maintained at a predetermined temperature by the damper 143. A switching compartment blower fan (not shown) may be further provided in a space defined by the switching compartment duct 111a or the switching compartment grille 142. The supply of cold air into the switching compartment 14 can be performed more effectively by the switching compartment blower fan. Likewise, the switching compartment blower fan can be coupled to operate the flap 143.Alternatively, the switching part 14 may have its own independent cooling structure through a thermoelectric element or a freezing circuit.

[0057] The evaporator shroud module 400 may be disposed at the rear of the refrigeration compartment 12. The evaporator shroud module 400 may be disposed at the rear of the refrigeration compartment 12. Likewise, a void in which the second evaporator 500 is disposed may be disposed between the evaporator shroud module 400 and the rear of the inner casing 102. The second evaporator 500 may have a platform like the roll-bond type evaporator. Thus, a second evaporator 500 may be referred to as a roll-bond type evaporator or a plate type evaporator. The second evaporator 500 may be disposed between the evaporator shroud module 400 and the inner casing 102 to cool air flowing along the space in which the second evaporator 500 is housed.

[0058] A cold air supply module 300 may be disposed at the top of the refrigeration compartment 12. The refrigeration compartment blower fan 370 may be provided in the cold air supply module 300 to force the cold air into the refrigeration compartment 12. Likewise, the cold air supply module 300 may be connected to the evaporative shroud module 400, and the air in the refrigeration compartment 12 may be cooled by flowing through the interior of the evaporative shroud module 400 and then being supplied to the refrigeration compartment 12 via the cold air supply module 300.

[0059] A display module 123 for displaying an operating state of the refrigerator 1 may further be arranged on the top of the refrigerator compartment 12. Lighting devices 124 and 125 for illuminating the interior of the refrigerator 1 may further be provided in the display module 123 and the cold air supply module 300.

[0060] A plurality of shelves and drawers may be provided in the refrigerator compartment 12. A door basket 212 may be provided at the rear of the refrigerator compartment door 21 to provide various storage spaces in the refrigerator 1.

[0061] Fig. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a cold air supply module and an evaporator panel module are connected to each other according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 is also an exploded perspective view illustrating a connection structure between the cold air supply module and the evaporator cover module.

[0062] As illustrated in the drawings, the cold air supply module 300 may be connected to the evaporator shroud module 400 to communicate with the duct into which cold air is introduced. Likewise, the cold air supply module 300 may be disposed at an upper end of the freezer compartment 12 to define an external appearance of at least a portion of the top of the refrigerator compartment 12. Likewise, the cold air supply module 400 may be disposed at the rear of the freezer compartment 12 to define an external appearance of at least a portion of the rear of the refrigerator compartment 12.

[0063] The evaporator shroud module 400 can be connected to a rear end of a bottom surface of the cold air supply module 300. In this state, the evaporator shroud module 400 can define the top and rear surfaces of the refrigeration compartment 12. Likewise, the evaporator shroud module 400 and the cold air supply module 300 can communicate with each other. Thus, the cold air can flow along the evaporator shroud module 400 and the cold air supply module 300.

[0064] The panel cover module 400 may have a size corresponding to that of the rear of the refrigerating compartment 12, and an intake port 411 may be defined in the evaporator panel module 400 to allow the air in the refrigerating compartment 12 to be introduced into the evaporator panel module 400. Likewise, a space housing the second evaporator 500 may be provided in the evaporator panel module 400.

[0065] The cold air supply module 300 may have a size corresponding to the top of the refrigerating compartment 12, and a refrigerating compartment blower fan 370 may be provided in the cold air supply mode. The refrigerating compartment blower fan 370 may be arranged at a rear side adjacent to the evaporator shroud module 400. Thus, the cold air supply module 300 may have a shape with a gradually increasing thickness from the front side to the rear side. Likewise, a plurality of air outlet openings 317 and 318 may be arranged at the bottom of the cold air supply module 300 to discharge cold air supplied via the cold air supply module 300 to the inside of the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0066] The cold air supply module 300 may be attached to the top of the freezing compartment 12 in a state where the evaporator cover module 400 is attached to the refrigerating compartment 12. The rear end of the bottom of the cold air supply module 300 and the top end of the evaporator cover module 400 may be connected to each other by attaching the cold air supply module 300.

[0067] In the following, embodiments of the cold air supply module are described in more detail with reference to the drawings in the appendix.

[0068] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the cold air supply module seen from a bottom side. Fig. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the cold air supply module in a front view. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the cold air supply module in a rear view.

[0069] As illustrated in the drawings, the cold air supply module 301 may include a lower housing 310 and an upper housing 390 defining an external appearance thereof and having a duct forming part 30 between the upper housing 390 and the lower housing 310.

[0070] The lower housing 310 may be injection molded with a plastic material and include a base 311 defining a bottom thereof and edges 312 extending upwardly from both side surfaces and the front of the base 311.

[0071] Air outlets 317 and 318 through which cold air is discharged may be disposed at a front end and both side ends of the base 311, respectively. Air outlets 317 and 318 may include a front air outlet 317 disposed at a front end of the base 311 and side air outlets 318 disposed at both side ends of the base 311. Each of the front air outlet 317 and the side air outlets 318 may have a lattice shape.

[0072] The front air outlet opening 317 may extend lengthwise from one end to the other end of the front end of the base 311. Thus, the cold air discharged from the front air outlet opening 317 may be directed downward toward the front end of the top surface of the cooling portion 12.

[0073] The side air outlet openings 318 can be arranged at both side ends of the base 311, that is, the front region of the base 311. That is, the side air outlet openings 318 can each extend from both ends of the front air outlet opening 317 rearward to an approximate center point of the base 311. Thus, the side air outlet openings 318 can each be provided below the front regions at both side ends of the top of the refrigerator compartment 12.

[0074] A base plate 320 may be attached to the base 311. The base plate 320 may be made of the same material as the inner casing 111 and have a plate shape to define an external appearance of the bottom of the cold air supply module 300 exposed inside the refrigeration compartment 12.

[0075] The base plate 320 may be made of a plate-shaped stainless steel material. A surface of the base plate 320 corresponding to a front air outlet vent 317 and the side air outlet vents 318 may be cut out. Thus, when the base plate 320 is attached to the base, the base plate 320 may define the top surface of the radiator part 12. Each of the front air outlet vent 317 and the side air outlet vents 318 may be exposed.

[0076] A bent part 321 may be arranged at either end of the base plate 320. The bent part 321 may be firmly connected to an edge of the base 311 to maintain the connected state between the base plate 320 and the base 311. A rear end of the base plate 320 may extend to a light cover 314, which will be described below. Likewise, a sensor opening 322 may be defined in one side of a center point of the base plate 320.

[0077] A sensor mounting component 319 may be disposed on a side of the base 311 corresponding to the sensor opening 322. The sensor mounting component 319 may be configured to attach a temperature sensor for measuring an internal temperature of the refrigerator compartment 12.

[0078] A plurality of upwardly extending support protrusions 315 may extend into the base 311. The support protrusions 315 may pass through the channel-forming portion 330 and then be connected to a fan support 360, which is described below. The support protrusions 315 may support the fan support 360 and then be arranged in a plurality around a periphery of the fan support 360.

[0079] The channel forming part 330 may be inserted into the base 311 and fixed to the base 311 to provide a cold air flow channel. The channel forming part 330 may be made of a Styrofoam material with insulating properties and fixed to the base 311 in the state in which the channel forming part 30 is injection-molded.

[0080] The channel forming part 330 as a whole may include an upper part 340 and a lower part 350. The upper part 340 may define an upper portion of the channel forming part 330 and be inserted into an upper space of the base 311. Also, the lower part 350 may define a lower portion of the channel forming part 330 and be inserted into a lower space of the base 311. Thus, when the channel forming part 330 is attached to the lower housing 310, an upper channel 333 and a lower channel may be provided. The upper channel 333 and the lower channel 332 may communicate with each other via the communication opening 331.

[0081] More specifically, the upper part 340 may define an upper periphery of the channel forming part 330 to provide the upper channel 333 that is open upward.

[0082] A rear end of the upper part 340 may protrude further than a rear end of the base 311. Thus, an inlet part 341 may be disposed between the rear end of the base 311 and the upper part 340. The open upper end of the evaporator shroud module 400 may be inserted into or contact with the inlet part 341. Thus, the cold air flowing upward along the evaporator shroud module 400 may be introduced into the channel formation part 330. Likewise, the introduction pipe 341 may have a rounded bottom. Thus, the cold air flowing vertically upward may flow along a rounded guide surface 341a of the inlet part 341 and then be guided in a direction transverse to the evaporator shroud module 400.

[0083] An air outlet guide surface 342 may be provided on the upper part 340. The air outlet guide surface 342 may guide the air blown out by the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370, allowing the cool air to flow into the front air outlet opening 317 and the side air outlet openings 318. The air outlet guide surface 342 may define a rear side of the upper duct 333 and have a predetermined curvature to connect the rear ends of the side air outlet openings arranged on both sides. Here, the air outlet guide surface 342 may be provided on a rear side of the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370. Also, a portion of the air outlet guide surface 342 may define a portion of the connecting opening 331.

[0084] A front opening 343 may be defined at a front end of the upper part 340. The front opening 343 may define a front end of the upper duct 333 and be defined at a position appropriate to communicate with the front air outlet opening 317. A distribution component 343a for distributing air flowing through the front opening 343 may extend rearward from an approximately central region of the front opening 343. The distribution component 343a may be configured to divide the front opening 343 so that both have sloped side surfaces.

[0085] A side opening 344 may be defined in each of the two side ends of the upper part 340. The side opening 344 may define an area at both side ends of the upper duct 333 and be defined at a position corresponding to communicate with each of the front air outlet openings 318.

[0086] The lower part 350 may define a bottom of the duct forming part 330. That is, the lower part 350 may provide a duct through which the cold air introduced into the cold air supply module 300 is discharged to the front air outlet vent 317 and the side air outlet vents 318 via the refrigerator compartment blower fan 370.

[0087] Specifically, the lower part 350 may be disposed at a position corresponding to a space of the upper channel 333 and inserted into a space between the upper part 340 and the base 311. Thus, in the state where the channel forming part 330 is attached, an upper surface of the lower part 350 may define the upper channel 330, and a lower surface of the lower part 350 may come into contact with the base 311 and be filled into the lower case 310.

[0088] Here, a front end and both side ends of the lower part 350 may extend to the front openings 343 and the side openings to provide channels through which the front opening 343 communicates with the front air outlet opening 317, and the side openings 344 communicate with the side air outlet openings 318.

[0089] Also, the rear end of the lower portion 350 may define a front portion of the connecting opening 331. The rear end of the lower part 350 may be recessed forward in a rounded shape to define a portion of the lower channel 332.

[0090] The communication opening 331 may be defined by the rear end of the lower part 350 and the air outlet guide surface 342. The communication opening 331 may have a shape whose width gradually decreases from a center thereof in both lateral directions, and both ends come into contact with each other. The communication opening 331 may have a size in which the freezer compartment blower fan 370 is accommodated at a center thereof.

[0091] A pin hole 335 through which the support pins 315 pass may be defined along the connection opening 331. An upper end of the support projection, which extends upward by passing through the pin hole 335, may be connected to the fan bracket 360 via a screw.

[0092] The fan mount 360 may be attached to the cover of the connection opening 331. The fan mount 360 may include a cover 361 having a shape corresponding to the connection opening 331 and a mount edge 362 defining a perimeter of the cover 361.

[0093] A plurality of bracket connecting parts 365 may be arranged along the outer side of the cover 361. The bracket connecting part 365 may be arranged at a position corresponding to a pin hole 335 arranged in the lower part 350 and connected to an upper end of the bracket pin 315 passing through the pin hole 335.

[0094] A nozzle 363 may be defined in the center of the panel. The nozzle 363 may be arranged at a position corresponding to the refrigerator compartment blower fan 370 and essentially serves as an air intake duct. Thus, a periphery of the nozzle 363 may be shaped like a horn, allowing air to be drawn in more smoothly.

[0095] A fan bracket 364 may be mounted outside the nozzle 363. The fan bracket 364 may hold the refrigerator compartment blower fan 370 and be connected to a blower fan connecting part 371.

[0096] Although not shown in detail, a fan motor 380 having a turbofan structure may be mounted at a center of the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370 so that air is sucked in an axial direction and discharged in a circumferential direction. Similarly, a plurality of blades 372 may be arranged on the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370 in the circumferential direction. Thus, the air in the lower duct, which is sucked in via the nozzle 363, may be discharged into the upper duct 333 while being discharged in the circumferential direction from the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370.

[0097] The bracket edge 362 may extend along a rear end of the shroud of the fan bracket 360. The bracket edge 362 may be disposed close to the air outlet guide surface 342. Likewise, the bracket connecting part 365, which protrudes vertically, may be disposed along an upper end of the bracket edge 362. The bracket connecting part 365 may be connected to an upper end of the supporting projection 315, which extends through the upper part 340.

[0098] The fan bracket 360 and the cooling compartment blower fan 370 cannot protrude to the outside of the duct forming part 330 in the state where they are housed in the upper duct 333 and covered by the upper case 390.

[0099] The upper housing 390 can define the top of the cold air supply module 300 and cover the open top of the duct forming part 330. In the state where the upper housing 390 is attached, the upper housing 390 can cover the upper duct 333, as well as the fan bracket 360 arranged on the upper duct 333 and the cooling compartment blower fan 270.

[0100] Likewise, a housing fixing part 345, which is recessed in a space corresponding to the upper housing 390, may be arranged on the upper surface of the channel forming part 330. In the state in which the upper housing 390 is fixed, the upper surface of the upper housing 390 may have the same plane as the upper surface of the channel forming part 330 on the housing fixing part 345.

[0101] When the cold air supply module 300 is mounted in the refrigeration compartment 12, the upper surfaces of the upper housing 390 and the channel forming part 330 may contact the upper surface of the inner housing 102. Likewise, both the left and right ends of the cold air supply module 300 may contact the left and right surfaces of the inner housing 102. Likewise, a rear end of the cold air supply module 300, specifically the inlet part 341, may contact the evaporative shroud module 400 to provide a channel through which the cold air flows.

[0102] The evaporator cover module 400 is described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0103] Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a connection structure between the evaporator cover module and a roll bond evaporator as viewed from the front. Fig. 11 is also an exploded perspective view of the connection structure between the evaporator shroud module and a roll bond evaporator seen from the rear.

[0104] As shown in the drawing, the evaporator shroud module 400 may be disposed at the rear of the refrigeration compartment 12. The evaporator shroud module 400 may define the rear of the refrigeration compartment 12, as well as a space in which the second evaporator 500 is mounted and a cold air flow space.

[0105] The evaporator cover module 400 may include the rear plate 410, a first insulation material, a second insulation material 450, and side channels 430.

[0106] In detail, the rear plate 410 may define an external appearance of the evaporator shroud module 400, that is, the rear of the refrigeration compartment 12. The rear plate 410 may be made of a metal material such as stainless steel, like the inner casing 102.

[0107] An intake opening 411 may be defined in a lower portion of the rear plate 410. The intake opening 411 may be defined by a plurality of openings extending through the rear plate 410 and having a grid shape.

[0108] An air purification module 420 may be attached to the intake port 411. The air purification module 420 may be configured to purify air using a filter or a catalyst and may be removably disposed on the intake port 411.

[0109] The rear plate 410 may be made of a plate-shaped material, and both side surfaces may be curved to define a heat exchange space 460 in which the rear plate 410 is spaced from the rear surface of the inner casing 102. The heat exchange space 460 may be a space between the first insulation material 440 and the second insulation material 450 and is also defined as a space in which the second evaporator 500 is arranged.

[0110] Specifically, an upper curved part 321 and a lower curved part 321 may be disposed at both side ends of the rear plate 410. The upper curved part 321 may be bent rearward so that both curved ends of the upper curved part 321 may be spaced apart from the inner case 102. Thus, a tray attachment member (not shown) on which trays 121 are arranged in the refrigerating compartment 12 may be disposed may be disposed between the upper curved part 321 and the side surface of the inner case 102. Although not shown, the tray attachment member may extend in a vertical direction, and a plurality of attachment holes may be defined vertically in the tray attachment member. Thus, the user can mount the cantilever-type tray 121 at a desired height.

[0111] The lower bent part 321 may be bent backward, that is, bent backward in a state where it comes into contact with both side surfaces of the inner case 102. Thus, a width between the upper bent parts 321 may be smaller than that between the lower bent parts 321. That is, an outer side of the lower bent part 321 may protrude further outward from an outer side of the upper bent part 321. Here, a projection may correspond to a projection of the tray fixing member.

[0112] Likewise, the lower curved portion 321 may have a height determined depending on a length of the insert tray fastening element. The lower curved portion 321 may extend from a lower end of the insert tray fastening element to a lower end of the rear plate 410.

[0113] The side channels 430 may be arranged on both the left and right inner sides of the rear plate 410. The side channels 430 may cover both the left and right sides of the rear space of the rear plate 410 to define a space in which the second evaporator 500 is arranged between both the left and right sides.

[0114] Each of the side channels 430 may be made of an insulating material such as an intumescent foam. In a state where the side channels 430 are injection-molded, the side channels 430 may be joined and fixed to the rear plate 410. Likewise, the side channels 430 may be fixed and fixed in the refrigerator compartment 12 in a state where the entire rear plate 410 and the first insulating material 440 are connected.

[0115] A distance between the side channels 430 arranged on both the left and right sides may correspond to a width of the second evaporator 500. A rear surface of the rear back plate 410 defined by the side channels 34 may have a horizontal width corresponding to that of the second evaporator 500. Thus, air flowing through the heat exchange space 460 can be effectively cooled by flowing through the second evaporator 500.

[0116] The side guides 430 may extend vertically along the rear plate 410 and have one side with a shape corresponding to each of the upper bent part 321 and the lower bent part 322 of the rear plate 410, and the other side defining a side surface of the heat exchange space 460 in which the second evaporator 500 is housed.

[0117] A vertically extending channel passage 432 may be disposed on a rear surface of each of the side channels 430. The channel passage 432 may be recessed from an upper end to a lower end of the side channel 430 and may be provided to accommodate a water supply pipe or conduits leading to the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0118] The side channel 430 may have a thickness corresponding in height to each of the upper bent part 321 and the lower bent part 321 and come into contact with the inner case 102 to define a space in which the second evaporator 500 is arranged.

[0119] Likewise, the stepped duct connecting part 431 may be arranged at an upper end of the side duct 430. The duct connecting part 431 may be inserted into the interior of the inlet part 141 of the duct forming part 330 when the cold air supply module 300 and the evaporator panel module 400 are connected to each other. Thus, the cold air supply module 300 and the evaporator panel module 400 can be maintained in the state where the cold air supply module 300 and the evaporator panel module 400 are connected to each other in the refrigerating compartment 12, and the ducts between the cold air supply module 300 and the evaporator panel module 400 can also be communicated with each other.

[0120] The first insulation material 440 may be disposed on the back side of the rear plate 410. The first insulation material 440 may have a plate shape and be made of an insulation material with a thin thickness. The first insulation material 440 may be made of a vacuum insulation material or a high-density foam material.

[0121] The first insulation material 440 may extend from an upper end of the intake port 411 to the upper end of the rear plate 410 and be sized to contact both ends of the side channel 430. Thus, the first insulation material 440 may be secured to prevent a large amount of cold air generated in the second evaporator from thermally conducting through the rear plate 410 to affect the temperature inside the refrigerator.

[0122] That is, if no first insulation material 440 is provided, air may be cooled by the second evaporator 500 due to the design characteristics of the rear plate 410 disposed adjacent to the second evaporator 500, and thus has a temperature below zero. As a result, the surface of the rear plate 410 may be frozen, and the rear area in the refrigeration compartment 12 may be overcooled. However, the first insulation material 440 may be provided to minimize the transfer of cold air generated in the second evaporator 500 to the rear plate 410, thereby preventing the rear plate 410 from freezing.

[0123] Here, the second evaporator 500 may be provided on a back side of the first insulation material 440. The second evaporator 500 may be arranged in the heat exchange space 460 defined by the side channels 430 and the first insulation material 440.

[0124] The second evaporator 500 may be a roll-bond type evaporator in which a refrigerant channel 520 is provided by a pair of interconnected, overlapping plates 510. That is, the second evaporator 500 may have a platform housed in the heat exchange space 460. The second evaporator may have a thin thickness and a plate shape due to the structural characteristics of the roll-bond type evaporator.

[0125] The second evaporator may have a width corresponding to the horizontal width of the heat exchange space 460 and may be arranged above the intake opening 411. Thus, the cold air introduced into the intake opening 411 can move upward along the second evaporator 500 and be cooled.

[0126] The cooling channel 520 protruding from an outer surface of the second evaporator 500 may have a meandering shape with both ends repeatedly bent several times. Also, the coolant channel 520 may have a structure that runs in a horizontal direction. Thus, the coolant can flow slowly in the heat exchange space 460 to more effectively cool the air flowing inside the heat exchange space 460.

[0127] Likewise, a plurality of evaporation openings 511 may be further defined in the second evaporator 500. The evaporation openings 511 may only be openings to which a screw 537 for fixing and fastening the second evaporator 500 is connected. The evaporation openings 511 may be provided in a plurality at a position corresponding to an evaporator fixing member 530, which will be described below.

[0128] The second insulation material 450 may be formed from the same material as the first insulation material 440 and may have a platform like the first insulation material 440. The second insulation material 450 may have a size equal to or larger than that of the second evaporator 500 to cover the rear of the second evaporator 500. The second insulation material 450 may be disposed on an outer side of the inner housing 102.

[0129] The second insulation material 450 may be configured to prevent the cold air of the second evaporator 500 from leaking to the rear of the inner casing 102 and may have a size configured to define the rear of the heat exchange space 460.

[0130] Thus, the cold air flowing back through the second insulation material 450 can be blocked by the second insulation material 140 and prevented from being transferred into the inner cabinet 102. In particular, if the inner cabinet 102 is made of metal and no second insulation material 450 is provided, the cold air may unnecessarily leak into the other space in addition to the refrigerated space through the inner cabinet 102. However, the second insulation material 450 can be provided to prevent cold air from leaking.

[0131] A plurality of insulation openings 451 may be defined in the second insulation material 450. The insulation openings 451 may be opened such that the evaporator fixing member 530 is inserted to fix and secure the second evaporator 500 and is defined in a position corresponding to the evaporator openings 511.

[0132] In the state where the evaporator cover module 400 is mounted in the refrigerating compartment 12, the second evaporator 500 may be disposed in a space between the first insulation material 440 and the second insulation material 450. Here, the first insulation material 440 and the second insulation material 450 may be maintained at a predetermined distance therebetween, so that the air cooled by the second evaporator 500 flows smoothly.

[0133] Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the evaporator cover module and the roll bond type evaporator are bonded together. Fig. 13 is also a perspective view of an evaporator fastener according to one embodiment. Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of area A of Fig. 4.

[0134] As shown in the drawings, the evaporator fastening element 530 may be arranged on a rear side of the evaporator cover module 400. The evaporator fastening element 530 may be configured to fix and secure the second evaporator 500 in the evaporator cover module 400.

[0135] The evaporator fixing member 530 may be provided in a plurality of positions to completely fix the second evaporator 500 and maintain a certain distance between the second evaporator 500 and the evaporator cover module 400. The evaporator fixing member 530 may be arranged at the top and bottom ends and a center to fix and hold the second evaporator 500.

[0136] More precisely, as in Fig. As shown in FIG. 12, a pair of evaporator fixing members 530 may be arranged at both the left and right ends at the lower and upper ends of the second evaporator 500, and a pair of evaporator fixing members 530 may be arranged in the center in a state where the evaporator fixing members 530 are spaced apart from each other. Thus, the second evaporator 500 can be stably fixed and secured to the entire surface of the evaporator fixing member 530.

[0137] Furthermore, the second evaporator 500 can be held at a certain distance in the heat exchange space 460 by the evaporation fixing member 530. That is, this can prevent the position of the second evaporator 500 from being changed or prevent a distance between an inner wall of the heat exchange space 460 and the second evaporator 500 from being narrowed due to the deformation of the evaporator cover module 400 during the assembly process or during use. Thus, when defrosting the second evaporator 500, even if water droplets are formed, the water droplets are not formed between the second evaporator 500 and the inner wall of the heat exchange space 460 but flow downward. Also, it can prevent a flow resistance generated when the cold air flows from increasing.

[0138] It is preferable that the distance between the outside of the second evaporator 500 and the heat exchange space 460 be sufficient to prevent defrost water from forming due to surface tension. The second evaporator 500 can be held at a certain distance from the inside of the heat exchange space 460 by the evaporation fixing member 530.

[0139] The evaporator fixing member 530 may be coupled by passing through the outer casing 102 to the rear of the inner casing 102 and may sequentially pass through the second insulating material 450 and the second evaporator 500. Furthermore, the second evaporator 500 may be held to the inner casing 102 by the evaporator fixing member 530. Alternatively, a plurality of fixing openings 530 may be defined in the second insulating material 450.

[0140] As in Fig. 13, the evaporator fastening element 530 may include a projection part 531 and a handle 534.

[0141] The protrusion portion 531 may define a front portion of the evaporator mounting member 530 and protrude forward from a center point of the support plate 533. The protrusion portion 531 may have a length by which the protrusion portion 531 penetrates the inner housing 102 and the second insulation material 450 to support the second evaporator 500.

[0142] Likewise, a projection hole 335 may be defined at a center of a front side of the projection part 531, and the screw 537 passing through the evaporation hole 531 may be connected to a projection part hole 532 to hold the second evaporator 500. That is, the distances between the second evaporator 500 and the first insulating material 440 and the second insulating material 450 may be adjusted to lengthen the length of the projection part 531. In the present embodiment, the projection part 531 may be arranged so that the second evaporator 500 is located at an approximately central region between the first insulating material 440 and the second insulating material 450.

[0143] The support plate 533 may have a plate shape at a rear end of the protrusion portion 531 so as to extend in a circumferential direction of the protrusion portion 531 and come into surface contact with the inner housing 102. The support plate 533 may have various shapes designed to form surface contact with the inner housing 102. In this embodiment, the support plate 533 may have a rectangular plate shape. Thus, when the evaporator fixing member 530 is attached, the evaporator fixing member 530 can adhere to a rear side of the inner housing 102.

[0144] The handle 534 may extend rearwardly from the center of the support plate 533 and have a handle axis 535 at the center of the support plate 533 and a handle rib 536 extending upwardly and downwardly from an outer side of the handle axis 535.

[0145] The grip rib 536 may extend from the outside of the grip axis 535 to an outer end of the support plate 533. The grip rib 536 may protrude at a certain height so that the user holds the grip rib 536 with his or her hand.

[0146] The handle 534 may have a grip rib structure 536 extending from the handle axis 535. Thus, the user can hold the handle 534 to insert the handle 534 so that the protrusion portion 531 passes through the inner housing 102 and the second insulation material 450, thereby realizing a simple assembly process.

[0147] Furthermore, the handle 534 may be exposed in the space between the inner casing 102 and the outer casing 101, where the insulating material 103 is provided. When a foam solution is injected to form the insulating material 103, the outer surface of the handle 534 may be sunk into the insulating material 103, and thus the evaporator fixing member 530 can be held in a fixed state without being separated.

[0148] The following describes an operation of the refrigerator having the above-described structure according to the current embodiment.

[0149] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold air flow state in the cooling compartment of the refrigerator. Fig. 16 is also a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold air flow condition in the evaporator cover module and the cold air supply module. Fig. 17 is also a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold air flow state in the cold air supply module. Fig. 18 is also a view illustrating a cooling state in the refrigerator compartment.

[0150] As shown in the drawings, the interior of the storage space of the refrigerator 1 can be cooled to a predetermined temperature by operating a freezing cycle.

[0151] To cool the interior of the refrigerator compartment 12 to a predetermined temperature, the refrigeration cycle including the second compressor 162 and the second evaporator 500 is driven. Similarly, when the refrigerator compartment blower fan 370 provided in the cold air supply module 300 is driven, a flow of cool air in the refrigerator compartment 12 can begin cooling the interior of the refrigerator 1.

[0152] Specifically, when the second compressor 162 is driven, the second evaporator 500 can be in a low-temperature state, and also in a state where the generation of cold air is possible. In this state, with the refrigeration compartment blower fan 370 driven, cold air can be sucked in via the evaporator shroud module 400 and discharged via the cold air supply module 300. The intake port 411 of the evaporator shroud module 400 can be defined in a lower end portion of the refrigeration compartment 12 for sucking in the cold air present at the lower portion of the refrigeration compartment 12. Also, the cold air can move upward along the heat exchange space 460 in the evaporator shroud module 400.

[0153] Here, the second evaporator 500 is arranged in the heat exchange space 460, and the cold air is introduced into the cold air supply module 300 after being sufficiently cooled while moving upward along the heat exchange space 64.

[0154] The cold air introduced into the cold air supply module 300 can flow forcefully assisted by the refrigerator compartment blower fan 370 and then be discharged downward toward the air outlet openings 317 and 318 of the cold air supply module 300. Here, the cold air supply module 300 can be attached to the top of the freezer compartment 12 to supply cold air to the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 12.

[0155] The front air outlet opening 317 of the cold air supply module 300 can also be arranged on the same extension between the insert compartment 121 and the drawer in the refrigerator compartment 12 and the door basket 212 in the refrigerator compartment 21. Thus, the cold air discharged from the cold air supply module 300 can flow toward the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 12 without being blocked by the storage elements arranged on the refrigerator compartment 12 and the refrigerator compartment door, or by the food stored in the storage elements.

[0156] Thus, the cold air in the refrigerator compartment 12 can move upward from the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 12 to circulate through the rear of the refrigerator compartment 12, and then forward from the top of the refrigerator compartment 12 to return to the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 12. All cooling in the refrigerator compartment 12 can be accomplished by the process described above.

[0157] A flow condition of the cold air in an upper portion of the refrigerating compartment 12 will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 16. Since the upper end of the evaporator cover module 400 is connected to the lower end of the cold air supply module 300, the air flowing upward in the heat exchange space 460 can be introduced into the cold air supply module 300 via the inlet part 341.

[0158] The cold air flowing through the upper end of the evaporator cover module 400 can be introduced into the lower duct 332 of the cold air supply module 300 via the inlet part 341. Here, the guide surface 341a can be arranged on the inner surface of the inlet part 341, which communicates with the lower duct 332. The guide surface 341a can have a rounded curved shape and be connected to the lower duct 332 so as to be arranged parallel to the upper end, which extends in the vertical direction and is open. Thus, the cold air flowing upward along the evaporator cover module 400 can be smoothly introduced into the cold air supply module 300.

[0159] Likewise, a lighting fixture mounting part 313, to which the lighting fixture 125 is mounted, may be disposed on the lower housing 110 in a direction facing the guide surface 341a. The lighting fixture mounting part 313 may be recessed to have a curved surface at a position corresponding to the guide surface 341a to more consistently guide the introduction of cold air along with the guide surface 341a.

[0160] The lower duct 332 may be a space between the upper part 340 of the duct forming part 330 and the lower housing 310, and may define a lower space for the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370. Thus, the cold air introduced through the inlet part 341 can flow from the lower side of the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370 to the inside of the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370.

[0161] The refrigeration compartment blower fan 370 may be a centrifugal force fan that forces air in the central direction and discharges the air in the circumferential direction. A fan with a high air volume, such as a turbo fan, may be used as the refrigeration compartment blower fan 370. Here, the rotation shaft of the refrigeration compartment blower fan 370 may be arranged vertically, and the bottom of the refrigeration compartment blower fan 370 may be arranged parallel to the top of the refrigeration compartment to minimize installation space.

[0162] The air sucked in the axial direction can be discharged in the circumferential direction by the rotation of the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370 and then flow along the upper duct 333 and discharged downward through the air outlet openings 317 and 318.

[0163] The cold air flow in the cold air supply module 300 is described in more detail with reference to Fig. 17. The cold air of the cooling compartment fan 370 sucked in the axial direction by the rotation of the cooling compartment blower fan 370 can be discharged in a circumferential direction.

[0164] Here, part of the cool air blown by the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370 can flow along the air discharge guide surface 342 to flow toward the side air discharge port 318 along the air discharge guide surface 342. Likewise, the remaining cool air blown by the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370 can flow toward an upper duct 333 to flow toward the front air discharge port 317. That is, the cool air discharged in the circumferential direction of the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370 can flow along the upper duct 333 and then be discharged via the front air discharge port 317 and the side air discharge ports 318.

[0165] As in Fig. 18, in the evaporator cover module 400, in the cold air flow for cooling the interior of the refrigerating compartment 12, the cold air sucked in from the lower end of the refrigerating compartment 12 through the intake port 411 can flow upward along the heat exchange space 460. Likewise, by operating the refrigerating compartment blower fan 370, the cold air introduced into the cold air supply module 300 can flow from the upper end of the heat exchange space 460 to the side air outlet ports 318 and the front air outlet port 317 through the upper duct 333.

[0166] The front air outlet vent 317 and the side air outlet vents 318 may be arranged at the front end of the top and both side surfaces of the front portion of the refrigerating compartment 12 to discharge the cold air to the inside of the refrigerating compartment 12. Likewise, the cold air discharged downward from the bottom end of the refrigerating compartment 12 may flow back into the intake vent 411.

[0167] As described above, the cold air discharged from the front air outlet 317 and the side air outlet 318 can flow downward along the front end and both ends of the refrigerating compartment 12 to define a cold air wall, thereby cooling the entire interior of the refrigerating compartment 12 three-dimensionally.

[0168] Specifically, most of the air generated in the second evaporator 500, which is covered by the evaporator cover module 400, can be blocked by the first insulation material 440, but some of the cold air can be transferred to the outside via the first insulation material 440. Thus, the rear wall of the refrigerating compartment 12 cannot be in an extremely low temperature state like the temperature in the second evaporator 500. However, the cold air, which has a suitable temperature required to cool the refrigerating compartment 12, can directly cool the rear wall of the refrigerating compartment 12 via the first insulation material 440.

[0169] Therefore, as in Fig. 18, the back as well as the top, bottom, front, and left and right sides of the cooling compartment 12 are cooled to cool the entire inner surfaces of the cooling compartment 12 in a three-dimensional manner.

[0170] The following effects can be expected in the refrigerator according to the proposed embodiments.

[0171] The refrigerator may have a configuration provided with the cold air supply module in which the roll bond type evaporator for cooling the interior of the refrigerator and the evaporator shroud module for providing a cold air passage through the roll bond type evaporator are arranged at the rear, and the blower fan coupled to the evaporator shroud module for blowing out the cold air with force is arranged at the top in the refrigerator.

[0172] Thus, the space in which the evaporator for supplying cold air into the refrigerator can be reduced in size in order to increase the storage space by reducing the space required for the evaporator.

[0173] Likewise, the cold air supply module for discharging cold air into the refrigerator can be positioned at the top of the refrigerator to ensure storage space both front and back. Furthermore, since the cold air supply module has a design in which the bottom slopes gradually from front to back, it allows for the inclusion of the blower fan and ensures proper ventilation, effectively contributing to the appearance of a larger refrigerator interior.

[0174] Also, the blower fan with the turbo fan design can be arranged in the cold air supply module, and the blower can have the design in which the top of the interior of the refrigerator vertically crosses the rotation axis, and the bottom is arranged in parallel to occupy the smallest space and realize the design in which cold air flows continuously.

[0175] Likewise, the plurality of refrigeration circuits may be provided independently in the refrigerator with the plurality of storage compartments. The roll-bond type evaporator may be arranged to cool the refrigeration compartment with the relatively high temperature and large storage space, and the fin-type heat exchanger may be arranged to cool the freezing compartment with the relatively low temperature and small storage space, thereby performing the cooling independently.

[0176] This allows each of the rooms to be cooled completely independently and just as effectively to a desired temperature. Furthermore, the refrigerator compartment, with its relatively low temperature, can also be cooled independently, and the storage space can also be expanded.

[0177] Likewise, the entire inner casing that defines the interior of the refrigerator can be made of the metal material, so that the refrigerator is manufactured with a simpler design and also the external appearance of the refrigerator becomes more elegant.

[0178] Furthermore, in the above-described structure, if the roll-bond type evaporator is arranged on the rear wall surface in the refrigerator, the cold air may not be transferred to the storage space but to the rear wall surface of the inner casing, thus degrading the cooling performance. Thus, the recirculated cold air can be blocked by a plate-shaped insulation material arranged on the evaporator panel module to prevent heat loss and also prevent the cooling efficiency from deteriorating.

[0179] Furthermore, the cold air supply module can discharge cold air from the top of the refrigerator downwards, and in particular, it can discharge cold air downwards from the front and both sides, forming a cold air wall on the wall inside the refrigerator. This effectively prevents heat loads from penetrating the refrigerator wall surface. Similarly, in a built-in refrigerator installed in a wall or cabinet, heat exchange between the refrigerator's interior and exterior environment is more effectively prevented.

[0180] In particular, since the roll-bond evaporator is located on the rear wall in addition to the cold air supply module, the cold air wall can be defined across the entire surface of the refrigerator compartment. This prevents heat load penetration and also allows the interior of the refrigerator to be cooled in a three-dimensional manner.

[0181] The evaporator can be stably fixed in the heat exchange space with the narrower width by the evaporator fixing member, and the distance between the evaporator and the inner surface of the heat exchange space can be maintained to easily drain the defrosting water into the heat exchange space with a smallest thickness and also to allow the flow of cold air.

Claims

[1] Refrigerator that has: a cabinet (10) having an outer casing (101) defining an external appearance of the cabinet (10) and an inner casing (102) defining a storage space; an evaporator (500) arranged on a surface of the inner housing (102); an evaporator shroud module (400) defining an interior wall of the storage space, the evaporator shroud module (400) defining a heat exchange space (460) configured to house the evaporator (500) and allowing cold air flow inside the evaporator shroud module (400); a cold air supply module (300) located at an upper side of the storage space and configured to communicate with an upper end of the evaporator cover module (400), the cold air supply module (300) having an air outlet opening (318) configured to discharge cold air toward the storage space; and a blower fan (270) located on the cold air supply module (300) and designed to circulate cold air in the storage space, wherein the cold air supply module (300) comprises: a lower channel (332) defined on the underside of the cold air supply module (300) and configured to communicate with the evaporator cover module (400), an upper channel (333) defined on the top of the cold air supply module (300) and configured to communicate with the air outlet opening (318), a channel forming part (330) defining the upper channel (333) and the lower channel (332); a lower housing (310) receiving the channel forming part (330) and configured to cover the lower channel (332); and an upper housing (390) located on top of the channel forming part (330) and configured to cover the upper channel (333); wherein the cold air supply module (300) defines a connecting opening (331) at a position (331) where the upper duct (333) and the lower duct (332) overlap each other, wherein the blower fan (270) is located at the connecting opening (331) to suck in cold air from the heat exchange space (460) and to discharge cold air to the air outlet opening (318), and wherein the blower fan (270) is designed to suck in cold air through the lower channel (332) and to discharge the cold air through the upper channel (333). [2] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the blower fan (270) has a rotation axis located between the upper duct (333) and the lower duct (332), and wherein the blower fan (270) is configured to suck in cold air in an axial direction of the rotation axis and discharge cold air in a circumferential direction of the rotation axis. [3] The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the rotation axis is aligned in the axial direction passing through the top of the storage space or a bottom of the storage space. [4] A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the channel forming part comprises: a lower portion (350) defining the lower channel (332) at a position between the blower fan (270) and the evaporator shroud module (400); and an upper part (340) arranged vertically above the lower part (350) and defining the upper channel (333) at a position between the blower fan (270) and the air outlet opening (318). [5] A refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the upper part (340) of the channel forming part (330) comprises: an inlet part (341) protruding from the rear of the lower part (350), which is connected to the upper end of the evaporator cover module (400) and is designed to receive cold air from the evaporator cover module (400); and a guide surface (341a) located inside the inlet part (341) and designed to guide cold air received from the evaporator cover module (400) to the air outlet opening (318). [6] The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the lower part (350) of the channel forming part (330) has a lighting device attachment component (313) configured to hold a lighting device (125), the lighting device (125) being configured to illuminate an inside of the refrigerator, the lighting device attachment component (313) having an outer surface facing the inlet part (341) configured to guide a cold air flow and having a round shape corresponding to the guide surface (341a). [7] A refrigerator according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein the cold air supply module (300) defines: a front air outlet opening (317) at a front end of the cold air supply module (300); and a lateral air outlet opening (318) at each of the left and right ends of the cold air supply module (300); and wherein the channel forming part (330) defines: a front opening (343) located at the front end of the channel forming part (330) and configured to communicate with the front air outlet opening (317), and a side opening (344) located at each of the left and right ends of the channel forming part (330) and configured to communicate with the side air outlet opening (318). [8] The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the upper part (340) defines an air outlet guide surface (342) having a rounded or inclined shape extending toward a rear end of each side opening (344) passing through a rear side of the blower fan (270) and configured to guide cold air discharged from the blower fan (270) to the front opening (343) and each side opening (344). [9] The refrigerator according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the channel forming part (330) further comprises a distribution component (343a) that divides the front opening (343) and is configured to distribute cold air flowing through the front opening (343). [10] A refrigerator according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the upper part (340) has a shape that gradually opens forward, the lower part (350) having a shape that gradually opens rearward. [11] The refrigerator according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the cold air supply module (300) further comprises a fan holder (360) configured to cover the connecting opening (331) and located on the channel forming part (330), the fan holder (63) comprising: a cover (361) configured to cover a connection opening (331), the cover (361) defining a nozzle (363) that allows air to be introduced into the blower fan (270); and a support edge (362) arranged along a circumference of the panel (361), the support edge (362) having a curved portion in contact with the air outlet guide surface (342). [12] The refrigerator according to claim 11, further comprising a fan holder (364) extending upward in a direction from a periphery of the nozzle (363) and configured to hold the blower fan (270) at a position corresponding to the opening (363). [13] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the duct forming part (330) further comprises a case fixing part (345) located on an upper surface of the duct forming part (330) and stepped along a circumference of the upper surface of the upper duct (333), and wherein the upper case (390) of the cold air supply module (300) has a shape corresponding to the case fixing part (345) and is configured to cover the upper surface of the upper duct (333) and an upper surface of the blower fan (270). [14] A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the inner casing (102) of the cabinet (10) comprises one or more metal plates connected to each other. [15] The refrigerator according to claim 14, wherein the cold air supply module (300) further comprises a base plate (320) configured to connect a bottom surface of the lower case (310), which has a planar shape and is made of the same material as the inner case (102), the base plate (320) defining an external appearance of the bottom surface of the cold air supply module (300). [16] Refrigerator according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the evaporator cover module (400) comprises: a rear plate (410) defining a rear wall of the storage space and defining an intake hole (411) configured to receive cold air from the storage space; a first insulation (440) connected to a rear surface of the rear plate (410) and covering a front side of the evaporator (500); and a second insulation (450) which is spaced from the first insulation (440), that is to say which is connected to the inner casing (102) of the cabinet (10), and which covers a rear side of the evaporator (500), wherein the heat exchange space (460) is defined between the first insulation (440) and the second insulation (450). [17] The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein the evaporator shroud module (400) further comprises a pair of side channels (430) located on a rear surface of the evaporator shroud module (400), each defining side surfaces of the heat exchange space (460), and allowing a flow of cold air through the evaporator (500), each side channel contacting a side end of the evaporator (500). [18] Refrigerator according to one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the cabinet (10) has a cooling compartment (12) and a freezing compartment (13), wherein the roll bond type evaporator (500) is arranged on the cooling compartment (12), and wherein the refrigerator further comprises a fin-type evaporator (134) disposed on the freezer compartment (13). [19] A refrigerator according to claim 18, further comprising: a first compressor (161) connected to the roll bond type evaporator (500) and defining a first refrigeration circuit; and a second compressor (162) connected to the fin-type evaporator (134) and defining a second refrigeration circuit independent of the first refrigeration circuit.

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