Refrigerator

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator including a duct configured to supply cold air to a storage compartment. The refrigerator includes a main body including a storage compartment, an evaporator to generate cold air, and a duct configured to guide cold air generated from the evaporator to the storage compartment, the duct including a drain hole to discharge moisture inside the duct, wherein the duct includes a first cover arranged to face the storage compartment, a second cover coupled to the first cover to form a flow path therein, and a guide portion to guide moisture to the drain hole, wherein the guide potion includes a first guide disposed on a rear surface of the first cover, and a second guide disposed to be spaced apart from the first guide below the first guide and connected to the drain hole.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator including a duct to supply a cold air to a storage compartment.[Background Art]

[0002] In general, a refrigerator, an appliance for keeping food fresh, includes a main body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment in which the food is kept refrigerated at a temperature of approximately 0°C to 5°C, and a freezing compartment in which the food is kept frozen at a temperature of approximately 0°C to -30°C.

[0003] A refrigerator includes a cooling device including an evaporator, and a duct that distributes cold air from the cooling device to a storage compartment.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0004] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including an improved duct.

[0005] Further, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of discharging moisture generated inside a duct to the outside.

[0006] Further, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a guide portion that guides moisture generated on a rear surface of a front plate of a duct to a drain hole.

[0007] Further, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of minimizing the amount of moisture inside the duct.

[0008] Further, an aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of maintaining duct performance and improving duct quality.

[0009] Further, an n aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of discharging moisture in a duct to the outside, thereby preventing moisture from pooling.

[0010] Technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.[Technical Solution]

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a main body including a storage compartment, a cooler configured to generate cold air, and a duct configured to guide cold air generated from the cooler to the storage compartment, the duct including a drain hole to discharge moisture inside the duct, wherein the duct includes a first cover arranged to face the storage compartment, a second cover coupled to the first cover to form a flow path therein and on which the drain hole is disposed, a first guide disposed on the first cover to guide moisture to the drain hole, and a second guide disposed on the second cover so as to be connected to the drain hole, the second guide being disposed to be spaced apart from the first guide below the first guide. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a main body including a storage compartment, a cooling device configured to generate cold air, and a duct configured to guide cold air generated from the cooling device to the storage compartment, the duct including a drain hole to discharge moisture inside the duct, wherein the duct includes a first cover arranged to face the storage compartment, a second cover coupled to the first cover to form a flow path therein and in which the drain hole is formed, a first guide disposed on the first cover, and a second guide disposed to be spaced apart from the first guide below the first guide and disposed on the second cover so as to be connected to the drain hole, wherein the first guide is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the second guide in a vertical direction.[Advantageous Effects]

[0012] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator can be provided with an improved duct.

[0013] Further, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator can discharge moisture generated inside the duct to the outside.

[0014] Further, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator can include the guide portion that guides moisture generated on the rear surface of the front plate of the duct to the drain hole to discharge moisture in the duct to the outside, thereby preventing moisture from accumulating.

[0015] Further, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the refrigerator can minimize the amount of moisture inside the duct, thereby maintaining the performance of duct and improving the quality of the duct.[Description of Drawings]

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the refrigerator according to an embodiment, FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a duct of the refrigerator according to an embodiment, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 3, illustrating an air flow in the duct, according to an embodiment, FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the interior of the duct of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is an exploded front view of the duct according to an embodiment, FIG. 7 is an exploded rear view of the duct of FIG. 6, according to an embodiment, FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a guide portion of the duct according to an embodiment, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the guide portion of the duct according to an embodiment, FIG. 10 is a view illustrating moisture movement in the duct according to an embodiment, [Modes of the Invention]

[0017] Various embodiments of the disclosure and terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described herein to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the corresponding embodiments.

[0018] In describing of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related elements.

[0019] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

[0020] In the disclosure, phrases, such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

[0021] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] Terms such as "1st", "2nd", "primary", or "secondary" may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements, without limiting the element in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0023] Further, as used in the disclosure, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "side", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", and the like are defined with reference to the drawings, and are not intended to limit the shape and position of any element.

[0024] It will be understood that when the terms "includes", "comprises", "including", and / or "comprising" are used in the disclosure, they specify the presence of the specified features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

[0025] When a given element is referred to as being "connected to", "coupled to", "supported by" or "in contact with" another element, it is to be understood that it may be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element. When a given element is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another element, it is to be understood that it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other element through a third element.

[0026] It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0027] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body.

[0028] The "main body" may include an inner case, an outer case positioned outside the inner case, and an insulation provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0029] The "inner case" may include a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment (also referred to as a storage room). The inner case may be formed as one body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates together. The "outer case" may form an appearance of the main body, and be coupled to an outer side of the inner case such that the insulation is positioned between the inner case and the outer case.

[0030] The "insulation" may insulate an inside of the storage compartment from an outside of the storage compartment to maintain inside temperature of the storage compartment at appropriate temperature without being influenced by an external environment of the storage compartment. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a foaming insulation. The foaming insulation may be molded by fixing the inner case and the outer case with jigs, etc. and then injecting and foaming urethane foam as a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner case and the outer case.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to a foaming insulation, or may be configured only with a vacuum insulation instead of a forming insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material accommodating the core material and sealing the inside with vacuum or pressure close to vacuum. However, the insulation is not limited to the above-mentioned foaming insulation or vacuum insulation, and may include various materials capable of being used for insulation.

[0032] The "storage compartment" may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include the inner case defining the space corresponding to the storage compartment. The storage compartment may store a variety of items, such as food, medicines, cosmetics, and the like, and the storage compartment may be configured to be open on at least one side for insertion and removal of the items.

[0033] The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. In a case in which two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different purposes of use, and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, the respective storage compartments may be partitioned by a partition wall including an insulation.

[0034] The storage compartment may be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to a purpose of use, and may include a "refrigerating compartment", a "freezing compartment", and a "temperature conversion compartment" according to purposes of use and / or temperature ranges. The refrigerating compartment may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food refrigerating, and the freezing compartment may be maintained at an appropriate temperature to keep food frozen. The "refrigerating" may be keeping food cold without freezing the food, and for example, the refrigerating compartment may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. The "freezing" may be freezing food or keeping food frozen, and for example, the freezing compartment may be maintained within a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degrees Celsius. The temperature conversion compartment may be used as either a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment according to or regardless of a user's selection.

[0035] The storage compartment may also be referred to by various terms, such as "vegetable compartment", "freshness compartment", "cooling compartment", and "ice-making compartment", in addition to "refrigerating compartment", "freezing compartment", and "temperature conversion compartment", and the terms, such as "refrigerating compartment", "freezing compartment", "temperature conversion compartment", etc., as used below are to be understood as representing storage compartments having the corresponding purposes of use and the corresponding temperature ranges.

[0036] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one door configured to open or close the open side of the storage compartment. The respective doors may be provided to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted to the front of the main body.

[0037] The "door" may seal the storage compartment in a closed state. The door, like the main body, may include an insulation to insulate the storage compartment in a closed state.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the door may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation provided therein.

[0039] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the inner door plate to seal the storage compartment by coming into close contact with the front surface of the main body when the door is closed. The inner door plate may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be fitted.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel that is detachably coupled to the front of the door body and forming the front surface of the door. The door body may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door body, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided therein.

[0041] The refrigerator may be classified as French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF), Top Mounted Freezer (TMF), or Single Door Refrigerator according to the arrangement of the doors and the storage compartments.

[0042] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment.

[0043] The "cold air supply device" may include a machine, an apparatus, an electronic device, and / or a combination system thereof, capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool the storage compartment.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may generate cold air through a cooling cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of refrigerants. To this end, the cold air supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to drive the refrigeration cycle. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment by heating and cooling actions through the Peltier effect.

[0045] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a machine compartment in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are installed.

[0046] The "machine compartment" may be partitioned and insulated from the storage compartment to prevent heat generated by the components installed in the machine compartment from being transferred to the storage compartment. To dissipate heat from the components installed in the machine compartment, the machine compartment may communicate with outside of the main body.

[0047] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door to allow access by the user without opening the door.

[0048] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice-making device that produces ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-moving device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice-bucket that stores ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0049] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

[0050] The "controller" may include a memory for storing and / or recording data and / or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor for outputting control signals for controlling the cold air supply device, etc. in accordance with the programs and / or data stored in the memory.

[0051] The memory may store or record various information, data, instructions, programs, and the like necessary for operation of the refrigerator. The memory may store temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0052] The processor may control the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs an artificial intelligence (AI) model operation. In addition, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control an operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0053] Furthermore, the processor may process a user input of a user interface and control an operation of the user interface in accordance with the programs and / or data memorized / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided with an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive the user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor may transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to the user input.

[0054] The processor and memory may be provided integrally or may be provided separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0055] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a processor and a memory for controlling all of the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories for individually controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device in accordance with to an output of the temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may be separately provided with a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the user interface in accordance with the user input.

[0056] A communication module may communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances via a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN) to which a refrigerator or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The refrigerator or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN.

[0057] The input interface may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive the user input and pass the received user input to the processor.

[0058] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, and the like. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, and the like generated by the processor.

[0059] Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 may include a main body 10, a storage compartment 20 formed by being vertically partitioned inside the main body 10, a door 30 provided to open or close the storage compartment 20, and a cold air supply device (not shown) provided to supply cold air to the storage compartment 20.

[0062] The main body 10 may be configured to include an inner case 11 forming the storage compartment 20, an outer case 12 coupled to an outside of the inner case 11 to form an exterior thereof, and an insulation 13 foamed between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 to thermally insulate the storage compartment 20.

[0063] The storage compartment 20 may be divided into multiple parts by one or more partitions 15. A plurality of shelves 25 and storage containers 26 may be provided inside the storage compartment 20 to store food items.

[0064] The storage compartment 20 may be divided into a plurality of storage compartments 20 by the partitions 15. The partitions 15 may include a first partition 17 that is horizontally coupled to the interior of the storage compartment 20 to divide the storage compartment 20 into an upper storage compartment 22 and lower storage compartments 23 and 24, and a second partition 19 that is vertically coupled to the lower storage compartments 23 and 24 to divide the lower storage compartment into the first storage compartment 23 and the second storage compartment 24.

[0065] The partition 15 having a T-shape by combining the first partition 17 and the second partition 19 may divide the storage compartment 20 into three spaces. Of the upper storage compartment 22 and the lower storage compartments 23 and 24 divided by the first partition 17, the upper storage compartment 22 may be used as a refrigerating compartment, and the lower storage compartments 23 and 24 may be used as freezing compartments.

[0066] All of the lower storage compartments 23 and 24 may be used as freezing compartments, but the first storage compartment 23 may be used as a freezing compartment, and the second storage compartment 24 may be used as a refrigerating compartment. The first storage compartment 23 may be used as a freezing compartment, and the second storage compartment 24 may be used as either a freezing compartment or a refrigerating compartment.

[0067] Such a division of the storage compartment 20 is only an example, and each storage compartment 20 may be used differently from the above configurations.

[0068] The refrigerating compartment 22 and the freezing compartments 23 and 24 may each be opened or closed by the door 30 rotatably coupled to the main body 10.

[0069] The doors 30 may include a pair of refrigerating compartment doors 31 rotatably coupled to the main body 10 to open or close the refrigerating compartment 22, and a pair of freezing compartment doors 33 that are rotatably coupled to the main body 10 to open or close the freezing compartments 23 and 24.

[0070] A machine compartment 27 may be provided at a lower rear side of the main body 10 in which a compressor C for compressing refrigerant and a condenser (not shown) for condensing the refrigerant are installed.

[0071] The cold air supply device may include a cooling device (e.g., cooler, chiller, etc.). The cooling device may include a compressor C for compressing the refrigerant, a condenser for condensing the refrigerant, an expansion valve (not shown) for expanding the refrigerant, and an evaporator E for evaporating the refrigerant. The cooling device may include machines, mechanisms, electronics, and / or a system of any combination thereof capable of generating cold air and directing the cold air to cool the storage compartment 20. In the present embodiment, the cooling device is described as an example of a refrigeration cycle unit having a compressor C, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving a refrigeration cycle, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] The cooling device may include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment by heating and cooling operation via the Peltier effect. The cooling device may include a thermoelectric element, a heat sink, and a wire. An evaporator E or a thermoelectric element provided to generate cold air may be referred to as a cooler. Hereinafter, a cooler configured to generate cold air will be described as an evaporator E.

[0073] The evaporator E configured to generate cold air may be disposed on a rear side of the storage compartment 20. A duct 100 may be disposed on the rear side of the storage compartment 20 to allow the evaporator E to be installed. The duct 100 may be configured to guide cold air generated from the evaporator E to the storage compartment 20. The duct 100 may be configured to guide cold air inside the storage compartment 20 to move toward the evaporator E. A lower rear side of the duct 100 may be configured to allow cold air inside the storage compartment 20 to be circulated to a fluid inlet side of the evaporator E. The duct 100 may be disposed in both the refrigerating compartment 22 and the freezing compartments 23 and 24. In the present embodiment, an example in which the duct 100 is disposed in the freezing compartments 23 and 24 will be described.

[0074] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the duct of the refrigerator according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 3, showing an air flow in the duct according to an embodiment.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the duct 100 may be configured to guide cold air from the evaporator E positioned at the rear side of the freezing compartments 23 and 24 to the freezing compartments 23 and 24. The duct 100 may be configured to allow cold air to be uniformly distributed throughout the freezing compartments 23 and 24.

[0076] The duct 100 may include a first cover 110, and a second cover 120 coupled to a rear side of the first cover 110 to form a flow path 400 therein together with the first cover 110. The duct 100 may include a fan assembly 130 that allows air to be circulated.

[0077] The first cover 110 may be disposed to face the storage compartment 20. The first cover 110 may be disposed to face the freezing compartments 23 and 24. The second cover 120 may be disposed on the rear side of the first cover 110.

[0078] The first cover 110 may be arranged to form at least a portion of the storage compartment 20. The first cover 110 may include a first cover plate 111 in the shape of a plate, and a first cover edge 112 provided on an edge of the first cover plate 111. The first cover edge 112 may be formed to protrude toward a rear side of the first cover plate 111.

[0079] The first cover 110 may include a plurality of cold air outlets 142 to allow cold air to be distributed into the freezing compartments 23 and 24. The cold air outlets 142 may be formed on a front surface of the first cover 110. The cold air outlets 142 may be disposed on upper, middle, and lower portions of the first cover 110, respectively. The cold air outlets 142 may include a cold air outlet slit 142a in the form of a slit formed by cutting off a portion of the first cover 110. The cold air outlets 142 may include a cold air outlet nozzle 142b in the form of a nozzle protruding from the front surface of the first cover 110.

[0080] The number and shape of the cold air outlets 142 may be varied. The cold air outlets 142 formed in the first cover 110 may allow cold air to be distributed and released to the upper, middle, and lower portions of the freezing compartments 23 and 24. Through the cold air outlets 142 formed in the first cover 110, cold air may be distributed and released uniformly throughout the freezing compartments 23 and 24.

[0081] The first cover edge 112 of the first cover 110 may be provided with a coupling protrusion 115 that protrudes rearwardly for coupling with the second cover 120. The coupling protrusions 115 may be provided in a plurality on the first cover edge 112. The plurality of coupling protrusions 115 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of coupling protrusions 115 may be arranged to correspond to coupling grooves 125 of the second cover 120, which will be described later.

[0082] The second cover 120 may be arranged to be coupled to the first cover 110 at the rear side of the first cover 110. The second cover 120 may be coupled to the first cover 110 to form the flow path 400 therein.

[0083] The second cover 120 may include a second cover plate 121 in the shape of a plate, and a second cover edge 122 provided at an edge of the second cover plate 121. The second cover edge 122 may be formed to protrude forwardly from the second cover plate 121. The second cover edge 122 may be shaped to correspond to the first cover edge 112 of the first cover 110. The second cover edge 122 may be provided with the coupling groove 125 formed for coupling to the first cover 110. A plurality of coupling grooves 125 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. The coupling grooves 125 may be provided at positions corresponding to the coupling protrusions 115. The plurality of coupling grooves 125 may be provided to be detachably coupled to the coupling protrusions 115 of the first cover 110.

[0084] The first cover 110 and the second cover 120 may be coupled to form the flow path 400 therein. A cold air inlet 123 may be provided in the second cover 120 to allow cold air to enter the flow path 400. The second cover plate 121 of the second cover 120 may be provided with the cold air inlet 123 formed to allow cold air to flow into the flow path 400. The cold air inlet 123 may be positioned on an upper portion of the second cover plate 121. The cold air inlet 123 may be formed to allow cold air from the evaporator E disposed on the rear side of the second cover 120 to flow into the flow path 400.

[0085] The cold air inlet 123 of the second cover 120 may be formed at a position corresponding to the fan assembly 130 arranged inside the duct 100. The cold air generated in the evaporator E by the fan assembly 130 inside the duct 100 may be drawn into the flow path 400 in the duct 100 through the cold air inlet 123.

[0086] The fan assembly 130 may be installed in the first cover 110 and disposed within the duct 100. The fan assembly 130 may be configured to include a centrifugal fan that draws in air in an axial direction and discharges air in a radial direction. The fan assembly 130 will be described later.

[0087] With the fan assembly 130 provided inside the duct 100, cold air may be drawn into the duct 100 from the evaporator E through the cold air inlet 123 of the second cover 120 and discharged through the flow path 400 to the cold air outlets 142 of the first cover 110.

[0088] Moisture may be generated around the duct 100 due to the temperature difference between the evaporator E and the storage compartment 20 of the refrigerator 1. Moisture may be generated inside and outside the duct 100 due to the temperature difference between the evaporator E and the freezing compartments 23 and 24.

[0089] FIG. 5 is a view showing the inside of the duct of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing the duct according to an embodiment from the front, FIG. 7 is an exploded view showing the duct of FIG. 6 from the rear, FIG. 8 is a view showing a guide portion of the duct according to an embodiment, FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the guide portion of the duct according to an embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a view showing a moisture movement state in the duct according to an embodiment. In the following, description that is redundant to the above description is omitted.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 10, the duct 100 may be configured to guide cold air generated in the evaporator E to the storage compartment 20. The duct 100 may be configured to allow cold air passing through the evaporator E to be uniformly distributed to the freezing compartment compartments 23 and 24 of the refrigerator 1. The duct 100 may include a drain hole 300 for draining moisture generated therein. The drain hole 300 may be formed in at least a portion of the duct 100. The duct 100 may include a guide portion 200 for guiding moisture to the drain hole 300 for draining moisture generated inside the duct 100.

[0091] The duct 100 may include the first cover 110 and the second cover 120 coupled to the first cover 110. The first cover 110 of the duct 100 may be a front cover positioned to face the storage compartment 20. The second cover 120 of the duct 100 may be a rear cover coupled to the rear side of the first cover 110. The drain hole 300 may be formed in the second cover 120. The drain hole 300 may be positioned at a lower portion of the second cover 120.

[0092] The first cover 110 of the duct 100 may be positioned on the freezing compartment compartments 23 and 24 side. The first cover 110 may have a front surface that forms at least a portion of the freezing compartment compartments 23 and 24.

[0093] The first cover 110 may include the first cover plate 111 in the shape of a plate, and the first cover edge 112 forming the edge of the first cover plate 111. A fan receiving portion 113 in which the fan assembly 130 is received and a fan fixing portion 113a formed in the fan receiving portion 113 may be disposed on an upper side of the first cover plate 111. The fan assembly 130 may include a blower fan 131 that rotates to draw in and discharge air, and a drive motor 132 that generates a rotational force to rotate the blower fan 131.

[0094] The cold air outlets 142 may be provided on the first cover plate 111 to allow cold air to be distributed and supplied to the freezing compartments 23 and 24. The first cover plate 111 may be provided with a flow path forming portion 410 configured to guide cold air. The flow path forming portion 410 may include a pair of first flow path forming ribs 431 formed to be spaced apart from each other on the left and right sides of a rear surface of the first cover plate 111.

[0095] The first cover plate 111 may be provided with the first flow path forming portion 410 arranged to guide cold air. The first flow path forming rib 431 may be formed on the left and right sides of the first cover plate 111 in an up-and-down direction. A first flow path forming portion 411 formed in an approximately inverted V shape to divide the flow path 400 into two may be provided at the center of the first flow path forming ribs 431. The first flow path forming portion 411 may be disposed at a lower center of the first cover plate 111. One side of the first flow path forming portion 411 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first flow path forming rib 431 formed on one side of the first cover plate 111 by a given distance. The other side of the first flow path forming portion 411 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first flow path forming rib 431 formed on the other side of the first cover plate 111 by a given distance.

[0096] The flow path 400 in the duct 100 may be arranged to move cold air from an upper side to a lower side, and may be branched into two at the lower side. The flow path 400 in the duct 100 may be uniformly distributed and discharged from the cold air outlets 142 formed in the first cover 110. The flow path 400 in the duct 100 may be branched into a first flow path 400a formed between the first flow path forming rib 431 and the first flow path forming portion 411 arranged on one side of the first cover 110, and a second flow path 400b formed between the first flow path forming rib 431 and the first flow path forming portion 411 arranged on the other side of the first cover 110.

[0097] The first cover 110 may include the cold air outlets 142 provided to form the first flow path 400a. The first cover 110 may include the cold air outlets 142 provided to form the second flow path 400b. The cold air outlets 142 may include the cold air outlet nozzle 142b provided to form the first flow path 400a and the second flow path 400b.

[0098] The first cover 110 may include a first cold air outlet nozzle 142ba provided to form the first flow path 400a. The first cover 110 may include a second cold air outlet nozzle 142bb provided to form the second flow path 400b.

[0099] The flow path 400 in the duct 100 may discharge cold air through the cold air outlet slits 142a and the cold air outlets 142 on the upper and central sides, and discharge cold air to the lower left and right sides through the first cold air outlet nozzle 142ba arranged to form the first flow path 400a and the second cold air outlet nozzle 142bb arranged to form the second flow path 400b on the lower side.

[0100] The first cover plate 111 may be provided with a first guide 210 for guiding moisture generated on the rear surface of the first cover 110. The first guide 210 may be provided in the first flow path 400a.

[0101] The first guide 210 may be disposed between the first flow path forming rib 431 and the first flow path forming portion 411 arranged on one side of the first cover 110. The first guide 210 may be disposed between the first flow path forming rib 431 and the first flow path forming portion 411 arranged on the other side of the first cover 110. The first guide 210 may be provided within the second flow path 400b. The first guide 210 provided within the first flow path 400a and the first guide 210 provided within the second flow path 400b may be formed with the same shape.

[0102] The first guide 210 may include a plurality of guide surfaces (or faces) 211, 212 and 213 that are arranged to be inclined downward. The first guide 210 may be arranged on an upper side of the drain hole 300 formed in the duct 100. The plurality of guide surfaces 211, 212 and 213 forming the first guide 210 may include the first guide surface 211, the second guide surface 212, and the connecting guide surface 213, wherein the first and second surfaces 211 and 212 are arranged to be inclined downward from a left-to-right direction toward a center and the connecting guide surface 213 connects the first guide surface 211 and the second guide surface 212.

[0103] The first guide surface 211 and the second guide surface 212 of the first guide 210 may be arranged symmetrically with each other. The first guide surface 211 and the second guide surface 212 may be arranged to be inclined toward the center. The connecting guide surface 213 connecting the first guide surface 211 and the second guide surface 212 may be arranged to be inclined downward toward the rear.

[0104] The first guide 210 may be formed to be connected from the rear surface of the first cover 110. The first guide 210 may be formed integrally from the rear surface of the first cover 110. The first guide surface 211, the second guide surface 212, and the connecting guide surface 213 of the first guide 210 may be connected to the rear surface of the first cover 110. The connecting guide surface 213 may include a first portion P1 connected to the rear surface of the first cover 110, and a second portion P2 extending from the first portion P1 and positioned lower than the first portion P1. The first portion P1 of the connecting guide surface 213 may be formed with a first length L1, and the second portion P2 may be formed with a second length L2. The first length L1 may be formed to be longer than the second length L2. The first length L1 may be formed to be equal to or shorter than the second length L2.

[0105] The moisture collected by the first guide surface 211 and the second guide surface 212 of the first guide 210 through the second portion P2 of the connecting guide surface 213 positioned lower than the first portion P1 and shorter than the first length L1 of the first portion P1 may be guided toward the drain hole 300 positioned on the lower side of the duct 100.

[0106] The second cover 120 may include the second cover plate 121 in the shape of a plate, and the second cover edge 122 forming the edge of the second cover plate 121. The cold air inlet 123 may be formed on one side of the upper portion of the second cover plate 121 so as to correspond to the fan assembly 130 so that cold air from the evaporator E may be drawn into the duct 100. The cold air inlet 123 may be formed at a position corresponding to the fan receiving portion 113 of the first cover 110.

[0107] The second cover plate 121 may be provided with the flow path forming portion 410 arranged to guide cold air. The flow path forming portion 410 may include a pair of second flow path forming ribs 432 formed to protrude and be spaced apart from each other on the left and right sides of the front surface of the second cover plate 121.

[0108] The second flow path forming ribs 432 of the second cover plate 121 may be arranged to correspond to the first flow path forming ribs 431 of the first cover plate 111. The second cover plate 121 may be provided with a plurality of fixing grooves 126 for coupling to the first cover plate 111. The second flow path forming ribs 432 of the second cover plate 121 may be provided with fixing grooves 126 formed at a given interval. The first cover plate 111 may be provided with fixing protrusions 116 corresponding to the fixing grooves 126 of the second cover plate 121. The fixing protrusions 116 may be provided on an outer side of the first flow path forming ribs 431 of the first cover plate 111.

[0109] The second cover plate 121 may be provided with a second flow path forming portion 412 configured to guide cold air. The second flow path forming ribs 432 may be formed on the left and right sides of the second cover plate 121 in the up-and-down direction. The second flow path forming portion 412 formed in an approximately inverted V shape to divide the flow path 400 into two may be provided at the center of the second flow path forming ribs 432. The second flow path forming portion 412 may be disposed at a lower center of the second cover plate 121. The second flow path forming portion 412 may be arranged to correspond to the first flow path forming portion 411.

[0110] One side of the second flow path forming portion 412 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second flow path forming rib 432 formed at one side of the second cover plate 121 by a given distance. The other side of the second flow path forming portion 412 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second flow path forming rib 432 formed on the other side of the second cover plate 121 by a given distance.

[0111] The flow path 400 in the duct 100 may be arranged to move cold air from the upper side to the lower side, and may be branched into two at the lower side. The flow path 400 in the duct 100 may be uniformly distributed and discharged from the cold air outlets 142 formed in the second cover 120. The flow path 400 in the duct 100 may be branched into the second flow path 400b formed between the second flow path forming rib 432 and the second flow path forming portion 412 arranged on one side of the second cover 120, and the second flow path 400b formed between the second flow path forming rib 432 and the second flow path forming portion 412 arranged on the other side of the second cover 120.

[0112] The lower portion of the second cover 120 may be provided with a first cold air outlet nozzle coupling portion 147a coupled to the first cold air outlet nozzle 142ba provided on the first cover 110 to form the first flow path 400a. The lower portion of the second cover 120 may be provided with the first cold air outlet nozzle coupling portion 147b coupled to the second cold air outlet nozzle 142bb provided on the first cover 110 to form the second flow path 400b.

[0113] The first cold air outlet nozzle coupling portion 147a and the second cold air outlet nozzle coupling portion 147b of the second cover 120 may be arranged to be coupled to the first cold air outlet nozzle 142ba and the second cold air outlet nozzle 142bb of the first cover 110 to form the first flow path 400a and the second flow path 400b.

[0114] The flow path 400 in the duct 100 may discharge cold air through the cold air outlet slit 142a and the cold air outlets on the upper and the center sides. On the lower side of the flow path 400, cold air may be discharged downward through the first cold air outlet nozzle 142b arranged to form the first flow path 400a and the second cold air outlet nozzle 142b arranged to form the second flow path 400b.

[0115] The drain hole 300 of the duct 100 may be provided in the second cover 120. The drain hole 300 may be formed in each of the first flow path 400a and the second flow path 400b of the second cover 120. The drain hole 300 may include a first drain hole 300a disposed in the first flow path 400a and a second drain hole 300b disposed in the second flow path 400b.

[0116] The guide portion 200 arranged to guide moisture to the drain hole 300 may include a second guide 220 formed in the second cover 120. The second guide 220 may be arranged to be connected to the drain hole 300. The second guide 220 may be disposed below the first guide 210. The second guide 220 may be arranged to overlap at least a portion of the first guide 210 in a vertical direction. The first guide 210 may be arranged to overlap at least a portion of the second guide 220 in the vertical direction. The second guide 220 may be arranged to guide moisture guided from the first guide 210.

[0117] The second cover plate 121 may be provided with the second guide 220 to guide moisture generated on the front surface of the second cover 120. The second guide 220 may be arranged in the first flow path 400a.

[0118] The second guide 220 may be disposed between the second flow path forming rib 432 and the second flow path forming portion 412 on one side of the second cover 120. The second guide 220 may be disposed between the second flow path forming rib 432 and the second flow path forming portion 412 on the other side of the second cover 120. The second guide 220 may be provided within the second flow path 400b. The second guide 220 provided within the second flow path 400b and the second guide 220 provided within the second flow path 400b may be formed with the same shape.

[0119] The second guide 220 may include a plurality of inclined surfaces (or faces) 221, 222 and 223 that are arranged to be inclined downward. The second guide 220 may include the plurality of inclined surfaces 221, 222 and 223 that are arranged to be inclined downward toward the drain hole 300. The second guide 220 may be arranged above the drain hole 300 formed in the duct 100.

[0120] The plurality of inclined surfaces 221, 222 and 223 forming the second guide 220 may include the first inclined surface 221, the second inclined surface 222, and the connecting inclined surface 223, wherein the first and second inclined surfaces 221 and 222 are arranged to be inclined downward from the left-to-right direction toward a center and the connecting inclined surface 223 connects the first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 222.

[0121] The first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 222 of the second guide 220 may be arranged symmetrically with each other in the left-to-right direction. The first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 222 may be arranged to be inclined toward the center. The connecting inclined surface 223 connecting the first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 222 may be arranged to be inclined downward toward the rear. The connecting inclined surface 223 may be formed by extending downwardly of the first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 222 along the perimeter of the drain hole 300.

[0122] Moisture guided along the first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 222 may be discharged to the drain hole 300 through the connecting inclined surface 223.

[0123] The first guide 210 of the first cover 110 may be positioned above the second guide 220 of the second cover 120. The first guide 210 may guide the moisture generated on the rear surface of the first cover 110 to move to the second guide 220, and the moisture generated on the front surface of the second cover 120 to move to the second guide 220, so that the moisture on the rear surface of the first cover 110 and the moisture on the front surface of the second cover 120 may be collected in the second guide 220 and discharged to the drain hole 300.

[0124] The flow path 400 in the duct 100 may include a first region A1 through which moisture moves along the rear surface of the first cover 110, and a second region A2 through which moisture moves along the front surface of the second cover 120. The flow path 400 in the duct may include a third region A3 of the second guide 220 that overlaps the first guide 210 to allow moisture traveling along the rear surface of the first cover 110 to be transferred to the second guide 220 through the first guide 210. Moisture collected from the rear surface of the first cover 110 into the first guide 210 by the third region A3 inside the duct 100 may be transferred to the second guide 220 and discharged through the drain hole 300 of the second cover 120. Moisture generated from the rear surface of the first cover 110 and the front surface of the second cover 120 inside the duct 100 may be discharged to the outside of the duct 100 by the overlapping third region A3 of the first guide 210 and the second guide 220. The first guide 210 and the second guide 220 with the overlapping third region A3 may minimize the amount of moisture inside the duct 100 to maintain performance and improve quality.

[0125] A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment may include the main body 10 including the storage compartment 20, the cooler E configured to generate cold air, the duct 100 configured to guide cold air generated from the cooler to the storage compartment, the duct 100 including the drain hole 300 to discharge moisture inside the duct 100, wherein the duct 100 includes the first cover 110 disposed to face the storage compartment, the second cover 120 coupled to the first cover to form the flow path 400 therein and including the drain hole, the first guide 210 disposed on the first cover 110 to guide moisture to the drain hole, and the second guide 220 disposed to be spaced apart from the first guide below the first guide, the second guide 220 being disposed on the second cover so as to be connected to the drain hole. According to the present disclosure, the amount of moisture inside the duct may be minimized. By minimizing the amount of moisture inside the duct, performance may be maintained and quality may be improved.

[0126] The first guide may be arranged to overlap at least a portion of the second guide in the vertical direction. The first guide may include the plurality of guide surfaces 211, 212 and 213 arranged to be inclined downwardly toward the second guide. The plurality of guide surfaces may include the first guide surface 211 and the second guide surface 212 arranged to be inclined downwardly from the left-to-right direction toward the center, and the connecting guide surface 213 connecting the first guide surface and the second guide surface and arranged to be inclined downwardly toward the rear. The connecting guide surface 213 may include the first portion P1 connected to the rear surface of the first cover, and the second portion P2 extending from the first portion and positioned lower than the first portion. The first portion may have the first length L1, and the second portion may have the second length L2. Such a structure may allow moisture generated on the rear surface of the front plate of the duct to be guided to the drain hole, thereby minimizing the amount of moisture inside the duct.

[0127] The second guide may include the plurality of inclined surfaces 221, 222 and 223 arranged to be inclined downwardly toward the drain hole. The plurality of inclined surfaces may include the first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 222 arranged to be inclined downwardly from the left-right direction toward the drain hole, and the connecting inclined surface 223 connecting the first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 222 and extending downwardly along the perimeter of the drain hole. The flow path may include the first region A1 through which the moisture moves along the rear surface of the first cover, the second region A2 through which the moisture moves along the front surface of the second cover, and the third region A3 through which the moisture inside the first region moves to the second region by the second guide vertically overlapping at least a portion of the first guide. The plurality of guide surfaces may be arranged to vertically overlap at least a portion of the plurality of inclined surfaces. The refrigerator may further include the flow path forming portion 410 protruding from one of the rear surface of the first cover and the front surface of the second cover toward the other. The refrigerator may further include the flow path forming rib 430 protruding from one of the rear surface of the first cover and the front surface of the second cover toward the other. The flow path forming portion and the flow path forming rib may be provided to be connected to the first guide and the second guide. The flow path forming portion and the flow path forming rib disposed on the rear surface of the first cover and the front surface of the second cover, respectively, may be arranged to correspond to each other. Such a structure may allow moisture inside the duct to be discharged to the outside, thereby preventing moisture from accumulating.

[0128] The refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment may include a main body including a storage compartment, a cooling device configured to generate cold air, and a duct configured to guide cold air generated from the cooling device to the storage compartment, the duct including a drain hole to discharge moisture inside the duct, wherein the duct includes a first cover arranged to face the storage compartment, a second cover coupled to the first cover to form a flow path therein and in which the drain hole is formed, a first guide disposed on the first cover, and a second guide disposed to be spaced apart from the first guide below the first guide and disposed on the second cover so as to be connected to the drain hole, wherein the first guide is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the second guide in a vertical direction. According to the present disclosure, the amount of moisture inside the duct may be minimized. By minimizing the amount of moisture inside the duct, performance may be maintained and quality may be improved.

[0129] The flow path may include the first region A1 through which the moisture moves along the rear surface of the first cover, the second region A2 through which the moisture moves along the front surface of the second cover, and the third region A3 through which the moisture inside the first region moves to the second region by the second guide vertically overlapping at least a portion of the first guide. The first guide may include the plurality of guide surfaces 211, 212 and 213 arranged to be inclined downwardly toward the second guide. The plurality of guide surfaces may include the first guide surface 211 and the second guide surface 212 arranged to be inclined downwardly from the left-to-right direction toward the center, and the connecting guide surface 213 connecting the first guide surface and the second guide surface and arranged to be inclined downwardly toward the rear. The connecting guide surface 213 may include the first portion P1 connected to the rear surface of the first cover, and the second portion P2 extending from the first portion and positioned lower than the first portion. The second guide may include the plurality of inclined surfaces 221, 222 and 223 arranged to be inclined downwardly toward the drain hole. The plurality of inclined surfaces may include the first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 222 arranged to be inclined downwardly from the left-right direction toward the drain hole, and the connecting inclined surface 223 connecting the first inclined surface 221 and the second inclined surface 222 and extending downwardly along the perimeter of the drain hole. Such a structure may allow the amount of moisture inside the duct to be minimized, thereby maintaining performance and improving quality.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may be provided with an improved duct.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may discharge moisture generated inside the duct to the outside.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may include the guide portion that guides moisture generated on the rear surface of the front plate of the duct to the drain hole to discharge moisture in the duct to the outside, thereby preventing moisture from accumulating.

[0133] According to an embodiment, the refrigerator may minimize the amount of moisture inside the duct, thereby maintaining the performance of duct and improving the quality of the duct.

[0134] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be apparent to those of skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the following description.

[0135] While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a main body including a storage compartment; a cooler configured to generate cold air; and a duct configured to guide cold air generated from the cooler to the storage compartment, the duct including a drain hole to discharge moisture inside the duct; wherein the duct comprises: a first cover arranged to face the storage compartment, a second cover coupled to the first cover to form a flow path therein and on which the drain hole is disposed, a first guide disposed on the first cover to guide moisture to the drain hole, and a second guide disposed on the second cover so as to be connected to the drain hole, the second guide being disposed to be spaced apart from the first guide below the first guide.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first guide is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the second guide in a vertical direction.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first guide includes a plurality of guide faces arranged to be inclined downwardly toward the second guide.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the plurality of guide faces comprises: a first guide face and a second guide face arranged to be inclined downwardly from a left-to-right direction toward the center, and a connecting guide face connecting the first guide face and the second guide face and arranged to be inclined downward toward the rear.

5. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the connecting guide face comprises: a first portion arranged to be connected to a rear surface of the first cover, and a second portion extending from the first portion and positioned lower than the first portion.

6. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the first portion has a first length and the second portion has a second length.

7. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the second guide comprises a plurality of inclined faces arranged to be inclined downwardly toward the drain hole.

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the plurality of inclined faces comprises: a first inclined face and a second inclined face arranged to be inclined downward in a left-to-right direction toward the drain hole, and a connecting inclined face connecting the first inclined face and the second inclined face and extending downwardly along the perimeter of the drain hole.

9. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the flow path comprises: a first region through which moisture moves along a rear surface of the first cover, a second region through which moisture moves along a front surface of the second cover, and a third region through which moisture inside the first region moves to the second region by the second guide vertically overlapping at least a portion of the first guide.

10. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the plurality of guide faces is arranged to vertically overlap at least a portion of the plurality of inclined faces.

11. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising a flow path forming portion protruding from one of a rear surface of the first cover and a front surface of the second cover toward the other.

12. The refrigerator of claim 11, further comprising a flow path forming rib protruding from one of the rear surface of the first cover and the front surface of the second cover toward the other.

13. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein the flow path forming portion and the flow path forming rib are arranged to be connected to the first guide and the second guide.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the flow path forming portion and the flow path forming rib disposed on the rear surface of the first cover and the front surface of the second cover, respectively, are arranged to correspond to each other.

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