refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cabinet in which a storage compartment is formed; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; a cooling storage configured to form a separate storage space inside the storage compartment; an evaporator provided in the storage compartment; a fan motor assembly configured to supply cooling air from the evaporator; and a grille fan assembly configured to cover the evaporator and the fan motor assembly from the front and to form a rear wall of the storage compartment, wherein the grille fan assembly comprises: a discharge port configured to discharge the cooling air into the storage compartment; a storage compartment flow path for cooling the storage compartment and having a suction port configured to suck air from the storage compartment; and a cooling storage flow path for cooling the cooling storage and having a cooling storage discharge port configured to discharge the cooling air into the cooling storage.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.[Background Art]

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance designed to store food at low temperatures within an internal storage compartment that is sealed by a refrigerator door. The refrigerator is configured to maintain stored food in an optimal condition by cooling the interior of the storage compartment through heat exchange with a refrigerant circulating in a refrigeration cycle.

[0003] Accordingly, refrigerators have been increasingly upsized and equipped with multiple functions in response to changes in dietary habits and the trend toward product sophistication. Various refrigerator models have been introduced that incorporate diverse structures and convenience features designed to enhance user convenience.

[0004] In particular, various storage members may be provided within the storage compartment, and storage members in the form of drawers or shelves may be arranged according to the type of food to be stored and the corresponding storage conditions.

[0005] Korean Patent No. 10-2326481 discloses a refrigerator in which an evaporator is provided on the rear wall of the storage compartment, a grill fan having a flow path for supplying cooling air to each space of the storage compartment is disposed in front of the evaporator, and a blowing fan is provided below the evaporator so that the cooling air generated by the evaporator is uniformly supplied to the storage compartment to cool the interior thereof.

[0006] In such a conventional technology, the temperature of the entire storage compartment can be controlled uniformly; however, there is a problem in that a specific region in which particular food is stored cannot be selectively cooled.[Disclosure][Technical Problem]

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention is directed to providing a refrigerator capable of independently controlling the temperature of a cooling storage separately provided inside the storage compartment.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to providing a refrigerator capable of cooling the storage compartment and the cooling storage to different temperatures by using a single evaporator and fan.

[0009] Still another embodiment of the present invention is directed to providing a refrigerator in which a thermally insulated flow path for supplying cooling air to the cooling storage is formed, thereby cooling the interior of the cooling storage without affecting the temperature inside the storage compartment.[Technical Solution]

[0010] A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet in which a storage compartment is formed; a door configured to open and close the storage compartment; a cooling storage configured to form a separate storage space inside the storage compartment; an evaporator provided in the storage compartment; a fan motor assembly configured to supply cooling air from the evaporator; and a grille fan assembly configured to cover the evaporator and the fan motor assembly from the front and to form a rear wall of the storage compartment, wherein the grille fan assembly may comprise: a discharge port configured to discharge the cooling air into the storage compartment; a storage compartment flow path for cooling the storage compartment and having a suction port configured to suck air from the storage compartment; and a cooling storage flow path for cooling the cooling storage and having a cooling storage discharge port configured to discharge the cooling air into the cooling storage.

[0011] The cooling storage may comprise: a drawer forming the storage space and having an open top surface; and a cover provided above the drawer and configured to cover the open top surface of the drawer.

[0012] The cooling storage discharge port may be opened between a rear end of the cover and a rear end of the drawer.

[0013] The cooling storage may be provided on a bottom surface of the storage compartment.

[0014] Second drawer and a second cover configured to cover the second drawer from above may be provided above the cover.

[0015] The evaporator may be positioned above the cooling storage, and the fan motor assembly is provided below the evaporator.

[0016] The cooling storage flow path may extend downward from one side between an upper end and a lower end of the evaporator and extends to the cooling storage.

[0017] The cooling storage discharge port may be located in front of the fan motor assembly.

[0018] The evaporator may have an evaporator opening formed to penetrate the evaporator in a front-rear direction at a position facing an inlet of the cooling storage flow path.

[0019] The evaporator may comprise: a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant flows; and a plurality of heat exchange fins penetrated by the refrigerant pipe and continuously arranged along the refrigerant pipe, wherein the heat exchange fins may be formed so as not to overlap with a region corresponding to the evaporator opening.

[0020] The evaporator opening may be formed at a position lower than the vertical central portion of the evaporator.

[0021] The grille fan assembly may comprise: a grille fan body configured to cover the evaporator and having the storage compartment flow path formed on a rear surface thereof; and a grille fan cover coupled to a front surface of the grille fan body and forming a rear wall of the storage compartment, wherein the cooling storage flow path may be formed between the grille fan body and the grille fan cover.

[0022] A communication hole may be formed through the grille fan body at a position corresponding to an inlet of the cooling storage flow path so as to connect the cooling storage flow path and the storage compartment flow path with each other.

[0023] A guide portion may be formed at the communication hole, protruding toward the evaporator and guiding the cold air flowing along the storage space flow path into the cooling storage flow path. a duct member forming the cooling storage flow path may be provided between the grille fan body and the grille fan cover, and the duct member and the grille fan body may be formed of a heat-insulating material. the grille fan assembly may include a fan motor receiving portion protruding to form a space for accommodating the fan motor assembly, and the duct member forming the cooling storage flow path extends from a position between an upper end and a lower end of the evaporator to a front side of the fan motor assembly.

[0024] The duct member may be formed to extend from between the upper and lower ends of the evaporator to the front of the fan motor assembly. an opening and closing device may be configured to open and close the cooling storage discharge port to control an amount of cooling air supplied to the cooling storage. the opening and closing device may comprise: an operation member disposed at a front side of the cooling storage and operated by a user; a shutter configured to move along the cooling storage discharge port to open and close the cooling storage discharge port; and a link connecting the operation member and the shutter and configured to move the shutter according to an operation of the operation member. the opening and closing device may be provided on a cover forming an upper surface of the cooling storage. [Advantageous Effect]

[0025] The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention provides the following effects.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator is configured such that a cooling storage is separately provided inside the storage compartment, and cooling air generated by the evaporator can be directly supplied to the cooling storage through a cooling storage flow path. Accordingly, the cooling storage can be cooled to a temperature lower than that of the storage compartment, thereby improving user convenience.

[0027] In addition, since the cooling storage flow path is formed in the grille fan assembly to supply cooling air to the cooling storage, the cooling air can be supplied to the cooling storage by the evaporator and the fan motor assembly that cool the storage compartment. That is, the temperature of the cooling storage can be maintained independently of the storage compartment while minimizing additional components.

[0028] In particular, by forming the storage compartment flow path and the cooling storage flow path on the front and rear sides of the grille fan assembly, it is possible to provide an independent cooling air flow path while minimizing additional components and reducing the loss of available storage capacity inside the refrigerator.

[0029] Furthermore, the grille fan body forming the storage compartment flow path and the duct member forming the cooling storage flow path are made of a thermal insulation material, thereby preventing the interior of the storage compartment from being excessively cooled in the region where cooling air is concentrated.

[0030] In addition, the cooling storage flow path can be covered by the cooling storage, which is configured in the form of a drawer, and by a drawer positioned above the cooling storage. Accordingly, the exposure of the cooling storage flow path can be prevented, and excessive cooling of the interior of the storage compartment can be avoided.

[0031] Moreover, the cooling storage flow path is configured to extend between the upper and lower sides of the evaporator so that it is sufficiently cooled while passing the evaporator, and cooling air can be supplied toward the cooling storage from a position not exposed to the storage compartment. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the cooling storage can be improved, and power consumption can be reduced.[Description of Drawings]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the refrigerator with its door open. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a grille fan assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the grille fan assembly as viewed from the rear. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the grille fan body of the grille fan assembly. FIG. 6 is a rear view showing the state in which the evaporator is disposed on the grille fan body. FIG. 7 is a sectional perspective view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the flow of cooling air in the refrigerator. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a front view showing the arrangement of an opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an operating state of the opening and closing device. FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the flow of cooling air in a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of portion B of FIG. 12. [Best Mode]

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily carry out the invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the structures or methods described herein.

[0034] For convenience of explanation, a refrigerator having a structure in which the storage compartment is divided into upper and lower sections will be used as a reference; however, the present invention is not limited to the form of the refrigerator and is applicable to various refrigerator structures in which the storage members and grille fan assembly can be arranged.

[0035] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention may be combined with one another, and the components of each embodiment may also be partially combined.

[0036] Before the description of the embodiments, the directions are defined as follows. In the embodiment of the present invention, the direction facing the opened entrance of the storage compartment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is defined as the front; the direction facing the inside of the storage compartment based on the front surface of the opened door is defined as the rear; the direction toward the floor on which the refrigerator is installed is defined as the downward direction; and the direction away from the floor is defined as the upward direction.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing the refrigerator with its door open.

[0038] As shown in the drawings, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 10 in which a storage compartment is formed, and a door 20 rotatably installed on one side of the cabinet 10 to selectively open and close the storage compartment.

[0039] The storage compartment may be divided into upper and lower sections by a barrier 11. An upper storage compartment may be formed above the barrier 11, and a lower storage compartment may be formed below the barrier 11. The upper storage compartment and the lower storage compartment may be controlled at different temperatures so that food items having respective appropriate storage temperatures can be stored therein. For example, the upper storage compartment may be a refrigerating compartment 12, and the lower storage compartment may be a freezer compartment 13.

[0040] In addition, the door 20 may be rotatably mounted on the cabinet 10 and may include a refrigerating compartment door 21 for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 12, and a freezer compartment door 22 for opening and closing the freezer compartment 13. The refrigerating compartment door 21 may be referred to as an upper door, and the freezer compartment door 22 may be referred to as a lower door.

[0041] The refrigerating compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13 may each be provided with an evaporator. The evaporator may include a first evaporator 14 provided in the refrigerating compartment 12 and a second evaporator 15 provided in the freezer compartment 13. The refrigerating compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13 can maintain set temperatures by means of the first evaporator 14 and the second evaporator 15. The first evaporator 14 may be referred to as the refrigerating compartment evaporator, and the second evaporator 15 may be referred to as the freezer compartment evaporator.

[0042] A storage member for storing food may be provided inside the refrigerating compartment 12. For example, the storage member may include a shelf 121 and a drawer 41. A plurality of drawers 41 may be provided, and at least one of the drawers 41 may form a cooling storage 40 that can be cooled by a separate supply of cooling air independently of the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0043] At least one storage member 131 may also be provided in the freezer compartment 13.

[0044] In detail, a first drawer 41 may be provided on the floor of the refrigerating compartment 12, that is, on the upper surface of the barrier 11. A first cover 42 may be provided above the first drawer 41. The first drawer 41 may be configured to be drawn in and out and may form a storage space having an opened upper surface. The first cover 42 may cover the opened upper surface of the first drawer 41. The upper surface of the first cover 42 may function as a shelf on which food can be placed.

[0045] The first drawer 41 may receive cooling air directly supplied from the first evaporator 14 and may be maintained at a temperature lower than that of the refrigerating compartment 12. Accordingly, the space defined by the first drawer 41 and the first cover 42 may be referred to as a cooling storage 40 or a cooling room. The cooling storage 40 may form a separate storage space 400 that maintains a temperature different from that of the refrigerating compartment 12. The first drawer 41 may be referred to simply as a drawer, and the first cover 42 may be referred to simply as a cover.

[0046] A second drawer 122 may be provided on the upper surface of the first cover 42, and the upper surface of the second drawer 122 may be covered by a second cover 123. The second drawer 122 does not receive an independent supply of cooling air and may be indirectly cooled by the cooling air supplied into the refrigerating compartment 12. Accordingly, the interior of the second drawer 122 may maintain the same temperature as the refrigerating compartment 12. Further, the second drawer 122 may form a buffer space that prevents the interior of the refrigerating compartment 12 from being excessively cooled when the temperature of the first drawer 41 is low.

[0047] The cabinet 10 may include an outer case 101 forming the appearance and an inner case 102 forming the refrigerating compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13 inside the outer case 101. A thermal insulator 103 may be provided in the space between the outer case 101 and the inner case 102.

[0048] The rear wall of the refrigerating compartment 12 may be formed by a grille fan assembly 30. The grille fan assembly 30 may form the rear wall of the refrigerating compartment 12 and, at the same time, form flow paths 320 and 340 for discharging cooling air into the refrigerating compartment 12 and the cooling storage 40.

[0049] A plurality of discharge ports 311 may be formed in the grille fan assembly 30. The discharge ports 311 may communicate with a storage compartment flow path 340 described below and form outlets through which the cooling air guided by the storage compartment flow path 340 is discharged into the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0050] The discharge ports 311 may each be formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of shelves 121, and the cooling air discharged from the discharge ports 311 may uniformly cool each space defined by the shelves 121.

[0051] The lower end of the grille fan assembly 30 may communicate with a heat exchange space 104 in which the evaporator 14 is disposed, and a suction port 315 may be formed through which air in the refrigerating compartment 12 flows into the heat exchange space 104. The heat exchange space 104 may constitute at least a part of the storage compartment flow path 340 formed in the grille fan assembly 30.

[0052] A fan motor assembly 39 may be provided on one side of the grille fan assembly 30. Accordingly, by driving the fan motor assembly 39, air between the refrigerating compartment 12 and the heat exchange space 104 may circulate, and the refrigerating compartment 12 may be maintained at a set temperature.

[0053] Meanwhile, a cooling storage flow path 320 for supplying cooling air to the cooling storage 40 may further be formed in the grille fan assembly 30. When the fan motor assembly 39 is driven, cooling air may be supplied to the cooling storage 40 through the cooling storage flow path 320, thereby independently cooling the interior of the cooling storage 40.

[0054] Hereinafter, the structure of the grille fan assembly 30 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0055] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a grille fan assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front, and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the grille fan assembly as viewed from the rear.

[0056] As shown in the drawings, the grille fan assembly 30 may form at least a portion of the rear wall of the refrigerating compartment 12. The grille fan assembly 30 may be mounted inside the refrigerating compartment 12 to form a heat exchange space 104 at the rear in which the evaporator 14 is accommodated. The grille fan assembly 30 may shield the evaporator 14 and the fan motor assembly 39 from the front.

[0057] The grille fan assembly 30 may include a grille fan body 34 and a grille fan cover 31.

[0058] The grille fan body 34 may be formed in a plate shape and may partition the refrigerating compartment 12 to form the heat exchange space 104 at the rear in which the first evaporator 14 is accommodated. Hereinafter, the first evaporator 14 may be simply referred to as the evaporator. The grille fan body 34 may have a storage compartment flow path 340 formed therein, and a discharge port 342 may be formed through the grille fan body 34 along the storage compartment flow path 340. The grille fan body 34 may be formed of a thermal insulation material. For example, the grille fan body 34 may be formed of expanded polystyrene (EPS). The storage compartment flow path 340 and the cooling storage flow path 320 may be integrally formed on the front and rear surfaces of the grille fan body 34.

[0059] The grille fan body 34 may include a body portion 341 forming the storage compartment flow path 340 and a suction guide portion 347 that protrudes downward from the lower end of the body portion 341 to guide suction air to the fan motor assembly 39.

[0060] The suction guide portion 347 may extend downward from the body portion 341. In this case, the suction guide portion 347 may be spaced apart from the front surface of the fan motor assembly 39. The suction guide portion 347 may extend in an inclined manner toward the front of the fan motor assembly 39.

[0061] A duct member 32 forming the cooling storage flow path 320 may be disposed in front of the suction guide portion 347. The duct member 32 may be coupled to the suction guide portion 347 to form the cooling storage flow path 320.

[0062] In detail, a duct guide 343 protruding forward may be formed on the body portion 341 and the suction guide portion 347. The duct guide 343 may extend from the lower portion of the body portion 341 to the lower end of the suction guide portion 347. The duct guide 343 may protrude from the front surface of the suction guide portion 347 and may be formed along the circumference of the duct member 32. That is, the duct guide 343 may be coupled to the duct member 32 to form the cooling storage flow path 320 therein.

[0063] A branch guide 346 may be formed inside the duct guide 343. By means of the branch guide 346, a branch flow path 345 may be formed inside the cooling storage flow path 320. An end of the branch flow path 345 may communicate with cooling storage discharge ports 314 and 324 formed in the duct member 32 and the grille fan cover 31.

[0064] A communication hole 344 may be formed at the upper end of the duct guide 343. The communication hole 344 may allow communication between the storage compartment flow path 340 and the cooling storage flow path 320. The communication hole 344 may be formed at a position overlapping the evaporator 14. In this case, the position of the communication hole 344 may be located between the upper and lower ends of the evaporator 14, and may be positioned below the middle position in the vertical direction of the evaporator 14.

[0065] The grille fan cover 31 may be formed of a plastic material and may be coupled to the grille fan body 34 to form an outer appearance of the grille fan body 34. A film for forming an appearance may be attached to or the surface may be treated on the grille fan cover 31.

[0066] The grille fan cover 31 may have a size and shape corresponding to those of the grille fan body 34. The grille fan cover 31 may be coupled to the grille fan body 34 to form the cooling storage flow path 320. That is, the duct member 32 may be disposed between the grille fan body 34 and the grille fan cover 31.

[0067] The duct member 32 may be formed of the thermal insulation material. For example, the duct member 32 may be formed of the same material as the grille fan body 34. Accordingly, during the process in which cooling air flows to the cooling storage 40, other regions of the refrigerating compartment 12 through which the cooling storage flow path 320 passes may be prevented from being excessively cooled.

[0068] A rim portion 325 protruding rearward may be formed at an outer end of the duct member 32. The rim portion 325 may be formed at least at both left and right ends of the duct member 32, and a recessed space may be formed inside the rim portion 325. Accordingly, when the duct member 32 is coupled to the grille fan body 34, the duct guide 343 may be inserted between the rim portions 325, and the cooling storage flow path 320 may be formed between the duct member 32 and the front surface of the grille fan body 34.

[0069] The lower end of the duct member 32 and the cooling storage flow path 320 may be positioned lower than the upper end of the cooling storage 40. The upper end of the duct member 32 and the cooling storage flow path 320 may be positioned lower than the upper end of the second drawer 122. Accordingly, exposure of the duct member 32 to the outside may be prevented. In addition, overcooling of exposed areas inside the refrigerating compartment 12 by the cooling air in the cooling storage flow path 320 may be prevented.

[0070] The duct member 32 may include a duct upper portion 321, a duct lower portion 323, and a duct middle portion 322 connecting the duct upper portion 321 and the duct lower portion 323. The duct upper portion 321 may be arranged in parallel with the duct lower portion 323, and the duct upper portion 321 may be located rearward of the duct lower portion 323.

[0071] The duct upper portion 321 may be formed in parallel with the body portion 341. The duct lower portion 323 may be formed in parallel with the lower end of the suction guide portion 347. In this case, the lower end of the suction guide portion 347, that is, the duct lower portion 323, may be arranged in parallel with the rear surface of the drawer 41. The cooling storage discharge ports 314 and 324 may be opened at positions corresponding to a space between the upper rear surface of the drawer 41 and the cover 42. The cooling storage discharge ports 314 and 324 may be disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the cooling storage 40.

[0072] The duct middle portion 322 may be formed in an inclined manner so as to have an inclination corresponding to that of the suction guide portion 347. Accordingly, the duct member 32 may be coupled so as to be in close contact with the lower end of the body portion 341 and the outer surface of the suction guide portion 347. In a state where the duct member 32 is coupled to the grille fan body 34, the suction guide portion 347 may be closely fitted in the fan motor accommodating portion 313, and the duct member 32 may be closely fitted in the duct accommodating portion 312.

[0073] Meanwhile, the grille fan cover 31 may extend downward beyond the lower end of the grille fan body 34, and a fan motor accommodating portion 313 for accommodating the fan motor assembly 39 may be formed at the lower end of the grille fan cover 31. The fan motor accommodating portion 313 may protrude forward.

[0074] A duct accommodating portion 312 may further protrude from the fan motor accommodating portion 313. The duct accommodating portion 312 may receive the duct member 32. Accordingly, the duct accommodating portion 312 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the duct member 32. A cooling storage discharge port 314 may be opened in the duct accommodating portion 312.

[0075] At least a part of the duct accommodating portion 312 may be disposed in the fan motor accommodating portion 313 and may extend upward beyond the fan motor accommodating portion 313. Accordingly, the duct member 32 may extend from one side of the evaporator 14 to the front of the fan motor assembly 39 to provide the cooling storage flow path 320 that supplies cooling air to the cooling storage 40.

[0076] The suction port 315 through which air in the refrigerating compartment 12 is drawn in may be formed at the lower end of the grille fan cover 31.

[0077] Meanwhile, the fan motor assembly 39 may be disposed at the lower end of the grille fan body 34. For example, the fan motor assembly 39 may include a blowing fan 37, a motor 38, a fan case 35, and a shroud 36.

[0078] The blowing fan 37 may be a centrifugal fan or a turbo fan that draws air in the direction of the rotation axis and discharges the air in the circumferential direction. The blowing fan 37 may be rotated by the motor 38. The fan case 35 and the shroud 36 may be coupled to each other and may accommodate the blowing fan 37 and the motor 38 therein.

[0079] The fan case 35 and the shroud 36 may be accommodated inside the fan motor accommodating portion 313. The fan case 35 may include a fan accommodating portion 351 having an open front surface and may protrude forward along the circumference of the fan accommodating portion 351 to guide air discharged in the circumferential direction of the blowing fan 37 upward. The shroud 36 may be coupled to the open front surface of the fan case 35. A water collecting portion 352 for guiding defrost water falling from the evaporator 14 may be formed at the upper end of the fan case 35.

[0080] The evaporator 14 may be disposed above the water collecting portion 352. The evaporator 14 may be positioned above the fan motor assembly 39 and may be installed such that at least a portion thereof overlaps the inlet of the cooling storage flow path 320.

[0081] An orifice 361 through which air is drawn in may be formed on the front surface of the shroud 36. A discharge guide portion 362 for guiding the air discharged by the blowing fan 37 upward may be formed at the upper end of the shroud 36.

[0082] Hereinafter, the structure of the grille fan body 34 and the evaporator 14 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0083] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the grille fan body of the grille fan assembly, and FIG. 6 is a rear view showing the state in which the evaporator is disposed on the grille fan body, and FIG. 7 is a sectional perspective view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 3.

[0084] As shown, the storage compartment flow path 340 may be formed on the rear surface of the grille fan body 34. For this purpose, the storage compartment flow path 340 recessed from the upper end to the lower end of the body portion 341 may be formed on the rear surface of the body portion 341. The discharge port 342 may be formed to penetrate the body portion 341 so as to communicate with the storage compartment flow path 340.

[0085] The storage compartment flow path 340 may be formed in a size capable of accommodating the evaporator 14. The evaporator 14 may be disposed at the lower portion of the body portion 341, and at least a portion of the evaporator 14 may be located within the inner region of the storage compartment flow path 340. Accordingly, air flowing upward along the storage compartment flow path 340 may pass through the evaporator 14 and then be discharged into the refrigerating compartment 12 through the discharge port 342.

[0086] A communication hole 344 may be formed at one side of the body portion 341 where the evaporator 14 is disposed. The communication hole 344 may be formed at a position corresponding to the upper end of the duct member 32 and may provide communication between the storage compartment flow path 340 and the cooling storage flow path 320.

[0087] A guide portion 348 may further be formed in the communication hole 344. The guide portion 348 may guide the cooling air flowing upward along the storage compartment flow path 340 while passing through the evaporator 14 toward the cooling storage flow path 320.

[0088] For example, the guide portion 348 may be formed along the upper end of the communication hole 344. The guide portion 348 may extend rearward to guide the cooling air flowing upward along the storage compartment flow path 340 to pass through the communication hole 344. The guide portion 348 may also be formed in an inclined manner. The guide portion 348 may further extend so as to come into contact with the front surface of the evaporator 14.

[0089] Meanwhile, the evaporator 14 may be disposed inside the storage compartment flow path 340 and may be located at a position overlapping at least a portion of the cooling storage flow path 320. The cooling air passing through the evaporator 14 may thus be directed toward the cooling storage flow path 320.

[0090] The evaporator 14 may include a refrigerant pipe 141 and a heat exchange fin 142. The refrigerant pipe 141 may be repeatedly bent at both ends, and a refrigerant may flow through the interior of the refrigerant pipe 141. The heat exchange fins 142 may be formed in a plate shape and may be arranged in succession along the refrigerant pipe 141. The heat exchange fins 142 may be arranged along horizontal portions of the refrigerant pipe 141 so that air flowing in the vertical direction may pass through and come into contact therewith to perform heat exchange.

[0091] An evaporator opening 143 may be formed at one side of the evaporator 14 and the communication hole 344. The evaporator opening 143 may be formed to penetrate the evaporator 14 and may be formed so that at least a portion thereof overlaps the communication hole 344.

[0092] The evaporator opening 143 may be defined by omitting the heat exchange fins 142 or forming the heat exchange fins 142 with a reduced length in a region corresponding to the communication hole 344. That is, the heat exchange fins 142 may not be formed in a region overlapping the communication hole 344 so that the cooling air passing through the evaporator 14 may smoothly pass through the communication hole 344.

[0093] Meanwhile, a body branching portion 349 for branching the storage compartment flow path 340 may be formed at an upper rear portion of the body portion 341. At least one body branching portion 349 may be formed. For example, a first branching portion 349a for branching the storage compartment flow path 340 to the left and right may be formed at the upper center of the body portion 341. In addition, a second branching portion 349b for further branching the upper end of the storage compartment flow path 340 into a central portion and left and right portions may be formed at the upper end of the first branching portion 349a. The second branching portion 349b may extend from the upper end of the first branching portion 349a to the upper end of the body portion 341.

[0094] Further, the cooling storage flow path 320 may be formed on the front surface of the body portion 341. Accordingly, the storage compartment flow path 340 and the cooling storage flow path 320 may be formed on the rear surface and the front surface of the body portion 341, respectively, and the cooling air may flow toward the refrigerating compartment 12 and the cooling storage 40 at the rear and the front of the body portion 341, respectively.

[0095] Hereinafter, the flow of cooling air in the refrigerating compartment 12 and the cooling storage 40 of the refrigerator 1 having the structure as described above will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0096] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the flow of cooling air in the refrigerator, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 8.

[0097] As shown, when the blowing fan 37 rotates, air may be drawn in along the direction of the rotation axis of the blowing fan 37 and discharged in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the air discharged under the guidance of the shroud 36 may flow upward and be heat-exchanged while passing through the evaporator 14 to generate cooling air.

[0098] The air passing through the evaporator 14 may flow along the storage compartment flow path 340 in a sufficiently cooled state and may be discharged into the refrigerating compartment 12 through the discharge ports 311. At this time, the discharge ports 311 may be positioned above the cooling storage 40 and the second drawer 122 so as to cool the interior of the refrigerating compartment 12. The air in the refrigerating compartment 12 may flow along the bottom surface of the refrigerating compartment 12 and may be drawn in through the suction port at the lower end of the grille fan assembly 30. The air drawn in through the suction port may pass through the shroud 36 and be sucked in along the axial direction of the blowing fan 37. Such airflow may be continuously maintained until the refrigerating compartment 12 reaches a set temperature, thereby cooling the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0099] Meanwhile, when the blowing fan 37 is driven, the cooling storage 40 may also be cooled together with the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0100] In detail, a portion of the cooling air passing through the evaporator 14 by the driving of the blowing fan 37 may pass through the evaporator opening 143 and the communication hole 344 and may flow into the cooling storage flow path 320. The cooling air introduced into the cooling storage flow path 320 may flow downward along the duct member 32 and may be introduced into the cooling storage 40 through the cooling storage discharge port 314.

[0101] At this time, the cooling storage discharge port 314 may be opened at a position very close to the rear end of the cooling storage 40 and between the rear ends of the drawer 41 and the cover 42. Accordingly, the cooling air discharged from the cooling storage discharge port 314 may flow along the cover 42 and be supplied into the interior of the drawer 41.

[0102] The cooling air supplied into the drawer 41 may accumulate inside the drawer 41 and thus cool the interior of the drawer 41, that is, the interior of the cooling storage 40, to a lower temperature. In other words, since cooling air is continuously supplied to the space defined by the drawer 41 and the cover 42, the interior of the cooling storage 40 may be maintained at a temperature lower than that of the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0103] In particular, the cooling storage flow path 320 may be configured such that cooling air is directly introduced from the region of the evaporator 14, thereby allowing cooling air at a lower temperature to be directly supplied to the cooling storage 40. In addition, the cooling air may be sufficiently cooled while flowing to the communication hole 344.

[0104] Meanwhile, an opening and closing device 50 may be provided at the cooling storage discharge port 314 to control the amount of cooling air supplied to the cooling storage 40.

[0105] Hereinafter, the structure of the opening / closing device 50 will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0106] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the arrangement of an opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a view illustrating an operating state of the opening and closing device.

[0107] As shown, an opening and closing device 50 may be provided in the cooling storage 40. The opening and closing device 50 may be configured to adjust the opening degree of the cooling storage discharge port 314 by a user operation. The opening and closing device 50 may be provided on the cover 42 and may be exposed to the front surface of the drawer 41 so as to be operated by a user.

[0108] For example, the opening and closing device 50 may include an operation member 51 operated by a user, a shutter 53 for opening and closing the cooling storage discharge port 314, and a link 52 connecting the operation member 51 and the shutter 53.

[0109] The operation member 51 may be provided at the front end of the cover 42 and may include an operation portion 511 exposed between the drawer 41 and the cover 42 to be operated by the user, and an operation member connection portion 512 rotatably coupled to the front end of the link 52.

[0110] The operation member 51 may be mounted on the lower surface of the cover 42 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. For this purpose, an opening and closing device mounting portion 421 may be formed on the lower surface of the cover 42.

[0111] The opening and closing device mounting portion 421 may extend in the front-rear direction along the lower surface of the cover 42, and the operation member 51, the link 52, and the shutter 53 may be disposed inside the opening and closing device mounting portion 421. The opening and closing device mounting portion 421 may be configured to guide the sliding of the operation member 51 and the shutter 53 in the left-right direction.

[0112] The shutter 53 may be provided at the rear end of the cover 42 and may be formed in a plate shape to cover the cooling storage discharge port 314. For example, the shutter 53 may include a mounting portion 531 slidably mounted to the rear end of the cover 42 and a covering portion 532 extending downward from the mounting portion 531 to cover the cooling storage discharge port 314.

[0113] A shutter connection portion 533 may extend from the mounting portion 531, and the shutter connection portion 533 may be rotatably coupled to the rear end of the link 52.

[0114] The covering portion 532 may be formed in a size sufficient to cover the cooling storage discharge ports 314 formed on both left and right sides. A cooling hole 534 may be formed in the covering portion 532. The cooling hole 534 may completely or partially cover the cooling storage discharge ports 314 depending on the left-right sliding position of the covering portion 532.

[0115] The link 52 may include a link front end 522 and a link rear end 523 formed at both ends thereof, which may be rotatably coupled to the operation member connection portion 512 and the shutter connection portion 533, respectively. The center of the link 52 may be rotatably coupled to the cover 42 by a rotation shaft 521. Accordingly, when the operation member 51 is slid in one direction, the shutter 53 may be slid in the opposite direction by the link 52.

[0116] The opening degree of the cooling storage discharge port 314 may be adjusted according to the movement of the shutter 53, thereby controlling the amount of cooling air supplied to the cooling storage 40 and adjusting the temperature of the cooling storage 40.

[0117] For example, as shown in FIG. 11(a), when the operation member 51 is positioned at the center, the shutter 53 is also positioned at the center, and the cooling hole 534 of the shutter 53 is partially in communication with the cooling storage discharge port 314 so that a relatively small amount of cooling air is introduced into the interior of the cooling storage 40. Accordingly, the cooling storage 40 may be in a relatively low-temperature state.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 11(b), when the operation member 51 is moved to the right end, the shutter 53 is positioned at the left end, and the cooling hole 534 of the shutter 53 is no longer in communication with the cooling storage discharge port 314. That is, the shutter 53 covers the cooling storage discharge port 314 so that no cooling air is introduced into the interior of the cooling storage 40. Accordingly, the cooling storage 40 may be in its highest temperature state.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 11(c), when the operation member 51 is moved to the left end, the shutter 53 is positioned at the right end, and the cooling hole 534 of the shutter 53 is completely in communication with the cooling storage discharge port 314. In other words, the shutter 53 maximizes the opening degree of the cooling storage discharge port 314 so that the amount of cooling air introduced into the interior of the cooling storage 40 is also maximized. Accordingly, the cooling storage 40 may be maintained in its lowest temperature state.

[0120] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various other embodiments are possible. Another embodiment of the present invention is characterized by having a structure in which a single evaporator cools the freezing compartment, the refrigerating compartment, and the cooling storage.

[0121] In another embodiment of the present invention, only the arrangement of the evaporator and a portion of the flow path structure connected to the grille fan assembly are different, while the other configurations are identical. Identical configurations are indicated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions and illustrations thereof may be omitted.

[0122] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0123] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the flow of cooling air in a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of portion B of FIG. 12.

[0124] As shown, a refrigerator l' according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a cabinet 10 forming a storage compartment and a door 20 for opening and closing the storage compartment.

[0125] The cabinet 10 may be partitioned into upper and lower portions by a barrier 11 so that a refrigerating compartment 12 is formed above and a freezing compartment 13 is formed below. The door 20 may include a refrigerating compartment door 21 for covering the refrigerating compartment 12 and a freezing compartment door 22 for covering the freezing compartment 13.

[0126] An evaporator 15 may be provided in the freezing compartment 13, and the cooling air generated in the evaporator 15 may be supplied to the storage compartment by the blowing fan 16.

[0127] A plurality of storage members, such as shelves and drawers, may be provided in the refrigerating compartment 12. A cooling storage 40 may be provided at the bottom of the refrigerating compartment 12. The cooling storage 40 may form a separate storage space inside the refrigerating compartment 12.

[0128] For example, the cooling storage 40 may include a drawer 41 having an open top surface and a cover 42 that covers the open top surface of the drawer 41. An additional drawer may be further provided on the top surface of the cooling storage 40.

[0129] Meanwhile, the refrigerating compartment 12 may be provided with a grille fan assembly 30 that forms the rear wall surface of the refrigerating compartment 12 and simultaneously supplies cooling air to both the refrigerating compartment 12 and the cooling storage 40. The grille fan assembly 30 may be provided with a storage compartment flow path 340' for supplying cooling air to the refrigerating compartment 12 and a cooling storage flow path 320' for supplying cooling air to the cooling storage 40. The grille fan assembly 30 may further include a discharge port 311 through which the cooling air supplied through the storage compartment flow path 340' is discharged into the refrigerating compartment 12, and a cooling storage discharge port 314 through which the cooling air supplied through the cooling storage flow path 320' is discharged into the cooling storage 40.

[0130] The grille fan assembly 30 may include a grille fan body 34, a duct member 32, and a grille fan cover 31. The storage compartment flow path 340' may be formed on the rear surface of the grille fan body 34. The duct member 32 may be coupled to the front surface of the grille fan body 34 to form the cooling storage flow path 320'. The grille fan cover 31 may be coupled to the front surface of the grille fan body 34, and the duct member 32 may be disposed between the grille fan body 34 and the grille fan cover 31.

[0131] The duct member 32 and the grille fan body 34 constituting the grille fan assembly 30 may be formed of a heat-insulating material, thereby preventing overcooling of the refrigerating compartment 12. The duct member 32 may extend in the vertical direction, and the cooling storage discharge port 314 may be opened between the drawer 41 and the cover 42.

[0132] Meanwhile, the storage compartment flow path 340' and the cooling storage flow path 320' may be opened downward and connected to a connection duct 17 communicating with the freezing compartment 13. The connection duct 17 may connect the space in which the grille fan assembly 30 is disposed with the space in which the evaporator 15 is accommodated.

[0133] Accordingly, when the blowing fan 16 is driven, the cooling air from the evaporator 15 may pass through the connection duct 17 and be introduced into the storage compartment flow path 340' of the grille fan assembly 30, thereby cooling the refrigerating compartment 12. When the blowing fan 16 is driven, the cooling air from the evaporator 15 may also pass through the connection duct 17 and be introduced into the cooling storage flow path 320' of the grille fan, thereby cooling the cooling storage 40.

[0134] In addition, when the blowing fan 16 is driven, the cooling air from the evaporator 15 may be directly supplied to the freezing compartment 13. Furthermore, as in the previously described embodiment, the duct member 32 may communicate with the storage compartment flow path 340' so that a portion of the cooling air flowing along the storage compartment flow path 340' is directed toward the cooling storage 40.[Industrial applicability]

[0135] The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent overcooling of the storage compartment and improve user convenience, and thus has high industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet (10) in which a storage compartment (12) is formed; a door (20) configured to open and close the storage compartment (12); a cooling storage (40) configured to form a separate storage space inside the storage compartment (12); an evaporator (14) provided in the storage compartment (12); a fan motor assembly (39) configured to supply cooling air from the evaporator (14); and a grille fan assembly (30) configured to cover the evaporator (14) and the fan motor assembly (39) from the front and to form a rear wall of the storage compartment (12), wherein the grille fan assembly (30) comprises: a discharge port (311) configured to discharge the cooling air into the storage compartment (12); a storage compartment flow path (340) for cooling the storage compartment (12) and having a suction port (315) configured to suck air from the storage compartment (12); and a cooling storage flow path (320) for cooling the cooling storage (40) and having a cooling storage discharge port (314, 324) configured to discharge the cooling air into the cooling storage (40).

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the cooling storage (40) comprises: a drawer (41) forming the storage space (40) and having an open top surface; and a cover (42) provided above the drawer (41) and configured to cover the open top surface of the drawer (41), wherein the cooling storage discharge port (314, 324) is opened between a rear end of the cover (42) and a rear end of the drawer (41).

3. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the cooling storage (40) is provided on a bottom surface of the storage compartment (12).

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the evaporator (14) is positioned above the cooling storage (40), and the fan motor assembly (39) is provided below the evaporator (14).

5. The refrigerator of claim 4, wherein the cooling storage flow path (320) extends downward from one side between an upper end and a lower end of the evaporator (14) and extends to the cooling storage (40).

6. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the cooling storage discharge port (314, 324) is located in front of the fan motor assembly (39).

7. The refrigerator of claim 5, wherein the evaporator (14) has an evaporator opening (143) formed to penetrate the evaporator (14) in a front-rear direction at a position facing an inlet of the cooling storage flow path (320).

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the evaporator (14) comprises: a refrigerant pipe (141) through which a refrigerant flows; and a plurality of heat exchange fins (142) penetrated by the refrigerant pipe (141) and continuously arranged along the refrigerant pipe (141), wherein the heat exchange fins (142) are formed so as not to overlap with a region corresponding to the evaporator opening (143).

9. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the grille fan assembly (39) comprises: a grille fan body (34) configured to cover the evaporator (14) and having the storage compartment flow path (340) formed on a rear surface thereof; and a grille fan cover (31) coupled to a front surface of the grille fan body (34) and forming a rear wall of the storage compartment (12), wherein the cooling storage flow path (320) is formed between the grille fan body (34) and the grille fan cover (31).

10. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein a communication hole (344) is formed through the grille fan body (34) at a position corresponding to an inlet of the cooling storage flow path (320) so as to connect the cooling storage flow path (320) and the storage compartment flow path (340) with each other.

11. The refrigerator of claim 9, wherein a duct member (32) forming the cooling storage flow path (320) is provided between the grille fan body (34) and the grille fan cover (31), and the duct member (32) and the grille fan body (34) are formed of a heat-insulating material.

12. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the grille fan assembly (39) includes a fan motor accommodating portion (313) protruding to form a space for accommodating the fan motor assembly (39), and the duct member (32) forming the cooling storage flow path (320) extends from a position between an upper end and a lower end of the evaporator (14) to a front side of the fan motor assembly (39).

13. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising an opening and closing device (50) configured to open and close the cooling storage discharge port (314,324) to control an amount of cooling air supplied to the cooling storage (40).

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the opening and closing device (50) comprises: an operation member (53) disposed at a front side of the cooling storage (40) and operated by a user; a shutter (53) configured to move along the cooling storage (40) discharge port to open and close the cooling storage discharge port (314,324); and a link (52) connecting the operation member (51) and the shutter (53) and configured to move the shutter (53) according to an operation of the operation member (51).

15. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the opening and closing device (50) is provided on a cover forming an upper surface of the cooling storage (40).

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