Refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention enables a cold air passage for a refrigerator room that guides cold air flow to a freezer room and a cold air passage for an ice-making room that guides cold air flow to an ice-making room to share some cold air. By sharing cold air, the amount of cold air supplied to the freezer room is increased, and sufficient cold air is also supplied to the refrigerator room, thereby making it possible to supply sufficient cold air to the refrigerator room, freezer room, and ice-making room with a single evaporator.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment that provide respective storage spaces, and an ice-making compartment provided in the refrigerator door. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a home appliance designed to store various foods for extended periods using cold air generated by the circulation of refrigerant through a freezing cycle.

[0003] Such a refrigerator is provided with one or more storage compartments partitioned from one another for freezing and storing objects. In this case, the storage compartment may be a storage compartment that opens and closes with a rotary door, or a storage compartment that allows for retrieval or storage using a drawer.

[0004] In particular, the above-mentioned storage room may include a freezer room for frozen storage of objects to be stored and a refrigerator room for refrigerated storage of objects to be stored, and may include two or more freezer rooms or two or more refrigerator rooms.

[0005] Meanwhile, recently, an ice-making compartment has been installed in the refrigerator door, allowing users to retrieve ice without opening the freezer.

[0006] That is, cold air passing through the evaporator inside the cabinet is delivered to the refrigerator door via a cold air duct for the ice-making room, and when the refrigerator door is closed, the cold air duct for the ice-making room is supplied to the ice-making room through a connecting passage provided in the refrigerator door.

[0007] In this regard, various applications are available, such as Registered Patent No. 10-1639443, Published Patent No. 10-2009-0101525, and Registered Patent No. 10-1659622.

[0008] In particular, the refrigerator having an ice-making compartment in the aforementioned refrigerator door is configured to selectively supply cold air to the refrigerator compartment, the freezer compartment, and the ice-making compartment using a single evaporator.

[0009] However, the refrigerator according to the aforementioned conventional technology has the disadvantage that the supply of cold air to the freezer is insufficient because it is configured to supply cold air to three spaces using a single evaporator.

[0010] In particular, since the freezer is provided with a larger space compared to the ice-making room, there is a disadvantage in that sufficient cold air is not supplied, even though sufficient cold air should be supplied compared to the ice-making room.

[0011] In addition, the aforementioned conventional technologies are configured so that cold air passing through an ice-making chamber provided in the refrigerator door is returned to the freezer.

[0012] However, since the cold air recovered in this way reaches a higher temperature compared to the temperature inside the freezer, a temperature difference inevitably occurred between the area where the cold air is recovered and other areas, which resulted in the problem of difficulty in accurately controlling the temperature of the freezer.

[0013] In particular, there was a problem in that cold air could not be sufficiently supplied to specific parts of the freezer as it interfered with the flow of cold air within the freezer during the process in which the cold air recovered from the ice-making room flowed into the freezer.

[0014] Meanwhile, the freezer fan module and the ice-making fan module of a refrigerator having an ice-making chamber in the freezer door are each provided individually and then connected to each other in the shroud.

[0015] In particular, the above ice-making fan module is provided with a flow path for guiding cold air into the ice-making room.

[0016] However, the grill fan assembly created by combining the separate ice-making fan module as described above had the inconvenience of requiring the additional assembly of the ice-making fan module, and during the process of installing the ice-making fan module into the grill fan assembly, there were cases where the fan duct could not be accurately aligned with the cold air duct for the ice-making room due to coupling errors between the ice-making fan module and the grill fan assembly.

[0017] In addition, in the ice-making fan module of a refrigerator with an ice-making chamber in the refrigerator door, a large amount of condensation is generated due to humid air flowing back from the refrigerator through the cold air duct for the ice-making chamber during freezing operation, and there is a risk that the ice-making fan may malfunction due to the freezing of this generated condensation.

[0018] Of course, various efforts have already been made in the past to remove condensate or prevent freezing in the area where the above-mentioned ice-making fan module is located.

[0019] However, despite the aforementioned efforts, there was a problem in that related issues still existed because a structure to prevent cold air backflow from the cold air duct for the ice-making room or a structure to quickly remove condensate flowing into the ice-making fan module was not provided. Prior art literature

[0020] Registered Patent No. 10-1639443, Published Patent No. 10-2009-0101525, Registered Patent No. 10-1659622 The problem to be solved

[0021] The present invention has been devised to solve various problems according to the aforementioned prior art. The objective of the present invention is to provide a new type of refrigerator in which a cold air passage for a refrigerator room that guides cold air flow to a freezer room and a cold air passage for an ice room that guides cold air flow to an ice room can be partially shared, so that when the ice-making fan and the freezer fan operate simultaneously, a portion of the cold air supplied through the cold air passage for the ice room can be supplied to the freezer room through the cold air passage for the freezer room, and even when only the ice-making fan operates independently, the phenomenon of cold air from the freezer room flowing back into the cold air passage for the ice room can be prevented.

[0022] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a new type of refrigerator that minimizes the interference phenomenon between some of the cold air supplied to the cold air passage for the freezer by the ice-making fan and the cold air flow flowing through the cold air passage for the freezer by the freezing fan.

[0023] In addition, another objective of the present invention is to provide a new type of refrigerator that provides a condensate discharge structure at the location where the ice-making fan module is located, so that even if condensate is generated around the ice-making fan module, freezing of the ice-making fan module can be prevented. means of solving the problem

[0024] The refrigerator of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose is configured to provide cold air to the refrigerator room, the freezer room, and the ice-making room using a single evaporator. In this case, the cold air passage for the freezer room supplying cold air to the refrigerator room and the freezer room, and the cold air passage for the ice-making room supplying cold air to the ice-making room, are configured to share cold air with each other through a shared passage. That is, by sharing cold air between the two cold air passages using a shared passage, the amount of cold air supplied to the freezer room can be increased, and at the same time, the phenomenon of cold air flowing back from the freezer room when the ice-making fan is operated alone can be prevented.

[0025] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is formed such that the open portion of the cold air outlet side of the shared air passage does not face the freezer fan. As a result, cold air introduced from the cold air passage for the ice-making room to the cold air passage for the freezer room through the shared air passage can be supplied smoothly without interfering with the cold air flowing along the cold air passage for the freezer room.

[0026] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has a cold air passage for the freezer and a cold air passage for the ice-making room formed on at least one of the opposing surfaces between the grill pan and the shroud. As a result, compared to the conventional technology in which a duct for the ice-making fan is separately provided and connected to the shroud, the structure becomes simpler, and the inconvenience or defects during assembly are fundamentally eliminated.

[0027] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is configured such that the grill fan assembly on the refrigerator compartment side receives cold air from the grill fan assembly on the freezer compartment side through a connecting duct. This enables cooling of the refrigerator compartment, freezer compartment, and ice-making compartment using a single evaporator.

[0028] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is formed such that the cold air outlet is located directly above the freezer fan on the upper surface of the freezer-side grill fan assembly. This allows sufficient cold air to be supplied to the refrigerator-side grill fan assembly.

[0029] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has an upper guide formed on the freezer-side grill fan assembly. As a result, the flow of cold air caused by the operation of the freezer fan can flow smoothly into the upper space of the cold air outlet and the cold air passage for the freezer.

[0030] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is equipped with a flow path opening / closing module that selectively blocks the cold air in the cold air path for the freezer, which is supplied to the grill fan assembly on the refrigerator side through a connecting duct. As a result, refrigeration and freezing operations can be performed separately using a single evaporator.

[0031] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is configured to include a duct rib. Thus, the cold air duct for the freezer and the cold air duct for the ice-making room can be separated from each other by the duct rib.

[0032] In addition, in the refrigerator of the present invention, an upper shared channel is formed in a portion of the channel rib. Thus, the upper shared channel can be formed by molding the channel rib.

[0033] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a first circumferential flow path rib surrounding the upper circumference of the ice-making fan module and a second circumferential flow path rib surrounding the lower circumference of the ice-making fan module. Thus, the cold air flow path for the ice-making chamber can be formed by the two circumferential flow path ribs.

[0034] In addition, in the refrigerator of the present invention, the lower end of the first circumferential flow path rib and the upper end of the second circumferential flow path rib are formed to be spaced apart from each other. As a result, the upper shared flow path can be formed at the spaced-apart portion between the ends of the two circumferential flow path ribs.

[0035] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is formed such that the upper end of the second circumferential flow path rib wraps around the outer surface of the lower end of the first circumferential flow path rib. This enables the upper shared flow path to discharge cold air to one side of the upper surface within the cold air flow path for the freezer.

[0036] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is formed such that the upper end of the second circumferential channel rib is positioned further above the center height of the freezer fan. This prevents the phenomenon in which cold air radiated in the radial direction of the freezer fan by the operation of the freezer fan flows back into the upper shared channel through the cold air discharge side of the upper shared channel, thereby obstructing the discharge of cold air.

[0037] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is formed such that the upper end of the second circumferential flow path rib is gradually spaced apart from the lower end of the first circumferential flow path rib as it extends upward. This allows the discharge velocity of the cold air supplied to the cold air path for the freezer through the upper shared flow path to be reduced, thereby preventing interference with the cold air flow along the cold air path for the freezer.

[0038] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a lower shared air passage. This allows a portion of the cold air generated in the cold air passage for the ice-making chamber to be supplied to the extended air passage.

[0039] In addition, in the refrigerator of the present invention, the lower shared channel is formed by separating the lower end of the second circumferential channel rib from the wall of the cold air channel for the freezer. As a result, the cold air supplied through the lower shared channel can flow along the wall of the cold air channel for the freezer.

[0040] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is further equipped with a recovery duct for the refrigerator compartment that recovers cold air from the refrigerator compartment to the cold air inlet side of the evaporator. This makes it possible to reduce the load on the evaporator.

[0041] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has an upper guide formed on the upper wall surface within the cold air passage for the freezer. As a result, cold air can be discharged more smoothly to the cold air outlet by means of the upper guide. Effects of the invention

[0042] As described above, the refrigerator of the present invention has the effect of allowing the cold air passage for the freezer and the cold air passage for the ice-making room to be shared with each other by providing a shared air passage, thereby ensuring that sufficient cold air is supplied to the freezer even when the freezer fan and the ice-making fan operate simultaneously, and also preventing the phenomenon of cold air flowing back from the freezer when the ice-making fan operates alone.

[0043] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is formed such that the open portion of the cold air outlet side of the shared air passage does not face the refrigeration fan module, so the cold air provided from the cold air passage for the ice-making room through the shared air passage does not interfere with the cold air flow flowing through the cold air passage for the freezer room.

[0044] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has a lower shared passage formed on the bottom surface (second perimeter passage rib) of the installation area of ​​the ice-making fan module, and an additional extension passage formed in the shroud extending to the lower compartment within the freezer, thereby enabling sufficient cold air to be supplied to the lower compartment within the freezer. In particular, by additionally forming a drain hole in the extension passage and forming the lower shared passage penetrating between the second perimeter passage rib and the wall of the shroud, the refrigerator has the effect of allowing condensation or moisture present at the installation area of ​​the ice-making fan module to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the freezer.

[0045] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has the effect of improving freezing efficiency by ensuring that cold air flowing through the cold air passage for the freezer is supplied differently to each part of the freezer as guide ribs are formed on each wall surface within the cold air passage for the freezer.

[0046] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is configured to supply cold air to the cold air passage for the refrigerator of the grill fan assembly on the refrigerator side through a cold air outlet formed on the upper wall of the cold air passage for the freezer and a connecting duct connected thereto, so it has the effect of enabling selective cold air supply to the refrigerator, freezer, and ice-making room with a single evaporator. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the external structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the open state of the refrigerator door on the ice-making compartment side of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view illustrating the internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the two refrigerator doors and two freezer doors omitted to explain the internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of section “A” of Figure 5. FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a flow path opening / closing module of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view with the outer case removed to explain the installation structure of a cold air duct for an ice-making room, a return duct for an ice-making room, a connecting duct, and a return duct for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a key part showing the state of one side wall surface inside the freezer to explain the connection structure of a recovery duct for an ice-making chamber of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a rear view with the outer case removed to explain the installation structure of the connecting duct and the return duct for the refrigerator chamber of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side view with the outer case removed to explain the installation structure of the cold air duct for the ice-making room, the return duct for the ice-making room, the connecting duct, and the return duct for the refrigerator room of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow path structure for supplying and recovering cold air to the ice-making chamber of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a front view showing the state inside the freezer to explain the freezer-measuring grill pan assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a front view illustrating the state with the shroud removed from the state of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a freezer-measuring grill pan assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view seen from the front to explain a freezer-side grill pan assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view seen from the rear side to explain a freezer-side grill pan assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a front view illustrating a freezer-measuring grill pan assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a front view illustrating a shroud among the freezer-measuring grill pan assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of section “B” of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a rear view illustrating a shroud among the freezer-measuring grill pan assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a front view illustrating a grill pan among a freezer-measuring grill pan assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a rear view illustrating a grill pan among a freezer-measuring grill pan assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 18. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 18. FIG. 26 is a rear view of a freezer-measuring grill fan assembly shown to explain the cold air flow when controlling the refrigerator-measuring temperature of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of cold air when controlling the measured temperature of the refrigerator compartment of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 is a state diagram illustrating the flow of cold air through a connecting duct and a return duct for a refrigerator compartment when controlling the refrigerator compartment temperature of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 is a front view of a shroud shown to explain the cold air flow when controlling the freezer temperature of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of cold air when controlling the measured temperature of the freezer compartment of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is a front view of a shroud shown to explain the cold air flow when the freezer and ice-making chambers of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention are operated simultaneously. FIG. 32 is an enlarged front view of a key part of a shroud shown to explain the cold air flow when the freezer and ice-making chambers of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention are operated simultaneously. FIG. 33 is a front view of a shroud shown to explain the cold air flow when controlling the ice-making chamber temperature of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 34 is an enlarged front view of a key part of a shroud shown to explain the cold air flow when controlling the ice-making chamber temperature of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 is a side view illustrating the cold air flow during the ice-making chamber temperature control of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of cold air in the ice-making chamber during ice-making chamber temperature control of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0048] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached FIGS. 1 to 36.

[0049] Figure 1 attached is a perspective view illustrating the external structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the open state of the refrigerator door on the ice-making side of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Additionally, the attached FIG. 3 is a schematic front view illustrating the internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating the internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention with two refrigerator doors and two freezer doors omitted, and FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] As illustrated in these drawings, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention has a refrigerator room (11), a freezer room (12), and an ice room (21). The refrigerator room (11) is configured to receive cold air from a grill fan assembly (1) on the refrigerator room side, and the ice room (21) is configured to be located at one of the refrigerator room doors (20a) and, together with the freezer room (12), receive cold air from a grill fan assembly (2) on the freezer room side.

[0052] In addition, the above cold air is generated in one evaporator (40) and supplied to the refrigerator room (11), the freezer room (12), and the ice room (21) through the refrigerator room side grill fan assembly (1) and the freezer room side grill fan assembly (2). The freezer room side grill fan assembly (2) is configured such that the cold air flow path (214) for the freezer room and the cold air flow path (213) for the ice room are integrally formed and share each other's cold air through the shared flow paths (215a, 215b).

[0053] That is, by sharing cold air between the cold air passage (214) for the freezer and the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room, selective cold air supply to the refrigerator room (11), the freezer room (12), and the ice-making room (21) is possible with just one evaporator (40), and by allowing a portion of the cold air supplied to the ice-making room (21) to be supplied to the freezer room (12), sufficient cold air can be supplied to the freezer room (12).

[0054] The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail as follows.

[0055] First, the refrigerator room (11) is a storage room provided for refrigerating the stored items, and the freezer room (12) is a storage room provided for freezing the stored items.

[0056] The above refrigerator room (11) is provided in the upper space within the cabinet (10), and the above freezer room (12) is provided in the lower space within the cabinet (10).

[0057] The cabinet (10) may be composed of an outer case (10a) forming an outer surface and two inner cases (10b, 10c) forming an inner surface.

[0058] At this time, among the two inner cases (10b, 10c), the upper inner case (hereinafter referred to as the “inner case for the refrigerator”) (10b) is the part that forms the refrigerator room (11), and the lower inner case (hereinafter referred to as the “inner case for the freezer”) (10c) is the part that forms the freezer room (12).

[0059] That is, the internal space of the inner case (10b) for the refrigerator is used as a refrigerator (11), and the internal space of the inner case (10c) for the freezer is used as a freezer (12).

[0060] The inner case (10b) for the refrigerator and the inner case (10c) for the freezer are configured as box-shaped structures with an open front and are formed spaced apart from each other.

[0061] A partition wall (10d) (see attached FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) may be provided in the spaced portion between the two inner cases (10b, 10c). In this case, the partition wall (10d) may be a separate frame placed between the two inner cases (10b, 10c), a filling material filled between the two inner cases (10b, 10c), or provided as an empty space.

[0062] Additionally, the refrigerator room (11) is configured to be opened and closed by refrigerator doors (20a, 20b), and the freezer room (12) is configured to be opened and closed by freezer doors (30a, 30b).

[0063] The above refrigerator door (20a, 20b) is provided in two and is configured as a double-door rotary door (a door installed to rotate horizontally) capable of opening and closing both sides of the refrigerator (11), and the above freezer door (30a, 30b) is provided in two and is configured as a double-door rotary door (a door installed to rotate horizontally) capable of opening and closing both sides of the freezer (12).

[0064] In particular, an ice-making room (21) is provided on the inner side (the side located inside the refrigerator when the refrigerator door is closed) of one of the two refrigerator doors (20a, 20b) (hereinafter referred to as the “first refrigerator door”) (20a). This ice-making room (21) is a storage room in which an ice tray (not shown) for making ice is provided in the refrigerator door (20a), and is formed to provide a space partitioned from the refrigerator (11). At this time, the first refrigerator door (20a) is a refrigerator door located on the left side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator.

[0065] Of course, although not shown, an ice-making room (21) may also be additionally provided in the other refrigerator door (the refrigerator door located on the right side when viewing the refrigerator from the front) (hereinafter referred to as the “second refrigerator door”) (20b) among the two refrigerator doors (20a, 20b) mentioned above, or the refrigerator may be configured so that an ice-making room (21) is provided only in the second refrigerator door (20b).

[0066] In addition, the above freezer (12) is configured to have upper, middle, and lower compartment seating areas.

[0067] In addition, a dividing wall (13) is provided within the freezer (12). The dividing wall (13) is a wall structure built to divide the freezer (12) into left and right spaces, and is configured to run vertically across the central portion within the freezer (12).

[0068] The left and right spaces within the freezer (12) separated by the above-mentioned partition wall (13) are provided with upper, middle, and lower compartment seating areas in each space, and each of these compartment seating areas may be equipped with a drawer box (not shown) for holding and storing items.

[0069] Each of the above drawer boxes can be installed to be pulled out in a drawer-like manner, and the top of each drawer box can be configured to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of another drawer box located above it. That is, cold air passes between each drawer box through the spaced gap.

[0070] Additionally, the two freezer doors (30a, 30b) are configured to open and close the respective side spaces within the freezer (12) separated by the dividing wall (14). That is, one freezer door (hereinafter referred to as the “first freezer door”) (30a) is configured to open and close one side space within the freezer (left space when viewed from the front), and the other freezer door (hereinafter referred to as the “second freezer door”) (30b) is configured to open and close the other side space within the freezer (right space when viewed from the front).

[0071] In addition, an evaporator (40) is provided in the cabinet (10).

[0072] The above evaporator (40) may be located on the rear side (rear side of the freezer) inside the inner case (10c) for the freezer. More specifically, the above evaporator (40) may be located on the upper side of the machine room (15).

[0073] The machine room (15) is provided at the rear bottom of the outer side of the inner case (10c) for the freezer and provides a space for installing a compressor and a condenser.

[0074] At this time, the lower rear space within the freezer (12) has a freezing space that is narrower than the upper rear space within the freezer (12) by the size of the machine room (15). That is, the upper part of the freezer (12) is formed to protrude further rearward than the lower part of the freezer (12), and the evaporator (40) is located in the upper rear space of the freezer (12).

[0075] In addition, the cabinet (10) is equipped with a recovery duct (53) for a refrigerator.

[0076] The above-mentioned recovery duct (53) for the refrigerator room is a duct provided to recover cold air flowing inside the refrigerator room (12) to the cold air inlet side of the evaporator (40).

[0077] One end of the recovery duct (53) for the refrigerator is connected to the lower end of the rear of the inner case (10b) for the refrigerator that forms the cabinet (10), and the other end of the recovery duct (53) for the refrigerator is connected to the cold air inlet side (bottom of the evaporator) of the evaporator (40) on the rear of the inner case (10c) for the freezer that forms the cabinet (10).

[0078] One end of the above-mentioned recovery duct (53) for the refrigerator is configured to be connected to the side of the connecting duct (54). At this time, the connecting duct (54) is configured to provide cold air generated from the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2) to the refrigerator-side grill fan assembly (1).

[0079] Of course, the above connecting duct (54) may be formed in the refrigerator-side grill fan assembly (1) or in the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2), and may be formed separately from the cabinet (10) and the two grill fan assemblies (1, 2) and then configured to be connected to the two grill fan assemblies (1, 2).

[0080] In addition, a freezer-side grill fan assembly (2) is provided in front of the evaporator (40).

[0081] The above freezer-measuring grill fan assembly (2) is configured to selectively supply cold air to the freezer (12) and the ice-making room (21) by installing two fan modules (230, 240) together.

[0082] That is, two fan modules (230, 240) are provided collectively to a single freezer-side grill fan assembly (2), and a structure for guiding the flow of cold air blown by these two fan modules (230, 240) is formed integrally in the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2).

[0083] In addition, a cold air duct (51) for an ice-making room is provided between one side wall of the outer case (10a) and the two inner cases (10b, 10c) forming the cabinet (10).

[0084] The above cold air duct (51) for the ice making room is a duct that guides the supply of cold air received from the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2) to the ice making room (21).

[0085] One end (51a) of the cold air duct (51) for the ice room is installed to pass through and connect to one side of the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2) (the side where the refrigerator door with the ice room is located, which is the right side in the drawing when viewed from the rear). That is, the outlet through which the cold air of the cold air flow path (213) for the ice room flows out is formed to open to one side between the grill fan (220) and the shroud (210) forming the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2), so that the cold air blown by the ice fan (241) can flow smoothly without a sudden change in direction. This is as illustrated in the attached FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 11.

[0086] In addition, the other end (51b) of the cold air duct (51) for the ice making room is installed to penetrate the side wall of the inner case (10b) for the refrigerator room and be exposed inside the refrigerator room (11).

[0087] At this time, the other end (51b) of the cold air duct (51) for the ice room is configured to align with the supply guide duct (21a) provided in the first refrigerator door (20a) when the first refrigerator door (20a) in which the ice room (21) is provided is closed, and to supply cold air to the supply guide duct (21a). The supply guide duct (21a) is formed to extend to the ice room (21) and to supply cold air to the ice room (21).

[0088] In addition, the first refrigerator door (20a) is further provided with a recovery guide duct (21b), and one end of the recovery guide duct (21b) is connected to the ice-making room (21), while the other end is extended to the bottom side of the side wall of the first refrigerator door (20a) to guide the flow of recovered cold air passing through the ice-making room (21). This is illustrated in the attached FIG. 12.

[0089] Additionally, a recovery duct (52) for an ice-making room is provided between the outer case (10a) of the cabinet (10) and one of the side walls of the two inner cases (10b, 10c).

[0090] The above ice-making room recovery duct (52) is a duct that guides cold air passing through the ice-making room (21) to be recovered into the freezer room (12).

[0091] One end (52a) of the above-mentioned recovery duct (52) for the ice-making room is installed to penetrate the side wall of the inner case (10b) for the refrigerator room and be exposed inside the refrigerator room (11). At this time, the one end (52a) of the above-mentioned recovery duct (52) for the ice-making room is configured so that the other end of the recovery guide duct (21b) aligns with the closing operation of the refrigerator door (20a) in which the ice-making room (21) is provided. This is as illustrated in the attached FIGS. 8, 9, and 11.

[0092] In addition, the other end (52b) of the recovery duct (52) for the ice making room is installed to be exposed inside the freezer room (12) by passing through a through hole (12a) (see attached FIG. 5 and FIG. 9) formed in the side wall of the inner case (10c) for the freezer room.

[0093] The other end (52b) of the above ice-making room recovery duct (52) is configured to be located at the rearmost side of the lower compartment within the freezer room (12).

[0094] In particular, it is more preferable that the through hole (12a), where the other end (52b) of the ice-making room recovery duct (52) is located, be positioned as close as possible to the cold air intake side (the side where cold air recovered from the freezer to the evaporator is sucked) of the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2). That is, the cold air recovered from the ice-making room recovery duct (52) is allowed to flow directly toward the evaporator (40) while minimizing its impact on the temperature and humidity inside the freezer (12).

[0095] In an embodiment of the present invention, the through hole (12a) where the other end (52b) of the ice-making room recovery duct (52) is located is positioned side by side of the first suction guide (224a) formed in the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2) on one of the side walls of the freezer-side inner case (10c).

[0096] In particular, the other end (52b) of the ice-making room recovery duct (52) (or the through hole (12a) where the other end is located) is formed in a triangular structure that gradually narrows toward the bottom and is formed to open into the lower compartment of the freezer room (12).

[0097] That is, if the cold air discharge side portion (or through hole) of the ice-making room recovery duct (52) is formed to have a long horizontal structure, it can affect the temperature inside the freezer room (12) to that extent. However, the cold air discharge side portion (or through hole) of the ice-making room recovery duct (52), which is formed in a triangular structure as in the embodiment of the present invention, has a long vertical structure while taking into account the shape of the machine room (15), so the effect on the temperature inside the freezer room (12) is minimal.

[0098] Meanwhile, the refrigerator-side grill fan assembly (1) of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to supply cold air received from the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2) through a connecting duct (54) to each part within the refrigerator room (11), and the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2) is configured to selectively supply cold air that has undergone heat exchange via an evaporator (40) to the refrigerator room (11), the freezer room (12), or the ice-making room (21).

[0099] At this time, the connecting duct (54) is configured to connect the lower central portion of the refrigerator-side grill fan assembly (1) and the upper central portion of the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2). This is as illustrated in the attached FIGS. 8 and 10.

[0100] The above-mentioned refrigerator-side grill fan assembly (1) is configured to supply cold air supplied from the above-mentioned connecting duct (54) to each part within the refrigerator room (11) through the cold air passage (121) for the refrigerator room. At this time, a plurality of cold air discharge ports (111, 112, 113) may be formed in the above-mentioned refrigerator-side grill fan assembly (1) so that cold air flowing along the cold air passage (121) for the refrigerator room is discharged into the refrigerator room (11).

[0101] In addition, a flow path opening / closing module (60) is provided in at least one part of the above-mentioned refrigerator-measuring grill fan assembly (1) or the above-mentioned connecting duct (54). The above-mentioned flow path opening / closing module (60) is configured to selectively block the cold air of the cold air flow path (214) for the freezer room that flows in through the above-mentioned connecting duct (54).

[0102] That is, selective cold air supply can be provided to the cold air passage (121) for the refrigerator room of the refrigerator room-measuring grill fan assembly (1) by the above-mentioned opening / closing module (60).

[0103] The above-mentioned Euro opening / closing module (60) may be provided on the cold air inlet side of the above-mentioned cold air flow path (121) for the refrigerator room.

[0104] That is, the refrigerator-side grill fan assembly (1) and the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2) are each manufactured separately and configured to communicate with each other through the connecting duct (54). In particular, since the cold air flow path (121) for the refrigerator room of the refrigerator-side grill fan assembly (1) is not equipped with any specific operating elements, it is preferable to install a flow path opening / closing module (60) in the refrigerator-side grill fan assembly (1) compared to the connecting duct (54) or the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2).

[0105] At this time, a mounting section (101) that is expanded compared to the connecting duct (60) is formed on the cold air inlet side of the cold air passage (121) for the refrigerator, and the passage opening / closing module (60) is provided within the mounting section (101) and configured to selectively block the flow of cold air passing through the mounting section (101). This is as illustrated in the attached FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0106] The above Euro opening / closing module (60) is configured to include a damper case (61), an opening / closing damper (62), and a damper operating part (63).

[0107] Here, the damper case (61) is installed to block the inside of the mounting section (101) and is formed as a square frame structure with a through hole (61a) formed on the inside, the opening / closing damper (62) is installed inside the damper case (61) and is configured to open / close the through hole (61a), and the damper operating part (63) is configured to operate the opening / closing damper (62).

[0108] At this time, the damper operating part (63) may be a motor, and the opening / closing damper (62) may be formed as a plate that is axially coupled to the motor and rotates to block or open the through hole (61a).

[0109] Of course, although not shown, the above-mentioned Euro opening / closing module (60) may be configured to forcibly block or open the passage through which cold air passes by means of a solenoid or cylinder, and may also be configured with various other structures.

[0110] The freezer-measuring grill fan assembly (2) according to an embodiment of the present invention has two cold air passages (213, 214) that guide the flow of cold air by the operation of each of the two fan modules (230, 240).

[0111] That is, the above-mentioned freezer-side grill fan assembly (2) has a cold air flow path (214) for the freezer room that guides the flow of cold air blown by the freezer fan (231) of the freezer fan module (230), and a cold air flow path (213) for the ice-making room that guides the flow of cold air blown by the ice-making fan (241) of the ice-making fan module (240), each formed therein.

[0112] In particular, the cold air passage (214) for the freezer and the cold air passage (213) for the ice making room share cold air with each other through the shared passage (215a, 215b), but the open portion of the cold air outlet side of the shared passage (215a, 215b) is formed so as not to face the freezer fan module (230).

[0113] Thus, the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2) of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention can supply a larger amount of cold air to the freezer (12) through the sharing of cold air between the two cold air passages (213, 214) via the shared passage (215a, 215b), and can also prevent the phenomenon of cold air flowing back into the freezer (12) when the ice-making fan (241) is operated alone.

[0114] Below, an example of the specific structure of the above-mentioned freezer-measuring grill pan assembly (2) will be described in more detail with reference to the attached FIGS. 13 to 25.

[0115] First, the above-mentioned freezer-side grill pan assembly (2) is configured to include a shroud (210).

[0116] The above shroud (210) is a portion that forms the rear wall of the above freezer-side grill fan assembly (2).

[0117] At this time, the evaporator (40) is located at the rear of the freezer room (12) among the rear wall surfaces (rear wall surfaces within the inner case) of the cabinet (10), and the shroud (210) is located in front of the evaporator (40).

[0118] FIG. 19 attached is a front view illustrating a shroud in a freezer-side grill pan assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of section “B” of FIG. 19, and FIG. 21 is a rear view illustrating a shroud in a freezer-side grill pan assembly of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] As shown in these drawings, a first inlet hole (211a) and a second inlet hole (211b) are formed through the shroud (210).

[0120] The two inlet holes (211a, 211b) are holes formed to allow cold air, which has been heat-exchanged while passing through an evaporator (40) located at the rear of the freezer (12), to flow into the space between the freezer grill fan (220) and the shroud (210).

[0121] A refrigeration fan module (230) is installed in the area where the first inlet hole (211a) is formed on the front surface of the above shroud (210), and an ice-making fan module (240) is installed in the area where the second inlet hole (211b) is formed.

[0122] At this time, the refrigeration fan module (230) is positioned opposite the first inlet port (211a), and the ice-making fan module (240) is positioned opposite the second inlet port (211b).

[0123] In particular, the first inlet port (211a) is located in the central portion between the upper and middle compartments forming the freezer (12), and the second inlet port (211b) is formed on one side of the first inlet port (211a). That is, the freezer fan module (230) is located in the central portion between the upper and middle compartments forming the freezer (12) among the parts of the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2), and the ice-making fan module (240) is located on one side of the freezer fan module (230). Thus, the cold air blown in the radial direction of the refrigeration fan (231) by the operation of the refrigeration fan module (230) can be smoothly supplied to the upper, middle, and lower compartments within the freezer room (12), and the cold air blown in the radial direction of the ice-making fan (241) by the operation of the ice-making fan module (240) can be compressed with directionality toward the side of the freezer room side grill fan assembly (2).

[0124] In addition, the first inlet port (211a) is designed considering the amount of cold air supplied to the freezer room (12) through the freezer fan module (230), and the second inlet port (211b) is designed considering the pressure of cold air supplied to the ice room (21) through the ice-making fan module (240).

[0125] That is, the above-mentioned refrigeration fan module (230) is configured to supply a sufficient amount of cold air because it supplies cold air to the freezer room (12) located in front of it and the refrigerator room (12) located directly above it, whereas the ice-making fan module (240) is configured to supply cold air to the ice-making room (21) located at the first refrigerator room door (20a), so it must be configured to supply sufficient cold air over a long distance.

[0126] In addition, a cold air passage (213) for an ice-making room and a cold air passage (214) for a freezer room are formed on the front of the shroud (210), respectively (see attached FIG. 19 and FIG. 20).

[0127] The above cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room is a passage that guides cold air flowing between the shroud (210) and the grill fan (220) through the second inlet hole (211b) to flow to the connection part with the cold air duct (51) for the ice-making room, and the above cold air passage (214) for the freezer room is a passage that guides cold air blown by the freezer fan (231) to the upper, middle, and lower compartments of the freezer room (12), respectively.

[0128] The above cold air passage (214) for the freezer is formed by recessing the front surface of the shroud (210), and the above cold air passage (213) for the ice making room is formed on one side of the front surface of the shroud (210) of the cold air passage (214) for the freezer.

[0129] At this time, the rim portion forming the outer edge of the front surface of the shroud (210) forms each inner wall surface of the cold air passage (214) for the freezer. That is, the cold air passage (214) for the freezer is formed to have an upper wall surface (214a) located above the first inlet hole (211a), a lower wall surface (214b) located below the first inlet hole (211a), a first side wall surface (214c) on the side where the cold air passage (213) for the ice making room is located, and a second side wall surface (214d) opposite to the first side wall surface (214c).

[0130] Along with this, a cold air outlet (214e) is formed on the upper wall surface (214a).

[0131] The above cold air outlet (214e) is formed to be located directly above the freezing fan (231) as an open portion that communicates with a part of the cold air passage (214) for the freezer. One end of the connecting duct (54) is connected to the above cold air outlet (214e).

[0132] In addition, the cold air passage (214) for the freezer and the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room are formed to be separated from each other by the passage ribs (213a, 213b) (shown in FIG. 20). That is, the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room is formed on the front of the shroud (210), separated from the cold air passage (214) for the freezer by the passage ribs (213a, 213b).

[0133] Here, the above-mentioned duct ribs (213a, 213b) protrude from the front of the shroud (210) and form the perimeter wall of the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room. That is, the cold air introduced through the second inlet hole (211b) is guided along the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room formed by the above-mentioned duct ribs (213a, 213b) to the connection point with the cold air duct (51) for the ice-making room.

[0134] The above-mentioned uro-ribs (213a, 213b) are configured to include a first circumferential uro-rib (213a) and a second circumferential uro-rib (213b) formed along the circumference of the second inlet hole (211b).

[0135] The area where the second inlet hole (211b) is formed by the two circumferential air passages (213a, 213b) described above can be partitioned from the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room, and the cold air passing through the second inlet hole (211b) can be blown to the cold air duct (51) for the ice room along the cold air passage (213) for the ice room formed by the two air passages (213a, 213b).

[0136] The first circumferential flow path rib (213a) is formed to cross between the first inlet hole (211a) and the second inlet hole (211b) on the front of the shroud (210). That is, as the first circumferential flow path rib (213a) is formed to block the space between the ice-making fan module (240) and the refrigeration fan module (230), the cold air provided from the refrigeration fan module (230) is prevented from being discharged directly to the cold air outlet side of the cold air flow path (213) for the ice-making room.

[0137] In addition, the first circumferential duct rib (213a) is formed in a rounded shape to surround a portion of the circumference of one side (the side where the refrigeration fan module is located) of the ice-making fan module (240). As a result, the cold air radiated in the radial direction of the ice-making fan (241) by the operation of the ice-making fan (241) is guided by the first circumferential duct rib (213a) and flows in the circumferential direction of the ice-making fan (241), thereby allowing it to flow toward the connection point with the cold air duct (51) for the ice-making room.

[0138] Additionally, the second circumferential urorib (213b) is formed to surround the lower circumference of the area where the ice-making fan module (240) is installed on the front of the shroud (210). That is, the lower portion from the central portion between the ice-making fan module (240) and the refrigeration fan module (230) is separated from each other by the second circumferential urorib (213a).

[0139] In addition, the second circumferential side Eurorib (213b) is formed in a rounded shape to wrap around the bottom side circumference of the ice-making fan module (240).

[0140] In addition, a shared channel (215a, 215b) is formed in the above-mentioned Euroribs (213a, 213b).

[0141] These shared channels (215a, 215b) include an upper shared channel (215a).

[0142] That is, the cold air in the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room, which is blown by the ice-making fan module (240) through the upper shared passage (215a), is partially supplied into the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room.

[0143] In particular, when the freezing fan (231) and the ice-making fan (241) operate simultaneously, some of the cold air blown by the ice-making fan (241) is additionally supplied to the freezer room (12) through the upper shared channel (215a), thereby increasing the amount of cold air supplied to the freezer room (12), and thus enabling rapid temperature control of the freezer room (12).

[0144] Furthermore, if the freezing fan (231) is not operated and only the ice-making fan (241) is operated independently, the pressure on the side of the second inlet port (211b) where the ice-making fan (241) is located becomes relatively lower than the pressure on the side of the first inlet port (211a), and there is a risk that cold air inside the freezer (12) will pass through the cold air passage (214) for the freezer and flow to the area where the evaporator (40) is located through the first inlet port (211a), and then be sucked into the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room through the second inlet port (211b).

[0145] However, even if the ice-making fan (241) is operated alone by the provision of the upper shared air passage (215a) described above, the pressure difference between the two passages (213, 214) is reduced by the sharing of cold air between the cold air passage (214) for the freezer and the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room, thereby preventing the cold air of the freezer (12) from flowing back into the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room.

[0146] In addition, the first circumferential flow path rib (213a) is formed spaced apart from the second circumferential flow path rib (213b). That is, by separating the first circumferential flow path rib (213a) and the second circumferential flow path rib (213b) from each other, an upper shared flow path (215a) through which cold air can flow is formed.

[0147] In particular, the upper end of the second circumferential flow path rib (213b) is formed to wrap around the outer surface of the lower end of the first circumferential flow path rib (213a). That is, due to the structure of the two circumferential flow path ribs (213a, 213b) described above, the upper shared flow path (215a) is formed to face one side of the upper surface of the cold air flow path (214) for the freezer (the upper surface of the side where the cold air flow path for the ice-making room is formed, the side where the cold air discharge part for the upper compartment is formed). This is as illustrated in the attached FIG. 16.

[0148] At this time, a cold air discharge unit (221) for the upper compartment is positioned in the area where the upper shared air passage (215a) is directed, and a portion of the cold air flowing through the cold air passage (213) for the ice making room is supplied to the upper part of the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room, and then supplied to the upper compartment of the freezer room (12) through the cold air discharge unit (221).

[0149] That is, even if the cold air passing through the upper shared channel (215a) is supplied into the cold air channel (214) for the freezer, it can be discharged directly into the freezer (12) through the upper cold air discharge part (221), thereby ensuring that the flow of cold air flowing within the cold air channel (214) for the freezer is not affected.

[0150] In particular, the open portion of the cold air outlet side of the upper shared channel (215a) is formed so as not to face the refrigeration fan module (230) located in the first inlet hole (211a).

[0151] That is, the direction of discharge of cold air provided from the upper shared channel (215a) and the direction of cold air radiated from the refrigeration fan module (230) are not aligned with each other, thereby preventing flow interference between the two cold air sources.

[0152] To this end, the upper end of the second circumferential duct rib (213b) is configured to be positioned higher than the first inlet hole (211a) (see attached FIG. 15). That is, the cold air flowing in the circumferential direction of the refrigeration fan (241) by the rotation of the refrigeration fan (241) is prevented from being radiated directly toward the cold air outlet side opening of the upper shared duct (215a).

[0153] If the upper end of the second circumferential channel rib (213b) is positioned lower than the first inlet hole (211a), the cold air radiated from the refrigeration fan (231) is supplied to the upper shared channel (215a) between the first circumferential channel rib (213a) and the second circumferential channel rib (213b), and may collide with and interfere with the cold air discharged from the upper shared channel (215a). Thus, the upper end of the second circumferential channel rib (213b) is formed to be positioned higher than the first inlet hole (211a) to prevent (or minimize) the collision between the cold air discharged from the upper shared channel (215a) and the cold air radiated by the refrigeration fan (231).

[0154] In addition, the upper end of the second circumferential urorib (213b) is formed to gradually become spaced apart from the lower end of the first circumferential urorib (213a) as it extends upward.

[0155] That is, the upper shared channel (215a) is formed so that the channel gradually widens as it goes from the cold air inlet side (the side connected to the cold air channel for the ice-making room) to the cold air outlet side (the side connected to the cold air channel for the freezer room).

[0156] Thus, the discharge flow rate of the cold air supplied to the cold air channel (214) for the freezer through the upper shared channel (215a) can be lowered so as not to obstruct (or minimize) the flow of cold air flowing along the cold air channel (214) for the freezer by the operation of the freezer fan module (230).

[0157] Additionally, the shroud (210) may be further provided with a third circumferential rib (213c).

[0158] The third circumferential urorib (213c) is formed to protrude outward by penetrating the first side wall surface (214c) of the corresponding shroud (210) from the lower end of the second circumferential urorib (213b) (the end opposite to the side where the first circumferential urorib is located).

[0159] That is, the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room can have a certain length of passage due to the third circumferential passage rib (213c) and its protruding structure, and thus the cold air flowing circumferentially along the two circumferential passage ribs (213a, 213b) can be pumped with straightness toward the cold air duct (51) for the ice-making room connected to the corresponding freezer-side grill fan assembly (2).

[0160] At this time, the third perimeter-side urorib (213c) may be formed by bending (depressing or protruding) the edge portion of the shroud (210). Of course, the third perimeter-side urorib (213c) may also be formed as a rib protruding from the surface of the shroud (210), similar to the two perimeter-side uroribs (213a, 213b) described above.

[0161] Additionally, an extension (218) is further formed in the shroud (210).

[0162] The above extension portion (218) is a portion formed to extend downward from both sides of the bottom surface of the shroud (210) to the bottom compartment of the freezer (12).

[0163] In particular, the front of the extension part (218) is provided with an extension channel (218a) that communicates with the cold air channel (214) for the freezer, and is configured to guide a portion of the cold air flowing through the cold air channel (214) for the freezer to the area where the lower compartment of the freezer (12) is located.

[0164] At this time, the extension channel (218a) (or extension part) is formed to extend downward from the part opposite to the two middle compartment cold air discharge parts (222) of the freezer room cold air channel (214) to the part opposite to the two lower compartment cold air discharge parts (223).

[0165] That is, the cold air passage (214) for the freezer formed in the shroud (210) guides the supply of cold air to the upper and middle compartments of the freezer (12), and the extension passage (218a) guides a portion of the cold air flowing within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer to be supplied to the lower compartment of the freezer (12).

[0166] Additionally, the shared channels (215a, 215b) formed in the shroud (210) may include a lower shared channel (215b).

[0167] The above lower shared channel (215b) is a channel formed to guide the supply of cold air to the bottom side within the cold air channel (214) for the freezer, and when the ice-making fan (241) is operated alone, it supplies cold air to the freezer (12) to eliminate the pressure difference between the cold air channel (214) for the freezer (or freezer) and the cold air channel (213) for the ice-making room.

[0168] This lower shared channel (215b) can be formed by separating the lower end of the second circumferential channel rib (213b) from the side wall (214c) on the side where the cold air channel (213) for the ice room is formed, among the two side walls (214c, 214d) of the cold air channel (214) for the freezer room.

[0169] That is, by allowing the lower shared channel (215b) to be formed on the wall side within the extension channel (218a), when cold air is supplied into the cold air channel (or extension channel) (214) for the freezer through the lower shared channel (215b), the cold air is not affected by the cold air flowing from the cold air channel (214) for the freezer toward the extension channel (218a).

[0170] In particular, the lower end (213d) (see FIG. 16) of the second circumferential channel rib (213b) is formed by bending in a direction parallel to the first side wall (214c) on the side where the cold air channel (213) for the ice room is formed among the two side walls of the cold air channel (214) for the freezer room. That is, by forming the lower shared channel (215b) to have a certain length, the cold air passing through the lower shared channel (215b) can flow along the walls of the first side wall (214c) and the extension channel (218a).

[0171] At this time, the lower end (213d) of the second circumferential urorib (213b) and the first side wall surface (214c) may be formed parallel to each other, and as they go downward, the lower end (213d) of the second circumferential urorib (213b) may be formed to gradually become adjacent to the first side wall surface (214c).

[0172] Although not shown, the lower shared channel (215b) may be formed as a separate channel penetrating the second circumferential channel rib (213b).

[0173] In addition, a drain hole (218d) is formed through the lower end of the extension part (218).

[0174] That is, considering that the interior of the cold air passage (213) for the ice room is connected to the refrigerator room (11) through the cold air duct (51) for the ice room, condensation may occur inside the cold air duct (51) for the ice room due to the temperature difference with the outside air, and the condensation thus generated may flow down through the cold air duct (51) for the ice room and flow back into the cold air passage (51) for the ice room.

[0175] Considering this, the condensate flowing back into the cold air passage (51) for the ice making room is allowed to flow down into the extended passage (218a) through the lower shared passage (215b) formed in the second circumferential passage rib (213b), and then drained to the outside of the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2) through the drain (218d).

[0176] Meanwhile, the cold air inlet side portion (the periphery side portion of the first inlet hole) of the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room can be divided into a plurality of cold air inlet areas (216a, 216b, 216c) (see attached FIG. 20).

[0177] That is, the above-mentioned cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room may be provided with a first area (216a) that is commonly located between the first circumferential passage rib (213a) and the second circumferential passage rib (213b) and the ice-making fan module (240), a second area (216b) that is located between the bottom surface of the ice-making fan module (240) and the second circumferential passage rib (213b), and a third area (216c) that is located between the top surface of the ice-making fan module (240) and the first circumferential passage rib (213a) and is in communication with the cold air outflow side portion of the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room.

[0178] In particular, the first region (216a) is connected to the upper shared channel (215a), the second region (216b) is connected to the lower shared channel (215b), and the third region (216c) is connected to the cold air discharge side of the cold air channel (213) for the ice making room.

[0179] In addition, the third area (216c) is configured to supply an amount of cold air roughly equal to the combined size of the first area (216a) and the second area (216b), and the second area (216b) is configured to supply a relatively larger amount of cold air compared to the first area (216a). That is, approximately half of the total cold air blown by the operation of the ice-making fan (241) is supplied to the ice-making room (21) through the third area (216c), and the remaining half is supplied to the cold air passage (214) for the freezer through the first area (216a) and the second area (216b).

[0180] At this time, the cold air supplied to the first area (216a) is discharged toward the upper space within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer through the upper shared passage (215a), and the cold air supplied to the second area (216b) is discharged toward the lower space (extended passage) within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer through the lower shared passage (215b).

[0181] In addition, each of the aforementioned fluororibs (213a, 213b, 213c) is in close contact with the back surface of the grill pan (200) to be described later, thereby closing the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making chamber formed by each of the fluororibs (213a, 213b, 213c) from the external environment of the grill pan assembly (1).

[0182] Of course, although not shown, the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room may be formed to protrude from the back of the grill pan (220) toward the front of the shroud (210).

[0183] Additionally, a plurality of guides (217a, 217b, 217c) may be formed on the front surface of the shroud (210).

[0184] That is, the front surface of the above shroud (210) is formed such that a cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room and a cold air passage (214) for the freezer room are separated by each of the respective duct ribs (215a, 215b), and at this time, the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room is configured so that cold air can be supplied uniformly or differentially to each part of the shroud (or grill pan) (210) by each of the respective guides (217a, 217b, 217c).

[0185] Each of the above guides (217a, 217b, 217c) may include a first guide (217a) that guides the upper flow of cold air introduced into the cold air passage (214) for the freezer through the first inlet hole (211a) of the shroud (210).

[0186] That is, when cold air radiated upward from the refrigeration fan (231) by the rotation of the refrigeration fan (231) strikes the upper wall surface (214a) within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer, the airflow becomes turbulent in that area, and the flow of cold air is not smooth. Considering this, the provision of the first guide (217a) allows the cold air radiated to the upper wall surface within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer to flow toward the cold air outlet (214e) formed on the upper wall surface (214a).

[0187] The first guide (217a) above may be formed in an inverted triangular structure that gradually widens toward both sides as it extends upward from the adjacent portion of the first inlet hole (211a) to the upper wall surface (214a) within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room, and is inclined or rounded.

[0188] At this time, the lower end (lower vertex portion) of the first guide (217a) is located on one side of the first inlet hole (211a) (opposite side to the side where the cold air flow path for the ice room is located). As a result, more cold air can be supplied to the space connected to the other end (52b) of the recovery duct (52) for the ice room, which is connected to the space between the two sides of the freezer room (12), as the cold air radiated while rotating in the circumferential direction of the refrigeration fan (231) can be supplied.

[0189] Additionally, each of the above guides (217a) may include a second guide (217b) that guides the downward flow of cold air flowing between the grill fan (220) and the shroud (210) through the first inlet hole (211a) of the shroud (210).

[0190] That is, when cold air radiated downward from the freezing fan (231) by the rotation of the freezing fan (231) strikes the lower wall surface (214b) within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer, the airflow becomes turbulent in that area, and the flow of cold air is not smooth. Considering this, the provision of the second guide (217b) allows the cold air radiated to the lower wall surface (214b) within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer to flow smoothly to both sides of the lower wall surface (214b).

[0191] The above second guide (217b) may be formed in a slanted or rounded triangular structure that widens toward both sides as it goes downward from the adjacent part of the first inlet hole (211a) to the lower wall surface (214b) in the cold air passage (214) for the freezer.

[0192] At this time, the upper end (upper vertex portion) of the second guide (217b) is located on the other side of the first inlet hole (211a) (the side where the cold air passage for the ice-making room is located).

[0193] In particular, the lower vertex portion of the first guide (217a) and the upper vertex portion of the second guide (217b) can be positioned symmetrically with respect to the center of the first inlet hole (211a). As a result, half of the cold air radiated while rotating in the circumferential direction of the freezer fan (231) is supplied to one side space (the space to the right of the dividing wall when viewed from the front) within the freezer room (12), and the other half is supplied to the other side space (the space to the left of the dividing wall when viewed from the front) within the freezer room (12) and to the refrigerator room (11).

[0194] Additionally, each of the above guides (217a, 217b, 217c) may include a third guide (217c) that guides the upper and lower flow of cold air flowing between the grill fan (220) and the shroud (210) through the first inlet hole (211a) of the shroud (210).

[0195] That is, when cold air radiated toward the second side wall surface within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer by the rotation of the freezer fan (231) strikes the second side wall surface (214d) of the cold air passage (214) for the freezer, the airflow becomes turbulent in that area, and the flow of cold air is not smooth. Considering this, the provision of the third guide (217c) allows the cold air radiated toward the second side wall surface (214d) within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer to flow smoothly toward the upper and lower sides of the second side wall surface (214d).

[0196] The above third guide (217c) may be formed in a slanted or rounded triangular structure that widens vertically as it extends from the side of the first inlet hole (211a) (the side opposite to where the ice-making fan is located) to the second side wall (214d) of the cold air passage (214) for the freezer.

[0197] Next, the above freezer-measuring grill pan assembly (2) is configured to include a grill pan (220).

[0198] The above grill pan (220) forms the front wall of the freezer-side grill pan assembly (2) and is located in front of the shroud (210).

[0199] In addition, a plurality of cold air discharge sections (221, 222, 223) are formed in the grill pan (220).

[0200] The above cold air discharge unit (221, 222, 223) includes a cold air discharge unit (221) for the upper compartment that discharges cold air into the upper compartment of the freezer (12), a cold air discharge unit (222) for the middle compartment that discharges cold air into the middle compartment of the freezer (12), and a cold air discharge unit (223) for the lower compartment that discharges cold air into the lower compartment of the freezer (12). This is as illustrated in the attached FIGS. 22 to 24.

[0201] In particular, the upper compartment cold air discharge unit (221) is formed one on each side of the upper portion where the refrigeration fan (231) is located, the middle compartment cold air discharge unit (222) is formed one on each side of the lower portion where the refrigeration fan (231) is located, and the lower compartment cold air discharge unit (223) is formed one on each side of the lower portion of the two middle compartment cold air discharge units (222).

[0202] In addition, the upper compartment cold air discharge unit (221) and the middle compartment cold air discharge unit (222) are formed as tubular bodies protruding into the freezer (12).

[0203] In addition, a plurality of grills (221a, 222a) that guide the direction of cold air discharge are formed in the upper compartment cold air discharge unit (221) and the middle compartment cold air discharge unit (222).

[0204] Additionally, the grill pan (220) is further provided with suction guides (224a, 224b) that guide the flow of recovered cold air that has flowed through the freezer (12). At this time, the suction guides (224a, 224b) are formed at the lower end of the grill pan (220) so that the cold air recovered after circulating inside the freezer (12) flows into the lower end of the evaporator (40).

[0205] At this time, the suction guides (224a, 224b) are formed to be inclined at an angle (or round) that is the same (or similar) to the wall surface forming the rear bottom of the freezer (12) as they extend toward the lower end. That is, the cold air flowing along the bottom surface inside the freezer (12) is guided by the suction guides (224a, 224b) and flows smoothly to the lower end of the evaporator (40).

[0206] In particular, the suction guides (224a, 224b) are configured to include a first suction guide (224a) provided on the side where the other end (52b) of the ice-making room recovery duct (52) is located, based on the central portion of the grill fan (220) among the lower ends of the grill fan (220), and a second suction guide (224b) provided on the side opposite to the first suction guide (224a), based on the central portion of the grill fan (220). That is, cold air flowing through one side space (the space connected to the other end of the ice-making room recovery duct) within the freezer room (12) is recovered through the first suction guide (224a), and cold air flowing through the other side space within the freezer room (12) is recovered through the second suction guide (224b).

[0207] Next, the above freezer-measuring grill fan assembly (2) is configured to include a freezer fan module (230).

[0208] The above-mentioned refrigeration fan module (230) is configured to blow cold air that has passed through the evaporator (40) into the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room.

[0209] This refrigeration fan module (230) is located in the first inlet port (211a).

[0210] As shown in the attached FIGS. 16 and 17, the refrigeration fan module (230) comprises a refrigeration fan (231) and a first installation frame (232).

[0211] Here, the above-mentioned freezer fan (231) is formed as a slim centrifugal fan, thereby reducing the thickness (width in the front-to-back direction) of the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2).

[0212] In addition, the first installation frame (232) is the part where the refrigeration fan (231) is installed.

[0213] The first installation frame (232) is configured to be coupled to a plurality of fastening ribs (212a) formed on the shroud (210). At this time, each of the fastening ribs (212a) can be formed at a position considering the size and wind direction of the refrigeration fan (231).

[0214] Next, the above freezer-measuring grill fan assembly (2) is configured to include an ice-making fan module (240).

[0215] The above ice-making fan module (240) is configured to blow cold air that has passed through the evaporator (40) into the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room.

[0216] As shown in the attached FIGS. 16 and 17, the ice-making fan module (240) comprises a blower fan (hereinafter referred to as “ice-making fan”) (241) and a second installation frame (242).

[0217] Here, the ice-making fan (241) is formed as a slim centrifugal fan, thereby reducing the thickness (width in the front-to-back direction) of the freezer-side grill fan assembly (2).

[0218] In addition, the second installation frame (242) is the part where the ice-making fan (241) is installed.

[0219] The second installation frame (242) is configured to be coupled to a plurality of fastening ribs (212a) formed on the shroud (210). At this time, each of the fastening ribs (212a) can be formed at a position considering the size and wind direction of the ice-making fan (241).

[0220] Meanwhile, the ice-making fan module (240) is configured to be positioned closer to the refrigeration fan module (230) than to the cold air outlet side of the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room (see attached FIG. 13 and FIG. 18). That is, by positioning the ice-making fan (241) of the ice-making fan module (240) so as to be spaced apart from the cold air outlet side (open part) of the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room by a sufficient distance, the cold air passing through the cold air outlet side of the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room is prevented from passing smoothly through the cold air outlet side and becoming turbulent due to resistance caused by the cold air flow rotating along the rotation direction of the ice-making fan (241).

[0221] In addition, the ice-making fan (241) forming the ice-making fan module (240) may be configured to rotate at a higher rotational speed than the refrigeration fan (231) forming the refrigeration fan module (230).

[0222] That is, the above-mentioned freezing fan (231) is rotated at a rotational speed sufficient to provide a high airflow because it supplies cold air to the freezer room (12) in front of it, but the ice making room (21) is located relatively far from the freezer room (12), so the ice making fan (241) is operated at a higher rotational speed than the freezing fan (231) to pump air up to the ice making room (21).

[0223] In addition, the center of the ice-making fan module (240) is located lower than the center of the cold air discharge side opening of the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room.

[0224] That is, considering that the cold air discharged upwards relative to the central portion of the ice-making fan (241) is guided to be supplied to the ice-making room (21) through the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room, the central portion of the ice-making fan (241) is positioned as low as possible relative to the center of the cold air discharge side (preferably the bottom surface of the cold air discharge side) of the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room, so that the cold air blown from the ice-making fan (241) can flow smoothly along the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room.

[0225] In the following, the temperature control process for the freezer compartment (12) and the ice-making compartment (21) of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention described above will be explained in more detail.

[0226] First, the process for controlling the temperature of the refrigerator room (11) will be explained with reference to the attached FIGS. 26 to 28.

[0227] The temperature control of the above refrigerator room (11) is performed by the operation of the refrigeration fan module (230), the compressor (not shown), and the flow path opening / closing module (60).

[0228] That is, when the Euro opening / closing module (60) operates so that the connecting duct (54) and the cold air passage (121) for the refrigerator room are opened to each other (see attached FIG. 16), operation for temperature control of the refrigerator room (11) is performed by the rotation of the refrigeration fan (231) by power supply to the refrigeration fan module (230) and the heat exchange operation of the evaporator (40) by the operation of the compressor.

[0229] And, when the refrigeration fan (231) of the refrigeration fan module (230) is operated, the air inside the freezer (12) flows through the evaporator (40) by the air blowing force of the refrigeration fan (231), and heat exchange occurs as it passes through the evaporator (40).

[0230] Additionally, the heat-exchanged air (cold air) passes through the first inlet port (211a) of the shroud (210) and flows into the cold air passage (214) for the freezer.

[0231] The cold air flowing into the cold air passage (214) for the freezer and radiating into the upper space within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer is discharged through the cold air outlet (214e) under the guidance of the first guide (217a), and the cold air is continuously supplied to the cold air passage (121) for the refrigerator under the guidance of the connecting duct (54).

[0232] Of course, the remaining cold air that is not discharged through the cold air outlet (214e) among the cold air radiated in the radial direction of the freezing fan (231) while rotating along the circumferential direction of the freezing fan (231) by the operation of the freezing fan (231) flows to the area where the two upper compartment cold air discharge parts (221) are located within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room and the area where the lower compartment cold air discharge parts (223) are located along the two extended passages (218a), and then is discharged into the upper compartment and lower compartment within the freezer room (12) through the two upper compartment cold air discharge parts (221) and the two lower compartment cold air discharge parts (223).

[0233] In addition, the cold air supplied to the cold air passage (121) for the refrigerator flows along the cold air passage (121) for the refrigerator and is supplied into the refrigerator room (11) through each cold air discharge port (111, 112, 113) to refrigerate the stored items in the refrigerator room (11).

[0234] And, after refrigerating the stored items in the refrigerator room (11), the cold air flowing to the bottom of the refrigerator room (11) is recovered to the cold air inlet side of the evaporator (40) through the refrigerator room recovery duct (53) connected to the corresponding part, and the circulation is repeated.

[0235] Meanwhile, when the inside of the refrigerator room (11) reaches a set temperature due to the aforementioned operation, the flow path opening / closing module (60) is operated to block the connecting duct (54) and the cold air flow path (121) for the refrigerator room from each other, thereby preventing additional cold air supply to the refrigerator room (11).

[0236] Next, the process for controlling the temperature of the freezer (12) will be explained with reference to the attached FIGS. 29 to 32.

[0237] The temperature control of the above-mentioned freezer room (12) is performed by the operation of the freezer fan module (230) and the compressor (not shown). That is, the operation for temperature control of the freezer room (12) is performed by the rotation of the freezer fan (231) by power supply to the freezer fan module (230) and the heat exchange operation of the evaporator (40) by the operation of the compressor. At this time, the flow path opening / closing module (60) is operated to block the space between the connecting duct (54) and the cold air flow path (121) for the refrigerator room.

[0238] And, when the refrigeration fan (231) of the refrigeration fan module (230) is operated, the air inside the freezer (12) flows through the evaporator (40) by the air blowing force of the refrigeration fan (231), and heat exchange occurs as it passes through the evaporator (40).

[0239] Additionally, the heat-exchanged air (cold air) passes through the first inlet port (211a) of the shroud (210) and flows into the cold air passage (214) for the freezer.

[0240] The cold air that flows into the cold air passage (214) for the freezer and is radiated into the upper space within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer is guided by the first guide (217a) and flows to the area where the two upper compartment cold air discharge parts (221) are located within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer, and then is discharged into the upper compartment of the freezer (12) through the two upper compartment cold air discharge parts (221).

[0241] Then, the cold air radiated downward within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer is guided by the second guide (217b) and flows to the area where the two middle compartment cold air discharge parts (222) are located, and then discharged into the middle compartment of the freezer (12) through the two middle compartment cold air discharge parts (222). At this time, among the cold air flowing guided by the second guide (217b), the cold air flowing to the area where the middle compartment cold air discharge part (222) is located on one side (opposite to the side where the ice-making fan is located) is guided by the third guide (217c) located on that side and is guided in the up and down direction, so that some of it flows to the upper compartment cold air discharge part (221) on that side, and the remaining part flows to the middle compartment cold air discharge part (222) on that side.

[0242] Along with this, the cold air flowing to the two middle compartment cold air discharge units (222) guided by the second guide (217b) and the third guide (217c) is partially discharged into the middle compartment of the freezer (12) through the two middle compartment cold air discharge units (222), and the remainder is discharged into the lower compartment of the freezer (12) through the two lower compartment cold air discharge units (223) guided by the extension flow path (218a).

[0243] Accordingly, even cold air is supplied to both upper compartments, the middle compartment, and the lower compartment within the freezer (12).

[0244] Additionally, the cold air supplied into the two freezer rooms (12) by passing through each cold air discharge section (221, 222, 223) flows within the two freezer rooms (12) and is then guided by the two suction guides (224a, 224b) formed in the grill pan (220) and recovered to the air inlet side of the evaporator (40).

[0245] Meanwhile, while temperature control for the aforementioned freezer (12) is being performed, the ice-making fan (241) may also be operated.

[0246] That is, considering that the ice-making fan (241) is set to operate at all times except under special conditions (e.g., when the ice-making room is full of ice), continuous ice-making operation can be performed even while refrigeration operation is being performed.

[0247] If ice-making operation is also performed while refrigeration operation is being performed, a flow of cold air is generated by the operation of the ice-making fan (241) that sequentially passes through the second inlet port (211b) and the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room.

[0248] In particular, the cold air generated by the operation of the above-mentioned ice-making fan (241) is partially supplied to the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room through the upper shared passage (215a), and the remainder is supplied to the ice-making room (21) through the cold air duct (51) for the ice-making room connected to the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room.

[0249] That is, cold air blown through the second inlet port (211b) to the first area (216a) of the cold air passage (213) for the ice room passes through the upper shared passage (215a) and is supplied to the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room, cold air blown through the second inlet port (211b) to the second area (216b) of the cold air passage (213) for the ice room passes through the lower shared passage (215b) and is supplied to the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room, and cold air blown through the second inlet port (211b) to the third area (216c) of the cold air passage (213) for the ice room passes through the second inlet port (211b) is supplied to the ice room (21) through the cold air duct (51) for the ice room connected to the cold air discharge side of the cold air passage (213) for the ice room.

[0250] Thus, since not only the cold air blown by the operation of the freezing fan (231) but also a portion of the cold air blown by the operation of the ice-making fan (241) is supplied into the freezer (12), sufficient cold air supply can be achieved. This is as illustrated in the attached FIGS. 30 and 31.

[0251] In particular, the cold air supplied through the upper shared channel (215a) is provided to the upper compartment of the side space connected to the ice-making room recovery duct (52) among the two side spaces within the freezer room (12), thereby enabling the freezer room (12) to be supplied with sufficient cold air.

[0252] In addition, since the cold air supplied through the lower shared channel (215b) is provided to the lower compartment of the side space connected to the ice-making room recovery duct (52) among the two side spaces within the freezer (12), even if the cold air passing through the ice-making room (21) is recovered through the ice-making room recovery duct (52), a rapid rise in temperature of the space is prevented, and the two side spaces within the freezer (12) can be maintained within the same (or similar) temperature range.

[0253] Additionally, while the above-mentioned refrigeration operation (or ice-making operation) is being performed or when each operation is stopped, condensate may be generated due to the temperature difference between the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room and the refrigerator room (11), or between the cold air duct (51) for the ice-making room and the refrigerator room (11), and the generated condensate flows down along the cold air duct (51) for the ice-making room to the second circumferential passage rib (213b) of the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room.

[0254] Afterwards, the condensate flows down to the extension channel (218a) through the lower shared channel (215b) formed in the second circumferential channel rib (213b), and continues to flow along the extension channel (218a) and is drained to the outside of the freezer side grill fan assembly (2) through the drain (218d) formed in the extension channel (218a).

[0255] Therefore, the malfunction of the ice-making fan (241) caused by the condensate not being drained and freezing within the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room can be prevented.

[0256] Next, the operation (ice-making operation) for temperature control of the ice-making room (21) will be explained with reference to the attached FIGS. 33 to 36.

[0257] Temperature control of the above ice-making room (21) is performed by the operation of the ice-making fan (241) by supplying power to the ice-making fan module (240). At this time, the compressor may be operated or stopped depending on the operating conditions of the freezer room (12).

[0258] When the above ice-making fan (241) is operated, the air present in the freezer (12) passes through the evaporator (40) by the air blowing force of the above ice-making fan (241), then passes through the second inlet hole (211b) of the shroud (210) and flows into the first area (216a), the second area (216b), and the third area (216c) of the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room, respectively, and is subsequently discharged from the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room through the connecting parts with each of the areas (216a, 216b, 216c). This is as illustrated in the attached FIGS. 33 and 34.

[0259] At this time, the cold air introduced into the first area (216a) by the operation of the ice-making fan (241) passes through the upper shared air passage (215a) and is supplied to the upper surface side of the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room, the cold air blown into the second area (216b) is supplied into the extension passage (218a) through the lower shared air passage (215b), and the cold air blown into the third area (216c) is supplied to the ice-making room (21) through the cold air duct (51) for the ice-making room.

[0260] At the same time, cold air supplied to the cold air channel (214) for the freezer room by passing through the upper shared channel (215a) is blown toward the cold air discharge part (221) for the upper compartment within the cold air channel (214) for the freezer room and is supplied to the freezer room (12) through the cold air discharge part (221) for the upper compartment, and cold air supplied to the cold air channel (214) for the freezer room by passing through the lower shared channel (215b) flows along the side wall of the extension channel (218a) and is supplied to the freezer room (12) through the cold air discharge part (223) for the lower compartment. This is as illustrated in the attached FIGS. 35 and 36.

[0261] In particular, the cold air supplied into the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room by the blowing force of the ice-making fan (241) after passing through the second inlet port (211b) is discharged to the third area (216c), which is the upper part of the ice-making fan (241), and then flows along the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room toward the cold air discharge side. At this time, since the cold air flows along a sufficient distance from the third area (216c) toward the cold air discharge side, the flow resistance caused by the third area (216c) and the cold air discharge side being adjacent to each other can be reduced.

[0262] Accordingly, the interior of the freezer (12) maintains a pressure state similar to that of the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room by the cold air supplied through the upper shared passage (215a) and the lower shared passage (215b). That is, since the pressure of the freezer (12) and the ice-making room (21) is roughly balanced, even if only the ice-making fan (241) is operated for ice-making operation, the cold air of the freezer (12) is prevented (or minimized) from passing through the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room and the first inlet port (211a) in reverse and flowing into the second inlet port (211b) and the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room.

[0263] Meanwhile, when the cold air that has been heat-exchanged by passing through the evaporator (40) passes through the second inlet port (211b) and is discharged in the radial direction of the ice-making fan (241), a phenomenon occurs in which it attempts to pass through the second inlet port (211b) in the reverse direction due to flow resistance.

[0264] However, since the second inlet port (211b) is configured so that each impeller (241c) of the ice-making fan (241) is covered (or at least half covered), the cold air radiated from the ice-making fan (241) does not cause a backflow phenomenon to be discharged through the second inlet port (211b), and can be blown into the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room at a higher blowing pressure than the cold air blown along the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room after passing through the first inlet port (211a).

[0265] And, by the high air pressure mentioned above, it is smoothly supplied to the ice room (21) through the cold air duct (51) for the ice room connected to the cold air passage (213) for the ice room.

[0266] In addition, the cold air discharged into the third area (216c) flows toward the second area (216b) located on the rotational direction side of the ice-making fan (241); however, considering that the third area (216c) and the second area (216b) are effectively separated from each other by the ice-making fan module (240), all the cold air discharged into the third area (216c) flows toward the cold air discharge side of the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room, guided by the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room.

[0267] Accordingly, although the amount of cold air supplied to the ice making room (21) is less than the amount of cold air supplied to the freezer room (12), it can be smoothly pumped to the ice making room (21) by high air pressure.

[0268] In addition, the cold air supplied to the ice-making room (21) flows within the ice-making room (21) and freezes the water (or other beverage) present in the ice tray (city omitted).

[0269] Then, the cold air flowing inside the ice-making room (21) flows into the ice-making room recovery duct (52) and is continuously recovered into the freezer room (12) under the guidance of the ice-making room recovery duct (52).

[0270] Afterwards, the cold air recovered into the above-mentioned freezer (12) is immediately sucked into the first suction guide (224a) positioned opposite it and recovered to the air inlet side of the evaporator (40).

[0271] Accordingly, the temperature inside the ice-making room (21) is controlled by the repetitive circulation of the aforementioned air (cold air).

[0272] Ultimately, the refrigerator of the present invention can have the cold air passage (214) for the freezer and the cold air passage (213) for the ice making room shared by providing shared passages (215a, 215b), and thus, even if the freezer fan (231) and the ice making fan (241) operate simultaneously, sufficient cold air can be supplied to the freezer room (12), and the phenomenon of cold air flowing back from the freezer room (12) when the ice making fan (241) operates alone can be prevented.

[0273] In addition, since the refrigerator of the present invention is formed such that the open portion of the cold air outlet side of the shared air passage (215a, 215b) does not face the refrigeration fan module (230), the cold air provided from the cold air passage (213) for the ice-making room through the shared air passage (215a, 215b) does not interfere with the cold air flow flowing through the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room.

[0274] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has a lower shared channel (215b) formed on the bottom surface (second circumferential channel rib) of the installation area of ​​the ice-making fan module (240), and an extended channel (215a, 215b) extending to the lower compartment within the freezer (12) is additionally formed in the shroud (210), so that sufficient cold air can be supplied to the lower compartment within the freezer (12). In particular, a drain (218d) is additionally formed in the extended channel (218a), and the lower shared channel (215b) is formed to penetrate between the second circumferential channel rib (213b) and the wall surface of the shroud (210), so that condensation or moisture present in the installation area of ​​the ice-making fan module (240) can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the freezer (12).

[0275] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention has guide ribs (217a, 217b, 217c) formed on each wall surface (214a, 214b, 214c, 214d) within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer, so that the cold air flowing within the cold air passage (214) for the freezer can be supplied differently to each part within the freezer (12), thereby enabling an improvement in freezing efficiency.

[0276] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is configured to supply cold air to the cold air passage (121) for the refrigerator room of the grill fan assembly (1) for the refrigerator room through a cold air outlet (214e) formed on the upper wall surface (214a) of the cold air passage (214) for the freezer room and a connecting duct (54) connected thereto, so selective cold air supply to the refrigerator room, freezer room, and ice room is possible with a single evaporator (40). Explanation of the symbols

[0277] 1. Refrigerator compartment grill pan assembly 2. Freezer compartment grill pan assembly 10. Cabinet 10a. Outcase 10b. Inner case for refrigerator 10c. Inner case for freezer 10d. Partition wall 11. Refrigerator compartment 12. Freezer 13. Divider 14. Drawer box 15. Machine room 20a. First refrigerator door 20b. Second refrigerator door 21. Ice-making room 22. Storage box 21a. Supply guide duct 21b. Recovery guide duct 30a. First freezer door 30b. Second freezer door 32. Storage box 41. Evaporator 42. Evaporator 51. Cold air duct for ice room 52. Return duct for ice maker 53. Return duct for refrigerator maker 54. Connecting duct 60. Flow path opening / closing module 61. Damper case 61a. Through hole 62. Opening / closing damper 63. Damper operating part 101. Mounting section 111, 112, 113. Cold air outlet 121. Cold air passage for refrigerator 210. Shroud 211a. First inlet 211b. Second inlet 212a. Fastening rib 213. Cold air passage for ice making room 213a. First circumferential groove rib 213b. Second circumferential groove rib 213c. Third perimeter air passage 214. Cold air passage for freezer 214a. Upper wall surface 214b. Lower wall surface 214c. First side wall surface 214d. Second side wall surface 214e. Cold outlet 215a. Upper shared channel 215b. Lower shared channel 216a. First area 216b. Second Area 216c. Third Area 217a. Guide 1 217b. Guide 2 217c. Third Guide 218. Extension Section 218a. Extended Euro 218d. Drain 220. Grill pan 221. Cold air discharge unit for the upper compartment 222. Cold air discharge unit for the middle compartment 223. Cold air discharge part for Hakan 221a, 222a. Grill 224a. First inhalation guide 224b. Second inhalation guide 230. Freezing fan module 231. Freezing fan 240. Ice-making fan module 241. Ice-making fan 232, 242. Installation frame 231a, 241a. Hub section 231b, 241b. Rim 231c, 241c. Impeller

Claims

Claim 1 A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet having an upper refrigerator compartment and a lower freezer compartment; a refrigerator door that opens and closes the refrigerator compartment of the cabinet and has an ice-making compartment; an evaporator provided in the freezer compartment of the cabinet and generating cold air; a freezer-side grill fan assembly located in front of the evaporator and having a cold air flow path for the freezer compartment that guides the flow of cold air blown by a freezer fan and a cold air flow path for the ice-making compartment that guides the flow of cold air blown by an ice-making fan, respectively formed therein; and a refrigerator-side grill fan assembly provided in the refrigerator compartment of the cabinet and selectively receiving a portion of the cold air flowing along the cold air flow path for the freezer compartment and guiding it to be supplied to the refrigerator compartment; wherein the cold air flow path for the freezer compartment and the cold air flow path for the ice-making compartment are formed to be separated from each other by a flow path rib, and a shared flow path is formed in the flow path rib to allow the cold air flow path for the freezer compartment and the cold air flow path for the ice-making compartment to share cold air with each other. Claim 2 A cabinet having an upper refrigerator compartment and a lower freezer compartment; a refrigerator door that opens and closes the refrigerator compartment of the cabinet and has an ice-making compartment; an evaporator provided in the freezer compartment of the cabinet and generating cold air; a freezer-side grill fan assembly located in front of the evaporator and having a cold air flow path for the freezer compartment that guides the flow of cold air blown by a freezer fan and a cold air flow path for the ice-making compartment that guides the flow of cold air blown by an ice-making fan, respectively formed therein; a freezer-side grill fan assembly provided in the refrigerator compartment of the cabinet and selectively receiving a portion of the cold air flowing along the cold air flow path for the freezer compartment and guiding it to be supplied to the refrigerator compartment; and a shared air passage provided for the cold air flow path for the freezer compartment and the cold air flow path for the ice-making compartment to share cold air with each other; wherein the freezer fan is located in the central portion of the freezer-side grill fan assembly, the ice-making fan is located on one side of the freezer fan, and the shared air passage A refrigerator characterized in that the cold air outlet side opening is formed so as not to face the freezer fan. Claim 3 A refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the freezer-side grill fan assembly has a grill fan forming a front wall surface and a shroud forming a rear wall surface on which a freezer fan and an ice-making fan are installed, and wherein the cold air passage for the freezer and the cold air passage for the ice-making room are formed on at least one of the opposing surfaces between the grill fan and the shroud. Claim 4 A refrigerator according to claim 3, characterized in that the freezer-side grill fan assembly has a cold air outlet formed therein that is open to communicate with a part of the cold air passage for the freezer, and the cold air outlet and the refrigerator-side grill fan assembly are connected by a connecting duct capable of transferring cold air. Claim 5 A refrigerator according to claim 4, characterized in that the cold air outlet is formed to be located directly above the freezer fan on the upper surface of the freezer-side grill fan assembly. Claim 6 A refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that an upper guide is formed on the upper surface of the freezer-side grill fan assembly to guide the flow of cold air caused by the operation of the freezer fan to flow into the upper space of the cold air outlet and the cold air passage for the freezer. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the shared air passage includes an upper shared air passage formed in one part of the air passage ribs, which supplies a portion of the cold air blown into the cold air passage for the ice-making room to the upper space of the cold air passage for the freezer room when the ice-making fan is driven. Claim 10 A refrigerator according to claim 9, characterized in that the above-mentioned uro-rib comprises a first circumferential uro-rib surrounding the upper circumferential of the ice-making fan and a second circumferential uro-rib surrounding the lower circumferential of the ice-making fan. Claim 11 A refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that the lower end of the first circumferential channel rib and the upper end of the second circumferential channel rib are formed spaced apart from each other, and the upper shared channel is formed as a spaced portion between the two circumferential channel ribs. Claim 12 A refrigerator according to claim 11, characterized in that the upper end of the second circumferential flow path is formed to surround the outer surface of the lower end of the first circumferential flow path, so that the upper shared flow path is formed to face one side upper surface within the cold air flow path for a freezer. Claim 13 A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that the upper end of the second circumferential Eurorib is formed to be located further above the center height of the freezer fan. Claim 14 A refrigerator according to claim 12, characterized in that the upper end of the second circumferential duct rib is formed to gradually become spaced apart from the lower end of the first circumferential duct rib as it extends upward. Claim 15 A refrigerator according to claim 10, characterized in that, at the lower end portions of the cold air passage for the freezer, an extension passage extending to both sides of the lower compartment within the freezer is further formed, and one of the extension passages is located at the bottom of the cold air passage for the ice-making room. Claim 16 A refrigerator according to claim 15, characterized in that the shared channel includes a lower shared channel formed in the second circumferential channel rib and supplies a portion of the cold air blown into the cold air channel for the ice-making room to one of the extended channels when the ice-making fan is driven. Claim 17 A refrigerator according to claim 16, characterized in that the lower shared channel is formed by separating the lower end of the second circumferential channel rib from the wall surface on the side where the cold air channel for the ice-making room is formed among the two side walls of the cold air channel for the freezer room. Claim 18 A refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that the cabinet further comprises a recovery duct for a refrigerator room that recovers cold air within the refrigerator room to the cold air inlet side of the evaporator. Claim 19 A refrigerator according to claim 18, characterized in that one end of the return duct for the refrigerator room is connected to the lower end of the refrigerator room among the rear surfaces of the cabinet, and the other end of the return duct for the refrigerator room is connected to the cold air inlet side of the evaporator located within the freezer room among the rear surfaces of the cabinet. Claim 20 A refrigerator according to claim 19, wherein the refrigerator-side grill fan assembly and the freezer-side grill fan assembly are connected by a connecting duct so that the refrigerator-side grill fan assembly receives cold air provided by the freezer-side grill fan assembly, the connecting duct is configured to connect the lower central portion of the refrigerator-side grill fan assembly and the upper central portion of the freezer-side grill fan assembly, and one end of the return duct for the refrigerator is configured to be connected to the side of the connecting duct.

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