Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a storage room, an evaporator that generates cold air through heat exchange, a duct having a passage for cold air to move and a cold air outlet for discharging cold air, a fan that flows the cold air generated by the evaporator through the passage to the storage room, and a cold air control unit provided within the passage to control the amount of cold air discharged through the cold air outlet. The cold air control unit includes a damper that is movable according to the intensity of the cold air supplied by the fan so as to control the area of ​​the cold air outlet.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a function that can convert a freezer compartment into a refrigerator compartment. Background Technology

[0002] In a mono-cycle refrigerator that simultaneously cools the upper freezer compartment and the lower refrigerator compartment using a single evaporator, cold air passing through the evaporator located at the rear of the freezer compartment is circulated along a path by a blower fan. A certain amount of the cold air passing through the blower fan is distributed to the freezer compartment through a freezer outlet provided in a duct positioned in front of the evaporator, while the remainder descends to the refrigerator compartment and is discharged through the refrigerator outlet. At the bottom of the evaporator, the cold air drawn in after cooling the freezer compartment mixes with the cold air drawn in after cooling the refrigerator compartment; this mixed air then passes through the evaporator again for cooling and circulation, forming a mechanism.

[0003] When a user does not need a freezer and only needs a refrigerator, it is necessary to convert the freezer into a refrigerator. As a conventional technology to solve this, a technology has been proposed to vary the amount of cold air by adjusting the opening degree of the cold air outlet of the freezer using a rotary damper.

[0004] In such conventional technology, there is only a switching between freezing and refrigeration modes and no off function; furthermore, there is a problem in that the temperature cannot be lowered quickly when high-temperature air is introduced into the freezer in refrigeration mode. The problem to be solved

[0005] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of converting a freezer compartment into a refrigerator compartment. means of solving the problem

[0006] A refrigerator for solving the above problem is provided. The refrigerator includes an evaporator that generates cold air through heat exchange, a duct having a passage for cold air to travel and a cold air outlet for discharging cold air, a fan that flows the cold air generated by the evaporator through the passage to the storage room, and a cold air control unit provided within the passage to control the amount of cold air discharged through the cold air outlet. The cold air control unit includes a damper that is movable according to the intensity of the cold air supplied by the fan so as to control the area of ​​the cold air outlet.

[0007] The above storage room includes a first storage room and a second storage room, and the amount of cold air discharged from the first storage room can be controlled by the cold air control unit according to the selected mode.

[0008] The above cold air control unit may include a housing having a variable channel that communicates with the above channel and movably accommodates the above damper.

[0009] The above variable channel may include a damper cover section in which the upper inner wall is extended along the direction of cold air flow of the variable channel.

[0010] As the above damper moves to the damper skin portion, the gap between the damper and the inner wall of the variable channel can be expanded.

[0011] The above damper may be cylindrical in shape.

[0012] The above damper is positioned horizontally in the extension direction of the variable channel, and the variable channel may include a damper guide that supports both ends of the damper and guides the damper to move to the damper cover.

[0013] The above damper part may include a stopper that prevents the movement of the damper.

[0014] The above damper may include a plate spring that is elastically deformable along the direction of cold air flow.

[0015] The above cold air control unit can operate in a freezing mode that fully opens the cold air discharge port, a refrigeration mode that partially opens it, and an off mode that blocks it.

[0016] The above cold air control unit is exposed to the interior of the storage room and may include a knob for operating to the freezing mode, the refrigeration mode, and the off mode.

[0017] The above first flow path may include a connecting flow path that supplies cold air to the above second storage room.

[0018] The above cold air control unit is a first cold air control unit and may include a second cold air control unit provided in the connecting channel.

[0019] The second cold air control unit may include a second knob that is exposed to the interior of the first storage room and can be operated to control the amount of cold air flowing through the connecting channel. Effects of the invention

[0020] As described above, the refrigerator according to the present invention allows the user to switch the freezer compartment to the refrigerator compartment or the refrigerator compartment to the freezer compartment when desired. At this time, the user can not only efficiently respond to sudden temperature changes in the freezer compartment that has been switched to the refrigerator compartment, but also provide an off function to block the cold air. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a drawing showing the refrigerator of Figure 1 in a disassembled state. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the flow of cold air in the refrigerator of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a drawing showing the front view of a duct assembly. Figure 5 is a drawing showing the rear side of a duct assembly. Figure 6 is a drawing showing a plan view of a duct assembly. Figure 7 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along line AA of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along line BB of Figure 6. Figure 9 is a drawing showing the fifth euro of the third duct. Figure 10 is a drawing showing a cross-section of the first duct. Figure 11 is a drawing showing the front view of the first duct after disassembly. Figure 12 is a drawing showing the rear view of the first duct after disassembly. Figure 13 is a drawing showing the first cold air control unit. Figure 14 is a drawing showing the second cold air control unit. FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the freezing mode state of the first cold air control unit in the first duct (21). Figure 16 is a diagram showing the refrigeration mode state of the first cold air control unit. FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the damper unit mounted on the second Euro member. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the damper unit mounted on the first duct. Figure 19 is a graph showing a comparison of the cooling effect according to the prior art and the technology of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the off-mode state of the first cold air control unit. FIG. 21 is a drawing showing the state in which the damper part is placed on the second Euro member. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a comparison of cold air discharge modes according to the operation of the first cold air control unit. FIG. 23 is a drawing showing the first mode state of the second cold air control unit in the first duct cut along the CC line of FIG. 15. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the second mode state of the second cold air control unit. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the third mode state of the second cold air control unit. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a damper portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a damper part according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numbers or symbols refer to components that perform substantially the same function, and the size of each component in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and convenience of explanation. However, the technical concept of the present invention and its core components and operations are not limited only to the components or operations described in the following embodiments. In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of known technologies or components related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0023] In this document, expressions such as "have," "can have," "include," or "can include" refer to the existence of the relevant feature (e.g., numerical values, functions, actions, or components, etc.) and do not exclude the existence of additional features.

[0024] In this document, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A or / and B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” may include all possible combinations of items listed together. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” may refer to cases including (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) both at least one A and at least one B.

[0025] In embodiments of the present invention, terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another, and singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention, terms such as 'upper', 'lower', 'left', 'right', 'inner', 'outer', 'inner surface', 'outer surface', 'front', and 'rear' are defined based on the drawings, and the shape or position of each component is not limited by this.

[0027] As used in this document, the expression "configured to" may be replaced, depending on the context, with, for example, "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" does not necessarily mean "specifically designed to" in hardware. Instead, in some situations, the expression "device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" in conjunction with other devices or components.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerator (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1 in a disassembled state. The refrigerator (1) shown in FIG. 1 is in a state where the door is excluded.

[0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10) having a freezer (11) and a refrigerator (12), a duct assembly (20) for delivering cold air to the freezer (11) and the refrigerator (12), an evaporator (30) for generating cold air, and a fan (40) for supplying cold air generated from the evaporator (30) through the duct assembly (20).

[0030] The main body (10) may include an inner case (13) and an outer case (14) that form a freezer (11) and a refrigerator (12).

[0031] The inner case (13) may include a freezer case (131) and a refrigerator case (132).

[0032] The outer case (14) can wrap around the inner case (13) and form the exterior.

[0033] The duct assembly (20) may include first to third ducts (21, 22, 23) that are provided with passages for transferring cold air to the freezer room (11) and the refrigerator room (12).

[0034] The evaporator (30) can cool the air using a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air.

[0035] The fan (40) can blow cold air generated in the evaporator (30) into the freezer (11) and refrigerator (12) through the first to third ducts (21, 22, 23).

[0036] The refrigerator (1) of the present invention can be implemented as a standard type, a double-door type, or a 3 to 4-door refrigerator, classified according to the number of doors and the opening method. In addition, the refrigerator (1) of the present invention can be implemented as a 1-EVA, 2-EVA, or 3-EVA type refrigerator, classified according to the number of evaporators supplying cold air.

[0037] The refrigerator (1) according to the present invention is not limited by various structures or uses and can be implemented as any type of refrigerator having at least one of a freezer compartment (11) or a refrigerator compartment (12).

[0038] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the flow of cold air in the refrigerator (1) of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the front of the duct assembly (20), FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the rear of the duct assembly (20), FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the plan of the duct assembly (20), FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along line AA of FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a cross-section cut along line BB of FIG. 6, and FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the fifth flow path (233) of the third duct (23).

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the duct assembly (20) may include a first duct (21) that forms a cold air generating space (111) isolated from the freezer (11) at the inner rear of the freezer case (131), a second duct (22) provided at the inner rear of the refrigerator case (132) that discharges the incoming cold air to the refrigerator (12), and a third duct (23) that transmits the air of the freezer (11) and the refrigerator (11) to the evaporator (30). An evaporator (30) may be placed in the cold air generating space (111).

[0040] The first duct (21) may include a first flow path (211) that directs cold air from the cold air generating space (111) into the freezer (11) through a fan (40). The first flow path (211) may include a first cold air inlet (212) into which cold air from the cold air generating space (111) is introduced and where the fan (40) is installed, and five first to fifth cold air outlets (213) into which cold air from the first flow path (211) is discharged into the freezer (11). The first flow path (211) may include a connecting flow path (2111) that transmits cold air to the third duct (23). The first flow path (211) may refer to all passages from the first cold air inlet (212) to the first to fifth cold air outlets (213) and the connecting flow path (2111).

[0041] The second duct (22) may include a second channel (221) that directs some of the cold air from the first channel (211) into the refrigerator room (12). The second duct (22) may include a second cold air inlet (222) into which cold air flowing in through the first and second ducts (21) flows, and a plurality of cold air outlets (223) that discharge the cold air from the second channel (221) into the refrigerator room (12).

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the third duct (23) may include a third duct (231) connecting the first duct (211) and the second duct (221), a fourth duct (232) for directing air from the freezer (11) to the cold air generating space (111), and a fifth duct (233) for directing air from the refrigerator (12) to the cold air generating space (111).

[0043] The third duct (23) may include a third cold air inlet (234) into which air that has absorbed heat from the freezer (11) is introduced. The air introduced into the third cold air inlet (234) may be discharged into the cold air generating space (111) through the fourth flow path (232).

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the third duct (23) may include a fourth cold air inlet (236) into which air that has absorbed heat from the refrigerator room (12) is introduced. The air introduced into the fourth cold air inlet (236) may be discharged into the cold air generating space (111) through the fifth flow path (233).

[0045] The fifth Euro (233) can be formed by sinking the rear of the third duct (23) and then covering it with a Euro cover (239).

[0046] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a cross-section of the first duct (21), FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the front view of the first duct (21) after disassembly, FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the rear view of the first duct (21) after disassembly, FIG. 13 is a drawing showing the first cold air control unit (215), and FIG. 14 is a drawing showing the second cold air control unit (216).

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, the first duct (21) may include a flow path forming part (214) having a first flow path (211) formed inside, first and second cold air control parts (215, 216) that respectively control the amount of cold air supplied to the freezer (11) and the refrigerator (12), and a mounting cover (217) that mounts the first and second cold air control parts (215, 216) to the flow path forming part (214).

[0048] The Euro forming part (214) may include plate-shaped first and second Euro members (2141, 2142) that are joined together and have a first Euro (211) formed inside.

[0049] The first flow path member (2141) may be positioned on the side of the evaporator (30 in FIG. 5). The first flow path member (2141) may include a cold air inlet (212) penetrating the upper part, a first flow path groove (21411) recessed in the surface facing the second flow path member (2142), a first connecting flow path groove (21412), and a first guide groove (21413) crossing the first connecting flow path groove (21412).

[0050] The second Euro member (2142) may include a second Euro groove (21421) recessed on the surface facing the first Euro member (2141), a second connecting Euro groove (21422), and a second guide groove (21423) crossing the second connecting Euro groove (21422).

[0051] The first and second Eurohomes (21411, 21421) can interlock to form the first Euro (211).

[0052] The first and second connecting channels (21412, 21422) can interlock to form a connecting channel (2111). The connecting channel (2111) can guide the cold air from the first channel (211) to the third channel (231) of the third duct (23).

[0053] The first and second guide grooves (21413, 21423) interlock with each other to guide the second cold air control unit (216), which will be described later, to be inserted and moved.

[0054] The second Euro member (2142) may include first to third cold air outlets (21424-1 to 21424-3) penetrating the upper portion and fourth and fifth cold air outlets (21424-4, 21424-5) penetrating the middle portion, which are connected to the second Euro groove (21421).

[0055] The second Euro member (2142) may include a control unit mounting groove (21425) that is recessed in an 'H' shape at a position corresponding to the first to fifth cold air outlets (21424-1 to 21424-5) on the surface facing the mounting cover (217) and is equipped with a first cold air control unit (215) described later. The control unit mounting groove (21425) may have a size that allows the first cold air control unit (215) to move up and down and left and right.

[0056] The second Euro member (2142) may include a damper groove (21426) that accommodates the damper part (2152) of the first cold air control part (215) described later, while surrounding each of the cold air outlets (21424-1 to 21424-5) on the side facing the mounting cover (217).

[0057] The second Euro member (2142) may include a control unit mounting hole (21427) that penetrates the lower part and communicates with the first and second connecting Euro grooves (21412, 21422). A second cold air control unit (216) may be inserted and mounted in the control unit mounting hole (21427).

[0058] The cold air outlets (215, 216) may include a first cold air control unit (215) that controls the size of the first to fifth cold air outlets (213-1 to 213-5) that supply cold air to the freezer (11), and a second cold air control unit (216) that is placed in the connecting channel (2111) to control the amount of cold air supplied to the refrigerator (12).

[0059] The first cold air control unit (215) can be mounted by attaching the mounting cover (217) to the flow path forming unit (214) while it is positioned in the control unit mounting groove (21425) in an 'H' shape.

[0060] The first cold air control unit (215) may include five damper units (2152) each provided in the first to fifth openings (2151-1 to 2151-5) on the surface facing the second flow path member (2142), and a first knob (2153) protruding from the center of the surface facing the mounting cover (217). The first cold air control unit (215) may further include sixth and seventh openings (2151-6, 2151-7) on the upper part of the fourth and fifth openings (2151-4, 2151-5). The 6th and 7th openings (2151-6, 2151-7) may have a size equal to or larger than the 4th and 5th cold air outlets (213-4, 213-5) of the mounting cover (217) described later. The 6th and 7th openings (2151-6, 2151-7) may align with the 4th and 5th cold air outlets (213-4, 213-5), respectively, when the 1st cold air control unit (215) is in the freezing mode position, so as not to obstruct the flow of cold air.

[0061] The damper section (2152) can be aligned with the first to fifth cold air outlets (213-1 to 3-5) of the mounting cover (217) respectively when the first cold air control section (215) is in the refrigeration mode position. The degree of opening of the damper section (2152) can be adjusted according to the intensity of the cold air caused by the rotational speed of the fan (40). The operation of the damper section (2152) will be described later.

[0062] The first knob (2153) may be exposed inside the freezer (11) to be operated by a user. The first knob (2153) may be moved up, down, left, and right by the user. That is, the user can switch the freezer (11) to "freezing mode," "refrigeration mode," and "off mode" by holding the first knob (2153) and moving the first cold air control unit (215). The detailed operation of the first cold air control unit (215) will be described later.

[0063] The second cold air control unit (216) may include a front frame (2161) erected at the front, a rear frame (2162) extending horizontally at the rear of the front frame (2161), a second knob (2163) protruding forward from the front frame (2161), and a cold air passage hole (2164) penetrating the rear frame (2162). The cold air passage hole (2164) may include a main cold air passage hole (21641) and a sub cold air passage hole (21642). The main cold air passage hole (21641) may include a linear extension part (21643) extending uniformly with a predetermined width and an extension part (21644) that gradually extends integrally from the linear extension part (21643).

[0064] The second cold air control unit (216) can be mounted by attaching the mounting cover (217) to the flow path forming unit (214) while the rear frame (2162) is inserted into the control unit mounting hole (21427).

[0065] The second knob (2163) protrudes into the freezer (11) and can be operated by the user. The second knob (2163) can be moved left and right. The user can adjust the amount of cold air passing through the connecting channel (2111) by moving the second knob (2163) left and right. The operation of the second cold air control unit (216) will be described later.

[0066] The mounting cover (217) can be coupled to the flow path forming part (214) while containing the first and second cold air control parts (215, 216).

[0067] The mounting cover (217) may be exposed to the freezer (11). The mounting cover (217) may include first to fifth cold air outlets (213-1 to 213-5) that communicate with the first to fifth cold air outlets (21424-1 to 21424-5) of the second flow path member (2142), a first knob hole (2172) that accommodates the first knob (2153) to move up, down, left, and right, and a second knob hole (2173) that accommodates the second knob (2163) to move left and right.

[0068] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing the freezing mode state of the first cold air control unit (215) in the first duct (21).

[0069] As shown in FIG. 15, the first knob (2153) is located at the bottom of the first knob hole (2172). At this time, the upper end of the first cold air control unit (215) is located at the bottom of the first to third cold air outlets (213-1 to 213-3) of the mounting cover (217), and the sixth and seventh openings (2151-6, 2151-7 in FIG. 13) of the first cold air control unit (215) align with the fourth and fifth cold air outlets (213-4, 213-5) in the middle of the mounting cover (217), so that the first to fifth cold air outlets (21424-4 to 21424-5) of the mounting cover (217) are fully opened and cold air can pass through normally. Therefore, the freezer (11) can maintain its freezing function. At this time, the five damper sections (2152) are located at the bottom of the first to fifth cold air outlets (21424-121424-5) of the mounting cover (217) and do not participate in the flow of cold air.

[0070] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the refrigeration mode state of the first cold air control unit (215).

[0071] As shown in FIG. 16, the first knob (2153) is moved to the upper part of the first knob hole (2172). At this time, the five damper sections (2152) provided in the first to fifth openings (2151-1 to 2151-5) of the first cold air control section (215) align with the first to fifth cold air discharge outlets (213-1 to 213-5) of the mounting cover (217), so that the cold air can be controlled and passed in conjunction with the intensity of the cold air, that is, the rotational speed of the fan (40), according to the function of each damper section (2152). Meanwhile, the sixth and seventh openings (2151-6, 2151-7) of the first cold air control section (215) are moved to the upper part of the fourth and fifth cold air discharge outlets (213-4, 213-5) of the mounting cover (217) and do not participate in the flow of cold air.

[0072] The structure and operation of the damper part (2152) will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0073] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the damper part (2152) mounted on the second Euro member (2142), and FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the damper part (2152) mounted on the first duct (21).

[0074] The damper part (2152) can be optionally positioned between the first cold air outlet (213-1) of the mounting cover (217) and the first cold air outlet (21424-1) of the second flow path member (2142), as shown in FIG. 18.

[0075] The damper portion (2152) may include a housing (21522), a damper (21523) movably accommodated in the housing (21522), and a stopper (21524) provided on one side of the variable flow path (21521) to prevent movement of the damper (21523). The stopper (21524) may include a stopper hole (21524-1) penetrating the side wall of the variable flow path (21521) and a projection (21524-2) protruding toward the stopper hole (21524-1) from the damper groove (21426) of the second flow path member (2142).

[0076] The housing (21522) may be provided with a variable channel (21521) extending laterally inside. The variable channel (21521) may have a cross-section that gradually expands upward from the inlet where cold air enters. Both sides of the variable channel (21521) may include damper guides (21527) that guide the ends of the damper (21523) to move to the upper expansion space (21526). The damper guides (21527) may be formed to gradually slope upward from the inlet of the variable channel (21521) where cold air enters.

[0077] The damper (21523) can be positioned, for example, in the shape of a cylindrical rod and can be placed over damper guides (21527) provided on both sides of the variable channel (21521). As the intensity of the cold air entering due to the increase in the rotational speed of the fan (40) increases, the damper (21523) can be pushed up along the inclined damper guides (21527) into the upper expansion space (21526). At this time, the projection (21524-2) of the stopper (21524) is disengaged from the stopper hole (21524-1). Subsequently, as the intensity of the cold air gradually weakens due to the decrease in the rotational speed of the fan (40), it returns to its original position by the load, thereby partially or completely blocking the inlet of the variable channel (21521) into which the cold air enters. The damper (21523) may react differently depending on the magnitude of the load and the intensity of the cold air, that is, the rotational speed of the fan (40).

[0078] If the fan (40) has a low rotational speed and the intensity of the cold air is low, the amount of air that travels along the damper guide (21527) may also be small. Therefore, a small gap is formed between the bottom of the variable flow path (21521) and the damper (21523), so that a small amount of cold air can be introduced into the freezer (11).

[0079] When the fan (40) has a high rotational speed and the intensity of the cold air is high, the amount of air that the damper (21523) travels along the damper guide (21527) also increases. As a result, the damper (21523) is pushed up high from the bottom of the variable channel (21521). Therefore, a large gap is formed between the bottom of the variable channel (21521) and the damper (21523), allowing a large amount of cold air to be introduced into the freezer (11).

[0080] When the freezer (11) is used for refrigeration, the internal temperature of the freezer (11) rises rapidly when the door of the freezer (11) is opened, so it is necessary to cool the interior quickly. To this end, if the load of the fan (40) is increased, the intensity of the cold air flowing through the variable flow path (21521) increases, and by pushing up the damper (21523), the gap through which the cold air passes can be expanded. Subsequently, as the temperature of the freezer (11) drops to a set temperature, the load of the fan (40) decreases, and the damper (21523) can return to a lower position. In this way, in the refrigeration mode, the amount of cold air supplied to the freezer (11) by the damper part (2152) of the first cold air control part (215) can be controlled in conjunction with the intensity of the cold air, that is, the rotation speed of the fan (40).

[0081] FIG. 19 is a graph showing a comparison of the cooling effect according to the prior art and the present invention. The prior art supplied a constant amount of cold air regardless of the cold air intensity according to the rotational speed of the fan (40), and the present invention applied a damper part (2152) and increased the load of the fan (40) when the door of the freezer (11) was opened or when the temperature of the freezer (11) rose rapidly.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 19, the present invention took 293 minutes to lower the temperature of the refrigerated food to 5°C, whereas the prior art took 678 minutes to lower the temperature of the refrigerated food to 5°C. Thus, the present invention can safely refrigerate stored food by cooling it in a shorter time compared to the prior art.

[0083] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing the off-mode state of the first cold air control unit (215), and FIG. 21 is a drawing showing the state in which the damper unit (2152) is placed in the second flow path member (2142).

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the first knob (2153) is moved to the upper right side of the first knob hole (2172). By aligning the five damper sections (2152) provided in the first to fifth openings (2151-1 to 2151-3) of the first cold air control section (215) with the first to fifth cold air discharge outlets (213-1 to 213-5) of the mounting cover (217), the cold air can be controlled and passed through in conjunction with the intensity of the cold air, i.e., the rotational speed of the fan (40), according to the function of each damper section (2152). At this time, as each damper part (2152) moves to the right, the stopper (21524) of the damper part (2152) has a projection (21524-2) inserted into the stopper hole (21524-1), so that the damper (21523) can be fixed. As a result, the damper (21523) does not move in conjunction with the intensity of the cold air, that is, the rotation speed of the fan (40), even if it increases, and blocks the inlet of the variable flow path (21521), thereby allowing the freezer (11) to remain in an off state.

[0085] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a comparison of cold air discharge modes according to the operation of the first cold air control unit (215).

[0086] As shown in FIG. 22, the freezing mode is a state in which the first cold air control unit (215) is separated from the first cold air outlet (213-1), and the first cold air outlet (213-1) is in a fully open state.

[0087] The refrigeration mode can be operated by dividing it into safe operation mode and overload mode.

[0088] The safe operation mode is a state in which the temperature change of the freezer (11) is constant and the set refrigeration temperature is maintained. At this time, the fan (40) operates to maintain the set refrigeration temperature, and the first cold air outlet (213-1) is opened into a small gap (G1) by the damper (21523) of the damper part (2152).

[0089] The overload mode increases the rotational speed of the fan (40) when it detects that the temperature of the freezer (11) is rising rapidly or that the door of the freezer (11) is opened. At this time, as the damper (21523) moves due to the increase in the rotational speed of the fan (40), the first cold air outlet (213-1) is opened to a large gap (G2).

[0090] Off mode is a state in which the freezer (11) is not used for freezing or refrigeration. At this time, the first cold air outlet (213-1) is completely blocked by the damper (21523). That is, the damper (21523) is fixed and does not correspond to the intensity of the cold air, i.e., the rotational speed of the fan (40).

[0091] FIG. 23 is a drawing showing the first mode state of the second cold air control unit (216) in the first duct (21) cut along the CC line of FIG. 15, FIG. 24 is a drawing showing the second mode state of the second cold air control unit (216), and FIG. 25 is a drawing showing the third mode state of the second cold air control unit (216).

[0092] As shown in FIG. 23, in the first mode of the second cold air control unit (216), the second knob (2163) can be positioned to the left of the second knob hole (2173). At this time, the main cold air passage hole (21641) and the sub cold air passage hole (21642) of the second cold air control unit (216) are positioned together within the connecting passage (2111), so that cold air can normally flow into the refrigerator room (12) through the second duct (23).

[0093] As shown in FIG. 24, in the second mode of the second cold air control unit (216), the second knob (2163) can be positioned in the middle of the second knob hole (2173). At this time, the linear extension (21643) of the main cold air passage hole (21641) of the second cold air control unit (216) and the sub cold air passage hole (21642) are positioned within the connecting passage (2111), thereby allowing a partially limited amount of cold air to flow into the refrigerator room (12) through the second duct (23).

[0094] As shown in FIG. 25, in the third mode of the second cold air control unit (216), the second knob (2163) may be located to the right of the second knob hole (2173). At this time, only the sub-cold air passage hole (21642) of the second cold air control unit (216) is located within the connecting passage (2111), so that a very small amount of cold air can be introduced into the refrigerator room (12) through the second duct (23).

[0095] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a damper part (3152) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 26, the damper part (3152) may have a leaf spring (31523) provided in a variable channel (31521) inside the housing (31522). The leaf spring (31523) may be elastically deformed in the direction of cold air flow. The amount of elastic deformation of the leaf spring (31523) may be adjusted according to the intensity of the cold air flowing through the variable channel (31521), that is, the rotational speed of the fan (40).

[0097] FIG. 27 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a damper part (4152) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The damper section (4152) may include a variable flow path (41521) inside the housing (41522). The variable flow path (41521) may include an inlet (41524) through which cold air flows in, a seating section (41525) that communicates with the inlet (41523) and on which the damper (41523) is seated, a damper cover section (41526) extending upward from the seating section (41525), and an outlet (41527) through which cold air is discharged. When the damper (41523) is seated on the seating section (41525), the inlet (41524) through which cold air flows in may be blocked. The inlet (41524) is located below the seating section (41525). The damper (41523) may easily rise from the damper cover section (41526) depending on the air pressure. As the damper (41523) rises along the damper skin portion (41526) from the seating portion (41525), a gap may be created between the inlet (41524) and the outlet (41527).

[0099] The cold air control unit (215) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a refrigerator (1) having a single storage room. At this time, depending on the operation of the cold air control unit (215), the storage room can be used in one of a freezer mode, a refrigerator mode, or an off mode.

[0100] In addition, the cold air control unit (215) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to a refrigerator (1) having a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment. At this time, depending on the operation of the cold air control unit (215), the freezer compartment may be switched to a storage compartment or turned off, or the refrigerator compartment may be switched to a freezer compartment or turned off.

[0101] Although the present invention has been described in detail through preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited thereto and can be implemented in various ways within the scope of the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0102] 1: Refrigerator 10: Main body 11: Freezer 12: Refrigerator compartment 20: Duct Assembly 21: 1st duct 211: The 1st Euro 2111: Connecting Euro 212: 1st Cold Air Inlet 213: 1st Cold Air Exhaust 214: Euro-forming part 2141: First Euro Absence 2142: Second Euro Absence 215: 1st Cold Control Unit 2152: Damper section 21521: Damper 21522: Housing 2153: 1st knob 216: Second Cold Control Unit 2164: Cold Passage Hole 217: Mounting cover 22: Second duct 221: 2nd Euro 222: Second cold air inlet 223: Second cold air outlet 23: Third duct 231: 3rd Euro 232: The 4th Euro 233: The 5th Euro 30: Evaporator 40: Fan

Claims

Claim 1 A refrigerator comprising: a storage room; an evaporator that generates cold air through heat exchange; a duct having a passage for cold air to move and a cold air outlet for discharging cold air; a fan that flows the cold air generated by the evaporator through the passage to the storage room; and a cold air control unit provided within the passage to control the amount of cold air discharged through the cold air outlet, wherein the cold air control unit comprises a damper movably provided according to the intensity of the cold air supplied by the fan so as to adjust the area of ​​the cold air outlet, and a housing having a variable passage communicating with the passage and movably accommodating the damper. Claim 2 In claim 1, the storage room includes a first storage room and a second storage room, and the first storage room is a refrigerator in which the amount of cold air discharged is controlled by the cold air control unit according to a selected mode. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the variable channel includes a damper cover portion in which the upper inner wall is extended along the direction of cold air flow of the variable channel. Claim 5 A refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein the gap between the damper and the inner wall of the variable channel is expanded as the damper moves to the damper cover. Claim 6 In paragraph 5, the above damper is a refrigerator having a cylindrical shape. Claim 7 A refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein the damper is arranged horizontally in the extension direction of the variable channel, and the variable channel includes a damper guide that supports both ends of the damper and guides the damper to move to the damper cover. Claim 8 A refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a stopper that prevents the movement of the damper. Claim 9 A refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the damper comprises a plate spring elastically deformable along the direction of cold air flow. Claim 10 In claim 1, the cold air control unit is a refrigerator that operates in a freezing mode with the cold air outlet fully open, a refrigeration mode with the outlet partially open, and an off mode with the outlet closed. Claim 11 In claim 10, the above-mentioned cold air control unit is exposed to the interior of the storage room and includes a knob for operating to the freezing mode, the refrigeration mode and the off mode. Claim 12 In paragraph 2, the above-mentioned Euro is a refrigerator that includes a connecting passage supplying cold air to the second storage room. Claim 13 In claim 12, the above cold air control unit is a first cold air control unit, and the refrigerator includes a second cold air control unit provided in the connecting channel. Claim 14 In claim 13, the refrigerator comprises a second cold air control unit that is exposed to the interior of the first storage room and can be operated to control the amount of cold air flowing through the connecting channel.

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