Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises: a main body; a storage chamber provided in the main body; and trays attached in the storage chamber to form a separate storage space, wherein the trays comprise a cover tray which can support stored objects, a base tray which is arranged under the cover tray to support the cover tray, a cold air hole which is provided in one region of the tray so that the inside of the separate storage space and the outside of the separate storage space can be in communication with each other, and a cold air adjusting lever for opening or closing the cold air hole.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator including a cold air leakage prevention hole.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device for storing food and other items and may include multiple storage compartments based on temperature. For example, it may be divided into a freezer compartment maintained at -18°C or lower and a refrigerator compartment maintained at 0 to 10°C. However, some foods stored in the refrigerator may need to be stored at a lower temperature than other foods. In particular, vegetables and fruits need to remain fresh longer than other stored foods. Therefore, conventional refrigerators have provided separate spaces for storing vegetables and fruits. To control the temperature of these separate spaces, a structure that allows the opening and closing of the part through which cold air is discharged has been used. However, if the part through which cold air is discharged is directly blocked, frost may form on the part, interfering with the operation of the part that controls the inflow of cold air, causing inconvenience to the user.

[0003] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a main body, a storage compartment provided inside the main body, at least one cold air outlet provided in the storage compartment, and a tray mounted in the storage compartment to form a separate storage space.

[0004] The tray includes a cover tray capable of supporting storage, a base tray positioned below the cover tray to support the cover tray, a cold air hole provided in one area of ​​the tray to connect the inside of the separate storage space with the outside of the separate storage space, and a cold air control lever for opening or closing the cold air hole.

[0005] The refrigerator further includes a cold air supply means for generating cold air and at least one cold air duct connecting the cold air supply means and the cold air discharge port to supply the cold air to the storage room.

[0006] The above cold air outlet is positioned on the upper side of the tray so as not to come into contact with the tray, and can supply cold air to the separate storage space.

[0007] The above tray may include a tray handle provided at a position opposite the cold air outlet in a grippable form for a user to insert or withdraw the tray.

[0008] The above cold air hole may be formed in one area of ​​the tray handle and may include at least one first cold air hole provided in the cover tray and at least one second cold air hole provided in the base tray at a position corresponding to the first cold air hole.

[0009] The cover tray and the base tray may be coupled to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween, and may further include a cold air blocking rib formed to protrude toward the base tray and the cover tray, respectively, to block cold air passing through the first and second cold air holes from flowing into the gap.

[0010] The above base tray may further include a support rib for supporting the cover tray on the lower side of the cover tray.

[0011] The above cooling control lever may include a blocking portion including a blocking surface having a shape corresponding to the cooling hole so as to close the cooling hole, and a knob disposed on the opposite side of the blocking surface and exposed to the outside of the tray.

[0012] The above cooling control lever may be provided in the space between the cover tray and the base tray.

[0013] The above base tray may further include a stopper protruding toward the cover tray to limit the operating range of the cold air control lever.

[0014] The above cold air hole may be formed in an area of ​​the tray adjacent to the cold air discharge port.

[0015] The above cold air control lever may further include a blocking portion including a blocking surface having a shape corresponding to the cold air hole so as to close the cold air hole, a knob disposed on the opposite side of the blocking portion and exposed to the outside of the tray, and a connecting portion that connects the blocking portion and the knob and moves the blocking portion so that the blocking portion opens or closes the cold air hole according to a user operation of the knob.

[0016] The above-mentioned cold air control lever may include a blocking bar including a blocking portion having a shape corresponding to the cold air hole so as to close the cold air hole, a knob positioned on the opposite side of the blocking portion and exposed to the outside of the tray, and a hinge portion connecting the blocking bar and the knob so that the cold air hole can be opened or closed as the blocking bar rotates according to a user's operation of the knob.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3a is an exploded view of a tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3b is a bottom view of a cover tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tray with a cold air hole closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of cold air inside a tray when the cold air hole of the tray is closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tray with a cooling hole open according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of cold air when the cold air hole of the tray is open according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 10A is a perspective view illustrating a stopper of a tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 10b is a perspective view illustrating the operation of a stopper of a tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tray according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 12a is an exploded view of a tray according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 12b is a bottom perspective view of a cover tray according to the embodiment of FIG. 12a.

[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cooling control lever according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig. 14 is a drawing for explaining an embodiment in which a cold air hole is provided on the rear side of the tray.

[0034] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a tray with a cold air hole open according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 16a is a perspective view of a tray according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 16b is a partial enlarged view illustrating the cold air hole of the tray disclosed in Figure 16a.

[0037] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cooling control lever according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a hinge portion of a cooling control lever according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0040] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0041] The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0043] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0044] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not qualify the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

[0045] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0046] The terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in this document, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0047] When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “in contact with” another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0048] When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

[0049] Hereinafter, refrigerators according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0050] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 1, the refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a storage compartment (20), a door (30), a machine compartment (40), and a tray (100).

[0051] A refrigerator (1) is a device that maintains a storage compartment (20), which is an internal space of a main body (10), at a low temperature to delay deterioration of stored items stored in the storage compartment (20). The refrigerator (1) may include a cold air supply means (50, see FIG. 5) capable of generating cold air to lower the temperature inside the storage compartment (20). A detailed description of the cold air supply means (50) will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0052] The main body (10) is configured to divide the internal space and external environment of the refrigerator (1). The main body (10) may include an outer body forming the external appearance and an inner body forming the internal space.

[0053] The inner surface of the main body (10) may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage chamber (20). The inner surface may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates.

[0054] The outer surface can form the outer appearance of the main body (10), and an insulating material can be foamed between the outer surface and the inner surface to maintain the temperature inside the storage room (20).

[0055] The insulation can insulate the inside and outside of the storage room (20) so that the temperature inside the storage room (20) can be maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment of the storage room (20). The insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam mixed with polyurethane and a foaming agent, and can additionally include a vacuum insulation material or be composed solely of a vacuum insulation material. In this way, by arranging the insulation material between the inner and outer surfaces of the main body (10), the temperature of the storage room (20) can be maintained lower than that even when the outside temperature is high.

[0056] The storage compartment (20) is configured to store items requiring refrigeration. The storage compartment (20) may include a space defined by the inner surface of the main body (10). When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator (1), each storage compartment (20) may have a different purpose and may be maintained at different temperatures. To this end, each storage compartment (20) may be partitioned from each other by a partition wall (11) containing insulating material.

[0057] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the main body (10) can be partitioned into a refrigerator compartment (21) and a freezer compartment (22) by a partition wall (11). A freezer compartment (22) can be provided in the upper part of the main body (10), and a refrigerator compartment (21) can be provided in the lower part of the main body (10).

[0058] The refrigerator (21) and the freezer (22) may be maintained at different temperature ranges. The refrigerator (21) may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and the freezer (22) may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigerating" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, the refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature ranging from 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling items to freeze them or keep them in a frozen state, and for example, the freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius.

[0059] Depending on the purpose of the refrigerator (1), various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics can be stored in the storage room (20), and the storage room (20) can be formed so that at least one side is open to allow items to be taken in and out.

[0060] The door (30) is configured to seal the storage compartment (20). The door (30) may be installed so as to be hinged and rotatable on one side of the open surface of the storage compartment (20). However, the method by which the door (30) is fixed to the main body (10) is not limited to this, and may be installed in a sliding manner.

[0061] The door (30) may be configured to open or close the storage compartment (20) by a user or automatically. To this end, the door (30) may include an inner case, an upper cap, and a lower cap forming the rear surface of the door (30) and facing the storage compartment (20).

[0062] The door (30) may include insulation between the inner and outer surfaces, similar to the main body (10), to insulate the storage compartment (20). A gasket may be provided on the inner edge of the door (30) to seal the storage compartment (20) by coming into close contact with one surface of the main body (10) when the door (30) is closed. Accordingly, cold air leaking from the storage compartment (20) to the outside of the main body (10) can be minimized, thereby preventing the temperature of the storage compartment (20) from changing significantly.

[0063] The number of doors (30) may correspond to the number of storage compartments (20) partitioned by the partition walls (11). For example, as in FIG. 1, when the storage compartment (20) is partitioned into a refrigerator compartment (21) and a freezer compartment (22), two doors (31, 32) corresponding to each of the refrigerator compartment (21) and the freezer compartment (22) may be provided. Each door (30) may be opened or closed separately depending on the corresponding storage compartment (20).

[0064] The configuration of Fig. 1 is merely an example, and the refrigerator (21) and freezer (22) may each be divided into multiple sections, and doors (30) may be added depending on the number of refrigerators (21) and freezer compartments (22). Alternatively, in the case of a French door type refrigerator, one storage compartment (20) may be implemented with a structure in which two doors (30) open or close.

[0065] The machine room (40) is a configuration that accommodates some of the cold air supply means (50) for supplying cold air to the storage room (20). Specifically, the machine room (40) may accommodate a compressor (1051, see FIG. 5) that compresses a refrigerant and a condenser (not shown) that condenses the compressed refrigerant. In FIG. 1, the machine room (40) is illustrated as being provided on the opposite side of the main body (10) where the door (30) is installed, that is, at the lower part of the rear surface of the main body (10). However, the location of the machine room (40) may vary depending on the size, shape, type, use, etc. of the refrigerator (1), and a plurality of machine rooms (40) may be provided.

[0066] A tray (100) is a structure provided inside a storage room (20) to support stored items. At least one tray (100) may be provided inside the storage room (20). The tray (100) may be supported by grooves or protrusions formed on the side of the storage room (20), thereby dividing the storage room into multiple areas. At least some of the trays (100) may be provided in a form that can be separated or combined by a user, or may be provided in a form that is fixed inside the storage room (20).

[0067] Specifically, the tray (100) can be arranged in a form that can slide from a fixed position within the refrigerator (21) toward the door (30).

[0068] In addition, the tray (100) can be arranged in a form that is easy to separate and combine from the inner surface of the main body (10) that divides the refrigerator (21) so that the user can adjust the height at will.

[0069] When multiple trays (100) are provided, the user can store the stored items in a specific area according to their purpose.

[0070] Meanwhile, at least one tray (100) among the plurality of trays (100) may be placed adjacent to the cold air discharge port.

[0071] For example, the cold air outlets may be configured in multiple numbers, such as a first cold air outlet arranged on the upper side of at least one tray (100) and a second cold air outlet arranged inside the other refrigerating chamber (21).

[0072] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 2, the tray (100) may have a shape in which one side on the door (30) side and the upper side are open. The upper open side of the tray (100) may be in contact with the inner surface of the main body (10) that defines the storage compartment (20). The length (L1) and width (L2) of the tray (100) may correspond to the storage compartment (20) in which the tray (100) is provided. However, the length (L1) and width (L2) of the tray (100) are not limited thereto.

[0073] The tray (100) disclosed in Fig. 2 represents a tray (100) capable of defining a separate storage space within a refrigerator (21). For this purpose, a cover (110) that can open or close the front of the tray (100) may be provided.

[0074] A separate storage space is a space provided within a refrigerator (21) for storing items that need to be stored at a lower temperature than other stored foods, such as vegetables, fruits, meat, and oil. This separate storage space may be referred to by various names, such as a fresh room, vegetable room, or special storage room, but in the present disclosure, it will be referred to as a tray interior space (S1, see FIG. 4).

[0075] When a plurality of trays (100) are provided, a cover (110) may be provided only for the trays (100) that partition the tray internal space (S1), but the number of trays (100) that partition the tray internal space (S1) is not necessarily limited to a single number. For example, in the case of a refrigerator manufactured for a special purpose such as a kimchi refrigerator, a cover (110) may be provided for each tray (100) so that the storage compartment (20) may be partitioned into a plurality of tray internal spaces.

[0076] Within the refrigerator (21), the volume of the space inside the tray (S1) and the space outside the tray (S2, see Fig. 4) of the refrigerator (21) excluding the space inside the tray (S1) may be different. Accordingly, even if cold air of the same temperature is discharged through the first and second cold air discharge ports, the temperatures of the space inside the tray (S1) and the space outside the tray (S2) may be maintained differently.

[0077] For example, if the temperature of the refrigerator (21) is maintained at 5 degrees Celsius, the temperature can be maintained in the range of -1 degree Celsius to 1 degree Celsius limited to the space partitioned by the tray (100), i.e., the space inside the tray (S1).

[0078] Due to this, even if the user does not lower the temperature of the entire refrigerator (21) to the range of -1 degree Celsius to +1 degree Celsius, the storage items that require storage within that temperature range can be kept fresh in the space inside the tray (S1).

[0079] In addition, although FIG. 2 illustrates a state in which one tray (100) and one cover (110) are provided together to partition the internal space (S1) of the tray, multiple trays (100) may be arranged within one internal space (S1) of the tray, and in this case, one cover (110) may be provided to cover all of the multiple trays (100). However, below, a description will be given of a case in which one tray (100) and one cover (110) are provided as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0080] Specifically, the cover (110) can be hingedly connected to one side of the inner surface of the main body (10) forming the storage compartment (20). As a result, the cover (110) can rotate when the tray (100) is withdrawn or inserted from the storage compartment (20). For example, when the tray (100) is withdrawn from the storage compartment (20), the cover (110) can rotate in the X direction and be positioned on the upper surface of the tray (100). Conversely, when the tray (100) is inserted into the storage compartment (20), the cover (110) can rotate in the opposite direction of X and be positioned to close the front of the tray (100) again.

[0081] FIG. 3A is an exploded view of a tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a bottom view of a cover tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the tray (100) may include a cover tray (120), a base tray (130), a cooling control lever (140), and a tray handle (150).

[0083] The cover tray (120) is configured to support the storage material placed on the tray (100), and the base tray (130) is configured to support the cover tray (120). The cover tray (120) can be combined in a spaced state by leaving a certain gap (G, see FIG. 4) on the upper surface of the base tray (130). That is, the cover tray (120) and the base tray (130) can be combined in a stacked manner to form one tray (100).

[0084] The base tray (130) may include a support rib (131). The support rib (131) is configured to support the cover tray (120) from the lower side of the cover tray (120) when the cover tray (120) and the base tray (130) are combined.

[0085] The support rib (131) may be provided in a shape that protrudes from the base tray (130) toward the cover tray (120). The protrusion height (H) of the support rib (131) may be arbitrarily determined as needed. The gap (G) between the cover tray (120) and the base tray (130) may be determined according to the protrusion height (H) of the support rib (131). The support rib (131) may be in contact with the lower surface of the cover tray (120). The number of support ribs (131) may be provided to be at least one. An insulating space (S3) having a constant height is formed between the cover tray (120) and the base tray (130) by the support rib (131), thereby obtaining an insulating effect. Accordingly, by preventing heat exchange between the tray internal space (S1) and the storage room (20) outside the tray (100), the temperature of the tray internal space (S1) can be maintained different from the temperature of the tray external space (S2).

[0086] A tray handle (150) formed in a grippable shape when a user withdraws or inserts the tray (100) from the storage compartment (20) may be provided on one side of the cover tray (120) and the base tray (130). The tray handle (150) may be provided in a shape recessed from the lower portion of the base tray (130) toward the cover tray (120) (see FIG. 4) and may be provided at a position facing the cold air discharge port, but is not limited thereto. The tray handle (150) may be provided adjacent to the cover (110) side. Therefore, the process of the user opening the door (30) and withdrawing or inserting the tray (100) may be easy.

[0087] The cover tray (120) and the base tray (130) may each include a cold air hole (160) that can connect the inside of the space (S1) partitioned by the tray (100) and the space (S2) of the storage compartment (20) outside the tray (100). At least one cold air hole (160) may be provided. The cold air hole (160) may be provided in the front area (100a), which is the area where the tray handle (150) is formed.

[0088] The cold air hole (160) may include a first cold air hole (161) provided in the cover tray (120), and a second cold air hole (162) provided in the base tray (130) at a position corresponding to the first cold air hole (161). The first cold air hole (161) may be provided to penetrate the cover tray (120), and the second cold air hole (162) may be provided to penetrate the base tray (130). Therefore, the cold air hole (160) may be a hole that penetrates the tray (100).

[0089] In this way, the cold air hole (160) penetrating the tray (100) connects the space (S1) partitioned by the tray (100) with the space (S2) of the storage room (20) outside thereof, thereby controlling the amount of cold air flowing out of the space (S1) inside the tray to the space (S2) outside the tray.

[0090] Specifically, when the cold air hole (160) is open, cold air in the tray interior space (S1) can flow into the tray exterior space (S2). Accordingly, the temperature of the tray interior space (S1) can increase. Conversely, when the cold air hole (160) is closed, cold air in the tray interior space (S1) cannot flow into the tray exterior space (S2). Accordingly, the temperature of the tray interior space (S1) can decrease.

[0091] In the drawing, the number of cold air holes (160) is illustrated as being four, but the number of cold air holes (160) may be provided as a single number or a number other than four as needed. The greater the number of cold air holes (160), the faster the temperature change rate of the space (S1) partitioned by the tray (100). Conversely, the fewer the number of cold air holes (160), the slower the temperature change rate of the space (S1) inside the tray. Therefore, the temperature change rate of the space (S1) inside the tray can be preset by adjusting the number of cold air holes (160) depending on the nature of the main storage material to be stored in the tray (100).

[0092] Meanwhile, the cover tray (120) and the base tray (130) may each include a first cold air blocking rib (121) and a second cold air blocking rib (132). The first and second cold air blocking ribs (121, 132) are configured to prevent cold air flowing out from the tray internal space (S1) through the first cold air hole (161) from flowing into the space (S3) between the cover tray (120) and the base tray (130) without passing through the second cold air hole (162).

[0093] The first cold air blocking rib (121) may be formed to protrude toward the base tray (130) adjacent to the first cold air hole (161) in the cover tray (120). The first cold air blocking rib (121) may not be in contact with the base tray (130), but is not limited thereto. The first cold air blocking rib (132) may be formed to protrude toward the cover tray (120) adjacent to the second cold air hole (162) in the base tray (130), and may not be in contact with the cover tray (120). Any number of the first and second cold air blocking ribs (121, 132) may be provided, respectively.

[0094] The first and second cold air blocking ribs (121, 132) prevent cold air flowing out of the first cold air hole (161) from flowing into the space (S3) between the cover tray (120) and the base tray (130), thereby preventing a reduction in the insulation effect of the space (S3) between the cover tray (120) and the base tray (130). As a result, the power consumed for supplying cold air to make the tray interior space (S1) have a different temperature from the space of the storage compartment (20) outside the tray (100) can be reduced.

[0095] As described above, the cold air control lever (140) is configured to control whether cold air in the tray inner space (S1) flows to the tray outer space (S2) by opening or closing the cold air hole (160).

[0096] The cold air control lever (140) may be placed between the cover tray (120) and the base tray (130). The cold air control lever (140) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the area where the cold air hole (160) is formed. That is, the cold air control lever (140) may be formed to have a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the tray handle (150).

[0097] The cold air control lever (140) may include a blocking portion (141) and a knob (142). The blocking portion (141) may include a blocking surface (1411) and an open surface (1412) having shapes corresponding to the cold air holes (160). Specifically, the blocking surface (1411) may be formed to be equal to or larger than the size of the cold air holes (160) so as to cover the cold air holes (160). The blocking surfaces (1411) and the open surfaces (1412) may be provided in numbers corresponding to the number of cold air holes (160). The blocking surface (1411) may include an elastic member to maintain an airtight state with the cold air holes (160). The open surface (1412) may be formed in a hole shape like the cold air holes (160).

[0098] The knob (142) is configured to operate the blocking portion (141). The knob (142) may be positioned on the opposite side of the blocking surface (1411). That is, the knob (142) may be formed to protrude toward the door (30) outside the tray (100) from the front area (100a), which is the area where the tray handle (150) is formed. The user can conveniently set the open or closed state of the cold air hole (160) by operating the protruding knob (142).

[0099] Specifically, the knob (142) may be formed to be exposed to the outside of the tray (100) on one side of the tray handle (150) that is in the same line as the cover (110). Accordingly, it may be convenient for the user to operate the cold air control lever (140). Specifically, since the tray handle (150) may be provided adjacent to the door (30) of the refrigerator (1), the user may easily operate the cold air control lever (140) provided on the tray handle (150) by opening the door (30).

[0100] As the user operates the knob (142) in this way, the cooling control lever (140) can slide left and right. However, the operation method of the knob (142) is not limited to the left and right sliding method.

[0101] The blocking part (141) and the knob (142) may be formed integrally, but are not limited thereto.

[0102] Meanwhile, a more detailed description of the flow of cold air in the internal space (S1) of the tray will be described later.

[0103] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 5, a machine room (40) may be provided at a position opposite to a door (30) provided on an open surface of a storage room (20).

[0104] The cold air supply means (50) may include a compressor (51), a condenser (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown), an evaporator (54), and a fan (55). In addition, the cold air supply means (50) may include a cold air duct (52) and a cold air discharge port (53).

[0105] The cold air duct (52) is configured to form a flow path through which cold air can flow in order to supply cold air cooled by the evaporator (54) and moved by the fan (55) to the refrigerator (21).

[0106] The cold air outlet (53) is configured to connect the cold air duct (52) and the refrigerator (21) so that cold air flowing along the cold air duct (52) can be introduced into the refrigerator (21). The cold air outlet (53) can be formed inside the refrigerator (21) so as to supply cold air into the refrigerator (21). A plurality of cold air outlets (53) can be provided as needed.

[0107] The cold air discharge port (53) can be formed to penetrate the upper space of the tray (100) so as not to come into contact with one side of the tray (100). In this way, since the cold air discharge port (53) protruding into the tray internal space (S1) exists separately, the temperature of the tray internal space (S1) can be maintained different from the temperature of the tray external space (S2).

[0108] An expansion valve for expanding condensed refrigerant, an evaporator (54) for generating cold air, and a fan (55) for introducing cold air into the storage room (20) may be provided at the rear of the storage room (20).

[0109] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a tray with a cold air hole closed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the flow of cold air inside the tray with the cold air hole closed. Referring to FIG. 6, a plurality of cold air holes (160) may all be closed by a blocking surface (1411). Referring to FIG. 7, cold air supplied from a cold air outlet (53) may flow in the W1 direction in the tray internal space (S1). The cold air supplied from the cold air outlet (53) may stagnate in a closed area (C) formed by the cover (110) and the cover tray (120) and may not leave the tray internal space (S1). Accordingly, the tray internal space (S1) may be maintained at a lower temperature than the tray external space (S2).

[0110] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a tray with cold air holes open according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the flow of cold air inside the tray with the cold air holes open. Referring to FIG. 8, a plurality of cold air holes (160) may all be open. Accordingly, an opening penetrating the tray (100) may be formed by the first cold air hole (161) and the second cold air hole (162). Next, referring to FIG. 9, cold air supplied from the cold air outlet (53) may flow in the W2 direction. Some of the cold air supplied from the cold air outlet (53) may stagnate in the tray internal space (S1), and some may flow out to the tray external space (S2) through the cold air holes (160). Accordingly, if the temperature of the tray interior space (S1) is maintained at an unnecessarily low temperature, the user can open the cooling hole (160) by operating the cooling control lever (140) to allow the cooling air in the tray interior space (S1) to flow out to the tray exterior space (S2).

[0111] As described above, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature of the tray internal space (S1) can be controlled by opening or closing at least one cold air hole (160) provided at a position spaced apart from the cold air discharge port (53) without the need for a configuration that directly opens or closes the cold air discharge port (53) provided to supply cold air toward the tray internal space (S1). Since there is no configuration facing the cold air supplied from the cold air discharge port (53), there is no concern that frost will occur in the configuration that partitions the tray internal space (S1), for example, the tray (100).

[0112] In addition, even if the cold air outlet (53) is not easily accessible, such as when it is provided deep in the internal space (S1) of the tray or when it is covered by stored items placed on the upper part of the tray (100), the temperature of the internal space (S1) of the tray can be easily controlled by manipulating the knob (142) formed on the front of the tray (100) to change the position of the cold air control lever (140).

[0113] Meanwhile, the refrigerator (1) may include a temperature detection sensor (not shown) on the inner surface or door (30) of the main body (10) that divides the tray inner space (S1). In this case, the temperature detection sensor can measure the temperature of the tray inner space (S1). In addition, the refrigerator (1) may include a display unit (not shown) on the outer surface of the main body (10) that can provide the user with information on the inner space of the storage compartment (20). The temperature of the tray inner space (S1) measured by the temperature detection sensor can be displayed on the display unit of the main body (10). Based on the temperature information of the tray inner space (S1) displayed on the display unit, the user can control whether to open or close the cold air hole (160) by operating the cold air control lever (140), thereby determining whether to discharge cold air from the tray inner space (S1) to the tray outer space (S2).

[0114] FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views illustrating a stopper of a tray according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, when a cold air control lever (140) is provided between a cover tray (120) and a base tray (130), the base tray (130) may include a stopper (stopper, 1301) that is formed to protrude toward the cover tray (120) on the outer surface of the base tray (130) corresponding to the position of the cold air control lever (140).

[0115] The stopper (1301) is configured to limit the operating range of the cold air control lever (140). The base tray (130) may include at least one stopper (1301). The cold air control lever (140) may include a number of receiving grooves (1401) corresponding to the number of stoppers (1301). In the drawing, it is illustrated that four stoppers (1301) and four receiving grooves (1401) are provided, but the number of stoppers (1301) and receiving grooves (1401) is not limited thereto. In addition, the number of stoppers (1301) and receiving grooves (1401) may be the same as the number of cold air holes (160-1, 160-2, 160-3, 160-4), but may be provided in a different number depending on the case.

[0116] Meanwhile, the width (W1) of the receiving groove (1401) may be equal to or greater than the width (W2) of the cold air hole (160). Accordingly, when the user operates the cold air control lever (140) in the direction of the arrow to close the cold air hole (160), the cold air hole (160) can be prevented from being opened again. For example, the cold air control lever (140) may be moved beyond the width (W2) of the cold air hole (160), thereby preventing the cold air hole (160-1) that was closed by the first blocking surface (1411-1) from being opened again by the second opening surface (1412-1).

[0117] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a tray according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 11, a cold air hole (160) may be provided in a rear area (100b) of the tray (100). In the drawing, the cold air hole (160) is illustrated as being provided in the center of the rear area (100b) of the tray (100), but the cold air hole (160) may also be provided in a side area of ​​the rear area (100b) of the tray (100).

[0118] The rear area (100b) of the tray (100) can be formed by extending from the cover tray (120) in the opposite direction to the base tray (130). In this case, the base tray (130) can have a shape in which it extends by bending only to the lower surface of the cover tray (120) corresponding to the portion where the cover tray (120) is bent.

[0119] Although the drawing illustrates an embodiment in which two cold air holes (160) are provided, the number of cold air holes (160) is not limited thereto, and may be provided in a single number or in a plurality other than two during the design and manufacturing process of the refrigerator (1) as needed. Since the number of cold air holes (160) and the temperature change rate of the internal space (S1) of the tray are as described in FIG. 3, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0120] Fig. 12a is an exploded view of a tray according to the embodiment of Fig. 11, and Fig. 12b is a bottom perspective view of a cover tray according to the embodiment of Fig. 12a. Referring to Figs. 12a and 12b, when a cold air hole (160) is provided in a rear area (100b) of the tray (100), the cold air control lever (140) may include a blocking portion (141), a knob (142), and a connecting portion (143). The blocking portion (141) may include a blocking surface (1411) having a shape corresponding to the cold air hole (160). The knob (142) may be provided on the tray handle (150) side.

[0121] Since the description of the blocking part (141) and knob (142) is the same as described above, redundant description will be omitted.

[0122] The connecting portion (143) is configured to connect the blocking portion (141) and the knob (142), which are spaced apart by the length (L1) of the tray (100). The blocking portion (141) and the knob (142) can be physically connected by the connecting portion (143). Accordingly, the blocking portion (141) can open or close the cold air hole (160) by the user's manipulation of the knob (142).

[0123] A detailed description of the cooling control lever (140) is as described with reference to FIG. 13 below.

[0124] Meanwhile, the cover tray (120) may further include a guide rib (122) on the lower surface. The guide rib (122) is configured to guide the movement path of the cooling control lever (140). The guide rib (122) may be formed to protrude from the lower surface of the cover tray (120) toward the base tray (130).

[0125] The guide rib (122) may be provided with a pair of ribs spaced apart in the front-rear direction by the width of the guiding bar (14311). Accordingly, the guide rib (122) can accommodate a guiding bar (14311, see FIG. 13) between the pair of ribs.

[0126] Since the guiding bar (14311) can have a limited movement path in the longitudinal direction of the guide rib (122), the movement path of the cold air control lever (140) can also be limited by the guide rib (122). In the drawing, the guide rib (122) has a longitudinal direction parallel to the width (L2, see FIG. 2) of the tray (100), so when the user operates the cold air control lever (140), the cold air control lever (140) can move on an axis parallel to the width (L2) of the tray (100).

[0127] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a cold air control lever according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 13, a connection portion (143) of a cold air control lever (140) may include a first connection portion (1431) that is bent and extended from a knob (142) and a second connection portion (1432) that is bent and extended from a blocking portion (141) so as to be coupled with the first connection portion (1431).

[0128] The first connecting portion (1431) may include a guiding bar (14311) and a fixing portion (14312). The guiding bar (14311) is configured to guide the direction of movement of the cold air control lever (140). The guiding bar (14311) is accommodated in the guide rib (122) of the cover tray (120), thereby guiding the direction of movement of the cold air control lever (140). A detailed description thereof is as described above with reference to FIG. 12b.

[0129] The mounting portion (14312) is configured to allow the second connecting portion (1432) to be mounted. By mounting the second connecting portion (1432) at any position of the mounting portion (14312), the total length (L3) of the cooling control lever (140) can be determined.

[0130] The second connecting portion (1432) may include an insertion portion (14321) and a coupling portion (14322). The insertion portion (14321) is configured such that the mounting portion (14312) of the first connecting portion (1431) can be inserted into the second connecting portion (1432). The coupling portion (14322) extends from the blocking portion (141) to connect the insertion portion (14321) and the blocking portion (141). The second connecting portion (1432) may be supported by the first connecting portion (1431) by having the mounting portion (14312) of the first connecting portion (1431) inserted into the insertion portion (14321) in the direction of the blocking portion (141) from the insertion portion (14321).

[0131] In this way, since the mounting portion (14312) of the first connecting portion (1431) can be inserted and mounted to any position of the joining portion (14322) of the second connecting portion (1432) through the insertion portion (14321) of the second connecting portion (1432), the length (L3) of the cold air control lever (140) can be adjusted in response to the length (L1, see FIG. 2) of the tray (100). Accordingly, even without separately producing cold air control levers (140) having lengths corresponding to trays (100) of various lengths, cold air control levers (140) capable of responding to trays (100) of various lengths can be manufactured in a single injection process.

[0132] Fig. 14 is a drawing for explaining an embodiment in which a cold air hole is provided on the rear side of the tray. Referring to Fig. 14, the cover tray (120) may include a cold air hole (160). The cold air holes (160) may be provided in pairs, one on each side of the rear area (100b) of the tray (100).

[0133] The cold air control lever (140) may include a blocking portion (141), a knob (142), and a connecting portion (143). The blocking portion (141) may include a pair of blocking surfaces (1411) of the cold air holes (160) to close the pair of cold air holes (160). The pair of blocking surfaces (1411) may be provided at positions corresponding to the pair of cold air holes (160) and having a shape corresponding to the shape of the cold air holes (160).

[0134] The connecting portion (143) may include a first connecting portion (1431) that extends by bending from the knob (142) and a second connecting portion (1432) that extends by bending from each of the pair of blocking surfaces (1411).

[0135] The first connecting portion (1431) may include a guiding bar (14311) and an intermediate portion (14313) that branches and extends toward a pair of blocking surfaces (1411). A second connecting portion (1432) may be mounted on the branched end regions (T1, T2) of the intermediate portion (14313). Since the second connecting portion (1432) may be mounted at any position of the end region (T), the length (L4) of the intermediate portion (14313) may have various lengths corresponding to the length (L1) of the tray (100).

[0136] Meanwhile, the cover tray (120) may include a guide rib (122) capable of accommodating a guiding bar (14311). However, descriptions of configurations that overlap with those described in other embodiments, such as the guiding bar (14311) and the guide rib (122), will be omitted.

[0137] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a tray with a cold air hole open according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 15, cold air supplied from a cold air outlet (53) can flow in the W3 direction. The cold air can stagnate in the front area (100a) of the tray (100) and then flow toward the rear area (100b) of the tray (100). The cold air flowing toward the rear area (100b) of the tray (100) can flow out into the space outside the tray (S2) through the open cold air hole (160). As the cold air supplied from the cold air outlet (53) flows out into the space outside the tray (S2) through the open cold air hole (160), the temperature of the space inside the tray (S1) can be prevented from continuously decreasing. That is, when the temperature of the internal space (S1) of the tray becomes lower than necessary, the user can open the cold air hole (160) provided in the rear area (100b) of the tray (100) by operating the cold air control lever (140) to discharge the cold air from the internal space (S1) of the tray.

[0138] Meanwhile, the flow of cold air in the closed state of the cold air hole (160) of the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 15 is the same as in Fig. 7, so redundant description will be omitted.

[0139] Fig. 16a is a perspective view of a tray according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 16b is a partial enlarged view for explaining a cold air hole of the tray disclosed in Fig. 16a. Referring to Fig. 16a, the cold air hole (160) may be provided to protrude in the rear area (100b) of the tray (100). The rear area (100b) of the tray (100) may be formed to extend upwardly from the cover tray (120). The cold air hole (160) may have a shape that extends so as to protrude outward from the rear area (100b) of the tray (100).

[0140] The cold air hole (160) may include a discharge port (161a), a protrusion (161b), and an opening (161c). The discharge port (161a) may be provided at the center of the rear area (100b) of the tray (100). The protrusion (161b) may be formed to extend from the discharge port (161a) to the outside of the tray (100). The length (P) along which the protrusion (161b) extends may be smaller than the side of the rear area (100b) of the tray (100). The length (P) of the protrusion (161b) may be arbitrarily determined as needed during the design or manufacturing stage of the tray (100). The opening (161c) is configured to be open toward the tray outer space (S2) so that the cold air hole (160) can communicate between the tray inner space (S1) and the tray outer space (S2).

[0141] Referring to Fig. 16b, the opening (161c) may have an arc-shaped plane. That is, the protrusion (161b) may have a protrusion length (P1) on one side that is smaller than a protrusion length (P2) on the other side.

[0142] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a cold air control lever according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of a hinge portion of a cold air control lever according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figs. 17 and 18, the cold air control lever (140) may include a blocking portion (141), a knob (142), a blocking bar (144), and a hinge portion (145).

[0143] The knob (142) is configured for the user to operate the cooling control lever (140). The knob (142) may be provided on the front area (100a) of the tray (100). The specific operation method of the knob (142) is as described in Fig. 3, so any duplicated details will be omitted.

[0144] The blocking portion (141) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the cold air hole (160). Specifically, the blocking portion (141) may have a shape corresponding to the opening (161c) of the cold air hole (160). For example, when the opening (161c) is an arc having a constant circumferential length, the blocking portion (141) may have an arc-shaped shape having a corresponding circumferential length. The blocking portion (141) may be formed by bending and extending from the blocking bar (144) at one end of the blocking bar (144).

[0145] The blocking bar (144) is configured to connect the knob (142) and the blocking portion (141). The knob (142) and the blocking bar (144) can be connected by a hinge portion (145). The hinge portion (145) can be provided on one side of the knob (142). The hinge portion (145) can be hinge-coupled to the blocking bar (144). That is, a hinge having a circular shape on the hinge portion (145) can be formed to protrude toward the blocking bar (144), and the blocking bar (144) can be formed so that one end has a shape corresponding to the hinge of the hinge portion (145). In this way, since one end of the blocking bar (144) is hinge-connected with the hinge portion (145), when the user operates the knob (142), the blocking bar (144) can rotate around the hinge of the hinge portion (145). As the blocking bar (144) rotates, the blocking portion (141) extended from the blocking bar (144) can also rotate by the same angle. Since the opening (161c) of the cold air hole (160) and the blocking portion (141) are formed in an arc shape having a constant circumferential length, the opening (161c) of the cold air hole (160) can be opened or closed by the blocking portion (141) as the blocking bar (144) rotates. The flow of cold air as the cold air hole (160) opens or closes is as described above in other embodiments.

[0146] In this way, when the user operates the knob (142), the blocking bar (144) can rotate, and the blocking part (141) can open or close the opening (161c) of the cold air hole (160) according to the rotation of the blocking bar (144), so that the user can operate the cold air control lever (140) to control the amount of cold air flowing out of the tray internal space (S1), thereby controlling the temperature of the tray internal space (S1) separately from the tray external space.

[0147] As described above, the refrigerator (1) according to the present disclosure may include a tray (100) for forming a separate storage space within a storage compartment (20). The tray (100) may include a cold air hole (160) that connects the tray interior space (S1) and the tray exterior space (S2) to allow cold air to flow. In addition, the tray (100) may include a cold air control lever (140) provided with a blocking portion (141) having a shape corresponding to the cold air hole (160) for controlling the amount of cold air flowing from the tray interior space (S1) to the tray exterior space (S2). A knob (142) may be provided on the cold air control lever (140) for a user to conveniently operate the cold air control lever (140). The user can control the operation of the blocking portion (141) connected to the knob (142) by operating the knob (142). Accordingly, whether the cold air hole (160) of the tray (100) is opened or closed can be determined. For example, when the temperature of the tray internal space (S1) is lower than necessary, the user can operate the cold air control lever (140) to open the cold air hole (160). In this case, the cold air of the tray internal space (S1) can be prevented from leaking into the tray external space (S2), thereby preventing the temperature of the tray internal space (S1) from continuously decreasing after the opening time. Conversely, the user can operate the cold air control lever (140) to close the cold air hole (160). When the cold air hole (160) is closed, the cold air supplied to the tray internal space (S1) from the cold air discharge port (53) can stagnate in the tray internal space (S1), so that the temperature of the tray internal space (S1) can be lowered. Meanwhile, since the cold air discharge port (53) is positioned on the upper side of the tray (100) so that the rear surface (110b) of the tray (100) does not come into contact with the cold air discharge port (53), it is possible to prevent frost from forming on one side of the tray (100) due to the cold air supplied from the cold air discharge port (53).In addition, when a temperature detection sensor is provided in the internal space (S1) of the tray and a display unit is provided on the outer surface of the main body (10), the user can check the temperature of the internal space (S1) of the tray being displayed and open or close the cooling hole (160) by operating the cooling control lever (140) as needed.

[0148] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been individually described above, each embodiment does not necessarily have to be implemented alone, and the configuration and operation of each embodiment may be implemented in combination with at least one other embodiment.

[0149] In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. Main body; A storage room provided inside the above main body; At least one cold air outlet provided in the storage room; and A tray mounted in the storage room to form a separate storage space; The above tray, Cover tray capable of supporting stored items; A base tray positioned on the lower side of the cover tray and supporting the cover tray; A cold air hole provided in one area of ​​the tray to connect the inside of the separate storage space and the outside of the separate storage space; and A refrigerator, comprising: a cold air control lever for opening or closing the cold air hole.

2. In paragraph 1, The above refrigerator, A cold air supply means for generating cold air; and Further comprising at least one cold air duct connecting the cold air supply means and the cold air discharge port to supply the cold air to the storage room; A refrigerator in which the cold air outlet is positioned on the upper side of the tray so as not to come into contact with the tray and supplies cold air to the separate storage space.

3. In paragraph 2, The above tray, A tray handle is provided at a position opposite to the cold air discharge port in a grippable form so that the user can insert or withdraw the tray; The above cold room is, is formed in one area of ​​the above tray handle, At least one first cold air hole provided in the cover tray; and A refrigerator comprising at least one second cold air hole provided in the base tray at a position corresponding to the first cold air hole.

4. In paragraph 3, The above cover tray and the above base tray, They are connected to each other with a certain gap between them, In order to block cold air passing through the first and second cold air holes from flowing into the gap, a cold air blocking rib is further formed to protrude toward the base tray and the cover tray, respectively. The above base tray, A refrigerator further comprising a support rib for supporting the cover tray on the lower side of the cover tray.

5. In paragraph 1, The above cooling control lever, A blocking member including a blocking surface having a shape corresponding to the cold air hole so as to close the cold air hole; and A refrigerator, comprising: a knob disposed on an opposite side of the blocking surface and exposed to the outside of the tray.

6. In paragraph 3, The above cooling control lever, It is provided in the space between the above cover tray and the above base tray, The above base tray, A refrigerator further comprising a stopper formed to protrude toward the cover tray to limit the range of operation of the cold air control lever.

7. In paragraph 2, The above cold room is, A refrigerator formed in an area of ​​the tray adjacent to the cold air discharge port.

8. In paragraph 7, The above cooling control lever, A blocking member including a blocking surface having a shape corresponding to the cold air hole so as to close the cold air hole; A knob positioned on the opposite side of the blocking portion and exposed to the outside of the tray; and A refrigerator further comprising a connecting portion that connects the blocking portion and the knob and moves the blocking portion to open or close the cold air hole according to a user's operation of the knob.

9. In paragraph 7, The above cooling control lever, A blocking bar including a blocking portion having a shape corresponding to the cold air hole so as to close the cold air hole; A knob positioned on the opposite side of the blocking portion and exposed to the outside of the tray; and A refrigerator comprising a hinge portion connecting the blocking bar and the knob so that the blocking bar can rotate to open or close the cold air hole according to a user's operation of the knob.

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