Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator of the present invention is designed to be able to provide a temperature-variable compartment which is provided in a first inner case, can be maintained at a different temperature from a refrigeration compartment, and has a minimum number of components. To this end, provided is a refrigerator configured such that any one inner surface of the first inner case is provided as a circumferential surface of the temperature-variable compartment, and multi-ducts provided at the rear side in the first inner case form the rear wall surface of the temperature-variable compartment.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a variable temperature storage room within the refrigerator that can be maintained at a temperature different from the refrigerator temperature.

[0002] In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that is provided to store various foods for a long time by using cold air generated by the circulation of refrigerant according to the refrigeration cycle.

[0003] A refrigerator of this type is provided with a freezer for frozen storage of stored items and a refrigerator for refrigerated storage of stored items. In this case, two or more of the freezer or refrigerator compartments may be provided.

[0004] Additionally, the refrigerator allows for different types of items to be stored in different locations, ensuring optimal storage conditions. For example, vegetables are stored in separate baskets to maintain their freshness over a long period of time.

[0005] Meanwhile, recently, there has been an increasing demand for separating and storing stored items by type, size, or period of use.

[0006] Accordingly, conventionally, a compartment (e.g., a special compartment) providing a separate storage space within a refrigerator compartment has been provided, or a storage compartment (e.g., a transfer compartment) separate from the refrigerator compartment and freezer compartment has been formed and provided. This is as disclosed in Korean Utility Model Publication No. 20-1999-0039046, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1999-0027083, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0053409, and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2017-0133840.

[0007] Among the conventional technologies described above, structures that provide compartments within a refrigerator require that the storage space within the compartment be sufficiently insulated from the interior of the refrigerator. Consequently, the overall size of the exterior must be increased to ensure sufficient compartment insulation, which in turn reduces the storage space within the compartment, or inevitably reduces the storage space within the refrigerator.

[0008] In particular, the aforementioned conventional technology was not suitable for storing small quantities of food because it was difficult to minimize the height of the compartment. In other words, the conventional technology inevitably required large compartments, which inevitably led to unnecessarily high power consumption in maintaining small quantities of food at a temperature range lower than that of a refrigerator but higher than that of a freezer.

[0009] In addition, the structure that provides a switching room in a refrigerator also has the disadvantage that it is difficult to minimize the size of the switching room, and the design of the cold air path is complex and difficult because the switching room is provided as a separate storage room such as a refrigerator or freezer.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve various problems of the above-mentioned prior art, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a new type of refrigerator having a separate variable temperature room capable of temperature control while being separated from the refrigerating room.

[0011] In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a new type of refrigerator that can minimize power consumption for maintaining a variable temperature room by providing a small-sized variable temperature room.

[0012] In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new type of refrigerator that can minimize the temperature inside the variable temperature room from being transferred to the storage space inside the adjacent refrigerating room even with a minimum insulation structure.

[0013] In addition, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a new type of refrigerator that can store items using a storage box that can be stored and taken out inside a variable temperature room, and can also form a space divided inside the variable temperature room by storing the storage box.

[0014] In addition, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a new type of refrigerator that can smoothly supply cold air into a variable temperature room to the front of the variable temperature room while using a box fan.

[0015] According to the refrigerator of the present invention for achieving the above-described purpose, a variable temperature room assembly may be included that provides a temperature-controlled variable temperature room within the storage compartment. This allows for the provision of a variable temperature room maintained at a different temperature from the storage compartment.

[0016] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the variable temperature chamber assembly may be provided at any location within the inner case. This minimizes the temperature impact of the variable temperature chamber provided by the variable temperature chamber assembly on the temperature received from the refrigerating chamber or the temperature impact of the variable temperature chamber on the refrigerating chamber.

[0017] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the variable temperature chamber assembly may be provided at any corner portion within the inner case.

[0018] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the variable temperature chamber assembly can be arranged so that a variable temperature chamber is provided at one corner portion of the storage chamber.

[0019] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a multi-duct provided within the inner case can form the rear wall of the storage compartment and the variable temperature chamber. This allows for minimizing the number of components in the variable temperature chamber assembly.

[0020] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a discharge duct for supplying cold air to a variable temperature room can be formed in a multi-duct provided in the inner case.

[0021] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the discharge duct can be configured to provide cold air directly from the evaporator.

[0022] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a multi-duct provided in the inner case may be formed with a recovery port for recovering cold air flowing in a storage room or a variable temperature room.

[0023] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the variable temperature room can be arranged so that at least a part of the recovery port formed in the multi-duct is located there.

[0024] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the variable temperature room assembly may include two side wall frames forming both side walls.

[0025] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the variable temperature room assembly may include a first side wall frame positioned adjacent to one side of the bottom side within the inner case.

[0026] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the first side wall frame of the variable temperature chamber assembly can be fastened and fixed to one side inside the inner case.

[0027] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the variable temperature room assembly may include a second side wall frame arranged spaced apart from the first side wall frame.

[0028] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the second side wall frame of the variable temperature chamber assembly can be fixed by being placed on the bottom surface within the inner case.

[0029] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the two side wall frames of the variable temperature room assembly can be positioned so that their rear surfaces are in contact with or adjacent to the front surface of the multi-duct.

[0030] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a rail groove may be formed on the opposing surface between the two side wall frames of the variable temperature room assembly to guide the movement of the storage box.

[0031] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the storage box may include a peripheral wall and a bottom wall.

[0032] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the peripheral wall of the storage box may include a side wall forming both sides and having a guide protrusion that moves under the guidance of the rail groove.

[0033] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the peripheral wall of the storage box may include a rear wall forming the rear side.

[0034] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the peripheral wall of the storage box may include a front wall that forms the front and opens and closes the open front of the temperature-changing chamber.

[0035] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the storage box may include a cover frame forming an upper surface.

[0036] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the cold air outlet of the discharge duct formed in the multi-duct can be located between the upper surface of the rear wall of the storage box and the cover frame of the variable temperature room assembly.

[0037] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the bottom wall of the storage box can be positioned apart from the bottom surface within the inner case.

[0038] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the recovery port formed in the multi-duct can be positioned higher than the bottom surface within the inner case.

[0039] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the variable temperature room assembly may include a cover frame that forms an upper surface while being provided on the upper side of two side wall frames.

[0040] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the cover frame of the variable temperature chamber assembly may include a top plate positioned outside the variable temperature chamber.

[0041] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the cover frame of the variable temperature chamber assembly may include a bottom plate positioned inside the variable temperature chamber and coupled to the bottom surface of the top plate.

[0042] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the cover frame of the variable temperature chamber assembly may be provided with an insulating material. This can prevent the temperature within the variable temperature chamber from being transferred to the storage chamber.

[0043] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, insulation may be provided between the top plate and the bottom plate.

[0044] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a structure for reducing the temperature inside the variable temperature room from being transferred to the storage room can be formed in the cover frame of the variable temperature room assembly.

[0045] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a flue gasket may be formed in the cover frame of the variable temperature room assembly to allow cold air inside the storage room to flow along the upper surface of the cover frame and block heat conduction.

[0046] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the flue gasket may be formed by recessing the rear surface of the cover frame to provide a gap spaced apart from the multi-duct.

[0047] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a partition rib may be formed around the bottom surface of the cover frame to block a gap with the storage box.

[0048] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the partition ribs formed in the cover frame can be formed to block the gap between each other while being inserted along the perimeter inside the storage box.

[0049] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the partition rib can be formed along the perimeter of the bottom surface of the front end of the cover frame.

[0050] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a storage space may be provided on the upper side of the cover frame to accommodate a separate box in which stored items can be stored.

[0051] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, auxiliary side walls may be provided on each of the upper sides of the cover frame.

[0052] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the discharge duct of the multi-duct can be formed to impart a swirling force to the discharged cold air.

[0053] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, at least one guide groove may be formed so that cold air discharged through the discharge duct can have a swirling force.

[0054] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a guide groove that imparts a rotational force to cold air can be formed on the cold air inlet side of the discharge duct.

[0055] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the guide groove can be formed in a spiral shape.

[0056] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the discharge duct may have a plurality of cold air outlets.

[0057] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, a guide rib that provides straightness to cold air can be formed at each cold air outlet.

[0058] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, each cold air outlet can be formed so that cold air is discharged in different directions.

[0059] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, the guide ribs of each cold air outlet can be formed so that cold air is discharged in different directions.

[0060] According to the refrigerator of the present invention, at least some of the guide ribs may be formed to be inclined so that cold air is discharged toward the first side wall frame.

[0061] As described above, the refrigerator of the present invention has the following effects.

[0062] First, the refrigerator of the present invention can store a wider variety of items because it provides a variable temperature room within the refrigerator compartment that can be maintained at a different temperature range from the refrigerator compartment.

[0063] In addition, since the refrigerator of the present invention is configured so that the bottom surface and the front surface of the multi-duct within the first inner case form the bottom and back surface of the variable temperature room, the size of the variable temperature room assembly can be minimized.

[0064] In addition, since the refrigerator of the present invention can maintain the variable temperature room at a different temperature from the refrigerating room by a separate variable temperature room fan and temperature sensor, power consumption for maintaining the variable temperature room can be minimized.

[0065] In addition, since the refrigerator of the present invention stores stored items using a storage box that can be stored and taken out into a variable temperature room, the stored items can be easily taken out.

[0066] In addition, since the refrigerator of the present invention has a cold air outlet of a discharge duct positioned between the upper surface of the rear wall of the storage box and the cover frame and protruding into the storage box, cold air can be smoothly supplied into the storage box.

[0067] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 2 is a front view with the door open to show the internal state of each storage compartment of the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 4 is a partial state diagram of a portion where a discharge duct of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed.

[0071] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the related structure of the variable temperature room assembly forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main body of a variable temperature room assembly forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a storage box stored therein.

[0073] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part “A” of Figure 6.

[0074] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part “B” of Figure 6.

[0075] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the main body of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, in which each side wall frame of the variable temperature room assembly is installed at the location where the discharge duct is located in the refrigerating chamber.

[0076] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the area where the discharge duct is located in the refrigerator compartment forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front side.

[0077] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of the area where the discharge duct is located in the refrigerator compartment forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear side.

[0078] Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the cover frame of the variable temperature room assembly forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a main part for explaining the side structure of the bottom plate of the cover frame of the variable temperature room assembly forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of a cover frame of a variable temperature room assembly forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a cover frame of a variable temperature room assembly forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cover frame of a variable temperature room assembly forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 17 is a state diagram showing a state in which a cover frame of a variable temperature room assembly forming a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed on a side wall frame.

[0084] Figures 18 to 20 are state diagrams of the installation process of the variable temperature room assembly forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 21 is a state diagram of an example of a state in which a mounting frame is additionally provided on the rail frame of the variable temperature assembly forming the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 22 is a diagram showing the state of a key part in which a vegetable box and an insulating wall are provided in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 23 is an enlarged view of a main part of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a damper is installed in a discharge duct.

[0088] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that when adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, identical components are given the same numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0089] In addition, when describing an embodiment of the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known configuration or function is judged to hinder understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0090] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of embodiments of the present invention. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0091] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings 1 to 23.

[0092] The attached drawing 1 is a perspective view showing the external structure of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, drawing 2 is a front view with the door open to show the internal state of each storage compartment of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and drawing 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] As shown in these drawings, the refrigerator of the present invention is provided with a separate variable temperature room that can be maintained at a temperature different from the temperature of the refrigerating room.

[0094] In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention is provided with a variable temperature room having a maximum storage space in a minimum installation space.

[0095] Each component of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0096] First, the cabinet (100) of the embodiment of the present invention is included.

[0097] The above cabinet (100) can be defined as the body of a refrigerator.

[0098] The above cabinet (100) may include an outer case (110) forming the exterior of the refrigerator and an inner case (120, 130) provided within the outer case (110).

[0099] The inner case (120, 130) above provides a storage space inside. The storage space may include a refrigerator (125) for storage at a refrigerated temperature and a freezer (135) for storage at a freezing temperature.

[0100] The above inner case (120, 130) may include a first inner case (120) providing the refrigerator (125) and a second inner case (130) providing the freezer (135).

[0101] The first inner case (120) providing the above-mentioned refrigerator compartment can be located on the upper side of the second inner case (130) providing the above-mentioned freezer compartment.

[0102] In addition, the first inner case (120) and the second inner case (130) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. At this time, a separate partition wall may be provided between each inner case (120, 130) or may be filled with insulating material.

[0103] The above outer case (110) is formed to surround the outer surface of each inner case (120, 130). For example, an insulating material (not shown) may be filled between each inner case (120, 130) and the outer case (110).

[0104] Additionally, each storage space (refrigerator or refrigerator) provided by the inner case (120, 130) can be opened and closed by each door (140, 150).

[0105] Next, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a multi-duct (160).

[0106] The above multi-duct (160) can be defined as a part or structure that guides the flow of cold air.

[0107] In addition, the multi-duct (160) may be defined as the rear wall of the refrigerator (125). For this purpose, the multi-duct (160) is positioned in the rear space within the first inner case (120) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0108] An evaporator (10) may be provided between the multi-duct (160) and the rear wall within the first inner case (120). As a result, air passing between the multi-duct (160) and the rear wall within the first inner case (120) may be cooled by the evaporator (10).

[0109] As shown in the attached drawing 10, an insulating plate (163) may be further provided between the multi-duct (160) and the evaporator (10) to reduce heat conduction to the multi-duct (160).

[0110] A blower fan (20) may be provided between the multi-duct (160) and the rear wall within the first inner case (120). As a result, the cold air passing through the evaporator (10) can be smoothly supplied to the refrigerator compartment (125) by the operation of the blower fan (20).

[0111] As shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of cold air discharge ports (161) and recovery ports (162) are formed in the multi-duct (160). That is, cold air flowing under the guidance of the multi-duct (160) is supplied to each part within the refrigerator compartment (125) through each cold air discharge port (161), and thereafter, the cold air can repeat the cycle of cooling the refrigerator compartment (125) and then being recovered through the recovery port (162).

[0112] The above cold air discharge ports (161) may be formed in multiple numbers according to the height at which each shelf of the corresponding refrigerator compartment (125) is located.

[0113] The above recovery port (162) may be formed at the bottom of the multi-duct (160). That is, the cold air flowing through the refrigerator may flow along the floor of the refrigerator, pass through the recovery port (162), and then be introduced between the multi-duct (160) and the rear wall within the first inner case (120) and then be provided to the evaporator (10).

[0114] The above multi-duct (160) may be provided so as to be divided into at least two or more sections. For example, considering that the evaporator (10) is located at the rear of the lower portion of the multi-duct (160), it may be formed to protrude forward of the refrigerator compartment (125) by the thickness of the evaporator (10), and the protruding lower portion of the multi-duct (60) may be formed to be separated from the upper portion of the multi-duct (160).

[0115] Fig. 4 is a partial state diagram of the area where the discharge duct is formed, Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the structure related to the variable temperature room assembly, and Fig. 6 is a state diagram of the variable temperature room assembly with the storage box stored therein. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are enlarged views of parts “A” and “B” of Fig. 6.

[0116] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the main body of the variable temperature room assembly with each side wall frame installed at the location where the discharge duct is located in the refrigerator, and Figs. 10 and 11 are exploded perspective views of the location where the discharge duct is formed, viewed from each direction.

[0117] As shown in the drawings, the multi-duct (160) may be provided with a discharge duct (170). The discharge duct (170) is a portion that supplies cold air into a variable temperature room, which will be described later.

[0118] The above discharge duct (170) may be formed to protrude toward the refrigerator compartment while being positioned at the lower portion of the multi-duct (160). That is, the above discharge duct (170) may be positioned at the bottom side within the first inner case (120).

[0119] The above discharge duct (170) may be located above the recovery port (162) formed in the multi-duct (160).

[0120] The cold air outlet (171) of the above discharge duct (170) can be formed to protrude into the refrigerator compartment (125). As a result, the cold air discharged through the discharge duct (170) can be discharged in the protruding direction of the cold air outlet (171, 172).

[0121] In addition, the discharge duct (170) may further be equipped with a variable temperature room fan (180) for supplying cold air to the variable temperature room. This allows cold air to be supplied to the variable temperature room regardless of the operation of the blower fan (20).

[0122] In particular, the discharge duct (170) may be positioned at the front side of the evaporator (10). As a result, the air (cold air) between the multi-duct (160) and the first inner case (120) can be cooled while passing through the evaporator (10) by the operation of the variable temperature room fan (180) and then supplied directly into the variable temperature room.

[0123] In addition, the discharge duct (170) may be formed to have two or more cold air outlets (171, 172). At this time, each of the cold air outlets (171, 172) may be formed to discharge cold air in different directions. For example, one cold air outlet (171) may be formed to supply cold air to the front within the variable temperature room, and the other cold air outlet (172) may be formed to supply cold air to the side within the variable temperature room.

[0124] In order to guide the direction of the cold air, a guide rib (173) may be formed in each of the cold air outlets (171, 172). At this time, the guide rib (173) may be formed in a plate shape to impart straightness to the cold air.

[0125] In addition, the guide ribs (173) of each of the cold air outlets (171, 172) may be formed to guide the cold air flow in different directions. For example, the guide rib (173) of one cold air outlet (171) may be formed vertically to supply cold air to the front within the variable temperature room, and the guide rib (173) of the other cold air outlet (172) may be formed slanted to supply cold air to the side within the variable temperature room.

[0126] Meanwhile, a temperature sensor (190) for detecting the temperature inside the variable temperature room, which will be described later, may be provided in the multi-duct (160).

[0127] The above temperature sensor (190) is positioned on the side of the discharge duct (170) formed in the multi-duct (160) and is configured to detect the temperature within the variable temperature room.

[0128] The operation of the variable temperature room fan (180) is controlled by the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (190).

[0129] Next, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a variable temperature room assembly (200) that provides a variable temperature room.

[0130] The above-mentioned variable temperature room may be defined as a compartment provided so as to be maintained at a different temperature from the storage room (refrigerator or freezer) provided by each inner case (120, 130). For example, the above-mentioned variable temperature room may be maintained at a temperature range lower than that of the refrigerator (125) but higher than that of the freezer (135).

[0131] The above-described variable temperature chamber assembly (200) may be provided within at least one inner case among the inner cases (120, 130). For example, the above-described variable temperature chamber assembly (200) may be provided within the first inner case (120) forming a refrigerating chamber as illustrated in the embodiment.

[0132] In particular, the variable temperature room assembly (200) can be positioned at a corner portion of one side within the first inner case (120). That is, the variable temperature room assembly (200) is positioned as far as possible toward one side of the first inner case (120). As a result, the temperature influence of the variable temperature room provided by the variable temperature room assembly (200) from the refrigerator compartment (125) or the temperature influence of the variable temperature room to the refrigerator compartment (125) can be minimized.

[0133] In an embodiment of the present invention, the variable temperature chamber assembly (200) is positioned on one side of the lower part within the first inner case (120).

[0134] In particular, the variable temperature room provided by the variable temperature room assembly (200) is arranged so that at least a portion of the recovery port (162) formed in the multi-duct (160) is located. As a result, the cold air flowing within the variable temperature room can be recovered to the air inlet side of the evaporator (10) through the recovery port (162).

[0135] This variable temperature chamber assembly (200) includes two side wall frames (210, 220) forming both side walls, and a cover frame (230) provided on the upper side of the two side wall frames (210, 220) to form the upper surface. That is, the variable temperature chamber assembly (200) is formed as a body having side surfaces and an upper surface, and the front, rear, and bottom surfaces are formed to be open. At this time, considering that the variable temperature chamber assembly (200) is located on one side of the bottom surface within the first inner case (120), the front surface of the multi-duct (160) forms the rear wall of the variable temperature chamber, and the bottom surface within the first inner case (120) forms the floor of the variable temperature chamber.

[0136] The side wall frames (210, 220) forming the above-mentioned variable temperature chamber assembly (200) may include a first side wall frame (210) positioned in contact with or adjacent to a side surface within the first inner case (120), and a second side wall frame (220) positioned spaced apart from the first side wall frame (210).

[0137] Of course, although not shown, the side surface within the first inner case (120) may form one side wall of the temperature-changing chamber, or both side surfaces within the first inner case (120) may form both side walls of the temperature-changing chamber. That is, the structure of the first side wall frame (210) or the second side wall frame (220) may be integrally formed on the side surface within the first inner case (120), in which case at least one of the first side wall frame (210) or the second side wall frame (220) may be omitted.

[0138] The first side wall frame (210) may be fixed to a side surface within the first inner case (120). For example, the first side wall frame (210) may be fixed to a side surface within the first inner case (120) by screw fastening or attachment (attachment using adhesive or adhesive tape), hook fastening, etc.

[0139] The second side wall frame (220) may be fixed to the bottom surface within the first inner case (120). For example, the bottom surface of the second side wall frame (220) may be fixed to the bottom surface within the first inner case (120) by screw fastening, attachment (attachment using adhesive or adhesive tape), or hook fastening.

[0140] In particular, the rear surface of each of the side wall frames (210, 220) may be positioned in contact with or adjacent to the front surface of the multi-duct (160). This allows the front surface of the multi-duct (160) to form the rear wall of the variable temperature room.

[0141] The cover frame (230) forming the above-described variable temperature chamber assembly (200) forms the upper wall of the variable temperature chamber. As a result, the variable temperature chamber can be formed as a compartment that is open only at the front, while being surrounded by the two side wall frames (210, 220), the cover frame (230), the multi-duct (160), and the bottom surface within the first inner case (120).

[0142] The above cover frame (230) is placed on the upper surface of the two side wall frames (210, 220) and is combined. In particular, the cover frame (230) and the two side wall frames (210, 220) can be combined so that they can be selectively separated according to the user's needs.

[0143] To this end, a joining projection (211, 221) is formed protrudingly on the upper surface of the two side wall frames (210, 220), and a joining groove (omitted from the drawing) for receiving the joining projection (211, 221) is formed on both sides of the lower surface of the cover frame (230) so that they can be joined to each other.

[0144] In addition, a handle portion (233) may be further provided at the tip of the cover frame (230). The handle portion (232) may be formed to protrude forward so that a user can easily grip it. In particular, a decorative cover (234) may be provided on the handle portion (233). The decorative cover (234) may be formed of a different material or color than the cover frame (230).

[0145] Meanwhile, a storage box (300) may be provided in the above-mentioned temperature-altering room. That is, by providing the storage box (300), storage and removal of stored items within the temperature-altering room can be easily accomplished.

[0146] The storage box (300) may be configured to be stored while moving back and forth within the temperature-altering chamber. To this end, a rail groove (201) may be formed on the opposing surfaces between the two side wall frames (210, 220), and guide protrusions (311) may be formed on both sides of the storage box (300). That is, by forming the rail groove (201) in the two side wall frames (210, 220), the storage box (300) can be accurately stored in the correct position within the temperature-altering chamber.

[0147] The above storage box (300) has side walls (310) forming both sides, a rear wall (320) forming the rear, a front wall (330) forming the front, and a bottom wall (340) forming the bottom. That is, the above storage box (300) can be formed as a box body with an open top.

[0148] On the outer surface of the side wall (310), a guide protrusion (311) is formed so that it moves under the guidance of a rail groove (201) formed on the side wall frame (210, 220).

[0149] The bottom wall (340) of the storage box (300) is positioned to be spaced apart from the bottom surface within the first inner case (120), and the recovery port (162) formed in the multi-duct (160) is positioned lower than the upper surface of the rear wall (320) of the storage box (300) and higher than the bottom surface within the first inner case (120). Accordingly, the cold air flowing within the variable temperature room can flow along the bottom surface of the bottom wall (340) of the storage box (300) and the bottom surface within the first inner case (120) and be recovered through the recovery port (162).

[0150] In addition, the front wall (320) of the storage box (300) is positioned to block the open front of the variable temperature chamber assembly (200). Of course, the bottom surface of the front wall (320) of the storage box (300) is spaced apart from the bottom surface within the first inner case (120), so that cold air can flow between the bottom surface of the bottom wall (340) of the storage box (300) and the bottom surface within the first inner case (120).

[0151] A handle (331) may be provided on the front wall (330) of the storage box (300). The handle (331) may be formed to protrude from the front wall (330). This allows a user to easily move the storage box (300) while holding the handle (331). At this time, a decorative cover (332) may be provided on the handle (331). The decorative cover (332) may be formed to have a different material or color from that of the storage box (300), thereby allowing the user to accurately recognize the holding position.

[0152] The upper surface of the rear wall (320) of the storage box (300) is formed lower than the upper surface of the front wall (330). To this end, the two side walls (310) of the storage box (300) may be formed to have a height that gradually decreases as they go toward the rear. As a result, the upper surface of the rear wall (320) of the storage box (300) and the bottom surface of the cover frame (230) may be spaced apart from each other, and the cold air outlets (171, 172) of the discharge duct (170) formed in the multi-duct (160) may be positioned at this spaced area. That is, the cold air outlets (171, 172) of the discharge duct (170) may be positioned between the upper surface of the rear wall (320) of the storage box (300) and the cover frame (230) of the variable temperature room assembly (200) to discharge cold air into the storage box (300).

[0153] Below, the process of installing a variable temperature room assembly (200) in the refrigerator of the above-described embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0154] First, as shown in Fig. 9, the first side wall frame (210) and the second side wall frame (220) of the variable temperature room assembly (200) are each installed at the lower corner of one side within the first inner case (120).

[0155] Here, the first side wall frame (210) is fastened and fixed to the side surface within the first inner case (120) using screws, and the second side wall frame (220) is fastened and fixed to the bottom surface within the first inner case (120) using screws while standing upright.

[0156] At this time, the rear surfaces of the two side wall frames (210, 220) are positioned to contact or be adjacent to the lower front surface of the multi-duct (160) (160).

[0157] Next, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the cover frame (230) of the variable temperature chamber assembly (200) is joined to the upper surfaces of the two side wall frames (210, 220).

[0158] At this time, the cover frame (230) can be coupled to each other by being installed so as to be interlocked with the coupling protrusions (211, 221) formed on the upper surfaces of the two side wall frames (210, 220).

[0159] By installing the above-described variable temperature room assembly (200), a variable temperature room can be provided within the refrigerator. That is, a variable temperature room is provided having the two side wall frames (210, 220) as the side surface, the cover frame (230) as the upper surface, and the bottom surface within the first inner case (120) as the floor.

[0160] And, as shown in Fig. 20, the storage box (300) is stored inside the temperature chamber.

[0161] The above storage box (300) is stored by moving the guide protrusions (311) formed on both sides thereof so that they align with the rail grooves (201) of the two side wall frames (210, 220).

[0162] When the storage box (300) is fully inserted into the temperature-altering chamber, the front wall (330) of the storage box (300) is positioned to block the open front of the temperature-altering chamber, and the rear wall (320) of the storage box (300) is positioned at the bottom of the cold air outlet (171, 172) of the discharge duct (170) provided to the multi-duct (160) with the upper surface thereof.

[0163] The following describes the process by which the temperature of the above-mentioned variable temperature room is controlled.

[0164] First, the temperature sensor (190) provided in the multi-duct (160) continuously detects the temperature within the temperature-changing room.

[0165] In this process, if the temperature inside the temperature-changing room exceeds the preset temperature range (or the temperature specified by the user), the temperature-changing room fan (180) operates, and if it falls within the preset temperature range, the operation of the temperature-changing room fan (180) is stopped.

[0166] When the above-mentioned variable temperature room fan (1800) is operated, the air around the evaporator (10) between the multi-duct (160) and the rear surface of the first inner case (120) passes through the evaporator (10) and is discharged into the variable temperature room through each cold air outlet (171, 172) of the discharge duct (170). At this time, the cold air outlets (171, 172) are positioned between the upper surface of the rear wall (320) of the storage box (300) and the cover frame (230) and are formed to protrude into the storage box (300), so that the air (cold air) can be smoothly supplied into the storage box (300).

[0167] If the variable temperature room fan (180) is operated while the blower fan (20) is in operation, some of the air passing through the evaporator (10) can be provided into the variable temperature room by the air blowing force generated by the operation of the blower fan (20).

[0168] Meanwhile, the cold air supplied into the storage box (300) flows to all parts of the temperature-altering room. In this process, the air flows between the bottom surface of the bottom wall (340) of the storage box (300) and the bottom surface within the first inner case (120) and is recovered through the recovery port (162) formed in the multi-duct (160).

[0169] And, the air recovered through the recovery port (162) passes through the evaporator (10) and is supplied again into the variable temperature room through the cold air outlet (171, 172) of the discharge duct (170), repeating the cycle.

[0170] Accordingly, the above temperature change room can maintain the set temperature by the cold air passing through the evaporator (10).

[0171] As described above, the refrigerator of the present invention is capable of storing a wider variety of items because it provides a variable temperature room within the first inner case (120) that can be maintained at a different temperature range from the refrigerating room.

[0172] In addition, since the refrigerator of the present invention is formed so that the bottom surface of the first inner case (120) and the front surface of the multi-duct (160) form the bottom and back surface of the variable temperature room, the size of the variable temperature room assembly (200) can be minimized.

[0173] In addition, since the refrigerator of the present invention can maintain the temperature of the variable temperature room at a different temperature from the refrigerating room by a separate variable temperature room fan (180) and temperature sensor (190), power consumption for maintaining the variable temperature room can be minimized.

[0174] In addition, since the refrigerator of the present invention stores stored items using a storage box (300) that can be stored and taken out into a variable temperature room, the stored items can be easily taken out.

[0175] In addition, since the refrigerator of the present invention has a cold air outlet (171, 172) of a discharge duct (170) positioned between the upper surface of the rear wall (320) of the storage box (300) and the cover frame (230) and protruding into the storage box (300), cold air can be smoothly supplied into the storage box (300).

[0176] Meanwhile, the refrigerator of the present invention can be transformed into various forms.

[0177] As an example, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 20, a separate storage box (302) may be additionally installed on the upper side of the variable temperature room assembly (200) to provide additional storage space. At this time, the storage box (302) may be formed in the same manner as the storage box (300) provided in the variable temperature room, or may be formed differently.

[0178] In order to additionally install the separate storage box (302), a rail frame (410) having a rail groove (412) formed therein to guide storage of the separate storage box (302) may be further provided on at least one side of the cover frame (230) forming the variable temperature room assembly (200). At this time, the rail frame (410) may be configured to be formed integrally with the cover frame (230) or to be integrated by attachment or bonding.

[0179] In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 21, when the separate storage box (302) is provided, a mounting frame (420) for mounting a shelf (303) may be further provided on the upper side of the rail frame (410) installed on the second side wall frame (220). At this time, the mounting frame (420) is provided as a portion on which the shelf (303) is mounted together with a mounting protrusion (121) formed on the side surface within the first inner case (120).

[0180] As another example of the refrigerator of the present invention, the cover frame (230) may be formed with an insulating structure to increase the insulation of the variable temperature room assembly (200).

[0181] That is, since the cover frame (230) is provided as a portion on which a separate storage box (302) is placed on its upper side, it can directly affect the temperature of the separate storage box (302). In consideration of this, it is preferable that the cover frame (230) be formed with an insulating structure.

[0182] To this end, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 10 to FIG. 15, the cover frame (230) may be formed as a double-overlapping structure in which the upper plate (231) and the lower plate (232) are overlapped.

[0183] Here, the upper plate (231) may be positioned outside the temperature-changing room to form the upper surface of the cover frame (230), and the lower plate (232) may be positioned inside the temperature-changing room to form the lower surface of the cover frame (230).

[0184] The upper plate (231) and the lower plate (232) can be coupled to each other. The coupling may include at least one of a fastening coupling using screws, an adhesive coupling using adhesive or adhesive tape, or a fastening using an interlocking structure such as a hook.

[0185] For example, as shown in Fig. 13, hooks (232a) are formed on both sides of the bottom plate (232) and hook grooves (231a) are formed on both sides of the top plate (231) so that they can be joined to each other.

[0186] Of course, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, it may be more desirable to prevent sagging between the upper plate (231) and the lower plate (232) by adding screw fastening at multiple locations in addition to the hook fastening.

[0187] In addition, a space separated from each other can be formed between the upper plate (231) and the lower plate (232). That is, by providing a space separated from each other between the upper plate (231) and the lower plate (232), thermal conduction can be reduced.

[0188] In particular, an insulating material (235) may be provided in the space between the upper plate (231) and the lower plate (232). This can reduce the cold heat transferred to the upper shelf (303) through the upper plate (231).

[0189] As another example of the refrigerator of the present invention, in order to further improve the insulation properties of the cover frame (230) forming the variable temperature chamber assembly (200), the air within the refrigerating chamber may be formed to flow along the surface of the cover frame (230). That is, air having a temperature higher than that of the variable temperature chamber flowing within the refrigerating chamber may flow along the surface of the cover frame (230), thereby preventing a temperature drop on the surface of the cover frame (230).

[0190] Of course, the insulation performance can be improved by forming the insulation material (235) provided between the upper plate (231) and the lower plate (232) of the cover frame (230) thicker. However, considering the overall thickness of the cover frame (230), it is difficult to form the insulation material (235) excessively thick.

[0191] Accordingly, it is desirable to prevent the cover frame (230) from receiving cold heat from the variable temperature room and becoming excessively cold by allowing the air flow within the refrigerator to flow along the upper surface of the cover frame (230) (the upper surface of the upper plate) to prevent the temperature from dropping.

[0192] To enable such airflow to be formed, a communication groove (231b) is formed on the rear surface of the cover frame (230) as illustrated in Fig. 12. This communication groove (231b) provides a gap between the multi-duct (160) and the cover frame (230).

[0193] In this way, by forming the above-mentioned communication groove (231b), a portion of the air existing on the upper side of the upper plate (231) can flow through the communication groove (231b) to the recovery port. That is, since the recovery port (162) is located at the rear inside the variable temperature room partitioned by the cover frame (230), when air suction force is generated by the recovery port (162), a portion of the air existing on the upper side of the upper plate (231) is sucked into the communication groove (231b). In this process, the air passes over the surface of the upper plate (231) and reduces the cold heat conducted to the upper plate (231).

[0194] In particular, a separate storage box (302) is additionally provided on the upper side of the cover frame (230), and at this time, a gap is formed between the bottom surface of the storage box (302) and the upper surface of the cover frame (230) (the upper surface of the upper plate), so that the air inside the refrigerator flows through the gap and is guided to pass the upper surface of the upper plate (231). This prevents the phenomenon of the separate storage box (302) on the upper side being affected by the cold heat conducted to the cover frame (230).

[0195] As another example of the refrigerator of the present invention, a structure may be provided to ensure that air supplied into the variable temperature room through the discharge duct (170) is sufficiently supplied to the front of the variable temperature room.

[0196] That is, considering that the variable temperature room fan (180) is made of a conventional axial fan, it is difficult to discharge cold air to a sufficiently distant area.

[0197] In consideration of this, as shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 7 and FIG. 11, it is proposed that at least one guide groove (174) be formed on the cold air inlet side of the discharge duct (170) to impart a swirling force to the cold air discharged through the cold air outlet (171, 172).

[0198] For this purpose, the above guide groove (174) can be formed in a spiral structure at a position opposite to the wing portion of the variable temperature room fan (180).

[0199] That is, the cold air flowing into the discharge duct (170) through the variable temperature room fan (180) is guided by the spiral guide groove (174) before being discharged to the cold air outlet (171, 172), thereby providing sufficient cold air to the front of the variable temperature room.

[0200] As another example of the refrigerator of the present invention, a structure for blocking the gap between the storage box (300) and the cover frame (230) in the variable temperature room may be additionally provided.

[0201] That is, since the cold air supplied into the storage box (300) through the cold air outlet (171, 172) of the discharge duct (170) has a straight line, there is a risk that the cold air will be discharged through the gap between the storage box (300) and the cover frame (230) during the process of flowing straight forward.

[0202] Accordingly, a structure is provided to block the gap between the storage box (300) and the cover frame (230) so that the cold air supplied into the storage box (300) can sufficiently flow within the storage box (300).

[0203] To this end, as illustrated in Fig. 8, a skirt protrusion (233a) that is accommodated within the front perimeter of the storage box (300) may be formed to protrude on the bottom surface of the handle portion (233) provided at the front end of the cover frame (230). That is, the gap between the front end of the cover frame (230) and the front perimeter of the storage box may be covered by the skirt protrusion (233a).

[0204] Accordingly, the cold air supplied into the storage box (300) through the cold air outlet (171, 172) of the discharge duct (170) can sufficiently flow within the storage box (300) and cool the stored items within the storage box (300).

[0205] As another example of the refrigerator of the present invention, a vegetable box (500) for storing vegetables may be provided on the side of the variable temperature room.

[0206] Vegetables stored in the above vegetable box (500) are sensitive to temperature changes because they are fresh food. Therefore, it is desirable to ensure that the vegetable box (500) is not affected by the temperature of the variable temperature room.

[0207] To this end, as illustrated in Fig. 22, it is preferable that the storage box (300) and the vegetable box (500) be insulated from each other by an insulating wall (240). That is, the variable temperature room and the vegetable box (500) are insulated from each other.

[0208] The above insulating wall (240) can be configured in various ways.

[0209] For example, the insulating wall (240) may be provided separately from the two side wall frames (210, 220) of the variable temperature room assembly (200). Alternatively, instead of the insulating wall (500), the two side wall frames (210, 220) may be formed of an insulating material so that the vegetable box (500) is not affected by the temperature inside the variable temperature room.

[0210] The above insulating wall (240) may be provided only between the storage box (300) and the vegetable box (500) as shown, but may also be provided on both sides of the storage box (300).

[0211] As another example of the refrigerator of the present invention, the temperature of the variable temperature room can be controlled by a blower fan (20) that controls the temperature of the refrigerator room.

[0212] That is, as illustrated in Fig. 23, by providing a damper (175) that selectively blocks air flow in the cold air inlet (175) of the discharge duct (170), the temperature inside the variable temperature room can be controlled only by the operation of the damper (175) without providing a variable temperature room fan (180). At this time, the cold air inlet (175) of the discharge duct (170) can be connected to a space where the blower fan (20) is located through a separate duct or path so that cold air can be supplied by the blower fan (20).

[0213] Meanwhile, the variable temperature chamber assembly (200) of the refrigerator of the present invention may be provided on the upper surface, not the lower surface, of the first inner case (120), or may be provided on one side. That is, although not shown, one side of the first inner case (120) may be provided as one circumferential surface of the variable temperature chamber.

[0214] In this way, the refrigerator of the present invention can be transformed into various forms.

[0215] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described above as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operated one or more times. In addition, terms such as "include," "comprise," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated to the contrary, mean that the corresponding component may be inherent, and therefore should be interpreted as including other components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the related technology, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense, unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0216] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. Inner case with storage space inside; A variable temperature room assembly provided in one part of the inner case and having a temperature-controlled variable temperature room so as to be maintained at a different temperature from the storage room; A storage box provided so as to be stored or taken out within the temperature chamber of the above temperature chamber assembly; A refrigerator comprising a multi-duct formed within the inner case and forming the rear wall of a storage room and a variable temperature room, and having a discharge duct for supplying cold air to the variable temperature room and a recovery port for recovering cold air flowing through the storage room.

2. In paragraph 1, The above temperature chamber assembly A refrigerator characterized in that a variable temperature room is provided at one corner portion of the storage room.

3. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that the above temperature-changing room is arranged so that at least a part of the recovery port formed in the multi-duct is located therein.

4. In paragraph 1, The above temperature chamber assembly Two side wall frames forming the two side walls, A refrigerator including a cover frame formed on an upper surface while being provided on the upper side of the two side wall frames.

5. In paragraph 4, The above two side wall frames are a first side wall frame positioned adjacent to one side of the bottom side within the inner case, A refrigerator characterized by including a second side wall frame arranged spaced apart from the first side wall frame.

6. In paragraph 5, The above first side wall frame is fixedly fastened to one side of the inner case, A refrigerator characterized in that the second side wall frame is fixed to the bottom surface within the inner case.

7. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator characterized in that the rear surfaces of the two side wall frames are installed so as to be in contact with or adjacent to the front surface of the multi-duct.

8. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator characterized in that a rail home is formed on the opposing surface between the two side wall frames to guide the movement of the storage box.

9. In paragraph 8, The above storage box A side wall having a guide projection that forms both sides and moves under the guidance of the rail home, The rear wall forming the back, A front wall that opens and closes the open front of the above-mentioned variable temperature room while forming the front, A refrigerator comprising a low wall forming a floor.

10. In paragraph 9, A refrigerator characterized in that the cold air outlet of the discharge duct formed in the above multi-duct is located between the upper surface of the rear wall of the storage box and the cover frame.

11. In paragraph 9, The bottom wall of the above storage box is positioned apart from the bottom surface within the inner case, A refrigerator characterized in that the recovery port formed in the above multi-duct is positioned higher than the bottom surface within the inner case.

12. In paragraph 4, The above cover frame A top plate located outside the temperature chamber, A refrigerator comprising a bottom plate positioned inside a variable temperature room and joined to a bottom surface of the top plate.

13. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator characterized in that an insulating material is provided between the upper plate and the lower plate.

14. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator characterized in that a communication groove is formed on the rear of the cover frame to connect the inside of the storage room and the inside of the variable temperature room while being separated from the multi-duct.

15. In paragraph 4, A refrigerator characterized in that a partition rib is formed on the lower surface of the front end of the cover frame to block a gap with the storage box when inserted into the storage box.

16. In paragraph 15, A refrigerator characterized in that auxiliary side walls are further provided on both sides of the upper surface of the cover frame to provide a storage space in which a separate box is accommodated.

17. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator characterized in that at least one guide groove is formed on the cold air inlet side of the discharge duct formed in the multi-duct to impart a rotational force to the cold air discharged through the discharge duct.

18. In paragraph 17, A refrigerator characterized in that the above guide groove is formed in a spiral shape.

19. In paragraph 1, The cold air outlet of the above discharge duct is formed in two or more plural forms, A refrigerator characterized in that each of the above cold air outlets has a guide rib formed therein to provide straightness to the cold air.

20. In paragraph 19, A refrigerator characterized in that the guide ribs of the cold air outlet adjacent to the storage room located on the side of the variable temperature room among the above cold air outlets are formed to be inclined so as to guide the cold air discharge toward the side away from the storage room.

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