Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a refrigerating chamber; a freezer chamber; an evaporator arranged behind the freezer chamber; a communication duct which allows the refrigerating chamber and the freezer chamber to be in communication with each other so that cold air generated by the evaporator is transferred to the refrigerating chamber, and comprises a first flow path and a second flow path; a refrigerating chamber duct receiving the cold air generated by the evaporator from the communication duct, wherein the refrigerating duct comprises a first internal flow path guiding the air from the first flow path to a first refrigerating space of the refrigerating chamber and a second internal flow path guiding the cold air from the second flow path to a second refrigerating space of the refrigerating chamber; and a damper comprising a first damping cover controlling the supply of the cold air to the first internal flow path and a second damping cover controlling the supply of the cold air to the second internal flow path.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having an evaporator for cooling a freezer, a variable temperature room, and a refrigerator room.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that keeps stored food and other items fresh, including an inner case that forms a refrigerator and a freezer, and an evaporator that generates cold air to cool the refrigerator and freezer.

[0003] A duct through which cold air can flow can be arranged at the rear of the refrigerator and freezer, and cold air generated in the evaporator can be supplied to the refrigerator and freezer, respectively, through the duct.

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a structure capable of flowing cold air from a freezer to a refrigerator.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a structure that controls the flow of cold air flowing from a freezer to a refrigerator.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a structure in which a refrigerator compartment is divided into a plurality of spaces and the temperature of each of the divided spaces can be set differently.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having a structure in which a refrigerating chamber is divided into a plurality of spaces and the amount of cold air flowing into each space is controlled.

[0008] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] A refrigerator according to the invention includes an inner case forming a refrigerating compartment and a freezer compartment. The refrigerator includes an evaporator configured to generate cold air and disposed at a rear side of the freezer compartment. The refrigerator includes a communication duct including a first passage through which cold air generated by the evaporator flows, and a second passage partitioned from the first passage through which cold air generated by the evaporator flows. The refrigerator includes a refrigerating compartment duct including a first internal passage configured to supply cold air generated by the evaporator and flowing through the first passage and to guide the cold air generated by the evaporator and flowing through the first passage to a first refrigerating space that is a part of the refrigerating compartment, and a second internal passage configured to supply cold air generated by the evaporator and flowing through the second passage and to guide the cold air generated by the evaporator and flowing through the second passage to a second refrigerating space that is another part of the refrigerating compartment. The refrigerator includes a damper having a first damping cover configured to control the supply of cold air to the first internal passage and a second damping cover configured to control the supply of cold air to the second internal passage.

[0010] A refrigerator according to the invention comprises an inner case forming a refrigerating chamber and a freezer chamber, an evaporator provided to generate cold air and installed at the rear of the freezer chamber, and a fan provided to generate a flow of cold air. The refrigerator comprises a communication duct that connects the refrigerating chamber and the freezer chamber to transfer cold air generated by the evaporator to the refrigerating chamber and includes a first passage through which cold air flows and a second passage partitioned from the first passage. The refrigerator comprises a refrigerating chamber duct that is installed in the refrigerating chamber and communicates with the communication duct to receive cold air from the communication duct, the refrigerating chamber duct including a first internal passage through which a portion of the cold air is communicated with the first passage and provided to guide the portion of the cold air to a first storage space which is a portion of the refrigerating chamber, and a second internal passage through which a portion of the cold air is communicated with the second passage and provided to guide the other portion of the cold air to a second storage space which is another portion of the refrigerating chamber. The refrigerator includes a damper configured to open and close the first and second passages, respectively, to control the flow of cold air flowing in the first internal passage and the second internal passage, respectively.

[0011] A refrigerator according to the invention comprises a refrigerating chamber in which a storage case is placed, an inner case forming a freezer compartment partitioned from the refrigerating chamber, and an evaporator provided to generate cold air and installed at the rear of the freezer compartment. The refrigerator comprises a first passage provided to allow cold air to flow and a second passage partitioned from the first passage, and a communication duct communicating between the refrigerating chamber and the freezer compartment. The refrigerator comprises a refrigerating chamber duct installed in the refrigerating chamber and communicating with the communication duct, the refrigerating chamber duct including a first internal passage communicating with the first passage and configured to receive a portion of the cold air and guide it into the interior of the storage case, and a second internal passage communicating with the second passage and configured to receive another portion of the cold air and guide it into a space of the refrigerating chamber other than the storage case. The refrigerator comprises a damper provided to open and close the first passage and the second passage, respectively.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the doors of a refrigerator in an open state according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a drawing of the upper part of a storage compartment of a refrigerator according to one embodiment, viewed from below.

[0015] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of Figure 2.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an inner case, an outer case, and a connecting frame in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an inner case, a flue duct, and a cooling duct in a refrigerator according to one embodiment, and showing the cover part separated.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing components combined with an inner case in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the connection between the refrigerator duct, the freezer duct, and the flue duct in Figure 8, enlarged and with the damper separated.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a refrigerator duct, a freezer duct, and a flue duct in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 11 is a control block diagram for explaining a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 12 is a flowchart regarding a control method of a refrigerator according to Fig. 10.

[0024] Fig. 13 is a flowchart regarding a control method of a refrigerator according to Fig. 10.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a refrigerator duct, a freezer duct, and a flue duct in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0026] Fig. 15 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 16 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 17 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a refrigerator duct, a freezer duct, and a flue duct in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 19 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 20 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing a cross-section of a refrigerator duct, a freezer duct, and a flue duct in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0033] Fig. 22 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0034] Fig. 23 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0035] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0036] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0037] 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.

[0038] In this disclosure, 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 the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0039] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0040] 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).

[0041] In addition, terms such as 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', and 'lower' used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0042] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0046] The "body" may include an inner case, an outer case disposed on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

[0047] The "inner case" may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The "outer case" may form the outer appearance of the main body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is placed between the inner case and the outer case.

[0048] "Insulation" can insulate the interior and exterior of a storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set temperature without being affected by the external environment. In one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0049] In one embodiment, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation material in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation material instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation material described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0050] A "storage room" may include a space defined by an interior wall. The storage room may further include an interior wall defining a corresponding space. The storage room may store various items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be configured to be open on at least one side for the entry and exit of items.

[0051] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When a refrigerator includes two or more storage compartments, each compartment may have a different purpose and be maintained at different temperatures. To achieve this, each storage compartment may be separated from the others by a partition wall containing insulation.

[0052] The storage room may be designed to maintain an appropriate temperature range depending on its intended use, and may include a "refrigerator," a "freezer," or a "variable temperature room," which are distinguished by their intended use and / or temperature range. A refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating items, and a freezer may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing items. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling items to a temperature that does not freeze them, and for example, a 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 frozen, and for example, a freezer may be maintained at a temperature ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. A variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's option or not.

[0053] In addition to names such as "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room," a storage room may also be called by various other names such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice room." The terms "refrigerator," "freezer," and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0054] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be configured to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or sliding manner.

[0055] The "door" may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the back of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of these.

[0057] The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by contacting the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

[0058] In one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to the front side of the door body and forming the front of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door body, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door body and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

[0059] Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French door type, side-by-side type, bottom mounted freezer (BMF), top mounted freezer (TMF), or single-door refrigerator.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0061] A "cold air supply device" may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and / or combinations thereof that can generate cold air and guide the cold air to cool a storage room.

[0062] In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle that includes the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor, such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

[0064] The "machine room" may be designed to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated by components placed within the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be in communication with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed within the machine room.

[0065] In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and / or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door so that it is accessible to a user without having to open the door.

[0066] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to produce ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray configured to store water, an ice-separating device configured to separate ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice-making tray.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0068] The "control unit" may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and / or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and / or data memorized in the memory.

[0069] Memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. Memory can store temporary data generated during the generation of control signals for controlling components within the refrigerator. Memory may include at least one of volatile memory and non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0070] The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operations of an artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like. The processor may generate control signals to control the operation of the cooling system. For example, the processor may receive temperature information about the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cooling system based on the temperature information.

[0071] Additionally, the processor may process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface based on programs and / or data stored / stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor may transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0072] The processor and memory may be provided as a single unit or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

[0073] In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components within the refrigerator, and may include multiple processors and multiple memories that individually control the components within the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cooling device based on the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface based on user input.

[0074] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, via a nearby access point (AP). The AP can connect the local area network (LAN) to which the refrigerator or user device is connected to the wide area network (WAN) to which the server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can then connect to the server via the WAN.

[0075] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0076] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0077] Hereinafter, refrigerators according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0078] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a state in which a door of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is opened. FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating the upper portion of a storage compartment (11, 12) of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from below. FIG. 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 2.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), storage compartments (11, 12) formed inside the main body (10), and doors (described later) provided to open and close the storage compartments (11, 12). More specifically, the storage compartments (11, 12) may be formed inside an inner case (100).

[0080] For example, the storage rooms (11, 12) may include a refrigerator room (11) and a freezer room (12) that is arranged to be partitioned from the refrigerator room (11). For example, the refrigerator room (11) may be located on the upper side of the inner case (100), and the freezer room (12) may be located on the lower side (-Z side) of the inner case (100).

[0081] In the city, the refrigerator (11) is shown as being located on the upper side (+Z side) and the freezer (12) is shown as being located on the lower side, but this is only an example, and the refrigerator (11) and the freezer (12) are arranged to be partitioned from each other and can be placed in various positions.

[0082] The main body (10) may include an inner case (100), an outer case (310) coupled to the outer side of the inner case (100), and an insulating material (190) provided between the inner case (100) and the outer case (310). The inner case (100) may form a storage chamber (11, 12), and the outer case (310) may form the outer appearance of the main body (10).

[0083] For example, the main body (10) may include an upper wall (301) forming an upper side of the outer shape. The upper surface of the upper wall (301) is formed by an outer surface (310), the lower surface of the upper wall (301) is formed by an inner surface (100), and an insulating material (190) may be provided on the inside of the upper wall (301).

[0084] The storage compartments (11, 12) can accommodate items. The storage compartments (11, 12) can be formed with an open front side so that items can be inserted or removed. The main body (10) can include a horizontal partition (130) that divides the storage compartments (11, 12) into a refrigerator compartment (11) and a freezer compartment (12).

[0085] For example, a refrigerator (11) may be provided at the upper part of the main body (10), and a freezer (12) may be provided at the lower part of the main body (10).

[0086] For example, a storage case (140) may be placed in the refrigerator compartment (11). As will be described later, the interior space of the storage case (140) may be defined as a first refrigerated space (142). For example, the first refrigerated space (142) may be formed by a variable temperature unit (140). Therefore, the first refrigerated space (142) may be referred to as a variable temperature room (142).

[0087] Other spaces in the refrigerator (11) other than the first refrigerated space (142) may be defined as second refrigerated spaces (13). The temperatures of the first refrigerated space (142) and the second refrigerated space (13) may be set differently.

[0088] More specifically, the variable temperature unit (140) may include a variable temperature case (141) forming an outer shape, a first refrigerated space (142) formed inside the variable temperature case (141), and a gripping unit (143) provided in the front to grip the variable temperature case (141).

[0089] The variable temperature unit (140) may include a variable temperature room cold air inlet (144) formed to penetrate the variable temperature room case (141) at the rear of the variable temperature room case (141). As will be described later, the refrigerator duct (200) may include a variable temperature room connection (250) inserted into the variable temperature room cold air inlet (144) and connected to the variable temperature room (142).

[0090] The variable temperature room connection part (250) can be connected to the first cold air discharge port (252) (see FIG. 9) provided to discharge cold air flowing in the refrigerator duct (200).

[0091] The cold air discharged through the first cold air discharge port (252) can cool the first refrigerated space (142). As a result, the first refrigerated space (142) can be cooled separately from the second refrigerated space (13), so that the temperatures of the first refrigerated space (142) and the second refrigerated space (13) can be set to be different from each other. A detailed description of the process by which the cold air flows into the first refrigerated space (142) through the first cold air discharge port (252) will be described later.

[0092] In the city, the variable temperature unit (140) is shown as being installed at the lower left (+Y side) of the refrigerator (11), but this is only an example, and the variable temperature unit (140) can be installed in various spaces inside the refrigerator (11).

[0093] The doors can open and close the storage compartments (11, 12). The first door (21) and the second door (22) can open and close the refrigerator compartment (11), and the third door (23) and the fourth door (24) can open and close the freezer compartment (12). The doors can be rotatably connected to the main body (10).

[0094] The doors can be rotatably coupled to the main body (10) by hinges (31). For example, the first door (21) and the second door (22) can be rotatably coupled to the main body (10) by hinges (31) provided on the upper portion of the main body (10) and hinges (31) provided in the middle of the main body (10), respectively. The hinges (31) can be covered by a top cover (600) provided to cover the front portion of the upper surface of the main body (10).

[0095] A rotating bar (40) may be provided on one of the first door (21) and the second door (22) to cover the gap formed between the first door (21) and the second door (22) when the first door (21) and the second door (22) are closed. The rotating bar (40) may be provided to be rotatable on one of the first door (21) and the second door (22). The rotating bar (40) may have a rod shape that is formed long in a vertical direction. The rotating bar (40) may also be referred to as a filler, a mullion, etc.

[0096] A guide protrusion (46) may be provided at the top of the rotating bar (40), and a rotation guide (119) that guides the rotation of the guide protrusion (46) may be provided at the top of the main body (10).

[0097] The doors may include a gasket (51). The gasket (51) may be pressed against the front of the body (10) when the doors are closed. The doors may include a dike (52) that protrudes rearward (-X direction). A door shelf (53) capable of storing items may be mounted on the dike (52). A rotating bar (40) may be rotatably installed on the dike (52).

[0098] Although the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors have been described above, there is no limitation on the number and arrangement of storage compartments and the number and arrangement of doors of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] For example, a refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (330) configured to cool a storage compartment (11, 12). The thermoelectric cooling device (330) may also be referred to as a cooling device (330).

[0100] A thermoelectric cooling device (330) may be provided on the upper side of the storage room (11, 12) to cool the storage room (11, 12). That is, the thermoelectric cooling device (330) may be provided on the upper wall (301) of the main body (10).

[0101] The thermoelectric cooling device (330) may include a thermoelectric element (343). The thermoelectric element (343) may be a semiconductor element that converts thermal energy into electrical energy using the thermoelectric effect, and may also be referred to as a thermoelectric semiconductor element, a Peltier element, or the like.

[0102] The thermoelectric element (343) may include a heating portion (348) and a cooling portion (349). When current is applied to the thermoelectric element (343), a heating action may occur in the heating portion (348) and a heat absorption action may occur in the cooling portion (349). The thermoelectric element (343) may have a thin hexahedral shape. The heating portion (348) may be provided on one surface of the thermoelectric element (343) and the cooling portion (349) may be provided on the opposite surface.

[0103] The thermoelectric element (343) may be provided on the upper wall (301) such that the heating portion (348) faces above the thermoelectric element (343) and the cooling portion (349) faces below the thermoelectric element (343). That is, the heating portion (348) may face the outside of the main body (10) and the cooling portion (349) may face the inside of the storage chamber (11, 12). Accordingly, air heated through heat exchange with the heating portion (348) may be discharged to the outside of the main body (10), and air cooled through heat exchange with the cooling portion (349) may be supplied to the storage chamber (11, 12).

[0104] The thermoelectric cooling device (330) may include a heat sink (342) that contacts the heat generating unit (348) so that heat exchange between the heat generating unit (348) and the air outside the main body (10) is efficiently performed.

[0105] A heat sink (342) may be located outside the main body (10). The heat sink (342) may contact the heat generating portion (348) to absorb heat from the heat generating portion (348) and release heat to the outside of the main body (10). The heat sink (342) may also be referred to as a hot sink, a heat dissipation heat sink, a hot heat sink, etc.

[0106] The heat sink (342) may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the heat sink (342) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

[0107] The heat sink (342) may include a heat sink base (342a) that contacts the heat generating portion (348) and a plurality of heat sink fins (342b) that protrude from the heat sink base (342a) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of heat sink fins (342b) may protrude upward from the heat sink base (342a).

[0108] The thermoelectric cooling device (330) may include a cooling sink (347) in contact with the cooling unit (349) so that heat exchange between the cooling unit (349) and the air inside the storage chamber (11, 12) is efficiently performed.

[0109] A cooling sink (347) may be located inside the storage compartment (11, 12). The cooling sink (347) may cool the storage compartment (11, 12) by taking away heat from the storage compartment (11, 12) and transferring it to the cooling unit (349). The cooling sink (347) may also be referred to as a cold sink, a cooling sink, a cooling heat sink, a cold heat sink, a cooling heat sink, etc.

[0110] The cooling sink (347) may be formed of a metal material with good thermal conductivity. For example, the cooling sink (347) may be formed of aluminum or copper.

[0111] The cooling sink (347) may include a cooling sink base (347b) that contacts the cooling unit (349) and a plurality of cooling fins (347a) that protrude from the cooling sink base (347b) to expand the heat transfer area. The plurality of cooling fins (347a) may protrude downward from the cooling sink base (347b). The cooling sink base (347b) and the plurality of cooling fins (347a) may be formed integrally.

[0112] The thermoelectric cooling device (330) may include a heat sink (342) and a heat fan (382) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the heat sink (342) and the air outside the body (10).

[0113] A heat dissipation fan (382) may be provided to blow air toward a heat dissipation sink (342). The heat dissipation fan (382) may be provided to be positioned horizontally with respect to the heat dissipation sink (342). The heat dissipation fan (382) may be provided on the outside of the main body (10). The heat dissipation fan (382) may be provided on the upper side of the upper wall (301).

[0114] The heat dissipation fan (382) may be a centrifugal fan that draws in air in an axial direction and discharges it in radial directions. The centrifugal fan may include a blower fan. The rotation axis (381) of the heat dissipation fan may be arranged perpendicular to the upper surface of the upper wall (301).

[0115] The thermoelectric cooling device (330) may include a heat dissipation duct (360) provided to guide air flowing by a heat dissipation fan (382). The heat dissipation duct (360) may guide air from outside the main body (10) to exchange heat with the heat dissipation sink (342), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (342) back to the outside of the main body (10).

[0116] The heat dissipation duct (360) can draw in air from the external space on the upper side of the main body (10). The heat dissipation duct (360) can discharge air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (342) to the external space on the upper side of the main body (10). The heat dissipation fan (382) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (360). The heat dissipation sink (342) can be located inside the heat dissipation duct (360). The heat dissipation duct (360) can be provided on the upper surface of the upper wall (301).

[0117] The heat dissipation duct (360) may include an outside air intake port (361) that draws air outside the main body (10) into the inside of the heat dissipation duct (360), and an outside air exhaust port (369) that discharges air that has exchanged heat with the heat dissipation sink (342) to the outside of the main body (10).

[0118] The thermoelectric cooling device (330) may include a cooling fan (800) that circulates air to ensure efficient heat exchange between the cooling sink (347) and the air inside the storage chamber (11, 12).

[0119] A cooling fan (800) may be provided to blow air toward the cooling sink (347). The cooling fan (800) may be positioned horizontally with respect to the cooling sink (347). The cooling fan (800) may be provided inside the storage compartment (11, 12). The cooling fan (800) may be provided on the lower side of the upper wall (301).

[0120] The cooling fan (800) may be a centrifugal fan that sucks in air in an axial direction and discharges it in radial directions. The rotation axis (810) of the cooling fan may be arranged perpendicular to the bottom surface of the upper wall (301).

[0121] The thermoelectric cooling device (330) may include a cooling duct (900) provided to guide air flowing by a cooling fan (800). The cooling duct (900) may guide air inside the storage chamber (11, 12) to exchange heat with the cooling sink (347), and may discharge the air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (347) back into the storage chamber (11, 12).

[0122] A cooling fan (800) may be located inside a cooling duct (900). A cooling sink (347) may be located inside a cooling duct (900). The cooling duct (900) may be provided on the lower surface of the upper wall (301).

[0123] The cooling duct (900) may include an intake port (991) for drawing air inside the storage chamber (11, 12) into the interior of the cooling duct (900), and an exhaust port (992) for discharging air that has exchanged heat with the cooling sink (347) into the interior of the storage chamber (11, 12).

[0124] Referring to FIG. 4, the refrigerator (1) may include a refrigeration cycle device to cool the storage compartment (11, 12) through a refrigeration cycle. The refrigeration cycle device may include a compressor (2), a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator (3).

[0125] The evaporator (3) may be provided to generate cold air. For example, the evaporator (3) may be provided on the rear side (-X side) of the freezer (12).

[0126] The refrigerator (1) may include evaporator ducts that guide cold air generated in the evaporator (3). The evaporator ducts may include a refrigerator duct (200) installed in the refrigerator compartment (11) and a freezer duct (125) installed in the freezer compartment (12).

[0127] The freezer duct (125) may be provided at the rear side of the freezer (12). The refrigerator duct (200) may be provided at the rear side of the refrigerator (11).

[0128] Cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be sucked into the interior of the freezer duct (125) by the evaporator fan (80). The cold air sucked into the interior of the freezer duct (125) can be discharged into the freezer (12) through the cold air discharge port (not shown) formed on the front side of the freezer (12).

[0129] Additionally, cold air sucked into the interior of the freezer duct (125) can be guided to the internal flow path of the refrigerator duct (200) (see FIG. 8). That is, the refrigerator duct (200) can be arranged to receive cold air from the flue duct (150).

[0130] A damper (160) may be provided in the freezer duct (125) to control the supply of cold air inside the freezer duct (125) to the refrigerator duct (200). For example, the damper (160) may control the flow of cold air flowing from the freezer duct (125) to the flue duct (150). A detailed description of the damper (160) will be described later.

[0131] A communication duct (150) may be provided between the freezer duct (125) and the refrigerator duct (200) to connect the freezer duct (125) and the refrigerator duct (200). In other words, the communication duct (150) may connect the refrigerator (11) and the freezer (12).

[0132] For example, cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be transferred from the freezer (12) to the refrigerator (11) through the flue duct (150). A detailed description of the flue duct (150) will be described later.

[0133] Cold air introduced into the internal path of the refrigerator duct (200) can be supplied to the refrigerator (11) through the cold air discharge port formed on the front of the refrigerator duct (200).

[0134] However, unlike the above embodiment, the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) may be supplied directly to the refrigerator duct (200) without passing through the freezer duct (125). In addition, it may also be assumed that a separate evaporator (3) is provided at the rear side of the refrigerator (11) and configured to supply cold air to the refrigerator duct (200).

[0135] In this way, since the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a thermoelectric cooling device (330) and a refrigeration cycle device for cooling the storage compartment (11, 12), a method for supplying cold air to the storage compartment (11, 12) may include a first method of supplying only cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (330), a second method of supplying only cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device, and a third method of supplying both cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (330) and cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device.

[0136] The refrigerator (1) can supply cold air to the storage compartment (11, 12) in an appropriate manner depending on external and internal conditions. For example, the refrigerator (1) can cool the storage compartment (11, 12) in one of the manners depending on the indoor temperature in which the refrigerator (1) is installed. That is, if the indoor temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature and cooling by a refrigeration cycle is more efficient than cooling by a thermoelectric cooling device (330), the storage compartment (11, 12) can be cooled only by the cold air generated by the refrigeration cycle device. Conversely, if the indoor temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature and cooling by a thermoelectric cooling device (330) is more efficient than cooling by a refrigeration cycle device, the storage compartment (11, 12) can be cooled only by the cold air generated by the thermoelectric cooling device (330).

[0137] The refrigerator (1) can operate only the thermoelectric cooling device (330) when noise reduction is required. When rapid cooling of the storage compartment (11, 12) is required, the refrigerator (1) can simultaneously supply cold air generated through the thermoelectric cooling device (330) and cold air generated through the refrigeration cycle device to the storage compartment (11, 12).

[0138] In this way, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1) may include a thermoelectric cooling device (330) and a refrigeration cycle device, but is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator (1) may include only a thermoelectric cooling device (330).

[0139] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an inner case, an outer case, and a connecting frame in a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an inner case, a flue duct, and a cooling duct in a refrigerator according to one embodiment, with the cover part separated. FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating components connected to the inner case in a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an enlarged view of the connection relationship between the refrigerator duct, the freezer duct, and the flue duct in FIG. 8, with the damper separated.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the inner case (100) may include a first inner case (110) forming a refrigerator compartment (11) and a second inner case (120) forming a freezer compartment (12).

[0141] The first inner case (110) may include a first inner case body (111) forming an outer shape, and a first opening (112, 113) formed to penetrate the first inner case body (111). Through the first opening (112, 113), the refrigerator compartment (11) may be communicated with the outside of the first inner case (110). For example, the first opening (112, 113) may be formed at the lower end of the rear side (-X side) of the first inner case (110). For example, the first opening (112, 113) may be formed to face the freezer compartment (12).

[0142] The first opening (112, 113) may include a first left opening (112) formed to communicate with a first duct cover hole (221, described later), and a first right opening (113) formed to communicate with a second duct cover hole (222, described later).

[0143] The second inner case (120) may include a second inner case body (121) forming an outer shape and a second opening (122, 123) formed to penetrate the second inner case body (121). Through the second opening (122, 123), the freezer (12) may be connected to the outside of the second inner case (120).

[0144] For example, the second opening (122, 123) may be formed at the upper rear side of the second inner case (120). For example, the second opening (122, 123) may be formed to face the refrigerator compartment (11).

[0145] The second opening (122, 123) may include a second left opening (122) formed to communicate with a first damping hole (162a, described later), and a second right opening (123) formed to communicate with a second damping hole (163a, described later).

[0146] A freezer duct (125) may be installed at the rear side of the freezer (12). The freezer duct (125) may include a freezer duct body (126) that forms the outer shape of the freezer duct (125), and a freezer duct cover (127) that is provided to be coupled with the freezer duct body (126). A space formed by the freezer duct body (126) and the freezer duct cover (127) being coupled may be defined as a freezer duct passage (128).

[0147] For example, the evaporator (3) may be positioned at the rear of the freezer duct cover (127). For example, the evaporator fan (80) may be positioned on the freezer duct passage (128). When the evaporator fan (80) operates, air may be drawn from the rear of the freezer duct cover (127) toward the freezer duct passage (128). In this process, the air may pass through the evaporator (3), thereby being cooled to generate cold air.

[0148] A refrigerator duct (200) may be installed at the rear side of a refrigerator (11). The refrigerator duct (200) may include a refrigerator duct body (230) forming an outer shape, and a refrigerator duct cover (220) that can be combined with the refrigerator duct body (230). The refrigerator duct cover (220) may include a duct cover body (223) forming an outer shape of the refrigerator duct cover (220).

[0149] The refrigerator duct body (230) and the refrigerator duct cover (220) can be combined to form internal passages (241, 242). In the internal passages, cold air generated in the evaporator (3) can be transmitted and flowed. The internal passages (241, 242) can include a first internal passage (241) formed to allow cold air to flow, and a second internal passage (242) other than the first internal passage (241).

[0150] For example, the first internal flow path (241) may be formed to guide a portion of the cold air flowing through the refrigerator duct (200) to the first refrigerated space (142). For example, the second internal flow path (242) may be formed to guide another portion of the cold air flowing through the refrigerator duct (200) to the second refrigerated space (13).

[0151] For example, the first internal passage (241) may include a first cold air intake port (241a) that is open downward and receives cold air from the freezer duct (125). For example, the second internal passage (242) may include a second cold air intake port (242a) that is open downward (-Z direction) and receives cold air from the freezer duct (125). A detailed description of the internal passages will be provided below.

[0152] For example, the cooling duct (900) may be coupled to the upper side of the refrigerator duct body (230). For example, cold air generated in the thermoelectric cooling device (330) described above may flow to the refrigerator duct (200) through the cooling duct (900).

[0153] As described above, the communication duct (150) may be installed to communicate the freezer (12) and the refrigerator (11). For example, the communication duct (150) may be positioned between the first inner case (110) and the second inner case (120).

[0154] More specifically, the flue duct (150) can be arranged to connect the freezer duct (125) and the refrigerator duct (200) to each other.

[0155] The communication duct (150) may include a base portion (151) arranged to connect the first inner case (110) and the second inner case (120), and a cover portion (154) arranged to be coupled with the base portion (151). The cover portion (154) may include a partition wall (155) formed to partition a space formed by the base portion (151) and the cover portion (154) when coupled with the base portion (151).

[0156] When the base part (151) and the cover part (154) are combined, the internal space partitioned by the partition wall (155) can be defined as a first flow path (152) and a second flow path (153), respectively. For example, the first flow path (152) can be a space on the left side (+Y side) of the internal space, and the second flow path (153) can be a space on the right side (-Y side) of the internal space, but is not limited thereto.

[0157] The first flow path (152) may be formed to extend in the vertical direction (+-Z direction). Cold air may flow in the first flow path (152). The first flow path (152) may include a first flow path inlet (152a) formed at one end facing the freezer (12) and opening downward (-Z direction).

[0158] For example, the first flow inlet (152a) may be connected to the freezer duct (125). Accordingly, a portion of the cold air generated from the steam (3) installed in the freezer duct (125) may flow on the freezer duct duct (128) and flow into the first flow inlet (152a).

[0159] The first flow path (152) may include a first flow path outlet (152b) formed at one end facing the refrigerator compartment (11) and open upward. The first flow path outlet (152b) may be connected to the first cold air intake port (241a) of the first internal flow path (241) described above. Accordingly, a portion of the cold air introduced into the first flow path inlet port (152a) may be discharged to the first flow path outlet (152b) and then sucked into the first cold air intake port (241a). Through this, a portion of the cold air may flow on the first internal flow path (241).

[0160] The second flow path (153) may be formed to extend vertically. For example, the second flow path (153) may be positioned adjacent to the first flow path (152). For example, the second flow path (153) may be positioned to the right of the first flow path (152), but is not limited thereto.

[0161] In the second flow path (153), cold air can flow. The second flow path (153) may include a second flow path inlet (153a) formed at one end facing the freezer (12) and opening downward.

[0162] For example, the second flow inlet (153a) may be connected to the freezer duct (125). Accordingly, another portion of the cold air generated in the evaporator (3) installed in the freezer duct (125) may flow along the freezer duct duct (128) and be introduced into the second flow inlet (153a).

[0163] The second flow path (153) may include a second flow path outlet (153b) formed at one end facing the refrigerator compartment (11) and open upward. The second flow path outlet (153b) may be in communication with the second cold air intake (242a) of the second internal flow path (242) described above. Accordingly, another portion of the cold air introduced into the second flow path inlet (153a) may be discharged to the second flow path outlet (153b) and then sucked into the second cold air intake (242a). Through this, another portion of the cold air may flow on the second internal flow path (242).

[0164] A damper (160) may be installed inside the freezer duct (125). For example, the damper (160) may be installed between the flue duct (150) and the evaporator (3).

[0165] The damper (160) may include a damper body (161) forming an outer shape, a first damping hole (162a) formed on one side of the damper body (161) and provided to allow cold air to pass through, and a second damping hole (163a) partitioned from the first damping hole (162a). The damper (160) may include a first damping cover (162b) provided to open and close the first damping hole (162a), and a second damping cover (163b) provided to open and close the second damping hole (163a).

[0166] For example, the damper (160) may include a first damping part (162) including a first damping hole (162a) and a first damping cover (162b), and a second damping part (163) including a second damping hole (163a) and a second damping cover (163b).

[0167] The first damping cover (162b) and the second damping cover (163b) may be provided to be independently operable. In other words, the damper (160) may be controlled such that the first damping cover (162b) closes the first damping hole (162a) and the second damping cover (163b) opens the second damping hole (163a). The damper (160) may be controlled such that the first damping cover (162b) opens the first damping hole (162a) and the second damping cover (163b) closes the second damping hole (163a). The damper (160) can be controlled so that the first damping cover (162b) closes the first damping hole (162a) and the second damping cover (163b) closes the second damping hole (163a). The damper (160) can be controlled so that the first damping cover (162b) opens the first damping hole (162a) and the second damping cover (163b) opens the second damping hole (163a). The damper (160) can be electrically connected to the control unit (91) (see FIG. 11) and controlled by the control unit (91).

[0168] For example, the damper (160) may be arranged so that the first damping hole (162a) communicates with the first flow inlet (152a) of the communication duct (150). For example, the damper (160) may be arranged so that the second damping hole (163a) communicates with the second flow inlet (153a) of the communication duct (150). As described above, the first damping hole (162a) communicates with the first flow inlet (152a), and the second damping hole (163a) communicates with the second flow inlet (153a), so that the damper (160) can control the supply of cold air flowing to the first flow inlet (152) and the second flow inlet (153).

[0169] For example, when the first damping cover (162b) closes the first damping hole (162a), cold air generated in the evaporator (3) may not pass through the first damping hole (162a). Therefore, the cold air may not flow to the first flow path (152) connected to the first damping hole (162a) and may not be supplied to the first internal flow path (241). Since the cold air cannot be supplied to the first internal flow path (241), the cold air cannot be discharged to the first refrigerated space (142), and the first refrigerated space (142) may not be cooled.

[0170] For example, when the second damping cover (163b) closes the second damping hole (163a), cold air generated in the evaporator (3) may not pass through the second damping hole (163a). Therefore, the cold air may not flow to the second flow path (153) connected to the second damping hole (163a) and may not be supplied to the second internal flow path (242). Since the cold air is not supplied to the second internal flow path (242), the cold air may not be discharged to the second refrigerated space (13).

[0171] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator duct, a freezer duct, and a flue duct in a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a control block diagram illustrating a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart relating to a control method of the refrigerator according to FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a flowchart relating to a control method of the refrigerator according to FIG. 10.

[0172] The following describes the process of cold air flowing through a refrigerator duct according to one embodiment. Any description of any content that overlaps with the above description will be omitted.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 13, the refrigerator duct (200) may include a cold air discharge port formed to penetrate the refrigerator duct body (230) and to connect the internal passage and the refrigerator (11).

[0174] For example, the cold air discharge port may include a first cold air discharge port (252) formed to communicate with the first refrigerated space (142), and a second cold air discharge port (231) formed to communicate with the second refrigerated space (13).

[0175] In the city, the first cold air discharge port (252) is formed at the lower left side (+Y side) of the refrigerator duct body (230), and the second cold air discharge port (231) is formed at the upper side of the refrigerator duct body (230), but this is not limited thereto.

[0176] The first cold air discharge port (252) may be formed to discharge cold air (F1) that is sucked in through the first cold air intake port (241a) and flows on the first internal passage (241) into the first refrigerated space (142). In other words, the first internal passage (241) may be formed to connect the first cold air intake port (241a) and the first cold air discharge port (252).

[0177] The second cold air discharge port (231) may be formed to discharge cold air (F21, F22) that is sucked in through the second cold air intake port (242a) and flows on the second internal passage (242) to the second refrigerated space (13). In other words, the second internal passage (242) may be formed to connect the second cold air intake port (242a) and the second cold air discharge port (231).

[0178] For example, the second cold air discharge port (231) may include a plurality of second cold air discharge ports (231). For example, some of the plurality of second cold air discharge ports (231) may be formed at the upper left side of the refrigerator duct body (230), and other some of the plurality of second cold air discharge ports (231) may be formed at the upper right side of the refrigerator duct body (230).

[0179] The second internal flow path (242) may include a first branch flow path (2421) branched to communicate with some of the plurality of second cold air discharge ports (231), and a second branch flow path (2422) formed to be partitioned from the first branch flow path (2421) and communicate with other some of the plurality of second cold air discharge ports (231). Since the second internal flow path (242) branches into the first branch flow path (2421) and the second branch flow path (2422), cold air sprayed into the second refrigerated space (13) can flow more uniformly into the second refrigerated space (13), thereby cooling the second refrigerated space (13) more effectively.

[0180] For example, the first internal flow path (241) and the second internal flow path (242) can be formed to be separated from each other.

[0181] For example, a refrigerator (1) may include a first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) provided to sense the temperature of a first refrigerated space (142), a second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) provided to sense the temperature of a second refrigerated space (13), a refrigerated compartment opening / closing detection sensor (94) provided to detect the operation of the first door (21) and the second door (22) that open / close the refrigerated compartment (11), and a status setting panel (95) provided to enable a user to set the temperature of the storage compartment (11, 12).

[0182] For example, a refrigerator (1) may include a control unit (91). The control unit (91) may be electrically connected to a first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) and may receive the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) sensed by the first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92). The control unit (91) may be electrically connected to a second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) and may receive the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) sensed by the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93). The control unit (91) may be electrically connected to a refrigerated compartment open / close detection sensor (94) and may receive information on whether the refrigerated compartment (11) is open / closed as sensed by the refrigerated compartment open / close detection sensor (94). The control unit (91) may be electrically connected to a status setting panel (95) and may sense information on the temperature of the storage compartment (11, 12) set by the user.

[0183] The control unit (91) is electrically connected to the damper (160) and can control the movements of the first damping cover (162b) and the second damping cover (163b). In other words, the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the first damping cover (162b) opens and closes the first damping hole (162a). In addition, the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the second damping cover (163b) opens and closes the second damping hole (163a).

[0184] Below, the process of controlling the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) and the second refrigerated space (13) by controlling the damper (160) by the control unit (91) is specifically examined.

[0185] For example, a user can set the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) and the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) through the status setting panel (95). The temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) designated by the user can be defined as the first designated temperature, and the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) designated by the user can be defined as the second designated temperature. The control unit (91) can receive information about the first designated temperature and the second designated temperature. The first designated temperature and the second designated temperature can be set in various ways to suit the storage of items stored in the storage rooms (11, 12).

[0186] The first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) can sense the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) (1010). The control unit (91) can receive the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) sensed by the first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92).

[0187] When the temperature of the sensed first refrigerated space (142) is 1℃ or higher than the first designated temperature (1020), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the first damping cover (162b) opens the first damping hole (162a) (1030). When the first damping cover (162b) opens the first damping hole (162a), the cold air of the freezer duct (125) can flow into the first internal passage (241) of the refrigerator duct (200) through the first passage (152) of the communication duct (150).

[0188] The cold air flowing through the first internal passage (241) can be discharged to the first refrigerated space (142) through the first cold air discharge port (252) to cool the first refrigerated space (142).

[0189] Thereafter, the first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) can sense the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) again (1040). When the first refrigerated space (142) is cooled and the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) sensed by the first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) is 1°C or lower than the first designated temperature (1050), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the first damping cover (162b) closes the first damping hole (162a) (1060).

[0190] The second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) can sense the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) (2010). The control unit (91) can receive the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) sensed by the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93).

[0191] When the sensed temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) is 2℃ or higher than the second designated temperature (2020), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the second damping cover (163b) opens the second damping hole (163a) (2030). When the second damping cover (163b) opens the second damping hole (163a), cold air in the freezer duct (125) can flow into the second internal passage (242) of the refrigerator duct (200) through the second passage (153) of the communication duct (150). The cold air flowing into the second internal passage (242) can be discharged into the second refrigerated space (13) through the second cold air discharge port (231), thereby cooling the second refrigerated space (13).

[0192] Thereafter, the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) can sense the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) again (2040). When the second refrigerated space (13) is cooled and the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) sensed by the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) is the second designated temperature (2050), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the second damping cover (163b) closes the second damping hole (163a) (2060).

[0193] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator duct, a freezer duct, and a flue duct in a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0194] The following describes the process of cold air flowing through a refrigerator duct according to one embodiment. Any description of any content that overlaps with the above description will be omitted.

[0195] Referring to FIGS. 14 to 17, the refrigerator duct (400) may include a bypass duct (460) that connects the first internal duct (441) and the second internal duct (442).

[0196] The bypass flow path (460) may include a bypass inlet (460a) communicating with the first internal flow path (441) to receive a portion of the cold air flowing in the first internal flow path (441), and a bypass outlet (460b) communicating with the second internal flow path (442) to transfer a portion of the cold air flowing into the bypass inlet (460a) to the second internal flow path (442).

[0197] In the city, the bypass outlet (460b) is shown as being connected to the first branch outlet (4421) of the second internal flow path (442), but it is also conceivable that the bypass outlet (460b) is connected to the second branch outlet (4422) of the second internal flow path (442).

[0198] A portion of the cold air (F42) introduced into the first internal passage (441) can flow into the second internal passage (442) through the bypass passage (460). Therefore, even if the first damping hole (162a) is open and the second damping hole (163a) is closed and the cold air in the freezer duct (125) cannot flow into the second passage (153), a portion of the cold air (F42) introduced into the first internal passage (441) can flow into the second internal passage (442) and be discharged through the second cold air discharge port (431), so that the second refrigerated space (13) can be cooled.

[0199] Below, we will examine in detail the process by which the damper is controlled when the outside air temperature of the refrigerator is 34℃ or higher, when the refrigerator compartment open / close detection sensor detects that the refrigerator compartment is open, or when the refrigerator is operated for the first time.

[0200] For example, when the above situation occurs, the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) can sense the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) (3010).

[0201] When the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) received by the control unit (91) is 2℃ or higher than the second designated temperature (3020), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the first damping cover (162b) opens the first damping hole (162a) and the second damping cover (163b) opens the second damping hole (163a) (3030). Through this, the cold air of the freezer duct (125) can flow to the first refrigerated space (142) and the second refrigerated space (13), thereby cooling the first refrigerated space (142) and the second refrigerated space (13).

[0202] Thereafter, the first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) can sense the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) (3140), and when the sensed temperature is sensed to be 1°C or lower than the first designated temperature (3150), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the first damping cover (162b) closes the first damping hole (162a) (3160). And again, the first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) can sense the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) (3170), and when the sensed temperature is 1°C or higher than the first designated temperature (3180), the first damping cover (162b) can control the damper (160) so that the first damping hole (162a) opens (3190).

[0203] Meanwhile, when the control unit (91) controls the damper (160) so that the first damping cover (162b) opens the first damping hole (162a) and the second damping cover (163b) opens the second damping hole (163a) (3030), the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) can sense the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) (3240). When the sensed temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) satisfies the second designated temperature (3250), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the second damping cover (163b) closes the second damping hole (163a) (3260).

[0204] Below, the process of controlling the damper (160) when the purpose of the first refrigerated space (142) entered in the status setting panel (95) is for storing meat, fish, or kimchi is examined in detail.

[0205] For example, if the purpose setting of the first refrigerated space (142) input into the status setting panel (95) received by the control unit (91) is for storing meat, fish, or kimchi (4010), the first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) can sense the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) (4020).

[0206] When the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) sensed by the first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) is higher than the temperature for storing meat, fish, or kimchi (4030), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the first damping cover (162b) opens the first damping hole (162a) (4040).

[0207] Thereafter, the first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) can sense the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) again (4050), and if the sensed temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) is a temperature for storing meat, fish, or kimchi (4060), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the first damping cover (162b) closes the first damping hole (162a) (4070).

[0208] Thereafter, the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) can sense the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) (4080), and when the sensed temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) is higher than the second designated temperature (4090), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the second damping cover (163b) opens the second damping hole (163a) (4100).

[0209] Below, the process of controlling the damper (160) when the purpose of the first refrigerated space (142) entered in the status setting panel (95) is for storing fruits or vegetables is examined in detail.

[0210] For example, if the items stored in the first refrigerated space (142) are fruits or vegetables, cold air may not be supplied separately to the first refrigerated space (142). This may be because the temperature for storing the fruits or vegetables may be satisfied to the extent that the first refrigerated space (142) is indirectly cooled due to its proximity to the second refrigerated space (13).

[0211] When the purpose of the first refrigerated space (142) input into the status setting panel (95) recognized by the control unit (91) is for storing fruits or vegetables (5010), the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) can sense the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) (5020).

[0212] When the temperature of the sensed second refrigerated space (13) is higher than the second designated temperature (5030), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the second damping cover (163b) opens the second damping hole (163a) (5040).

[0213] Thereafter, the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) can sense the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) again (5050), and when the sensed temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) is the second designated temperature (5060), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the second damping cover (163b) closes the second damping hole (163a) (5070).

[0214] Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator duct, a freezer duct, and a flue duct in a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 19 is a flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 20 is a flowchart of a control method for a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Below, descriptions of content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted.

[0215] Below, the process of controlling the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) and the second refrigerated space (13) by controlling the damper (160) and the sub-damper (570, described later) by the control unit (91) is specifically examined.

[0216] Referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the refrigerator duct (500) may further include a third internal passage (560) configured to receive cold air generated from the cooling device (330). For example, the cooling device (330) may be installed at the top of the refrigerator duct (500).

[0217] The refrigerator duct (500) may include a third cold air intake port (531) that communicates with the cooling device (330). For example, the third cold air intake port (531) may be formed to penetrate the refrigerator duct body (530). For example, the third cold air intake port (531) may be formed at the upper left side (+X side) of the refrigerator duct body (530).

[0218] For example, the internal space of the cooling device (330) where cold air is generated may be arranged to be connected to the third cold air intake port (531).

[0219] The refrigerator duct (500) may include a third internal passage (560) connecting the third cold air intake (531) and the first cold air exhaust (552). The third internal passage (560) may guide cold air sucked from the cooling device (330) through the third cold air intake (531) to the first cold air exhaust (552).

[0220] For example, a sub-damper (570) may be installed on the third internal passage (560) to control the flow of cold air flowing in the third internal passage (560). The sub-damper (570) may be electrically connected to the control unit (91) and controlled to open and close. More specifically, the sub-damper (570) may include a sub-damping hole (not shown) through which cold air passes and a sub-damping cover (not shown) provided to open and close the sub-damping hole.

[0221] For example, the third internal passage (560) may be connected to the first internal passage (541). Both the cold air (F52) flowing on the first internal passage (541) and the cold air (F51) flowing on the third internal passage (560) may be discharged to the first refrigerated space (142) through the first cold air discharge port (552).

[0222] For example, the first internal flow path (541) and the second internal flow path (542) can be formed to be partitioned.

[0223] The first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) can sense the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) (6010). If the sensed temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) is 1℃ or higher than the first designated temperature (6020), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the first damping cover (162b) opens the first damping hole (162a), and can control the sub-damper (570) so that the sub-damping cover opens the sub-damping hole (6030).

[0224] Thereafter, the first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) can sense the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) again (6040), and if the sensed temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) is 1℃ lower than the first designated temperature (6050), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the first damping cover (162b) closes the first damping hole (162a), and can control the sub-damper (570) so that the sub-damping cover closes the sub-damping hole (6060).

[0225] For example, the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) can sense the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) (7010). If the sensed temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) is 2°C or higher than the second designated temperature (7020), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the second damping cover (163b) opens the second damping hole (163a) (7030).

[0226] Thereafter, the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) can sense the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) again (7040), and when the sensed temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) is the second designated temperature (7050), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the second damping cover (163b) closes the second damping hole (163a) (7060).

[0227] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional drawing of a refrigerator duct, a freezer duct, and a flue duct in a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 22 is a flowchart relating to a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 23 is a flowchart relating to a control method of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0228] Below, explanations of content that overlap with the above explanations are omitted.

[0229] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, the refrigerator duct (700) may include a first internal passage (741) and a second internal passage (742) communicating with the first internal passage (741). The first internal passage (741) and the second internal passage (742) may communicate with a second cold air discharge port (732) communicating with the second refrigerated space (13).

[0230] The refrigerator duct (700) may include a first cold air discharge port (752) formed to communicate with the first refrigerated space (142) and a third cold air intake port (731) formed to communicate with the cooling device (330).

[0231] The third cold air intake (731) and the first cold air outlet (752) may be connected to each other. In other words, the refrigerator duct (700) may include a third internal flow path (760) connecting the third cold air intake (731) and the first cold air outlet (752).

[0232] The first flow path (152) and the second flow path (153) of the duct (150) can both be connected to the first internal flow path (741) and the second internal flow path (742). More specifically, cold air introduced from the freezer duct (125) into the first flow path (152) and the second flow path (153) can be discharged to the second refrigerated space (13) via the first internal flow path (741) and the second internal flow path (742).

[0233] The cold air flowing into the third internal passage (760) through the third cold air intake (731) can be discharged through the first cold air discharge (752) to cool the first refrigerated space (142).

[0234] For example, the first internal flow path (741) and the third internal flow path (760) may be separated from each other. For example, the second internal flow path (742) and the third internal flow path (760) may be separated from each other.

[0235] A sub-damper (770) may be installed in the third internal passage (760) to control the flow of cold air flowing in the third internal passage (760). The sub-damper (770) may be electrically connected to the control unit (91) and may be configured to be openable and closable to control the flow of cold air.

[0236] For example, the first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) can sense the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) (8010).

[0237] When the temperature of the sensed first refrigerated space (142) is 1℃ or higher than the first designated temperature (8020), the control unit (91) can control the sub-damper (770) so that the sub-damping cover opens the sub-damping hole (8030).

[0238] Thereafter, the first refrigerated space temperature sensor (92) can sense the temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) (8040). If the sensed temperature of the first refrigerated space (142) is 1°C lower than the first designated temperature (8050), the control unit (91) can control the sub-damper (770) so that the sub-damping cover closes the sub-damping hole (8060).

[0239] For example, the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) can sense the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) (9010).

[0240] When the temperature of the sensed second refrigerated space (13) is 2℃ or higher than the second designated temperature (9020), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the first damping cover (162b) opens the first damping hole (162a) and the second damping cover (163b) opens the second damping hole (163a) (9030).

[0241] Thereafter, the second refrigerated space temperature sensor (93) can sense the temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) again (9040), and when the sensed temperature of the second refrigerated space (13) is the second designated temperature (9050), the control unit (91) can control the damper (160) so that the first damping cover (162b) closes the first damping hole (162a) and the second damping cover (163b) closes the second damping hole (163a) (9060).

[0242] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment includes an inner case (100) forming a refrigerating chamber (11) and a freezer chamber (12). The refrigerator (1) includes an evaporator (3) that is provided to generate cold air and is installed at the rear side of the freezer chamber (12). The refrigerator (1) includes a communication duct (150) that connects the refrigerating chamber (11) and the freezer chamber (12) to transmit cold air generated by the evaporator (3) to the refrigerating chamber (11), and includes a first passage (152) and a second passage (153) partitioned from the first passage (152). The refrigerator (1) includes a refrigerator duct (200) which is installed in the refrigerator compartment (11) and is provided to receive cold air from the flue duct (150), and which includes a first internal passage (241) provided to guide cold air of the first passage (152) to a first refrigerating space (142) which is a part of the refrigerator compartment (11), and a second internal passage (242) provided to guide cold air of the second passage (153) to a second refrigerating space (13) which is another part of the refrigerator compartment (11). The refrigerator (1) includes a damper (160) which has a first damping cover (162b) provided to control the supply of cold air to the first internal passage (241), and a second damping cover (163b) provided to control the supply of cold air to the second internal passage (242).

[0243] The inner case (100) may include a first inner case body (111) forming the refrigerating chamber (11), and a first inner case (110) including a first opening (112, 113) formed to penetrate the first inner case body (111). The inner case (100) may include a second inner case body (121) forming the freezing chamber (12), and a second inner case (120) including a second opening (122, 123) formed to penetrate the second inner case body (121). The communication duct (150) may be arranged such that the first flow path (152) and the second flow path (153) communicate with the first opening (112, 113) and the second opening (122, 123), respectively.

[0244] The above-mentioned communication duct (150) may include a base portion (151) arranged to connect the first inner case (110) and the second inner case (120). The above-mentioned communication duct (150) may include a cover portion (154) arranged to be coupled with the base portion (151) and having a partition wall (155) that partitions the first flow path (152) and the second flow path (153).

[0245] The above damper (160) can be installed between the above flue duct (150) and the above evaporator (3).

[0246] The first internal flow path (241) is in communication with the first flow path (152), the second internal flow path (242) is in communication with the second flow path (153), and the damper (160) may further include a first damping hole (162a) that is in communication with the first flow path inlet (152a) of the first flow path (152) toward the freezing chamber (12) and is provided to be opened and closed by the first damping cover (162b), and a second damping hole (163a) that is in communication with the second flow path inlet (153a) of the second flow path (153) toward the freezing chamber (12) and is provided to be opened and closed by the second damping cover (163b).

[0247] The first internal flow path (241) may include a first cold air intake port (241a) that communicates with a first flow path outlet (152b) of a first flow path (152) that faces the refrigerator compartment (11). The second internal flow path (242) may include a second cold air intake port (242a) that communicates with a second flow path outlet (153b) of a second flow path (153) that faces the refrigerator compartment (11).

[0248] The above refrigerator duct (200) may include a first cold air discharge port (252) formed to discharge cold air of the first internal passage (241) to the first refrigerated space (142). The above refrigerator duct (200) may include a second cold air discharge port (231) formed to discharge cold air of the second internal passage (242) to the second refrigerated space (13).

[0249] The first internal flow path (241) may be formed to connect the first cold air intake port (241a) and the first cold air discharge port (252). The second internal flow path (242) may be formed to connect the second cold air intake port (242a) and the second cold air discharge port (231).

[0250] The first internal passage (241) and the second internal passage (242) can be formed to be separated from each other.

[0251] The above refrigerator duct (200) may include a bypass passage (460) that connects the first internal passage (241) and the second internal passage (242).

[0252] The bypass flow path (460) may include a bypass inlet (460a) that communicates with the first internal flow path (241) to receive a portion of the cold air flowing in the first internal flow path (241). The bypass flow path (460) may include a bypass outlet (460b) that communicates with the second internal flow path (242) to transfer a portion of the cold air flowing into the bypass inlet (460a) to the second internal flow path (242).

[0253] The refrigerator may further include a cooling device (330) that is provided to generate cold air and is installed in the refrigerating chamber (11). The refrigerating chamber duct (200) may further include a third cold air intake port that is connected to the cooling device (330) to receive cold air generated in the cooling device (330), and a third internal passage that connects the third cold air intake port and the first cold air outlet (252) to guide cold air introduced into the third cold air intake port to the first cold air outlet (252).

[0254] The refrigerator may further include a sub-damper (570) installed on the third internal passage and configured to be openable to control the flow of cold air in the third internal passage.

[0255] The third internal passage and the first internal passage (241) can be formed to be in communication with each other.

[0256] The above cooling device (330) may include a Peltier element configured to generate cold air.

[0257] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment includes an inner case (100) forming a refrigerating chamber (11) and a freezer chamber (12), an evaporator (3) provided to generate cold air and installed at the rear side of the freezer chamber (12), and a fan provided to generate a flow of cold air. The refrigerator (1) includes a first passage (152) that connects the refrigerating chamber (11) and the freezer chamber (12) to transmit cold air generated by the evaporator (3) to the refrigerating chamber (11), and provides a flow of cold air, and a communication duct (150) that includes a second passage (153) partitioned from the first passage (152). The refrigerator (1) includes a refrigerator duct (200) which is installed in a refrigerator compartment (11) and communicates with the communication duct (150) to receive cold air from the communication duct (150), and includes a first internal flow path (241) which is connected to the first flow path (152) and is provided to guide a part of the cold air to a first refrigerated space (142) which is a part of the refrigerator compartment (11), and a second internal flow path (242) which is connected to the second flow path (153) and is provided to guide another part of the cold air to a second refrigerated space (13) which is another part of the refrigerator compartment (11). The refrigerator (1) includes a damper (160) which is provided to open and close the first passage (152) and the second passage (153) respectively to control the flow of cold air flowing in the first internal passage (241) and the second internal passage (242).

[0258] The above damper (160) may include a first damping hole (162a) communicating with the first flow path (152), a first damping cover (162b) provided to open and close the first damping hole (162a), a second damping hole (163a) communicating with the second flow path (153), and a second damping cover (163b) provided to open and close the second damping hole (163a).

[0259] The above refrigerator duct (200) may include a bypass passage (460) that connects the first internal passage (241) and the second internal passage (242).

[0260] The refrigerator may further include a cooling device (330) that is provided to generate cold air and is installed in the refrigerating chamber (11). The refrigerating chamber duct (200) may further include a third cold air intake port that is connected to the cooling device (330) to receive cold air generated by the cooling device (330) and a third internal passage that is connected to the first internal passage (241) to allow cold air introduced through the third cold air intake port to flow into the first refrigerating space (142).

[0261] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment includes an inner case (100) forming a refrigerating chamber (11) in which a storage case (140) is placed and a freezer chamber (12) partitioned from the refrigerating chamber (11), and an evaporator (3) provided to generate cold air and installed at the rear side of the freezer chamber (12). The refrigerator (1) includes a first flow path (152) provided to allow cold air to flow and a second flow path (153) partitioned from the first flow path (152), and includes a communication duct (150) connecting the refrigerating chamber (11) and the freezer chamber (12). The refrigerator (1) includes a refrigerator duct (200) installed in the refrigerator compartment (11) and communicating with the communication duct (150), including a first internal passage (241) that is provided to communicate with the first passage (152) and receive a portion of the cold air and guide it into the interior of the storage case (140), and a second internal passage (242) that is provided to communicate with the second passage (153) and receive another portion of the cold air and guide it into a space other than the storage case (140) of the refrigerator compartment (11). The refrigerator (1) includes a damper (160) that is provided to open and close the first passage (152) and the second passage (153), respectively.

[0262] According to the concept of the present disclosure, since the duct is configured to connect the freezer and the refrigerator, the cold air in the freezer can flow into the refrigerator, thereby cooling the refrigerator.

[0263] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, a damper can be provided to control the flow of cold air flowing in the first internal passage and the second internal passage, so that the temperatures of the first refrigerated space and the second refrigerated space can be set differently.

[0264] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, since the damper is a damper having both a first damping hole and a second damping hole, the utilization of the internal space of the refrigerator can be increased compared to a case where a plurality of dampers are installed.

[0265] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0266] The above illustrates and describes specific embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and implementations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Inner compartment forming the refrigerator and freezer; An evaporator arranged to generate cold air and positioned at the rear of the freezer; A duct including a first passage through which cold air generated in the evaporator can flow and a second passage partitioned from the first passage and through which cold air generated in the evaporator can flow; A refrigerator duct including a first internal passage configured to supply cold air generated by the evaporator and flowing through the first passage and guide the cold air generated by the evaporator and flowing through the first passage to a first refrigerating space which is a part of the refrigerator, and a second internal passage configured to supply cold air generated by the evaporator and flowing through the second passage and guide the cold air generated by the evaporator and flowing through the second passage to a second refrigerating space which is another part of the refrigerator; and A refrigerator comprising: a damper having a first damping cover configured to control the supply of cold air to the first internal passage, and a second damping cover configured to control the supply of cold air to the second internal passage.

2. In paragraph 1, The above inner wound is, A first inner body forming the above refrigerator, and a first inner body including a first opening penetrating the first inner body, and A second inner body forming the above-mentioned freezer, and a second inner body including a second opening penetrating the second inner body, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned duct is configured such that the first duct and the second duct are respectively connected to the first opening and the second opening.

3. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned chimney duct, A base portion connecting the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and A refrigerator comprising a cover part coupled to the base part and having a partition wall defining the first euro and the second euro.

4. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the above damper is placed between the flue duct and the evaporator.

5. In paragraph 3, The above damper, A first damping hole that is connected to the first euro inlet of the first euro toward the above freezer and is configured to be opened and closed by the first damping cover, and A refrigerator further comprising a second damping hole configured to be connected to a second inlet of the second euro toward the freezer and to be opened and closed by the second damping cover.

6. In paragraph 1, The first internal flow path includes a first cold air intake configured to communicate with a first flow path outlet of the first flow path toward the refrigerator compartment, A refrigerator comprising a second cold air intake port configured to communicate with a second cold air outlet of the second internal passage facing the refrigerator compartment.

7. In paragraph 6, The above refrigerator duct, A first cold air discharge port configured to discharge cold air guided by the first internal passage into the first refrigerated space; and A refrigerator comprising a second cold air discharge port configured to discharge cold air guided by the second internal passage into the second refrigerated space.

8. In paragraph 7, The first internal passage is configured to connect the first cold air intake and the first cold air exhaust, A refrigerator wherein the second internal passage is configured to connect the second cold air intake port and the second cold air exhaust port.

9. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which the first internal passage and the second internal passage are separated from each other.

10. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator wherein the above refrigerator duct includes a bypass duct configured to connect the first internal duct and the second internal duct.

11. In paragraph 10, The above bypass euro is, A bypass inlet configured to communicate with the first internal passage to receive a portion of the cold air flowing in the first internal passage; A refrigerator including a bypass outlet configured to communicate with the second internal passage so as to transfer a portion of the cold air introduced into the bypass inlet to the second internal passage.

12. In paragraph 8, A cooling device arranged to generate cold air and disposed in the refrigerator; further comprising: The above refrigerator duct, A third cold air intake configured to communicate with the cooling device to receive cold air generated in the cooling device; and A refrigerator further comprising a third internal passage configured to connect the third cold air intake port and the first cold air outlet port so as to guide cold air introduced into the third cold air intake port to the first cold air outlet port.

13. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator further comprising a sub-damper disposed on the third internal passage and configured to be openable to control the flow of cold air in the third internal passage.

14. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator wherein the third internal passage and the first internal passage are configured to be connected to each other.

15. In paragraph 12, A refrigerator wherein the cooling device includes a Peltier element configured to generate cold air.

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