Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: an inner case forming a storage chamber; a drying chamber disposed inside the storage chamber and provided to have lower humidity than the humidity inside the storage chamber; an evaporator disposed inside the storage chamber; and a duct forming a flow path for guiding cold air generated in the evaporator to the drying chamber, and disposed at the rear side of the storage chamber. The duct comprises: a cover plate forming the rear surface of the storage compartment; a first flow path insulator provided to form the flow path and disposed behind the cover plate; a second flow path insulator coupled to the first flow path insulator to form the flow path with the first flow path insulator; and a rear cover provided to be coupled to the cover plate and adhering the first flow path insulator and the second flow path insulator to each other to block moisture from entering the inside of the flow path.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator including a drying room.

[0002] A refrigerator is a device that maintains food freshness by including a main body having a storage compartment and a cold air supply system that supplies cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment that maintains a temperature of approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius to refrigerate food, and a freezer compartment that maintains a temperature of approximately 0 to -30 degrees Celsius to freeze food.

[0003] To store a variety of foods within a refrigerator, a temperature-controlled room with a different internal temperature than the refrigerator may be provided within the refrigerator. For example, the temperature within the temperature-controlled room may be maintained lower than that within the refrigerator.

[0004] A temperature-controlled room may have a different internal temperature than a refrigerator, but its internal humidity may be similar to that of a refrigerator. To store foods that require low humidity, such as dried foods, a dry room with lower humidity than a refrigerator is required.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a drying room provided to have a lower humidity than a refrigerating room.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a drying room provided inside a refrigerator compartment by including a passage that blocks the inflow of moisture.

[0007] 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.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator includes an inner case forming a storage compartment, a drying room arranged inside the storage compartment and having a lower humidity than the humidity inside the storage compartment, an evaporator arranged inside the storage compartment, and a duct formed to guide cold air generated in the evaporator to the drying room, the duct being arranged at the rear side of the storage compartment. The duct includes a cover plate forming a rear side of the storage compartment, a first flow path insulation material arranged to form the flow path and arranged at the rear of the cover plate, a second flow path insulation material coupled to the first flow path insulation material and forming the flow path together with the first flow path insulation material, and a rear cover coupled to the cover plate and tightly bonding the first flow path insulation material and the second flow path insulation material to block moisture from entering the inside of the flow path.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator includes a main body, a first storage chamber formed inside the main body, a second storage chamber formed inside the main body and provided to have a lower temperature than the first storage chamber, a first evaporator disposed inside the first storage chamber, a second evaporator disposed inside the second storage chamber, a drying chamber disposed inside the first storage chamber and provided to have a lower humidity than the humidity inside the storage chamber, and a duct formed to guide cold air generated in the first evaporator to the drying chamber and provided at a rear side of the first storage chamber. The duct includes a cover plate forming the rear surface of the first storage room, a first channel insulation material arranged at the rear of the cover plate, a second channel insulation material that is coupled to the first channel insulation material to form the channel together with the first channel insulation material, and a rear cover that is coupled to the cover plate to form a receiving space, and is provided to compress the first channel insulation material and the second channel insulation material received in the receiving space together with the cover plate.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing a portion of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 is a drawing showing Figure 3 from a different angle.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a duct and an evaporator in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the duct and evaporator shown in Figure 5 from a different angle.

[0016] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the duct and evaporator illustrated in Figure 5.

[0017] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 6.

[0018] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section along A-A' of Fig. 6.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section along A-A' of Fig. 6.

[0020] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the interior of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Fig. 11.

[0022] Fig. 13 is a rear view of a duct in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0023] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Fig. 13.

[0024] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' of Fig. 13.

[0025] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E' of Fig. 13.

[0026] Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F' of Fig. 13.

[0027] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a compartment case, a drying room drawer and a cooling room drawer drawn out from the compartment case in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 19 is a drawing showing Figure 18 from a different angle.

[0029] Figure 20 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 21 is a flowchart of a process for supplying dry cold air to a drying room in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0031] 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 alternatives of the embodiments.

[0032] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] "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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0072] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0073] Hereinafter, refrigerators according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0074] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10) forming a storage compartment (20) and a door (30) provided to open and close the storage compartment (20).

[0076] The main body (10) may include an inner case (13a, 13b), an outer case (11) arranged on the outside of the inner case (13a, 13b), and an insulating material (12) provided between the inner case (13a, 13b) and the outer case.

[0077] The outer surface (11) can form the exterior of the main body (10). The outer surface (11) can be formed of a metal material, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] The inner chambers (13a, 13b) can form a storage chamber (20). The inner chambers (13a, 13b) can include a first inner chamber (13a) forming an upper storage chamber (21) and a second inner chamber (13b) forming a lower storage chamber (22, 23).

[0079] Insulation may be provided between the outer surface (11) and the inner surface (13a, 13b). For example, urethane foam insulation may be used as the insulation, and if necessary, a vacuum insulation panel may also be used.

[0080] The storage room (20) can be opened at the front to allow food to be taken in and out. The storage room (20) can include an upper storage room (21) and a lower storage room (22, 23).

[0081] The upper storage compartment (21) is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius and can be used as a refrigerator for refrigerated storage of food. Hereinafter, the upper storage compartment (21) may be referred to as a first storage compartment (21) or a refrigerator compartment (21).

[0082] The lower storage compartment (22, 23) can be used as a freezer to keep food frozen at approximately 0 to -30 degrees Celsius. According to one embodiment, the lower storage compartment (22, 23) may include a first lower storage compartment (22) and a second lower storage compartment (23). Alternatively, the lower storage compartment (22, 23) may not be divided like the upper storage compartment (21) and may be provided as a single storage compartment. Hereinafter, the lower storage compartment (22, 23) may be referred to as a second storage compartment (22, 23) or a freezer (22, 23).

[0083] The main body (10) may include a first partition wall (17) arranged between the first inner case (13a) and the second inner case (13b). The first partition wall (17) may partition the storage chamber (20) into an upper storage chamber (21) and lower storage chambers (22, 23). The first partition wall (17) may be provided horizontally to partition the storage chamber (20) vertically. The first partition wall (17) may include an insulating material therein to prevent heat exchange between the upper storage chamber (21) and the lower storage chambers (22, 23).

[0084] The main body (10) may further include a second partition wall (18) arranged inside the second inner case (13b). The second partition wall (18) may partition the lower storage chamber (22, 23) into a first lower storage chamber (22) and a second lower storage chamber (23). The second partition wall (18) may be vertically arranged to partition the lower storage chamber (22, 23) left and right.

[0085] A refrigerator (1) may include at least one door (30) configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment (20). The door (30) may include a first upper door (31) and a second upper door (32) configured to open and close an upper storage compartment (21). The door (30) may include a first lower door (33) and a second lower door (34) configured to open and close a lower storage compartment (22, 23).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first upper door (31) may include a first inner door (31a) and a first outer door (31b). The second upper door (32) may include a second inner door (32a) and a second outer door (32b).

[0087] The refrigerator (1) may include a shelf (25) provided in the storage room (20) to place food on.

[0088] A refrigerator (1) may include a storage box (50) provided to store food therein. The storage box (50) may include a first storage box (51) and a second storage box (52).

[0089] The refrigerator (1) may include a drying room drawer (210) and a cooling room drawer (220) provided inside the first storage room (21). The humidity inside the drying room drawer (210) may be maintained lower than the humidity of the first storage room (21). In addition, the temperature inside the drying room drawer (210) may be maintained lower than the temperature of the first storage room (21). The humidity inside the cooling room drawer (220) may be equal to or lower than the humidity of the first storage room (21). The temperature inside the cooling room drawer (220) may be equal to or lower than the temperature of the first storage room (21).

[0090] Referring to FIG. 2, the refrigerator (1) may include a first evaporator (41) disposed in a first storage compartment (21) and a second evaporator (42) disposed in a second storage compartment (22, 23). The first evaporator (41) may generate cold air supplied to the first storage compartment (21). The second evaporator (42) may generate cold air supplied to the second storage compartment (22, 23).

[0091] The refrigerator (1) may include a duct (100) arranged at the rear side of the first storage compartment (21). The first evaporator (41) may be arranged at the rear of the duct (100). The first evaporator (41) may be arranged between the first inner box (13a) and the duct (100). The duct (100) may form a passage (102) provided to guide cold air generated in the first evaporator (41) to the drying chamber (231). The duct (100) may be configured to prevent moisture outside the passage (102) from flowing into the passage (102). This will be described later.

[0092] The refrigerator (1) may include a first fan (43, Fig. 3) placed in the first storage compartment (21) and a second fan (44) placed in the second storage compartment (22, 23). The refrigerator (1) may include a compressor (45) arranged to compress a refrigerant.

[0093] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a portion of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 4 is a view illustrating Fig. 3 from a different angle. Hereinafter, the first fan (43) is referred to as a fan (43), and the first evaporator (41) is referred to as an evaporator (41).

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the refrigerator (1) may include an inner case (13a, 13b), a duct (100) disposed inside the first inner case (13a), and a compartment (200). The duct (100) may be disposed on the rear side of the first inner case (13a). The duct (100) may be disposed on the rear side of the first inner case (13a) to form the rear side of the first storage compartment (21).

[0095] The duct (100) may include a cover plate (110), a first-pass insulation material (120), a second-pass insulation material (130), and a rear cover (140).

[0096] The cover plate (110) can form the front of the duct (100). When the duct (100) is arranged on the rear side of the first inner case (13a), the cover plate (110) can form the rear side of the first storage chamber (21). The cover plate (110) can include a first cover plate hole (111) for discharging airflow generated by the fan (43) to the first storage chamber (21), and a second cover plate hole (112) for discharging airflow generated by the fan (43) to the drying chamber (231).

[0097] The first cover plate hole (111) may be formed adjacent to the top of the cover plate (110). The first cover plate hole (111) may be formed in the form of a slit extending left and right. However, the position and shape of the first cover plate hole (111) may be changed.

[0098] The second cover plate hole (112) may be formed adjacent to the lower end of the cover plate (110). The cover plate (110) may include a protrusion (113) provided on one side of the lower end of the cover plate (110) and protruding forward. The second cover plate hole (112) may be formed in the protrusion (113). The cover plate (110) may further include a recessed portion (114) formed on the rear side of the protrusion (113) and recessed forward to correspond to the protrusion (113).

[0099] The first flow insulator (120) may be positioned at the rear of the cover plate (110). The first flow insulator (120) may form a portion of the flow path (102). The first flow insulator (120) may include a first flow forming portion (121) in which a portion of the rear surface of the first flow insulator (120) is sunken to form a portion of the flow path (102).

[0100] The first channel insulation (120) may include an insulation hole (122) corresponding to the second cover plate hole (112) of the cover plate (110). The first channel insulation (120) may include an insulation protrusion (123) provided on one side of the lower portion of the first channel insulation (120) to correspond to the protrusion (113) of the cover plate (110). The insulation hole (122) may be formed in the insulation protrusion (123).

[0101] A damper (150) configured to open and close the flow path (102) may be installed in the first flow path insulation (120). The damper (150) may open or close one end of the flow path (102).

[0102] The second flow insulator (130) may form a portion of the flow path (102). The first flow insulator (120) may form a portion of the flow path (102), and the second flow insulator (130) may form the remaining portion of the flow path (102).

[0103] The second channel insulation (130) may be provided to be coupled to the first channel insulation (120). The second channel insulation (130) may be provided to cover the first channel forming portion (121) of the first channel insulation (120). The second channel insulation (130) may be coupled to the first channel insulation (120) to cover the first channel forming portion (121) of the first channel insulation (120). By coupling the second channel insulation (130) to the first channel insulation (120), the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) may form a channel (102). The second flow path insulation (130) may include a second flow path forming portion (131) that forms a flow path (102) together with the first flow path forming portion (121) of the first flow path insulation (120). The second flow path forming portion (131) may refer to a recessed portion formed on the front surface of the second flow path insulation (130).

[0104] The first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) may be formed of a material with excellent insulation performance to reduce heat transfer between the inside and outside of the channel (102). For example, the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) may be formed of expanded polystyrene (EPS).

[0105] The rear cover (140) may form the rear of the duct (100). The rear cover (140) may be arranged to be coupled to the cover plate (110). A fan (43) may be mounted on the rear cover (140). An evaporator (41) may be installed to be fixed on the rear of the rear cover (140).

[0106] The rear cover (140) may include a rear cover receiving portion (141) configured to receive the second channel insulation material (130). The rear cover receiving portion (141) may be formed such that at least a portion of the front surface of the rear cover (140) is recessed toward the rear. The rear cover receiving portion (141) may be formed to correspond to the shape of the second channel insulation material (130) so as to increase the contact area between the rear cover receiving portion (141) and the second channel insulation material (130).

[0107] When the rear cover (140) is coupled to the cover plate (110), an accommodation space can be formed between the cover plate (110) and the rear cover (140). The first channel insulation material (120) and the second channel insulation material (130) can be accommodated in the accommodation space by being placed between the cover plate (110) and the rear cover (140).

[0108] The rear cover (140) can be coupled to the cover plate (110) so as to bring the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) into close contact with each other. When the rear cover (140) is coupled to the cover plate (110), the cover plate (110) and the rear cover (140) can press the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) accommodated between the cover plate (110) and the rear cover (140) in the front-back direction. A detailed description thereof will be described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0109] The compartment (200) can be placed inside the first storage room (21). The compartment (200) can form a drying room (231) and a cooling room (232) separated from the first storage room (21) inside the first storage room (21).

[0110] The compartment (200) may include a compartment case (230) forming a drying room (231) and a cooling room (232), and a drying room drawer (210) and a cooling room drawer (220) that are provided to be withdrawable from the compartment case (230).

[0111] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a duct and an evaporator in a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating the duct and evaporator illustrated in FIG. 5 from a different angle. FIG. 7 is an exploded view illustrating the duct and evaporator illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 5, the duct (100) can discharge at least a portion of the airflow generated by the fan (43) into the first storage chamber (21) through the first cover plate hole (111) formed in the cover plate (110). As described above, the first cover plate hole (111) can be formed adjacent to the upper end of the cover plate (110) forming the front surface of the duct (100). Since the fan (43) is arranged adjacent to the upper end of the cover plate (110), the airflow generated by the fan (43) can be quickly and directly discharged into the first storage chamber (21) through the first cover plate hole (111).

[0113] The duct (100) may include a duct hole (101), which is a collective term for a second cover plate hole (112) formed in a cover plate (110) and an insulation hole (122) formed in a first flow path insulation material (120). Airflow moving along the flow path (102) may be discharged to the outside of the duct (100) through the duct hole (101). The duct hole (101) may be referred to as an outlet (101) of the flow path (102) or the other end of the flow path (102).

[0114] Referring to FIG. 6, an evaporator (41) may be mounted on the rear side of the duct (100). The evaporator (41) may be positioned on the central side of the rear side of the duct (100), and a fan (43) may be positioned above the evaporator (41). In one embodiment, the fan (43) may be configured to primarily draw in air from below the fan (43) and primarily discharge it laterally.

[0115] By the above arrangement and configuration of the fan (43), the cold air generated in the evaporator (41) flows into the fan (43), and the cold air flowing into the fan (43) can move to the first cover plate hole (111) and / or the flow path (102) together with the air current generated in the fan (43). When the damper (150) closes the flow path (102), the air current generated in the fan (43) can be discharged into the first storage room (21) through the first cover plate hole (111). When the damper (150) opens the flow path (102), a portion of the air current generated in the fan (43) can be discharged into the first storage room (21) through the first cover plate hole (111), and the remaining portion of the air current generated in the fan (43) can move along the flow path (102) and then be discharged into the drying room (231) through the duct hole (101).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 7, a damper (150) mounted on a first flow path insulation material (120) may include a damper cover (152) configured to open or close a flow path (102), and a driving motor (151) that provides a driving force to move the damper cover (152) to open the flow path (102) or to close the flow path (102). The damper cover (152) may open or close the flow path (102) by being rotated by the driving motor (151). The damper cover (152) may also open at least a portion of the flow path (102). The temperature and humidity of the drying room (231) may be controlled by controlling the degree to which the damper cover (152) opens the flow path (102).

[0117] One end of the flow path (102) that the damper cover (152) opens or closes can be referred to as the inlet (103, Fig. 2) of the flow path (102). The inlet (103) of the flow path (102) can be referred to as one end of the flow path (102).

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the duct (100) may include a plurality of holes for coupling the cover plate (110) and the rear cover (140) to each other, and grooves or holes corresponding to the plurality of holes. In addition, the duct (100) may include a protrusion or groove for being fixed to the first inner case (13a).

[0119] The cover plate (110) may include a first plate protrusion (115) that connects the cover plate (110) and the rear cover (140) by penetrating the first insulation material (110) and the rear cover (140), respectively. The cover plate (110) may include a second plate protrusion (116) for fixing the duct (100) to the rear side of the first inner case (13a). In addition, the cover plate (110) may include a first plate hole (117) into which a first cover protrusion (143) of the rear cover (140) to be described later is inserted, a second plate hole (118) into which a second cover protrusion (144) of the rear cover (140) to be described later is inserted, and a third plate hole (119) into which a third cover protrusion (145) of the rear cover (140) to be described later is inserted.

[0120] The rear cover (140) may include a cover hole (146) into which the first plate hole (115) of the cover plate (110) is inserted. In addition, the rear cover (140) may include a first cover protrusion (143) into which the first plate hole (117) of the cover plate (110) is inserted, a second cover protrusion (144) into which the second plate hole (118) of the cover plate (110) is inserted, and a third cover protrusion (145) into which the third plate hole (119) of the cover plate (110) is inserted.

[0121] The first plate hole (117), the second plate hole (118), and the third plate hole (119) may each be provided along the rear edge of the cover plate (110). For example, the first plate hole (117) may be provided on the rear side of the cover plate (110) adjacent to the side end of the cover plate (110), the second plate hole (118) may be provided on the rear side of the cover plate (110) adjacent to the top of the cover plate (110), and the third plate hole (119) may be provided on the rear side of the cover plate (110) adjacent to the bottom end of the cover plate (110).

[0122] The first cover protrusion (143) corresponding to the first plate hole (117) may protrude laterally from the side of the rear cover (140). The second cover protrusion (144) corresponding to the first plate hole (118) may protrude upwardly from the upper surface of the rear cover (140). The third cover protrusion (145) corresponding to the third plate hole (119) may protrude downwardly from the lower surface of the rear cover (140).

[0123] The cover plate (110) may include a plurality of first plate protrusions (115). The first flow insulator (120) may include a plurality of insertion holes (126) to correspond with the plurality of first plate protrusions (115). The rear cover (140) may include a plurality of cover holes (146) to correspond with the plurality of first plate protrusions (115).

[0124] In one embodiment, the first flow path insulation (120) may include a first surface (124) forming a first flow path forming portion (121) and a second surface (125). The first surface (124) may refer to at least a portion of the rear surface of the first flow path insulation (120). The first surface (124) may refer to a rear surface that is recessed toward the front in the first flow path insulation (120). The second surface (125) may refer to one surface of a partition wall portion that protrudes rearward along the edge of the first surface (124). The second surface (125) may refer to an inner surface of the partition wall portion that is connected to the first surface (124). The first surface (124) may form at least a portion of one surface of the flow path (102).

[0125] In one embodiment, the second channel insulation (130) may include a third surface (132) forming a side surface of the second channel insulation (130), a fourth surface (133) forming a portion of the front surface of the second channel insulation (130) and connected to the third surface (132), and a fifth surface (134) recessed toward the rear as at least a portion of the front surface of the second channel insulation (130).

[0126] When the second insulation material (130) is bonded to the first insulation material (120), the fifth surface (134) may be arranged substantially parallel to the first surface (124). In other words, the fifth surface (134) and the first surface (124) may be arranged to face each other. The fourth surface (133) may be arranged to contact the first surface (124). The third surface (132) may be arranged to contact the second surface (125).

[0127] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 6.

[0128] Hereinafter, a sealing structure of a duct (102) formed by a duct according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0129] As described above, the duct (100) can form a conduit (102) that can prevent the inflow and outflow of moisture. Dry air introduced into the conduit (102) can be discharged into the drying room (231) while maintaining a dry state, as the inflow of moisture is blocked. As a result, the humidity in the drying room (231) can be maintained at a low level.

[0130] A duct (100) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of sealing surfaces (S1, S2) to form a passage (102) that blocks the inflow and outflow of moisture. In addition, the duct (100) may be configured such that a first passage insulation material (120) and a second passage insulation material (130) accommodated between a cover plate (110) and a rear cover (140) are compressed in the front-back direction.

[0131] The duct (100) may include a plurality of sealing surfaces (S1, S2) to form a passage (102) that blocks the inflow and outflow of moisture. In other words, when the first passage insulation (120) and the second passage insulation (130) are combined, the first passage insulation (120) and the second passage insulation (130) may be arranged to be in contact on at least two sides. The contact surface of the first passage insulation (120) and the second passage insulation (130) is referred to as a sealing surface. In one embodiment, the plurality of sealing surfaces (S1, S2) may include a first sealing surface (S1) and a second sealing surface (S2).

[0132] The first sealing surface (S1) can be formed by the second surface (125) of the first channel insulation (120) and the third surface (132) of the second channel insulation (130) coming into contact. The first sealing surface (S1) can refer to the area where the second surface (125) and the third surface (132) come into contact.

[0133] The second sealing surface (S2) can be formed by the first surface (124) of the first channel insulation material (120) and the fourth surface (133) of the second channel insulation material (130) coming into contact. The second sealing surface (S2) can refer to the area where the first surface (124) and the fourth surface (133) come into contact.

[0134] In other words, when the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) are combined, a predetermined gap may be formed between the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130). Moisture outside the channel (102) may flow into the inside of the channel (102) through the predetermined gap. Therefore, the predetermined gap may become a moisture inflow path through which moisture outside the channel (102) flows into the inside of the channel (102). A plurality of sealing surfaces (S1, S2) may be provided on the moisture inflow path.

[0135] In order for moisture to flow in from the outside of the passage (102), moisture from the outside of the first passage insulation (120) and the second passage insulation (130) must pass through the first sealing surface (S1) and the second sealing surface (S2). In other words, the first sealing surface (S1) and the second sealing surface (S2) are provided on the moisture inflow path from the outside of the passage (102) to the inside of the passage (102). In addition, since the first sealing surface (S1) and the second sealing surface (S2) are provided perpendicular to each other, in order for moisture from the outside of the passage (102) to flow in to the inside of the passage (102), it must first move in the first direction and pass through the first sealing surface (S1), and then pass through the second sealing surface (S2) in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In this way, since the duct (100) according to one embodiment includes a plurality of sealing surfaces (S1, S2), moisture inflow from the outside of the passage (102) into the inside of the passage (102) can be blocked. Similarly, moisture outflow from the inside of the passage (102) to the outside of the passage (102) can be blocked.

[0136] The duct (100) can be configured so that the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) accommodated between the cover plate (110) and the rear cover (140) are compressed in the front-back direction. In other words, the accommodation space between the cover plate (110) and the rear cover (140) is provided to be equal to or smaller than the volume of the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) when combined, so that the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) accommodated in the accommodation space can be compressed.

[0137] Referring to Fig. 8, when the rear cover (140) is coupled to the cover plate (110), the distance between the rear surface of the cover plate (110) and the front surface of the rear cover (140) may be d1. The d1 may refer to the width in the front-rear direction of the accommodation space in which the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) are accommodated.

[0138] The thickness from the front surface of the first channel insulation (120) to the first side (124) of the first channel insulation (120) may be d2. The thickness from the front surface of the second channel insulation (130) to the back surface of the second channel insulation (130) may be d3. When the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) are combined to form the channel (102), the thicknesses of the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) in the front-back direction may be d2 + d3.

[0139] In one embodiment, the thickness d2 + d3 in the front-back direction of the first insulation material (120) and the second insulation material (130) may be set to be greater than or equal to the width d1 in the front-back direction of the receiving space. That is, d2 + d3 ≥ d1.

[0140] The first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) are formed of expanded polystyrene (EPS), a material that is relatively easy to change in volume, and thus can be compressed and accommodated in a smaller accommodation space in the front-to-rear direction. As the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) are compressed in the front-to-rear direction, d2 + d3 = d1 can be obtained, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0141] As the first channel insulation (120) and the second channel insulation (130) are compressed in the front-back direction, the sealing capacity of the first sealing surface (S1) and the second sealing surface (S2) described above can be improved. In other words, the gap between the second surface (125) and the third surface (132) becomes smaller, and the gap between the first surface (124) and the fourth surface (133) becomes smaller, so that moisture inflow into the channel (102) can be more effectively blocked.

[0142] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section along A-A' of Fig. 6.

[0143] Hereinafter, an example of a duct having multiple sealing surfaces (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 9, the duct (100) may include a first channel insulation material (120a) having a projection protruding toward the rear, and a second channel insulation material (130a) having a groove into which the projection of the first channel insulation material (120a) is inserted.

[0145] Since the first channel insulation (120a) includes a protrusion and the second channel insulation (130a) includes a groove into which the protrusion is inserted, the duct (100) can include a first sealing surface (S1), a second sealing surface (S2), a third sealing surface (S3), a fourth sealing surface (S4), and a fifth sealing surface (S5). The first sealing surface (S1) and the second sealing surface (S2) can be provided perpendicular to each other. The second sealing surface (S2) and the third sealing surface (S3) can be provided perpendicular to each other. The third sealing surface (S3) and the fourth sealing surface (S4) can be provided perpendicular to each other. The fourth sealing surface (S4) and the fifth sealing surface (S5) can be provided perpendicular to each other. The first sealing surface (S1), the third sealing surface (S3), and the fifth sealing surface (S5) can be provided parallel to each other, and the second sealing surface (S2) and the fourth sealing surface (S4) can be provided parallel to each other. As the number of sealing surfaces increases, moisture inflow from the outside of the passage (102) to the inside of the passage (102) can be relatively effectively blocked.

[0146] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section along A-A' of Fig. 6.

[0147] Hereinafter, an example of a duct having multiple sealing surfaces (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 10, the duct (100) may include a first channel insulation material (120b) having a projection protruding toward the rear, and a second channel insulation material (130b) having a groove into which the projection of the first channel insulation material (120b) is inserted.

[0149] The duct (100) may include a first sealing surface (S1), a second sealing surface (S2), a third sealing surface (S3), a fourth sealing surface (S4), and a fifth sealing surface (S5). In one embodiment, the first sealing surface (S1) may be formed between the second channel insulation (130b) and the rear surface of the cover plate (110). In other words, the first sealing surface (S1) may refer to an area where the front surface of the second channel insulation (130b) and the rear surface of the cover plate (110) are in contact. The second sealing surface (S2), the third sealing surface (S3), the fourth sealing surface (S4), and the fifth sealing surface (S5) may each refer to a contact surface between the first channel insulation (120b) and the second channel insulation (130b).

[0150] The first sealing surface (S1) and the second sealing surface (S2) may be provided perpendicular to each other. The second sealing surface (S2) and the third sealing surface (S3) may be provided perpendicular to each other. The third sealing surface (S3) and the fourth sealing surface (S4) may be provided perpendicular to each other. The fourth sealing surface (S4) and the fifth sealing surface (S5) may be provided perpendicular to each other. The first sealing surface (S1), the third sealing surface (S3), and the fifth sealing surface (S5) may be provided parallel to each other, and the second sealing surface (S2) and the fourth sealing surface (S4) may be provided parallel to each other. As the number of sealing surfaces increases, moisture inflow from the outside of the passage (102) to the inside of the passage (102) can be relatively effectively blocked.

[0151] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of a portion of the interior of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Fig. 11.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the duct (100) can be coupled to the rear side of the first inner case (13a). The duct (100) can be coupled to the rear side of the first inner case (13a) to form the rear side of the first storage chamber (21).

[0153] The duct (100) can be coupled to the first inner case (13a) by inserting the second plate protrusions (116) of the cover plate (110) into the inner grooves (14a) of the first inner case (13a). The first inner case (13a) can include a plurality of inner protrusions (14) provided along the rear edge of the first inner case (13a) and an inner groove (14a) formed on the inner side of the inner protrusions (14). The duct (100) can include a plurality of second plate protrusions (116) provided on the cover plate (110). The second plate protrusions (116) can be provided to be elastically deformable. When the duct (100) is coupled to the first inner case (13a), the second plate protrusions (116) can be elastically deformed and then restored to be inserted into the inner grooves (14a). The duct (100) can be coupled to the first inner case (13a) by inserting the second plate protrusion (116) into the inner groove (14a). As described above, by coupling the duct (100) to the first inner case (13a), the duct (100) can form the rear surface of the first storage chamber (21). The second plate protrusion (116) can be referred to as a duct protrusion.

[0154] Fig. 13 is a rear view of a duct in a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' of Fig. 13. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line E-E' of Fig. 13. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F-F' of Fig. 13.

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 13 to 17, the joint structure of the cover plate (110) and the rear cover (140) of the duct (100) will be described.

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a first cover protrusion (143) protruding laterally from the side surface of the rear cover (140) can be inserted into a first plate hole (117) of a cover plate (110). The cover plate (110) can include a plurality of first plate holes (117). The plurality of first plate holes (117) can be spaced apart from each other along the side edge of the cover plate (110). The rear cover (140) can include a plurality of first cover protrusions (143) to correspond to the plurality of first plate holes (117). The first cover protrusions (143), like the second plate protrusions (116) of the cover plate (110), can be inserted into the first plate hole (117) by being elastically deformed and then restored. The side of the rear cover (140) can be joined to the cover plate (110) by inserting the first cover protrusion (143) into the first plate hole (117).

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 15, a second cover protrusion (144) protruding upward from the upper surface of the rear cover (140) can be inserted into a second plate hole (118) of the cover plate (110). The cover plate (110) can include a plurality of second plate holes (118). The plurality of second plate holes (118) can be spaced apart from each other along the upper surface edge of the cover plate (110). The rear cover (140) can include a plurality of second cover protrusions (144) to correspond to the plurality of second plate holes (118). The second cover protrusions (144), like the first cover protrusions (143), can be inserted into the second plate holes (118) by being elastically deformed and then restored. The upper surface of the rear cover (140) can be coupled to the cover plate (110) by inserting the second cover protrusion (144) into the second plate hole (118).

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 16, a third cover protrusion (145) protruding downward from the lower surface of the rear cover (140) can be inserted into a third plate hole (119) of a cover plate (110). The cover plate (110) can include a plurality of third plate holes (119). The plurality of third plate holes (119) can be spaced apart from each other along the lower edge of the cover plate (110). The rear cover (140) can include a plurality of third cover protrusions (145) to correspond to the plurality of third plate holes (119). The third cover protrusions (145), like the first cover protrusions (143) and the second cover protrusions (144), can be inserted into the third plate holes (119) by being elastically deformed and then restored. The lower surface of the rear cover (140) can be joined to the cover plate (110) by inserting the third cover protrusion (145) into the third plate hole (119).

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 17, the first plate protrusion (115) of the cover plate (110) can be coupled to the cover hole (146) of the rear cover (140) by penetrating the insertion hole (126) of the first channel insulator (120). The cover plate (115) can include a plurality of first plate protrusions (115). The plurality of first plate protrusions (115) can be provided at various positions of the cover plate (110). The first plate protrusions (115) can protrude rearward from the rear surface of the cover plate (110). The first channel insulator (120) can include a plurality of insertion holes (126) corresponding to the number and positions of the plurality of first plate protrusions (115). Each of the plurality of insertion holes (126) can be formed by penetrating the first channel insulator (120) in the front-back direction. The rear cover (140) may include a plurality of cover holes (146) corresponding to the number and positions of the plurality of first plate protrusions (115). Each of the plurality of cover holes (146) may be formed to penetrate the rear cover (140) in the front-back direction.

[0160] Referring to Fig. 17, the first plate protrusion (115) may include a first elastic protrusion (115a) and a second elastic protrusion (115b) that are laterally spaced apart. The first elastic protrusion (115a) and the second elastic protrusion (115b) may be arranged to be spaced apart in the vertical direction rather than laterally.

[0161] The left-right width of the insertion hole (126) of the first euro insulation material (120) may be made larger than the left-right width of the first plate protrusion (115). Accordingly, the first plate protrusion (115) can pass through the insertion hole (126) without elastic deformation.

[0162] The width in the left-right direction of the cover hole (146) of the rear cover (140) may be made smaller than the width in the left-right direction of the first plate protrusion (115). The rear cover (140) may include a first catch protrusion (146a) forming one end of the cover hole (146) and a second catch protrusion (146b) forming the other end of the cover hole (146). The first elastic protrusion (115a) is elastically deformed and then restored, thereby passing through the cover hole (146) and being caught by the first catch protrusion (146a). The second elastic protrusion (115a) is elastically deformed and then restored, thereby passing through the cover hole (146) and being caught by the second catch protrusion (146b). Through the above process, the cover plate (110), the first channel insulation (120), and the rear cover (140) can be combined. As described above, the cover plate (110) and the rear cover (140) can be combined without a separate fastening member. Since the first plate protrusion (115) of the cover plate (110) penetrates the insertion hole (126) of the first channel insulation (120) and is then combined with the rear cover (140), the first channel insulation (120) accommodated between the cover plate (110) and the rear cover (140) can be fixed without moving.

[0163] As described above, the duct (100) according to the present disclosure may form a passage (102) therein to prevent the inflow and outflow of moisture. In addition, an evaporator (41) that generates cold air may be mounted or arranged at the rear of the duct (100). A fan (43) configured to generate airflow including the cold air generated by the evaporator (41) may be provided in the duct (100). A damper (150) configured to open and close the passage (102) may be provided in the duct (100).

[0164] The refrigerator (1) according to the present disclosure may not include a separate heat source element for removing frost from the evaporator (41) placed in the first storage compartment (21) used as a refrigerating chamber. In order to remove frost formed on the evaporator (41), the refrigerator (1) may stop the operation of the compressor (45) and operate the fan (43) to generate air current. The air current generated by the fan (43) may promote evaporation of the frost formed on the evaporator (41). As the frost formed on the evaporator (41) evaporates, the amount of moisture in the air current generated by the fan (43) increases. In other words, the humidity of the air current generated by the fan (43) increases.

[0165] The refrigerator (1) can prevent air current with high humidity due to evaporation of frost formed on the evaporator (41) from flowing into the drying room (231) through the passage (102). This is because if air current with high humidity flows into the drying room (231), the humidity inside the drying room (231) increases contrary to the intention. In order to prevent the high-humidity air current from flowing into the drying room (231) through the passage (102), the damper (150) can close the passage (102) for a predetermined period of time after the compressor (45) stops operating. The predetermined period of time may refer to the time until the frost formed on the evaporator (41) evaporates and is removed from the surface of the evaporator (41) by the air current generated by the fan (43). In one example, the predetermined period of time may be several minutes or several tens of minutes. However, the above-described time may vary depending on the time required for the frost attached to the surface of the evaporator (41) to be removed.

[0166] FIG. 18 is a drawing of a refrigerator according to one embodiment, showing a compartment case, a drying room drawer drawn out from the compartment case, and a cooling room drawer. FIG. 19 is a drawing showing FIG. 18 from a different angle.

[0167] As described above, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment may include a drying room (231) configured to have an internal humidity lower than the humidity of the first storage room (21) used as a refrigerating room. The drying room (231) may have an internal humidity lower than the humidity of the first storage room (21) and an internal temperature lower than the temperature of the first storage room (21). The cooling room (232) may have an internal temperature lower than the temperature of the first storage room (21). The cooling room (232) may have a humidity that is equal to or lower than the humidity of the first storage room (21).

[0168] The drying room drawer (210) can be inserted into the drying room (231). The drying room drawer (210) can be provided so as to be withdrawable from the drying room (231). The cooling room drawer (220) can be inserted into the cooling room (232). The cooling room drawer (220) can be provided so as to be withdrawable from the cooling room (232).

[0169] The drying room drawer (210) may include a drying room box (211) and a drying room cover (213) provided to cover the front of the drying room box (211). The cooling room drawer (220) may include a cooling room box (221) and a cooling room cover (223) provided to cover the front of the cooling room box (221).

[0170] Since the interior (212) of the drying room drawer (210) has low humidity, similar to the drying room (231), the user can store food requiring dry storage, such as dried fruit and tea, in the drying room drawer (210).

[0171] Unlike the drying room (231), the interior of the cooling room (232) may not be subject to separate humidity control. Accordingly, the humidity inside the cooling room (232) may be the same as the humidity inside the first storage room (21) by achieving equilibrium with the first storage room (21). The interior of the cooling room (232) may have a lower humidity than the humidity of the first storage room (21) and a lower temperature than the temperature of the first storage room (21) by allowing dry cold air discharged from the interior of the drying room (231) to flow into the interior of the cooling room (232).

[0172] The interior (222) of the cooling room drawer (220) has a humidity level similar to that of the first storage room (21), just like the cooling room (232), so the user can store fruits or vegetables in the cooling room drawer (220) as needed.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the refrigerator (1) may include a compartment case (230) disposed inside the first storage room (21) and forming a drying room (231) and a cooling room (232).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the compartment case (230) may be formed integrally. The compartment case (230) may be formed as a single piece through injection molding. Through this, the compartment case (230) may be prevented from inflowing and outflowing moisture, except for a plurality of case holes (235, 236, 237, 238) described later.

[0175] The inflow and outflow of moisture through the open front of the drying room (231) can be blocked by the first gasket (214) provided on the rear side of the drying room cover (213) when the drying room drawer (210) is introduced into the drying room (231).

[0176] The inflow and outflow of moisture through the open front of the cooling room (232) can be blocked by the second gasket (224) provided on the rear of the cooling room cover (223) when the cooling room drawer (220) is introduced into the cooling room (232).

[0177] The first gasket (214) can seal between the rear surface of the drying chamber cover (213) and the front edge (233) of the drying chamber (231). The first gasket (214) can be provided on the rear surface of the drying chamber cover (213), but alternatively, it can also be provided on the front edge (233) of the drying chamber (231).

[0178] The second gasket (224) can seal between the rear surface of the cooling chamber cover (223) and the front edge (234) of the cooling chamber (232). The second gasket (224) can be provided on the rear surface of the cooling chamber cover (223), but can also be provided on the front edge (234) of the cooling chamber (232).

[0179] Referring to FIG. 19, the compartment case (230) may include a plurality of case holes (235, 236, 237, 238).

[0180] The compartment case (230) may include a drying room inlet (235) that is provided to be connected to the duct hole (101) of the duct (100). Dry cold air that has moved along the path (102) through the drying room inlet (235) may be introduced into the drying room (231).

[0181] At least a portion of the rear surface of the drying chamber (231) where the drying chamber inlet (235) is formed may be sunken toward the front. At least a portion of the rear surface of the drying chamber (231) may be sunken toward the front so as to correspond to the shape of the protrusion (113) of the duct (100). Through this, the rear surface of the compartment case (230) forming the drying chamber (231) and the protrusion (113) of the duct (100) may be in surface contact. By making surface contact between the rear surface of the compartment case (230) and the protrusion (113), the drying chamber inlet (235) and the duct hole (101) may be connected as if they were one hole. Since the drying room inlet (235) and the duct hole (101) are connected as a single hole, the dry cold air inside the duct (100) can be introduced into the drying room (231) without leaking out between the drying room inlet (235) and the duct hole (101). The fact that the drying room inlet (235) and the duct hole (101) are connected as a single hole can be expressed as the drying room inlet (235) and the duct hole (101) being directly connected.

[0182] The compartment case (230) may include a drying chamber outlet (236) that is spaced apart from the drying chamber inlet (235). In one embodiment, the drying chamber outlet (236) may be formed at the rear of the drying chamber (231). More specifically, the drying chamber outlet (236) may be formed at the upper end of the rear of the drying chamber (231), that is, at the side end of the rear of the drying chamber (231). However, the position and size of the drying chamber outlet (236) are not limited. In addition, the compartment case (230) may include a plurality of drying chamber outlets (236).

[0183] The compartment case (230) may include a cooling chamber inlet (237). The cooling chamber inlet (237) may be formed at the rear of the cooling chamber (232). The cooling chamber inlet (237) may be formed by penetrating the rear of the cooling chamber (232). The cooling chamber inlet (237) may be formed at the center of the rear of the cooling chamber (232), at the top of the cooling chamber (232). However, the position and number of the cooling chamber inlets (237) are not limited thereto.

[0184] Air inside the first storage room (21) and / or dry cold air discharged from the drying room (231) through the drying room outlet (236) can be introduced into the cooling room (232) through the cooling room inlet (237). At least a portion of the dry cold air discharged through the drying room outlet (236) can be introduced into the cooling room through the cooling room inlet (237), thereby lowering the temperature and humidity inside the cooling room (232) than the temperature and humidity of the first storage room (21).

[0185] When the damper (150) closes the passage (102), dry cold air does not flow into the drying room (231). If dry cold air does not flow into the drying room (231), the amount of dry cold air discharged outside the drying room (231) may also decrease. As a result, the supply of dry cold air into the cooling room (232) may also decrease. Therefore, when the damper (150) closes the passage (102) and a certain amount of time passes, the temperature and humidity inside the cooling room (232) may reach equilibrium with the temperature and humidity of the first storage room (21) and become the same as the temperature and humidity of the first storage room (21).

[0186] The refrigerator (1) may include a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature inside the drying chamber (231). The compartment case (230) may include a sensor insertion hole (238) configured to insert the temperature sensor. The sensor insertion hole (238) may be formed at the rear of the drying chamber (231). In one embodiment, the sensor insertion hole (238) may be formed next to the drying chamber inlet (235), but its location is not limited thereto.

[0187] Figure 20 is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 20, the refrigerator (1) may include a control unit (60) configured to control a compressor (45), a fan (43), and a damper (150). The control unit (60) may operate the compressor (45) or stop the operation of the compressor (45). The control unit (60) may operate the fan (43) or stop the operation of the fan (43). The control unit (60) may control the damper (150) to open the passage (102), or control the damper (150) to close the passage (102).

[0189] Fig. 21 is a flowchart of a process for supplying dry cold air to a drying room in a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0190] Referring to Fig. 21, when a condition for turning the compressor (45) ON is met, the control unit (60) can control the compressor (45) to operate (410, 300). For example, when the temperature inside the first storage room (21) is equal to or higher than a predetermined first value or the temperature inside the drying room (231) is equal to or higher than a predetermined second value, the control unit (60) can determine that the condition for turning the compressor (45) ON is met, and can control the compressor (45) to operate. However, the condition for turning the compressor ON is not limited thereto.

[0191] When the compressor (45) operates, the control unit (60) can control the fan (43) to operate (310).

[0192] When the compressor (45) and fan (43) are in operation and a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the control unit (60) can control the damper (150) to open the duct (102) (320, 330). The predetermined period of time may refer to the time until the frost formed on the evaporator (41) evaporates and is removed.

[0193] According to one embodiment, after the compressor (45) and the fan (43) operate and the frost formed on the evaporator (41) is removed, the damper (150) opens the passage (102) so that dry cold air can flow into the passage (102). Since only dry cold air flows into the passage (102), the inside of the drying room (231) into which the dry air moving along the passage (102) flows can have a low temperature and low humidity. The cold air whose humidity has increased due to the evaporation of the frost can be discharged into the inside of the first storage room (21) through the first cover plate hole (111) because the damper (150) closes the passage (102).

[0194] The control unit (60) can control the compressor (45) to stop operation when a condition for turning off the compressor (45) is met (340, 350). For example, the control unit (60) can determine that the condition for turning off the compressor (45) is met when the temperature inside the first storage room (21) is lower than a predetermined third value or the temperature inside the drying room (231) is lower than a predetermined fourth value, and can control the compressor (45) to operate. However, the condition for turning off the compressor is not limited thereto.

[0195] The control unit (60) can control the fan (43) so that the fan (43) stops operating when the compressor (45) stops operating (360).

[0196] The control unit (60) can control the damper (150) to close the duct (102) when the compressor (45) and fan (43) stop operating (370).

[0197] The control unit (60) can control the fan (43) to operate when the damper (150) closes the euro (102) (380).

[0198] The control unit (60) can control the fan (43) to stop operation when a condition for turning the fan (43) off is met (390, 400). For example, the control unit (60) can determine that a condition for turning the fan (43) off is met when the damper (150) closes the passage (102) and a predetermined period of time has passed, and can control the fan (43) to stop operation. The predetermined period of time may refer to the time until frost formed on the evaporator (41) is removed. The predetermined period of time may be several minutes to several tens of minutes. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the predetermined period of time may vary depending on the time until frost formed on the surface of the evaporator (41) is removed.

[0199] When the fan (43) is turned off, the control unit (60) can determine whether the condition for turning the compressor (45) on is met (410).

[0200] When the condition for turning on the compressor (45) is met, the control unit (60) can control the compressor (45) to operate (410, 300). Thereafter, the above-described process can be repeated.

[0201] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator (1) includes an inner case (13a) forming a storage compartment, a drying room (231) disposed inside the storage compartment and provided with a humidity lower than the humidity inside the storage compartment, an evaporator (41) disposed inside the storage compartment, and a duct (100) formed on the rear side of the storage compartment to guide cold air generated in the evaporator to the drying room and form a passage for guiding the cold air to the drying room. The duct includes a cover plate (110) forming a rear side of the storage compartment, a first passage insulation (120) formed to form the passage and disposed on the rear side of the cover plate, a second passage insulation (130) coupled to the first passage insulation to form the passage together with the first passage insulation, and a rear cover (140) coupled to the cover plate and providing a close contact between the first passage insulation and the second passage insulation to block moisture from entering the passage.

[0202] The above cover plate and the rear cover can form a receiving space that receives the first flow insulation material and the second flow insulation material.

[0203] When the width in the front-back direction of the above-mentioned receiving space is d1, the thickness in the front-back direction of the first flow path insulation is d2, and the thickness in the front-back direction of the second flow path insulation is d3, d2 + d3 ≥ d1 may be satisfied.

[0204] When the first flow path insulation material and the second flow path insulation material are combined, a predetermined gap may be formed between the first flow path insulation material and the second flow path insulation material, which serves as a moisture inflow path through which moisture from outside the flow path flows into the inside of the flow path.

[0205] On the above moisture inflow path, a plurality of sealing surfaces (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5) formed by contact between the first flow insulation material and the second flow insulation material may be provided.

[0206] The above plurality of sealing surfaces may include a first sealing surface (S1) and a second sealing surface (S2).

[0207] The first sealing surface and the second sealing surface may be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0208] The above inner surface may include an inner surface groove (14a) formed on the rear surface of the storage room.

[0209] The above duct may further include a duct protrusion (116) configured to be inserted into the inner groove.

[0210] The duct can be fixed to the rear side of the inner surface by inserting the duct protrusion into the inner surface groove.

[0211] The above cover plate may include a plurality of plate holes (117, 118, 119) formed along the edge of the cover plate.

[0212] The rear cover may include a plurality of cover protrusions (143, 144, 145) provided along the edge of the rear cover and provided to be inserted into each of the plurality of plate holes.

[0213] The rear cover can be coupled to the cover plate by inserting the plurality of cover protrusions into the plurality of plate holes.

[0214] The above cover plate may include a plate protrusion (115) protruding toward the rear of the cover plate.

[0215] The above first euro insulation material may include an insertion hole (126) provided to allow the plate protrusion to pass through.

[0216] The rear cover may include a cover hole (146) into which the plate protrusion is inserted, and a catch protrusion (146a, 146b) that is coupled with the plate protrusion to prevent the plate protrusion inserted into the cover hole from being pulled out from the cover hole.

[0217] The refrigerator may further include a compartment case (230) forming the drying room and a drying room drawer (210) that is introduced into the drying room so as to be withdrawable from the drying room.

[0218] The above compartment case can be formed as a one-piece.

[0219] The above duct may include a duct hole (101) provided to discharge air that has moved along the above path.

[0220] The above compartment case may include a drying room inlet (235) that is directly connected to the duct hole as a drying room inlet through which air is introduced into the inside of the drying room.

[0221] The refrigerator may further include a fan (43) arranged at the rear of the storage room to generate airflow, a compressor (45) arranged to compress refrigerant, a damper (150) arranged in the duct to open and close the duct, and a control unit (60) arranged to control the fan, the compressor, and the damper.

[0222] The above control unit can control the damper to operate the fan when the compressor operates and to open the passage after a predetermined period of time.

[0223] The control unit can control the damper to stop the operation of the fan and close the duct when the compressor stops operating, and then operate the fan.

[0224] The first and second insulation materials may be composed of expanded polystyrene (EPS).

[0225] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator includes a main body, a first storage room formed inside the main body, a second storage room formed inside the main body and provided to have a lower temperature than the first storage room, a first evaporator disposed inside the first storage room, a second evaporator disposed inside the second storage room, a drying room disposed inside the first storage room and provided to have a lower humidity than the humidity inside the storage room, and a duct formed to guide cold air generated in the first evaporator to the drying room, the duct being disposed on the rear side of the first storage room. The duct includes a cover plate forming the rear surface of the first storage room, a first channel insulation material arranged at the rear of the cover plate, a second channel insulation material that is coupled to the first channel insulation material to form the channel together with the first channel insulation material, and a rear cover that is coupled to the cover plate to form a receiving space, and is provided to compress the first channel insulation material and the second channel insulation material received in the receiving space together with the cover plate.

[0226] When the first flow insulation material and the second flow insulation material are combined and the first flow insulation material and the second flow insulation material are not accommodated in the accommodation space, the thickness in the front-back direction of the first flow insulation material and the second flow insulation material may be greater than or equal to the front-back direction width of the accommodation space.

[0227] When the first flow insulation material and the second flow insulation material are combined, the first flow insulation material and the second flow insulation material may be arranged to be in contact on at least two sides.

[0228] At least two of the above surfaces may be arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0229] According to the invention, a refrigerator can be provided that includes a drying room that is provided to have a lower humidity than a refrigerating room.

[0230] According to the invention of the present invention, a refrigerator can be provided that includes a drying room provided inside a refrigerator compartment by including a passage that blocks the inflow of moisture.

[0231] 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. Internal wound forming a storage room; A drying room arranged inside the storage room and provided with a humidity lower than the humidity inside the storage room; an evaporator placed inside the storage room; and A duct is formed to guide the cold air generated in the evaporator to the drying room, and is disposed at the rear of the storage room; The above duct, A cover plate forming the rear of the storage room, A first flow insulator arranged to form the above flow and placed at the rear of the cover plate, A second flow insulation material that is bonded to the first flow insulation material and forms the flow path together with the first flow insulation material, and A refrigerator comprising a rear cover that is arranged to be coupled to the cover plate and that adheres the first flow insulation material and the second flow insulation material to block moisture from entering the inside of the flow.

2. In paragraph 1, The above cover plate and the rear cover form a receiving space for receiving the first flow insulation material and the second flow insulation material, When the width in the front-back direction of the above-mentioned accommodation space is d1, the thickness in the front-back direction of the first flow insulation material is d2, and the thickness in the front-back direction of the second flow insulation material is d3, A refrigerator where d2 + d3 ≥ d1.

3. In paragraph 1, When the first flow insulation material and the second flow insulation material are combined, a predetermined gap is formed between the first flow insulation material and the second flow insulation material, which serves as a moisture inflow path through which moisture from outside the flow path flows into the inside of the flow path. A refrigerator in which a plurality of sealing surfaces are provided on the above moisture inflow path, the sealing surfaces being formed by the first flow insulation material and the second flow insulation material coming into contact with each other.

4. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of sealing surfaces include a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface, A refrigerator in which the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are arranged perpendicular to each other.

5. In paragraph 1, The above inner surface includes an inner surface groove formed on the rear surface of the storage room, The above duct further includes a duct protrusion provided to be inserted into the inner groove, A refrigerator in which the duct is fixed to the rear side of the inner case by inserting the duct protrusion into the inner groove.

6. In paragraph 1, The cover plate includes a plurality of plate holes formed along the edge of the cover plate, The rear cover includes a plurality of cover protrusions provided along the edge of the rear cover and provided to be inserted into each of the plurality of plate holes, A refrigerator in which the rear cover is coupled to the cover plate by inserting the plurality of cover protrusions into the plurality of plate holes.

7. In paragraph 1, The above cover plate includes a plate protrusion protruding toward the rear of the cover plate, A refrigerator in which the first euro insulation material includes an insertion hole through which the plate protrusion passes.

8. In paragraph 7, The above rear cover, A cover hole into which the above plate protrusion is inserted, A refrigerator including a catch projection that is engaged with the plate projection so that the plate projection inserted into the cover hole is not pulled out from the cover hole.

9. In paragraph 1, A compartment case forming the above drying room; and Further comprising a drying room drawer that is introduced into the drying room so as to be withdrawable from the drying room; A refrigerator wherein the above compartment case is formed as a single piece.

10. In paragraph 9, The above duct includes a duct hole provided to discharge air that has moved along the above path, The above compartment case, A refrigerator including a drying room inlet through which air is introduced into the drying room, the drying room inlet being directly connected to the duct hole.

11. In paragraph 1, A fan placed at the rear of the storage room to generate airflow; A compressor configured to compress refrigerant; A damper provided in the duct to open and close the above-mentioned flow; and A refrigerator further comprising a control unit configured to control the fan, the compressor, and the damper.

12. In paragraph 11, The above control unit, A refrigerator that operates the fan when the compressor operates and controls the damper to open the duct after a predetermined period of time.

13. In paragraph 11, The above control unit, A refrigerator that controls the damper to stop the operation of the fan and close the duct when the compressor stops operating, and then operates the fan.

14. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the first and second insulation materials are composed of expanded polystyrene (EPS).

Images