Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: a main body; a freezer compartment inner case for forming a freezer compartment inside the main body; a refrigeration compartment inner case forming a refrigeration compartment inside the main body, and having an air inlet; a cooling chamber in which an evaporator for generating cold air to be supplied to the freezer compartment and the refrigeration compartment is disposed; a freezer compartment duct communicating with the cooling chamber, and including a first cold air discharge port for discharging the cold air to the freezer compartment; a refrigeration compartment duct communicating with the freezer compartment duct, and including a second cold air discharge port for discharging the cold air to the refrigeration compartment; a recovery duct which communicates with the cooling chamber, and which is connected to the air inlet so that the air in the refrigeration compartment is recovered in the cooling chamber and cooled; and an inlet cover covering the air inlet from the inside of the refrigeration compartment, and having a cover opening for allowing the air in the refrigeration compartment to flow into the air inlet.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator having an improved structure.

[0002] A refrigerator is a home appliance that keeps food fresh by including a main body having a storage compartment, a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment, and a door configured to open and close the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerator compartment that is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius to refrigerate food, and a freezer compartment that is maintained at approximately 0 to -30 degrees Celsius to freeze food.

[0003] To supply cold air to the refrigerator and freezer compartments, evaporators may be installed in each compartment. Furthermore, cold air may be supplied to each compartment through a single evaporator. The refrigerator may include a cooling compartment in which the evaporator is located.

[0004] A refrigerator may include a plurality of ducts for connecting the refrigerating chamber and the cooling chamber, and for connecting the freezer and the refrigerator chamber with the cooling chamber. Some of the ducts may be provided with a cold air discharge port, allowing cold air within the cooling chamber to be discharged to the refrigerating chamber and the freezer chamber. At least one of the refrigerating chamber and the freezer chamber may be provided with an air inlet port, allowing air within the refrigerating chamber or the freezer chamber to be introduced into the cooling chamber.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including an inlet cover configured to cover an air inlet of a refrigerator compartment.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including an inlet cover having a cover opening formed therein to allow air within a refrigerator compartment to be introduced into the air inlet.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of preventing vortex formation when air is introduced into the inside of an inlet cover.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having improved aesthetics of an inlet cover.

[0009] 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.

[0010] A refrigerator according to the invention comprises: a main body; a freezer inner case forming a freezer within the main body; a refrigerator inner case forming a refrigerator within the main body and having an air inlet; a cooling chamber in which an evaporator is arranged to generate cold air to be supplied to the freezer and the refrigerator; a freezer duct communicating with the cooling chamber and including a first cold air discharge port formed to discharge cold air to the freezer; a refrigerator duct communicating with the freezer duct and including a second cold air discharge port formed to discharge cold air to the refrigerator; a return duct communicating with the cooling chamber and connected to the air inlet so that air within the refrigerator is returned to the cooling chamber and cooled; and an inlet cover provided to cover the air inlet from the inside of the refrigerator, the inlet cover having a cover opening formed to allow air within the refrigerator to be introduced into the air inlet.

[0011] A refrigerator according to the invention comprises a main body, a refrigerating chamber formed inside the main body and having an air inlet, a cooling chamber in which an evaporator is arranged to generate cold air to be supplied to the refrigerating chamber, a refrigerating chamber duct communicating with the refrigerating chamber and including a cold air discharge port formed to discharge cold air to the refrigerating chamber, a return duct communicating with the refrigerating chamber and connected to the air inlet so that air within the refrigerating chamber is returned to the refrigerating chamber and cooled, and an inlet cover detachably mountable on an inner surface of the refrigerating chamber inner body to cover the air inlet.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator door in an open state according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a portion of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' shown in Figure 2.

[0015] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' shown in Figure 2.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the freezer compartment, the refrigerator compartment, and a plurality of ducts according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a plurality of ducts separated from the inner surface of a freezer compartment and the inner surface of a refrigerator compartment according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a plurality of ducts separated from the inner surface of a freezer and the inner surface of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an inlet cover according to one embodiment of the present invention coupled to an inner surface of a refrigerator compartment to cover an air inlet.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an inlet cover according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an inlet cover according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an inlet cover separated from an inner surface of a refrigerator compartment according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an inlet cover according to one embodiment joined to an inner surface of a refrigerator compartment inner case from the outer side of the refrigerator compartment inner case.

[0024] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' shown in Fig. 8.

[0025] 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.

[0026] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] "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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0066] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0067] Meanwhile, the terms “front / rear direction,” “left / right direction,” “upper side,” “lower side,” etc. used in the description below are defined based on the drawing, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0068] For example, the X direction can be defined as the forward-backward direction. For example, the Y direction can be defined as the sideways direction. For example, the Z direction can be defined as the up-down direction. For example, the +X direction can be defined as the forward direction and the -X direction as the back direction. For example, the +Y direction can be defined as the left direction and the -Y direction as the right direction. For example, the +Z direction can be defined as the upward direction and the -Z direction as the downward direction.

[0069] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0070] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator with its door open according to one embodiment. Fig. 2 is a front view illustrating a portion of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Fig. 2.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a storage compartment (20) formed inside the main body (10), a door (30) provided to open and close the storage compartment (20), and an inner case (40) forming the storage compartment (20).

[0072] A refrigerator (1) may include a cold air supply device that supplies cold air to a storage compartment (20). The cold air supply device may be composed of a compressor (C), a condenser (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown), an evaporator (E), etc. A machine room (50) in which a compressor (C), a condenser (not shown), etc. are installed may be provided at the lower rear side of the storage compartment (20).

[0073] Between the main body (10) and the inner case (40) and the inside of the door (30), insulation material (15) can be filled and foamed to prevent cold air from leaking from the storage room (20).

[0074] The main body (10) can form the exterior of the refrigerator (1). The main body (10) can be coupled to the exterior of the inner case (40). The main body (10) may also be referred to as the outer case (10).

[0075] The storage compartment (20) may include a freezer compartment (21) and a refrigerator compartment (22). The inner case (40) may include a freezer compartment inner case (41) forming the freezer compartment (21) and a refrigerator compartment inner case (42) forming the refrigerator compartment (22).

[0076] A partition wall (17) may be placed between the freezer inner case (41) and the refrigerator inner case (42). That is, the freezer inner case (41) and the refrigerator inner case (42) may be placed side by side on the left and right, respectively, with the partition wall (17) as the center.

[0077] A plurality of shelves (27) and drawers (28) may be provided inside the storage compartment (20) to store food, etc. Each of the plurality of shelves (27) and drawers (28) may be detachably mounted inside the storage compartment (20). Accordingly, the number of shelves (27) and drawers (28) mounted inside the storage compartment (20) may vary depending on the choice of the user of the refrigerator (1).

[0078] The storage room (20) can be opened and closed by a door (30) that is rotatably coupled to the main body (10). Specifically, the front of the storage room (20) can be provided to be open, and the door (30) can open and close the open front of the storage room (20).

[0079] The door (30) may include a first door (31) and a second door (32). The first door (31) can open and close the freezer (21), and the second door (32) can open and close the refrigerator (22).

[0080] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the refrigerator (1) may be provided as a SBS (Side By Side) type refrigerator in which a freezer (21) and a refrigerator (22) are positioned side by side in the left-right direction. However, the type of the refrigerator (1) is not limited thereto, and the refrigerator (1) may be provided as a TMF (Top Mounted Freezer) type refrigerator in which the freezer and refrigerator compartments are positioned vertically, or a BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer) in which the refrigerator and freezer compartments are positioned vertically, respectively.

[0081] A plurality of door guards (33) for storing food, etc. may be provided on the back of the door (30).

[0082] The refrigerator (1) may include a freezer duct (100). The freezer duct (100) may be provided to supply cold air to the freezer (21) from the inside of the freezer (21).

[0083] The freezer duct (100) may be placed at the upper rear side of the freezer (21). A separator (43) that forms the rear side of the freezer (21) together with the freezer duct (100) may be placed at the lower side of the freezer duct (100).

[0084] The freezer duct (100) and the separator (43) can be positioned forward of the rear surface (41a) of the freezer inner case (41). Through this configuration, a cooling chamber (45) can be formed by the freezer duct (100), the separator (43), and the rear surface (41a) of the freezer inner case.

[0085] An evaporator (E) may be arranged in the cooling chamber (45) to generate cold air to be supplied to the freezer (21) and refrigerator (22). The cold air generated in the cooling chamber (45) may be formed at approximately -20 degrees. In addition, a path may be formed in the cooling chamber (45) through which the cold air generated in the evaporator (E) may flow to the freezer duct (100).

[0086] The freezer (21) can be formed by the side surface of the freezer inner case (41) and the front surface (111) of the first duct plate (110) to be described later and the separator plate (43). That is, the rear surface of the freezer (21) can be formed by the front surface (111) of the first duct plate (110) and the separator plate (43), and the side surface of the freezer (21) can be formed by the side surface of the freezer inner case (41).

[0087] The freezer duct (100) may include a first duct plate (110) and a duct cover (170) that covers the rear surface (112) of the first duct plate (110) at the rear of the first duct plate (110). In addition, the freezer duct (100) may include a first cooling space (103) formed between the first duct plate (110) and the duct cover (170).

[0088] The freezer duct (100) may include a blower fan (160). The blower fan (160) may be positioned on the rear surface (112) of the first duct plate (110).

[0089] The freezer duct (100) can be connected to the cooling chamber (45). Accordingly, cold air formed in the cooling chamber (45) can be introduced into the first cooling space (103) of the freezer duct (100) by the blower fan (160).

[0090] Cold air introduced into the first cooling space (103) of the freezer duct (100) can be discharged to the freezer (21) through the first cold air discharge port (120, 130, 140) formed in the freezer duct (100). The first cold air discharge port (120, 130, 140) can be provided on the front surface (111) of the first duct plate (110).

[0091] That is, the cold air formed in the cooling chamber (45) can be directly discharged to the freezing chamber (21) by the blower fan (160). Accordingly, the freezing chamber (21) can be cooled.

[0092] A circulation path (44) may be formed on the lower side of the inner surface (41) of the freezer to allow air within the freezer (21) to flow into the cooling chamber (45). The air flowing into the cooling chamber (45) through the circulation path (44) may exchange heat with the evaporator (E) to lower its temperature. In other words, the evaporator (E) may generate cold air through the air flowing in through the circulation path (44).

[0093] A refrigerator duct (200) for supplying cold air to the refrigerator (22) may be provided on the inside of the refrigerator (22). The refrigerator duct (200) may be positioned at the upper rear portion of the refrigerator (22). An evaporator for supplying cold air may be omitted from the refrigerator duct (200).

[0094] A second inner rear surface (42a) that forms the rear surface of the refrigerator (22) together with the refrigerator duct (200) can be arranged on the lower side of the refrigerator duct (200).

[0095] The refrigerator compartment (22) can be formed by the side surface of the refrigerator compartment inner case (42), the front surface (211) of the second duct plate (210) to be described later, and the rear surface (42a) of the refrigerator compartment inner case. That is, the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment (22) can be formed by the front surface (211) of the second duct plate (210) and the rear surface (42a) of the refrigerator compartment inner case, and the side surface of the refrigerator compartment (22) can be formed by the side surface of the refrigerator compartment inner case (42).

[0096] A second cooling space (203) may be formed between the second duct plate (210) of the refrigerator duct (200) and the rear surface (42a) of the refrigerator interior. A path for air flowing into the refrigerator duct (200) may be formed in the second cooling space (203).

[0097] The refrigerator duct (200) can be connected to the freezer duct (100) by a first connecting duct (300, see FIG. 5) to be described later. In addition, since the freezer duct (100) can be connected to the cooling chamber (45), the refrigerator duct (200) can also be connected to the cooling chamber (45).

[0098] Through this configuration, cold air generated in the evaporator (E) placed in the cooling room (45) can be introduced into the second cooling space (203) of the refrigerator duct (200) through the freezer duct (100) and the first connecting duct (300, see FIG. 5).

[0099] Cold air introduced into the second cooling space (203) can be discharged to the refrigerator compartment (22) through the second cold air discharge ports (220, 230, 240) formed in the refrigerator compartment duct (200). The second cold air discharge ports (220, 230, 240) can be provided on the front surface (211) of the second duct plate (210).

[0100] That is, the cold air formed in the cooling chamber (45) can be discharged to the refrigerator chamber (22) through the freezer chamber duct (100), the first connecting duct (300, see FIG. 5) and the refrigerator chamber duct (200). Accordingly, the refrigerator chamber (22) can maintain a low temperature.

[0101] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the freezer compartment, the refrigerator compartment, and a plurality of ducts according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a plurality of ducts separated from the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a plurality of ducts separated from the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment according to one embodiment.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the refrigerator (1) may include a connecting duct (300) connecting a freezer duct (100) and a refrigerator duct (200).

[0103] The connecting duct (300) can connect the freezer duct (100) and the refrigerator duct (200). Specifically, the connecting duct (300) can connect the freezer duct (100) and the refrigerator duct (200) by being connected to the first communication port (301) to be described later and the second communication port (302) to be described later. By connecting the freezer duct (100) and the refrigerator duct (200), cold air formed in the cooling chamber (45) can be introduced into the refrigerator duct (200) through the freezer duct (100) and the connecting duct (300).

[0104] One end of the connecting duct (300) can be connected to the first communication port (301). The first communication port (301) can be formed by an inner opening (41c) provided on a side (41b) of the inner casing (41) of the freezer and a duct opening (101) provided in the freezer duct (100). At this time, the inner opening (41c) can be provided at a position corresponding to the duct opening (101). Since one end of the connecting duct (300) is connected to the first communication port (301), the connecting duct (300) can be connected to the freezer duct (100).

[0105] A first duct plate (110) may be placed in front of the first communication port (301). Accordingly, a user of the refrigerator (1) may be prevented from accessing the first communication port (301) from inside the freezer (21) by the first duct plate (110).

[0106] The other end of the connecting duct (300) can be connected to the second communication port (302). The second communication port (302) can be provided on the rear side (42a) of the inner casing (42) of the refrigerator compartment, which is arranged at the rear of the second duct plate (210). By connecting the other end of the connecting duct (300) to the second communication port (302), the connecting duct (300) can be connected to the refrigerator compartment duct (200).

[0107] A second duct plate (210) may be placed in front of the second communication port (302). Accordingly, a user of the refrigerator (1) may be prevented from accessing the second communication port (302) from inside the refrigerator compartment (22) by the first duct plate (210).

[0108] The refrigerator (1) may include a temperature detection sensor (not shown) configured to detect the temperature of the refrigerating chamber (22) and a damper device (not shown) configured to open and close a duct opening (101) of a freezer duct (100). The damper device may open and close the duct opening (101) based on a result detected by the temperature detection sensor. For example, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor is higher than a set temperature, the damper device may open the duct opening (101). Conversely, when the temperature detected by the temperature detection sensor is equal to or lower than the set temperature, the damper device may close the duct opening (101). Through this configuration, the temperature of the refrigerating chamber (22) may be maintained at the set temperature.

[0109] The refrigerator (1) may include a return duct (400) connecting the refrigerator (22) and the cooling chamber (45) so that air inside the refrigerator (22) is returned to the cooling chamber (45) and cooled.

[0110] The return duct (400) can connect the refrigerator compartment (22) and the cooling chamber (45). Specifically, the first connection duct (300) can connect the refrigerator compartment (22) and the cooling chamber (45) by being connected to an air inlet (42c) to be described later and an air outlet (45a) to be described later. By connecting the refrigerator compartment (22) and the cooling chamber (45), air within the refrigerator compartment (22) can be introduced into the cooling chamber (45) via the return duct (400).

[0111] One end of the recovery duct (400) may be connected to an air inlet (42c). The air inlet (42c) may be provided on the side (42b) of the inner surface (42) of the refrigerator compartment. By connecting one end of the recovery duct (400) to the air inlet (42c), the recovery duct (400) may be in communication with the refrigerator compartment (22).

[0112] The air inlet (42c) may be positioned at the front of the rear surface (42a) of the refrigerator compartment (42) and at the lower side of the second duct plate (210). Therefore, it may be impossible to block the user of the refrigerator (1) from accessing the air inlet (42c) through the second duct plate (210).

[0113] Additionally, a drawer (28) may be placed in front of the air inlet (42c). In this case, the user of the refrigerator (1) may be prevented from accessing the air inlet (42c) by the drawer (28).

[0114] However, as described above, the drawer (28) may be provided to be detachably mounted in the refrigerator compartment (22). Accordingly, when a user of the refrigerator (1) detaches the drawer (28) positioned in front of the air inlet (42c) from the refrigerator compartment (22), the user of the refrigerator (1) may be able to access the air inlet (42c).

[0115] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a refrigerator (1) may include an inlet cover (500) provided to cover an air inlet (42c) on the inside of a refrigerating chamber (22). Through this configuration, a user of the refrigerator (1) can be prevented from accessing the air inlet (42c). Details regarding the inlet cover (500) will be described later.

[0116] The other end of the recovery duct (400) may be connected to an air outlet (45a). The air outlet (45a) may be provided on the side (41b) of the inner surface (41) of the freezer forming the cooling chamber (45). By connecting the other end of the recovery duct (400) to the air outlet (45a), the recovery duct (400) may be in communication with the cooling chamber (45).

[0117] A separator (43) may be placed in front of the air outlet (45a). Accordingly, the user of the refrigerator (1) may be prevented from accessing the air outlet (45a) from the inside of the freezer (21) by the separator (43).

[0118] Below, the air circulation structure of the refrigerator (1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0119] The cold air generated in the evaporator (E) placed in the cooling room (45) can be introduced into the first cooling space (103) of the freezer duct (100) by the blower fan (160).

[0120] Some of the cold air introduced into the first cooling space (103) can be discharged into the freezer (21) through the first cold air discharge port (120, 130, 140). Accordingly, the freezer (21) can be cooled. Some of the air inside the freezer (21) can be introduced back into the cooling chamber (45) through the circulation path (44) formed on the lower side of the freezer inner case (41).

[0121] When the damper device (not shown) opens the duct opening (101) of the freezer duct (100), some of the cold air that has flowed into the first cooling space (103) may flow into the refrigerator duct (200) through the connecting duct (300). The cold air that has flowed into the refrigerator duct (200) may be discharged into the refrigerator (22) through the second cold air discharge ports (220, 230, 240). Accordingly, the refrigerator (22) may be cooled. Some of the air within the refrigerator (22) may flow into the cooling chamber (45) through the return duct (400).

[0122] Air introduced into the cooling chamber (45) through the circulation duct (44) or the return duct (400) can be cooled by the evaporator (E). The air cooled by the evaporator (E) can be introduced into the first cooling space (103) of the freezer duct (100) again by the blower fan (160).

[0123] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an inlet cover according to one embodiment, which is coupled to an inner surface of an inner case of a refrigerator compartment to cover an air inlet. FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an inlet cover according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an inlet cover according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an inlet cover according to one embodiment separated from an inner surface of an inner case of a refrigerator compartment. FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating an inlet cover according to one embodiment coupled to an inner surface of an inner case of a refrigerator compartment from an outer side of the inner case of the refrigerator compartment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' shown in FIG. 8.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 13, the refrigerator (1) may include an inlet cover (500) provided to cover the air inlet (42c). The inlet cover (500) may cover the air inlet (42c) from the inside of the refrigerating chamber (22). Accordingly, a user of the refrigerator (1) may be prevented from accessing the air inlet (42c) from the inside of the refrigerating chamber (22) by the inlet cover (500).

[0125] The air inlet (42c) may include a plurality of inlet holes (42ca) through which air flows. The plurality of inlet holes (42ca) may be manufactured by a punching process, and during this process, fine protrusions or burrs may be formed in each of the plurality of inlet holes (42ca). Accordingly, when a user of the refrigerator (1) approaches the air inlet (42c), he or she may be injured by the fine protrusions or burrs formed in each of the plurality of inlet holes (42ca).

[0126] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the inlet cover (500) can block a user of the refrigerator (1) from accessing the air inlet (42c) by covering the air inlet (42c). Accordingly, injury that may occur when a user of the refrigerator (1) accesses the air inlet (42c) can be prevented.

[0127] In addition, as described above, a drawer (28) may be placed in front of the air inlet (42c), and in this case, the user of the refrigerator (1) may be prevented from accessing the air inlet (42c) by the drawer (28).

[0128] According to the concept of the present disclosure, since the inlet cover (500) can cover the air inlet (42c), even if the drawer (28) positioned in front of the air inlet (42c) is separated from the refrigerator compartment (22), the user of the refrigerator (1) can be prevented from accessing the air inlet (42c). Accordingly, it may be possible to secure a wider storage space by separating the drawer (28) positioned in front of the air inlet (42c) from the refrigerator compartment (22).

[0129] The inlet cover (500) may include a cover plate (510). The cover plate (510) may be provided spaced apart from the air inlet (42c). Through this configuration, sufficient space may be formed to allow air to flow into the inlet cover (500) through the cover opening (530) described below. Accordingly, the inlet air to the air inlet (42c) may be prevented from being blocked by food or other items placed outside the inlet cover (500).

[0130] The cover plate (510) may be provided to be approximately parallel to the side surface (42b) of the inner surface (42) of the refrigerator compartment. The outer surface and inner surface of the cover plate (510) may each be formed flat. In particular, by forming the outer surface of the cover plate (510) that may be exposed to the user of the refrigerator (1) flat, the aesthetics of the inlet cover (500) may be improved.

[0131] The inlet cover (500) may include a cover frame (520) that supports the cover plate (510) at an edge of the cover plate (510). The cover frame (520) may be formed integrally with the cover plate (510).

[0132] The cover frame (520) may include an extension portion (521) extending from an edge of the cover plate (510) and a folded portion (522) formed by being folded from the extension portion (521). The extension portion (521) may wrap around the cover plate (510). The folded portion (522) may be provided so that one end thereof is in contact with the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment inner case (42), thereby supporting the cover plate (510) away from the air inlet (42c).

[0133] The folded portion (522) of the cover frame (520) may include an upper portion (522a), a lower portion (522b), a front portion (522c), and a rear portion (522d). With reference to FIG. 8, the upper portion (522a), the lower portion (522b), the front portion (522c), and the rear portion (522d) may refer to portions provided on the upper side, lower side, front side, and rear side of the folded portion (522), respectively.

[0134] In this document, the upper surface (522a), the lower surface (522b), the front surface (522c), and the rear surface (522d) may be referred to as the upper surface (522a) of the cover frame (520), the lower surface (522b) of the cover frame (520), the front surface (522c) of the cover frame (520), and the rear surface (522d) of the cover frame (520), respectively.

[0135] The inlet cover (500) may include a cover opening (530) provided to allow air within the refrigerator compartment (22) to flow into the air inlet (42c). That is, the air within the refrigerator compartment (22) may sequentially pass through the cover opening (530) and the air inlet (42c) and flow into the return duct (400). Accordingly, the air flow from the refrigerator compartment (22) to the cooling chamber (45) can be prevented from being blocked by the inlet cover (500), and internal air circulation can be performed normally.

[0136] The cover opening (530) may be formed in a portion of the cover frame (520). Specifically, the cover opening (530) may be formed on a bent portion (522) of the cover frame (520).

[0137] The cover opening (530) may include a first cover opening (531) formed on the upper surface (522a) of the cover frame (520), a second cover opening (532) formed on the lower surface (522b) of the cover frame (520), and a third cover opening (533) formed on the rear surface (522d) of the cover frame (520).

[0138] However, the cover opening may be omitted from the front portion (522c) of the cover frame (520). That is, air inside the refrigerator (22) may be blocked from flowing into the air inlet (42c) through the front portion (522c) of the cover frame (520).

[0139] The front portion (522c) of the cover frame (520) faces the open front of the refrigerator compartment (22), and thus can be easily exposed to the user of the refrigerator (1). At this time, by omitting the cover opening in the front portion (522c) of the cover frame (520), the user of the refrigerator (1) can more effectively block access to the air inlet (42c), and the aesthetics of the inlet cover (500) can also be improved.

[0140] The first cover opening (531) may be formed by a plurality of side walls (531a, 531b, 531c, 531d). In other words, the first cover opening (531) may be provided to be surrounded by a plurality of side walls (531a, 531b, 531c, 531d).

[0141] The plurality of side walls (531a, 531b, 531c, 531d) may include a first side wall (531a) provided closest to the air inlet (42c). The first side wall (531a) may protrude from the upper surface (522a) of the cover frame (520) toward the inside of the inlet cover (500).

[0142] The first side wall (531a) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the cover plate (510). In other words, the first side wall (531a) may be formed to be approximately inclined with respect to the side surface (42b) of the inner surface (42) of the refrigerator compartment. That is, the first side wall (531a) may protrude from the upper surface (522a) of the cover frame (520) toward the inside of the inlet cover (500) and extend in a direction away from the air inlet (42c). Accordingly, even if food falls from the upper side of the inlet cover (500), the food may be prevented from flowing into the air inlet (42c) by the first side wall (531a).

[0143] The plurality of side walls (531a, 531b, 531c, 531d) may include a second side wall (531b) provided on the opposite side of the first side wall (531a). The second side wall (531b) may extend from the edge of the cover plate (510). That is, the second side wall (531b) may be a portion of the extension (521) of the cover frame (520).

[0144] As described above, the first side wall (531a) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the cover plate (510). Accordingly, based on the flow direction of air flowing in through the first cover opening (531), the width between the first side wall (531a) and the second side wall (532b) may become narrower from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0145] The plurality of side walls (531a, 531b, 531c, 531d) may include a third side wall (531c) connecting one end of the first side wall (531a) and one end of the second side wall (531b), and a fourth side wall (531d) connecting the other end opposite the one end of the first side wall (531a) and the other end opposite the one end of the second side wall (531b). The third side wall (531c) and the fourth side wall (531d) may each protrude from the upper surface (522a) of the cover frame (520) toward the inside of the inlet cover (500).

[0146] The second cover opening (532) may be formed by a plurality of side walls (532a, 532b, 532c, 532d). In other words, the second cover opening (532) may be provided to be surrounded by a plurality of side walls (532a, 532b, 532c, 532d).

[0147] The plurality of side walls (532a, 532b, 532c, 532d) may include a fifth side wall (532a) provided closest to the air inlet (42c). The fifth side wall (532a) may protrude from the lower surface (522b) of the cover frame (520) toward the inside of the inlet cover (500).

[0148] The fifth side wall (532a) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the cover plate (510). In other words, the fifth side wall (532a) may be formed to be approximately inclined with respect to the side surface (42b) of the inner surface (42) of the refrigerator compartment. That is, the fifth side wall (532a) may protrude from the lower surface (522b) of the cover frame (520) toward the inside of the inlet cover (500) and extend in a direction away from the air inlet (42c).

[0149] The plurality of side walls (532a, 532b, 532c, 532d) may include a sixth side wall (532b) provided on the opposite side of the fifth side wall (532a). The sixth side wall (532b) may extend from the edge of the cover plate (510). That is, the sixth side wall (532b) may be a part of the extension (521) of the cover frame (520).

[0150] As described above, the fifth side wall (532a) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the cover plate (510). Accordingly, based on the flow direction of air flowing in through the second cover opening (532), the width between the fifth side wall (532a) and the sixth side wall (532b) may become narrower from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0151] The plurality of side walls (532a, 532b, 532c, 532d) may include a seventh side wall (532c) connecting one end of the fifth side wall (532a) and one end of the sixth side wall (532b), and an eighth side wall (532d) connecting the opposite end of the fifth side wall (532a) and the opposite end of the sixth side wall (532b). The seventh side wall (532c) and the eighth side wall (532d) may each protrude from the lower surface (522b) of the cover frame (520) toward the inside of the inlet cover (500).

[0152] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a first side wall (531a) among the plurality of side walls (531a, 531b, 531c, 531d) forming a first cover opening (531) and a fifth side wall (532a) among the plurality of side walls (532a, 532b, 532c, 532d) forming a second cover opening (532) may each protrude from the cover frame (520) toward the inside of the inlet cover (500) and extend in a direction away from the air inlet (42c). In other words, the first side wall (531a) and the fifth side wall (532a) may each extend toward the inside of the cover plate (510). According to this configuration, air flowing into the inside of the inlet cover (500) through the first cover opening (531) or the second cover opening (532) can flow toward the inner surface of the cover plate (510). The air flowing toward the inner surface of the cover plate (510) can be introduced into the air inlet (42c) after hitting the inner surface of the cover plate (510) (see FIG. 13). That is, the first side wall (531a) and the fifth side wall (532a) can guide the air flowing into the inside of the inlet cover (500) toward the inner surface of the cover plate (510), thereby making the air flow path constant, and thus, can prevent a vortex from being formed when the air is introduced into the inside of the inlet cover (500).

[0153] The inlet cover (500) may be detachably mounted on the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment inner case (42). Specifically, the inlet cover (500) may be detachably mounted on the portion of the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment inner case (42) where the air inlet (42c) is formed.

[0154] The inlet cover (500) may include a front engaging protrusion (540) provided on the front portion (522c) of the cover frame (520). The front engaging protrusion (540) may protrude forward from one end of the front portion (522c) of the cover frame (520).

[0155] The front engaging protrusion (540) may be provided in multiple pieces. For example, the front engaging protrusion (540) may include a first front engaging protrusion (541) provided relatively upper and a second front engaging protrusion (542) provided relatively lower.

[0156] The refrigerator compartment interior (42) may include a coupling hole (42d) into which a front coupling protrusion (540) can be inserted. The coupling hole (42d) may be formed in front of the air inlet (42c).

[0157] A plurality of coupling holes (42d) may be provided. For example, the coupling holes (42d) may include a first coupling hole (42da) provided relatively upper and a second coupling hole (42db) provided relatively lower. The first coupling hole (42da) may be provided such that a first front coupling protrusion (541) can be inserted therein, and the second coupling hole (42db) may be provided such that a second front coupling protrusion (542) can be inserted therein.

[0158] The inlet cover (500) may include a hook projection (550) protruding from the inner surface of the cover plate (510).

[0159] As described above, the air inlet (42c) may include a plurality of inlet holes (42ca) through which air may flow. Each of the plurality of inlet holes (42ca) may extend in a vertical direction. The plurality of inlet holes (42ca) may be arranged in a front-back direction.

[0160] At least one of the plurality of inlet holes (42ca) may be provided with a coupling groove (42cb) into which at least a portion of the hook projection (550) may be inserted. For example, the coupling groove (42cb) may be formed in the frontmost inlet hole (42ca) among the plurality of inlet holes (42ca). The coupling groove (42cb) may be formed by being recessed at the edge of the inlet hole (42ca).

[0161] The inlet cover (500) may include a protrusion (560) protruding from the rear portion (522d) of the cover frame (520). Specifically, the protrusion (560) may protrude from the lower edge of the third cover opening (533). The protrusion (560) may be provided in the shape of a plate with one end bent.

[0162] The refrigerator compartment inner case (42) may include a support protrusion (42e) formed at the rear of the air inlet (42c). The support protrusion (42e) may protrude from the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment inner case (42). Through this configuration, an insertion groove (42ea) may be formed between the support protrusion (42e) and the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment inner case (42).

[0163] The protrusion (560) can be provided so as to be insertable into the insertion groove (42ea). By inserting the protrusion (560) into the insertion groove (42ea), the inlet cover (500) can be supported by the support protrusion (42e).

[0164] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, the front engaging projection (540) is inserted into the engaging hole (42d), at least a part of the hook engaging projection (550) is inserted into the engaging groove (42cb), and the protrusion (560) is inserted into the insertion groove (42ea), whereby the inlet cover (500) can be mounted on the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment inner case (42).

[0165] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator (1) comprises a main body (10), a freezer inner case (41) forming a freezer (21) inside the main body (10), a refrigerator inner case (42) forming a refrigerator (22) inside the main body (10) and having an air inlet (42c), a cooling chamber (45) in which an evaporator (E) is arranged to generate cold air to be supplied to the freezer (21) and the refrigerator (22), a freezer duct (100) communicating with the cooling chamber (45) and including a first cold air discharge port (120, 130, 140) formed to discharge cold air to the freezer (21), a refrigerator duct (200) communicating with the freezer duct (100) and including a second cold air discharge port (220, 230, 240) formed to discharge cold air to the refrigerator (22), A return duct (400) connected to the air inlet (42c) so that air within the refrigerator (22) is returned to the refrigerator (45) and cooled, and an inlet cover (500) provided to cover the air inlet (42c) from the inside of the refrigerator (22), the inlet cover (500) having a cover opening (530) provided to allow air within the refrigerator (22) to be introduced into the air inlet (42c).

[0166] The above inlet cover (500) may include a cover plate (510) provided spaced apart from the air inlet (42c), and a cover frame (520) that supports the cover plate (510) at an edge of the cover plate (510). The cover opening (530) may be formed in a portion of the cover frame (520).

[0167] The above cover opening (531, 532) may be arranged to be surrounded by a plurality of side walls (531a, 531b, 531c, 531d, 532a, 532b, 532c, 532d).

[0168] Among the plurality of side walls (531a, 531b, 531c, 531d, 532a, 532b, 532c, 532d), one side wall (531a, 532a) provided closest to the air inlet (42c) may be formed to be inclined with respect to the cover plate (510).

[0169] The above-described side walls (531a, 532a) may be first side walls (531a, 532a). The plurality of side walls (531a, 531b, 531c, 531d, 532a, 532b, 532c, 532d) may include second side walls (531b, 532b) that extend from the edge of the cover plate (510) and are provided on the opposite side of the first side walls (531a, 532a).

[0170] Based on the direction of air flow introduced through the cover opening (530), the width between the first side wall (531a, 532a) and the second side wall (531b, 532b) may become narrower from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0171] The plurality of side walls (531a, 531b, 531c, 531d, 532a, 532b, 532c, 532d) may further include a third side wall (531c, 532c) connecting one end of the first side wall (531a, 532a) and one end of the second side wall (531b, 532b), and a fourth side wall (531d, 532d) connecting the other end opposite the one end of the first side wall (531a, 532a) and the other end opposite the one end of the second side wall (531b, 532b).

[0172] The first side wall (531a, 532a), the third side wall (531c, 532c), and the fourth side wall (531d, 532d) may each protrude from the cover frame (520) toward the inside of the inlet cover (500).

[0173] The above cover opening (530) may include a first cover opening (531) formed on the upper surface (522a) of the cover frame (520), a second cover opening (532) formed on the lower surface (522b) of the cover frame (520), and a third cover opening (533) formed on the rear surface (522d) of the cover frame (520).

[0174] The air inside the refrigerator (22) can be blocked from flowing into the air inlet (42c) through the front part (522c) of the cover frame (520).

[0175] The above inlet cover (500) can be detachably mounted on the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment inner case (42).

[0176] The above inlet cover (500) is provided on the front part (522c) of the cover frame (520) and may include a front engaging protrusion (540) that protrudes forward. The refrigerator compartment inner case (42) is formed in front of the air inlet (42c) and may include a engaging hole (42d) into which the front engaging protrusion (540) is inserted.

[0177] The above inlet cover (500) may include a hook protrusion (550) protruding from the inner surface of the cover plate (510). The air inlet (42c) may include a plurality of inlet holes (42ca) through which air flows. At least one of the plurality of inlet holes (42ca) may have a joining groove (42cb) formed into which at least a portion of the hook protrusion (550) may be inserted.

[0178] The above plurality of inlet holes (42ca) may be arranged in the front-back direction. The above coupling groove (42cb) may be formed in the frontmost inlet hole (42ca) among the above plurality of inlet holes (42ca).

[0179] The inlet cover (500) may include a protrusion (560) protruding from the rear portion (522d) of the cover frame (520). The refrigerator inner case (42) may include a support protrusion (42e) formed at the rear of the air inlet (42c), and protruding from the inner surface of the refrigerator inner case (42) such that an insertion groove (42ea) is formed between the support protrusion (42e) and the inner surface of the refrigerator inner case (42). The protrusion (560) may be provided to be insertable into the insertion groove (42ea) such that the inlet cover (500) is supported by the support protrusion (42e).

[0180] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator (1) comprises a main body (10), a refrigerating chamber (22) formed inside the main body (10) and having an air inlet (42c) provided therein, a cooling chamber (45) in which an evaporator (E) provided to generate cold air to be supplied to the refrigerating chamber (22) is disposed, a refrigerating chamber duct (200) communicating with the cooling chamber (45) and including cold air discharge ports (220, 230, 240) formed to discharge cold air to the refrigerating chamber (22), a recovery duct (400) communicating with the cooling chamber and connected to the air inlet (42c) so that air in the refrigerating chamber (22) is recovered to the cooling chamber (45) and cooled, and an inlet cover (500) detachably mountable on an inner surface of the refrigerating chamber inner body (42) to cover the air inlet (42c).

[0181] The above inlet cover (500) may include a cover plate (510) and a cover frame (520) that supports the cover plate (510) at an edge of the cover plate (510).

[0182] The above inlet cover (500) may include a cover opening (530) formed in a portion of the cover frame (520).

[0183] The above cover opening (530) may include a first cover opening (531) formed on the upper surface (522a) of the cover frame (520), a second cover opening (532) formed on the lower surface (522b) of the cover frame (520), and a third cover opening (533) formed on the rear surface (522d) of the cover frame (520).

[0184] Each of the first cover opening (531) and the second cover opening (532) may be provided to be surrounded by a plurality of side walls (531a, 531b, 531c, 531d, 532a, 532b, 532c, 532d).

[0185] According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator may include an air inlet cover designed to cover an air inlet of a refrigerator compartment. This prevents injury to a user of the refrigerator who may otherwise access the air inlet.

[0186] According to the invention, the inlet cover may include a plurality of cover openings. Accordingly, air within the refrigerator can be introduced into the air inlet, and air circulation within the refrigerator can be performed normally.

[0187] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, among the plurality of side walls forming the air inlet, one side wall that is provided relatively closer to the air inlet is formed to be inclined, thereby preventing a vortex from being formed when air is introduced into the inside of the inlet cover.

[0188] According to the present disclosure, an inlet cover may include a cover plate and a cover frame. The outer surface of the cover plate may be formed flat, and the front surface of the cover frame may be free of a cover opening. With this configuration, the aesthetics of the inlet cover may be improved.

[0189] 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. Main body; A freezer inner case forming a freezer inside the main body; A refrigerator compartment formed inside the main body, and an inner case of the refrigerator compartment having an air inlet; A cooling chamber in which an evaporator is arranged to generate cold air to be supplied to the above-mentioned freezer and refrigerator; A freezer duct communicating with the cooling chamber and including a first cold air discharge port formed to discharge cold air into the freezer chamber; A refrigerator duct including a second cold air discharge port formed to discharge cold air into the refrigerator compartment and communicated with the freezer duct; A return duct connected to the air inlet so that air inside the refrigerating chamber is returned to the cooling chamber and cooled, and is connected to the cooling chamber; and A refrigerator comprising an inlet cover provided to cover the air inlet on the inside of the refrigerator compartment, the inlet cover having a cover opening provided to allow air inside the refrigerator compartment to be introduced into the air inlet.

2. In paragraph 1, The above inlet cover, A cover plate provided spaced apart from the above air inlet; and A cover frame is included that supports the cover plate at the edge of the cover plate, A refrigerator in which the cover opening is formed in a portion of the cover frame.

3. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator wherein the above cover opening is surrounded by a plurality of side walls.

4. In paragraph 3, A refrigerator in which one of the plurality of side walls, which is provided closest to the air inlet, is formed to be inclined with respect to the cover plate.

5. In paragraph 4, The above side wall is the first side wall, The above plurality of side walls are, A refrigerator comprising a second side wall extending from an edge of the cover plate and provided on an opposite side of the first side wall.

6. In paragraph 5, A refrigerator in which the width between the first side wall and the second side wall narrows from the upstream side to the downstream side based on the direction of air flow introduced through the cover opening.

7. In paragraph 5, The above plurality of side walls are, A third side wall connecting one end of the first side wall and one end of the second side wall; and A refrigerator further comprising a fourth side wall connecting one end of the first side wall opposite the other end and one end of the second side wall opposite the other end.

8. In paragraph 7, A refrigerator in which the first side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall each protrude from the cover frame toward the inside of the inlet cover.

9. In paragraph 2, The above cover opening is, A first cover opening formed on the upper surface of the cover frame; A second cover opening formed on the lower part of the cover frame; and A refrigerator comprising a third cover opening formed at the rear portion of the cover frame.

10. In paragraph 9, A refrigerator in which air inside the refrigerator is blocked from flowing into the air inlet through the front part of the cover frame.

11. In paragraph 2, A refrigerator in which the above inlet cover can be detachably mounted on the inner side of the refrigerator compartment.

12. In paragraph 11, The above inlet cover, It is provided on the front side of the above cover frame and includes a front coupling protrusion protruding forward, The inner surface of the above refrigerator is, A refrigerator comprising a coupling hole formed in front of the air inlet and into which the front coupling protrusion is inserted.

13. In paragraph 11, The above inlet cover, Includes a hook projection protruding from the inner surface of the cover plate, The above air inlet is, It includes a plurality of inlet holes provided to allow air to flow, A refrigerator in which a joining groove is formed in at least one of the plurality of inlet holes, into which at least a portion of the hook protrusions can be inserted.

14. In paragraph 13, The above multiple inlet holes are arranged in the front-back direction, A refrigerator in which the joining groove is formed in the frontmost inlet hole among the plurality of inlet holes.

15. In paragraph 11, The above inlet cover, Includes a protrusion protruding from the rear side of the cover frame, The inner surface of the above refrigerator is, A support protrusion formed at the rear of the air inlet, comprising a support protrusion protruding from the inner surface of the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment so that an insertion groove is formed between the support protrusion and the inner surface of the inner surface of the refrigerator compartment, A refrigerator in which the protrusion is provided so as to be insertable into the insertion groove so that the inlet cover is supported by the support protrusion.

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