Refrigerator

Abstract

This refrigerator comprises: an inner case forming a storage compartment and including a drain; an evaporator which is disposed above the drain of the storage compartment and which generates cold air; and a duct for guiding, to the storage compartment, the cold air generated by the evaporator. The duct includes: a first flow path for guiding air from an inlet formed below the drain to a duct inlet formed above the drain; and a second flow path for guiding, to a first outlet formed at the front side of the duct and a plurality of second outlets formed on both sides of the duct, the air flowing into the duct through the duct inlet. The first outlet and the plurality of second outlets are disposed above the drain so as not to pass through the drain.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator including a duct for supplying cold air to a storage compartment.

[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] A refrigerator may include a cooling device including an evaporator, and a duct provided to supply cold air generated from the cooling device to a storage room.

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator comprising a duct having an improved structure.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator in which the size of an air inlet formed on the lower surface of a duct can be freely designed.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a duct having increased air intake and air exhaust by increasing the size of an air intake formed on a lower surface of the duct.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including a duct having an improved structure so that moisture inside the duct is not discharged into a storage compartment.

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

[0009] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator includes an inner case forming a storage compartment and including a drain, an evaporator disposed above the drain of the storage compartment and configured to generate cold air, and a duct disposed to guide cold air generated in the evaporator to the storage compartment. The duct forms a first flow path for guiding air from an inlet formed below the drain to a duct inlet formed above the drain, and a second flow path for guiding air introduced into the duct through the duct inlet to a first outlet formed at a front surface of the duct and a plurality of second outlets formed at both sides of the duct. The first outlet and the plurality of second outlets are disposed above the drain so as not to pass through the drain.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates the interior and duct of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, with a portion of the inner case cut away to show the inside of the inner case.

[0014] Figure 5 shows the duct, evaporator, and inner chamber separated from Figure 4.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a duct of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 illustrates the duct of Figure 6 from a different angle.

[0017] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a duct of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 9 shows Figure 8 from a different angle.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a front view of a duct of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the interior of the duct.

[0020] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of B in Figure 8.

[0021] Fig. 12 shows an example of a cross-section along A-A' of Fig. 6.

[0022] Fig. 13 shows an example of a cross-section along line A-A' of Fig. 6.

[0023] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a duct of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 15 shows Figure 14 from a different angle.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a front view of a duct of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the interior of the duct.

[0026] Figure 17 is an enlarged view of C in Figure 14.

[0027] 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.

[0028] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related described elements or any one of a plurality of related described elements.

[0032] 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).

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] "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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0068] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0069] Hereinafter, refrigerators according to various embodiments will be specifically described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0070] Hereinafter, the X direction in FIG. 1 may refer to the “front direction”, the Y direction may refer to the “left direction”, and the Z direction may refer to the “upward direction”.

[0071] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] A refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a storage compartment (20) provided so that the front is open inside the main body (10), and a door (30) rotatably coupled to the main body to open and close the open front of the storage compartment (20).

[0073] The main body (10) may be configured to include an inner case (11) forming a storage room (20), an outer case (12) arranged on the outside of the inner case to form an exterior, and an insulating material (13) foamed between the inner case (11) and the outer case (12) to insulate the storage room (20).

[0074] 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.

[0075] The inner case (11) can form a storage room (20). The inner case (11) can include a first inner case (11a) forming a first storage room (21) and a second inner case (11b) forming a second storage room (22). The first inner case (11a) and the second inner case (11b) can be formed integrally or can be formed separately and then assembled.

[0076] Insulation may be provided between the outer case (12) and the inner case (11). For example, urethane foam insulation may be used as the insulation, and if necessary, vacuum insulation (vacuum insulation panel) may be used, or urethane foam insulation and vacuum insulation may be used together.

[0077] The storage room (20) may have an open front to allow food to be taken in and out. The storage room (20) may include a first storage room (21) and a second storage room (22). The first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22) may be partitioned by a partition wall (14) of the storage room (20). The partition wall (14) may extend horizontally to partition the first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22) vertically. According to one embodiment, the first storage room (21) may be arranged below, and the second storage room (22) may be arranged above.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the first storage room (21) can be used as a refrigerator, and the second storage room (22) can be used as a freezer, which maintains a lower internal temperature than the refrigerator. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first storage room (21) can be used as a freezer, and the second storage room (22) can be used as a refrigerator. In addition, the first and second storage rooms may not be arranged vertically, but may be arranged side by side.

[0079] The storage room (20) may include shelves (25). The shelves (25) may be arranged inside the storage room (20) to divide the inside of the storage room (20) into a plurality of zones. The storage room (20) may include a plurality of shelves (25).

[0080] A refrigerator (1) may include a door (30) rotatably coupled to a main body (10). The door (30) may include a first door (31) rotatably coupled to the main body (10) to open and close a first storage compartment (21), and a second door (32) rotatably coupled to the main body (10) to open and close a second storage compartment (22). A door guard (35) capable of storing food, etc. may be provided on the back surface of the door (30).

[0081] A machine room (27) in which a compressor (26) for compressing refrigerant and a condenser (not shown) for condensing refrigerant are installed can be provided at the lower rear side of the main body (10).

[0082] A refrigerator (1) may include a cooling device configured to generate cold air. The cooling device may include a compressor (26) that compresses a refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the refrigerant, an expansion valve (not shown) that expands the refrigerant, and an evaporator (41, 42) that evaporates the refrigerant.

[0083] The cooling device may include a machine, mechanism, electronic device, and / or a system combining the same that can generate cold air to cool the storage compartment (20). The cooling device has been described as a refrigeration cycle device including a compressor (26), a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator (41, 42) that can drive a refrigeration cycle, but is not limited thereto. The cooling device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool the storage compartment by generating heat and cooling through the Peltier effect. The cooling device may include a thermoelectric element, a heat sink, and wires.

[0084] 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). 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).

[0085] 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 inner case (11) and the duct (100).

[0086] The duct (100) may be provided to guide cold air generated in the first evaporator (41) to the first storage room (21). The duct (100) may guide air inside the first storage room (21) to move toward the first evaporator (41). The air guided to the first evaporator (41) by the duct (100) may be cooled by passing through the first evaporator (41). The air cooled by passing through the first evaporator (41), i.e., the cold air, may be introduced into the duct (100). The cold air introduced into the duct (100) may move along a path formed inside the duct (100) and then be discharged into the first storage room (21). In other words, the air inside the first storage room (21) is guided to the first evaporator (41) by the duct (100), the air cooled by passing through the first evaporator (41) is introduced into the duct (100), and then discharged to the outside of the duct (100), thereby repeating the process, so that the air inside the first storage room (21) can be circulated and cooled. The duct (100) can guide the cold air so that the cold air is evenly distributed in the first storage room (21).

[0087] The duct (100) may be configured to prevent water from accumulating in the first storage chamber (21) by discharging water inside the duct (100) to the outside of the duct (100). This will be described later.

[0088] The duct (100) can be placed in at least one of the first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22). Hereinafter, a case where the duct (100) is placed in the first storage room (21) will be described.

[0089] The refrigerator (1) may include a first fan (43) arranged in the first storage compartment (21) and a second fan (44) arranged in the second storage compartment (22). The first fan (43) may supply cold air generated in the first evaporator (41) to the first storage compartment (21) by circulating air. The second fan (44) may supply cold air generated in the second evaporator (42) to the second storage compartment (22) by circulating air. The duct (100) may also be arranged in the second storage compartment (22).

[0090] FIG. 3 illustrates the inner case and ducts of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the inner case of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure cut away to reveal the inside of the inner case. FIG. 5 illustrates the duct, evaporator, and inner case of FIG. 4 separated.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the duct (100) may be arranged on the rear side of the first storage chamber (21) formed by the first inner chamber (11a). The duct (100) may be coupled to the rear side (11c) of the first inner chamber (11a). A first evaporator (41) may be arranged on the rear side of the duct (100). The first evaporator (41) may be arranged between the duct (100) and the rear side (11c) of the first inner chamber (11a). Hereinafter, the rear side (11c) of the first inner chamber (11a) refers to the rear side of the interior of the first inner chamber (11a). In other words, the back surface (11c) of the first inner wall (11a) refers to the inner surface of the back wall of the first inner wall (11a) facing forward, not the outer surface facing the back of the first inner wall (11a).

[0092] The duct (100) can cover the first evaporator (41) so that the first evaporator (41) is not exposed to the first storage chamber (21). The duct (100) can be arranged in front of the first evaporator (41) so as to cover the first evaporator (41). The duct (100) can form at least a portion of the rear surface of the first storage chamber (21).

[0093] Referring to FIG. 5, a drain (15) may be provided in the first inner case (11a) of the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment. The drain (15) may be provided to discharge water generated in the first evaporator (41) to the outside of the first inner case (11a). The drain (15) may be formed integrally with the inner case (11). The inner case (11) may be formed integrally with the drain (15) to include the drain (15). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The drain may be provided separately from the inner case and then assembled to the inner case.

[0094] The length of the drain (15) in the left-right direction can be formed to correspond to the length of the duct (100) in the left-right direction. The length of the drain (15) in the left-right direction is referred to as the width of the drain (15), and the length of the duct (100) in the left-right direction is referred to as the width of the duct (100). The width of the duct (100) can be provided to correspond to the width of the drain (15). However, the width of the duct (100) and the width of the drain (15) are not provided to be the same. The width of the duct (100) and the width of the drain (15) correspond, but the width of the duct (100) can be provided to be larger than the width of the drain (15) so that the duct (100) can cover the drain (15).

[0095] The drain (15) can be formed on the rear surface (11c) of the first inner surface (11a). The duct (100) can be coupled to the rear surface (11c) of the first inner surface (11a) so that the first cover (110) of the duct (100) is positioned above the drain (15).

[0096] The drain (15) may include a drain hole (15a) formed by penetrating the first inner layer (11a). Water generated in the first evaporator (41) may be discharged to the outside of the first inner layer (11a) through the drain hole (15a). The drain (15) may include a plurality of inclined surfaces that are inclined downward toward the drain hole (15a). Water may be guided toward the drain hole (15a) by the plurality of inclined surfaces and discharged to the outside of the first inner layer (11a) through the drain hole (15a).

[0097] A fixing groove (11d) into which a fixing projection (114) of a duct (100) is inserted may be provided on the rear surface (11c) of the first inner case (11a). By inserting the fixing projection (114) of the duct (100) into the fixing groove (11d), the duct (100) can be coupled to the rear surface (11c) of the first inner case (11a).

[0098] Fig. 6 illustrates a duct of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 illustrates the duct of Fig. 6 from a different angle. Hereinafter, the +X direction of Fig. 6 may point forward, and the -X direction may point backward. The +Y direction of Fig. 6 may point left, and the -Y direction may point right. The +Z direction of Fig. 6 may point upward, and the -Z direction may point downward.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the duct (100) may include a plurality of first outlets (121) formed on the front surface of the duct (100). The duct (100) may include a plurality of second outlets (122) formed on both sides of the duct (100).

[0100] The plurality of first outlets (121) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other and may be provided in a slit shape. The plurality of first outlets (121) may be slit-shaped holes extending in the left-right direction. The plurality of first outlets (121) may be arranged adjacent to either one of the two end portions of the front surface of the duct (100). The plurality of first outlets (121) may be arranged adjacent to either one of the two end portions of the front surface of the duct (100) and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. However, this is not limited thereto. The shape and arrangement of the plurality of first outlets may be changed.

[0101] The plurality of second outlets (122) may be arranged spaced apart from each other and may be provided in a slit shape. The plurality of second outlets (122) may be slit-shaped holes extending in the vertical direction. The plurality of second outlets (122) may be formed on either side of the duct (120). The plurality of second outlets (122) may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction on either side of the duct (120). However, this is not limited thereto. The shape and arrangement of the plurality of second outlets may be changed.

[0102] The duct (100) may include a front inlet (141) provided on the front lower side of the duct (100). A plurality of front inlets (141) may be provided. The front inlet (141) may be formed on the front of a deodorant receiving portion (140) provided to receive a deodorant. The deodorant receiving portion (140) may be arranged on the lower side of the duct (100). A hole (142, see FIG. 9) through which air is discharged may be formed on the rear side of the deodorant receiving portion (140). The odor of air passing through the front inlet (141) may be removed by the deodorant received in the deodorant receiving portion (140).

[0103] Referring to Fig. 7, a first fan (43) may be mounted on the duct (100). As the first fan (43) operates, air may be introduced into the duct (100) and air may be discharged from the inside of the duct (100).

[0104] The duct (100) may include an inlet (123) formed on the lower surface of the duct (100). The inlet (123) may be formed in the shape of a hole or a groove on the lower surface of the duct (100). According to one embodiment, the inlet (123) may be formed by cutting a portion of the lower surface of the duct (100). However, the fact that a portion of the lower surface of the duct (100) is cut does not mean that it has actually been cut in the manufacturing process, but is an expression used to describe the shape of the inlet.

[0105] According to the present disclosure, the width of the inlet (123) may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the width of the duct (100). The width of the inlet (123) may refer to the length in the left-right direction of the inlet (123). An outlet for discharging air may not be formed on the lower surface of the duct (100), and only the inlet (123) may be formed. Accordingly, the size of the inlet (123) formed on the lower surface of the duct (100) can be freely designed. A drain (15) is arranged above the inlet (123), and the drain (15) protrudes forward from the rear surface (11c) of the first inner surface (11a), so that the path of air moving from the inlet (123) toward the first evaporator (41) becomes narrow. As the width of the inlet (123) may be increased to increase the amount of air flowing into the duct (100), the narrowing of the duct may reduce the amount of air flowing into the duct (100). When the width of the inlet (123) is at its maximum, the width of the inlet (123) may be equal to the width of the duct (100).

[0106] The duct (100) may include a plurality of fixing protrusions (114) spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the duct (100). The plurality of fixing protrusions (114) may be provided to enable elastic deformation. By inserting each of the plurality of fixing protrusions (114) into a plurality of fixing grooves (11d) formed on the rear surface (11c) of the first inner case (11a), the duct (100) may be coupled to the first inner case (11a). When the plurality of fixing protrusions (114) are inserted into the plurality of fixing grooves (11d), the plurality of fixing protrusions (114) may be elastically deformed and then restored.

[0107] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a duct of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 is a different angle view of Figure 8.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the duct (100) may include a first cover (110), a second cover (120), and an insulating member (130). Hereinafter, the first cover (110) may be referred to as a rear cover. The second cover (120) may be referred to as a front cover or a cover plate.

[0109] The duct (100) may include a first cover (110). The first cover (110) may form the rear surface of the duct (100). The first cover (110) may cover the first evaporator (41) in front of the first evaporator (41). The first cover (110) may be coupled to the rear surface (11c) of the first inner case (11a) to cover the first evaporator (41). The first cover (110) may be placed on the drain (15) provided on the rear surface (11c) of the first inner case (11a).

[0110] A first evaporator (41) may be arranged between the rear surface (110b) of the first cover (110) and the rear surface (11c) of the first inner box (11a). Air may move through the space formed between the rear surface (110b) of the first cover (110) and the rear surface (11c) of the first inner box (11a). The space formed between the rear surface (110b) of the first cover (110) and the rear surface (11c) of the first inner box (11a) may form a first flow path through which air moves.

[0111] At least a portion of the first flow path can guide air introduced through the inlet (123) of the duct (100) to the first evaporator (41). At least a portion of the first flow path can guide air passing through the first evaporator (41) to the first fan (43). The first flow path can refer to a flow path that guides air from the inlet (123) formed on the lower surface of the duct (100) to the first fan (43). Since the inlet (123) is formed on the lower surface of the duct (100) and the first fan (43) is arranged adjacent to the upper surface of the duct (100), air moving along the first flow path can move upward.

[0112] The first cover (110) may include a duct inlet (111) formed by penetrating the first cover (110). Air may be introduced into the duct (100) through the duct inlet (111).

[0113] The first cover (110) may include a fan mounting portion (111a) on which the first fan (43) is mounted. The fan mounting portion (111a) may refer to a type of boss portion that protrudes forward and backward along the perimeter of the duct inlet (111). The shape of the fan mounting portion (111a) is not limited thereto.

[0114] The first cover (110) may include a plurality of fixing protrusions (114) spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the first cover (110). As described above, the fixing protrusions (114) may be inserted into the fixing grooves (11d) so that the duct (100) may be coupled to the rear surface (11c) of the first inner case (11a).

[0115] The first cover (110) may include a guide partition (112) provided to guide air introduced into the duct (100) through the duct inlet (111). The guide partition (112) may form a flow path that guides air introduced into the duct (100). The guide partition (112) may protrude forward from the front surface (110a) of the first cover (110). Moisture collection portions (112a, 112b) extending in a horizontal direction may be provided at both ends of the guide partition (112). This will be described later.

[0116] The first cover (110) may be formed with a joining hole (113) into which a joining projection (126) of the second cover (120) to be described later may be inserted. The joining hole (113) may be formed to correspond to the number and position of the joining projections (126).

[0117] The first cover (110) may include a connecting portion (113a) provided so that the protrusion (136a) of the insulating member (130) is inserted into the inside. The connecting portion (113a) may refer to a type of boss portion that protrudes forward along the perimeter of the connecting hole (113) from the front surface (110a) of the first cover (110).

[0118] The duct (100) may include a second cover (120). The second cover (120) may form the front surface of the duct (100). When the duct (100) is coupled to the rear surface (11c) of the first inner case (11a), the second cover (120) may form at least a portion of the rear surface of the first storage chamber (21). The second cover (120) may form at least a portion of the rear surface of the first storage chamber (21) by covering at least a portion of the rear surface (11c) of the first inner case (11a).

[0119] The second cover (120) may include a plurality of first outlets (121) and a plurality of second outlets (122) provided to discharge the airflow generated by the first fan (43) to the first storage chamber (21). The plurality of first outlets (121) may be formed by penetrating the front (120a) or the rear (120b) of the second cover (120). The plurality of second outlets (122) may be formed by penetrating both side surfaces (122a, 122b) of the second cover (120).

[0120] A plurality of first outlets (121) may be spaced apart from each other on the front surface (120a) of the second cover (120). For example, the plurality of first outlets (121) may be spaced apart from each other on the front surface (120a) of the second cover (120). The plurality of first outlets (121) may be spaced apart from each other on the front surface (120a) of the second cover (120). The plurality of first outlets (121) may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The positions and shapes of the plurality of first outlets (121) may be changed.

[0121] A plurality of second outlets (122) may be formed on the side surfaces (122a, 122b) of the second cover (120). The plurality of second outlets (122) may be formed on each of the two side surfaces (122a, 122b) of the second cover (120). The plurality of second outlets (122) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction on one side surface (122a) of the second cover (120). The plurality of second outlets (122) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction on the other side surface (122b) of the second cover (120).

[0122] The second cover (120) may include an inlet (123) of the duct (100). The inlet (123) may be formed in the lower surface (123a) of the second cover (120). The inlet (123) may be formed by cutting a portion of the lower surface (123a) of the second cover (120). In other words, the inlet (123) may be formed by a groove (123b) formed by recessing a portion of the lower surface (123a) of the second cover (120) forward. The second cover (120) may include a cutout (123b) formed in the lower surface (123a) of the second cover (120) to form the inlet (123). As described above, the expression “cut out” is used for convenience of explanation and is not limited thereto. In addition, the inlet may be formed by penetrating at least a portion of the lower surface of the second cover.

[0123] According to the present disclosure, only an inlet (123) may be formed on the lower surface of the duct (100). In other words, an outlet for discharging air may not be formed on the lower surface of the duct (100). If an inlet for introducing air and an outlet for discharging air are formed simultaneously on the lower surface of the duct (100), the amount of air introduced through the inlet may be insufficient. The duct (100) according to the present disclosure includes only an inlet (123) on its lower surface, thereby increasing the amount of air introduced into the duct (100) and also increasing the amount of air discharged.

[0124] The second cover (120) may include a coupling protrusion (126) that connects the second cover (120) and the first cover (110) by penetrating the insulating member (130) and the first cover (110), respectively. The second cover (120) may include a plurality of coupling protrusions (126) for stable coupling of the second cover (120) and the first cover (110). The plurality of coupling protrusions (126) may protrude rearward from the rear surface of the second cover (120). The plurality of coupling protrusions (126) may be spaced apart from each other on the rear surface of the second cover (120).

[0125] The duct (100) may include an insulating member (130). The insulating member (130) may be positioned between the first cover (110) and the second cover (120). The insulating member (130) may be accommodated in an internal space formed by combining the first cover (110) and the second cover (120). The insulating member (130) may form a flow path that guides air within the duct (100) together with the first cover (110).

[0126] The insulating member (130) may be formed of a material with excellent insulating performance to reduce heat transfer between the inside and outside of the duct (100). For example, the insulating member (130) may be formed of expanded polystyrene (EPS).

[0127] The front side (130a) of the insulating member (130) may be provided to correspond to the rear side (120b) of the second cover (120). The insulating member (130) may include a plurality of insulating member holes (131) corresponding to a plurality of first discharge ports (121) formed in the second cover (120). The plurality of insulating member holes (131) may penetrate from the front side (130a) to the rear side (130b) of the insulating member (130). The size, position, and shape of the plurality of insulating member holes (131) may correspond to the plurality of second discharge ports (121) of the second cover (120).

[0128] A discharge portion (132) may be formed on both sides (132a, 132b) of the insulating member (130). The discharge portion (132) may refer to a hole or groove for discharging air between the insulating member (130) and the first cover (110).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the discharge portion (132) may be formed by discharge grooves (132c, 132d) formed on both side surfaces (132a, 132b) of the insulating member (130). The discharge grooves (132c, 132d) may be formed by cutting at least a portion of both side surfaces (132a, 132b) of the insulating member (130). At least one discharge groove (132c) may be formed on one side surface (132a) of the insulating member (130). At least one discharge groove (132d) may be formed on the other side surface (132b) of the insulating member (130). For example, two or more discharge grooves (132c) may be formed along the vertical direction on one side surface (132a) of the insulating member (130). Two or more discharge grooves (132d) can be formed along the vertical direction on the other side (132b) of the insulating member (130).

[0130] The insulating member (130) may include a flow path forming portion (135) having a shape corresponding to the guide partition wall (112) of the first cover (110). The flow path forming portion (135) may be formed to protrude rearward from the rear surface (130b) of the insulating member (130). The edge of the flow path forming portion (135) may correspond to the shape of the guide partition wall (112). The edge of the flow path forming portion (135) may form a flow path that guides air together with the guide partition wall (112).

[0131] The insulating member (130) may include a through hole (136) through which the coupling protrusion (126) of the second cover (120) passes. The through hole (136) may be formed by penetrating the insulating member (130) in the front-back direction. A protrusion (136a) may be provided on the rear surface (130b) of the insulating member (130). The through hole (136) may be provided on the center side of the protrusion (136a). The through hole (136) may be formed by penetrating the protrusion (136a) from the front surface (130a) of the insulating member (130) in the front-back direction. The coupling protrusion (126) of the second cover (120) may be inserted into the coupling hole (113) of the first cover (110) by penetrating the through hole (136). The position and number of the through holes (136) may be arranged to correspond to the position and number of the coupling protrusions (126) of the second cover (120). The coupling protrusions (126) may penetrate the through holes (136) and be inserted into the coupling holes (113), thereby allowing the first cover (110), the insulating member (130), and the second cover (120) to be coupled.

[0132] Fig. 10 is a front view of a duct of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the interior of the duct. Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of B of Fig. 8.

[0133] Hereinafter, the air flow inside the duct (100) according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Hereinafter, the inside of the duct (100) may refer to the space formed between the insulating member (130) and the first cover (110).

[0134] As described above, air introduced into the first flow path through the inlet (123) of the duct (100) can move upward and be introduced into the first fan (43). The first flow path may refer to a space formed between the rear surface (110b) of the first cover (110), which is the rear surface of the duct (100), and the rear surface (11c) of the first inner case (11a).

[0135] Air drawn into the rear of the first fan (43) can be drawn into the interior of the duct (100) through the duct inlet (111). The air drawn into the interior of the duct (100) can move along the second flow path formed between the insulating member (130) and the first cover (110).

[0136] At least a portion of the air introduced into the duct (100) can be discharged to the outside of the duct (100) through a plurality of first outlets (121) formed at the front of the duct (100). At least a portion of the cold air introduced into the duct (100) through the first evaporator (41) can be discharged to the first storage room (21) through the plurality of first outlets (121) along the second flow path. The duct (100) can discharge the cold air to the front of the duct (100) through the plurality of first outlets (121). The cold air discharged through the plurality of first outlets (121) can move toward the front lower side of the duct (100).

[0137] At least a portion of the air introduced into the duct (100) can be discharged to the outside of the duct (100) through a plurality of second outlets (122) formed on the side of the duct (100). At least a portion of the cold air introduced into the duct (100) through the first evaporator (41) can be discharged to the first storage room (21) through the plurality of second outlets (122) along the second flow path. The duct (100) can discharge the cold air to the side of the duct (100) through the plurality of second outlets (122). Since the plurality of second outlets (122) are provided on both sides of the duct (100), the duct (100) can discharge the cold air to both sides of the duct (100) through the plurality of second outlets (122).

[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the second flow path can guide at least a portion of the air introduced into the duct (100) toward a plurality of second outlets (122) formed on one side of the duct (100). For example, the second flow path can guide the air inside the duct (100) to the right toward the plurality of second outlets (122) formed on the right side of the duct (100), and also guide it downward. The air guided by the second flow path and discharged through the plurality of second outlets (122) formed on the right side of the duct (100) can move downward.

[0139] The second flow path can guide at least a portion of the air introduced into the duct (100) toward a plurality of second outlets (122) formed on the other side of the duct (100). For example, the second flow path can guide the air inside the duct (100) to the left toward the plurality of second outlets (122) formed on the left side of the duct (100), and also guide it downward. The air guided by the second flow path and discharged through the plurality of second outlets (122) formed on the left side of the duct (100) can move downward.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the duct (100) may include a flow path forming portion (135) of an insulating member (130) and a guide partition wall (112) of a first cover (110). The edge of the flow path forming portion (135) of the insulating member (130) may be provided to correspond to the guide partition wall (112) of the first cover (110). Through this, the flow path forming portion (135) of the insulating member (130) and the guide partition wall (112) of the first cover (110) may form a second flow path within the duct (100).

[0141] As described above, the edge of the flow path forming portion (135) of the insulating member (130) and the guide partition wall (112) of the first cover (110) have corresponding shapes, so in the following, the shape of the edge of the flow path forming portion (135) is described instead of the description of the shape of the guide partition wall (112).

[0142] The insulating member (130) may include a flow path forming portion (135) protruding rearward from the rear surface (130b) of the insulating member (130). The edge of the flow path forming portion (135) corresponds to the shape of the guide partition wall (112) of the first cover (110), and the edge of the flow path forming portion (135) may be coupled with the guide partition wall (112) in the front-back direction to form at least a portion of the second flow path. In other words, the edge of the flow path forming portion (135) may expand the front-back width of the guide partition wall (112), and similarly, the guide partition wall (112) may expand the front-back width of the edge of the flow path forming portion (135).

[0143] The edge of the duct forming portion (135) may include a first-side inclined portion (133a, 133b, 133c) and a horizontal extension portion (133d) that guide air introduced into the duct (100) to a second outlet (122) formed on one side of the duct (100). Referring to FIG. 10, the inclined portions (133a, 133b, 133c) and the horizontal extension portion (133d) may guide air to a second outlet (122) formed on the right side of the duct (100).

[0144] The edge of the duct forming portion (135) may include a second side inclined portion (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) and a horizontal extension portion (134e) that guide air introduced into the duct (100) to a second outlet (122) formed on the other side of the duct (100). With reference to FIG. 10, the inclined portions (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) and the horizontal extension portion (134e) may guide air to a second outlet (122) formed on the left side of the duct (100).

[0145] The first side slopes (133a, 133b, 133c) may be arranged to slope downward toward the right. The first side slopes (133a, 133b, 133c) may include a first slope (133a) having a first slope, a second slope (133b) having a second slope that is gentler than the first slope of the first slope (133a), and a third slope (133c) having a third slope that is gentler than the second slope of the second slope (133b). The first slope (133a), the second slope (133b), and the third slope (133c) may be sequentially connected toward the right. According to one embodiment, the length of the first slope portion (133a) may be set to be longer than the sum of the lengths of the second slope portion (133b) and the third slope portion (133c). The length of the third slope portion (133c) may be set to be longer than the length of the second slope portion (133b).

[0146] A first horizontal extension (133d) may be provided on the right side of the third slope (133c). The first horizontal extension (133d) may be connected to the third slope (133c). The first horizontal extension (133d) may correspond to the first moisture collection portion (112a) of the guide bulkhead (112). The first horizontal extension (133d) may prevent water flowing along the first slope to the third slope (133a, 133b, 133c) from being discharged through the second discharge port (122). The first horizontal extension (133d) can prevent water inside the duct (100) from being discharged outside the duct (100) by causing water flowing along the first to third slopes (133a, 133b, 133c) to stop on the first horizontal extension (133d). The water on the first moisture collection unit (112a) can be discharged outside the duct (100) by being included in the air through evaporation rather than being directly discharged outside the duct (100).

[0147] Water generated in the first evaporator (41) can be guided to the drain (15) along the first flow path. The water guided to the drain (15) can be guided to the drain hole (15a) by a plurality of inclined surfaces formed in the drain (15). The water generated in the first evaporator (41) can be discharged to the outside of the first inner chamber (11a) through the drain hole (15a).

[0148] The cold air generated in the first evaporator (41) may contain moisture, and since the temperature inside the duct (100) is low, moisture in the air may condense inside the duct (100) to generate water. The water generated inside the duct (100) or introduced into the duct (100) may move downward along the first to third slopes (133a, 133b, 133c) due to gravity. Since the first horizontal extension (133d) extends in the horizontal direction, water that has moved to one side of the first horizontal extension (133d) along the first to third slopes (133a, 133b, 133c) stops on the first horizontal extension (133d). In other words, the water stagnates on the first horizontal extension (133d).

[0149] The second-side slopes (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) may be provided to slope downward toward the left. The second-side slopes (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) may include a first slope (134a) having a first slope and a second slope (134b) having a second slope that is steeper than the first slope of the first slope (134a). The second-side slopes (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) may include a third slope (134c) having a third slope that is gentler than the second slope of the second slope (134b) and steeper than the first slope of the first slope (134a). The second side slopes (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) may include a fourth slope (134d) having a fourth slope that is gentler than the third slope of the third slope (134c). The fourth slope of the fourth slope (134d) may be the same as or gentler than the first slope of the first slope (134a). The first slope (134a), the second slope (134b), the third slope (134c), and the fourth slope (134d) may be sequentially connected toward the left.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the length of the second slope portion (134b) may be set to be longer than the sum of the lengths of the third slope portion (134c) and the fourth slope portion (134d). The length of the second slope portion (134b) may be set to be longer than the length of the first slope portion (134a). The length of the first slope portion (134a) may be set to be longer than the length of the third slope portion (134c). The length of the first slope portion (134a) may be set to be longer than the length of the fourth slope portion (134d). The length of the fourth slope portion (134d) may be set to be longer than the length of the third slope portion (134c).

[0151] A second horizontal extension (134e) may be provided on the left side of the fourth slope (134d). The second horizontal extension (134e) may be connected to the fourth slope (134d). The second horizontal extension (134e) may correspond to the second moisture collection portion (112b) of the guide bulkhead (112). The second horizontal extension (134e) may prevent water flowing along the first to fourth slopes (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) from being discharged through the second discharge port (122). The second horizontal extension (134e) can prevent water inside the duct (100) from being discharged outside the duct (100) by causing water flowing along the first to fourth slopes (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) to stop on the second horizontal extension (134e). The water on the second moisture collection unit (112b) can be discharged outside the duct (100) by being included in the air through evaporation rather than being directly discharged outside the duct (100).

[0152] The cold air generated in the first evaporator (41) may contain moisture, and since the temperature inside the duct (100) is low, moisture in the air may condense inside the duct (100) to generate water. The water generated inside the duct (100) or introduced into the duct (100) may move downward along the first to fourth slopes (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) by gravity. The second horizontal extension (134e) extends in the horizontal direction, so that water that has moved to one side of the second horizontal extension (134e) along the first to fourth slopes (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) stops on the second horizontal extension (134e). In other words, water stagnates on the second horizontal extension (134e).

[0153] If water within the duct is discharged outside the duct through multiple secondary outlets, water may accumulate within the first storage chamber. Water discharged outside the duct may flow into food within the first storage chamber, which is unsanitary. Furthermore, water accumulated within the first storage chamber may cause discomfort to the user. According to the present disclosure, the aforementioned problem can be prevented in advance by guiding the water within the duct (100) downward while preventing it from being discharged outside the duct (100), as described above.

[0154] Fig. 12 shows an example of a cross-section along A-A' of Fig. 6.

[0155] Referring to Fig. 12, a duct (100) according to one embodiment can guide air discharged through a plurality of second discharge ports (122) to both sides of the duct (100). The discharge grooves (132c, 132d) formed on both sides of the insulating member (130) can each extend flatly along the left and right directions.

[0156] Referring to Fig. 12, since the exhaust groove (132c) is extended flatly in the left-right direction, the air inside the duct (100) can be exhausted toward the right side of the duct (100) based on Fig. 12 through the plurality of second exhaust ports (122). The air exhausted toward the right side of the duct (100) through the plurality of second exhaust ports (122) may not be biased forward. With this structure, the duct (100) can increase the amount of cold air exhausted to both sides of the duct (100).

[0157] Fig. 13 shows an example of a cross-section along line A-A' of Fig. 6.

[0158] Referring to Fig. 13, a duct (100) according to one embodiment can guide air discharged through a plurality of second discharge ports (122) to both sides of the duct (100). With reference to Fig. 13, a discharge guide (132e) may be provided on the right side of the insulating member (130). The discharge guide (132e), which is formed at a position corresponding to a discharge groove and has a portion of the discharge groove protruding, may be provided to be inclined downward toward the right. The discharge guide formed on the left side of the insulating member (130) may be provided to be inclined downward toward the left.

[0159] Referring to Fig. 13, the exhaust guide (132e) extends downwardly and slanted toward the right, so that air inside the duct (100) can be exhausted toward the front right side of the duct (100) through the plurality of second exhaust ports (122). The air exhausted to the right side of the duct (100) through the plurality of second exhaust ports (122) can be directed forward. With this structure, the duct (100) can increase the amount of cold air exhausted toward the front of the duct (100).

[0160] Fig. 14 is an exploded view of a duct of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a different angle view of Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a front view of a duct of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the interior of the duct. Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of C of Fig. 14.

[0161] Hereinafter, the structure of a duct (100) according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. The remaining structure of the duct (100) except for the guide rib (115) is the same as described above, so description of overlapping content will be omitted.

[0162] The duct (100) according to one embodiment may further include a guide rib (115). The guide rib (115) may be provided on the front surface of the first cover (110). The guide rib (115) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple guide ribs (115) may be provided at positions corresponding to the discharge portion (122) of the insulating member (130) such that each end faces at least one of the multiple second discharge ports (122).

[0163] According to one embodiment, the duct (100) may include a plurality of guide ribs (115) corresponding to the number of second outlets (122). For example, four second outlets (122) may be formed on one side of the duct (100), and four guide ribs (115) may be provided spaced apart in the vertical direction on one side of the first cover (110). Four second outlets (122) may be formed on the other side of the duct (100), and four guide ribs (115) may be provided spaced apart in the vertical direction on the other side of the first cover (110).

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the guide ribs (115) can guide downward the air discharged to both sides of the duct (100) through the plurality of second outlets (112). The plurality of guide ribs (115) provided adjacent to the right side of the duct (100) can guide the air downward by being inclined downward toward the right. The plurality of guide ribs (115) provided adjacent to the left side of the duct (100) can guide the air downward by being inclined downward toward the left. The plurality of guide ribs (115) can increase the amount of cold air discharged downward of the duct (100).

[0165] The angle (θ) between the guide rib (115) and the first moisture collection unit (112a) may be less than 90°. The angle (θ) between the guide rib (115) and the second moisture collection unit (112b) may be less than 90°. Since the angle (θ) between the guide rib (115) and the first moisture collection unit (112a) and the angle (θ) between the guide rib (115) and the second moisture collection unit (112b) are set to be less than 90°, the guide rib (115) can guide air downward.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a moisture collection space can be formed between the guide rib (115) positioned at the lowest among the plurality of guide ribs (115) and the first horizontal extension (112a), and between the guide rib (115) positioned at the lowest among the plurality of guide ribs (115) and the second horizontal extension (112b).

[0167] The moisture collection space refers to a space formed between the lower end of the guide rib (115) positioned lowest among the plurality of guide ribs (115) and the first horizontal extension (112a). The moisture collection space refers to a space formed between the lower end of the guide rib (115) positioned lowest among the plurality of guide ribs (115) and the second horizontal extension (112b).

[0168] The lower end of the guide rib (115) arranged at the lowest position among the plurality of guide ribs (115) can cover one end of the first horizontal extension portion (112a). By covering one end of the first horizontal extension portion (112a), water on the first horizontal extension portion (112a) can be prevented from being discharged to the outside. Similarly, the lower end of the guide rib (115) arranged at the lowest position among the plurality of guide ribs (115) can cover one end of the second horizontal extension portion (112b). By covering one end of the second horizontal extension portion (112b), water on the second horizontal extension portion (112b) can be prevented from being discharged to the outside. Water collected in the moisture collection space is not directly discharged to the outside of the duct (100) but can be included in the air by evaporation and discharged to the outside of the duct (100).

[0169] According to one embodiment, a refrigerator includes an inner case forming a storage compartment and including a drain, an evaporator disposed above the drain of the storage compartment and configured to generate cold air, and a duct configured to guide cold air generated in the evaporator to the storage compartment. The duct forms a first flow path that guides air from an inlet formed below the drain to a duct inlet formed above the drain, and a second flow path that guides air introduced into the duct through the duct inlet to a first outlet formed at a front surface of the duct and a plurality of second outlets formed at both sides of the duct. The first outlet and the plurality of second outlets are disposed above the drain so as not to pass through the drain.

[0170] The above first flow can guide air to pass through the drain.

[0171] The above second flow can guide air so that it does not pass through the drain.

[0172] As the width of the above inlet increases, the flow rate of air flowing along the first flow path can increase.

[0173] When the width of the above inlet is at its maximum, the width of the above inlet may be equal to the width of the above duct.

[0174] The duct may include a first cover coupled to the inner surface to form a rear surface of the duct and cover the evaporator.

[0175] The duct may include a second cover formed on the front side of the duct and coupled to the first cover to cover the first cover and the drain.

[0176] The above duct may include an insulating member disposed between the first cover and the second cover and forming the first cover and the second flow path.

[0177] The first cover may include a guide baffle protruding forward from the front surface of the first cover to form the second flow path.

[0178] The above insulating member may include a flow path forming portion having a border having a shape corresponding to that of the guide partition wall to form the second flow path together with the guide partition wall, and a flow path forming portion protruding rearward from the rear surface of the insulating member.

[0179] The above guide bulkhead and the flow path forming portion may include a first sloped portion that is inclined downward toward one side of the duct to guide air downward toward the plurality of second outlets.

[0180] The above guide bulkhead and the above flow forming portion may include a second inclined portion that is inclined downward toward the other side of the duct to guide air downward toward the plurality of second outlets.

[0181] The above guide bulkhead and the above flow path forming portion may further include a first horizontal extension portion provided on one side of the first inclined portion, and extending horizontally so that water on the first horizontal extension portion stagnates.

[0182] The above guide bulkhead and the above flow path forming portion may further include a second horizontal extension portion provided on the other side of the second inclined portion, and extending horizontally so that water on the second horizontal extension portion stagnates.

[0183] The above first cover may further include a plurality of guide ribs provided on both sides of the first cover.

[0184] The plurality of guide ribs may be arranged to be inclined downward toward both sides of the first cover so as to guide air passing through the guide ribs downward.

[0185] At least one of the plurality of guide ribs may be connected to the first horizontal extension or the second horizontal extension to form a water collection space in which water is collected.

[0186] The duct may further include a plurality of exhaust guides formed inside the plurality of second exhaust ports so that air discharged to both sides of the duct through the plurality of second exhaust ports faces forward.

[0187] The plurality of exhaust guides may include surfaces inclined toward both sides of the duct.

[0188] The first cover and the insulating member may be placed over the drain so as to form the second flow path over the drain.

[0189] The above drain can be formed integrally with the inner surface.

[0190] According to the invention, a refrigerator including a duct with an improved structure can be provided.

[0191] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, a refrigerator can be provided in which the size of an air inlet formed on the lower surface of a duct can be freely designed.

[0192] According to the idea of ​​the present disclosure, a refrigerator including a duct having increased air intake and air exhaust volume can be provided by increasing the size of an air intake port formed on the lower surface of the duct.

[0193] According to the invention, a refrigerator can be provided that includes a duct having an improved structure so that moisture inside the duct is not discharged into a storage chamber.

[0194] 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. An inner surface forming a storage room and including a drain; An evaporator arranged above the drain of the storage room and configured to generate cold air; and A duct provided to guide the cold air generated in the evaporator to the storage room; The above duct, A first flow path that guides air from an inlet formed below the drain to a duct inlet formed above the drain; A second flow path is formed to guide air introduced into the duct through the duct inlet to a first outlet formed on the front of the duct and a plurality of second outlets formed on both sides of the duct, A refrigerator in which the first outlet and the plurality of second outlets are positioned above the drain so as not to pass through the drain.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first euro guides air to pass through the drain, The above second duct is a refrigerator that guides air so that it does not pass through the drain.

3. In paragraph 1, As the width of the above inlet increases, the flow rate of air flowing along the first flow path increases, A refrigerator in which the width of the inlet is the same as the width of the duct when the width of the inlet is at its maximum.

4. In paragraph 1, The above duct, A first cover formed at the rear of the duct and joined to the inner surface to cover the evaporator; A second cover formed on the front side of the duct and coupled to the first cover to cover the first cover and the drain; and A refrigerator comprising an insulating member disposed between the first cover and the second cover and forming the first cover and the second flow path.

5. In paragraph 4, The first cover includes a guide partition protruding forward from the front of the first cover to form the second flow path, A refrigerator in which the insulating member includes a flow path forming portion having a border having a shape corresponding to that of the guide partition wall to form the second flow path together with the guide partition wall, and a flow path forming portion protruding rearward from the rear surface of the insulating member.

6. In paragraph 5, The above guide bulkhead and the above euro forming part, A first inclined portion inclined downward toward one side of the duct to guide air downward toward the plurality of second outlets, and A refrigerator comprising a second inclined portion inclined downward toward the other side of the duct to guide air downward toward the plurality of second outlets.

7. In paragraph 6, The above guide bulkhead and the above euro forming part, A first horizontal extension provided on one side of the first slope, the first horizontal extension extending horizontally so that water on the first horizontal extension stagnates, and A refrigerator further comprising a second horizontal extension provided on the other side of the second inclined portion, the second horizontal extension extending horizontally so that water on the second horizontal extension stagnates.

8. In paragraph 7, The first cover further includes a plurality of guide ribs provided on both sides of the first cover, A refrigerator in which the plurality of guide ribs are each provided to be inclined downward toward both sides of the first cover so as to guide air passing through the guide ribs downward.

9. In paragraph 8, A refrigerator in which at least one of the plurality of guide ribs is connected to the first horizontal extension or the second horizontal extension to form a moisture collection space in which water is collected.

10. In paragraph 1, The above duct, Further comprising a plurality of exhaust guides formed on the inside of the plurality of second exhaust ports so that the air discharged to both sides of the duct through the plurality of second exhaust ports faces forward, A refrigerator wherein the plurality of discharge guides include surfaces inclined toward both sides of the duct.

11. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the first cover and the insulating member are placed above the drain so as to form the second flow path above the drain.

12. In paragraph 1, A refrigerator in which the above drain is formed integrally with the inner surface.

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