Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator comprises: a main body that includes an inner case forming a storage chamber, and an outer case coupled to the outer side of the inner case; a cooling chamber provided at one side of the inner case; an evaporator which is accommodated in the cooling chamber, and which includes a refrigerant pipe in which a plurality of heat exchange fins are disposed and side plates for supporting the refrigerant pipe; and a defrosting water tray which is disposed under the evaporator, and which includes a bottom part, side wall parts spaced apart from the side plates, and a blocking part that extends from the side wall part toward the side plate so as to restrict the air flowing into the cooling chamber from flowing along the outer surface of the side plate.

Description

refrigerator

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved refrigerator.

[0002] An evaporator is a device that exchanges heat between a refrigerant and external air, comprising a refrigerant tube through which the refrigerant flows and exchanges heat with external air, and a heat exchange fin coupled to the refrigerant tube to increase the heat transfer surface area.

[0003] A refrigerator may include an evaporator to supply cold air to the storage compartment. The evaporator can cool the air through heat exchange, and the cooled air can be supplied to the storage compartment.

[0004] The evaporator is connected to the storage room and absorbs heat by coming into contact with humid air at a relatively high temperature. In this process, the air is cooled to a relatively low temperature. At this time, the larger the heat transfer surface area in contact with the air, the greater the heat exchange rate of the evaporator.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator with improved cooling efficiency by restricting air that bypasses flow to the outside of the side plate of the evaporator in the cooling chamber of the refrigerator.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator having a blocking portion provided in a defrosting water tray to restrict the bypass flow of air in the cooling chamber of the refrigerator.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a refrigerator in which the air flow resistance on the outer side of the side plate is increased by providing a folded plate and a blocking part on the side plate of the evaporator and the defrost water receiving part, respectively.

[0008] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs from the description below.

[0009] A refrigerator according to the concept of the present invention comprises a main body including an inner chamber forming a storage chamber and an outer chamber coupled to the outer side of the inner chamber; a cooling chamber provided on one side of the inner chamber; an evaporator received in the cooling chamber and including a refrigerant pipe having a plurality of heat exchange fins arranged thereon and a side plate provided to support the refrigerant pipe; and a defrost water receiving disposed at the bottom of the evaporator, comprising a bottom portion, a side wall portion spaced apart from the side plate, and a blocking portion extending from the side wall portion toward the side plate to restrict air flowing into the cooling chamber from flowing along the outer surface of the side plate.

[0010] A refrigerator according to the concept of the present invention comprises a main body including an inner body forming a storage chamber and an outer body coupled to the outer side of the inner body, a cooling chamber provided on one side of the inner body, and an evaporator including a refrigerant pipe having a plurality of heat exchange fins arranged thereon and a side plate coupled to the side end of the refrigerant pipe, wherein the evaporator includes a folded plate provided to protrude outwardly from the side plate, a defrosting heater provided inside the evaporator to defrost the plurality of heat exchange fins and the refrigerant pipe, and a defrosting water receiving provided at the bottom of the evaporator, comprising a bottom portion, a side wall portion spaced apart from the side plate, and a blocking portion provided on the side wall portion to block the space between the side plate and the side wall portion.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an evaporator and a defrost water receiver of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a part of the configuration of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a top view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the dotted line portion of Figure 5.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a front view of an evaporator and a defrost water receiving tank of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the dotted line portion of Figure 7.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a defrost water receiving tank of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a part of the configuration of an evaporator of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a part of the configuration of an evaporator and a defrost water receiver of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0023] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0024] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0025] In the present disclosure, each of the phrases such as “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.

[0026] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0027] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0028] Additionally, terms such as 'front,' 'rear,' 'top,' 'bottom,' 'side,' 'left,' 'right,' 'top,' and 'bottom' used in this disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and location of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0029] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this disclosure, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0030] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0031] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0032] A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a main body.

[0033] The "main body" may include an inner body, an outer body positioned on the outside of the inner body, and an insulating material provided between the inner body and the outer body.

[0034] The "inner body" may include at least one of a case, plate, panel, or liner forming a storage chamber. The inner body may be formed as a single body or may be formed by assembling multiple plates. The "outer body" may form the exterior of the main body and may be coupled to the outer side of the inner body so that an insulating material is disposed between the inner body and the outer body.

[0035] The "insulating material" can insulate the interior and exterior of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room is maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the external environment. According to one embodiment, the insulating material may include a foamed insulating material. The foamed insulating material can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam, which is a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent, between the inner and outer layers.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the insulation material may additionally include a vacuum insulation material in addition to a foam insulation material, or the insulation material may consist solely of a vacuum insulation material instead of a foam insulation material. The vacuum insulation material may include a core material and an outer shell material that accommodates the core material and seals the interior under vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation material is not limited to the foam insulation material or vacuum insulation material described above and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

[0037] The "storage room" may include a space defined by an internal structure. The storage room may further include an internal structure defining a space corresponding to the storage room. Various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics may be stored in the storage room, and the storage room may be formed so that at least one side is open to allow for the retrieval and retrieval of items.

[0038] A refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in a refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different use and may be maintained at a different temperature. To this end, each storage compartment may be partitioned from one another by a partition containing insulation.

[0039] The storage room may be provided to be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to its intended use and may include a "refrigeration room," "freezing room," or "variable temperature room" distinguished according to its intended use and / or temperature range. The refrigerator room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for refrigerated storage of goods, and the freezer room may be maintained at a temperature suitable for frozen storage of goods. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling goods to a temperature that does not freeze them; for example, the refrigerator room may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling goods to freeze them or to maintain them in a frozen state; for example, the freezer room may be maintained within a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator room or a freezer room, with or without the user's choice.

[0040] Storage rooms may be referred to by various names, such as "vegetable room," "fresh room," "cooling room," and "ice-making room," in addition to terms like "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room." The terms "refrigeration room," "freezing room," and "variable temperature room" used below should be understood as encompassing storage rooms with corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close one side of the storage compartment. The door may be provided to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close multiple storage compartments. The door may be installed to be rotatable or sliding on the front of the main body.

[0042] The “door” may be configured to seal the storage room when the door is closed. The door may include insulation material, similar to the main body, to insulate the storage room when the door is closed.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming the front of the door, a door inner panel forming the rear of the door and facing the storage room, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation material provided inside the same.

[0044] A gasket may be provided on the edge of the door inner panel to seal the storage compartment by adhering to the front of the main body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be mounted.

[0045] According to 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 a door insulation material provided inside them.

[0046] Refrigerators can be classified into French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer), TMF (Top Mounted Freezer), or 1-door refrigerators depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device arranged to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

[0048] The "cold air supply device" may include a machine, apparatus, electronic device, and / or a system combining these that can generate cold air and guide cold air to cool a storage room.

[0049] According to one embodiment, a cold 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 supply device may include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool a storage chamber through heat generation and cooling action via the Peltier effect.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room arranged to accommodate at least some parts belonging to a cold air supply device.

[0051] The "machine room" may be configured to be partitioned and insulated from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to communicate with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

[0052] According to 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 opening the door.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include an ice-making device configured to generate ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-removing device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice bucket that stores the ice generated from the ice-making tray.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

[0055] The "control unit" may include a memory that stores or remembers a program and / or data for controlling a refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc., according to the program and / or data stored in the memory.

[0056] The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc., necessary for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated while generating control signals to control the components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

[0057] 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 operation of an artificial intelligence model. Additionally, the processor may include a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The processor can generate control signals to control the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor can receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply unit based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

[0058] Additionally, the processor can process user input of the user interface and control the operation of the user interface according to programs and / or data stored in memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. Additionally, the processor can transmit display control signals and image data to the user interface to display an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

[0059] 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 sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memory units.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control all components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. Additionally, the refrigerator may separately provide a processor and memory that control the operation of a user interface according to user input.

[0061] The communication module can communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances, through nearby Access Points (APs). The Access Point (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 be connected to the server through the Wide Area Network (WAN).

[0062] The input interface may include keys, touchscreens, microphones, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

[0063] The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface can output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

[0064] Meanwhile, terms such as "front-back direction," "left-right direction," "upper side," and "lower side" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0065] For example, the X direction can be defined as the forward-backward direction. For example, the Y direction can be defined as the lateral direction. For example, the Z direction can be defined as the up-down direction. For example, the +X direction can be defined as forward and the -X direction as backward. For example, the +Y direction can be defined as left and the -Y direction as right. For example, the +Z direction can be defined as upward and the -Z direction as downward.

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0067] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator (1) may include a main body (10), a storage room (20) provided inside the main body (10), a door (30) for opening and closing the storage room (20), and a cooling system for supplying cold air to the storage room (20).

[0069] The main body (10) may include an inner section (11) forming a storage room (20) and an outer section (12) forming the exterior of the refrigerator (1). The outer section (12) may be formed to have the shape of a box with an open front. The outer section (12) may form the top surface, bottom surface, left and right sides, rear surface, etc. of the refrigerator (1). The inner section (11) may have an open front. The inner section (11) may have a storage room (20) provided inside and may be provided on the inner side of the outer section (12). The inner wall of the inner section (11) may form the inner wall of the storage room (20).

[0070] A main body insulation material may be provided between the inner body (11) and the outer body (12) to insulate the space between the inner body (11) and the outer body (12). The main body insulation material may be provided between the inner body (11) and the outer body (12). The main body insulation material can improve the cooling efficiency inside the storage room (20) by preventing heat exchange between the inside of the storage room (20) and the outside of the main body (10). The main body insulation material may include a vacuum insulation panel. However, it is not limited thereto, and for example, the main body insulation material may include insulation materials of various materials such as urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, etc.

[0071] A storage room (20) may be formed inside the main body (10). For example, the storage room (20) may include a refrigerator room maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius for refrigerated storage of food. For example, the storage room (20) may include a freezer room maintained at approximately minus 23 to minus 17 degrees Celsius for frozen storage of food.

[0072] In various embodiments, the storage room (20) may be divided into multiple areas. The storage room (20) may be divided into multiple areas by partitions (15, 16). For example, the storage room (20) may be divided into an upper first storage room (21), a lower second storage room (22), and a third storage room (23) by a first partition (15) extending in a horizontal direction. Additionally, the lower storage rooms (22, 23) of the storage room (20) may be divided into a left storage room (22) and a right storage room (23) by a second partition (16) extending in a vertical direction. In this case, for example, the upper storage room (21) may be used as a refrigerator, and the lower storage rooms (22, 23) may both be used as freezers, or one of them may be used as a freezer and the other as a refrigerator.

[0073] The method of dividing the storage room (20) as described above and the use of each of the divided storage rooms (21, 22, 23) are merely examples and are not limited thereto.

[0074] The refrigerator (1) may include a cooling system configured to generate cold air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cold air to a storage room (20). The cooling system may generate cold air using a cooling circulation cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant. The cold air generated by the cooling system may be supplied to the storage room (20) through a cold air duct (50) provided at the rear of the storage room (20).

[0075] The door (30) may be provided to open and close the storage room (20). The door (30) may be provided to open and close an opening formed on one side of the main body (10). The door (30) may be provided to be rotatable with respect to the main body (10).

[0076] The outer surface of the door (30) may form part of the exterior of the refrigerator (1). When the door (30) is closed, the outer surface of the door (30) may form at least part of the front exterior of the refrigerator (1). When the door (30) is closed, the inner surface of the door (30) may face the interior of the storage room (20). The inner surface of the door (30) referred to here means one side of the door (30) facing the storage room (20) when the door (30) is closed to the storage room (20). Additionally, the outer surface of the door (30) referred to here means the other side opposite to the inner surface of the door (30) facing the storage room (20) when the door (30) is closed to the storage room (20), and refers to the front of the door (30) visible when the refrigerator (1) is viewed from the front.

[0077] A door shelf (40) capable of storing food may be provided on the inner surface of the door (30). For example, the door shelf (40) may be supported by the dike (35) of the door (30). The door shelf (40) may be mounted on the dike (35) of the door (30).

[0078] A refrigerator (1) may be provided with a cooling chamber (100) that accommodates an evaporator (200). A cooling chamber (100) that accommodates the evaporator (200) and generates cold air may be provided at the rear of the storage chamber (20). Specifically, the cooling chamber (100) may be formed by the inner surface (11) being recessed towards the rear (-x). The cold air generated in the cooling chamber (100) may be supplied to the storage chamber (20).

[0079] The cold air duct (50) may be located at the rear of the storage room (20). The cold air duct (50) may be provided to partition the storage room (20) and the cooling room (100). The cold air duct (50) may be located at the front of the cooling room (100).

[0080] According to one example, a refrigerator (1) including a plurality of storage rooms (20) may be configured to receive cold air from a single cooling room (100).

[0081] A cold air discharge opening (51) may be formed on the front of the cold air duct (50) to allow cold air to be discharged into the storage room (20). A connecting duct (60) may be provided on the upper side of the cold air duct (50). A blower fan (70) may be provided on the upper side of the cold air duct (50). The cold air duct (50) may include a duct cover (52). The duct cover (52) may form the rear side of the cold air duct (50).

[0082] A damper (61) for opening and closing the connecting duct (60) may be provided on one side of the connecting duct (60). By opening and closing the connecting duct (60), the supply of cold air to the upper storage room (21) can be controlled.

[0083] A suction force is generated at the bottom of the cooling chamber (100) by a blower fan (70), allowing air to flow from the storage chamber (20) into the cooling chamber (100). The air flowing into the cooling chamber (100) can be cooled by exchanging heat with the evaporator (200) while flowing from the bottom to the top of the cooling chamber (100). The air cooled by the evaporator (200) can flow through the cold air duct (50).

[0084] Cold air flowing through the cold air duct (50) can be arranged to be supplied to the lower storage room (22) through the cold air discharge port (51). The duct cover (52) of the cold air duct (50) can form the front of the cooling room (100).

[0085] A defrosting water receiving plate (300) may be placed at the bottom of the evaporator (200).

[0086] An evaporator (200) may be provided to cool air introduced into a cooling chamber (100). The air introduced into the cooling chamber (100) may contain high-temperature humid air. Frost or ice may form during the process of the evaporator (200) cooling the humid air.

[0087] A defrost water receiving plate (300) may be provided at the bottom of the cooling chamber (100). The defrost water receiving plate (300) may be provided to be inclined downward to receive defrost water that falls due to gravity as frost or frost melts. The defrost water receiving plate (300) may be perforated to communicate with the outside of the main body (10) in order to discharge the defrost water to the outside of the main body (10) of the refrigerator (1).

[0088] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an evaporator and a defrost water tray of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a part of the configuration of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a top view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the dotted line portion of FIG. 5.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the cooling chamber (100) of the refrigerator (1) may be provided with an evaporator (200) to cool the air.

[0090] A defrost water receiving basin (300) may be provided at the bottom of the evaporator (200). A detailed description of the defrost water receiving basin (300) will be provided later in the following drawings.

[0091] The evaporator (200) may include a refrigerant pipe (220) through which refrigerant flows and a heat exchange fin (230) coupled to the outer surface of the refrigerant pipe (220) to facilitate smooth heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe (220) and the outside air. The heat exchange fin (230) may be coupled vertically to the refrigerant pipe (220). In a cooling cycle, the evaporator (200) can evaporate the refrigerant as the refrigerant, which is in a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid state, moves along the refrigerant pipe (220). Additionally, the evaporator (200) can absorb the heat required for the refrigerant to evaporate from the surrounding air.

[0092] The refrigerant pipe (220) may include an inlet pipe (221) into which refrigerant flows, and an outlet pipe (222) into which refrigerant that has flowed into the refrigerant pipe (220) and exchanged heat with air flows out. Meanwhile, an accumulator (225) may be provided in the outlet pipe (222). A defrost temperature sensor (250) may be provided between the accumulator (225) and the outlet pipe (222), and in the inlet pipe (221), respectively. That is, the defrost temperature sensor (250) may be provided at the top of the evaporator (200).

[0093] Additionally, the refrigerant pipe (220) may include a cooling pipe (224) to which a heat exchange fin (230) is coupled and which is configured to cool air passing through the evaporator (200) together with the coupled heat exchange fin (230), and a bending pipe (223) to which the cooling pipe (224) is bent. In this case, the cooling pipe (224) and the bending pipe (223) may be formed integrally.

[0094] It may be preferable for the cooling pipe (224) of the refrigerant pipe (220) to be formed long in order to increase the heat exchange area between the refrigerant flowing inside and the outside air. Accordingly, the cooling pipe (224) may not be formed long in only one direction, but may be provided to have a shape that is bent several times in the vertical direction. Through this, the cooling pipe (224) can overcome spatial constraints and efficiently increase the heat exchange area in a limited space.

[0095] Side plates (260) may be provided on both sides of the cooling tube (224) to maintain the shape of the evaporator (200). In other words, the evaporator (200) may include side plates (260) to support the cooling tube (224) which is bent to form a plurality of rows. The side plates (260) may be placed on both sides of the evaporator (200). Multiple holes may be formed in the side plates (260) to allow the cooling tube (224) to pass through. Several cooling tubes (224) formed by bending the refrigerant tube (220) several times may be supported by the side plates (260). The refrigerant tube (220) bent several times by the side plates (260) may be stably supported.

[0096] The cooling chamber (100) may be provided at the rear of the storage chamber (20). Specifically, the cooling chamber (100) may be formed by the inner surface (11) being recessed towards the rear (-x).

[0097] Accordingly, the recessed surface of the inner chamber (11) may refer to the rear side of the cooling chamber (100). The side of the cooling chamber (100) may refer to a part of the side of the inner chamber (11) formed along the direction of recessing from the inner chamber (11). The lower surface of the cooling chamber (100) may refer to a part of the lower side of the inner chamber (11) formed along the direction of recessing from the inner chamber (11). In other words, the cooling chamber (100) may be formed by a space created as the part located at the rear of the storage chamber (20) in the inner chamber (11) is recessed backward.

[0098] For example, the depth of the depression in the inner chamber (11) can be arranged to be approximately equal to the thickness of the evaporator (200). That is, the length of the side of the cooling chamber (100) can also be arranged to be equal to the thickness of the evaporator (200). Accordingly, the evaporator (200) can be accommodated in the cooling chamber (100).

[0099] A cold air duct (51) may be provided in front of the cooling room (100) to partition the cooling room (100) and the storage room (20). Air flowing into the cooling room (100) may rise and move. In other words, an air passage (S1, S2) through which air flowing into the cooling room (100) can flow may be provided in the cooling room (100).

[0100] The air passages (S1, S2) may include a first air passage (S1) and a second air passage (S2) separated by side plates (260) provided on both sides of the evaporator (200).

[0101] The first air passage (S1) may be formed between a plurality of side plates (260) provided on both sides of the evaporator (200). Accordingly, the first air passage (S1) may be defined as being provided on the inner side of the side plates (260) in the cooling chamber (100).

[0102] A second air passage (S2) may be formed between one side of the cooling chamber (100) and the adjacent side plate (260). Accordingly, the second air passage (S2) may be defined as being provided on the outside of the side plate (260) in the cooling chamber (100).

[0103] The first air passage (S1) is provided with a plurality of heat exchange fins (230) to increase the heat transfer area, and thus the cooling efficiency may be relatively higher than that of the second air passage (S2) which is not provided with heat exchange fins (230). Accordingly, if the bypass flow of air to the second air passage (S2) is minimized, the cooling efficiency of the cooling chamber (100) can be increased. In other words, the cooling efficiency of the cooling chamber (100) can be increased by concentrating the flow of air into the inner side of the side plates (260) provided on both sides of the evaporator (200).

[0104] The evaporator (200) may be provided so that a lower portion is received in the defrost water receiver (300). In other words, a lower portion of the evaporator (200) may be received inside the defrost water receiver (300). The defrost water receiver (300) may be provided to be in contact with the cooling chamber (100). In other words, the defrost water receiver (300) may be provided to be in contact with the rear and side of the cooling chamber (100), respectively.

[0105] The side plate (260) may be provided to be spaced apart from the side of the cooling chamber (100). In other words, the side plate (260) may be provided to be spaced inward from the defrost water receiver (300). Accordingly, a second air passage (S2) may be formed between the side plate (260) and the side of the cooling chamber (100), or between the side plate (260) and the defrost water receiver (300).

[0106] To reduce bypass flow into the second air passage (S2), the cooling chamber (100) may be configured to increase the air flow resistance of the second air passage (S2).

[0107] For example, the defrosting water receiver (300) may include a blocking portion (310) provided on the side wall portion (301) to block the space between the side plate (260) and the side wall portion (301) of the defrosting water receiver (300).

[0108] For example, the side plate (260) of the evaporator (200) may include a folded plate (261) formed by being folded outwardly in the direction of the side plate (260).

[0109] The blocking portion (310) of the side wall portion (301) of the water tank (300) and the bending plate (261) of the side plate (260) may each be provided with a plurality of blocking portions (310) and a plurality of bending plates (261). For example, the blocking portion (310) may include a first blocking portion (310a) provided at the bottom of the side wall portion (301) and a second blocking portion (310b) provided at the top of the side wall portion (301). For example, the bending plate (261) may include a lower bending plate (261a) that is bent at the bottom of the side plate (260) and an upper bending plate (261b) that is bent at the top of the side plate (260).

[0110] A description of the specific shape of the water receiving tank (300) including the blocking part (310) and the evaporator (200) including the bending plate (261) will be described later in the following drawings.

[0111] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the dotted line portion of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a front view of an evaporator and a defrost water tray of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the dotted line portion of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a defrost water tray of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a partial configuration of an evaporator of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a partial configuration of an evaporator and a defrost water tray of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] In the following description, for the convenience of explanation, configurations that are substantially identical or similar to those described with reference to FIG. 3 may be omitted or briefly described.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 11, a side plate (260) may be provided on the side of the evaporator (200). The side plate (260) may include a folded plate (261) provided in a shape that is folded at the top and bottom. Specifically, the side plate (260) may be provided with an upper folded plate (261b) provided at the top and a lower folded plate (261a) provided at the bottom.

[0114] The side plate (260) may include a plurality of coupling holes (263) and coupling protrusions (262). The plurality of coupling holes (263) may be provided so that the refrigerant pipe (220) of the evaporator (200) passes through and is coupled. The refrigerant pipe (220) may be provided to be bent 180 degrees after passing through the coupling holes (263) and then pass through the coupling holes (263) again. In other words, a bent pipe (223) of the refrigerant pipe (220) may be provided on one side of the coupling holes (263), and a cooling pipe (224) of the refrigerant pipe (220) may be provided on the other side of the coupling holes (263). In other words, a bent tube (223) may be disposed on one side of the side plate (260), and a cooling tube (224) and a heat exchange fin (230) coupled to the cooling tube (224) may be disposed on the other side of the side plate (260).

[0115] The side plate (260) may include a connecting projection (262) on one side. The connecting projection (262) of the side plate (260) may be connected through the rear surface of the cooling chamber (100) so that the evaporator (200) is fixed to the cooling chamber (100).

[0116] A defrost water receiving plate (300) may be provided at the bottom of the evaporator (200). The defrost water receiving plate (300) may include a bottom portion (302), a rear wall portion (303), and a side wall portion (301).

[0117] The bottom portion (302) may include an inclined surface to allow defrosting water, defrosted by the defrosting heater (240), to flow down. The bottom portion (302) may include a discharge hole (304) provided to communicate with the outside of the refrigerator (1) to discharge the defrosting water to the outside of the refrigerator (1).

[0118] A rear wall portion (303) may be provided at the rear end of the bottom portion (302) and formed to protrude upward. The rear wall portion (303) may be provided to be in contact with the rear surface of the cooling chamber (100). That is, the rear wall portion (303) may be provided to extend upward along the rear surface of the cooling chamber (100). The rear wall portion (303) may be positioned between the defrosting heater (240) and the rear surface of the cooling chamber (100) to reduce damage to the inner surface (11) forming the rear surface of the cooling chamber (100) from the high heat generated by the defrosting heater (240).

[0119] Side walls (301) may be provided on both sides of the rear wall (303). The side walls (301) may be provided to protrude forward from both ends of the rear wall (303). The side walls (301) may be provided to be spaced vertically apart from the bottom (302).

[0120] The side wall portion (301) can be provided to be in contact with the side of the cooling chamber (100).

[0121] A blocking portion (310) may be provided on one side of the side wall portion (301). More specifically, a first blocking portion (310a) may be provided at the bottom of the side wall portion (301). A second blocking portion (310b) may be provided at the top of the side wall portion (301).

[0122] The first blocking portion (310a) may be provided to protrude inward from the side wall portion (301) toward the cooling chamber (100). That is, the first blocking portion (310a) may be provided to protrude from the side wall portion (301) toward the middle of the cooling chamber (100).

[0123] The second blocking portion (310b) may be provided to protrude inward from the side wall portion (301) toward the cooling chamber (100). That is, the second blocking portion (310b) may be provided to protrude from the side wall portion (301) toward the middle of the cooling chamber (100).

[0124] The defrost water receiving (300) may include an internal space provided between the rear wall portion (303) and the side wall portion (301) formed upward from the bottom portion (302). An evaporator (200) may be accommodated in the defrost water receiving (300). That is, at least a portion of the evaporator (200) may be accommodated in the internal space of the defrost water receiving (300).

[0125] Accordingly, the side plate (260) of the evaporator (200) can be accommodated in the defrost water receiver (300). That is, the evaporator (200) can be positioned between the side wall portions (301) provided on both sides of the defrost water receiver (300). In other words, the lower part of the side plate (260) can be arranged to face the inner surface of the side wall portion (301) of the defrost water receiver (300).

[0126] The side wall portion (301) may be provided parallel to the side plate (260). In other words, the side wall portion (301) may be provided parallel to the side plate (260). The side plate (260) may be provided spaced apart from the side wall portion (301) by a predetermined distance. In other words, the side plate (260) may be provided spaced apart from the side of the cooling chamber (100) by a predetermined distance.

[0127] A bent tube (223) may be disposed on one side of the side plate (260), and a cooling tube (224) and a heat exchange fin (230) coupled to the cooling tube (224) may be disposed on the other side of the side plate (260). Accordingly, the bent tube (223) of the refrigerant tube (220) may be positioned between the side plate (260) and the side of the cooling chamber (100).

[0128] The blocking portion (310) may be provided to block the space between the side plate (260) and the side wall portion (301). The blocking portion (310) may be provided to extend from the side wall portion (301) toward the side plate (260). The blocking portion (310) may be provided so as not to interfere with the bent tube (223). Accordingly, the blocking portion (310) may be provided to be inclined to one side.

[0129] For example, the blocking section (310) may be provided to slope downward toward the outer direction of the cooling chamber (100). That is, both the first blocking section (310a) and the second blocking section (310b) may be provided to have a slope toward the outer direction of the cooling chamber (100).

[0130] The slopes of the first blocking section (310a) and the second blocking section (310b) may be arranged to be different from each other. For example, the slope of the second blocking section (310b) may be arranged to be steeper than the slope of the first blocking section (310a).

[0131] The blocking portion (310) may be provided in the shape of a roughly square plate. The blocking portion (310) may be provided to have a thickness equal to the thickness of the defrosting water receiving plate (300). The blocking portion (310) may be provided to be inclined to one side. For example, the blocking portion (310) may be provided to be inclined downward as it goes toward the outer direction of the defrosting water receiving plate (300).

[0132] Regarding the vertical direction (z-direction), both the first blocking section (310a) and the second blocking section (310b) may be provided between the lower bending plate (261a) and the upper bending plate (261b). A plurality of blocking sections (310) and a plurality of bending plates (261) may be arranged along the outer surface of the side plate (260). In other words, a plurality of blocking sections (310) or bending plates (261) may be arranged in the vertical direction between the side plate (260) and the side of the cooling chamber (100), or between the side plate (260) and the side wall (301). At this time, each of the plurality of blocking sections (310) and each of the plurality of bending plates (261) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the length direction of the side plate.

[0133] In other words, the upper bending plate (261b) can be positioned above the defrost water receiver (300), and the lower bending plate (261a) can be positioned below the side wall portion (301) of the defrost water receiver (300). Accordingly, the upper bending plate (261b), which protrudes toward the outer direction of the evaporator (200), can be protruded so as to extend toward the side of the cooling chamber (100). The lower bending plate (261a), which protrudes toward the outer direction of the evaporator (200), can be protruded so as to extend toward the side wall portion (301) of the defrost water receiver (300).

[0134] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first blocking part (310a) is illustrated as having a steeper slope than the second blocking part (310b), but the concept of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first blocking part (310a) and the second blocking part (310b) can be provided in various forms to block the space between the side wall part (301) and the side plate (260) without interfering with the bending pipe (223). In other words, the first blocking part (310a) and the second blocking part (310b) can be provided to form various angles, such as acute, right, or obtuse, with the side wall part (301) of the water receiving tank (300).

[0135] The folded plate (261) of the side plate (260) may be provided to protrude outwardly toward the evaporator (200). In other words, the folded plate (261) may be provided to extend toward the side of the cooling chamber (100) or toward the side wall (301) of the defrosting water receiver (300).

[0136] In an embodiment of the present invention, the bending plate (261) is illustrated as being provided approximately perpendicular to the side plate (260), but the concept of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the bending plate (261) can be provided in various shapes so as to block the space between the side plate (260) and the side wall (301) without interfering with the bending tube (223). That is, the bending plate (261) can be provided in a shape that protrudes from the side plate (260) toward the side of the cooling chamber (100) and has various angles such as acute, right, and obtuse angles relative to the side plate (260).

[0137] Referring to FIG. 11 to illustrate another example, the bending plate (261) may be provided to slope downward toward the inner side of the evaporator (200). For example, both the lower bending plate (261a) and the upper bending plate (261b) may be provided to slope downward toward the inner side of the evaporator (200). Accordingly, the blocking part (310) and the bending plate (261) may be provided to slope in opposite directions.

[0138] Meanwhile, regardless of the direction of inclination of the blocking part (310) and the bending plate (261), the blocking part (310) and the bending plate (261) may be arranged to protrude in opposite directions. That is, the blocking part (310) may be arranged to protrude from the side wall part (301) toward the side plate (260), and the bending plate (261) may be arranged to protrude from the side plate (260) toward the side wall part (301).

[0139] Accordingly, the air flow resistance on the outer side of the side plate (260) in the cooling chamber (100) may be increased. Accordingly, the flow of air entering the cooling chamber (100) to the outer side of the side plate (260) may be restricted. Accordingly, the air flow to the inner side of the side plate (260) may be increased, thereby increasing the air flow passing between the plurality of heat exchange fins (230) arranged in the evaporator (200). Accordingly, the cooling efficiency of the cooling chamber may be increased.

[0140] A refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment comprises a main body (10) including an inner body (11) forming a storage room (20) and an outer body (12) coupled to the outer side of the inner body (11); a cooling room (100) provided on one side of the inner body (11); an evaporator (200) including a refrigerant pipe (220) having a plurality of heat exchange fins (230) arranged thereon and a side plate (260) provided to support the refrigerant pipe (220) and a defrost water receiving plate (300) provided at the bottom of the evaporator (200), the evaporator having a bottom portion (302), a side wall portion (301) spaced apart from the side plate (260), and a portion extending from the side wall portion (301) toward the side plate (260) to restrict air flowing into the cooling room (100) along the outer surface of the side plate (260). It includes a blocking section (310).

[0141] The above side wall portion (301) is provided to face the side plate (260) in parallel, and the blocking portion (310) may be provided to be bent from the side wall portion (301) and protrude inwardly from the side wall portion (301) to be located on the outer side of the side plate (260).

[0142] The above blocking portion (310) may be positioned to block the space between the side wall portion (301) and the side plate (260).

[0143] The above blocking part (310) may be provided in the shape of a square plate having the same thickness as the thickness of the above water receiving part (300).

[0144] The above blocking part (310) may be provided to be inclined toward the outer direction of the above water receiving vessel (300).

[0145] The above-mentioned water receiving member (300) further includes a rear wall portion (303) formed by extending upward from the bottom portion (302) along the rear side of the cooling chamber (100), and the side wall portion (301) may be provided to protrude forward from one side of the rear wall portion (303).

[0146] The above side wall portion (301) is provided to be spaced apart from the above bottom portion (302), and the blocking portion (310) may include a first blocking portion (310a) formed protruding from the bottom of the above side wall portion (301) and a second blocking portion (310b) formed protruding from the top of the above side wall portion (301).

[0147] The first blocking portion (310a) may be formed to be bent inward from the side wall portion (301) and extended toward the side plate (260).

[0148] The second blocking portion (310b) may be formed to be bent inward from the side wall portion (301) and extended toward the side plate (260).

[0149] The first blocking part (310a) and the second blocking part (310b) can both be provided to be inclined toward the outer direction of the side plate (260).

[0150] The above side plate (260) may include a folded plate provided to protrude outward from the side plate (260).

[0151] An upper folded plate (261b) formed by folding is provided at the top of the side plate (260), and a lower folded plate (261a) formed by folding can be provided at the bottom of the side plate (260).

[0152] The upper bending plate (261b) is provided to protrude toward the side of the cooling chamber (100), and the lower bending plate (261a) can be provided to protrude toward the side wall (301) of the defrosting water receiver (300).

[0153] The above blocking part (310) can be positioned between the upper bending plate (261b) and the lower bending plate (261a).

[0154] The protrusion direction of the above blocking part (310) and the protrusion direction of the upper bending plate (261b) and the lower bending plate (261a) can be provided in opposite directions to each other.

[0155] A refrigerator (1) according to the concept of the present invention may include a main body (10) comprising an inner body (11) forming a storage room (20) and an outer body (12) coupled to the outer side of the inner body (11), a cooling room (100) provided on one side of the inner body (11), and an evaporator (200) comprising a refrigerant pipe (220) having a plurality of heat exchange fins (230) arranged thereon and a side plate (260) coupled to the side end of the refrigerant pipe (220), and may include a bent plate (261) provided to protrude outwardly from the side plate (260). A defrost heater (240) provided inside the evaporator (200) to defrost the plurality of heat exchange fins and the refrigerant pipe (220), and a defrost water receiving plate (300) provided at the bottom of the evaporator (200), comprising a bottom portion (302) and a portion spaced apart from the side plate (260). It includes a side wall portion (301) and a blocking portion (310) provided on the side wall portion (301) to block the space between the side plate (260) and the side wall portion (301).

[0156] The above side wall portion (301) is provided to be parallel to the side plate (260), and the blocking portion (310) provided on the side wall portion (301) includes a plurality of blocking portions, and the bending plate (261) provided on the side plate (260) to face the plurality of blocking portions includes a plurality of bending plates, and the plurality of blocking portions and the plurality of bending plates may be arranged to be spaced apart along the outer surface of the side plate (260) in the longitudinal direction of the side plate (260).

[0157] The plurality of blocking portions (310) may include a first blocking portion (310a) formed by protruding from the bottom of the side wall portion (301) and a second blocking portion (310b) formed by protruding from the top of the side wall portion (301).

[0158] The first blocking part (310a) and the second blocking part (310b) may be arranged to extend toward the side plate (260).

[0159] The plurality of bending plates (261) may include an upper bending plate (261b) provided on the upper side of the second blocking part (310b) and a lower bending plate (261a) provided on the lower side of the first blocking part (310a).

[0160] According to the concept of the present invention, the bypass flow of air in the cooling chamber of a refrigerator is reduced, so the cooling efficiency of the cooling chamber can be increased.

[0161] According to the concept of the present invention, a blocking part for blocking the bypass flow of air in the cooling chamber of a refrigerator may be provided in the defrosting water receiving part.

[0162] Effects according to one aspect of the disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description below.

[0163] Specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications without departing from the essence of the technical concept of the invention as described in the following claims.

Claims

1. A main body comprising an inner part forming a storage chamber and an outer part coupled to the outer side of the inner part; A cooling chamber provided on one side of the above-mentioned internal structure; An evaporator comprising a refrigerant tube accommodated in the above cooling chamber and having a plurality of heat exchange fins arranged thereon, and a side plate provided to support the refrigerant tube; and A refrigerator comprising: a defrost water receiving disposed at the bottom of the evaporator, the defrost water receiving comprising a bottom portion, a side wall portion spaced apart from the side plate, and a blocking portion extending from the side wall portion toward the side plate to restrict air flowing into the cooling chamber from flowing along the outer surface of the side plate.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above side wall portion is provided to face the above side plate parallel to it, and A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned blocking portion is bent at the side wall portion and protrudes inwardly toward the side wall portion and is positioned on the outer side of the side plate.

3. In Paragraph 2, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned blocking member is positioned to block the space between the above-mentioned side wall member and the above-mentioned side plate.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned blocking part is provided in the shape of a square plate having the same thickness as the thickness of the above-mentioned defrosting water receiving part.

5. In Paragraph 4, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned blocking part is provided to be inclined toward the outer direction of the above-mentioned defrost water receiving.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned water receiver is It further includes a rear wall portion formed by extending upward from the bottom portion along the rear of the cooling chamber, and A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned side wall portion is provided to protrude forward from one side of the above-mentioned rear wall portion.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above side wall is provided to be spaced apart from the above bottom part, and The above blocking unit is, A refrigerator comprising a first blocking part formed protruding from the lower end of the side wall portion and a second blocking part formed protruding from the upper end of the side wall portion.

8. In Paragraph 7, A refrigerator in which the first blocking portion is bent inward from the side wall portion and extended toward the side plate.

9. In Paragraph 7, A refrigerator in which the second blocking portion is bent inward from the side wall portion and extended toward the side plate.

10. In Paragraph 7, A refrigerator in which both the first blocking part and the second blocking part are inclined toward the outer direction of the side plate.

11. In Paragraph 1, A refrigerator comprising a side plate that includes a folded plate arranged to protrude outwardly from the side plate.

12. In Paragraph 11, A refrigerator having an upper folded plate formed by folding at the top of the above-mentioned side plate, and a lower folded plate formed by folding at the bottom of the above-mentioned side plate.

13. In Paragraph 12, A refrigerator in which the upper bending plate is provided to protrude toward the side of the cooling chamber, and the lower bending plate is provided to protrude toward the side wall of the defrosting water receiving plate.

14. In Paragraph 12, The above blocking part is a refrigerator positioned between the upper bending plate and the lower bending plate.

15. In Paragraph 12, A refrigerator in which the protrusion direction of the above-mentioned blocking part and the protrusion direction of the above-mentioned upper bending plate and lower bending plate are provided in opposite directions to each other.

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