REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a cold air supply duct that branches to two independent cold air supply flow paths such that the cold air supply duct supplies cold air for two independent partitioned storages.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0138190, filed on Oct. 25, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and in particular, a refrigerator comprising a cold air supply duct that branches to supply cold air to a plurality of partitioned storages.

BACKGROUND

Refrigerators supply cold air, which is generated based on a circulation of refrigerants, to a storage compartment, and keep various types of storage targets fresh in the storage compartment for a long period of time.

Refrigerants, consecutively circulating in a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and a compressor, flow into an evaporator, and liquid refrigerants take away heat from a refrigerator while vaporizing into gas refrigerants, to generate cold air that is supplied to a refrigerator.

The cold air generated passing through the evaporator can be supplied to a storage compartment by a grille fan assembly comprising a cold air flow path in which cold air flows, and an air blowing fan that blows cold air to a storage compartment.

For example, in the present disclosure, a cold air supply system supplies cold air to a storage compartment, with an evaporator and a grille fan assembly, but is not limited, and the cold air supply system can comprise components in relation to the supply of cold air in addition to an evaporator and a grille fan assembly.

The storage compartment can be used as a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment.

The refrigerator compartment refrigerates a storage target, and the freezer compartment freezes a storage target. Accordingly, a different amount of cold air needs to be supplied to maintain the temperature of the refrigerator compartment and the freezer compartment at a different temperature.

A refrigerator can be provided with a plurality of independent storage compartments, to ensure a plurality of storage spaces providing different functions.

In the case of a refrigerator with a plurality of storage compartments having independent storage spaces, cold air can be supplied to each storage compartment by a variety of cold air supply systems.

In an example, in the case of a refrigerator comprising a main storage compartment and a subsidiary storage compartment that are independent from each other, each of the main storage compartment and the subsidiary storage compartment can be provided with a grille fan assembly and an evaporator.

Accordingly, the main storage compartment and the subsidiary storage compartment can be independently cooled by an independent cold air supply system.

In the case where an individual cold air supply system is used to cool each of the main storage compartment and the subsidiary storage compartment, power consumption, noise and costs of components can increase, and volume inside the subsidiary storage compartment can decrease.

In another example, in the case of a refrigerator comprising a main storage compartment and a subsidiary storage compartment that are independent storage spaces, a grille fan assembly and an evaporator can be disposed only in the main storage compartment, and a connection duct can be formed between the maim storage compartment and the subsidiary storage compartment.

Accordingly, cold air generated by a cold air supply system in the main storage compartment can be supplied to the subsidiary storage compartment through the connection duct, such that the main storage compartment and the subsidiary storage compartment can be cooled by one cold air supply system.

At this time, a plurality of subsidiary storage compartments can be provided.

Then a first subsidiary storage compartment and a second subsidiary storage compartment that are provided as an individual independent storage space can be respectively connected with the main storage compartment by an individual connection duct.

Additionally, an air blowing fan is additionally provided at a grille fan assembly included in the cold air supply system of the main storage compartment. As a result, a plurality of air blowing fans can be provided to supply cold air to the plurality of subsidiary storage compartments uniformly.

Accordingly, cold air generated by the cold air supply system of the main storage compartment can be supplied to the first subsidiary storage compartment and the second subsidiary storage compartment through an individual connection duct, such that the two subsidiary storage compartments including the main storage compartment can be cooled by one cold air supply system.

However, in the case where the cold air supply system of the main storage compartment comprises a plurality of air blowing fans, power consumption, noise and costs of components can increase, and the volume inside the main storage compartment can decrease.

Further, since the first subsidiary storage compartment and the second subsidiary storage compartment are respectively connected with the main storage compartment by an individual connection duct, costs of components for providing a plurality of connection ducts can increase, and problems such as positional dispersion that may be caused during the assembly of each component can occur.

Under the circumstances, there is a growing demand for a refrigerator that can suppress the occurrence of the above problems, and cool two subsidiary storage compartments efficiently with the cold air supply system of a main storage compartment.

SUMMARY

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that can supply cold air to two independent partitioned storages through one cold air supply duct.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that can cool three independent partitioned storages by using one evaporator and one air blowing fan.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that can reduce power consumption, noise and costs of components of the refrigerator.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator comprising a cold air supply duct that can discharge cold air to a partitioned storage as well as providing cold air.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that can ensure an increase in the volume inside a partitioned storage in which an evaporator and an air blowing fan are not disposed.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator comprising a cold air supply duct that can discharge cold air to a partitioned storage evenly by minimizing an effect caused by a distance from a cold air inflow part.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that can ensure improvement in the ease of insertion and assembly of a cold air supply duct.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that can reduce the possibilities of positional dispersion and flow path area dispersion, which may be caused while a cold air supply duct is assembled.

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator in which a cold air supply duct can be fixed without an additional fastening process between the cold air supply duct and a storage case.

Aspects according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above ones, and other aspects and advantages that are not mentioned above can be clearly understood from the following description and can be more clearly understood from the embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, the aspects and advantages in the present disclosure can be realized via means and combinations thereof that are described in the appended claims.

A refrigerator in one aspect comprises a cold air supply duct that branches to divide and supply cold air respectively into a first upper partitioned storage and a first lower partitioned storage.

Specifically, the cold air supply duct may branch to divide and supply cold air blown from a second partitioned storage respectively into the first upper partitioned storage and the first lower partitioned storage, such that one cold air supply duct supplies cold air to two independent partitioned storages.

The refrigerator comprises a first upper partitioned storage, a first lower partitioned storage, and a second partitioned storage that are divided into an independent space, and a cold air supply duct that branches to divide and supply cold air blown from the second partitioned storage respectively into the first upper partitioned storage and the first lower partitioned storage.

In another aspect, one evaporator that generates cold air, and one air blowing fan that blows cold air generated from the evaporator to the first upper partitioned storage, the first lower partitioned storage and the second partitioned storage may be disposed in the second partitioned storage.

In another aspect, a first upper flow path opening and closing damper that selectively blocks cold air, and a first upper duct assembly that comprises a first upper cold air outlet and fluidly communicates with the cold air supply duct may be disposed in the first upper partitioned storage, and cold air may be discharged into the first upper partitioned storage through the first upper cold air outlet.

In another aspect, a partial area of the cold air supply duct that comprises a first lower cold air outlet may be disposed to overlap a rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage is disposed outside the rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage, and cold air may be discharged into the first lower partitioned storage through the first lower cold air outlet.

In another aspect, a first lower flow path opening and closing damper that selectively blocks cold air, and a first lower duct assembly that comprises a first lower cold air outlet and fluidly communicates with the cold air supply duct may be disposed in the first lower partitioned storage, and cold air may be discharged into the first lower partitioned storage through the first lower cold air outlet.

A refrigerator in one aspect comprises a cold air supply duct comprising a first cold air supply flow path and a second cold air supply flow path that supply cold air to a different partitioned storage.

Specifically, the cold air supply duct may comprise a first cold air supply flow path allowing the first upper partitioned storage and the second partitioned storage to fluidly communicate with each other, and a second cold air supply flow path allowing the first lower partitioned storage and the second partitioned storage to fluidly communicate with each other, such that cold air may be supplied to two independent partitioned storages through one cold air supply duct.

The refrigerator comprises a first partitioned storage that comprises a first upper partitioned storage and a first lower partitioned storage, a second partitioned storage that is disposed at one side of the first partitioned storage, and a cold air supply duct that comprises a first cold air supply flow path allowing the first upper partitioned storage and the second partitioned storage to fluidly communicate with each other, and a second cold air supply flow path allowing the first lower partitioned storage and the second partitioned storage to fluidly communicate with each other.

In another aspect, the first lower partitioned storage may be disposed under the first upper partitioned storage.

In another aspect, the cold air supply duct may comprise a cold air inflow part that fluidly communicates with the second partitioned storage, a first upper cold air discharge part that fluidly communicates with the first upper partitioned storage, and a first lower cold air discharge part that fluidly communicates with the first lower partitioned storage, and a portion of cold air drawn from the second partitioned storage may be supplied to the first upper partitioned storage through the first cold air supply flow path, while a portion of cold air drawn from the second partitioned storage may be supplied to the first lower partitioned storage through the second cold air supply flow path.

In another aspect, the cold air inflow part and the first upper cold air discharge part may be disposed to face each other.

In another aspect, the cold air supply duct may comprise a guide part that divides a section in a way that the section branches into the first cold air supply flow path and the second cold air supply flow path, and an end of one side of the guide part may face the cold air inflow part.

In another aspect, a length from the end of one side of the guide part to an upper surface of the cold air inflow part may be greater than a length from the end of one side of the guide part to a lower surface of the cold air inflow part.

In another aspect, a length from an upper surface of the first upper cold air discharge part to a lower surface thereof may be greater than a length from the end of one side of the guide part to the upper surface of the cold air inflow part.

In another aspect, a size of a cross-sectional area of the first upper cold air discharge part through which cold air passes may be a size of a cross-sectional area of the cold air inflow part corresponding to the first cold air supply flow path through which cold air passes, or greater.

In another aspect, an upper surface of the cold air inflow part may be disposed further upward than an upper surface of the first upper cold air discharge part.

In another aspect, a second upper cold air outlet may be disposed in an upper area of the second partitioned storage and discharge cold air to the second partitioned storage, and the second upper cold air outlet may be disposed further upward than an upper surface of the cold air inflow part.

In another aspect, the first lower cold air discharge part may be disposed on a rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage, and elongated along a left-right direction of the first lower partitioned storage.

In another aspect, the first lower cold air discharge part may comprise a first lower cold air outlet that discharges cold air to the first lower partitioned storage, and the first lower cold air outlet may extend along a left-right direction of the first lower cold air discharge part.

In another aspect, the first lower cold air outlet may comprise a plurality of slits that partitions the first lower cold air outlet in an up-down direction, and the plurality of slits may be disposed at regular intervals.

In another aspect, the cold air supply duct may comprise a first connection part that is disposed between the first upper partitioned storage and the second partitioned storage, a second connection part that extends downward from one side of the first connection part, and a bend part that bends and extends from one side of the second connection part toward a rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage.

In another aspect, the bend part may bend and extend from one side of the second connection part, to cross the rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage in a left-right direction, and a cross-sectional area of the bend part, through which cold air passes, may decrease as the bend part becomes farther from the second connection part.

In another aspect, the first upper partitioned storage may comprise a first upper cold air inflow surface corresponding to the first upper cold air discharge part, the second partitioned storage may comprise a cold air discharge surface corresponding to the cold air inflow part, the first upper cold air inflow surface and the cold air discharge surface may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other and disposed to face each other, a distance between the first upper cold air inflow surface and the cold air discharge surface may decrease from a rear surface of the refrigerator further toward a front surface thereof, and a distance between a first surface of the cold air supply duct, corresponding to the first upper cold air inflow surface, and a second surface of the cold air supply duct, corresponding to the cold air discharge surface, may decrease from the rear surface of the refrigerator further toward the front surface thereof.

In another aspect, sealing foam may be disposed respectively between the first upper cold air inflow surface and the first surface, and between the cold air discharge surface and the second surface.

In another aspect, a spacer may be disposed on a rear surface of the cold air supply duct, and protrude in a direction of the rear surface of the refrigerator, and a back plate may be disposed on a rear surface of the spacer and press the spacer in the direction of the front surface of the refrigerator.

A refrigerator of the present disclosure comprises one cold air supply duct that branches to comprise two independent cold air supply flow paths, such that one cold air supply duct may supply cold air into two independent partitioned storages.

A refrigerator of the present disclosure comprises one cold air supply duct that branches to comprise two independent cold air supply flow paths, such that one evaporator and one air blowing fan disposed in one partitioned storage may cool three independent partitioned storages.

In a refrigerator of the present disclosure, one evaporator and one air blowing fan disposed in one partitioned storage can cool three independent partitioned storages, ensuring an increase in the volume inside partitioned storages where an evaporator and an air blowing fan are not disposed.

In a refrigerator of the present disclosure, one evaporator and one air blowing fan disposed in one partitioned storage can cool three independent partitioned storages, ensuring a reduction in the power consumption and noise caused by an addition of an evaporator and an air blowing fan.

A refrigerator of the present disclosure can be provided with one cold air supply duct supplying cold air into two independent partitioned storages, to cool three independent partitioned storages, ensuring a reduction in the costs of components to a maximum degree.

In a refrigerator of the present disclosure, since a cold air outlet directly discharging cold air to a partitioned storage can be provided at a bend part of a cold air supply duct, the cold air supply duct discharging cold air to a partitioned storage as well as supplying cold air can supply cold air.

In a refrigerator of the present disclosure, since a cold air outlet directly discharging cold air to a partitioned storage can be provided at a bend part of a cold air supply duct, an additional duct assembly receiving cold air supplied from the cold air supply duct and discharging the cold air to a partitioned storage is not needed, thus the area occupied by the duct assembly can be used for content, thereby increasing the content of the partitioned storage.

In a refrigerator of the present disclosure, a bend part of a cold air supply duct, where a cold air outlet is disposed, can bend and extend in the direction the rear surface of a partitioned storage, and its cross-sectional area through which cold air passes can decrease such that the bend part becomes farther from a cold air inflow part and the flow rate of cold air increases, ensuring a decrease in the difference in the pressures of discharge of cold air that may be caused by a distance from the cold air inflow part and discharging cold air in a partitioned storage evenly.

In a refrigerator of the present disclosure, while a cold air supply duct comprising a cold air discharge part and a cold air inflow part is inserted and fixed between two partitioned storages from the rear of the refrigerator to the front thereof, the assembled surfaces of the inserted cold air supply duct and the partitioned storage can have an inclination surface where a distance decreases from the rear surface thereof further toward the front surface thereof, thereby improving ease of insertion and assembly of the cold air supply duct.

In a refrigerator of the present disclosure, since the assembled surfaces of the inserted cold air supply duct and the partitioned storage can have an inclination surface where a distance decreases from the rear surface thereof further toward the front surface thereof, sealing foam can be prevented from escaping and being pushed, while the cold air supply duct is inserted between two partitioned storages, even when the sealing foam is formed between the assembled surfaces of the cold air supply duct and the partitioned storages.

Thus, the possibility of positional dispersion and flow path area dispersion that may be caused during assembly of a cold air supply duct can decrease.

In a refrigerator of the present disclosure, a spacer protruding toward the rear surface of a refrigerator, and a back plate pressing the spacer toward the front surface of the refrigerator can be disposed on the rear surface of a cold air supply duct, and as the worker presses the back plate additionally, the cold air supply duct can be inserted into the right position, even after the cold air supply duct is inserted and temporarily fixed between partitioned storages.

Thus, the possibility of creation of positional dispersion and flow path area dispersion, which may be caused during the assembly of a cold air supply duct, may decrease, and the cold air supply duct can be fixed in the right position to a maximum degree, without fastening the cold air supply duct and a storage case additionally.

Specific effects are described along with the above-described effects in the section of detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments in the disclosure, and together with the specification, explain the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator with a first door open;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing a refrigerator without a first door and a second door;

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a first partitioned storage and a second partitioned storage;

FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a cold air supply duct and a cold air return duct that connect a first partitioned storage and a second partitioned storage;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a second partitioned storage with a second door;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a first partitioned storage with a second door;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cold air supply duct and a cold air return duct that connect to a first partitioned storage;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a cold air supply duct;

FIG. 9 is a rear view showing a cold air supply duct;

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a cold air supply duct;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a first upper duct assembly, a grille fan assembly, and a cold air supply duct in the directions of the rear surfaces thereof;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a cold air supply duct in the direction of the upper surface thereof;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view showing a cold air supply duct and a spacer are coupled to the rear surfaces of a first partitioned storage and a second partitioned storage;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective cross-sectional view showing a cold air supply duct, a spacer and a back plate are coupled to the rear surfaces of a first partitioned storage and a second partitioned storage;

FIG. 15 is a rear view showing a cold air supply duct and a cold air return duct connecting a first partitioned storage and a second partitioned storage, in another embodiment; and

FIG. 16 is a front view showing the inside of a first partitioned storage in another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above-described aspects, features and advantages are specifically described hereafter with reference to accompanying drawings such that one having ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure pertains can embody the technical spirit of the disclosure easily. In the disclosure, detailed description of known technologies in relation to the subject matter of the disclosure is omitted if it is deemed to make the gist of the disclosure unnecessarily vague. Hereafter, preferred embodiments according to the disclosure are specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals can denote identical or similar component.

The terms “first”, “second” and the like are used herein only to distinguish one component from another component. Thus, the components are not to be limited by the terms. Certainly, a first component can be a second component, unless stated to the contrary.

Throughout the disclosure, each component can be provided a single one or a plurality of ones, unless stated to the contrary.

When any one component is described as being “in the upper portion (or the lower portion)” or “on (or under)” another component, any one component can be directly on (or under) another component, and an additional component can be interposed between the two components.

When any one component is described as being “connected”, “coupled” or “connected” to another component, any one component can be directly connected or coupled to another component, but an additional component can be “interposed” between the two components or the two components can be “connected”, “coupled” or “connected” by an additional component.

In the disclosure, singular forms include plural forms as well, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. In the disclosure, the terms “comprise”, “being comprised of” and the like do not imply necessarily including stated components or stated steps and imply excluding some of the stated components or stated steps or including additional components or additional steps.

In the disclosure, singular forms include plural forms as well, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. In the disclosure, the terms “comprise”, “being comprised of” and the like do not imply necessarily including stated components or stated steps and imply excluding some of the stated components or stated steps or including additional components or additional steps.

Throughout the disclosure, the terms “A and/or B” as used herein can denote A, B or A and B, and the terms “C to D” can denote C or greater and D or less, unless stated to the contrary.

Hereafter, a refrigerator in several embodiments of the present disclosure is described.

A refrigerator of one embodiment and main components constituting the refrigerator are respectively described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The exterior of a refrigerator 1 may be formed by a cabinet 2 having one or more storage compartments 110, 210 as a space for storing items, therein, and a plurality of doors 11, 12 opening and closing an open front surface of the cabinet 2.

The cabinet 2 may comprise an outer case 20, and an inner case 10 that is coupled to the inside of the outer case 20.

The cabinet 2 may be shaped into a box, the front surface of which is open and divided into one or more storage spaces, and comprise a refrigerator compartment and/or a freezer compartment.

In the inner case 10, a first inner case 100 may be disposed in the upper portion of the inner case 10, and a second inner case 200 may be disposed in the lower portion of the inner case 10.

At this time, the first inner case 100 may comprise one or more first storage compartments 110 that may be a refrigerator compartment, and the second inner case 200 may comprises one or more second storage compartments 210 that may be a freezer compartment, but may not be limited.

The first storage compartment 110 may be a freezer compartment, the second storage compartment 210 may be a refrigerator compartment, and each of the first storage compartment 110 and the second storage compartment 210 may be a variable storage compartment that is changeable into a freezer compartment or a refrigerator compartment.

A display part 40 may be disposed in the upper area of the inside of the first storage compartment 100, and provide an interface allowing the user to adjust the temperature of the variable storage compartment.

The second inner case 200 may be divided into a plurality of second storage compartments 210 by a partition 221 that is elongated near a central area of the second inner case 200 in an up-down direction and partitions a space, in a way that the plurality of second storage compartments 210 is disposed side by side, but not limited.

Additionally, the plurality of second storage compartments 210 comprises a first barrier 231 and a second barrier 232 that are respectively elongated near a central area of the plurality of second storage compartments 210 in a left-right direction and partition a space, to divide each of the second storage compartments 210 into a plurality of spaces, but not limited.

The first storage compartment 110 of the first inner case 100 may be opened and closed by a pair of first doors 11 that is rotated by a hinge 30.

The second storage compartments 210 of the second inner case 200 may be opened and closed by a plurality of second drawer-type doors 12 that is inserted and withdrawn by a rail.

In the present disclosure, four second doors 12 are provided, and open and close the second storage compartment 210 comprising four partitioned storages that are partitioned by the partition 221, and the first barrier 231 and the second barrier 232, but are not limited.

The rear surface, lateral surfaces, upper surface and lower surface of the outer case 20 may be separately formed, and may form the outer surface of the refrigerator 1 except for the front surface of the refrigerator 1.

The first inner case 100 and the second inner case 200 may be disposed in a way that the first inner case 100 and the second inner case 200 are inserted into the outer case 20, and the front surfaces of the first inner case 100 and the second inner case 200 may be exposed outward to form the exterior of the front surface of the refrigerator 1.

The first inner case 100 and the second inner case 200 may be formed in a way that the first inner case 100 and the second inner case 200 separate and distinguish from each other.

For example, the first inner case 100 and the second inner case 200 may be formed in a way that each of the first inner case 100 and the second inner case 200 may be formed to form a single piece by vacuum forming, but not limited.

Hereafter, the second inner case 200 comprising the first barrier 231 and the second barrier 232 and being partitioned into a plurality of partitioned storages is described specifically with further reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

Additionally, the second inner case 200 is referred to as a storage case 200, for convenience of description, hereafter.

The storage case 200 may comprise one or more partitioned storages 211, 212.

In the present disclosure, the partitioned storages 211, 212 may denote a storage space such as a storage compartment 210, but not be limited, and may also denote an outer shape line such as a storage case 200 forming the storage compartment 210.

For example, the storage case 200 may comprise a first partitioned storage 211 and a second partitioned storage 212 that are divided by the partition 221 crossing the storage case 200 in the up-down direction and are disposed side by side in the left-right direction.

Specifically, the first partitioned storage 211 and the second partitioned storage 212 of the storage case 200 may be formed to share a boundary surface in the same way that the first partitioned storage 211 and the second partitioned storage 212 share the partition 221.

At this time, the first partitioned storage 211 and the second partitioned storage 212 of the storage case 200 may be integrally formed to include the partition 221, based on vacuum molding, but not limited.

For example, the first partitioned storage 211 and the second partitioned storage 212 may be respectively formed in an independent manner, without sharing an additional boundary surface such as a partition 221.

The first partitioned storage 211 and the second partitioned storage 212 may be formed separately and form an independent space.

In the first partitioned storage 211, a first barrier 231 may be disposed to cross the first partitioned storage 211 in the left-right direction.

The first barrier 231 may be elongated from the front surface of the first partitioned storage 211 to the rear surface 211b thereof, to contact the rear surface of the first partitioned storage 211.

Specifically, the first barrier 231 may be disposed to contact both lateral surfaces and the rear surface 211b of the first partitioned storage 211.

Accordingly, the space of the first partitioned storage 211 may be divided by the first barrier 231 in the up-down direction and partitioned into a first upper partitioned storage 2111 and a first lower partitioned storage 2112.

Thus, the first lower partitioned storage 2112 may be disposed under the first upper partitioned storage 2111, and the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and the first lower partitioned storage 2112 may be divided into an independent storage space with respect to the first barrier 231 as a boundary surface.

The second partitioned storage 212 may be disposed at one side of the first partitioned storage 211, that is, the first partitioned storage 211 and the second partitioned storage 212 may be disposed side by side in the left-right direction.

In the second partitioned storage 212, a second barrier 232 may be disposed to cross the second partitioned storage 212 in the left-right direction.

The second barrier 232 may be elongated from the front surface of the second partitioned storage 212 to the rear surface 212b thereof, in a way that the second barrier 232 is spaced from the rear surface of the second partitioned storage 212.

Specifically, while the second barrier 232 contacts both lateral surfaces of the second partitioned storage 212, the second barrier 232 may be spaced from the rear surface 212b of the second partitioned storage 212.

Accordingly, the second partitioned storage 212 may be partitioned and divided respectively into a second upper partitioned storage 2121 and a second lower partitioned storage 2122 by the second barrier 232 in the up-down direction, and the storage spaces of the second upper partitioned storage 2121 and the second lower partitioned storage 2122 may fluidly communicate with each other, without distinguishing from each other.

Accordingly, the second upper partitioned storage 2121 and the second lower partitioned storage 2122 may form one connected storage space rather than an independent storage space.

However, when viewed from a perspective of the storage space, a second door 12 having a drawer-type storage space that is formed separately may be inserted into in the second upper partitioned storage 2121 and the second lower partitioned storage 2122. Accordingly, the second upper partitioned storage 2121 and the second lower partitioned storage 2122 may be used as a separate storage space with the help of the second door 12.

The first barrier 231 and the second barrier 232 may be respectively inserted into the first partitioned storage 211 and the second partitioned storage 212 in a sliding manner, but not limited.

The refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure, as described above, may comprise a storage case 200 comprising a plurality of partitioned storages 211, 212 that is disposed side by side in the left-right direction, and comprise a plurality of barriers 231, 232 that crosses each of the partitioned storages 211, 212 in the left-right direction, such that the refrigerator 1 may have a four-door drawer-type storage space.

When viewed from a perspective of an independent storage space, the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure may have three independent storage spaces such as a first upper partitioned storage 2111, a first lower partitioned storage 2112 and a second partitioned storage 212.

An evaporator 250 generating cold air, and an air blowing fan module 241 blowing cold air, generated from the evaporator 250, to each of the partitioned storages may be disposed inside the rear surface 212b of the second partitioned storage 212.

Specifically, one evaporator 250 and one air blowing fan module 241 may only be disposed inside the rear surface 212b of the second partitioned storage 212.

In the present disclosure, the air blowing fan module 241 may be referred to as an air blowing fan, for short.

A grille fan assembly 240 may be disposed on the front surface of the air blowing fan module 241, finish the exterior of the inside of the storage spaces, and provide a flow path in which cold air flows.

Cold air generated from the evaporator 250 may be discharged to a plurality of cold air outlets in the second partitioned storage 212 through the air blowing fan module 241.

At this time, a second upper cold air outlet 2421 may be disposed in the upper area of the second upper partitioned storage 2121, and a second lower cold air outlet 2422 may be disposed in the lower area of the second upper partitioned storage 2121, such that cold air generated from the evaporator 250 is discharged to the second upper partitioned storage 2121.

Additionally, a first upper ice cold air outlet 2431 and a second upper ice cold air outlet 2432 may be disposed respectively at both sides of the second upper cold air outlet 2421, and provide cold air to an ice maker (not illustrated) that may be additionally installed in the upper area of the second partitioned storage 212, to produce ice.

The second upper cold air outlet 2421, the first upper ice cold air outlet 2431, and the second upper ice cold air outlet 2432 may be disposed further upward than the air blowing fan module 241, and the second lower cold air outlet 2422 may be disposed further downward than the air blowing fan module 241.

A 2-3 cold air outlet 2423 may be disposed in the upper area of the second lower partitioned storage 2122, to discharge cold air generated from the evaporator 250 to the second lower partitioned storage 2122.

At this time, the 2-3 cold air outlet 2423 may be disposed to overlap the second barrier 232 on the front surface of the 2-3 cold air outlet 2423, in the front-rear direction.

A lower cold air return hole 2521 returning cold air that is discharged to the second partitioned storage 212 may be disposed in the lower area of the second lower partitioned storage 2122.

As described above, since the second barrier 232 is spaced from the rear surface 212b of the second partitioned storage and allows the second upper partitioned storage 2121 to fluidly communicate with the second lower partitioned storage 2122, the cold air circulating in the second upper partitioned storage 2121 and the second lower partitioned storage 2122 may be shared each other.

Accordingly, since cold air discharged through the second upper cold air outlet 2421, the second lower cold air outlet 2422, and the 2-3 cold air outlet 2423 returns to the lower cold air return hole 2521 in the lower area of the second lower partitioned storage 2122, the cold air may circulate uniformly in the second upper partitioned storage 2121 and the second lower partitioned storage 2122 as a whole.

That is, cold air circulating in the second upper partitioned storage 2121 and the second lower partitioned storage 2122 may be discharged to an identical cold air outlet and return to an identical cold air return hole.

Thus, the second upper partitioned storage 2121 and the second lower partitioned storage 2122 may be controlled to have an identical temperature, and the second upper partitioned storage 2121 and the second lower partitioned storage 2122 may be used as a freezer compartment.

Further, cold air generated from the evaporator 250 on the rear surface 212b of the second partitioned storage 212 may be blown by the air blowing fan module 241 and supplied to the first partitioned storage 211 through a cold air supply duct 300.

Cold air blown from the second partitioned storage 212 may be supplied respectively to the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and the first lower partitioned storage 2112 by one cold air supply duct 300 that branches to comprise two independent cold air supply paths distributing cold air respectively to the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

A cold air inflow part 310 communicating with the upper area of one side of the second partitioned storage 212 may be formed at one side of the cold air supply duct 300.

Additionally, a first upper cold air discharge part 3111 may be formed at the other side of the cold air supply duct 300, and fluidly communicate with the upper area of one side of the first partitioned storage 211 facing the upper area of one side of the second partitioned storage 212.

Thus, the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 may fluidly communicate with the first upper partitioned storage 2111.

A first upper duct assembly 500 comprising a first upper cold air outlet 511 may be disposed in the upper area of the first upper partitioned storage 2111, and fluidly communicate with the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 of the cold air supply duct 300.

Accordingly, cold air generated from the evaporator 250 may pass through the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 of the cold air supply duct 300 and the first upper duct assembly 500, and be discharged to the first upper partitioned storage 2111 through the first upper cold air outlet 511.

A first upper cold air return hole 531 may be disposed in the lower area of the first upper partitioned storage 2111, and return cold air having circulated in the first upper partitioned storage 2111.

Cold air having returned through the first upper cold air return hole 531 may fluidly communicate with the first upper cold air return hole 531 and be supplied again to the evaporator 250 through a first upper cold air return duct 411 on the rear surface of the storage case 200.

Accordingly, one side of the first upper cold air return duct 411 may fluidly communicate with the rear surface of the first upper partitioned storage 2111, and the other side of the first upper cold air return duct 411 may fluidly communicate with the rear surface of the second partitioned storage 212.

A first lower cold air discharge part 3112 of the cold air supply duct 300 may be formed on the rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage 2112, and supply cold air to the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

Specifically, outside the rear surface 2112b of the first lower partitioned storage 2112, a partial area of the cold air supply duct 300 comprising a first lower cold air outlet 312 may be disposed to overlap the rear surface 2112b of the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

The first lower cold air discharge part 3112 may be disposed below the cold air inflow part 310 and the first upper cold air discharge part 3111, and formed to bend and extend along the left-right direction of the rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

Since the first lower cold air discharge part 3112 is disposed outside the rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage 2112, a protrusion part 260 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the first lower cold air discharge part 3112 protruding forward may be formed in the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

Accordingly, the first lower cold air discharge part 3112 may be disposed in a way that the first lower cold air discharge part 3112 sits on the rear surface of the protrusion part 260 of the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

The first lower cold air outlet 312 may be formed at the first lower cold air discharge part 3112, and the first lower cold air outlet 312 may be disposed in the upper area of the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

Thus, cold air generated from the evaporator 250 may pass through the first lower cold air discharge part 3112 of the cold air supply duct 300 and be discharged to the first lower partitioned storage 2112 through the first lower cold air outlet 312.

In the present disclosure, the first lower cold air discharge part 3112 comprises a first lower cold air outlet 312, but is not limited. The first lower cold air discharge part 3112 may be described as the first lower cold air outlet 312.

A first cold air return communication hole 2211 may be formed at one side of the lower area of the first partitioned storage 211, facing the lower area of the second partitioned storage 212, in a way that penetrates one side of the lower area of the first partitioned storage 211, and a second cold air return communication hole 2221 may be formed at one side of the lower area of the second partitioned storage 212, facing the lower area of the first partitioned storage 211, in a way that penetrates one side of the lower area of the second partitioned storage 212.

Accordingly, the first cold air return communication hole 2211 and the second cold air return communication hole 2221 may be disposed to face each other.

A first lower cold air return duct 412 allowing the first lower partitioned storage 2112 to fluidly communicate with the second lower partitioned storage 2122 may be disposed between the first cold air return communication hole 2211 and the second cold air return communication hole 2221.

For example, a communication hole cover 2212 comprising a plurality of ribs may be disposed at the first cold air return communication hole 2211.

Accordingly, cold air discharged to the first upper partitioned storage 2111 through the first upper cold air outlet 511 may return to the second partitioned storage 212 through the first cold air return communication hole 2211 and the second cold air return communication hole 2221 that fluidly communicate with each other through the first lower cold air return duct 412.

The cold air having returned to the second partitioned storage 212 may be returned to the evaporator 250 again by the lower cold air return hole 2521.

As described above, cold air circulating respectively in the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and the first lower partitioned storage 2112 may be discharged to a different cold air outlet, and return to a different cold air return hole.

Accordingly, the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and the first lower partitioned storage 2112 may be controlled to have a different temperature.

Since the first lower partitioned storage 2112, the second upper partitioned storage 2121, and the second lower partitioned storage 2122 share circulating air, the first lower partitioned storage 2112, the second upper partitioned storage 2121, and the second lower partitioned storage 2122 may be controlled to have the same temperature, and the first lower partitioned storage 2112, the second upper partitioned storage 2121, and the second lower partitioned storage 2122 may be used as a freezer compartment.

However, in the present disclosure, control to have the same temperature does not mean control to have completely the same temperature in all the areas.

For example, a circulation cycle of cold air is not blocked by corresponding partitioned storages but shared by them, such the cold air of the partitioned storages has substantially the same temperature, but temperature in each area may differ slightly depending on a flow amount or flow rate and the like of supplied cold air.

The first upper partitioned storage 2111 may not share a cold air circulation cycle with another partitioned storage.

At this time, the first upper partitioned storage 2111 may be used as a freezer compartment, but may also be used as a refrigerator compartment.

Additionally, the first upper partitioned storage 2111 may be used as a convertible-type partitioned storage that can be used as a freezer compartment or a refrigerator compartment, based on the user's selection.

To this end, a first upper flow path opening and closing damper 540 may be disposed at the first upper duct assembly 500, and may selectively block cold air to adjust an amount of supplied cold air.

The opening and closing of the first upper flow path opening and closing damper 540 may be controlled by a controller, such that a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment are switched freely based on the user's selection.

A first sensor part 2131 may be disposed at one side of the upper area of the first upper partitioned storage 2111, and sense temperature of a corresponding partitioned storage, and a second sensor part 2132 may be disposed at one side of the upper area of the second partitioned storage 212, and sense temperature of a corresponding partitioned storage.

In the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure, cold air circulating in each of the plurality of partitioned storages that is partitioned by the barrier is discharged and returned to a different cold air outlet and a cold air return hole, such that the temperature of the plurality of partitioned storages is controlled independently.

Accordingly, a specific partitioned storage may be freely changed and used as a freezer compartment or a freezer compartment, based on the user's selection.

The refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure comprises one cold air supply duct 300 branching to comprise two independent cold air supply flow paths, such that one cold air supply duct 300 supplies cold air to two independent partitioned storages 2111, 2112.

The refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure comprises one cold air supply duct 300 branching to comprise two independent cold air supply flow paths, such that one evaporator 250 and one air blowing fan 241 disposed in one partitioned storage cool three independent partitioned storages 2111, 2112, 212.

Additionally, in the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure, one evaporator 250 and one air blowing fan 241 disposed in one partitioned storage 212 cool three independent partitioned storages 2111, 2112, 212, such that the volume of the partitioned storages 2111, 2112 in which the evaporator 250 and the air blowing fan 241 are not disposed increases.

In the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure, one evaporator 250 and one air blowing fan 241 disposed in one partitioned storage 212 cool three independent partitioned storages 2111, 2112, 212, power consumption and noise, caused by the addition of an evaporator 250 and an air blowing fan 241, decrease.

In the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure, one cold air supply duct 300 supplying cold air to two independent partitioned storages 2111, 2112 is provided to cool three independent partitioned storages 2111, 2112, 212, thereby reducing costs incurred for components to a maximum degree.

Hereafter, the cold air supply duct 300 is described specifically with further reference to FIGS. 8 to 12.

A cold air inflow part 310 is disposed at one side of the cold air supply duct 300, and a first connection part 330 at which the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 is disposed at the other side of the cold air supply duct 300.

The first connection part 330 may be disposed between the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and the second partitioned storage 212.

Since the cold air inflow part 310 fluidly communicates with the second partitioned storage 212 and the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 fluidly communicates with the first upper partitioned storage 2111, the cold air inflow part 310 and the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 may be a passage in which cold air flows.

Accordingly, the cold air inflow part 310 and the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 may be shaped into a penetration hole through which cold air flows.

The cold air inflow part 310 and the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 may be disposed to overlap each other at least partially in the left-right direction.

For example, the cold air inflow part 310 and the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 may be disposed to face each other such that the overlapped surface between the cold air inflow part 310 and the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 increases to a maximum degree.

Since the cold air inflow part 310 and the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 are disposed to face each other as described above, a flow path of cold air flowing from the cold air inflow part 310 to the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 decreases to a maximum degree, ensuring an efficient flow of cold air.

The first connection part 330 may comprise a structure in which cold air drawn from the cold air inflow part 310 branches to comprise a first cold air supply flow path 301 and a second cold air supply flow path 302.

For example, a guide part 320 may be formed in a way that the guide part 320 is elongated from the lower end portion of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 toward the cold air inflow part 310 and distinguishes a first cold air supply flow path 301 section from a second cold air supply flow path 302 section.

The guide part 320 may extend to have an inclination surface that inclines upward from the lower end portion of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 toward a central area of the cold air inflow part 310.

The end of one side of the guide part 320 may extend up to an area where the cold air inflow part 310 starts or near the area.

Accordingly, cold air flowing into the cold air inflow part 310 may respectively branch and flow to the first cold air supply flow path 301 and the second cold air supply flow path 302 with respect to the guide part 320.

Thus, a portion of cold air, which is drawn through the cold air inflow part 310 from the second partitioned storage 212, may pass through the first cold air supply flow path 301 and be supplied to the first upper partitioned storage 2111 through the first upper cold air discharge part 3111.

That is, a path in which cold air flows from the cold air inflow part 310 to the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 flows is the first cold air supply flow path 301, and the first cold air supply flow path 301 may allow the second partitioned storage 212 and the first upper partitioned storage 2111 to fluidly communicate with each other.

A remaining portion of the cold air, which does not pass through the first cold air supply flow path 301 and is drawn from the second partitioned storage 212 through the cold air inflow part 310, may flow to the second cold air supply flow path 302.

The height h1 of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 may correspond to the height of the first upper flow path opening and closing damper 540.

For example, the height h1 of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 may correspond to the height of a door (not illustrated) opening and closing the first upper flow path opening and closing damper 540.

Accordingly, a flow of cold air, where the interference of cold air flowing to the first upper partitioned storage 2111 through the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 with the first upper flow path opening and closing damper 540 is minimized, may be guided.

Also, the height h2 of the cold air inflow part 310 may be substantially the same as or similar to the height h1 of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111, but not limited.

The height h2 of the cold air inflow part 310 may be set in connection with the position of the air blowing fan module 241 disposed at the grille fan assembly 240 of the second partitioned storage 212.

For example, since the height h2 of the cold air inflow part 310 is the height of the air blowing fan module 241 or greater, a flow of cold air, where the interference of cold air blown from the air blowing fan module 241 with the cold air inflow part 310 is minimized, may be guided.

In an example, the lower end portion of the cold air inflow part 310 may be lower than the lower end portion of the air blowing fan module 241, and the upper end portion of the cold air inflow part 310 may be higher than the upper end portion of the air blowing fan module 241, but not limited.

As described above, cold air drawn through the first cold air inflow part 310 may branch into and flow to the first cold air supply flow path 301 and the second cold air supply flow path 302.

The above-described branch into the cold air flow path may be performed by the guide part 320.

Accordingly, a length from the end of one side of the guide part 320 to the upper surface of the cold air inflow part 310 may correspond to the height h21 of the first cold air supply flow path 301, and a length from the end of one side of the guide part 320 to the lower surface of the cold air inflow part 310 may correspond to the height h22 of the second cold air supply flow path 302.

The height h21 of the first cold air supply flow path 301 may be greater than the height h22 of the second cold air supply flow path 302.

Since an entire length of the second cold air supply flow path 302 is much greater than an entire length of the first cold air supply flow path 301, the flow rate of cold air needs to be high, to allow cold air to move far away through the second cold air supply flow path 302.

Accordingly, the height h22 of the second cold air supply flow path 302 is less than the height h21 of the first cold air supply flow path 301, and the flow rate of cold air passing through the second cold air supply flow path 302 is greater than the flow rate of cold air passing through the first cold air supply flow path 301, to allow cold air passing through the second cold air supply flow path 302 to move far away.

The height h1 of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111, which is a length from the upper surface of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 to the lower surface thereof, may be greater than the height h21 of the first cold air supply flow path 301, which is a length from the end of one side of the guide part 310 to the upper surface of the cold air inflow part 310.

As described above, since cold air passing through the cold air inflow part 310 branches into the first cold air supply flow path 301 and the second cold air supply flow path 302, the height h21 of the first cold air supply flow path 301 is less than the height h2 of the entire cold air inflow part 310.

However, for a reliable flow of cold air passing through the first cold air supply flow path 301, a constant flow rate of cold air needs to be ensured without a big change in the flow rate.

For example, in the case where the flow rate of cold air in the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 is greater than the flow rate of cold air in the cold air inflow part 310, more cold air may flow toward the first cold air supply flow path 301 than the second cold air supply flow path 302, out of the two cold air supply flow paths that branch though the guide part 320.

To prevent this from happening, the flow rate of cold air in the cold air inflow part 310 becomes similar to the flow rate of cold air in the first upper cold air discharge part 3111, thereby ensuring a reliable flow of the cold air.

At this time, the size of the cross section of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 through which cold air passes may be substantially the same as or similar to the size of the cross section of the cold air inflow part 310 corresponding to the first cold air supply flow path 301 through which cold air passes.

To this end, the front-rear width w1 in the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 is less than the front-rear width w2 in the cold air inflow part 310, such that a difference in the cross-sectional areas, caused by the height h1 of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 greater than the height h2 of the cold air inflow part 310, is offset.

Since the front-rear width w1 in the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 decreases as described above, a volume area filled with foam that is injected into the cabinet 2 later increases by a reduction in the front-rear width of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111, ensuring improvement in thermal insulation efficiency.

Additionally, the upper surface of the cold air inflow part 310 may be disposed further upward than the upper side of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111.

In the case where defrosting is performed in the second partitioned storage 212, humid air may be generated, and the humid air moves toward the upper area of the second partitioned storage 212.

In the case where the upper surface of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 has an inclination surface that is parallel with the upper surface of the cold air inflow part 310 or disposed higher than the upper surface of the cold air inflow part 310, humid air generated in the second partitioned storage 212 may first move toward the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 along the upper surface of the cold air supply duct 300.

As the humid air moves toward the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 as described above, the humid air may move to the first upper flow path opening and closing damper 540 disposed at the first upper duct assembly 500 that fluidly communicates with the first upper cold air discharge part 3111.

As the humid air moves toward the first upper flow path opening and closing damper 540 as described above, the door (not illustrated) of the first upper flow path opening and closing damper 540 is frozen, causing an operational error of the first upper flow path opening and closing damper 540.

Accordingly, since the upper surface of the cold air inflow part 310 is disposed further upward than the upper surface of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111, humid air generated in the second partitioned storage 212 first fills the upper area of the second partitioned storage 212 before the humid air first moves toward the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 along the upper surface of the cold air supply duct 300, thereby minimizing a counterflow of the humid air to the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 as much as possible.

At this time, the second upper cold air outlet 2421, which is a cold air outlet of the second partitioned storage 212, may be disposed further upward than the upper surface of the cold air inflow part 310.

Additionally, the second upper ice cold air outlet 2431 and the second upper ice cold air outlet 2432 may also be disposed further upward than the upper surface of the cold air inflow part 310.

Accordingly, humid air generated in the second partitioned storage 212 may move to the upper area of the second partitioned storage 212, and the humid air moved may be discharged to the second partitioned storage 212 through the second upper cold air outlet 2421, the first upper ice cold air outlet 2431 and the second upper ice cold air outlet 2432, thereby minimizing a counterflow of the humid air flowing to the first upper flow path opening and closing damper 540.

Further, a second connection part 340 extending downward may be formed at the lower side of the first connection part 330.

Specifically, the second connection part 340 may be formed to fluidly communicate with the second cold air supply flow path 302 of the first connection part 330.

Accordingly, cold air flowing into the cold air inflow part 310 and moving to the second cold air supply flow path 302 may pass through the second connection part 340.

The second connection part 340 may be formed in a way that the second connection part 340 is disposed between the first upper duct assembly 500 and the grille fan assembly 240 and extends downward.

Since the left-right width of the second connection part 340 is less than the left-right width of the first connection part 330, the flow rate in the second cold air supply flow path 302 having a cold air movement path longer than that of the first cold air supply flow path 301 may increase.

A bend part 350 may be formed on one surface of the second connection part 340 and extend laterally.

Specifically, the bend part 350 may bend in a way that the bend part 350 extends from one lateral surface of the second connection part 340 toward the rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

At this time, the bend part 350 may bend and extend from one side of the second connection part 340, to cross the rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage 2112 in the left-right direction.

The left-right width of the bend part 350 is less than the left-right width of the first partitioned storage 211, such that the end of the elongated bend part 350 does not past a lateral end of the first partitioned storage 211, preferably.

The second connection part 340 and the bend part 350 may fluidly communicate with each other in a way that the second cold air supply flow path 302 passes through the second connection part 340 and connects to the bend part 350.

Accordingly, a flow direction of cold air flowing downward and perpendicularly along the second connection part 340 may change, such that the flow direction changes from a boundary portion between the second connection part 340 and the bend part 35 laterally and horizontally.

Thus, the second cold air supply flow path 302 enables the first lower partitioned storage 2112 and the second partitioned storage 212 to fluidly communicate with each other, and a portion of cold air drawn from the second partitioned storage 212 may be supplied to the first lower partitioned storage 2112 through the second cold air supply flow path 302.

The bend part 350 may be the first lower cold air discharge part 3112 that comprises the first lower cold air outlet 312 discharging cold air to the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

In the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure, the first lower cold air outlet 312 discharging cold air directly to the first lower partitioned storage 2112 is disposed at the bend part 350 of the cold air supply duct 300, and the cold air supply duct 300 discharging cold air to a partitioned storage as well as supplying cold air is used to supply cold air.

In the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure, since an additional duct assembly that receives cold air supplied from the cold air supply duct 300 and discharges the cold air to the first lower partitioned storage 2112 is not required, the surface area occupied by the duct assembly is used as inner volume, thereby increasing the inner volume of the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

The first lower cold air outlet 312 may also be formed in a way that the first lower cold air outlet 312 is elongated along the left-right direction of the bend part 350 that is the first lower cold air discharge part 3112.

At this time, since the first lower cold air outlet 312 is elongated in the left-right direction, there may be a big difference in the pressure at the end of one side of the first lower cold air outlet 312 and the pressure at the end of the other side thereof.

For example, the pressure of cold air at the end of one side of the first lower cold air outlet 312 close to the second connection part 340 that is in the direction where cold air is drawn may be much greater than the pressure of cold air at the end of the other side of the first lower cold air outlet 312 far from the second connection part 340.

In the case where the pressure of cold air at the end of one side of the first lower cold air outlet 312 is greater than that at the end of the other side thereof, as described above, the flow amount of the cold air may increase in a partial area, and the cold air may be discharged to the first lower partitioned storage 2112, before most of the cold air may not reach the end of the other side of the first lower cold air outlet 312.

In the case where the flow amount of cold air increases only in a partial area, as described above, the cold air may not be distributed evenly into the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

To prevent this from happening, the bend part 350 may have a shape in which a cross sectional area, through which cold air passes, decreases further as the bend part 350 becomes far from the second connection part 340.

Since the bend part 350 has a shape in which the cross-sectional area of the bend part 350 decreases along the direction where the bend part 350 extends, as described above, the flow rate of cold air increases as the bend part 350 becomes farther from the second connection part 340, such that the cold air may be evenly discharged into the first lower partitioned storage 2112 to a maximum degree, regardless of the position of cold air discharged through the first lower cold air outlet 312.

Accordingly, in the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure, while the bend part 350 of the cold air supply duct 300, where the first lower cold air outlet 312 is disposed, bends and extends toward the rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage 2112, the bend part 350 has a shape in which the cross-section area of the bend part 350 through which cold air passes decreases, to increase the flow rate of cold air, as the bend part 350 becomes farther from the cold air inflow part 310, leading to a reduction in the pressures of discharge of cold air, caused by a difference in the distance between the cold air inflow part 310 and the bend part 350, and discharging cold air to the first lower partitioned storage 2112 evenly.

The first lower cold air outlet 312 may comprise a plurality of slits 3121 that partition the first lower cold air outlet 312 in the up-down direction.

At this time, the shape of the bend part 350 may help to discharge cold air evenly to the first lower partitioned storage 2112, although the plurality of slits 3121 is disposed at regular intervals.

The plurality of slits 3121 disposed at regular intervals may enhance aesthetic qualities in design further than a plurality of slits 3121 disposed at irregular intervals.

Additionally, each of the plurality of slits 3121 is formed to have directionality, such that cold air may be discharged uniformly to the first lower partitioned storage 2112 through the first lower cold air outlet 312.

For the cold air supply duct 300 described above, the front surface 300a of the cold air supply duct, forming the front surface of the cold air supply duct 300, may be formed in a way that separates from the rear surface 300b of the cold air supply duct, forming the rear surface of the cold air supply duct 300, and may be fastened to the rear surface 300b of the cold air supply duct.

A plurality of first fastening parts 305a may be spaced from each other along the edge portion of the front surface 300a of the cold air supply duct, and a plurality of second fastening parts 305b may be disposed in a position corresponding to the position of the plurality of first fastening parts 305a and may be spaced from each other along the edge portion of the rear surface 300b of the cold air supply duct.

For example, the first fastening part 305a is shaped into a ring, and the second fastening part 305b is shaped into a hook, such that the first fastening part 305a and the second fastening part 305b are hook-coupled rapidly without an additional fastening member.

The cold air supply duct 300 may have a plurality of streamlined support ribs 306a, 306b, 306c therein, to reduce the eddy current of cold air therein and improve strength for pressure support of foam injected into the cabinet 2.

For example, a first support rib 306a may be formed near a boundary area of the second connection part 340 and the bend part 350, and may be elongated in the up-down direction and have a streamlined shape.

The first support rib 306a may be formed on the front surface 300a of the cold air supply duct, but not limited.

Additionally, a second support rib 306b may be formed at the first cold air supply flow path 301 of the first connection part 330 and may be elongated in the left-right direction and have a streamlined shape. Further, a third support rib 306c may be formed at the second connection part 340, near a boundary area of the first connection part 330 and the second connection part 340, and may be elongated in the up-down direction and have a streamlined shape.

The second support rib 306b and the third support rib 306c may be formed on the rear surface 300b of the cold air supply duct, but not limited.

Referring further to FIGS. 13 and 14, a front surface support part 303a may be formed along the outer edge portion of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 on the front surface 300a of the cold air supply duct and along the outer edge portion of the cold air inflow part 310.

The front surface support part 303a formed in the outer edge portion of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 may be formed to surround a portion of the upper surface and a portion of the lateral surface of the first upper partitioned storage 2111, and the front surface support part 303a formed in the outer edge portion of the cold air inflow part 310 may be formed to surround a portion of the upper surface and a portion of the lateral surface of the second partitioned storage 212.

Further, a rear surface support part 303b may be formed along the outer edge portion of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 on the rear surface 300b of the cold air supply duct and along the outer edge portion of the cold air inflow part 310.

The rear surface support part 303b formed in the outer edge portion of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 may be formed to surround a portion of the upper surface, a portion of the lateral surface and a portion of the rear surface of the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and a portion of the lateral surface of the first upper partitioned storage 2111, and the rear surface support part 303b formed in the outer edge portion of the cold air inflow part 310 may be formed to surround a portion of the upper surface, a portion of the lateral surface and a portion of the rear surface of the second partitioned storage 212.

In the case where the front surface 300a of the cold air supply duct and the rear surface 300b of the cold air supply duct 300b are coupled, the front surface support part 303a and the rear surface support part 303b are coupled, such that a first support part 3031 is formed in the outer edge portion of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 of the cold air supply duct 300 while a second support part 3032 is formed in the outer edge portion of the cold air inflow part 310.

Accordingly, the first support part 3031 may be formed to surround the edge portion of the upper end of the rear surface of the first upper partitioned storage 2111, and the second support part 3032 may be formed to surround the edge portion of the upper end of the rear surface of the second partitioned storage 212.

In the case where the cold air supply duct 300 is inserted from the rear surface of the storage case 200 to the front thereof, the rear surface support part 303b of the first support part 3031, and the rear surface support part 303b of the second support part 3032 may be respectively held by the rear surface of the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and the rear surface of the second partitioned storage 212, such that a forward movement of the cold air supply duct 300 is limited.

A hole part 304 may be formed respectively at the rear surface support part 303b of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 and the rear surface support part 303b of the second cold air inflow part 310 in a way that penetrates in the direction of the rear surface of the cold air supply duct 300.

In the case where the cold air supply duct 300 is inserted from the rear surface of the storage case 200 to the front thereof, a projection part 2113 may be formed respectively on the rear surfaces of the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and the second partitioned storage 212, in a position corresponding to the position of the hole part 304.

The projection part 2113 may protrude rearward, and the outer diameter of the projection part 2113 may be slightly less than the inner diameter of the hole part 304, such that the projection part 2113 may be inserted into the hole part 304.

The hole part 304 of the cold air supply duct 300, and the projection part 2113 formed on the rear surface of the storage case 200, may serve as a guide that clearly indicates an up-down coupling position of the cold air supply duct 300 and the storage case 200, as the worker inserts the cold air supply duct 300 from the rear surface of the storage case 200 to the front thereof.

The first upper partitioned storage 2111 may comprise a first upper cold air inflow surface 2111p corresponding to the first upper cold air discharge part 3111, and the second partitioned storage 212 may comprise a cold air discharge surface 212p corresponding to the cold air inflow part 310.

A first upper cold air inflow hole 2111h may be formed on the first upper cold air inflow surface 2111p, such that the first upper cold air inflow surface 2111p fluidly communicates with the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 of the cold air supply duct 300.

The cold air supply duct 300 may have a first surface 361 corresponding to the first upper cold air inflow surface 2111p.

Accordingly, the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 may be formed on the first surface 361, and the first support part 3031 may be formed along the outer edge portion of the first surface 361.

A cold air discharge hole 212h is formed on the cold air discharge surface 212p, such that the cold air discharge hole 212h fluidly communicates with the cold air inflow part 310 of the cold air supply duct 300.

The cold air supply duct 300 may have a second surface 362 corresponding to the cold air discharge surface 212p.

A cold air inflow part 310 may be formed on the second surface 362, and a second support part 3032 may be formed along the outer edge portion of the second surface 362.

A sealing foam 370 may be formed respectively between the first upper cold air inflow surface 2111p and the first surface 361 and between the cold air discharge surface 212p and the second surface 362.

The sealing foam 370 comprises an adhesive layer on both surfaces thereof, to prevent cold air from leaking out of a connected portion between the cold air supply duct 300 and the storage case 200 or prevent bubble foam injected into the cabinet 2 from infiltrating into the connected portion between the cold air supply duct 300 and the storage case 200.

The sealing foam 370 may be formed to have a hollow hole, along the perimeters of the edge portions of the first upper cold air discharge part 3111, the first upper cold air inflow hole 2111h, the cold air inflow part 310, and the cold air discharge hole 212h, not to prevent cold air from flowing through the first upper cold air discharge part 3111, the first upper cold air inflow hole 2111h, the cold air inflow part 310 and the cold air discharge hole 212h.

While the first upper cold air inflow surface 2111p and the cold air discharge surface 212p are spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other and face each other, the first upper cold air inflow surface 2111p and the cold air discharge surface 212p may be formed to incline in a way that a distance between the first upper cold air inflow surface 2111p and the cold air discharge surface 212p decreases from the rear surface of the storage case 200 toward the front surface thereof.

Additionally, the first surface 361 of the cold air supply duct 300, corresponding to the first upper cold air inflow surface 2111p, and the second surface 362 of the cold air supply duct 300, corresponding to the cold air discharge surface 212p, may be formed to incline in a way that a distance between the first surface 361 and the second surface 362 decreases from the rear surface of the refrigerator to the front surface thereof.

At this time, an inclination angle between the first upper cold air inflow surface 2111p and the cold air discharge surface 212p, and an inclination angle between the first surface 361 and the second surface 362 may be substantially the same.

Accordingly, a distance between a first line L1 formed by the first upper cold air inflow surface 2111p and the first surface 361 and a second line L2 formed by the cold air discharge surface 212p and the second surface 362 may decrease from the rear surface of the storage case 200 toward the front surface thereof.

In the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure, while the cold air supply duct 300 comprising the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 and the cold air inflow part 310 is inserted and fixed between the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and the second partitioned storage 212, from the rear of the refrigerator to the front thereof, the assembled surfaces of the inserted cold air supply duct 300 with the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and the second partitioned storage 212 have an inclination surface where a distance decreases from the rear surface thereof further toward the front surface thereof, thereby improving ease of insertion and assembly of the cold air supply duct 300.

In the refrigerator of the present disclosure, since the assembled surfaces of the inserted cold air supply duct 300 with the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and the second partitioned storage 212 have an inclination surface where a distance decreases from the rear surface thereof further toward the front surface thereof, the sealing foam 370 may be prevented from escaping and being pushed, while the cold air supply duct 300 is inserted between the first upper partitioned storage 2111 and the second partitioned storage 212.

Thus, the possibility of creating positional dispersion and flow path area dispersion may decrease while the cold air supply duct 300 is assembled.

Further, a spacer 380 may be disposed on the rear surface of the cold air supply duct 300 and protrude in the direction of the rear surface of the refrigerator.

The spacer 380 may be disposed in a position corresponding to the position of the second support rib 306b of the cold air supply duct 300.

For example, the second support rib 306b may have a depression part that is depressed toward the inside of the cold air supply duct 300, and the end of one side of the spacer 380 may be inserted into and fixed to the depression part.

The spacer 380 may be made of a material such as polystyrene (EPS) foam.

A back plate 700 may be disposed on the rear surface of the spacer 380 and press the spacer 380 toward the front surface of the spacer 380.

The back plate 700 may be an outer case 20 but not limited, and may be formed apart from the outer case 20.

An insulation material 710 such as a vacuum insulator may be additionally disposed between the back plate 700 and the spacer 380.

In the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure, the spacer 380 protruding toward the rear surface of the refrigerator, and the back plate 700 pressing the spacer 380 toward the front surface of the spacer 380 may be disposed on the rear surface of the cold air supply duct 300, and as the worker presses the back plate 700 additionally, the cold air supply duct 300 may be inserted into the right position, even after the cold air supply duct 300 is inserted and temporarily fixed between the partitioned storages.

Thus, the possibility of creation of positional dispersion and flow path area dispersion, which may be caused during the assembly of the cold air supply duct 300, may decrease, and the cold air supply duct 300 may be fixed in the right position to a maximum degree, without fastening the cold air supply duct 300 and the storage case 200 additionally.

The cold air supply duct 300 of another embodiment is additionally described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, and differences are mainly described.

The cold air supply duct 300 may comprise a cold air inflow part 310 communicating with one lateral surface of the second partitioned storage 212, a first upper cold air discharge part 3111 communicating with one lateral surface of the first upper partitioned storage 2111, and a first lower cold air discharge part 3112 communicating with one lateral surface of the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

A flow path in which cold air drawn from the cold air inflow part 310 flows to the first upper cold air discharge part 3111 may be a first cold air supply flow path 301, and a flow path in which cold air drawn from the cold air inflow part 310 flows to the first lower cold air discharge part 3112 may be a second cold air supply flow path 302.

At this time, while the first cold air supply flow path 301 and the second cold air supply flow path 302 branch from the cold air inflow part 310, the first cold air supply flow path 301 and the second cold air supply flow path 302 may have a shape in which the separation of the first cold air supply flow path 301 and the second cold air supply flow path 302 can be seen from the outside, but not be limited.

Since the first lower cold air discharge part 3112 fluidly communicates with one lateral surface of the first lower partitioned storage 2112, the cold air supply duct 300 may require an additional duct assembly and an additional cold air outlet that discharge cold air to the first lower partitioned storage 2112, unlike the above-described embodiment of the cold air supply duct 300.

Accordingly, a first lower flow path opening and closing damper 640 selectively blocking cold air, and a first lower duct assembly 600 comprising a first lower cold air outlet 612 and fluidly communicating with the cold air supply duct 300 may be disposed in the first lower partitioned storage 2112.

Thus, cold air flowing to the first lower cold air discharge part 3112 through the second cold air supply flow path 302 may be discharged into the first lower partitioned storage 2112 through the first lower cold air outlet 612.

As described above, the first lower flow path opening and closing damper 640 may be disposed in the first lower partitioned storage 2112, to control the temperature of the first lower partitioned storage 2112 independently, making it possible to use the first lower partitioned storage 2112 as a refrigerator compartment as well as a freezer compartment.

Furthermore, the first lower partitioned storage 2112 may be used as a variable storage compartment in which a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment can change.

The embodiments are described above with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof. However, embodiments are not limited to the embodiments and drawings set forth herein, and numerous other modifications and embodiments can be drawn by one skilled in the art within the technical scope of the disclosure. Further, the effects and predictable effects based on the configurations in the disclosure are to be included within the range of the disclosure though not explicitly described in the description of the embodiment.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising:

a first upper partitioned storage;

a first lower partitioned storage; and

a second partitioned storage; and

a cold air supply duct configured to divide cold air blown from the second partitioned storage for supply to the first upper partitioned storage and the first lower partitioned storage.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising:

an evaporator located in the second partitioned storage, the evaporator configured to generate cold air; and

an air blowing fan located in the second partitioned storage, the air blowing fan configured to blow cold air generated from the evaporator to the first upper partitioned storage, the first lower partitioned storage, and the second partitioned storage.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first upper partitioned storage includes:

an upper duct assembly having an upper cold air outlet to discharge cold air to the first upper partitioned storage, the upper duct assembly being in fluid communication with the cold air supply duct; and

a damper configured to selectively block cold air to the upper duct assembly.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the cold air supply duct includes a lower cold air outlet at the first lower partitioned storage to discharge cold air to the first lower partitioned storage, and

wherein a portion of the cold air supply duct overlaps a rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage outside the rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the first lower partitioned storage includes:

a lower duct assembly having a lower cold air outlet to discharge cold air to the first lower partitioned storage, the lower duct assembly being in fluid communication with the cold air supply duct; and

a damper configured to selectively block cold air to the lower duct assembly.

6. A refrigerator comprising:

a first partitioned storage, the first partitioned storage having: a first upper partitioned storage; and a first lower partitioned storage;

a second partitioned storage located at one side of the first partitioned storage; and

a cold air supply duct having: a first cold air supply flow path connecting the first upper partitioned storage and the second partitioned storage; and a second cold air supply flow path connecting the first lower partitioned storage and the second partitioned storage.

7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the first lower partitioned storage is located under the first upper partitioned storage.

8. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the cold air supply duct further comprises:

a cold air inflow part in fluid communication with the second partitioned storage;

an upper cold air discharge part in fluid communication with the first upper partitioned storage; and

a lower cold air discharge part in communication with the first lower partitioned storage,

wherein a first portion of cold air drawn from the second partitioned storage is supplied to the first upper partitioned storage through the first cold air supply flow path, and

wherein a second portion of cold air drawn from the second partitioned storage is supplied to the first lower partitioned storage through the second cold air supply flow path.

9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the cold air inflow part and the upper cold air discharge part face each other.

10. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the cold air supply duct further comprises a guide part dividing the cold air supply duct into the first cold air supply flow path and the second cold air supply flow path, and

wherein an end of one side of the guide part faces the cold air inflow part.

11. The refrigerator of claim 10, wherein a length from the end of one side of the guide part to an upper surface of the cold air inflow part is longer than a length from the end of one side of the guide part to a lower surface of the cold air inflow part.

12. The refrigerator of claim 11, wherein a length from an upper surface of the upper cold air discharge part to a lower surface of the upper cold discharge part is longer than a length from the end of one side of the guide part to the upper surface of the cold air inflow part.

13. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein a size of a cross-sectional area of the upper cold air discharge part through which cold air passes is larger than or equal to a size of a cross-sectional area of the cold air inflow part corresponding to the first cold air supply flow path through which cold air passes.

14. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein an upper surface of the cold air inflow part is located further upward than an upper surface of the upper cold air discharge part.

15. The refrigerator of claim 14, wherein the second partitioned storage includes an upper cold air outlet in an upper area thereof, the upper cold air outlet being configured to discharge cold air to the second partitioned storage, and

wherein the upper cold air outlet is located further upward than the upper surface of the cold air inflow part.

16. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the lower cold air discharge part is located on a rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage, the lower cold air discharge part being elongated along a left-right direction of the first lower partitioned storage.

17. The refrigerator of claim 16, wherein the lower cold air discharge part includes a lower cold air outlet configured to discharge cold air to the first lower partitioned storage, the first lower cold air outlet extending along the left-right direction of the first lower cold air discharge part.

18. The refrigerator of claim 17, wherein the lower cold air outlet includes a plurality of slits partitioning the first lower cold air outlet in an up-down direction, the plurality of slits being spaced at regular intervals.

19. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein the first upper partitioned storage comprises an upper cold air inflow surface corresponding to the upper cold air discharge part,

wherein the second partitioned storage comprises a cold air discharge surface corresponding to the cold air inflow part,

wherein the upper cold air inflow surface and the cold air discharge surface are spaced apart to face each other such that a distance between the first upper cold air inflow surface and the cold air discharge surface decreases from a rear surface of the refrigerator toward a front surface of the refrigerator, and

wherein the cold air supply duct includes a first surface corresponding to the upper cold air inflow surface and a second surface corresponding to the cold air discharge surface, the first surface facing the second surface such that a distance between the first surface and the second surface decreases from the rear surface of the refrigerator toward the front surface of the refrigerator.

20. The refrigerator of claim 19, further comprising:

a first sealing foam located between the upper cold air inflow surface and the first surface; and

a second sealing foam located between the cold air discharge surface and the second surface.

21. The refrigerator of claim 20, wherein a spacer is disposed on a rear surface of the cold air supply duct, and protrudes in a direction of the rear surface of the refrigerator, and

wherein a back plate is disposed on a rear surface of the spacer and presses the spacer in the direction of the front surface of the refrigerator.

22. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the cold air supply duct further comprises:

a first connection part located between the first upper partitioned storage and the second partitioned storage;

a second connection part extending downward from one side of the first connection part; and

a bend part extending from one side of the second connection part toward a rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage.

23. The refrigerator of claim 22, wherein the bend part crosses the rear surface of the first lower partitioned storage in a left-right direction, and

wherein a cross-sectional area of the bend part through which cold air passes decreases as the bend part extends from the second connection part.