Abstract: A refrigerator which has a device for opening/closing cool air discharge ports is disclosed. The device includes plates for opening/closing the ports, and a driving device for driving the plates. The heat exchange between an evaporator and the outside warm air is prevented during the defrosting operation when a door is open. Hence the cooling efficiency is enhanced and the frost caused by the outside warm air is not generated on the evaporater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having a discharge member for changing a discharge position of cool air. A duct plate for forming a cool air duct is installed on a side wall of a cooling compartment. The duct plate has an opening part opened into the compartment. The discharge member is installed on the duct plate. The discharge member closes the opening part, and has a discharge pipe for discharging cool air flowing into the cool air duct toward the compartment. The discharge member is supported by a guide part to be capable of sliding vertically or horizontally. The position of the discharge member is controlled by a driving device. Thus, the cool air can be uniformly distributed vertically and horizontally, or can be concentrated on a specific area. Further, the amount of frost which may be generated by a backflow of cool air is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a refrigerator having a device for dispersing cool air in a cooling compartment. A duct having cool air discharge ports is formed in an inner wall of the compartment. In the duct are installed a horizontal-dispersing blade disposed along a vertical rotational shaft, and a vertical-dispersing blade capable of rotating with respect to a horizontal axis. A worm gear in installed on the shaft, and a worm wheel engaged with the worm gear is installed on the vertical-dispersing blade. As the shaft is rotated by a motor, the blades rotate. Thus, the cool air is uniformly dispersed in the compartment, and the temperature in the compartment is maintained uniform. The angular position of the blades are controlled independently of each other substantially, so concentrative cooling can be performed easily.