REFRIGERATOR

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and the refrigerator includes a cabinet, a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber configured to store food, and a grill pan assembly configured to partition the inner portion of the first storage chamber into a space in which an evaporator is provided, in which the grill pan assembly includes a grill pan forming a front surface of the grill pan assembly, a shroud on which a first fan and a second fan are mounted, a heat insulating member configured to be provided between the grill pan and the shroud and on which a first flow path part configured to supply the cold air forcibly flowing by the first fan to the first storage chamber and a second flow path part configured to supply the cold air forcibly flowing by the second fan to the second storage chamber are formed on the same surface, and a duct connector configured to be provided at a position corresponding to the second fan in a space between the shroud and the heat insulating member and connected to the second flow path part to form an independent flow path.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that can store food at a low temperature in an internal storage space that is shielded by a door. To this end, the refrigerator is configured to store the stored food in an optimal state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle.

Such a refrigerator is capable of maintaining a set temperature in the refrigerator so that the food stored therein can always be stored in the best state due to the characteristics of use. In addition, in order to maintain the set temperature, the inside of the refrigerator has to be sealed, and the refrigerator is configured to have a structure in which continuous cooling is possible through the supply of cold air using a refrigeration cycle.

In Korean Patent Laid-Open No. 10-2010-0076089, a top-mount type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber is provided on an upper side thereof and an evaporator is provided on the freezing chamber is disclosed. In addition, a refrigerator in which the cold air generated by the evaporator is configured to be supplied to the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber by a blower fan and a damper, and in particular, in which a heat generating member is provided in the space of the freezing chamber and the inside of which can be used as a switching chamber is disclosed.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of cooling two separate storage spaces with one evaporator and two fans, thereby reducing production cost and increasing the volume in the refrigerator.

An object of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of increasing the heat transfer area of the evaporator by forming a flow path toward a first storage chamber or a second storage chamber on a space of a grille fan assembly that partitions a space in which the first storage chamber and an evaporator are provided.

Technical Solution

In a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first flow path part configured to supply the cold air forcedly flowing by a first fan to a first storage chamber and a second flow path part configured to supply the cold air forcedly flowing by a second fan are provided in a space between a heat insulating member and a shroud constituting a grille fan assembly that partitions the first storage chamber into a storage space and an evaporator accommodation space.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet, a first storage chamber configured to be provided at one side of the cabinet to store food, a second storage chamber configured to be provided on the other side of the cabinet, and a grille fan assembly configured to partition the inner portion of the first storage chamber into a space in which an evaporator is provided, in which the grille fan assembly includes a grille panel forming a front surface of the grille fan assembly and forming a portion of an inner surface of the first storage chamber, a shroud forming a rear surface of the grille fan assembly and on which a first fan and a second fan are mounted; a heat insulating member configured to be provided between the grille panel and the shroud and on which a first flow path part configured to supply the cold air forcibly flowing by the first fan to the first storage chamber and a second flow path part configured to supply the cold air forcibly flowing by the second fan to the second storage chamber are formed on the same surface, and a duct connector configured to be provided at a position corresponding to the second fan in a space between the shroud and the heat insulating member and connected to the second flow path part to form an independent flow path.

The first flow path part may be formed to branch on both sides as it goes downward, and the second flow path part may be formed between the branched first flow path parts.

A fan suction port into which cold air circulating in the first storage chamber is suctioned may be formed by opening a portion of a lower end portion of the grille panel.

The heat insulating member may include a pair of flow path forming parts formed to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval on both sides with respect to the center of the heat insulating member, and the flow path forming part may protrude from the rear surface of the heat insulating member to partition the first flow path part and the second flow path part.

The second flow path part may be formed to extend to a lower end in the center of the heat insulating member, the duct connector may be provided at the upper end of the second flow path part, and the cold air flowing into the duct connector may be guided to the lower side of the heat insulating member to supply the cold air to the second storage chamber.

The flow path forming part may be formed to be closer to both ends of the heat insulating member toward the lower side, and a water take-out guide part configured to discharge water from the inside of the grille fan assembly may be formed between the flow path forming part and both ends of the heat insulating member.

The duct connector may be spaced apart from the heat insulating member in the front and rear direction and is mounted on the shroud, and cold air forcedly flowing by the first fan may flow into a space between the duct connector and the heat insulating member.

The duct connector may include a cold air inflow part provided at a position corresponding to the second fan and into which cold air forcedly flowing by the second fan flows, and a guide part extending downward from the lower end of the cold air inflow part to guide the flow of cold air flowing by the second fan.

The duct connector may include a negative pressure compensation hole formed to pass through the cold air inflow part so that a portion of air discharged when the first fan is driven is prevented from flowing into the cold air inflow part and flowing backward the air in the second storage chamber.

The cold air inflow part may include a recessed part which is recessed from one side in the second fan direction so that the cold air forcedly flowing from the first fan flows across the duct connector, in which the negative pressure compensation hole may be formed on the recessed part.

The duct connector may further include a guide rib provided below the negative pressure compensation hole and protruding in the shroud direction along the inner surface of the duct connector to guide cold air flowing into the negative pressure compensation hole to a lower end portion of the duct connector.

The lower end of the duct connector may be opened, and the lower end of the duct connector may be located above the lower end of the heat insulating member.

The duct connector may further include a border part extending outward along the opened circumference, and a connector boss part through which a connector coupling part protruded from the shroud passes may be provided in the border part.

The border part may further include a connector fixing part protruding forward and into which a coupling member is inserted.

The shroud may have a first fan mounting part and a second fan mounting part on which the first fan and the second fan are mounted respectively, and an evaporator accommodation part, which is recessed forward to form a space in which the evaporator is accommodated, may be provided on the rear surface of the shroud.

The evaporator accommodation part may have the same distance to both ends in the left and right direction with respect to the center of the shroud.

The shroud may include a water take-out rib formed to support an inner surface of the water take-out guide part at a position corresponding to the water take-out guide part.

The water take-out rib may include a first rib formed in a shape corresponding to one end of the flow path forming part, and a second rib spaced apart from the first rib and formed in a shape corresponding to one end of the water take-out guide part, and in which the shroud may include a shroud water take-out hole formed through the shroud between the lower ends of the first rib and the second rib.

A pair of support parts configured to support an inner surface of the second flow path part may be provided at the center of the front lower part of the shroud.

A central water take-out rib protruding forward from the front surface of the shroud to guide the discharge of water generated in the second flow path part may be provided between the pair of support parts, and a central water take-out hole passing through the shroud may be provided in the lower end of the central water take-out rib.

Advantageous Effect

The refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can expect the following effects.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes both first flow path part for guiding cold air into a first storage chamber and a second flow path part for guiding cold air into a second storage chamber in a space between a heat insulating member and a shroud constituting a grille fan assembly. Accordingly, only by providing a heat insulating member between the grille panels, the grille fan assembly can be insulated, thereby simplifying the configuration.

In addition, a duct connector is provided in a space between the shroud and the heat insulating member, and the duct connector flows cold air discharged by the second fan into the second flow path and supplies the cold air to the second storage chamber. In other words, since a separate space in which the duct connector is provided is not required, it is possible to maximize the space for accommodating the evaporator provided on the rear surface of the shroud. Accordingly, there is an advantage that the heat transfer area of the evaporator can increase.

In addition, the duct connector is mounted on the shroud so as to be spaced apart from the heat insulating member by a predetermined interval. In addition, one side of the duct connector is cut to form a recessed part recessed inward. Accordingly, there is an advantage that the cold air forcibly flowing by the switching chamber fan is evenly distributed on both left and right sides of the heat insulating member across the duct connector by the recessed part, without the flow path being obstructed by the duct connector due to the recessed part.

In addition, the duct connector includes a negative pressure compensation hole formed so that, when the first fan is operated, the cold air forcibly flowing by the first fan can flow into the duct connector. By the negative pressure compensation hole, it is possible to prevent a reverse flow of cold air from the second storage chamber in a state where only the first fan is driven.

By preventing the reverse flow of the air in the second storage chamber, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the first storage chamber from rising.

In addition, the grille fan assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure forms a water take-out guide part on the heat insulating member so that the defrost water generated during the defrosting operation can be effectively discharged.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure cannot be said to be limited to the embodiments in which the spirit of the present disclosure is presented, and other disclosures that are degenerate by addition, changes, deletions, or the like of other elements or other embodiments included within the scope of the present disclosure can be easily suggested.

Although the embodiment of the present disclosure has been described as an example of a top-mount type refrigerator in which the freezing chamber is provided above the refrigerating chamber for convenience of explanation and understanding, it should be noted that the present disclosure is applicable to all types of refrigerators provided with one evaporator and two fans.

FIG.1is a front view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, andFIG.2is a view illustrating a state where a door of the refrigerator is opened.

As illustrated in the drawing, a refrigerator1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet10forming a storage space and a door20for opening and closing the storage space of the cabinet10.

The cabinet10is vertically partitioned by a barrier13and may include a first storage chamber11disposed on the upper portion and a second storage chamber12disposed on the lower portion. The first storage chamber is usually used as a freezing chamber, and when necessary, the temperature of the freezing chamber is changed to a temperature of the refrigerating chamber by a user's manipulation, so that the freezing chamber can be used as a refrigerating chamber. Accordingly, the first storage chamber11may be referred to as a switching chamber or a freezing chamber.

Hereinafter, the first storage chamber11will be referred to as a switching chamber and the second storage chamber12will be referred to as a refrigerating chamber.

An evaporator15may be provided at the inner rear side of the switching chamber11, and the cold air generated by the evaporator15is supplied to the switching chamber11and the refrigerating chamber12so that the switching chamber11and the refrigerating chamber12can be cooled.

A plurality of accommodation members including a shelf111and a basket may be provided inside the switching chamber11, and an ice maker for making ice may be separately provided.

The rear wall surface of the switching chamber11may be formed by the grille fan assembly40. The grille fan assembly40may partition a space inside the switching chamber11back and forth. In other words, the grille fan assembly40may partition the inside of the switching chamber11so that a space in which food is accommodated is formed in the front and a space in which the evaporator15is accommodated is formed in the rear. The grille fan assembly40may have a plurality of discharge ports for discharging cold air into the switching chamber11.

A multi-duct121may be provided on the rear wall surface of the refrigerating chamber12. The multi-duct121communicates with a space inside the switching chamber11in which the evaporator15is provided and supplies cold air into the refrigerating chamber12. The multi-duct121may be formed to be long vertically, and a plurality of discharge ports121aof the refrigerating chamber are formed in the multi-duct121to supply cold air into the refrigerating chamber12.

A machine chamber14in which a plurality of electrical components including a compressor141and a condenser are provided may be provided at the lower rear end of the cabinet10.

The door20may include a switching chamber door21and a refrigerating chamber door22that independently shield the switching chamber11and the refrigerating chamber12, respectively. The switching chamber door21and the refrigerating chamber door22are rotatably mounted on the cabinet10, and the switching chamber11and the refrigerating chamber12can be opened and closed by rotation.

A first handle221recessed downward so as to be gripped by a user may be provided on the upper surface of the refrigerator chamber door22, and a second handle211recessed upwardly may be provided on the lower surface of the switching chamber door21.

The refrigerator1may include a display part30that displays temperature information and operation state information of the freezing chamber14and the refrigerating chamber13of the refrigerator. The display part30may be disposed on the refrigerator door20disposed at eye level of a user having an average height among the plurality of refrigerator doors20, that is, at a height at which the user can easily identify or operate the display part30.

FIG.3is an exploded perspective view illustrating an internal structure of a switching chamber of the refrigerator andFIG.4is a view schematically illustrating an air flow in the refrigerator.

As illustrated in the drawing, a grille fan assembly40is provided on the rear side surface of the switching chamber11. The grille fan assembly40forms a space in which the evaporator15can be accommodated in the rear of the switching chamber11, and the cold air generated by the evaporator15is supplied into the switching chamber11and the refrigerating chamber12to form a flow path.

The evaporator15is seated in a space behind the grille fan assembly40, and a defrost heater16may be provided in the evaporator15. The defrost heater16is configured to be turned on and off at a cycle set to remove ice frozen on the evaporator15and the cold air flow path to perform a defrosting operation. In addition, when the temperature of the switching chamber11is converted to the temperature of the refrigerating chamber12, the defrost heater may be operated to rapidly increase the temperature of the switching chamber11.

The refrigerating chamber supply duct114is for supplying cold air from the evaporator15to the refrigerating chamber12and is opened to guide the cold air from the duct connector80provided in the grille fan assembly40. In addition, the refrigerating chamber supply duct114is connected to the multi-duct121to evenly supply cold air to the refrigerating chamber12.

The grille fan assembly40is provided to shield the evaporator15from the front and cold air of the evaporator15may be supplied to the refrigerating chamber12and the switching chamber11, respectively by the first fan and the second fan61and62and the cold air flow path formed in the grille fan assembly40.

FIG.5is an exploded perspective view illustrating the grille fan assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the front,FIG.6is an exploded perspective view illustrating the grille fan assembly viewed from the rear, andFIG.7is a view illustrating a state where the grille fan assembly is assembled viewed from the rear.

As illustrated in the drawing, the grille fan assembly40may include a grille panel50, a heat insulating member70, a duct connector80, and a shroud90.

In detail, the grille panel50, which forms the rear surface of the switching chamber11, may be formed in a rectangular plate shape and may be injection-molded from a plastic material. In addition, the grille panel50may have a bent pan border51configured to be coupled to the shroud90. The pan border51may be formed to extend rearwardly along the circumference of the grille panel50from the rear surface of the grillel panel50.

A coupling hook511fastened to the coupling part91formed around the shroud90may be formed on the fan border51. In other words, by the coupling of the shroud90and the grille panel50, the heat insulating member70and the duct connector80provided in the grille fan assembly40can be maintained in a coupled state.

In addition, a coupling member insertion hole52into which a coupling member is inserted is formed in the center of the grille panel50. The coupling member insertion hole52may be provided in a pair on both left and right sides. In addition, an insertion boss521formed to protrude rearward and to pass through the coupling member insertion hole52may be formed on the rear surface of the coupling member insertion hole52.

The insertion boss521is formed to pass through the coupling member, and the coupling member is formed to pass through the heat insulating member70and the shroud90, so that the coupling member may be configured to pass through the insertion boss521and be fixed to the shroud90.

In addition, the coupling member may be inserted through the coupling member insertion hole52and may be configured to be fixed to the shroud90through the insertion boss521.

A sensor mounting part53may be formed in the center of the upper end of the grille panel50. The sensor mounting part53may have at least one opening formed in a predetermined size on the front surface of the grille panel50. A switching chamber sensor531is provided inside the sensor mounting part53to measure the temperature inside the switching chamber11.

In addition, upper fan discharge ports54may be formed on both sides with respect to the sensor mounting part53. The upper fan discharge port54may be formed to be long in the horizontal direction from the upper end of the rear surface of the switching chamber11. In addition, a grille may be formed in the upper fan discharge port54, and cold air may be uniformly supplied to the switching chamber11.

A lower fan discharge port55is formed in the central portion of the grille panel50. The lower fan discharge port55may be formed below the coupling member insertion hole52. The lower fan discharge port55may be opened to supply cold air flowing by the switching chamber fan61into the switching chamber11. The lower fan discharge port55may be disposed in an asymmetric shape on both sides with respect to the coupling member insertion hole52. For example, in the lower fan discharge port55, a plurality of lower fan discharge ports55are formed at positions corresponding to the mounting positions of the ice maker112disposed inside the switching chamber11, so that it is possible to smoothly supply cold air to the ice maker112. For example, a plurality of lower fan discharge ports55are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction on a side of the left and right sides, and a single lower fan discharge port55may be formed on the other side of the left and right sides.

Meanwhile, since the cold air discharged to the switching chamber11is directed downward, the area of the upper fan discharge port54may be larger than the area of the lower fan discharge port55in order to resolve an imbalance in the distribution of cold air inside the switching chamber11.

A fan suction port56may be formed at the lower end portion of the grille panel50. The fan suction port is formed to guide the cold air circulating in the switching chamber11to the space in which the evaporator15is accommodated.

The lower end portion of the grille panel50may be bent multiple times. In detail, at the lower end portion of the grille panel50, a first stepped part571bent and extended toward the front of the switching chamber11, and a second stepped part572extending downward from one end of the first stepped part571may be formed. In addition, a portion of the front surface of the second stepped part572may be opened to form the fan suction port56. A plurality of the fan suction port56may be formed to be long in the horizontal direction from both sides with respect to the center of the second stepped part572.

A fixing part58protruding rearwardly to fix the heat insulating member70may be formed on the rear surface of the second stepped part572. The fixing part58may include a first fixing part581formed by bending at one end of the fan suction port56and a second fixing part582extending from the rear surface of the second stepped part572in a direction crossing the first fixing part581. A region in which the heat insulating member protrusion71formed on the heat insulating member70is fixed to the grille panel50may be formed by the first fixing part581and the second fixing part582.

The first fixing part581and the second fixing part582may fix the heat insulating member protrusion71formed on the heat insulating member70at both ends and the upper end, respectively.

Meanwhile, a heat insulating member70is provided at the rear of the grille panel50. The heat insulating member70prevents the cold air of the evaporator15from being radiated and conducted to the switching chamber11, and it is possible to form a flow path that allows, at the same time, the cold air to flow into the switching chamber11and the refrigerating chamber12independently.

The heat insulating member70may be made of a material that is easy to mold and has excellent insulation performance. For example, the heat insulating member70may be formed of an expanded polystyrene (EPS) material.

The heat insulating member70is provided behind the grille panel50and may be accommodated in the grille panel50and the shroud90. A circumference of the heat insulating member70may be formed to be in close contact with the inner surfaces of the grille panel50and the shroud90. In addition, the heat insulating member70may be fixedly mounted inside the grille fan assembly40by coupling the grille panel50and the shroud90and fastening the coupling member.

The heat insulating member protrusion71may be formed on the front surface of the heat insulating member70, that is, the front surface formed to be in contact with the grille panel50. The heat insulating member protrusion71protrudes forward from the front surface of the heat insulating member70, and when the heat insulating member70is coupled to the grille panel50, the heat insulating member protrusion can be inserted into the stepped parts571and572.

The heat insulating member protrusion71may include a first protrusion711formed at the center of the lower end of the heat insulating member and a pair of second protrusions712formed on both sides of the lower end of the heat insulating member. In addition, an opened heat insulating member suction port713may be formed so that the cold air suctioned from the fan suction port56can flow in the space between the first protrusion711and the second protrusion712.

The upper end of the heat insulating member70may be located below the upper end of the grille panel50.

In the heat insulating member70, a heat insulating member discharge port72may be formed at a position corresponding to the lower fan discharge port55. The heat insulating member discharge port72may be opened to supply cold air flowing by the switching chamber fan61into the switching chamber11.

In addition, in the heat insulating member70, the heat insulating member insertion hole73may be formed at a position corresponding to the coupling member insertion hole52. The heat insulating member insertion hole73allows the insertion boss521to pass therethrough, so that the heat insulating member70may be fixedly mounted in a space between the grille panel50and the shroud90.

The rear surface of the heat insulating member70may be partitioned into an upper region74in which cold air flows by the first fan61and the second fan62, and a lower region75below the upper region74. The lower region75may be a region corresponding to the position of the evaporator15. Here, the first fan61may be referred to as a “switching chamber fan” in that the first fan61forcibly flows cold air into the switching chamber11, and the second fan62may be referred to as a “refrigerating chamber fan” in that the cold air flows into the refrigerating chamber12. Hereinafter, the first fan61will be referred to as a switching chamber fan and the second fan will be referred to as a refrigerating chamber fan.

In detail, an evaporator accommodation part92which is recessed is formed on the lower rear surface of the shroud90, and the evaporator15may be located in an inner region of the evaporator accommodation part92. In addition, the heat insulating member70may be formed to correspond to the evaporator accommodation part92, and the lower region75may be recessed inward than the upper region74.

In the heat insulating member70, heat insulating member stepped parts741may be formed on both sides of the upper region74. The heat insulating member stepped part741may provide a space in which the fan mounting parts951and952and the heat insulating member70are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance while being coupled to the shroud90. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a space for the cold air flowing by the switching chamber fan61and the refrigerating chamber fan62to flow in the space between the shroud90and the heat insulating member70.

Meanwhile, a first flow path part76and a second flow path part77may be formed in the upper region74and the lower region75. The first flow path part76may also be referred to as a “switching chamber flow path part” in that the cold air forcibly flowing by the switching chamber fan61flows into the switching chamber11. In addition, the second flow path part77may be referred to as a “refrigerating chamber flow path part” in that the cold air forcedly flowing by the refrigerating chamber fan62flows into the refrigerating chamber12. Hereinafter, the first flow path part76will be referred to as a switching chamber flow path part, and the second flow path part77will be referred to as a refrigerating chamber flow path part.

In detail, a switching chamber flow path part76may be formed on the rear surface of the heat insulating member70. The switching chamber flow path part76is recessed from the rear surface of the heat insulating member70, so that the cold air generated by the evaporator15passes through the switching chamber fan mounting part951, and the cold air flowing into the space between the shroud90and the heat insulating members70passes through the upper fan discharge port54and the lower fan discharge port55formed in the grille panel50to flow into the switching chamber11.

The switching chamber flow path part76may be formed by connecting the upper region74and the lower region75. In other words, the switching chamber flow path part76may be connected from the upper end of the heat insulating member70and extend downward.

The switching chamber flow path part76may be formed to branch toward both sides as it goes downward. In addition, the refrigerating chamber flow path part77may be formed between the branched switching chamber flow path parts76.

In other words, the switching chamber flow path part76and the refrigerating chamber flow path part77may be formed together on the rear surface of the heat insulating member70. The refrigerating chamber flow path part77is coupled to the duct connector80to form an independent flow path through which cold air flows into the refrigerating chamber so that the cold air generated in the evaporator15may be guided to the refrigerating chamber12.

The refrigerating chamber flow path part77may be formed by a flow path forming part78protruding rearward from the switching chamber flow path part76in the heat insulating member70. The flow path forming part78may be formed as a pair in both left and right directions with respect to the center of the heat insulating member70. The pair of flow path forming parts78may be spaced apart from each other at a set interval based on the center of the heat insulating member70to form the refrigerating chamber flow path part77.

A duct connector mounting part771to which the duct connector80is mounted is formed on the upper end of the refrigerating chamber flow path part77. The duct connector mounting part771may be formed above the flow path forming part78.

The refrigerating chamber flow path part77may extend to a lower end portion of the heat insulating member70. The cold air guided to the inside of the duct connector80moves to the lower end portion of the heat insulating member70according to the guidance of the refrigerating chamber flow path unit77, and the cold air at the lower end portion of the refrigerating chamber flow path part77flows into the refrigerating chamber supply duct114.

Meanwhile, the flow path forming parts78may be formed so that the width between the flow path forming parts is widen as it goes downward. In addition, the flow path forming part78may be formed to be closer to both ends of the heat insulating member70as it goes downward.

In addition, a water take-out guide part79may be formed at a lower end portion corresponding to the position of the evaporator15on the rear surface of the heat insulating member70.

The water take-out guide part79may be formed by the flow path forming part78and both ends of the heat insulating member70. The water take-out guide part79is formed so that water due to defrost water or dew condensation inside the grille fan assembly40can be discharged and may be formed in communication with the switching chamber flow path part76.

Among both ends of the flow path forming part78, in both ends of the heat insulating member70and an end adjacent thereto, a flow path forming inclined part781formed to be closer to the end of the heat insulating member70as it goes downward is provided. The inclined part781allows the dew or defrost water generated inside the switching chamber flow path part76to flow downward along the inclined part781.

In addition, a water take-out hole791is formed at the lower end of the water take-out guide part79. The water take-out hole791may be formed through the heat insulating member70. The water take-out hole791allows water on the switching chamber flow path part76to be discharged to the outside of the grille fan assembly40through the water take-out guide part79.

When the heat insulating member70is described differently, the flow path forming part78is formed to protrude rearward with a predetermined area on the rear surface of the heat insulating member70so that the rear surface of the heat insulating member70may be partitioned into the switching chamber flow path part76, the refrigerating chamber flow path part77, and the water take-out guide part79.

In addition, in the grille fan assembly40of the present disclosure, the switching chamber flow path part76and the refrigerating chamber flow path part77may be formed together between the heat insulating member70and the shroud90.

Meanwhile, a duct connector80is provided behind the heat insulating member70to form a refrigerating chamber flow path part77together with the heat insulating member70.

The duct connector80is provided between the heat insulating member70and the shroud90. The duct connector80is formed of the same material as the heat insulating member70and may be mounted on the refrigerating chamber flow path part77.

FIG.8is a perspective view illustrating a duct connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the front,FIG.9is a rear view illustrating the duct connector viewed from the rear, andFIG.10is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X′ ofFIG.7.

As illustrated in the drawing, the duct connector80is formed with one surface opened and may extend downward from the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952of the central portion of the grille fan assembly40. In addition, the duct connector80may be formed in a shape corresponding to a portion of the refrigerating chamber flow path part77recessed in the heat insulating member70and may be mounted on the shroud90.

The duct connector80may be mounted on the shroud90while being spaced apart from the heat insulating member70by a predetermined interval. In the space between the heat insulating member70and the duct connector80, by the switching chamber flow path part76, the cold air forcibly flowing by the switching chamber fan61, can flow across the duct connector80in the horizontal direction. With this structure, the cold air on the switching chamber flow path part76can flow to the heat insulating member discharge port72formed on both sides of the heat insulating member70or the upper fan discharge port54formed in the grille panel50.

The duct connector80is located in the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952to guide the cold air flowing by the refrigerating chamber fan62in the direction of the refrigerating chamber supply duct114to provide the cold air to the refrigerating chamber12.

The duct connector80may include a cold air inflow part81positioned in the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952and a guide part84that extends from a lower end of the cold air inflow part81to guide the flow of the cold air flowing by the refrigerating chamber fan62. In addition, the duct connector80may further include the cold air inflow part81and a border part86extending outwardly along the circumference of the guide part84.

One side of the cold air inflow part81is opened and is mounted on the shroud90at a position corresponding to the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952, so that cold air flows to the duct connector80by the refrigerating chamber fan62.

The cold air inflow part81may be formed to have a size corresponding to or larger than the size of the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952and may have a circular, rounded shape.

In addition, a negative pressure compensation hole82may be formed in the cold air inflow part81. The negative pressure compensation hole82may be formed on the duct connector80at a position corresponding to a position where the refrigerator chamber fan62is mounted. The negative pressure compensation hole82may be formed to penetrate the central portion of the cold air inflow part81. In other words, the negative pressure compensation hole82may be located on an extension line of the rotation center of the refrigerating chamber fan62.

The negative pressure compensation hole82serves to relieve the negative pressure on the cold air inflow part81and the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952that become low pressure when the switching chamber fan61operates.

The negative pressure compensation hole82may be formed on the recessed part83that is recessed from one side of the cold air inflow part81toward the refrigerating chamber fan62. The recessed part83may be formed by being recessed from one side of the cold air inflow part81in the central direction of the cold air inflow part81.

The recessed part83may be formed on one side adjacent to the switching chamber fan61among both sides of the duct connector80. In detail, the recessed part83may be cut off from one side of the duct connector80and may be recessed in a direction in which the shroud90is provided toward the center of the cold air inflow part81. One side of the duct connector80on which the recessed part83is formed may extend in the same line as the border part86. Accordingly, the cold air forcedly flowing by the switching chamber fan61flows in the direction in which the recessed part83is formed, by the duct connector80, without being disturbed by the flow path, and the duct connector80can flow across in the horizontal direction.

In addition, the cold air forcedly flowing by the switching chamber fan61flows upwards of the duct connector80along the circumferential surface of the cold air inflow part81to be evenly distributed to both sides of the upper fan discharge port54.

Accordingly, the cold air forcibly flowing by the switching chamber fan61can be evenly distributed in the switching chamber11only in a case where the cold air flows so as to flow into not only the heat insulating member discharge port72disposed on one side adjacent to the switching chamber fan61, but also the heat insulating member discharge port72disposed on one side adjacent to the refrigerating chamber fan62.

In the present disclosure, a recessed part83is formed while providing a gap between the duct connector80and the heat insulating member70, and the cold air forcedly flowing by the switching chamber fan61may be guided to flow in the direction of the recessed part83. In addition, the cold air guided in the direction of the recessed part83may cross the duct connector80in a horizontal direction and be discharged to the heat insulating member discharge port72adjacent to the refrigerator chamber fan62. In addition, the cold air forcedly flowing by the switching chamber fan61may be guided by the circumferential surface of the duct connector80, pass above the duct connector80, and flow in the direction of the upper fan the discharge port54of the grille panel50.

In addition, the recessed part83is formed such that the depth of the recessed part increases toward the center of the cold air inflow part81, so that some of the cold air flowing when the switching chamber fan61is operated easily flows into the negative pressure compensation hole82.

With this structure, when the refrigerating chamber fan62is stopped and only the switching chamber fan61is driven, a negative pressure may be generated at the position of the refrigerating chamber fan62. In addition, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, since the damper for switching the flow path for supplying cold air to the switching chamber and the refrigerating chamber is not provided, when negative pressure is generated, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber12can flow backward through the duct connector80. At this time, when the cold air from the refrigerating chamber12flows backward into the evaporator15side, the temperature of the switching chamber11rises, and there is a problem that the switching chamber11may be overcooled. In addition, when cold air in the refrigerating chamber12with high humidity flows into the inside of the refrigerating chamber flow path part77and the duct connector80and the refrigerating chamber fan62side, frost is generated and the flow path is blocked or frozen, thereby causing a problem that the refrigerating chamber fan62does not operate normally.

However, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated inFIG.10, some of the cold air flowing when the switching chamber fan61is driven flows into a side of the cold air inflow part81by the negative pressure compensation hole82, and thus it is possible to eliminate the negative pressure on the side of the cold air inflow part81.

With this structure, it is possible to prevent the air inside the refrigerating chamber12from flowing backward to the evaporator15through the duct connector80.

The duct connector80includes a guide part84that is connected to the lower end of the cold air inflow part81and extends downward. The guide part84is mounted on the refrigerating chamber flow path part77of the heat insulating member70, and the cold air flowing into the cold air inflow part81is guides to flow to a side of the refrigerating chamber supply duct114via the refrigerating chamber flow path part77.

In addition, the guide part84may guide the cold air forcedly flowing by the switching chamber fan61to flow downward along the circumferential surface of the guide part84. In other words, in the inside of the guide part84, the cold air forcedly flowing by the refrigerating chamber fan62is guided to flow toward the refrigerating chamber supply duct114, and, in the outside of the guide part84, the cold air forcedly flowing by the switching chamber fan61flows downward by the circumferential surface of the guide part84to be guided and to be discharged to the lower fan discharge port55. In other words, it can be said that the switching chamber flow path part76and the refrigerating chamber flow path part77are each independently formed by the duct connector80.

The guide part84is formed in a shape corresponding to the refrigerating chamber flow path part77and may be positioned to pass through the central portion of the heat insulating member70. In detail, the refrigerating chamber fan62is disposed in one direction from the center line of the shroud90. The cold air inflow part81through which the cold air of the refrigerating chamber fan62flows is also located in one direction from the center line of the shroud90. At this time, the guide part84has a structure inclined to one side so that the center line of the guide part84can be located on the center line of the shroud90in the cold air inflow part81. In other words, the cold air flowing in the cold air inflow part81by the guide part84passes through the central portion of the heat insulating member70or the shroud90and flows toward the refrigerating chamber supply duct114.

The guide part84may have an opened lower end and may be located above the heat insulating member discharge port72. Alternatively, the guide part84may extend to an upper end portion of the refrigerating chamber flow path part77formed on the heat insulating member70. In other words, the guide part84may not be formed to have a size corresponding to the entire size of the refrigerating chamber flow path part77but may be formed to be smaller.

Although the guide part84is formed to have a size corresponding to a portion of the refrigerating chamber flow path part77, the cold air flowing by the refrigerating chamber fan62is moved toward the lower end of the heat insulating member by the duct connector80, and is guided by the refrigerating chamber flow path part77to move the refrigerating chamber supply duct114.

Meanwhile, a guide rib85may be formed inside the duct connector80, that is, on a surface facing the shroud90.

The guide rib85is formed to protrude from the inner surface of the duct connector80in the direction of the shroud90and guides so that the cold air flowing into the duct connector80through the negative pressure compensation hole82can be moved to the lower end portion of the duct connector80.

In other words, the guide rib85is to prevent the cold air inside the refrigerating chamber12from flowing backward, at the time of the driving of the switching chamber fan61, when the cold air discharged to the switching chamber flow path part76flows into the duct connector80through the negative pressure compensation hole82, the guide rib85guides the flowing cold air to the lower end portion of the duct connector80and pushes down the cold air flowing backward from the inside of the refrigerating chamber12from above.

The guide rib85may extend over the cold air inflow part81and the guide part84. In detail, the guide rib85may extend vertically to the lower end portion of the cold air inflow part81and the upper end portion of the guide part84.

The guide rib85may be located below the negative pressure compensation hole82and located closer to one side of the duct connector80on which the recessed part83is formed, among both sides of the duct connector80. In other words, the guide rib85is formed so that the cold air flowing through the negative pressure compensation hole82flows into the space formed by the guide rib85and one side of the duct connector80.

The cold air guided by the guide rib85may be moved to the lower end of the duct connector80to push the cold air backflowing from the inside of the refrigerating chamber12downward again.

The duct connector80may further include a border part86extending outwardly along the circumference of the opening. The border part86may be formed to extend outwardly (a direction away from the center of the duct connector) along the circumference of the cold air inflow part81and the guide part84. The border part86may provide a space in which the duct connector80is mounted to the shroud90.

The guide part84may further include a connector inclined part89at an upper end portion connected to the cold air inflow part81. As the guide part84is positioned at the central portion of the heat insulating member70and extends downward from the lower end of the cold air inflow part81, the connector inclined part89may be inclined in a direction closer to the central portion of the heat insulating member70. Although the cold air inflow part81is provided at a position corresponding to the refrigerating chamber fan62by the connector inclined part89and is disposed on one side from the central portion of the shroud90, the guide part84may be provided at the center of the refrigerating chamber flow path part77. Accordingly, the cold air flowing by the refrigerating chamber fan62may be smoothly guided to the refrigerating chamber flow path part77.

A connector boss part87through which the connector coupling part954formed in the shroud90passes may be formed in the border part86.

The connector boss part87may protrude forward from the front surface of the border part86, and a connector coupling part insertion hole871may be formed to allow the connector coupling part954to pass therethrough. The duct connector80may be mounted to the shroud90by the connector boss part87.

The connector boss part87is provided at a position corresponding to the connector coupling part954and may be formed on one side of the duct connector80.

In addition, the border part86may include a connector fixing part88that protrudes forward and into which the coupling member is inserted. The connector fixing part88may have a coupling member insertion hole881through which the coupling member passes so that the shroud90and the duct connector80can be fixedly coupled. The connector fixing part88may be inserted into an insertion hole953formed on one side of the switching chamber fan mounting part951to firmly fix the duct connector80to the shroud90.

The lower end of the duct connector80is formed to be opened, so that when the grille fan assembly40is mounted, the lower end of the duct connector80may be connected to the lower end of the refrigerating chamber flow path part77. Accordingly, the lower end of the duct connector80and the refrigerating chamber flow path part77of the heat insulating member70may be connected to form a flow path between the refrigerating chamber fan62and the refrigerating chamber supply duct114.

Meanwhile, a shroud90forming the rear surface of the grille fan assembly40is provided behind the duct connector80.

FIG.11is a perspective view illustrating a shroud according to an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from the front, andFIG.12is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII′ ofFIG.7.

The shroud90may be coupled to the grille panel50so that the heat insulating member70and the duct connector80may be accommodated inside the shroud90.

The shroud90may be injection-formed from a plastic material and may have a structure in which the duct connector80and the heat insulating member70are closely fixed to each other.

A switching chamber fan mounting part951and a refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952may be formed on the shroud90. The switching chamber fan mounting part951and the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952may be disposed on both sides with respect to the center of the shroud90. Accordingly, the cold air generated by the evaporator15may evenly flow toward the switching chamber fan61and the refrigerating chamber fan62.

The switching chamber fan61is mounted on the switching chamber fan mounting part951, and after passing the cold air generated in the evaporator15through the heat insulating member discharge port72, the cold air may be supplied to the switching chamber11through the upper fan discharge port54and the lower fan discharge port55.

The refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952may be opened at a side of the switching chamber fan mounting part951. The duct connector80may be mounted on the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952. Accordingly, when the refrigerating chamber fan62is driven, the cold air of the evaporator15passes through the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952and is then guided by the duct connector80and may be supplied to the refrigerating chamber12through the refrigerating chamber supply duct114and the multi-duct121.

In addition, the switching chamber fan mounting part951and the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952may be formed to have shapes corresponding to the shapes of the switching chamber fan61and the refrigerating chamber fan62, respectively.

For example, a box fan type fan having a compact structure may be used as the switching chamber fan61and the refrigerating chamber fan62. Accordingly, the thickness of the grille fan assembly40may not be increased, and the internal volume of the refrigerator may be maximized. In addition, the fan mounting parts951and952may be formed in a rectangular hole shape corresponding to the box fan shape.

In addition, the switching chamber and refrigerating chamber fan mounting parts951and952protrude rearward from the rear surface of the shroud90to include seating parts93formed along the circumference of the switching chamber fan61and the refrigerating chamber fan62.

In addition, the switching chamber and refrigerating chamber fan mounting parts951and952may be inclined in a direction opposite to the rotational directions of the switching chamber fan61and the refrigerating chamber fan62. In other words, the bottom surfaces of the switching chamber fan mounting part951and the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952may be formed to be inclined at an angle of approximately 20° with respect to the lower end of the grille panel50. Accordingly, the switching chamber fan61and the refrigerating chamber fan62may also be mounted in an inclined state, and due to such a structure, the water on the switching chamber fan61and the refrigerating chamber fan62or the switching chamber fan mounting part951and the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952may flow down along the slope without being stagnant.

Although the size and shape of the switching chamber fan61and the refrigerating chamber fan62are the same, when the switching chamber11maintains the freezing temperature, the drive speed of the switching chamber fan61can be made faster to satisfy the required cooling power of the switching chamber11.

An insertion part94formed to protrude forward at a position corresponding to the coupling member insertion hole52and the heat insulating member insertion hole73may be provided on the front surface of the shroud90. The insertion part94may be positioned below the switching chamber and refrigerating chamber fan mounting parts951and952and may be formed in the center of the shroud90.

The insertion part94may include an insertion hole through which the coupling member passing through the coupling member insertion hole52and the heat insulating member insertion hole73passes.

Meanwhile, a lower portion of the rear surface of the shroud90corresponding to the position of the evaporator15includes an evaporator accommodation part92which is recessed to provide a space for accommodating the evaporator15.

The evaporator accommodation part92may be formed to be long in the left and right direction below the switching chamber and refrigerating chamber fan mounting parts951and952. For example, the evaporator accommodation part92may be formed to have the same distance from the center of the shroud90to both ends in the left and right direction. In other words, when viewed in a state where the evaporator15is provided on the rear surface of the shroud90, the central portion of the evaporator15may be located at the central portion of the shroud90. In addition, both ends of the evaporator15may be provided at positions corresponding to both ends of the shroud90.

In other words, the evaporator15may be disposed in the remaining region of the rear surface of the shroud90, except for the region in which the switching chamber and refrigerating chamber fan mounting parts951and952are formed. In other words, the evaporator15having a length corresponding to the width of the shroud90in the left and right direction can be disposed. Accordingly, as the entire region under the shroud90is provided as a region in which the evaporator15can be disposed, there is an advantage that the heat transfer area of the evaporator15can be maximized.

Meanwhile, on the front surface of the shroud90, a water take-out rib96protruding forward to facilitate the discharge of dew condensation or defrost water may be provided on the inside and outside of the grille fan assembly40.

The water take-out rib96may be formed to support the inner surface of the water take-out guide part79at a position corresponding to the water take-out guide part79.

In detail, the water take-out rib96may be provided in a pair on both sides of the shroud90in the region where the evaporator15is disposed. The water take-out rib96may be formed over the lower end portion of the switching chamber flow path76of the heat insulating member70and the water take-out guide part79.

The water take-out rib96may include a first rib961formed in a shape corresponding to one end of the flow path forming part78formed in the heat insulating member70, a second rib962spaced apart from the first rib961and formed in a shape corresponding to one end of the water take-out guide part79, and a third rib963connecting the lower ends of the first rib961and the second rib962.

A rib inclined part964inclined to be close to both sides of the shroud90from the upper end to the lower end is provided on the upper end portion of the first rib961. The rib inclined part964may be formed at a position corresponding to the inclined part781of the flow path forming part78. The rib inclined part964allows dew condensation or defrost water to be guided to the shroud water take-out hole966.

The shroud water take-out hole966may be formed between the lower ends of the first rib961and the second rib962. The water take-out hole966may be formed through the shroud90. The water take-out hole966has a lower end formed by the third rib963, and the third rib963is formed to be inclined downward from the front to the rear and may discharge dew condensation or defrost water guided to the water take-out hole966to the outside of the grille fan assembly40.

In addition, the water take-out rib96may further include a fourth rib965extending in a direction from the second rib962to the first rib961. The fourth rib965has a structure inclined downward as it extends in the direction of the first rib961from the second rib962. The fourth rib965guides the defrost water flowing above the fourth rib965in the direction of the second rib962, so that it can be quickly discharged to the shroud water take-out hole966.

In addition, a support part97for supporting the inner surface of the refrigerating chamber flow path part77may be formed in the center of the front lower end portion of the shroud90. The support part97may be formed to protrude from the front surface and the lower surface of the shroud90and may be formed as a pair by being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval.

In the space between the pair of support parts97, the lower surface of the shroud90penetrates and a discharge part973is formed so that the cold air of the refrigerating chamber flow path part77is discharged to the outside of the grille fan assembly40. The cold air that has passed through the duct connector80may be guided to the lower end portion of the shroud90by the refrigerating chamber flow path part77, be discharged to the outside of the grille fan assembly40by the discharge part973, and be guided to the refrigerating chamber supply duct114.

In addition, in the space between the pair of support parts97, a central water take-out rib971protruding forward from the front surface of the shroud90and guiding the discharge of dew condensation or defrost water may be provided. The central water take-out rib971may be formed to extend from one side of the pair of support parts97, respectively. The central water take-out rib971has an inclined structure so as to approach the center of the space between the support part97and the central water take-out rib971from the top to the bottom. With this structure, the dew condensation or defrost water generated on the refrigerating chamber flow path part77may be guided to the central water take-out hole972by the central water take-out rib971to be discharged to the outside of the grille fan assembly40.

Meanwhile, a drain member116for collecting water taken out from the water take-out guide part79may be further provided below the grille fan assembly40. The drain member116may be connected to the defrost water tube115to discharge water collected into the machine chamber14.

The shroud90may be opened at both sides of the discharge part973to form a shroud suction port98through which the cold air of the switching chamber is suctioned. The cold air circulating in the switching chamber11passes through the suction port98to move to the space in which the evaporator15partitioned by the grille fan assembly40is disposed.

The shroud suction port98may be formed by the shroud stepped part981formed by bending upward from the lower surface of the shroud90. The shroud stepped part981is bent and extended upwards from the lower end of the shroud90, so that the cool air circulating in the switching chamber11may be moved to the space in which the evaporator15is disposed from the outside of the grille fan assembly40without circulating inside the grille fan assembly40.

Hereinafter, a state of discharging defrost water from the grille fan assembly will be described in more detail.

Moisture or moisture generated in the refrigerator during operation of the refrigerator may be deposited on the evaporator15by the air circulation process to generate frost. The growth of such frost inhibits the flow of air and causes a pressure imbalance, so it is undesirable to drive the defrost heater16to perform a defrost operation.

By the defrosting operation in which the defrost heater16generates heat, the frost on the switching chamber fan61, the refrigerating chamber fan62, and the cold air flow path, including the evaporator15may be removed and, at this time, all of the generated defrost water may be discharged to the drain pan of the machine chamber14.

In this embodiment, it is possible to provide a structure in which the defrost water generated after the defrosting operation can be smoothly discharged.

As illustrated inFIG.9, the defrosting water formed on the switching chamber fan61or the refrigerating chamber fan62flows downward along the switching chamber fan61or the refrigerating chamber fan62. At this time, the switching chamber fan61or the refrigerating chamber fan62may be disposed in an inclined state, and the defrost water may flow downward along the switching chamber fan61or the refrigerating chamber fan62.

Meanwhile, the defrost water generated inside the grille fan assembly40may be discharged downward of the grille fan assembly40by the water take-out guide part79.

The defrost water generated inside the switching chamber flow path part76flows down to the lower end of the switching chamber flow path part76, passes through the heat insulating member70through the water take-out hole791, and is discharged along the shroud water take-out hole966.

The defrost water generated from the duct connector80and the refrigerating chamber flow path part77may be guided downward along the refrigerating chamber flow path part77and be discharged downward of the grille fan assembly40through the shroud water take-out hole966. In addition, the defrost water discharged to the outside of the grille fan assembly40may be discharged to the machine chamber14through the drain member116at the bottom of the switching chamber11and the defrost water tube.

Accordingly, all of the defrosting water generated inside and outside the grille fan assembly40can be smoothly discharged toward the machine chamber14.

Hereinafter, the cold air flow state of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG.13is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of cold air toward the switching chamber, andFIG.14is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the flow of cold air toward the refrigerating chamber.

As illustrated in the drawing, when the switching chamber fan61is operated, the cold air generated by the evaporator15is passed through the switching chamber fan61from the rear of the grille fan assembly40to flow to the switching chamber flow path part76. Here, the switching chamber flow path part76may be formed in a space between the shroud90and the heat insulating member70. The cold air flowing into the front of the shroud90through the switching chamber fan61flows to the switching chamber flow path part76formed in the heat insulating member70. In this case, the duct connector80is provided to be spaced apart from the heat insulating member70by a predetermined interval. In addition, a recessed part83is formed in the duct connector80, so that cold air forcedly flowing by the switching chamber fan61may cross the duct connector80and flow toward the heat insulating member discharge port72provided on a side close to the refrigerating chamber fan62. In addition, the cold air forcedly flowing in the switching chamber fan61may be guided upward or downward of the duct connector80along the circumferential surface of the duct connector80, be evenly distributed into the discharge port54formed on the grille panel50and the lower fan discharge port55and be supplied to the inside of the switching chamber11.

In other words, the cold air flowing along the switching chamber flow path part76may be supplied into the switching chamber11through the heat insulating member discharge port72formed in the heat insulating member70and the lower fan discharge port55formed in the grille panel50and may be supplied to the inside of the switching chamber11through the upper end of the heat insulating member70and the lower fan discharge port55.

In addition, the cold air flowing into the switching chamber flow path part76can be supplied into the switching chamber11through the upper fan discharge port54and the lower fan discharge port55formed in the grille panel50.

The cold air flowing into the switching chamber11may cool the inside of the switching chamber11and then may be recovered to the space in which the evaporator15is accommodated through the switching chamber return duct131or the fan suction port56.

The cold air recovered to the space in which the evaporator15is accommodated can be cooled again by the evaporator15. Through this circulation process, the switching chamber11may be cooled to a set temperature, and the operation of the switching chamber fan61may be controlled by the switching chamber sensor531.

In addition, the switching chamber11may be maintained at a freezing temperature and thus used as a freezing chamber according to a user's selection or may be maintained at the refrigerating temperature and thus used as a space of an expanded refrigerating chamber.

Meanwhile, when the refrigerating chamber fan62is operated, the air cooled by the evaporator15flows into the duct connector80by the refrigerating chamber fan62. The duct connector80is mounted on the refrigerating chamber flow path77, and the cold air passing through the duct connector80moves downward from the central portion of the heat insulating member70along the refrigerating chamber flow path part77.

In other words, the cold air supplied in the direction of the refrigerating chamber12is guided downwards from the central portion of the heat insulating member70by the refrigerating chamber flow path part77independently formed in the space between the shroud90and the heat insulating member70.

The cold air flowing along the refrigerating chamber flow path part77may pass through the refrigerating chamber supply duct114and be supplied to the multi-duct121inside the refrigerating chamber12. Then, cold air is discharged from the multi-duct121into the refrigerating chamber12.

The cold air supplied into the refrigerating chamber12is heat-exchanged inside the refrigerating chamber to cool the refrigerating chamber12. In addition, the air in the refrigerating chamber12heat-exchanged through the refrigerating chamber return duct provided on the upper surface of the refrigerating chamber12, that is, at the lower end of the barrier13, can be recovered to the space in which the evaporator15is disposed.

The cold air recovered to the space in which the evaporator15is accommodated may be cooled again by the evaporator15. By this circulation process, the refrigerating chamber12may be cooled to a set temperature, and the operation of the switching chamber fan61may be controlled by the refrigerating chamber temperature sensor.

As such, in the grille fan assembly40according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by the duct connector80, the switching chamber flow path part76and the refrigerating chamber flow path part77may be independently formed together in a space between the shroud90and the adiabatic member70. In detail, the refrigerating chamber fan62and the switching chamber fan61are turned on, and then the cold air flows into the front of the shroud90. At this time, the cold air flowing by the operation of the switching chamber fan61is moved to the switching chamber11through the upper fan discharge port54and the lower fan discharge port55via the switching chamber flow path part76formed in the space between the shroud90and the heat insulating member70.

In addition, the duct connector80is mounted on the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952, and cold air flowing by the operation of the refrigerating chamber fan62flows into the duct connector80, and is discharged to the lower end of the duct connector80. The cold air discharged to the lower end of the duct connector80is guided to the lower end portion of the heat insulating member70according to the guidance of the refrigerating chamber flow path part77formed in the heat insulating member70, and flows into the refrigerating chamber supply duct114and moves to the refrigerating chamber12.

Accordingly, as the switching chamber flow path part76and the refrigerating chamber flow path part77are formed together in the space between the shroud90and the heat insulating member70, separate components such as an insulation sheet for insulating between the switching chamber flow path part76and the grille panels50are not required, so the simplification of the components is possible.

In addition, since the duct connector80is provided in the space between the shroud90and the heat insulating member, a separate refrigerating chamber flow path part77is not formed on the shroud90. Accordingly, the shroud90can secure a space in which the evaporator15is accommodated in the remaining region except for the region where the refrigerating chamber fan mounting part952and the switching chamber fan mounting part951are formed. Accordingly, there is an advantage that the heat transfer area of the evaporator15can be maximized.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can cool two separate storage spaces with one evaporator, thereby reducing production cost and increasing the volume in the refrigerator, so industrial applicability is high.