Patent Description:
A refrigerator is an appliance including a storage room for storing foods and a cool air supplier for supplying cool air to the storage room to keep foods fresh. The storage room includes a refrigerating room that is maintained at about <NUM> to <NUM> to keep foods refrigerated and a freezing room that is maintained at about <NUM> to <NUM> below zero to keep foods frozen.

Refrigerators are classified according to the positions of the refrigerating rooms and freezing rooms and the types of doors. That is, refrigerators are classified into a Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF) type in which a freezing room is disposed below a refrigerating room, a Top Mounted Freezer (TMF) type in which a freezing room is disposed above a refrigerating room, and a Side By Side (SBS) type in which a freezing room is disposed to the left of a refrigerating room. Also, BMF type refrigerators include a French Door Refrigerator (FDR) type in which a pair of refrigerating room doors for opening and closing a refrigerating room are provided, and a <NUM> Door type in which a pair of refrigerating room doors for opening and closing a refrigerating room and a pair of freezing room doors for opening and closing a freezing room are provided.

A refrigerator including a temperature controlled room of which inside temperature is controllable to temperature that is different from that of a storage room has been developed.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> are relevant prior art.

It is an aspect of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator with a wide controllable temperature range, while having high power efficiency because of using no thermoelectric device in implementing a temperature controlled room.

It is another aspect of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator including a temperature controlled room with improved utilization of space because no component for cooling or heating is positioned inside the temperature controlled room.

It is another aspect of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator separately including a fan for supplying cool air to inside of a storage room and a fan for supplying cool air to inside of a temperature controlled room to quickly cool the inside of the temperature controlled room.

It is another aspect of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator including a plurality of temperature controlled rooms to keep various foods at optimal temperature.

In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator is provided as in claim <NUM>. The cool air supplier may be spaced a preset distance from a rear side of the storage room.

The refrigerator may further include a heat exchanger positioned inside the storage room and configured to generate cool air.

The cool air supplier may be positioned in front of the heat exchanger.

The first fan may be positioned above the heat exchanger.

The second fan may be positioned in front of the heat exchanger.

The cool air supplier may further include a cool air supply flow path through which cool air of the cool air flow path is guided to the temperature controlled room.

One end of the cool air supply flow path may be connected to the cool air flow path, and the other end of the cool air supply flow path may be connected to the temperature controlled room.

The second fan is positioned outside the case.

The case and the drawer may be separable from the storage room.

The drawer may be spaced a preset distance from the heating portion such that the drawer is not in contact with the heating portion.

The temperature controlled room may include a first temperature controlled room and a second temperature controlled room, wherein the second temperature controlled room may be partitioned from the first temperature controlled room and inside temperature of the second temperature controlled room is different from inside temperature of the first temperature controlled room.

The cool air supplier may include a plate portion forming at least one portion of the cool air flow path and spaced a preset distance from one surface of the storage room, and the second fan coupled with the plate portion to be positioned on an outer side of the cool air flow path.

The refrigerator may further include a case forming the temperature controlled room and including a case hole penetrating a rear side of the case.

The other end of the cool air supply flow path may be connected to the case hole.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator with a wide controllable temperature range, while having high power efficiency because of using no thermoelectric device in implementing a temperature controlled room may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator including a temperature controlled room with improved utilization of space because no component for cooling or heating is positioned inside a temperature controlled room may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator including a fan for supplying cool air to inside of a storage room and a fan for supplying cool air to inside of a temperature controlled room are separately provided to quickly cool the inside of the temperature controlled room.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a refrigerator including a plurality of temperature controlled rooms to keep various foods at optimal temperature may be provided.

Configurations illustrated in the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification are only the preferred embodiments of the disclosure, and thus it is to be understood that various modified examples, which may replace the embodiments and the drawings described in the present specification, are possible when filing the present application.

Also, like reference numerals or symbols denoted in the drawings of the present specification represent members or components that perform the substantially same functions.

The terms used in the present specification are used to describe the embodiments of the disclosure, not for the purpose of limiting and/or restricting the disclosure. It will be understood that when the terms "includes," "comprises," "including," and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc., may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component discussed below could be termed a second component, and similarly, a second component may be termed a first component without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

In the following description, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc. are defined based on the drawings, and the shapes and positions of the corresponding components are not limited by the terms.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a refrigerator <NUM> may include a main body <NUM> including a plurality of storage rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a plurality of doors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> for opening and closing the storage rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and a cool air generator for supplying cool air to the storage rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The main body <NUM> may include an inner case <NUM> forming the storage rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, an outer case <NUM> coupled with an outer side of the inner case <NUM>, and an insulation <NUM> provided between the inner case <NUM> and the outer case <NUM>. The inner case <NUM> may be injection-molded with a plastic material, and the outer case <NUM> may be made of a metal material. The outer case <NUM> may also be referred to as a cabinet <NUM>. The insulation <NUM> may be urethane foam insulation, and a vacuum insulation panel may be used together with the urethane foam insulation as necessary. The main body <NUM> may include a plurality of middle walls <NUM> and <NUM> partitioning the storage rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> up and down. The storage rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first storage room <NUM>, a second storage room <NUM>, and a third storage room <NUM>. The inner case <NUM> may further include a upper plate 11a, a rear plate 11b, side plates, and a front plate 11c.

The storage rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be used as a refrigerating room that is maintained at about <NUM> to <NUM> to keep foods refrigerated, and a freezing room that is maintained at about <NUM> to <NUM> below zero to keep foods frozen.

Front sides of the storage rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may open to put food in or take food out, and the open front sides of the storage rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be opened or closed by the doors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In the storage rooms <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, a rack <NUM> on which food is placed may be provided.

In the first storage room <NUM>, a drawer <NUM> may be provided. The drawer <NUM> may include a first drawer 110a and a second drawer 110b that are arranged side by side. The first drawer 110a and the second drawer 110b may have the same size, although not limited thereto. Also, the number and arrangement of the drawer <NUM> may change. A single drawer <NUM> or three drawers <NUM> or more may be provided. Also, a plurality of drawers <NUM> may be arranged up and down.

The drawer <NUM> may be in a shape of a parallelepiped of which an upper side opens. The drawer <NUM> may have a storage space <NUM> to accommodate food. Various foods may be stored in the storage space <NUM>. For example, meat, vegetables, wine, etc. may be stored in the storage space <NUM>.

In the first storage room <NUM>, a case <NUM> (see <FIG>) for accommodating the drawer <NUM> may be provided. The case <NUM> may be in a shape of a parallelepiped of which a front side opens. The drawer <NUM> may be put into or withdrawn from the case <NUM> through the open front side of the case <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may form a temperature controlled room <NUM> therein. The drawer <NUM> may be put in the case <NUM> to be accommodated in the temperature controlled room <NUM>. By accommodating the drawer <NUM> in the temperature controlled room <NUM>, the storage space <NUM> may be located in the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

The temperature controlled room <NUM> may have inside temperature that is different from inside temperature of the first storage room <NUM>. More specifically, the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM> may be lower or higher than the inside temperature of the first storage room <NUM>. Also, the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM> may be the same as the inside temperature of the first storage room <NUM>. However, generally, the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM> may be different from the inside temperature of the first storage room <NUM> according to a user's setting. The inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM> may be set within a temperature range from -<NUM> which is optimal temperature for keeping meat to <NUM> which is optimal temperature for keeping wine. However, the temperature controlled room <NUM> may have a wider temperature range than the temperature range.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a plurality of temperature controlled rooms <NUM> may be provided. As shown in <FIG>, the temperature controlled room <NUM> may include a first temperature controlled room 100a and a second temperature controlled room 100b that are arranged side by side. Inside temperature of the first temperature controlled room 100a may be different from that of the second temperature controlled room 100b. To make the inside temperature of the first temperature controlled room 100a different from that of the second temperature controlled room 100b, separate heating portions <NUM> (see <FIG>) may be respectively provided below the first temperature controlled room 100a and the second temperature controlled room 100b, respectively. Accordingly, as described herein, the separate heating portions <NUM> are operable to heat air to maintain or increase a temperature inside the temperature controlled room 100a and/or a temperature inside the temperature controlled room 100b. Also, a first fan 80a for supplying cool air to inside of the first temperature controlled room 100a and a second fan 80b for supplying cool air to inside of the second temperature controlled room 100b may be provided respectively. As described herein, the first fan 80a can be operated to maintain or decrease a temperature inside the temperature controlled room 100a, and the second fan 80b can be operated to maintain or decrease a temperature inside the temperature controlled room 100b. The first fan 80a and the second fan 80b will be described in detail, later.

In the first storage room <NUM>, a storage container <NUM> may be provided. The storage container <NUM> may be withdrawn in a front direction. The storage container <NUM> may be positioned above the case <NUM>. A plurality of storage containers <NUM> may be provided. As shown in <FIG>, the storage container <NUM> may include a pair of storage containers having the same size. However, the storage container <NUM> may include a plurality of storage containers having different sizes. In this case, a user may change an arrangement of the storage containers <NUM> in various ways, which will be described in detail, later.

The doors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a first door <NUM> for opening and closing the first storage room <NUM>, a second door <NUM> for opening and closing the second storage room <NUM>, and a third door <NUM> for opening and closing the third storage room <NUM>.

The first door <NUM> may be coupled with the main body <NUM> in such a way to be rotatable in a left-right direction. On a rear side of the first door <NUM>, a door guard <NUM> in which food is storable may be installed.

The second door <NUM> may slide to be put into or withdrawn from the inside of the second storage room <NUM>, and include a door portion <NUM> covering the open front side of the second storage room <NUM> and a basket <NUM> coupled with a rear side of the door portion <NUM>. The basket <NUM> may be slidably supported by a rail <NUM>. In the door portion <NUM>, a handle 41a may be provided.

The third door <NUM> may slide to be put into or withdrawn from the inside of the third storage room <NUM>, and include a door portion <NUM> covering the open front side of the third storage room <NUM> and a basket <NUM> coupled with a rear side of the door portion <NUM>. The basket <NUM> may be slidably supported by a rail <NUM>. In the door portion <NUM>, a handle 51a may be provided.

The cool air generator may generate cool air by using evaporative latent heat of a refrigerant through a cooling cycle. The cool air generator may include a compressor <NUM>, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator <NUM> and <NUM>. The refrigerator <NUM> may include a ventilation fan <NUM> and <NUM> for causing cool air generated by the evaporator <NUM> and <NUM> to flow. The evaporator <NUM> and <NUM> is also referred to as a heat exchanger <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator <NUM> may include the evaporator <NUM> and <NUM>. The evaporator <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first evaporator <NUM> installed in the first storage room <NUM>, and a second evaporator <NUM> installed in the third storage room <NUM>. Also, the ventilation fan <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first ventilation fan <NUM> installed in the first storage room <NUM>, and a second ventilation fan <NUM> installed in the third storage room <NUM>, although not limited thereto. Although not shown in the drawings, the refrigerator <NUM> may include a single evaporator. In this case, a duct connecting a storage room in which the evaporator is installed to a storage room forming a temperature controlled room may be provided. Also, a flow path connected from the duct to the temperature controlled room may be provided, and a fan for causing inside air of the flow path to flow may be provided. Cool air generated by the evaporator may be supplied to the temperature controlled room by the fan via the duct and the flow path.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first storage room <NUM> is referred to as a storage room <NUM>. Also, the first evaporator <NUM> is referred to as an evaporator <NUM>. Also, the first ventilation fan <NUM> is referred to as a ventilation fan <NUM>.

The evaporator <NUM> may be positioned in a rear area of the storage room <NUM> to generate cool air. The evaporator <NUM> may be accommodated in a cooling chamber 3a formed by a cool air supplier <NUM>.

In the cooling chamber 3a, the ventilation fan <NUM> for causing air to flow may be positioned to supply cool air to the storage room <NUM>. The cooling chamber 3a may communicate with a guide cover <NUM> for guiding cool air of the cooling chamber 3a.

The guide cover <NUM> may include a discharge cover <NUM> positioned in the rear area of the storage room <NUM>, and an upper cover <NUM> positioned in an upper area of the storage room <NUM>.

The guide cover <NUM> may be spaced a preset distance from a rear side of the storage room <NUM> to form cool air flow paths 61a and 62a. Cool air may pass through the cool air flow paths 61a and 62a and be supplied to the storage room <NUM> through a discharge port 62b. In the discharge port 62b, a cool air guide device <NUM> for controlling opening and closing of the discharge port 62b may be provided to adjust a heading direction of cool air discharged through the discharge port 62b.

A part of the cool air may be supplied to the inside of the storage room <NUM> through the cool air flow paths 61a and 62a of the guide cover <NUM>, and the remaining part of the cool air may be supplied to the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

The cool air supplier <NUM> may supply cool air to a rear area of the temperature controlled room <NUM> to maintain or decrease an inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cool air supplier <NUM> may include the fans 80a and 80b facing the evaporator <NUM>. The fans 80a and 80b may supply cool air generated by the evaporator <NUM> to the inside of the temperature controlled room <NUM> through a cool air supply flow path 84a. However, the cool air supplier <NUM> may not face the evaporator <NUM>. For example, the refrigerator <NUM> may include a single evaporator, which is not shown in the drawings. In this case, the evaporator may be positioned in the freezing room, and the refrigerator <NUM> may include a duct for guiding cool air generated by the evaporator to the refrigerating room, and a first fan for causing cool air of the duct to flow. The cool air supplier <NUM> may cover a part of the duct. The cool air supplier <NUM> may include a second fan for supplying cool air of the duct to the temperature controlled room <NUM>. In this case, in inside of the duct, covered by the cool air supplier <NUM>, no evaporator may be positioned. Accordingly, the cool air supplier <NUM> may not face the evaporator. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cool air supplier <NUM> may be any configuration positioned on a cool air flow path to supply cool air to the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the flow of cool air moving to a temperature controlled room, in the refrigerator shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cool air supplier <NUM> may directly supply cool air generated by the evaporator <NUM> to the temperature controlled room <NUM>. The meaning of "directly supplying cool air" may be that cool air is supplied directly to the temperature controlled room <NUM> without passing through the storage room <NUM>.

A part of cool air generated by the evaporator <NUM> may move to the cool air flow path 61a and 62a by the ventilation fan <NUM>, and the remaining part of the cool air may move to the first temperature controlled room 100a by the first fan 80a or to the second temperature controlled room 100b by the second fan 80b.

In the drawing, the first fan 80a and the first temperature controlled room 100a are shown, however, the same moving path of cool air may also be applied to the second fan 80b and the second temperature controlled room 100b, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Upon operating of the first fan 80a, a part of cool air of the cooling chamber 3a may be supplied to the first temperature controlled room 100a via the cool air supply flow path 84a. A case hole 130b may be formed in a rear side of the case <NUM> to supply cool air to the first temperature controlled room 100a. The case hole 130b may be connected to the other end of the cool air supply flow path 84a. More specifically, a protrusion 85d of a cover member <NUM> may be inserted in the case hole 130b. By this structure, cool air may be supplied directly from the cooling chamber 3a to the temperature controlled room <NUM> via the cool air supply flow path 84a of the cool air supplier <NUM>, without passing through the storage room <NUM>.

As described above, although not shown in the drawing, the evaporator <NUM> may be not positioned in a rear area of the cool air supplier <NUM>. In this case, the cool air supplier <NUM> may be positioned in the middle of the cool air flow path through which cool air generated by the evaporator <NUM> is supplied to the temperature controlled room <NUM>. The fans 80a and 80b of the cool air supplier <NUM> may operate to supply cool air passing through the cool air flow path directly to the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a coupling relationship between a cool air supplier and a case, in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the cool air supplier <NUM> may be positioned behind the case <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cool air supplier <NUM> may cover a portion of a rear surface of the storage room <NUM>, and more specifically, the cool air supplier <NUM> may cover a lower area of the rear surface of the storage room <NUM>.

In the cool air supplier <NUM>, the cover member <NUM> may protrude more than a first body <NUM> and a second body <NUM> which will be described later, to prevent cool air from staying in the cooling chamber 3a by reducing a size of the cooling chamber 3a. The fans 80a and 80b may be installed inside the cover member <NUM>, and an insulating member <NUM> including the cool air supply flow path 84a may be positioned between the fans 80a and 80b and the cover member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the cool air supplier <NUM> may be coupled with the case <NUM> by inserting the protrusion 85d of the cover member <NUM> into the case hole 130b. As a result of inserting the protrusion 85d into the case hole 130b, the other end of the cool air supply flow path 84a may be positioned in the inside of the case <NUM>. In other words, the other end of the cool air supply path 84a may be connected to the inside of the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

The drawer <NUM> may be accommodated in the temperature controlled room <NUM> to locate the storage space <NUM> of the drawer <NUM> in the temperature controlled room <NUM>. Cool air supplied to the temperature controlled room <NUM> may also be supplied to the storage space <NUM>. To smoothly supply cool air to the storage space <NUM>, the drawer <NUM> may include a hollow portion 112c formed at the rear side. Cool air entered the temperature controlled room <NUM> through the case hole 130b via the hollow portion 112c may be easily supplied to the storage space <NUM>. However, the hollow portion 112c of the drawer <NUM> may be omitted according to a design specification.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the drawer <NUM> may be withdrawn and separated from the case <NUM>. To prevent the drawer <NUM> from being separated from the case <NUM> against a user's intention, a pair of coupling holes 111b may be formed in the drawer <NUM>, and a pair of elastic protrusions 133a may be formed at front ends of a pair of rails <NUM> of the case <NUM> to be inserted in the coupling holes 111b. A user may press the pair of elastic protrusions 133a to move the elastic protrusions 133a to inner portions of the coupling holes 111b, and then separate the drawer <NUM> from the rails <NUM>. The drawer <NUM> may be separated from the rails <NUM> to thereby be separated from the case <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a rail connecting portion <NUM> connecting the pair of rails <NUM> to each other and positioned below the drawer <NUM> may be provided.

The rail connecting portion <NUM> may be made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity. For example, the rail connecting portion <NUM> may be made of aluminum. The rail connecting portion <NUM> may connect the pair of rails <NUM> separated from each other such that the pair of rails <NUM> are together put in or withdrawn from the case <NUM>. Also, the rail connecting portion <NUM> may connect the pair of rails <NUM> to each other to reinforce strength. Also, the rail connecting portion <NUM> may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity to receive hot air from the heating portions <NUM> and transfer the hot air to the drawer <NUM>.

In a bottom of the case <NUM>, a heater hole 130a may be formed to correspond to a heater cover <NUM> protruding upward from a bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM>. The heater hole 130a may correspond to the heater cover <NUM>. As a result of an arrangement of each heating portion <NUM> corresponding to the heater hole 130a, the heating portion <NUM> may substantially form a part of the bottom of the case <NUM>. Accordingly, a similar effect to direct heating of the bottom of the case <NUM> may be obtained. Therefore, inside air of the case <NUM> may be directly heated by the heating portion <NUM>. Also, the temperature controlled room <NUM> may be quickly heated. As a result of quick heating of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, the storage space <NUM> of the drawer <NUM> may also be quickly heated.

The rail connecting portion <NUM> may be positioned on the heater cover <NUM>, and the drawer <NUM> may be positioned on the rail connecting portion <NUM>. The heater cover <NUM> may be spaced a preset distance from the rail connecting portion <NUM> to prevent friction and noise.

Inside air of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, heated by the heating portion <NUM>, may be transferred to the storage space <NUM> of the drawer <NUM> via the rail connecting portion <NUM>. A plurality of holes 134a may be formed in the rail connecting portion <NUM>, and the heated inside air of the temperature controlled room <NUM> may directly move to the storage space <NUM> of the drawer <NUM> through the holes 134a. Although not shown in the drawing, a single hole 134a may be formed at a center of the rail connecting portion <NUM>. Also, the rail connecting portion <NUM> may include no hole.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, as shown in <FIG>, the rail connecting portion <NUM> may be in a shape of a plate having a smaller size than the heater hole 130a. However, a size and shape of the rail connecting portion <NUM> are not limited. The rail connecting portion <NUM> may be in a shape of a plate, and the size of the rail connecting portion <NUM> may be equal to or larger than that of the heater hole 130a. Also, the rail connecting portion <NUM> may be in a shape of a bar and connect the pair of rails <NUM>.

In the rear side of the case <NUM>, the case hole 130b in which the cover member <NUM> of the cool air supplier <NUM> is inserted may be formed. Cool air may be supplied to the inside of the case <NUM> through the case hole 130b. As a result of insertion of the drawer <NUM> into the inside of the case <NUM>, the open front side of the case <NUM> may be covered by the drawer <NUM>, and accordingly, the inside of the case <NUM> may be sealed. Accordingly, inside temperature of the drawer <NUM> may become the same as that of the temperature controlled room <NUM>. Therefore, a temperature sensor 83b may sense inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, instead of sensing inside temperature of the drawer <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cool air supplier in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded view of the cool air supplier shown in <FIG>.

Hereinafter, the cool air supplier <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

The cool air supplier <NUM> may be positioned in front of the cool air flow paths 61a and 62a. The cool air supplier <NUM> may be positioned in front of the cool air flow paths 61a and 62a to supply cool air on the cool air flow paths 61a and 62a to the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cool air supplier <NUM> may be positioned in front of the evaporator <NUM>. The cool air supplier <NUM> may be positioned in front of the evaporator <NUM> to form the cooling chamber 3a in which the evaporator <NUM> is accommodated.

The cool air supplier <NUM> may include the fans 80a and 80b facing the evaporator <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, because the temperature controlled room <NUM> includes the first temperature controlled room 100a and the second temperature controlled room 100b, the cool air supplier <NUM> may include the first fan 80a for supplying cool air to the first temperature controlled room 100a and the second fan 80b for supplying cool air to the second temperature controlled room 100b. The number of the fans 80a and 80b may correspond to the number of the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

The cool air supplier <NUM> may form a part of the cool air flow paths 61a and 61b. The cool air supplier <NUM> may include a first body <NUM> forming a part of the cool air flow paths 61a and 61b, wherein cool air ports 81a are formed in the first body <NUM>, a second body <NUM> coupled with a front side of the first body <NUM> to install the fans 80a and 80b at locations corresponding to the cool air ports 81a, and a cover member <NUM> coupled with the second body <NUM> to accommodate the fans 80a and 80b therein. Also, the cool air supplier <NUM> may include an insulation member <NUM> installed inside the cover member <NUM>. The insulation member <NUM> may fill a space between the cover member <NUM> and the fans 80a and 80b, and prevent cool air of the cool air flow paths 61a and 62a from leaking out of the cool air supplier <NUM> while the cool air is guided to the temperature controlled room <NUM>. Also, the insulation member <NUM> may form a cool air supply flow path 84a through which cool air of the cool air flow paths 61a and 62a is guided to the temperature controlled room <NUM>. In the present specification, a plate portion may indicate the first body <NUM> and the second body <NUM>.

Also, the cool air supplier <NUM> may include a humidity sensor 83a for sensing inside humidity of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, and a temperature sensor 83b for sensing inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

The first body <NUM> may include the cool air ports 81a corresponding to the number and locations of the fans 80a and 80b. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a pair of cool air ports 81a may be provided. The first body <NUM> may further include a connector accommodating portion 81b at one side. A plurality of connectors (not shown) may be accommodated in the connector accommodating portion 81b, and the plurality of connectors may be respectively connected to wires (not shown).

The second body <NUM> may include fan accommodating portions 82a for accommodating the fans 80a and 80b. The fan accommodating portions 82a may have inside spaces for accommodating the first and second fans 80a and 80b. The fan accommodating portions 82a may protrude in the front direction from the first body <NUM>. However, each fan accommodating portion 82a may be formed on an inner surface of the cover member <NUM>, or provided as a separate configuration and coupled with the second body <NUM> or the inner surface of the cover member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a bottom of each fan accommodating portion 82a may be inclined with respect to the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM>. The cool air port 81a may have a shape corresponding to the fan accommodating portion 82a. Accordingly, the cool air port 81a may be substantially in a shape of a square, and inclined with respect to the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM>.

Inclining the bottom of the fan accommodating portion 82a with respect to the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM> may be aimed to cause a liquid unexpectedly entered from above of the cool air supplier <NUM> to flow down. By inclining the bottom and top of the fan accommodating portion 82a aligned in parallel, a liquid entered the top of the fan accommodating portion 82a may naturally flow down by the inclination to be prevented from entering the fans 80a and 80b. Because a liquid entered the fans 80a and 80b may cause a wrong operation of the fans 80a and 80b, the inclined arrangement of the fan accommodating portions 82a may prevent a liquid from entering insides of the fans 80a and 80b.

The second body <NUM> may include a connector cover 82b covering the front side of the connector accommodating portion 81b. Because a user accesses the cool air supplier <NUM> in front of the storage room <NUM>, the user may access the plurality of connectors (not shown) by opening the connector cover 82b or separating the connector cover 82b from the second body <NUM>.

The second body <NUM> may include a humidity sensor installing portion 82c on which the humidity sensor 83a is installed. The humidity sensor installing portion 82c may protrude in the front direction from the second body <NUM>. The humidity sensor 83a may be installed on an inner side of the humidity sensor installing portion 82c. The inner side of the humidity sensor installing portion 82c may indicate a rear surface of the second body <NUM> on which the humidity sensor installing portion 82c is positioned.

The humidity sensor 83a may sense inside humidity of the storage room <NUM>. The humidity sensor 83a may be positioned outside the drawer <NUM> to sense inside humidity of the storage room <NUM>. Therefore, the humidity sensor 83a may not correspond to the number of the drawer <NUM>. That is, a single humidity sensor 83a may be provided.

The second body <NUM> may cover an inlet (not shown) through which air enters the cooling chamber 3a, and include an inlet cover 82d in which a deodorizer or a filter is installed. The deodorizer or the filter may be installed in a space formed between the inlet (not shown) and the inlet cover 82d. After the inlet cover 82d is separated from the second body <NUM>, the deodorizer or the filter may be installed or separated.

The second body <NUM> may include a support portion 82e coupled with the discharge cover <NUM> to support the discharge cover <NUM>. The support portion 82e may couple the cool air supplier <NUM> with the discharge cover <NUM>. The second body <NUM> may be stably coupled with the discharge cover <NUM> by the support portion 82e, and the discharge cover <NUM> may be supported by the second body <NUM>.

The insulation member <NUM> may cover the fans 80a and 80b. Also, the insulation member <NUM> may form the cool air supply flow path 84a for guiding cool air. One end of the cool air supply flow path 84a may be connected to the fans 80a and 80b, and the other end of the cool air supply flow path 84a may be connected to the case <NUM>. The insulation member <NUM> may be made of various materials, for example, a urethane foam or a Styrofoam material.

The temperature sensor 83b may be installed at one side of a front surface of the insulation member <NUM>. Because the temperature sensor 83b is a configuration for sensing inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, the number of the temperature sensor 83b may correspond to the number of the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> may accommodate the insulation member <NUM> and the fans 80a and 80b covered by the insulation member <NUM>. In other words, the insulation member <NUM> may fill a space formed between the cover member <NUM> and the fans 80a and 80b. The cover member <NUM> may include a grille portion 85a covering the other end of the cool air supply flow path 84a connected to the temperature controlled room <NUM>. However, the grille portion 85a may be in a shape of a hole, without having a grille, despite its name. That is, the grille portion 85a may be in a shape of an opening forming the other end of the cool air supply flow path 84a, although not shown in the drawing. Also, the cover member <NUM> may include an opening 85b corresponding to a location of the temperature sensor 83b such that air enters or exits the temperature sensor 83b. Also, the cover member <NUM> may include a guide rib 85c to prevent cool air discharged through the grille portion 85a from directly entering the opening 85b. Also, the cover member <NUM> may include a protrusion 85d inserted in the case hole 130b to connect the other end of the cool air supply flow path 84a to the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cool air supplier <NUM> may be provided to quickly supply cool air to the temperature controlled room <NUM>. Because the cool air supplier <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes the first fan 80a for supplying cool air to the first temperature controlled room 100a and the second fan 80b for supplying cool air to the second temperature controlled room 100b, the cool air supplier <NUM> may quickly supply cool air to the first temperature controlled room 100a and the second temperature controlled room 100b. Also, because another ventilation fan <NUM> for supplying cool air to the storage room <NUM> is provided in addition to the first fan 80a and the second fan 80b, supplying cool air to the storage room <NUM> may be not influenced by supplying cool air to the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a heater installed in a storage room in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is an exploded view of the heater in the refrigerator shown in <FIG>.

Hereinafter, the heater according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the refrigerator <NUM> may include the heating portion <NUM> for heating inside air of the temperature controlled room <NUM>. The heating portion <NUM> may be positioned on the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM>. The heating portion <NUM> may include a first heating portion 90a positioned on a bottom of the first temperature controlled room 100a, and a second heating portion 90b positioned on a bottom of the second temperature controlled room 100b.

Referring to <FIG>, the heating portion <NUM> may include a heater cover <NUM> coupled with the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM>, a heater <NUM> positioned on an inner, upper surface of the heater cover <NUM>, a connector <NUM> for supplying current to the heater <NUM>, and a bimetal installing portion <NUM> in which a bimetal (not shown) for preventing overheating of the heater <NUM> is installed.

The heater cover <NUM> may be coupled with the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM>. An area of the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM>, with which the heater cover <NUM> is coupled, may protrude upward. The heater cover <NUM> may be in a shape of a parallelepiped of which a lower side opens. On the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM>, a rib 21c may be formed to correspond to side surfaces of the heater cover <NUM>. The rib 21c may protrude upward from the bottom 21b. The heater cover <NUM> may be inserted in inside of the rib 21c.

Because the rib 21c protrudes upward from the bottom 21b to be at a preset height from the bottom 21b, a liquid flowing along an outer side of the rib 21c may be prevented from entering the inside of the rib 21c. An upper side of the rib 21c may open. However, the open upper side of the rib 21c may be covered by coupling the heater cover <NUM> with the rib 21c. By the coupling structure of the rib 21c and the heater cover <NUM>, water flowing on the heater cover <NUM> or the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM> may be prevented from entering the inside of the heater cover <NUM>.

In the drawings, an example in which the rib 21c protrudes upward from the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM> is shown, although not limited thereto. However, an inside portion of the rib 21c may also protrude upward together, which is not shown in the drawings. In this case, the heater cover <NUM> may cover the rib 21c without being inserted in the inside of the rib 21c.

The heater <NUM> may be connected to ac current and heated, although not limited thereto. However, the heater <NUM> may be heated by dc current. The heater <NUM> may be coupled with the inner, upper surface of the heater cover <NUM>. The reason may be that the heater <NUM> contacts the heater cover <NUM> to heat the heater cover <NUM>. The heater <NUM> may contact the heater cover <NUM> to quickly heat the heater cover <NUM> through conduction. For example, the heater <NUM> may be attached to the inner, upper surface of the heater cover <NUM> by an aluminum tape (not shown).

The heater cover <NUM> may be removably coupled with the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM>. The heater cover <NUM> may be coupled with the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM> by various methods. For example, the heater cover <NUM> may be coupled with the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM> by using a screw S. However, the heater cover <NUM> may be inserted in the rib 21c.

The bimetal may be installed in the bimetal installing portion <NUM>, which is not shown. The bimetal (not shown) may be provided to prevent overheating of the heater <NUM>.

The heating portion <NUM> may be positioned outside the temperature controlled room <NUM>. Also, the heating portion <NUM> may be positioned below the temperature controlled room <NUM>. The heating portion <NUM> may be positioned on the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM>. The heating portion <NUM> may not contact the temperature controlled room <NUM>. Also, the heating portion <NUM> may be spaced a preset distance from the drawer <NUM> to be not in contact with the drawer <NUM>. Thereby, noise and abrasion that are generated by a friction between the drawer <NUM> and the heating portion <NUM> while the drawer <NUM> is put into or withdrawn from the case <NUM> may be prevented. The heating portion <NUM> may raise inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM> through convection or radiation.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, because no component for cooling or heating is provided inside the case <NUM>, utilization of inside space of the case <NUM> may be improved. In other words, because no component for cooling or heating is provided in the temperature controlled room <NUM>, utilization of space of the temperature controlled room <NUM> may be improved. Also, the case <NUM> may be freely separated from the storage room <NUM>. Also, the drawer <NUM> accommodated in the case <NUM> may be freely separated from the case <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, because the temperature controlled room <NUM> includes no configuration having a direct relationship with cooling or heating, the case <NUM> forming the temperature controlled room <NUM> may be freely separated from the storage room <NUM>. For example, because a configuration for supplying cool air to the temperature controlled room <NUM> or a configuration for heating the temperature controlled room <NUM> is not positioned inside the case <NUM>, a configuration such as a wire connected from the outside of the case <NUM> to the inside of the case <NUM> may be not provided. Accordingly, the case <NUM> may be separated from the storage room <NUM> and withdrawn to the outside of the storage room <NUM>. Also, the drawer <NUM> accommodated inside the case <NUM> in such a way to be withdrawable from the case <NUM> may be easily separated from the case <NUM>, like general storage containers. Also, because no electronics are provided inside the drawer <NUM>, the case <NUM> and the drawer <NUM> may be separated from the storage room <NUM> and then washed with water.

<FIG> shows a state in which a drawer, a case, and a storage container are withdrawn from a storage room, in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> shows a case and a side cover in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the drawer <NUM>, the case <NUM>, and the storage container <NUM> positioned on the case <NUM> may be separated from the storage room <NUM>.

A pair of side covers <NUM> may be provided on both side surfaces of the storage room <NUM>. The side covers <NUM> may be coupled with the side surfaces of the storage room <NUM>, which will be described later. For example, the side covers <NUM> may be coupled with the storage room <NUM> through screw fastening using a screw driver.

The drawer <NUM>, the case <NUM>, and the storage container <NUM> may be separated from the storage room <NUM>. The drawer <NUM> may be withdrawn from the case <NUM>, and also separated from the case <NUM>. The case <NUM> may be separated from the storage room <NUM>, and coupled with the storage room <NUM>. The case <NUM> may include coupling ribs <NUM> and <NUM> at each side surface. The coupling ribs <NUM> and <NUM> may protrude outward from each side surface of the case <NUM>. Each side cover <NUM> may include coupling protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> that are coupled with the coupling ribs <NUM> and <NUM>.

The side cover <NUM> may include the coupling protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> protruding from the side covers <NUM>. The coupling protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first coupling protrusion <NUM> and a second coupling protrusion <NUM>. The first coupling protrusion <NUM> may be positioned at a front, lower portion of the side cover <NUM>, and the second coupling protrusion <NUM> may be positioned at a rear, upper portion of the side cover <NUM>. The first coupling protrusion <NUM> and the second coupling protrusion <NUM> may be substantially in a shape of a cylinder. Also, the first coupling protrusion <NUM> and the second coupling protrusion <NUM> may be made of an elastically deformable material, for example, a rubber material. The reason may be to soften an impact upon coupling with the case <NUM>.

The case <NUM> may include the coupling ribs <NUM> and <NUM>. The coupling ribs <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first coupling rib <NUM> which guides the first coupling protrusion <NUM> and in which the first coupling protrusion <NUM> is installed, and a second coupling rib <NUM> which guides the second coupling protrusion <NUM> and in which the second coupling protrusion <NUM> is installed.

The first coupling rib <NUM> may include a first protrusion guide 131a for guiding the first coupling protrusion <NUM> upon installation of the case <NUM> in the storage room <NUM>. The first protrusion guide 131a may extend substantially horizontally from a front portion of the case <NUM> to a rear portion of the case <NUM>, and a rear end of the first protrusion guide 131a may be inclined upward.

The first coupling rib <NUM> may include a first protrusion coupling portion 131b in which the first coupling protrusion <NUM> is installed upon installation of the case <NUM> in the storage room <NUM>. The first protrusion coupling portion 131b may have a shape corresponding to the first coupling protrusion <NUM>, and include a groove in which the first coupling protrusion <NUM> is inserted. The first protrusion coupling portion 131b may be positioned in a front end of the first protrusion guide 131a. The first protrusion coupling portion 131b may be positioned in a front, lower portion of the case <NUM>.

The second coupling rib <NUM> may include a second protrusion guide 132a for guiding the second coupling protrusion <NUM> upon installation of the case <NUM> in the storage room <NUM>. The second protrusion guide 132a may extend toward the front portion of the case <NUM> from the rear portion of the case <NUM> in such a way to be inclined downward. The second protrusion guide 132a may have a shorter length than the first protrusion guide 131a.

The second coupling rib <NUM> may include a second protrusion coupling portion 132b in which the second coupling protrusion <NUM> is installed upon installation of the case <NUM> in the storage room <NUM>. The second protrusion coupling portion 132b may have a shape corresponding to the second coupling protrusion <NUM>, and include a groove in which the second coupling protrusion <NUM> is inserted. The second protrusion coupling portion 132b may be positioned in a front end of the second protrusion guide 132a. The second protrusion coupling portion 132b may be positioned in a rear, upper portion of the case <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the side cover <NUM> may be separated from or coupled with a side surface of the storage room <NUM>.

The side cover <NUM> may include a coupling member <NUM> coupled with the side surface of the storage room <NUM>, and a cover <NUM> covering a portion of the coupling member <NUM>.

The coupling member <NUM> may include the first coupling protrusion <NUM> and the second coupling protrusion <NUM>. Also, the coupling member <NUM> may include a coupling portion <NUM> corresponding to a coupling hole 21a (see <FIG>) formed in the side surface of the storage room <NUM>. A plurality of coupling holes 21a and a plurality of coupling portions <NUM> may be provided for stable coupling. The coupling portion <NUM> may be coupled with the coupling hole 21a by various coupling methods. For example, the coupling portion <NUM> may be coupled with the coupling hole 21a by a screw S and a screw driver (not shown).

The cover <NUM> may cover the coupling portion <NUM> of the coupling member <NUM> to improve aesthetic impression. The cover <NUM> may be made of a material that gives a sense of unity with the side surface of the storage room <NUM>, and the cover <NUM> may be in a shape of a plate. The cover <NUM> may prevent the coupling portion <NUM> from being exposed to a user, thereby improving aesthetic impression.

Although not shown in the drawings, the first coupling protrusion <NUM> and the second coupling protrusion <NUM> may be coupled with the side surface of the storage room <NUM> or formed together with the side surface of the storage room <NUM>. According to this structure, the first coupling protrusion <NUM> and the second coupling protrusion <NUM> may be provided on the side surface of the storage room <NUM> without any side cover.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the heating portion <NUM> is positioned outside the temperature controlled room <NUM>. More specifically, the heating portion <NUM> may be positioned below the temperature controlled room <NUM>, and the heating portion <NUM> may be not in contact with the bottom of the case <NUM> forming the temperature controlled room <NUM>. The heating portion <NUM> may correspond to a size of the heater hole 130a formed in the bottom of the case <NUM>, without being in contact with the bottom of the case <NUM>.

However, the heating portion <NUM> may correspond to the size of the heater hole 130a and is inserted in the heater hole 130a. In this case, the heating portion <NUM> may substantially form the bottom of the case <NUM> with respect to a portion of the case <NUM> in which the heater hole 130a is formed. That is, the heating portion <NUM> may fill the heater hole 130a to form a portion of the bottom of the case <NUM>.

Because the heating portion <NUM> is inserted in the heater hole 130a, heating portion <NUM> may be positioned close to the inside of the temperature controlled room <NUM>. Because the heating portion <NUM> is a configuration for heating inside air of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, it may be advantageous to position the heating portion <NUM> close to inside air of the temperature controlled room <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, because the heater hole 130a is formed in the bottom of the case <NUM> and the heating portion <NUM> is inserted in the heater hole 130a, the heating portion <NUM> may substantially form a portion of the bottom of the temperature controlled room <NUM>. Accordingly, the heating portion <NUM> may directly heat air of the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded view of a drawer in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the drawer <NUM> may include a body portion <NUM> having the storage space <NUM>, wherein a plurality of holes 112a are formed in a bottom of the body portion <NUM>, a cover portion <NUM> covering an inner surface of the body portion <NUM>, and a cover <NUM> covering an open front side of the body portion <NUM>. The body portion <NUM> may include the pair of coupling holes 111b. The pair of elastic protrusions 133a formed at the rails <NUM> may be inserted in the pair of coupling holes 111b.

The body portion <NUM> may include the plurality of holes 112a in the bottom to effectively transfer heat through convection or radiation. The body portion <NUM> may be an injection mold, although not limited thereto.

The cover portion <NUM> may be made of a metal material having high thermal conductivity, and cover the inner surface of the body portion <NUM>. By manufacturing the body portion <NUM> as an injection mold and coupling the cover portion <NUM> with the body portion <NUM>, instead of manufacturing the entire body portion <NUM> with a metal material, manufacturing cost may be reduced. Also, because forming a plurality of holes in an injection mold is easier than forming a plurality of holes in a metal material, productivity may be improved.

The cover <NUM> may cover the open front side of the body portion <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may include a gasket <NUM> for sealing a gap between the cover <NUM> and the case <NUM>, an insulation plate <NUM> that is transparent to show inside of the body portion <NUM> from a front side of the cover <NUM>, a plate accommodating portion <NUM> accommodating the insulation plate <NUM> and including an opening 116a, and a glass <NUM> attached on a front surface of the plate accommodating portion <NUM>.

The insulation plate <NUM> may be a transparent mold, and prevent inside hot air or cool air of the drawer <NUM> from leaking out.

The plate accommodating portion <NUM> may accommodate the insulation plate <NUM>, and including the opening 116a that is smaller than the insulation plate <NUM>. The glass <NUM> may be attached on the front surface of the plate accommodating portion <NUM>. Because the glass <NUM> and the insulation plate <NUM> are transparent, a user may see the inside of the body portion <NUM> in front of the cover <NUM> through the glass <NUM>, the opening 116a, and the insulation plate <NUM>, although not limited thereto.

However, the cover <NUM> may include a metal plate, instead of the glass <NUM> and the insulation plate <NUM> made of a transparent material. Also, the cover <NUM> may be a single injection mold. In this case, the inside of the body portion <NUM> will be not shown in front of the cover <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a moving rack withdrawn from a case and a storage container separated from the moving rack, in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a moving rack <NUM> may be provided in an upper space of the case <NUM>. The moving rack <NUM> may move and be withdrawn in the front direction from the case <NUM>.

On the moving rack <NUM>, the storage container <NUM> may be placed. According to withdrawing of the moving rack <NUM>, the storage container <NUM> may be withdrawn in the front direction from the case <NUM> together with the moving rack <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the storage container <NUM> may be movable in the left-right direction on the moving rack <NUM>. <FIG> shows a pair of storage containers <NUM> having the same size, and in this case, it may be difficult to change an arrangement of the storage containers <NUM> through a left-right movement of the storage containers <NUM>. However, in the case in which a plurality of storage containers <NUM> having various sizes are provided, the storage containers <NUM> may be separable from the moving rack <NUM> and movable in the left-right direction, which will be described later. In this case, the storage containers <NUM> may be arranged in various ways according to a user's preference.

<FIG> shows different storage containers in the refrigerator shown in <FIG>;.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a plurality of storage containers 160a, 160b, and 160c may include a first storage container 160a, a second storage container 160b, and a third storage container 160c.

The first storage container 160a may be larger than the second storage container 160b and the third storage container 160c. The second storage container 160b and the third storage container 160c may have the same size, although not limited thereto. However, the second storage container 160b and the third storage container 160c may have different sizes.

As described above, by withdrawing the moving rack <NUM> in the front direction from the case <NUM> and then lifting the storage containers 160a, 160b, and 160c up, the storage containers 160a, 160b, and 160c may be separated from the moving rack <NUM>. Also, the storage containers 160a, 160b, and 160c may slide in the left-right direction on the moving rack <NUM>. According to the structure, a user may arrange the storage containers 160a, 160b, and 160c on the moving rack <NUM> according to his/her preference. For example, <FIG> shows a case in which the first storage container 160a, the second storage container 160b, and the third storage container 160c are arranged in this order from left, however, the storage containers 160a, 160b, and 160c may be arranged in the order of the second storage container 160b, the first storage container 160a, and the third storage container 160c. Also, according to a user's desire, the user may separate the entire or a part of the storage containers <NUM> from the moving rack <NUM> and place foods directly on the moving rack <NUM>.

Accordingly, a user's degree of freedom in arranging the storage containers <NUM> may be raised. Also, user convenience may be improved.

<FIG> shows a controller in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, a panel 21d on which a controller <NUM> is installed may be provided on the bottom 21b of the storage room <NUM>. The panel 21d may be coupled with a front end of the bottom 21b, and the controller <NUM> may be positioned at one side of the panel 21d. The controller <NUM> may include a display <NUM> for displaying various information about the refrigerator <NUM> and/or the drawer <NUM>, and an inputter <NUM> for enabling a user to input a command to the refrigerator <NUM> and/or the drawer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process of cooling inside of a temperature controlled room based on inside temperature of the temperature controlled room, in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The temperature sensor 83b may measure inside temperature of the drawer <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the fans 80a and 80b of the cool air supplier <NUM> may be set to operate upon operating of the compressor <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the fans 80a and 80b may be set to operate in response to a user's selection of a meat and fish storage mode through the controller <NUM>. The fans 80a and 80b may be set not to operate in response to a user's selection of a white wine storage mode, a grains storage mode, or a red wine storage mode. The above described settings may relate to a temperature range of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, which will be described later.

Referring to <FIG>, the temperature sensor 83b may determine, after measuring the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, whether the compressor <NUM> operates. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the fans 80a and 80b may be set to operate after the compressor <NUM> operates. Accordingly, in the case in which the compressor <NUM> does not operate, the fans 80a and 80b may not operate until the compressor <NUM> operates.

In the case in which the compressor <NUM> operates, it may be determined whether the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, measured by the temperature sensor 83b, is higher than or equal to fan-on temperature set to operate the fans 80a and 80b. The fan-on temperature means a upper bound of a temperature range which the temperature controlled room <NUM> is set to reach. Also, fan-off temperature which will be described later means a lower bound of the temperature range which the temperature controlled room <NUM> is set to reach. The fan-on temperature and the fan-off temperature may have been set in advance.

In response to the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM> which is higher than or equal to the fan-on temperature, the fans 80a and 80b of the cool air supplier <NUM> may be turned on. The temperature controlled room <NUM> may include the first temperature controlled room 100a and the second temperature controlled room 100b, and two temperature sensors 83b may measure temperature of the first temperature controlled room 100a and temperature of the second temperature controlled room 100b, respectively. Therefore, the fans 80a and 80b may also operate independently according to temperature measured by the respective temperature sensors 83b.

After the fans 80a and 80b operate, it may be determined whether inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, measured by the temperature sensor 83b, is lower than or equal to the fan-off temperature.

In response to the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM> which is lower than or equal to the fan-off temperature, the fans 80a and 80b may be turned off.

After the fans 80a and 80b are turned off, it may be determined whether inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, measured by the temperature sensor 83b, is higher than or equal to the fan-on temperature.

In response to the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM> which is higher than or equal to the fan-on temperature, the fans 80a and 80b may be turned on.

After the fans 80a and 80b operate, it may be determined whether inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, measured by the temperature sensor 83b, is lower than or equal to the fan-off temperature. In this way, the above-described process may be repeated.

Therefore, as shown in <FIG>, the cool air supplier <NUM> is operable to maintain or decrease an inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM> may be maintained between the fan-on temperature and the fan-off temperature according to the above-described process.

<FIG> is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process of heating inside of a temperature controlled room based on inside temperature of the temperature controlled room, in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the temperature sensor 83b may measure inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the heating portion <NUM> may be set to operate in response to a user's selection of a white wine storage mode, a grains storage mode, a red wine storage mode, or a meat and fish storage mode through the controller <NUM>. The heating portion <NUM> may be set not to operate in response to a user's selection of a fruits and vegetables storage mode through the controller <NUM>. The above described settings may relate to a temperature range of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, which will be described later.

It may be determined whether the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, measured by the temperature sensor 83b, is lower than or equal to heater-on temperature set to operate the heating portion <NUM>. The heater-on temperature means a lower bound of a temperature range which the temperature controlled room <NUM> is set to reach. Also, heater-off temperature which will be described later means a upper bound of the temperature range which the temperature controlled room <NUM> is set to reach. The heater-on temperature and the heater-off temperature may have been set in advance.

In response to the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, measured by the temperature sensor 83b, which is lower than or equal to the heater-on temperature, the heating portion <NUM> may be turned on. The temperature controlled room <NUM> may include the first temperature controlled room 100a and the second temperature controlled room 100b, and two temperature sensors 83b may measure temperature of the first temperature controlled room 100a and temperature of the second temperature controlled room 100b, respectively. Therefore, the first heater 90a and the second heater 90b may also operate independently according to temperature measured by the respective temperature sensors 83b.

After the heating portion <NUM> operates, it may be determined whether inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, measured by the temperature sensor 83b, is higher than or equal to the heater-off temperature.

In response to the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, measured by the temperature sensor 83b, which is lower than or equal to the heater-off temperature, the heating portion <NUM> may be turned off.

After the heating portion <NUM> is turned off, it may be determined whether inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, measured by the temperature sensor 83b, is lower than or equal to the heater-on temperature.

In response to the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, measured by the temperature sensor 83b, which is lower than or equal to the heater-on temperature, the heating portion <NUM> may be turned on.

After the heating portion <NUM> operates, it may be determined whether inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>, measured by the temperature sensor 83b, is higher than or equal to the heater-off temperature. In this way, the above-described process may be repeated.

Therefore, as shown in <FIG>, the heating portion <NUM> is operable to maintain or increase an inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, inside temperature of the temperature controlled room <NUM> may be maintained between the heater-on temperature and the heater-off temperature according to the above-described process.

<FIG> is an exploded view of a temperature controlled room in a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the temperature controlled room shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the temperature controlled room shown in <FIG>, before a cover rotates. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the temperature controlled room shown in <FIG>, after the cover rotates.

Hereinafter, a temperature controlled room according to another embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>.

According to another embodiment of the disclosure, a front side of a drawer <NUM> may be rotatable within a preset range. In other words, the front side of the drawer <NUM> may be tiltable.

Because the front side of the drawer <NUM> is rotatable, a user may accommodate foods in the drawer <NUM> through the open front side of the drawer <NUM>, without completely withdrawing the drawer <NUM> from the case <NUM>. Accordingly, user convenience may be improved.

The drawer <NUM> may include a body portion <NUM> for accommodating foods therein, and a cover <NUM> being rotatable within a preset range with respect to the body portion <NUM> and covering the open front side of the body portion <NUM>.

The body portion <NUM> may include a guide groove <NUM> guiding a guide protrusion <NUM> which will be described later, at both sides. Also, the body portion <NUM> may further include a pair of guide groove covers <NUM> coupled with both side surfaces of the body portion <NUM> to prevent the guide groove <NUM> from being exposed to the both side surfaces of the body portion <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may include the guide protrusion <NUM> inserted in the guide groove <NUM> and moving along the guide groove <NUM>. A pair of guide protrusions <NUM> may be provided to correspond to the guide grooves <NUM>. Also, the cover <NUM> may include a shaft portion <NUM> functioning as a center of rotation upon coupling with the body portion <NUM>.

The drawer <NUM> may include a first elastic member <NUM> for preventing the cover <NUM> from rotating too rapidly. The first elastic member <NUM> may provide an elastic force for returning the cover <NUM> to its original position in the case in which no external force is applied to the cover <NUM>. The first elastic member <NUM> may provide an elastic force to the cover <NUM> in a direction of closing the open front side of the body portion <NUM>.

A hook shaft <NUM> may be rotatably coupled with the cover <NUM>. Also, a shaft support portion <NUM> for rotatably supporting the hook shaft <NUM> may be coupled with the cover <NUM>.

The hook shaft <NUM> may include a switch protrusion <NUM>, and a locking portion <NUM> including a locking groove in which a locking protrusion <NUM> of the body portion <NUM> is inserted. The switch protrusion <NUM> may protrude through a through hole <NUM> formed in the shaft support portion <NUM>.

The drawer <NUM> may include a second elastic member <NUM> providing an elastic force for returning the switch protrusion <NUM> to its original position in the case in which no external force is applied to the switch protrusion <NUM>. The second elastic member <NUM> may elastically bias the hook shaft <NUM> such that the hook shaft <NUM> rotates in one direction.

The first elastic member <NUM> and the second elastic member <NUM> may be torsion springs, although not limited thereto.

Referring to <FIG>, a user may rotate the switch protrusion <NUM> in a counterclockwise direction to release locking between the locking portion <NUM> and the locking protrusion <NUM>. As described above, because the switch protrusion <NUM> penetrates the through hole <NUM> to protrude outward, the switch protrusion <NUM> may rotate within a range of the through hole <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the user may rotate the switch protrusion <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction to release locking between the locking portion <NUM> and the locking protrusion <NUM>. More specifically, the locking protrusion <NUM> may be withdrawn from the locking groove of the locking portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, after locking between the locking portion <NUM> and the locking protrusion <NUM> is released, the cover <NUM> may rotate within a preset angle range. Rotating the cover <NUM> may be expressed as tilting the cover <NUM> in the front direction. Because the guide protrusion <NUM> moves in the guide groove <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may rotate within the preset angle range with respect to the shaft portion <NUM>. As a result of a movement of the guide protrusion <NUM> to one end of the guide groove <NUM>, the cover <NUM> may no longer rotate and the drawer <NUM> may be withdrawn in the front direction of the case <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a temperature controlled room in a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, according to another embodiment of the disclosure, a drawer <NUM> may include a cover <NUM> coupled with a body portion <NUM> by a magnetic force.

A magnet <NUM> may be provided inside the cover <NUM>. Also, a magnetic body <NUM> may be provided at a location corresponding to the magnet <NUM> inside the body portion <NUM>. However, a magnetic body may be provided inside the cover <NUM>, and a magnet may be provided inside the body portion <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet;
a storage room (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) inside the cabinet;
a temperature controlled room (<NUM>) inside the storage room (<NUM>);
a case (<NUM>) forming the temperature controlled room (<NUM>);
a drawer (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) insertable into, and withdrawable from, the case (<NUM>);
a cool air flow path (61a, 61b, 62a) to guide cool air generated inside the cabinet;
a first fan (<NUM>) to supply cool air guided by the cool air flow path (61a, 61b, 62a) to the storage room (<NUM>);
a cool air supplier (<NUM>) including a second fan (80a, 80b) to supply cool air, other than the cool air supplied to the storage room (<NUM>), guided by the cool air flow path (61a, 61b, 62a) to the temperature controlled room (<NUM>) to maintain or decrease an inside temperature of the temperature controlled room (<NUM>);
a heating portion (<NUM>) to heat air to maintain or increase the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room (<NUM>),
to thereby allow the inside temperature of the temperature controlled room (<NUM>) to be independently controlled with respect to an inside temperature of the storage room (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the case (<NUM>) includes a heater hole (130a) formed in a bottom surface of the case (<NUM>) and corresponds to the heating portion (<NUM>), and
the heating portion (<NUM>) is inserted in the heater hole (130a) to reduce a distance between the heating portion (<NUM>) and the temperature controlled room (<NUM>).