Patent Description:
A refrigerator is an apparatus configured to keep foods fresh by including a main body having a storage compartment, and a cold air supply system configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment maintained at about <NUM> to <NUM> for storing foods in a refrigerating state and a freezing compartment maintained at about -<NUM> to <NUM> for storing foods in a freezing state.

In the refrigerator, an insulating material is provided in a cabinet forming the storage compartment, and a machine room is formed outside the cabinet. Among components constituting the cold air supply system, a compressor and an condenser are arranged in the machine room formed outside the cabinet, an evaporator is arranged in the storage compartment formed inside the cabinet, and a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant moves is arranged to penetrate the insulating material.

Accordingly, when testing the cooling performance of the cold air supply system of the refrigerator, it is required that all the components of the cold air supply system are installed in the cabinet. Further, when maintaining and repairing the cold air supply system, it is required to disassemble the cabinet.

<CIT> discloses a refrigerator including a cooling module removably coupled to a cabinet and including an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor. <CIT> disclose a refrigerator comprising a cooling module an evaporator, a condenser, and a compressor.

Therefore, it is an aspect of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator capable of easily maintaining and repairing a cold air supply system.

It is another aspect of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator capable of cooling a plurality of storage compartments by using a relatively simple configuration.

It is another aspect of the disclosure to provide a refrigerator capable of improving productivity by improving the manufacturing process.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a refrigerator is provided as defined in claim <NUM>.

The further embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

As is apparent from the above description, it may be possible to easily maintain and repair the cold air supply system because the evaporator, together with the compressor and the condenser is mounted to the cooling module removably coupled to the cabinet.

Because the refrigerator may supply cold air to the plurality of storage compartments by using fewer evaporators than the number of storage compartments, the refrigerators may cool the plurality of storage compartments by using a relatively simple configuration.

Because the cooling module including the evaporator is removably mounted to the cabinet, it may be possible to improve the manufacturing process and improve productivity of the refrigerator.

These and/or other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:.

Embodiments described in the disclosure and configurations shown in the drawings are merely examples of the embodiments of the present invention.

In addition, the same reference numerals or signs shown in the drawings of the disclosure indicate elements or components performing substantially the same function.

Also, the terms used herein are used to describe the embodiments and are not intended to limit and / or restrict the disclosure. The singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this disclosure, the terms "including", "having", and the like are used to specify features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more of the features, elements, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, but elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, a first element may be termed as a second element, and a second element may be termed as a first element. The term of "and / or" includes a plurality of combinations of relevant items or any one item among a plurality of relevant items.

The disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments of <FIG> do not fall into the scope of the protection of the present invention. They are only to illustrate the present invention.

<FIG> is a view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which a cooling module is separated from a cabinet of the refrigerator shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a refrigerator <NUM> includes a cabinet <NUM> forming storage compartments 20a and 20b. The refrigerator <NUM> may include doors 21a and 21b configured to open and close the storage compartments 20a and 20b, and a cooling module <NUM> removably coupled to the cabinet <NUM> and configured to supply cold air to the storage compartments 20a and 20b.

The cabinet <NUM> may include an outer case <NUM> and an inner case <NUM> coupled to the inside of the outer case <NUM>. The outer case <NUM> may include a cabinet body 11a in which front and rear surfaces are opened, and a cabinet cover 11b covering a rear surface of the cabinet body 11a. The front surface of the cabinet body 11a may be covered by the doors 21a and 21b. The outer case <NUM> may be formed of a metal material.

The inner case <NUM> may form the storage compartments 20a and 20b. The inner case <NUM> may be formed by injecting a plastic material. The inner case <NUM> may include a first inner case 12a forming an upper storage compartment 20a and a second inner case 12b forming a lower storage compartment 20b.

A cabinet insulating material <NUM> may be provided between the outer case <NUM> and the inner case <NUM>. The cabinet insulating material <NUM> may be formed of urethane foam insulation or alternatively, the cabinet insulating material <NUM> may be formed of a vacuum insulation panel together with urethane foam insulation, as needed.

The cabinet <NUM> may include an intermediate body <NUM> arranged between the first inner case 12a and the second inner case 12b. The intermediate body <NUM> may include a partition <NUM> configured to divide the storage compartments 20a and 20b into the upper compartment 20a and the lower compartment 20b. The intermediate body <NUM> may include an intermediate insulating material <NUM> to prevent heat exchange between the upper storage compartment 20a and the lower storage compartment 20b. The intermediate insulating material <NUM> may be provided to prevent the loss of cold air to the outside at a portion of the rear of the lower storage compartment 20b.

In the intermediate body <NUM>, a first cold air duct <NUM>, a second cold air duct <NUM> (see <FIG>) are arranged and further, a third cold air duct <NUM>, and a first circulation duct <NUM> may be arranged. The first cold air duct <NUM>, the second cold air duct <NUM>, the third cold air duct <NUM>, and the first circulation duct <NUM> may be arranged to penetrate the intermediate insulating material <NUM>. Details of the first cold air duct <NUM>, the second cold air duct <NUM>, the third cold air duct <NUM>, and the first circulation duct <NUM> will be described later.

The storage compartments 20a and 20b may be formed in such a way that the front surface of the storage compartments 20a and 20b opens to allow foods to be inserted into or taken out therefrom. The storage compartments 20a and 20b may include the upper storage compartment 20a and the lower storage compartment 20b. The upper storage compartment 20a may be maintained at approximately <NUM> to <NUM> and may be used as a refrigerating compartment for storing food at a refrigerating state. The upper storage compartment 20a may be referred to as the first storage compartment 20a.

Referring to <FIG>, in the first storage compartment 20a, a guide cover <NUM> configured to distribute cold air supplied from the first cold air duct <NUM> may be arranged. Together with the first inner case 12a, the guide cover <NUM> may form a flow path P, through which cold air received from the first cold air duct <NUM> flows.

The guide cover <NUM> may include one or more guide holes 28a supplying the cold air received from the first cold air duct <NUM> to the first storage compartment 20a. The guide holes 28a may be provided in plural in the vertical direction.

The lower storage compartment 20b includes a second storage compartment 20ba and a third storage compartment 20bb. The cabinet <NUM> may include a separation plate <NUM> configured to separate the second storage compartment 20ba from the third storage compartment 20bb. The second storage compartment 20ba may be maintained at about -<NUM> to <NUM> and may be used as a freezing compartment for storing food at a freezing state. The third storage compartment 20bb may be used as a temperature variable compartment configured to vary the temperature. However, the use of the first storage compartment 20a, the second storage compartment 20ba, and the third storage compartment 20bb may be changed.

Open front surfaces of the storage compartments 20a and 20b may be opened and closed by the doors 21a and 21b. The storage compartments 20a and 20b may be provided with shelves <NUM> and <NUM> on which food is placed, and storage containers <NUM> storing food.

The upper door 21a may be configured to open and close the first storage compartment 20a. The upper door 21a may be coupled to the cabinet <NUM> to be rotatable in the left and right directions. An upper door guard <NUM> storing food may be provided on the rear surface of the upper door 21a. A hinge cover <NUM> may be provided at a portion of the cabinet <NUM> to which the upper door 21a is coupled. The upper door 21a may be referred to as a first door 21a.

The first door 21a may include a first door handle 22a. A user may open and close the first door 21a by holding the first door handle 22a.

The lower door 21b may be configured to open and close the lower storage compartment 20b. The lower door 21b may be coupled to the cabinet <NUM> to be rotatable in the left and right directions. A lower door guard <NUM> storing food may be provided on the rear surface of the lower door <NUM>. The lower door 21b may include a second door 21ba opening and closing the second storage compartment 20ba and a third door 21bb opening and closing the third storage compartment 20bb.

The lower door 21b may include a lower door handle 22b. A user can open and close the lower door 21b by holding the lower door handle 22b. Particularly, the second door 21ba may include a second door handle 22ba, and the third door 21bb may include a third door handle 22bb.

In a lower portion of the cabinet <NUM>, a cooling module mounting portion <NUM>, in which the cooling module <NUM> is removably mounted, may be provided. The cooling module mounting portion <NUM> may be provided in a size and shape corresponding to the cooling module <NUM>.

The cabinet <NUM> may include a storage compartment opening <NUM>. The storage compartment opening <NUM> may be formed in the cooling module mounting portion <NUM>. The storage compartment opening <NUM> may include a first storage compartment opening 17a configured to allow the cooling module mounting portion <NUM> to communicate with the second storage compartment 20ba, and a second storage compartment opening 17b configured to allow the cooling module mounting portion <NUM> to communicate with the third storage compartment 20bb.

<FIG> is an exploded view of the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is an exploded view of a first duct module shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is an exploded view of a second duct module shown in <FIG>.

The cooling module <NUM> may generate cold air by using latent heat of vaporization of the refrigerant through the cooling cycle. The cooling module <NUM> may be configured to generate cold air to be supplied to the first storage compartment 20a, the second storage compartment 20ba, and the third storage compartment 20bb. The cooling module <NUM> may be removably mounted to the cabinet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cooling module <NUM> includes a module body 101a compressor <NUM>, a condenser <NUM>, an evaporator <NUM>. The cooling module <NUM> may further include a base plate <NUM> and an expansion valve (not shown).

The module body <NUM> may form a part of the rear surface of the refrigerator <NUM>. The module body <NUM> may include a module insulating material 101a provided to prevent loss of cold air generated from the evaporator <NUM>.

The module body <NUM> may include receiving portions 101b and 101c in which the evaporator <NUM> is arranged. Particularly, the receiving portions 101b and 101c may include a first receiving portion 101b in which a first evaporator 111a is arranged and a second receiving portion 101c in which a second evaporator 111b is arranged.

The module body <NUM> may include a partition wall 101d arranged between the first receiving portion 101b and the second receiving portion 101c. The partition wall 101d may be arranged to correspond to a boundary between the second storage compartment 20ba and the third storage compartment 20bb. The module insulating material 101a may also be arranged in the partition wall 101d.

A connection duct <NUM> may be provided at the partition wall 101d to penetrate the module insulating material 101a. The connection duct <NUM> may be formed to allow cold air, which is to be supplied to the third storage compartment 20bb, to move therethrough. The connection duct <NUM> may be provided to allow the first receiving portion 101b to communicate with the second receiving portion 101c. One end of the connection duct <NUM> may be connected to a first fan connection port 121d, and the other end thereof may be connected to a second fan connection port 131c.

A third circulation duct <NUM> may be provided at the partition wall 101d to penetrate the module insulating material 101a. The third circulation duct <NUM> may be configured to allow air, which has cooled the third storage compartment 20bb, to flow to the second evaporator 111b. The third circulation duct <NUM> may allow the first receiving portion 101b to communicate with the second receiving portion 101c. The third circulation duct <NUM> may be configured to allow a part of a space, which is between a separation cover <NUM> and a first fan cover <NUM>, to communicate with a space in which the second evaporator 111b is arranged.

A guide duct <NUM> may be provided in the module body <NUM>. The guide duct <NUM> may be arranged to penetrate the module insulating material 101a of the module body <NUM>. The guide duct <NUM> may be connected to the first circulation duct <NUM>. The guide duct <NUM> may allow the first circulation duct <NUM> to communicate with the first receiving portion101b in which the first evaporator 111a is arranged.

The base plate <NUM> may be arranged below the module body <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> may cover the lower portion of the module body <NUM>. The compressor <NUM> may be fixed to the base plate <NUM>. The condenser <NUM> may be fixed to the base plate <NUM>. A cooling fan <NUM> may be fixed to the base plate <NUM>.

A water collection pan 103a may be arranged on the base plate <NUM>. The water collection pan 103a may collect condensed water generated by the condenser <NUM> and / or the evaporator <NUM>. The condenser <NUM> may be arranged above the water collection pan 103a.

The module body <NUM> may include a drain pan <NUM> and a drain pipe 104a for guiding condensed water generated in the evaporator <NUM> to the water collection pan 103a. The drain pan <NUM> may be arranged below the evaporator <NUM>. The drain pan <NUM> may be arranged below the first evaporator 111a and the second evaporator 111b, respectively. The drain pan <NUM> may be arranged in the first receiving portion 101b and the second receiving portion 101c, respectively.

The drain pipe 104a may be configured to guide the condensed water collected in the drain pan <NUM> to the water collection pan 103a. At least a portion of the drain pipe 104a may be arranged to penetrate the module insulating material 101a.

An electrical box <NUM> may be arranged on the base plate <NUM>. The electrical box <NUM> may be arranged at one side where the second receiving portion 101c is arranged. The electrical box <NUM> may control the cooling module <NUM> to change the temperatures of the storage compartments 20a and 20b. The electrical box <NUM> may be configured to receive power for driving the refrigerator <NUM>.

A module cover <NUM> may cover the rear lower side of the module body <NUM>. Together with the base plate <NUM>, the module cover <NUM> may cover a machine room S, which is provided in the lower part of the module body <NUM> and receives the compressor <NUM>, the condenser <NUM>, and the cooling fan <NUM>. The module cover <NUM> may include a cover inlet 105a through which the outside air is introduced by the cooling fan <NUM>, and a cover outlet 105b through which the introduced air is discharged to the outside.

The compressor <NUM> may compress the refrigerant and move the compressed refrigerant to the condenser <NUM>. The condenser <NUM> may condense the refrigerant and move the condensed refrigerant to the expansion valve. The cooling fan <NUM> may cool the compressor <NUM> and the condenser <NUM>. As the cooling fan <NUM> is driven, air may flow into the machine room S through the cover inlet 105a and heat of the air may be exchanged with the condenser <NUM> and the compressor <NUM>, and then the air may be discharged to the outside of the machine room S through the cover outlet 105b.

The evaporator <NUM> may be configured to generate cold air. The evaporator <NUM> may be arranged in the receiving portions 101b and 101c. The evaporator <NUM> includes the first evaporator 111a and the second evaporator 111b. The first evaporator 111a may be arranged in the first receiving portion 101b. The second evaporator 111b may be arranged in the second receiving portion 101c.

The cooling module <NUM> may include a cap <NUM> covering the open upper portions of the receiving portions 101b and 101c. The cap <NUM> may include a first cap 109a covering an upper portion of the first receiving portion 101b and a second cap 109b covering an upper portion of the second receiving portion 101c.

The first cap 109a may be arranged above the first duct module <NUM>. The first cap 109a may include a first a (1a) cap hole 109aa provided to correspond to a first a (1a) fan outlet 121b formed in a first fan case <NUM>, and a first b (1b) cap hole 109ab provided to correspond to a first b (1b) fan outlet 121c formed in the first fan case <NUM>. The first a (1a) cap hole 109aa may communicate with the first cold air duct <NUM>. The first b (1b) cap hole 109ab may communicate with the third cold air duct <NUM>.

The second cap 109b may be arranged above the second duct module <NUM>. The second cap 109b may include a second cap hole 109ba provided to correspond to a second fan outlet 131b formed in a second fan case <NUM>. The second cap hole 109ba may communicate with the second cold air duct <NUM>.

The duct modules <NUM> and <NUM> configured to move the cold air generated by the evaporator <NUM> to the storage compartments 20a and 20b may be arranged in the receiving portions 101b and 101c. The duct modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first duct module <NUM> arranged in the first receiving portion 101b and the second duct module <NUM> arranged in the second receiving portion 101c.

Particularly, referring to <FIG>, the first duct module <NUM> includesthe first fan <NUM> and may further include the first fan case <NUM>, the first fan <NUM>, the first fan cover <NUM>, and a first duct cover <NUM>, and the separation cover <NUM>.

The first fan case <NUM> may be arranged to cover the first fan <NUM>. The first fan case <NUM> may be removably coupled to the first receiving portion 101b. The first fan case <NUM> may be fixed to the module body <NUM>.

The first fan case <NUM> may include a first fan inlet 121a through which air, which is heat-exchanged with the first evaporator 111a, is introduced. The first fan inlet 121a may be formed on the rear surface of the first fan case <NUM>.

The first fan case <NUM> may include the first a (1a) fan outlet 121b communicating with the first cold air duct <NUM>. The first a (1a) fan outlet 121b may discharge cold air to supplied to the first storage compartment 20a. The first a (1a) fan outlet 121b may be formed on the upper surface of the first fan case <NUM>.

The first fan case <NUM> may include the first b (1b) fan outlet 121c communicating with the third cold air duct <NUM>. The first b (1b) fan outlet 121c may discharge cold air to be supplied to the third storage compartment 20bb. The first b (1b) fan outlet 121c may be formed on the upper surface of the first fan case <NUM>.

The first fan case <NUM> may include a first fan connection port 121d communicating with the connection duct <NUM>. The first fan connection port 121d may be configured to allow air blown by a second fan <NUM> to be introduced. The first fan connection port 121d may be provided to allow cold air, which is to be supplied to the third storage compartment 20bb, to be introduced. The first fan connection port 121d may be formed on the side surface of the first fan case <NUM>.

The first fan case <NUM> may include a first fan circulation port 121e communicating with the third circulation duct <NUM>. The first fan circulation port 121e may be provided to guide the air, which has cooled the third storage compartment 20bb, to the second evaporator 111b. The first fan circulation port 121e may discharge air, which is introduced into the first duct module <NUM> through the first duct circulation port <NUM>, to the second receiving portion 101c in which the second evaporator 111b is arranged. The first fan circulation port 121e may be formed at a side facing the partition wall 101d of the first fan case <NUM>.

The first fan <NUM> is driven to supply air, which is heat- exchanged with the first evaporator 111a, to the first storage compartment 20a. The first fan <NUM> may be arranged in the first receiving portion 101b. The first fan <NUM> may be fixed to the separation cover <NUM>.

The first fan cover <NUM> may be coupled to the front of the first fan case <NUM>. The separation cover <NUM> may be arranged between the first fan cover <NUM> and the first fan case <NUM>. A separation rib 123b may be provided on the rear surface of the first fan cover <NUM> to divide a space between the separation cover <NUM> and the first fan cover <NUM>. By the separation rib 123b, the space between the first fan cover <NUM> and the separation cover <NUM> may be divided into a space where air is supplied from the connection duct <NUM> and a space where air, which has cooled the third storage compartment 20bb, is collected.

The separation cover <NUM> may cover the front of the first fan case <NUM>. The separation cover <NUM> may divide a space formed by the first fan case <NUM> and the first fan cover <NUM>. Together with the first fan case <NUM>, the separation cover <NUM> may form a space, in which cold air, which is to be supplied to the first storage case 20a, flows. Together with the first fan cover <NUM>, the separation cover <NUM> may form a space, in which cold air, which is to be supplied to the third storage compartment 20bb, flows. At the rear of the separation cover <NUM>, a flow path on which air, which is heat-exchanged with the first evaporator 111a, flows, is formed, and at the front of the separation cover <NUM>, a flow path on which air, which is heat-exchanged with the second evaporator 111b, flows is formed. At the rear of the separation cover <NUM>, a flow path on which air, which is moved by the first fan <NUM>, flows, may be formed, and at the front of the separation cover <NUM>, a flow path on which air, which is moved by the second fan <NUM>, flows, may be formed.

The separation cover <NUM> may prevent the air, which is heat-exchanged with the first evaporator 111a, from mixing with the air, which is heat-exchanged with the second evaporator 111b. The separation cover <NUM> may prevent the air, which is moved by the first fan <NUM>, from mixing with the air, which is moved by the second fan <NUM>. The separation cover <NUM> may support the first fan <NUM>.

The separation cover <NUM> may include a hole forming portion 125a configured to form a hole communicating with the third cold air duct <NUM> upon being coupled to the first fan cover <NUM>. The hole forming portion 125a may be formed at an upper portion of the separation cover <NUM>.

The first fan cover <NUM> may be arranged in front of the separation cover <NUM>. Together with the separation cover <NUM>, the first fan cover <NUM> may form a space in which cold air, which is to be supplied to the third storage compartment 20bb, flows. The first fan cover <NUM> may be fixed to the first fan case <NUM>.

The first fan cover <NUM> may include a first cover hole 123a communicating with the third storage compartment 20bb. The first cover hole 123a may be configured to discharge a portion of the air, which is introduced through the connection duct <NUM>, to the third storage compartment 20bb. A portion of the cold air introduced through the connection duct <NUM> may be moved to the third cold air duct <NUM> and then supplied to the third storage compartment 20bb, and the other portion thereof may be supplied to the third storage compartment 20bb through the first cover hole 123a.

The first duct cover <NUM> may be arranged in front of the first fan cover <NUM>. The first duct cover <NUM> may cover the front of the first fan cover <NUM>. The first duct cover <NUM> may include a first duct hole 124a communicating with the third storage compartment 20bb. The first duct hole 124a may be provided to correspond to the first cover hole 123a. A portion of the cold air blown by the second fan <NUM> may be supplied to the third storage compartment 20bb through the first cover hole 123a and the first duct hole 124a.

The first duct cover <NUM> may include a first duct entering portion 124b. The first duct entering portion 124b may be arranged to be spaced apart from the module body <NUM> by a predetermined distance. Together with the module body <NUM>, the first duct entering portion 124b may form the first duct circulation port <NUM>. Air, which has cooled the third storage compartment 20bb, may be collected to the first duct module <NUM> through the first duct circulation port <NUM>. Air, which is collected through the first duct circulation port <NUM>, may be guided to the second evaporator 111b through the third circulation duct <NUM>.

The second duct module <NUM> may include the second fan case <NUM>, the second fan <NUM>, a second fan cover <NUM>, and a second duct cover <NUM>.

The second fan case <NUM> may be arranged in the second receiving portion 101c. The second fan case <NUM> may include a second fan inlet 131a through which air, which is heat-exchanged with the second evaporator 111b, is introduced. The second fan inlet 131a may be formed on the rear surface of the second fan case <NUM>.

The second fan case <NUM> may include the second fan outlet 131b communicating with the second cold air duct <NUM>. The second fan outlet 131b may discharge cold air to be supplied to the second storage compartment 20ba. The second fan outlet 131b may be formed on an upper surface of the second fan case <NUM>.

The second fan case <NUM> may include the second fan connection port 131c communicating with the connection duct <NUM>. The second fan connection port 131c may be configured to discharge air blown by the second fan <NUM> to the connection duct <NUM>. The second fan connection port 131c may be provided to discharge cold air to be supplied to the third storage compartment 20bb. The second fan connection port 131c may be formed on the side surface of the second fan case <NUM>.

The second fan <NUM> may be driven to supply air, which is heat-exchanged with the second evaporator 111b, to the second storage compartment 20ba and the third storage compartment 20bb. The second fan <NUM> may be arranged in the second receiving portion 101c. The second fan <NUM> may be fixed to the second fan cover <NUM>.

The second fan cover <NUM> may be coupled to the front of the second fan case <NUM>. The second fan cover <NUM> may cover the front of the second fan case <NUM>. Together with the second fan case <NUM>, the second fan cover <NUM> may form a space in which cold air, which is to be supplied to the second storage compartment 20ba and the third storage compartment 20bb, flows. The second fan cover <NUM> may be fixed to the second fan case <NUM>.

The second fan cover <NUM> may include a second cover hole 133a communicating with the second storage compartment 20ba. The second cover hole 133a may be formed to discharge a portion of the air, which is blown by the second fan <NUM>, to the second storage compartment 20ba. A portion of the air blown by the second fan <NUM> may be moved to the second cold air duct <NUM> and then supplied to the second storage compartment 20ba, and the other portion thereof may be supplied to the second storage compartment 20bb through the second cover hole 133a. The second fan cover <NUM> may support the second fan <NUM>.

The second duct cover <NUM> may be arranged in front of the second fan cover <NUM>. The second duct cover <NUM> may cover the front of the second fan cover <NUM>.

The second duct cover <NUM> may include a second duct hole 134a communicating with the second storage compartment 20ba. The second duct hole 134a may be provided to correspond to the second cover hole 133a. A portion of the cold air blown by the second fan <NUM> may be supplied to the second storage compartment 20ba through the second cover hole 133a and the second duct hole 134a.

The second duct cover <NUM> may include a second duct entering portion 134b. The second duct entering portion 134b may be arranged to be spaced apart from the module body <NUM> by a predetermined distance. Together with the module body <NUM>, the second duct entering portion 134b may form a second duct circulation port <NUM>. Through the second duct circulation port <NUM>, air, which has cooled the second storage compartment 20ba, may be collected to the second duct module <NUM>. The air collected through the second duct circulation port <NUM> may be guided to the second evaporator 111b.

With this configuration, as for the refrigerator <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure, it is possible to arrange all components of the cold air supply system of the refrigerator <NUM> in the cooling module <NUM>, and it is possible to removably mount the cooling module <NUM> to the cabinet <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to test the cooling performance of the cold air supply system prior to mounting the cooling module <NUM> to the cabinet <NUM>. Further, it is possible to separate only the cooling module <NUM> from the cabinet when maintaining or repairing the cold air supply system, and thus it is possible to easily maintain and repair the refrigerator <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating a flow of cold air generated by a first evaporator upon cooling a first storage compartment. <FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating a flow of cold air generated by a second evaporator upon cooling a second storage compartment. <FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating a flow of cold air generated by the second evaporator upon cooling a third storage compartment. In <FIG>, some components for cooling the first storage compartment are omitted to primarily illustrate the flow of cold air upon cooling the third storage compartment.

The flow of the cold air for cooling the first storage compartment 20a will be described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. In the intermediate body <NUM>, the first cold air duct <NUM> and the first circulation duct <NUM> may be provided. The first cold air duct <NUM> may be arranged to penetrate the intermediate insulating material <NUM> of the intermediate body <NUM>. The first circulation duct <NUM> may be arranged to penetrate the intermediate insulating material <NUM> of the intermediate body <NUM>.

One end of the first cold air duct <NUM> may communicate with the first a (1a) cap hole 109aa. The other end of the first cold air duct <NUM> may communicate with the first storage compartment 20a. The other end of the first cold air duct <NUM> may be provided with a first cold air outlet 33a. The cold air discharged from the first cold air outlet 33a may be supplied to the first storage compartment 20a through the flow path P formed by the guide cover <NUM> and the inner case <NUM>.

The first cold air duct <NUM> guides cold air, which is heat-exchanged with the first evaporator 111a and then blown by the first fan <NUM>, to the first storage compartment 20a. The first cold air duct <NUM> may discharge the cold air, which is blown by the first fan <NUM>, to the first storage compartment 20a through the first cold air outlet 33a. The cold air guided to the first storage compartment 20a through the first cold air duct <NUM> may be guided by the guide cover <NUM> and moved upward. The cold air may be discharged into the inside of the first storage compartment 20a through the guide hole 28a of the guide cover <NUM>.

The first circulation duct <NUM> may include a first circulation inlet 36a communicating with the first storage compartment 20a. The first circulation inlet 36a may be provided in plural. Air, which has cooled the first storage compartment 20a, may be introduced into the first circulation duct <NUM> through the first circulation inlet 36a.

The first circulation duct <NUM> may be connected to the guide duct <NUM> arranged in the module body <NUM> of the cooling module <NUM>. The guide duct <NUM> may be arranged to penetrate the module insulating material 101a arranged in the module body <NUM>. Air passing through the first circulation duct <NUM> may flow into the guide duct <NUM>.

The guide duct <NUM> may include a guide duct port 113a communicating with the first receiving portion 101b. The air passing through the guide duct <NUM> may be discharged to the first receiving portion 101b through the guide duct port 113a. The air discharged to the first receiving portion 101b may be heat-exchanged with the first evaporator 101a. The heat exchanged air may be discharged again to the first cold air duct <NUM> by the first fan <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second cold air duct <NUM> may be provided in the intermediate body <NUM>. The second cold air duct <NUM> may be arranged to penetrate the intermediate insulating material <NUM> of the intermediate body <NUM>.

One end of the second cold air duct <NUM> may communicate with the second cap hole 109ba. The other end of the second cold air duct <NUM> may communicate with the second storage compartment 20ba. A second cold air outlet 34a may be provided at the other end of the second cold air duct <NUM>.

The second cold air duct <NUM> may guide a portion of the cold air, which is heat-exchanged with the second evaporator 111b and then blown by the second fan <NUM>, to the second storage compartment 20ba. The second cold air duct <NUM> may discharge a portion of the cold air, which is blown by the second fan <NUM>, to the second storage compartment 20ba through the second cold air outlet 34a.

The other portion of the cold air, which is heat-exchanged with the second evaporator 111b and then blown by the second fan <NUM>, may be discharged into the second storage compartment 20ba through the second cover hole 133a of the second fan cover <NUM> and the second duct hole 134a of the second duct cover <NUM>.

The air, which has cooled the second storage compartment 20ba, may be introduced into the second receiving portion 101c through the second duct circulation port <NUM> formed by the second duct entering portion 134b. The air introduced into the second receiving portion 101c may be heat-exchanged with the second evaporator 101b. The heat-exchanged air may be discharged again to the second storage compartment 20ba by the second fan <NUM> through the second cold air duct <NUM> or discharged to the second storage compartment 20ba through the second cover hole 133a and the second duct hole 134a.

Referring to <FIG>, the connection duct <NUM>, which is arranged to penetrate the partition wall 101d of the module body <NUM>, may allow the first receiving portion 101b to communicate with the second receiving portion 101c. The cold air for cooling the third storage compartment 20bb may be provided in such a way that a portion is branched from the cold air for cooling the second storage compartment 20ba.

A portion of the cold air, which is heat-exchanged in the second evaporator 111b, is moved to the connection duct <NUM> by the second fan <NUM>. Through the connection duct <NUM>, the cold air may be moved to the space formed between the separation cover <NUM> and the first fan cover <NUM>. By the separation cover <NUM>, the cold air blown by the first fan <NUM> may be not mixed with the cold air blown by the second fan <NUM>.

The cooling module <NUM> includes a connection duct damper <NUM> configured to regulate an amount of cold air passing through the connection duct <NUM>. According to an opening degree of the connection duct damper <NUM>, the temperature of the third storage compartment 20bb may be changed. <FIG> illustrates that the connection duct damper <NUM> is arranged on the first fan cover <NUM>, but the position of the connection duct damper <NUM> is not limited thereto. Therefore, the connection duct damper <NUM> may be arranged at any position as long as regulating the amount of the cold air passing through the connection duct <NUM>.

A portion of the cold air, which is introduced into the space between the separation cover <NUM> and the first fan cover <NUM>, may be sequentially passed through the first cover hole 123a and the first duct hole 124a and then supplied to the third storage compartment 20bb. Another portion of the cold air, which is introduced into the space between the separation cover <NUM> and the first fan cover <NUM>, may be supplied to the third storage compartment 20bb through the third cold air duct <NUM>.

Particularly, the third cold air duct <NUM> may be provided in the intermediate body <NUM>. The third cold air duct <NUM> may be arranged to penetrate the intermediate insulating material <NUM> of the intermediate body <NUM>.

The third cold air duct <NUM> may communicate with the first b (1b) cap hole 109ab. A portion of the cold air delivered through the connection duct <NUM> may be sequentially passed through the first b (1b) fan outlet 121c and the first b (1b) cap hole 109ab and then introduced into the third cold air duct <NUM>. The air passing through the third cold air duct <NUM> may be discharged to the third storage compartment 20ba through a third cold air outlet 35a.

A portion of the air, which has cooled the third storage compartment 20ba, may be moved to the second storage compartment 20ba through the second circulation duct <NUM>. The second circulation duct <NUM> may be arranged to penetrate the separation plate <NUM>. Through the second circulation duct <NUM>, the air moved to the second storage compartment 20ba may be collected to the second receiving portion 101c together with the air which has cooled the second storage compartment 20ba.

The cooling module <NUM> may include a circulation duct damper <NUM> configured to regulate the amount of air passing through the second circulation duct <NUM>. The temperature of the third storage compartment 20bb may be changed according to the opening degree of the circulation duct damper <NUM>. The circulation duct damper <NUM> may be arranged in the second circulation duct <NUM>.

Another portion of the air, which has cooled the third storage compartment 20ba, may be introduced into the second duct module <NUM> through the first duct circulation port <NUM>. In this case, the air introduced into the second duct module <NUM> may pass through the space between the first fan cover <NUM> and the separation cover <NUM> and then be moved to the third circulation duct <NUM>. The air passing through the third circulation duct <NUM> may be discharged to the second receiving portion 101c in which the second evaporator 111b is arranged.

With this configuration, the refrigerator <NUM> according to the present invention cools three storage compartments 20a, 20ba, and 20bb with two evaporators 111a and 111b, and thus the refrigerator <NUM> may have a relatively simple configuration.

<FIG> is a view schematically illustrating a flow path of cold air of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

A flow path of cold air of a refrigerator <NUM> according to another embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>. The same components as those in the embodiment shown in <FIG> have the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the refrigerator <NUM> according to another embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice making compartment 20c. An ice maker <NUM> may be provided in the ice making compartment 20c. In <FIG>, the ice making compartment 20c is arranged in the first storage compartment 20a. However, the position of the ice making compartment 20c is not limited thereto, and the ice making compartment 20c may be arranged in the second storage compartment 20ba or the third storage compartment 20bb.

The refrigerator <NUM> may include an ice making compartment cold air duct <NUM> configured to guide the cold air generated in a second evaporator 111b to the ice making compartment 20c. The ice making compartment cold air duct <NUM> may be arranged such that at least one portion thereof penetrates the cabinet <NUM>. The ice making compartment cold air duct <NUM> may extend from a second fan case <NUM> to the ice making compartment 20c.

The refrigerator <NUM> may include an ice making compartment circulation duct <NUM> configured to guide air, which has cooled the ice making compartment 20c, to a second evaporator 111b. The ice making compartment circulation duct <NUM> may allow the ice making compartment 20c to communicate with a portion of a cooling module <NUM> in which the second evaporator <NUM>1b is arranged. The ice making compartment circulation duct <NUM> may be arranged such that at least one portion thereof penetrates the cabinet <NUM>.

The refrigerator <NUM> may include an ice making compartment damper <NUM> configured to regulate an amount of cold air passing through the ice making compartment cold air duct <NUM>. According to the opening degree of the ice making compartment damper <NUM>, the temperature of the ice making compartment 20c may be changed. The ice making compartment damper <NUM> may be arranged in the ice making compartment cold air duct <NUM>.

The cooling module <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> according to another embodiment of the disclosure may be provided with an ice making compartment cold air opening 231d communicating with the ice making compartment cold air duct <NUM> and an ice making compartment circulation opening 201e communicating with the ice making compartment circulation duct <NUM>, and thus the cooling module <NUM> may cool the ice making compartment 20c without an additional evaporator. That is, except that the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG> has the ice making compartment cold air opening 231d and ice making compartment circulation opening 201e, the rest of configuration may be the same as those of the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view schematically illustrating a flow path of cold air of a refrigerator according to an example which is not part of the invention.

A flow path of cold air of a refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>. The same components as those in the embodiment shown in <FIG> have the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, in the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure, the lower storage compartment 20b is not divided into the second storage compartment 20ba and the third storage compartment 20bb, but the lower storage compartment 20b may be provided as a single space. Accordingly, the separation plate <NUM> may be omitted in the refrigerator <NUM>.

The cooling module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be applied to the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure.

Particularly, a portion of the cold air generated by a second evaporator 111b may be discharged to the lower storage compartment 20b through a second cold air duct <NUM>. Another portion of the cold air generated by the second evaporator 111b may be discharged to the lower storage compartment 20b through a second cover hole 133a and a second duct hole 134a.

Another portion of the cold air generated by the second evaporator 111b may be moved to the space between a separation cover <NUM> and a first fan cover <NUM> through a connection duct <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, and a portion of the air, which is moved to the space between the separation cover <NUM> and the first fan cover <NUM>, may be discharged to the lower storage compartment 20b through a third cold air duct <NUM>, and another portion of the air may be discharged to the lower storage compartment 20b through a first cover hole 123a and a first duct hole 124a. Air, which has cooled the lower storage compartment 20b, may be collected through a second duct circulation port <NUM> and / or a first duct circulation port <NUM>.

Alternatively, the refrigerator <NUM> may close the connection duct damper <NUM> of the cooling module <NUM>, and may allow the cold air to be discharged to the lower storage compartment 20b only through the second cold air duct <NUM>, the second cover hole 133a, and the second duct hole 134a.

Although the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure has the configuration of the storage compartment slightly different from that of the refrigerator <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be applied to the refrigerator <NUM> without a change.

A flow path of cold air of a refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>. The same components as those in the embodiment shown in <FIG> have the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure may be provided as a French Door Refrigerator (FDR) type. That is, as for the refrigerator <NUM>, a lower storage compartment 20b may be divided into a middle compartment 20bd arranged below an upper storage compartment 20a, and a lower compartment 20bc arranged below the middle compartment 20bd.

A portion of the cold air generated by a second evaporator 111b may be discharged to the lower compartment 20bc through a second cover hole 133a and a second duct hole 134a. However, another portion of the cold air generated by the second evaporator 111b may be discharged to the middle compartment 20bd through a second cold air duct <NUM>. That is, unlike the refrigerator <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the second cold air duct <NUM> may guide a portion of the cold air generated by the second evaporator 111b to the middle compartment 20bd.

A cooling module <NUM> may further include a cold air duct damper <NUM> arranged in the second cold air duct <NUM>. The temperature of the middle compartment 20bd may be controlled according to the opening degree of the cold air duct damper <NUM>.

The cooling module <NUM> may further include a third circulation duct <NUM> configured to collect air, which has cooled the middle compartment 20bd. The third circulation duct <NUM> may allow the middle compartment 20bd to communicate with a portion of the module body <NUM> in which a second evaporator 111b is arranged.

Further, another portion of the cold air generated by the second evaporator 111b may be moved to the space between a separation cover <NUM> and a first fan cover <NUM> through a connection duct <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, and a portion of the air, which is moved to the space between the separation cover <NUM> and the first fan cover <NUM>, may be discharged to the middle compartment 20bd through a third cold air duct <NUM>, and another portion of the air may be discharged to the lower compartment 20bc through a first cover hole 123a and a first duct hole 124a.

The cooling module <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure may be provided with a storage compartment circulation opening 401e communicating with the third circulation duct <NUM>, and thus the cooling module <NUM> may cool the middle compartment 20bd without an additional evaporator. That is, except that the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG> has the storage compartment circulation opening 401e, the rest of configuration may be the same as those of the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a refrigerator <NUM> according to another embodiment of the disclosure may include an upper storage compartment 20a, a lower storage compartment 20b and a pantry 20d arranged in the upper storage compartment 20a.

The refrigerator <NUM> may include a pantry cold air duct <NUM> configured to guide cold air to be supplied to the pantry 20d. The pantry cold air duct <NUM> may be arranged to be branched from the first cold air duct <NUM>. The cold air generated by a first evaporator 111a is introduced into the first cold air duct <NUM>, and a portion of the cold air, which is introduced into the first cold air duct <NUM>, is moved to the upper storage compartment 20a, and other portion of cold air introduced into the first cold air duct <NUM> is moved to the pantry cold air duct <NUM> and then moved to the pantry 20d.

The refrigerator <NUM> may include a pantry damper <NUM> configured to regulate an amount of cold air flowing through the pantry cold air duct <NUM>. According to the opening degree of the pantry damper <NUM>, the amount of cold air supplied to the pantry 20d may be regulated, and thus the temperature of the pantry 20d may be controlled.

The refrigerator <NUM> may include a pantry circulation duct <NUM> configured to guide air, which has cooled the pantry 20d, to a first evaporator 111a. The pantry circulation duct <NUM> may allow the pantry 20d to communicate with a portion in which the first evaporator 111a of the cooling module <NUM> is arranged.

The cooling module <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure may be provided with a pantry circulation opening 501e communicating with the pantry circulation duct <NUM>, and thus the cooling module <NUM> may cool the pantry 20d without an additional evaporator. That is, except that the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG> has the pantry circulation opening 501e, the rest of configuration may be the same as those of the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, as for a cooling module <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure, the first evaporator 111a, the first fan <NUM>, the first fan case <NUM>, the separation cover <NUM>, the first fan cover <NUM>, and the first duct cover <NUM>, which are contained in the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG>, may be omitted. That is, among the components contained in the cooling module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the first evaporator 111a and components configured to guide the cold air generated by the first evaporator 111a may be omitted in the cooling module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

Particularly, the cooling module <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure moves cold air generated by a second evaporator 111b to a first storage compartment 20a, a second storage compartment 20ba, and a third storage compartment 20bb.

A portion of the cold air generated by the second evaporator 111b may be moved to the first cold air duct <NUM>. The first cold air duct <NUM> may communicate with a second b (2b) cap hole 609bb formed in a second cap 609b of the cooling module <NUM>. A cold air damper <NUM> may be arranged on a flow path of the cold air flowing through the first cold air duct <NUM>. The cold air damper <NUM> may regulate an amount of cold air flowing through the first cold air duct <NUM>, and thus the temperature of the first storage compartment 20a may be adjusted.

Another portion of the cold air generated by the second evaporator 111b may be moved to the second cold air duct <NUM>. The second cold air duct <NUM> may communicate with a second a (2a) cap hole 609ba formed in a second cap 609b of the cooling module <NUM>.

Another portion of the cold air generated by the second evaporator 111b may be guided to the third storage compartment 20bb through a connection duct <NUM>. A connection duct damper <NUM> may be arranged in the connection duct <NUM>, and as the connection duct damper <NUM> regulates the amount of cold air flowing through the connection duct <NUM>, the temperature of the third storage compartment 20bb may be adjusted.

That is, the refrigerator <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may cool the plurality of storage compartments 20a, 20ba, and 20bb by using a single evaporator 111b.

A flow path of cold air of a refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to <FIG>. The same components as those in the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG> have the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice making compartment 20c. An ice maker <NUM> may be provided in the ice making compartment 20c.

In the same manner as the cooling module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the first evaporator 111a and components configured to guide the cold air generated by the first evaporator 111a may be omitted in the cooling module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. In the same manner as the cooling module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the cooling module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may include a component configured to guide the cold air generated by the second evaporator 111b to the first storage compartment 20a. The cooling module <NUM> may include a second cap 609b, a second a (2a) cap hole 609ba, a second b (2b) cap hole 609bb, and a cold air damper <NUM>.

The refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice making compartment cold air duct <NUM> configured to guide the cold air generated by the second evaporator <NUM>1b to the ice making compartment 20c. An ice making compartment damper <NUM> may be arranged on the flow path on which the cold air flows to the ice making compartment 20c. An amount of cold air supplied to the ice making compartment 20c may be regulated according to the opening degree of the ice making compartment damper <NUM>, and accordingly, the temperature of the ice making compartment 20c may be adjusted.

The refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure may be provided with an ice making compartment circulation duct <NUM> configured to guide air, which has cooled the ice-making compartment 20c, to the second evaporator 111b. The ice making compartment circulation duct <NUM> may allow the ice making compartment 20c to communicate with a portion of the cooling module <NUM> in which the second evaporator <NUM>1b is arranged.

The cooling module <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure may be provided with an ice making compartment cold air opening 731d communicating with the ice making compartment cold air duct <NUM> and an ice making compartment circulation opening 701e communicating with the ice making compartment circulation duct <NUM>, and thus the cooling module <NUM> may cool the ice making compartment 20c without an additional evaporator. That is, except that the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG> has the ice making compartment cold air opening 731d and the ice making compartment circulation opening 701e, the rest of configuration may be the same as those of the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, unlike the cooling module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the cooling module <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure may have a single evaporator <NUM>. That is, unlike the cooling module <NUM> having the first evaporator 111a and the second evaporator 111b illustrated in <FIG>, the cooling module <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure may include a single evaporator <NUM>. The evaporator <NUM> of the cooling module <NUM> may be arranged to penetrate a partition wall 101d of a module body <NUM> of the cooling module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

A portion of the cold air generated by the evaporator <NUM> may be moved along the first cold air duct <NUM> by a first fan <NUM> and then supplied to the first storage compartment 20a. The refrigerator <NUM> may regulate the amount of cold air supplied to the first storage compartment 20a by regulating the rotational speed of the first fan <NUM>, and thus the refrigerator <NUM> may adjust the temperature of the first storage compartment 20a.

Another portion of the cold air generated by the evaporator <NUM> is moved along the second cold air duct <NUM> by a second fan <NUM> and supplied to the second storage compartment 20ba, or may be discharged to the second storage compartment 20ba through a second cover hole 133a and a second duct hole 134a.

Another portion of the cold air generated by the evaporator <NUM> may be sequentially passed through the connection duct <NUM> and the third cold air duct <NUM> by the second fan <NUM> and then supplied to a third storage compartment 20bb, or passed through the connection duct <NUM>, a first cover hole 123a, and a first duct hole 124a and then supplied to the third storage compartment 20bb.

Like the cooling module <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the cooling module <NUM> may include the single evaporator <NUM>.

The refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice making compartment cold air duct <NUM> configured to guide the cold air generated by the evaporator <NUM> to the ice making compartment 20c. An ice making compartment damper <NUM> may be arranged on the flow path on which the cold air moves to the ice making compartment 20c. An amount of cold air supplied to the ice making compartment 20c may be regulated according to the opening degree of the ice making compartment damper <NUM>, and accordingly, the temperature of the ice making compartment 20c may be adjusted.

The refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure may be provided with an ice making compartment circulation duct <NUM> configured to guide air, which has cooled the ice-making compartment 20c, to the evaporator <NUM>. The ice making compartment circulation duct <NUM> may allow the ice making compartment 20c to communicate with a portion of the cooling module <NUM> in which the evaporator <NUM> is arranged.

The cooling module <NUM> of the refrigerator <NUM> according to still another embodiment of the disclosure may be provided with an ice making compartment cold air opening 931d communicating with the ice making compartment cold air duct <NUM> and an ice making compartment circulation opening 901e communicating with the ice making compartment circulation duct <NUM>, and thus the cooling module <NUM> may cool the ice making compartment 20c without an additional evaporator. That is, except that the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG> has the ice making compartment cold air opening 931d and the ice making compartment circulation opening 901e, the rest of configuration may be the same as those of the cooling module <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Claim 1:
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) having a first storage compartment (20a), a second storage compartment (20ba) and a third storage compartment (20bb); and
a cooling module (<NUM>) removably coupled to the cabinet and including a condenser (<NUM>), and a compressor (<NUM>), an evaporator (111a, 111b) including:
a first evaporator (111a) configured to supply cold air to the first cold air duct (<NUM>); and
a second evaporator (111b) configured to supply cold air to the second cold air duct (<NUM>),
wherein the cabinet (<NUM>) having:
a first cold air duct (<NUM>) extending from the first storage compartment (20a) and configured to allow a portion of the cooling module (<NUM>) in which the first evaporator (111a) is arranged, to communicate with the first storage compartment (20a) when the cooling module (<NUM>) is coupled to the cabinet; and
a second cold air duct (<NUM>), different from the first cold air duct (<NUM>) and extending from the second storage compartment (20ba), and configured to allow the portion of the cooling module in which the second evaporator (<NUM>1b) is arranged, to communicate with the second storage compartment (20ba),
wherein the cooling module (<NUM>) includes:
a module body (<NUM>) to which the evaporator (111a, 111b) is mounted;
a first fan (<NUM>) configured to move cold air, which is generated in the first evaporator (111a), to the first cold air duct (<NUM>), the first fan (<NUM>) being arranged in the rear of the third storage compartment (20bb);
a second fan (<NUM>) configured to move cold air, which is generated by the second evaporator (111b), to the second cold air duct (<NUM>), the second fan (<NUM>) being arranged in the rear of the second storage compartment (20ba); and
a connection duct (<NUM>) configured to form at least one portion of a flow path through which cold air, which is generated by the second evaporator, flows to the third storage compartment (20bb).