Patent ID: 12188709

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Technical Problems

The objective of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that ensures improvement in the assemblability of a duct that is divided into two parts.

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

Technical Solutions

A refrigerator of an embodiment comprises a refrigerator case forming a refrigerator compartment, a freezer case being disposed at a lower side of the refrigerator case and forming a freezer compartment, a door being disposed at a front of the refrigerator case, and opening and closing the refrigerator case, an ice maker being disposed at the door and generating ice, an evaporator being disposed at a rear of the freezer case and generating cold air, and an ice maker duct supplying the cold air that is generated by the evaporator to the ice maker and returning the cold air to the freezer compartment, wherein the ice maker duct comprises an inner ice maker duct and an outer ice maker duct that are divided by a vertical surface formed in a direction in which cold air flows, the inner ice maker duct has an inner convex concave part that is formed convexly and concavely, at an edge thereof, and the outer ice maker duct has an outer convex concave part that is formed convexly and concavely and engages with the inner convex concave part, at an edge thereof.

Particulars of another embodiment are included in the detailed description and the drawings.

Advantageous Effects

A refrigerator according to the present disclosure has one or more of the following effects.

First, a convex concave par is formed in a portion where duct parts are coupled to each other, such that a foam insulator, foaming and filling around the duct parts, is not drawn into the gap between the duct parts, without a bolding process or a taping process.

Second, the duct parts are assembled to each other without an additional fastening means such as a screw or a tape, thereby ensuring improvement in productivity.

Third, structures in the ducts are designed properly, thereby minimizing the frictional resistance of a flow path of cold air flowing in the ducts and the flow loss of cold air.

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

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

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

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

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

The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. It is to be understood that the terms “comprise” or “include” and the like, set forth herein, are not interpreted as necessarily including all the stated components or steps but can be interpreted as excluding some of the stated components or steps or can be interpreted as including additional components or steps.

The singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless explicitly indicated otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms “comprise” or “include” and the like, set forth herein, are not interpreted as necessarily including all the stated components or steps but can be interpreted as excluding some of the stated components or steps or can be interpreted as including additional components or steps.

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

Hereafter, a refrigerator of one embodiment is described.

FIG.1is a front perspective view showing a refrigerator of one embodiment, andFIG.2is a front perspective view showing the refrigerator of one embodiment with doors open.

The exterior of the refrigerator1may be formed by a cabinet2that can form a storage space, and doors that can open and close an open front surface of the cabinet2.

The cabinet2may comprise an outer case10forming the exterior of the refrigerator1, and an inner case40forming the interior of the refrigerator1.

The outer case10and the inner case40may have a separation space therebetween, and a foam insulator foams in the separation space, such that the separation space is filled with the foam insulator.

The storage space in the cabinet2may be divided into a plurality of spaces, and may be divided into a refrigerator compartment51and a freezer compartment52.

According to the present disclosure, a freezer compartment52is disposed in the lower space of the cabinet2, and a refrigerator compartment51is disposed in the upper space of the cabinet2, in an example.

A door may connect to the front surface of the cabinet2, and open and close the refrigerator1.

An upper door20may be disposed on the front surface of the refrigerator1, corresponding to the refrigerator compartment51, and a lower door30may be disposed on the front surface of the refrigerator1, corresponding to the freezer compartment52.

For example, the upper door20may be a rotary type one comprised of a first upper door20aand a second upper door20bthat respectively have a rotation axis at both sides of the cabinet2and rotate around the rotation axis.

The lower door30may be a drawer type one that moves along a rail in a sliding manner, to be drawn or stored.

A dispenser part21may be disposed at the first upper door20ato take out water or ice, without opening the door. An ice maker22generating ice is disposed at the first upper door20aat which the dispenser part21is disposed.

Additionally, a supply duct outlet611supplying cold air to the ice maker22, and a return duct inlet711returning cold air of the ice maker22may be disposed at one surface of the inside of the inner case40that connects to the first upper door20a. The supply duct outlet611and the return duct inlet711may communicate with one side surface of the ice maker22, with the first upper door20aclosed.

The refrigerator compartment51may be divided into a first storage compartment51aand a second storage compartment51b.

The second storage compartment51bmay be a pantry compartment where a temperature can be adjusted to accommodate a specific storage object such as vegetables or meat and the like.

The first storage compartment51amay denote the rest space of the refrigerator51, except for the second storage compartment51b, and may be a main storage comportment.

For example, the second storage compartment51bmay be disposed under the first storage compartment51a, and as an additional space, may be separated from the first storage compartment51aby an additional partition member.

A storage drawer3may be disposed in the second storage compartment51b, and move along a rail in a sliding manner to be drawn or stored.

Additionally, a storage drawer3or a shelf4is provided in the first storage compartment51a, and accommodate and store a storage object easily.

The first storage compartment51aand the second storage compartment51bmay be respectively provided with a temperature sensor, and their temperature may be adjusted independently such that first storage compartment51aand the second storage compartment51bhave a different temperature.

FIG.3is a front perspective view showing that an inner case, various types of ducts and a grille fan assembly are coupled in the refrigerator of one embodiment,FIG.4is a rear perspective view showing that an inner case, various types of ducts and a grille fan assembly are coupled in the refrigerator of one embodiment, andFIG.5is a rear perspective view showing that various types of ducts and a grille fan assembly are coupled in the refrigerator of one embodiment.

The inner case40may be partitioned to comprise a refrigerator case41being disposed in the upper portion of the inner case40and forming the refrigerator compartment51, and a freezer case42being disposed in the lower portion of the inner case40and forming the freezer compartment52.

Cold air generated in a single evaporator101may be supplied to both of the refrigerator compartment51and the freezer compartment52.

If the ice maker22is additionally provided at the upper door20of the refrigerator1, cold air generated in a single evaporator101may be supplied to all the refrigerator compartment51, the freezer compartment52and the ice maker22.

The evaporator101producing cold air may be disposed at the freezer compartment52, and specifically, disposed on a rear surface42aof the freezer case, inside the freezer case42.

The evaporator101may be disposed in the upper portion of a machinery room53.

The machinery room53may be provided at the rest side of the lower portion of the freezer case42, and provide a space for installing a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion side.

The space at the rear of the lower portion side in the freezer compartment52may have a freezing space that is less than the space at the rear of the upper portion side in the freezer compartment52by the space occupied by the machinery room53.

That is, an upper surface42bof the freezer case has a surface area that is greater than a lower surface42cof the freezer case.

Accordingly, the area of the upper portion side of the freezer compartment52may protrude further rearward than the area of the lower portion side of the freezer compartment52, and the evaporator101may be disposed in the space at the rear of the upper portion side of the freezer compartment52.

The grille fan assembly100may be disposed on the front surface of the evaporator101, and blow the cold air that is generated by the evaporator to the refrigerator compartment51and the freezer compartment52.

In the case where the ice maker22is provided at the upper door20of the refrigerator1, cold air generated from a single evaporator101may be blown from a single grille fan assembly100to all the refrigerator compartment51, the freezer compartment52, and the ice maker22.

In the refrigerator1of the present disclosure, cold air generated from a single evaporator101at the freezer compartment52may be supplied to the refrigerator compartment51as well as the freezer compartment52.

Accordingly, no space where an additional evaporator101is disposed is required in the refrigerator compartment51, resulting in an increase in the volume of the refrigerator compartment51.

To blow cold air to a refrigerator compartment supply duct300supplying cold air to the refrigerator compartment51, a connection duct200may be additionally disposed between the grille fan assembly100and the refrigerator compartment supply duct300.

One end of the connection duct200connects to the grille fan assembly100, and the other end f the connection duct200connects to the refrigerator compartment supply duct300, such that cold air, being blown from the grille fan assembly100, is guided to the refrigerator compartment supply duct300.

The refrigerator compartment supply duct300may be disposed inside the refrigerator case41, the connection duct200may be disposed outside the refrigerator case41, and the refrigerator compartment supply duct300and the connection duct200may communicate with each other, on a rear surface41aof the refrigerator case.

A foam insulator may foam in the space between the inner case40and the outer case10and fill the space.

The connection duct200may be disposed to pass through the space between the inner case40and the outer case10, which foams with the foam insulator, and buried into the space between the inner case40and the outer case10.

Accordingly, as the upper door20of the refrigerator1is opened, the connection duct200outside the refrigerator case41may not be exposed outward, while the refrigerator compartment supply duct300inside the refrigerator case41may be exposed outward.

A rear surface protrusion part43may be disposed on the rear surface41aof the refrigerator case, and protrude toward the inside of the refrigerator case41, to allow at least a partial area of the connection duct200to be inserted from the outside of the refrigerator case41.

The rear surface protrusion part43may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the connection duct200such that the connection duct200is inserted into the rear surface protrusion part43.

The rear surface protrusion part43may be elongated along the rear surface41aof the refrigerator case toward an upper surface41bof the refrigerator case from a lower surface41cof the refrigerator case.

Since the refrigerator compartment supply duct300is disposed inside the refrigerator case41, the volume of the refrigerator case41decreases, as the surface area occupied by the refrigerator compartment supply duct300increases.

In particular, since the refrigerator compartment supply duct300comprises a cold air flow path through which cold air passes, dew may be formed as cold air passes through the refrigerator compartment51having a relatively high temperature and a relatively high humidity. To prevent this from happening, the refrigerator comprises an insulation member of a predetermined thickness.

To increase the volume of the refrigerator case41, the surface area, occupied by the refrigerator compartment supply duct300inside the refrigerator case41, needs to decrease.

The refrigerator compartment supply duct300according to the present disclosure is elongated from the lower surface41cof the refrigerator case to the upper surface41bof the refrigerator case, and is not disposed on the rear surface41aof the refrigerator case.

A rear surface protrusion part43is elongated along the rear surface41aof the refrigerator case from the lower surface41cof the refrigerator case toward the upper surface41bof the refrigerator case up to a predetermined height.

Since the connection duct200is disposed on the back surface of the rear surface protrusion part43, the connection duct200is disposed outside the refrigerator case41, rather than inside the refrigerator case41.

Accordingly, an additional area protruding toward the inside of the refrigerator case41except for the rear surface protrusion part43may decrease up to the height at which the rear surface protrusion part43, into which the connection duct200is inserted, is formed, and the volume of the refrigerator case may increase.

The rear surface protrusion part43may be elongated up to a height close to the central area with respect to the up-down direction of the refrigerator case41, but not limited.

For example, the rear surface protrusion part43may be elongated from the lower surface41cof the refrigerator case up to the height at which the rear surface protrusion part43is covered by the storage drawer3disposed in the refrigerator case41.

Further, the rear surface protrusion part43may be also be covered by the second storage compartment51bformed in the lower area of the refrigerator case41.

Thus, the rear surface protrusion part43may be elongated from the lower surface41cof the refrigerator case up to the height at which the rear surface protrusion part43is covered by the second storage compartment51band the storage drawer3disposed on the second storage compartment51b.

The rear surface protrusion part43is not formed in a way that the area of the rear surface41aof the refrigerator case protrudes evenly, but protrudes to correspond to the connection duct200, causing deterioration in aesthetic qualities.

The second storage compartment51band the storage drawer43are disposed on the front surface of the rear surface protrusion part43, up to the height at which the rear surface protrusion part43is formed. Thus, even when the upper door20is opened, the rear surface protrusion part43is not exposed, ensuring improvement in the aesthetic qualities of the inside of the refrigerator1.

Additionally, since the connection duct200is disposed to pass through the space between the inner case40and the outer case10, which foams with the foam insulator, an additional insulation member for preventing the heat exchange between the connection duct200, through which cold air passes, and the refrigerator compartment51may not be required.

For the refrigerator1to have an insulation effect, a foam insulator exhibiting a very low thermal conductivity foams between the inner case40and the outer case10, to fill the space between the inner case40and the outer case10.

If the connection duct200is disposed inside the refrigerator case41, an insulation member having a predetermined thickness may insulate the connection duct200.

However, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the connection duct200may be buried in a way that the connection duct200passes through the space between the inner case40and the outer case10, which foams with a foam insulator.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, an additional insulation member for thermally insulating the connection duct200is not required, and a foam insulator foaming between the inner case40and the outer case10can produce a sufficient insulation effect.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an additional insulation member for allowing the connection duct200to produce an insulation effect is not required, resulting in a significant reduction in the thickness of the connection duct200.

Accordingly, the thickness of the rear surface protrusion part43protruding toward the inside of the refrigerator case41decreases significantly, and the volume of the refrigerator compartment51may increase.

In the refrigerator1of one embodiment, the connection duct200and the refrigerator compartment supply duct300communicate with each other on the rear surface of the refrigerator case41, with the refrigerator case41therebetween, such that the surface area occupied by the refrigerator compartment supply duct300inside the rear surface41aof the refrigerator case decreases.

Thus, the refrigerator1of one embodiment may ensure an increase in the volume of the refrigerator compartment51.

The refrigerator1according to the present disclosure may comprise a refrigerator compartment return duct500that returns cold air of the refrigerator compartment51and supplies the cold air to the evaporator101.

One end of the refrigerator compartment return duct500may connect to the freezer compartment52, while the other end of the refrigerator compartment return duct500connects to the refrigerator compartment51, and one end and the other end of the refrigerator compartment return duct500may be disposed to overlap each other in the up-down direction.

One end of the refrigerator compartment return duct500may communicate with the freezer compartment52through a refrigerator compartment cold air return communication outlet46bthat is disposed on the rear surface42aof the freezer case.

The refrigerator compartment return duct500may pass the rear surface of the evaporator101.

If the refrigerator compartment return duct500is too close to the evaporator101, ice formation may occur. To prevent this from happening, the refrigerator compartment return duct500may be spaced a predetermined distance apart from the evaporator101.

In particular, since the refrigerator compartment return duct500comprises a cold air flow path that is used to return cold air of the refrigerator compartment having a relatively high temperature and a relatively high humidity, it is highly likely that ice formation occurs at the refrigerator compartment return duct500.

To prevent this from happening, one end and the other end of the refrigerator compartment return duct500are disposed to overlap each other in the up-down direction, to have the shortest cold air flow path.

Additionally, both side surfaces of the refrigerator compartment return duct500have the least curved shapes and are formed into straight lines that are parallel with each other. Accordingly, in terms of the refrigerator compartment return duct500, the cold air flow path corresponding to the area where the refrigerator compartment return duct500overlaps the evaporator101may have the shortest length.

Thus, in the refrigerator compartment return duct500according to the present disclosure, the cold air flow path overlapping the evaporator101has the shortest length, reducing the possibility of ice formation.

Further, the refrigerator compartment return duct500according to the present disclosure may make cold air passing through the refrigerator compartment return duct500frost evenly rather than being biased by the evaporator101to one side, or not frost.

One end and the other end of the refrigerator compartment return duct500may be disposed to pass the centers of the refrigerator compartment51and the freezer compartment52with respect to the left-right direction.

A refrigerator compartment cold air return communication opening61is disposed on the lower surface41cof the refrigerator case and communicates with the other end of the refrigerator compartment return duct500. The refrigerator compartment cold air return communication opening61may be disposed to pass the center of the refrigerator compartment51.

Since one end and the other end of the refrigerator compartment return duct500are disposed to pass the centers of the refrigerator compartment51and the freezer compartment52with respect to the left-right direction, the entire balance of cold air of the refrigerator1may be ensured.

The refrigerator compartment return duct500returns cold air that is supplied to the refrigerator compartment51and circulates in the refrigerator compartment51, to the freezer compartment52.

Since the other end of the refrigerator compartment return duct500, which communicates with the refrigerator compartment cold air return communication opening61communicating used to return cold air from the refrigerator compartment51, is disposed to pass the center of the refrigerator compartment51, the cold air flows naturally.

The above-described connection duct200may be disposed between the refrigerator compartment return duct500, and the other side surface41dof the refrigerator case that is one side surface of the refrigerator compartment51, with respect to the left-right direction.

In the case of a connection duct200one end of which connects to the freezer compartment52and the other end of which connects to the refrigerator compartment51, the width of the cold air flow path may increase from one end of the connection duct200toward the other end of the connection duct200.

At this time, the width of the cold air flow path of the connection duct200may increase further toward the center of the refrigerator compartment51.

Additionally, the other end of the connection duct200may be disposed to pass the center f the refrigerator compartment51in the left-right direction.

While the connection duct200is disposed between the refrigerator compartment return duct500and one side surface of the refrigerator compartment51, the width of the cold air flow path of the connection duct200increases further toward the center of the refrigerator compartment51. Accordingly, the entire balance of cold air of the refrigerator1may be ensured.

Further, since the other end of the connection duct200communicates with the refrigerator compartment supply duct300, the connection duct200and the refrigerator compartment supply duct300may communicate with each other, at the center of the refrigerator compartment51.

The refrigerator compartment51may be divided into a first storage compartment51aand a second storage compartment51b.

Cold air may be supplied to the second storage compartment51bthrough a second storage compartment supply duct400, and the second storage compartment supply duct400may be disposed outside the refrigerator case41.

A foam insulator foams in a space between the inner case40and the outer case10and fills the space.

The second storage compartment supply duct400may be disposed to pass through the space between the inner case40and the outer case10, which foams with the foam insulator, and buried in the space between the inner case40and the outer case10.

Accordingly, as the upper door20of the refrigerator1is opened, the second storage compartment supply duct400disposed outside the refrigerator case41may not be exposed outward.

As described above, the rear surface protrusion part43protruding toward the inside of the refrigerator case41may be disposed on the rear surface41aof the refrigerator case, such that at least a partial area of the connection duct200is inserted from the outside of the refrigerator case41.

In this case, the rear surface protrusion part43may be formed to allow the connection duct200to be inserted into the rear surface protrusion part43as well as allowing at least a partial area of the second storage compartment supply duct400to be inserted from the outside of the refrigerator case41.

The connection duct200and the second storage compartment supply duct400may be disposed to be adjacent to each other.

For example, the second storage compartment supply duct400may be disposed between the connection duct200, and the other side surface41dof the refrigerator case that is one side surface of the refrigerator compartment51, with respect to the left-right direction.

Since the second storage compartment supply duct400supplies cold air to the second storage compartment51bin a way that the second storage compartment supply duct400is inserted from the outside the refrigerator case41, an area of the second storage compartment400, protruding toward the inside of the refrigerator compartment51, may decrease, and the volume of the refrigerator compartment51may increase.

Additionally, since the second storage compartment supply duct400is disposed to pass through the space between the inner case40and the outer case10, which foams with a foam insulator, an additional insulation member for preventing the heat exchange between the second storage compartment supply duct400through which cold air passes and the refrigerator compartment51may not be required.

Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a sufficient insulation effect may be produced through the foam insulator that foams between the inner case40and the outer case10without an additional insulation member for thermally insulating the second storage compartment supply duct400.

Thus, in one embodiment, since no additional insulation member for providing an insulation effect to the second storage compartment supply duct400is required, the thickness of the second storage compartment supply duct400may decrease significantly.

Since the thickness of the rear surface protrusion part43protruding toward the inside of the refrigerator case41decreases significantly, the volume of the refrigerator compartment51may increase.

The refrigerator1according to the present disclosure may comprise an ice maker22at the upper door20that opens and closes the refrigerator compartment51.

Cold air generated from the evaporator101may be supplied to the ice maker22through an ice maker supply duct600.

A supply duct inlet631may be formed at one end of the ice maker supply duct600, and communicate with the grille fan assembly100.

At this time, an ice maker guide duct800may be disposed between the ice maker supply duct600and the grille fan assembly100, and allow the ice maker supply duct600and the grille fan assembly100to communicate with each other.

The ice maker guide duct800may change the direction of cold air being discharged from the grille fan assembly100.

Cold air having circulated in the ice maker22may return to the freezer compartment52through an ice maker return duct700.

A return duct outlet741may be formed at one end of the ice maker return duct700, and communicate with the freezer compartment52.

A return duct inlet711may be formed at the other end of the ice maker return duct700, and communicate with the ice maker22.

In another example, the ice maker22may be dispose at the second upper door20b.

As described above, the upper door20comprising the ice maker22may be disposed on the front surface of the refrigerator1.

The ice maker supply duct600and the ice maker return duct700may be elongated along one side surface41eof the refrigerator case and allow the ice maker22and the cold air flow path of the freezer case42to communicate with each other.

At this time, one side surface41eof the refrigerator case, passed by the ice maker supply duct600and the ice maker return duct700, may have a relatively low temperature, considering the distribution of the temperature of the entire refrigerator1.

Accordingly, an imbalance of cold air may occur between one side surface41eof the refrigerator case and the other side surface41dof the refrigerator case.

To reduce the imbalance of cold air in the left-right direction, the connection duct200and the second storage compartment supply duct400are disposed near the other side surface41dof the refrigerator case, which faces the one side surface41eof the refrigerator case, to ensure a balance of cold air in the entire refrigerator1.

In relation to this, the refrigerator compartment supply duct300may comprise a first refrigerator compartment cold air flow path321and a second refrigerator compartment cold air flow path322through which cold air guided from the connection duct200is branched.

The first refrigerator compartment cold air flow path321may have a greater width than the second refrigerator compartment cold air flow path322, such that more cold air is guided toward the first refrigerator compartment cold air flow path321.

The second refrigerator compartment cold air flow path322, to which relatively less cold air is guided, may be disposed closer to one side surface41eof the refrigerator case, where the ice maker supply duct600is disposed, than the first refrigerator compartment cold air flow path321.

Since in the refrigerator compartment supply duct300, the first refrigerator compartment cold air flow path321, having a greater width than the second refrigerator compartment cold air flow path322, is disposed farther from one side surface41eof the refrigerator case where the ice maker supply duct600is disposed, a balance of cold air of the entire refrigerator1may be ensured.

Further, a flow path opening and closing module130may be disposed at the freezer compartment52, and selectively cut off a supply of cold air generated from the evaporator101to the refrigerator compartment51.

The refrigerator1described above may have the following circulation flow of cold air.

Cold air generated from the evaporator101in the freezer compartment52may be blown to the connection duct200that is buried outside the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment51, by the grille fan assembly100disposed at the freezer compartment52.

The cold air blown to the connection duct200may communicate with the refrigerator compartment supply duct300disposed inside the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment51, on the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment51, and guided to the refrigerator compartment supply duct300.

The refrigerator compartment supply duct300may discharge cold air toward the front surface of the refrigerator compartment51in the upper area of the refrigerator compartment51.

The cold air discharged to the front surface of the refrigerator compartment51in the upper area of the refrigerator compartment51circulates in the refrigerator compartment51and returns to the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment51in the lower area of the refrigerator compartment51.

Since the refrigerator compartment return duct500communicates with the lower portion of the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment51, cold air circulated in the refrigerator compartment51may return to the freezer compartment52through the refrigerator compartment return duct500.

Cold air, which is generated from the evaporator101disposed at the freezer compartment52, may be blown to the second storage compartment supply duct400buried outside the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment51, by the grille fan assembly100disposed at the freezer compartment52.

The cold air blown to the second storage compartment supply duct400may be discharged to the second storage compartment51b, on the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment51.

The second storage compartment supply duct400may discharge cold air toward the front surface of the second storage compartment51bin the upper area of the second storage compartment51b.

The cold air discharged toward the front surface of the second storage compartment51bin the upper area of the second storage compartment51bcirculates in the second storage compartment51band returns to the rear surface of the second storage compartment51bin the lower area of the second storage compartment51b.

Since the refrigerator compartment return duct500communicates with the lower portion of the rear surface of the second storage compartment51b, cold air circulated in the second storage compartment51bmay return to the freezer compartment52through the refrigerator compartment return duct500.

A cold air supply duct supplying cold air to the first storage compartment51aand a cold air supply duct supplying cold air to the second storage compartment51bmay differ, but cold air having circulated in the first storage compartment51aand cold air having circulated in the second storage compartment51bmay both return to the refrigerator compartment return duct500that is an identical cold air return duct.

Cold air, which is generated from the evaporator101disposed at the freezer compartment52, may be supplied to the freezer compartment52, by the grille fan assembly100disposed at the freezer compartment52.

The grille fan assembly100may discharge cold air toward the front surface of the freezer compartment52, in the upper area of the freezer compartment52.

The cold air discharged toward the front surface of the freezer compartment52in the upper area of the freezer compartment52circulates in the freezer compartment52, and returns to the rear surface of the freezer compartment52, in the lower area of the freezer compartment52.

Since the machinery room is provided at the rear side of the lower portion of the freezer compartment52, the rear surface of the lower portion side of the freezer compartment52may have an inclined surface that goes upward at a slant.

Accordingly, the cold air returning to the rear surface of the freezer compartment52, in the lower area of the freezer compartment52, may be drawn and returned to a freezer compartment cold air return guide part119of the grille fan assembly100along the inclined surface of the rear surface of the freezer compartment52.

The flow of the supply and return of cold air to the ice maker22is described hereafter, with reference toFIG.10.

FIG.6is a rear perspective view showing that an ice maker duct and a grille fan assembly are coupled to the refrigerator of one embodiment, andFIG.7is a perspective view showing an ice maker duct of the refrigerator of one embodiment.

The grille fan assembly100according to the present disclosure may comprise a shroud120, a grille fan110, a freezing fan module160and an ice making fan module170.

The shroud120may form the exterior of the rear side of the grille fan assembly100, and the grille fan110may form the exterior of the front side of the grille fan assembly100.

The grille fan110may be disposed toward the front surface of the freezer compartment52, and the shroud120may be disposed toward the evaporator101that is disposed on the rear surface42aof the freezer case, i.e., on the wall of the rear side of the freezer case42.

Cold air blown by the freezing fan module160is blown to the refrigerator compartment51comprising the first storage compartment51aand the second storage compartment51b, and the freezer compartment52. Cold air blown by the ice making fan module170is blown to the ice maker22.

A vacuum insulator44is an insulator, in which a core (usually, glass fibers) that is a porous filler is put into an encapsulant having airtightness, the inside of which enters into a vacuum state, and which exhibits excellent thermal insulation. The vacuum insulator44is disposed between the ice maker duct600,700and the outer case10.

The ice maker guide duct800connects to the grille fan assembly100and the ice maker supply duct600, and guides cold air that is blown by the grille fan assembly100to the ice maker supply duct600.

The ice maker duct600,700supplies the cold air that is generated by the evaporator101to the ice maker52and returns the cold air to the freezer compartment52. The ice maker duct600,700is disposed in a space between the inner case40and the outer case10, which foams with the foam insulator.

The ice maker duct600,700comprises an ice maker supply duct600that guides the cold air generated by the evaporator101to the ice maker22, and an ice maker return duct700that supplies the cold air supplied to the ice maker22to the freezer compartment52.

The ice maker supply duct600connects to the ice maker guide duct800and the ice maker22, and guides cold air, which is generated by the evaporator101and blown by the grille fan assembly100, to the ice maker22.

The ice maker supply duct600is disposed on one side surface41eof the refrigerator case and one side surface42eof the freezer case. The ice maker supply duct600may be disposed on the other side surface41dof the refrigerator case and the other side surface42dof the freezer case, depending on the position of the door20a,20bat which the ice maker22is disposed.

The ice maker supply duct600is formed approximately into a rectangular thin plate. The ice maker supply duct600is formed into a elongated plate, and disposed diagonally by crossing from the rear of the upper portion of one side surface42eof the freezer case to the front of the middle portion of one side surface41eof the refrigerator case. Since the ice maker supply duct600needs to have the shortest distance, the ice maker supply duct600is disposed diagonally, preferably. The ice maker supply duct600is formed into a rectangular long slit having a cross section where a left-right width is less than an up-down width.

The ice maker supply duct600is disposed near a portion of the ice maker return duct700side by side. The ice maker supply duct has a supply duct inlet631, at the rear end of the lower portion thereof, and has a supply duct outlet611, at the front end of the upper portion thereof. Cold air generated by the evaporator101is drawn into the supply duct inlet631, and the supply duct outlet611discharges cold air to the ice maker22.

The ice maker supply duct600comprises a supply duct inclination part610that has a supply duct outlet611discharging cold air to the ice maker22and is disposed near a return duct inclination part710side by side, a supply duct bend part620that connects to the supply duct inclination part610, bends and is disposed near the return duct bend part720side by side, and a supply duct connection part630that has a supply duct inlet631which connects to the supply duct bend part620and into which cold air generated by the evaporator101is drawn.

A portion of the supply duct inclination part610, where the supply duct outlet611is formed, bends toward the inside (in a direction farther from the outer case10) of the refrigerator compartment51, such that a surface formed by the supply duct outlet611is formed in parallel with a surface substantially formed by one side surface41eof the refrigerator case. That is, the supply duct inclination part610bends to enable the supply duct outlet611to face the other side surface41dof the refrigerator case. The supply duct inclination part610is entirely disposed diagonally in the lengthwise direction thereof, and the portion of the supply duct inclination part610, where the supply duct outlet611is formed, is formed in the horizontal direction.

The supply duct bend part620bends toward the inside of the refrigerator compartment51(in a direction farther from the outer case10). The supply duct bend part620is formed in the horizontal direction and bends with respect to the vertical direction.

The supply duct connection part630connects to the ice maker guide duct800. The surface of the supply duct connection part630, which is formed by the supply duct inlet631, is formed in parallel with the surface which is substantially formed by one side surface41eof the refrigerator case. That is, the supply duct connection part630is formed in a way that the supply duct inlet631faces the other side surface41dof the refrigerator case.

The ice maker return duct700connects to the ice maker22and the freezer case42and returns cold air of the ice maker22to the freezer compartment52.

The ice maker return duct700is disposed on one side surface41eof the refrigerator case and one side surface42eof the freezer case. The ice maker return duct700may be disposed on the other side surface41dof the refrigerator case and the other side surface42dof the freezer case, depending on the position of the door20a,20bat which the ice maker22is disposed.

The ice maker return duct700is formed into a thin plate, and elongated in the lengthwise direction. When viewed laterally, the upper portion of the ice maker return duct700is formed diagonally, while the lower portion is formed in a straight line shape.

The upper portion of the ice maker return duct700is disposed diagonally by crossing from the rear of the upper portion of one side surface42eof the freezer case to the front of the middle portion of one side surface41eof the refrigerator case. The ice maker return duct700needs to have the shortest distance, but the upper portion of the ice maker return duct700may only be disposed diagonally to minimize the size of the vacuum insulator44. The lower portion of the ice maker return duct700is elongated and formed from the rear of one side surface42eof the freezer case in the vertical direction. When viewed from above, the ice maker return duct700is formed into a fault, in a way that the lower portion of the ice maker return duct700bends from the upper portion of the ice maker return duct700toward the other side surface42dof the freezer case (the inside of the freezer compartment52). The lower portion of the ice maker return duct700is elongated and formed diagonally to the lower side of the front thereof, at the lower end thereof.

The ice maker return duct700is formed into a rectangular long slit having a cross section where a left-right width is less than an up-down width.

A portion of the ice maker return duct700is disposed near the ice maker supply duct600side by side. The ice maker return duct700bends in a portion adjacent to the supply duct inlet631, to form a fault. The ice maker return duct700bends in a portion adjacent to the portion where the ice maker supply duct600connects to the ice maker guide duct800, to form a fault.

The ice maker return duct700has a return duct inlet711that discharges cold air to the ice maker22, at the front end of the upper portion thereof, and has a return duct outlet741that discharges cold air to the freezer compartment52, at the front end of the lower portion thereof.

The ice maker return duct700comprises a return duct inclination part710that has a return duct inlet711into which cold air of the ice maker22is drawn and is disposed diagonally by crossing from the front of the refrigerator case41to the rear of the freezer case42, a return duct bend part720that connects to the return duct inclination part710and bends from one side surface42eof the freezer case toward the other side surface42dof the freezer case (the inside of the freezer compartment52), a return duct vertical part730that connects to the return duct bend part720and is disposed vertically, and a return duct connection part740that has a return duct outlet741connects to the return duct vertical part730and discharges cold air to the freezer compartment.

The return duct inclination part710is disposed near the supply duct inclination part610side by side. The portion of the return duct inclination part710, wherein the return duct inlet711is formed, bends toward the inside of the refrigerator compartment51(in a direction farther from the outer case10), such that a surface formed by the return duct inlet711is formed in parallel with a surface substantially formed by one side surface41eof the refrigerator case. That is, the return duct inclination part710bends in a way that the return duct inlet711faces the other side surface41dof the refrigerator case. The return duct inclination part710is entirely disposed diagonally in the lengthwise direction, and the portion where the return duct inlet711is formed is formed in the horizontal direction.

The return duct bend part720bends toward the inside of the refrigerator compartment51(in a direction farther from the outer case10). The return duct bend part720is formed horizontally, and bends with respect to the vertical direction.

The return duct vertical part730is elongated in the vertical direction (in the lengthwise direction). When viewed from above, the return duct vertical part730is formed into a fault together with the return duct inclination part.

The return duct connection part740is elongated to the lower side of the front of the return duct vertical part730diagonally, at the lower end of the return duct vertical part730. The return duct connection part740connects to the refrigerator case41. A surface formed by the return duct outlet741of the return duct connection part740is formed in parallel with a surface substantially formed by one side surface41eof the refrigerator case. That is, the return duct connection part740is formed in a way that the return duct outlet741faces the other side surface41dof the refrigerator case.

FIG.8is an exploded perspective view showing the ice maker duct of the refrigerator of one embodiment,FIG.9is a cross-sectional view showing the ice maker duct of the refrigerator of one embodiment,FIG.10is a partial enlarged view showing an outer ice maker duct of the refrigerator of one embodiment, andFIG.11is a partial enlarged view showing an inner ice maker duct of the refrigerator of one embodiment.

The ice maker duct600,700comprises an inner ice maker duct1600,1700and an outer ice maker duct2600,2700that are divided by a vertical surface formed in the direction where cold air flows.

The inner ice maker duct1600,1700has an inner convex concave part1601,1701that is formed convexly and concavely, at the edge thereof, and the outer ice maker duct2600,2700has an outer convex concave part2601,2701that is formed convexly and concavely and engages with the inner convex concave part1601,1701, at the edge thereof. The convex concave structures that are formed convexly and concavely are assembled to each other such that a foam insulator cannot be drawn between the inner ice maker duct1600,1700and the outer ice maker duct2600,2700.

A hook2603,2703is formed at any one of the inner ice maker duct1600,1700and the outer ice maker duct2600,2700, and a hook hole1603,1703to which the hook2603,2703is fastened is formed at the other of the inner ice maker duct1600,1700and the outer ice maker duct2600. Referring toFIGS.10and11, in the embodiment, the hook2603,2703is formed at the outer ice maker duct2600,2700, and the hook hole1603,1703is formed at the inner ice maker duct1600,1700. A plurality of hooks2603,2703and a plurality of hook holes1603,1703are provided and spaced from each other.

The inner ice maker duct1600,1700is disposed on one side surface41eof the refrigerator case and one side surface42eof the freezer case.

The inner ice maker duct1600,1700has a supply duct inlet621into which cold air generated by the evaporator is drawn, a supply duct outlet611that discharge cold air to the ice maker22, a return duct inlet711into which cold air of the ice maker22is drawn, and a return duct outlet741that discharges cold air to the freezer compartment52.

The inner ice maker duct1600,1700comprises an inner ice maker supply duct1600forming a flow path through which cold air is supplied from the evaporator101to the ice maker22, and an inner ice maker return duct1700forming a flow path through which cold air returns from the ice maker22to the freezer compartment52.

The supply duct inlet621and the supply duct outlet611are formed at the inner ice maker supply duct1600, and the return duct inlet711and the return duct outlet741are formed at the inner ice maker return duct1700.

The inner ice maker supply duct1600is disposed near a portion of the inner ice maker return duct1700side by side. The inner ice maker return duct1700is connected to and disposed at the lower side of the inner ice maker supply duct1600.

The inner ice maker supply duct1600and the inner ice maker return duct1700have an inner supply convex concave part1601and an inner return convex concave part1701, therebetween, and the inner supply convex concave part1601and the inner return convex concave part1701are formed convexly and concavely, engage with each other and are spaced from each other side by side.

The outer ice maker supply duct2600is spaced from the outer case10.

The outer ice maker duct2600,2700has a cold air rib601,703therein, and has a cold air projection602,701,702at a cold air inflow side thereof. The cold air rib601,703protrudes inward and is formed in a long strap shape in a lengthwise direction that is the direction where cold air flows. The cold air projection602,701,702protrudes in a pillar shape and has a cross section of an oval shape, a wing shape or an arch shape.

The cold air rib601,703guides the flow of cold air. The cold air rib601,703is pressed in a direction in which the thickness of the ice maker duct600,700is thin, as the foam insulator foams, to prevent the cold air flow path from narrowing. The cold air projection602,701,702distributes cold air flowing through the cold air rib601,703, to prevent the cold air rib601,703from acting as frictional resistance of the flow path.

The outer ice maker duct2600,2700comprises an outer ice maker supply duct2600, and an outer ice maker return duct2700. The outer ice maker supply duct2600forms a flow path through which cold air is supplied from the evaporator101to the ice maker22, and the outer ice maker return duct2700forms a flow path through which cold air returns from the ice maker22to the freezer compartment52.

The cold air supply projection602protruding in a pillar shape in the direction where cold air is supplied, and the cold air supply rib601protruding inward in a long strap shape in the lengthwise direction are spaced from each other and disposed consecutively, at the outer ice maker supply duct2600.

The cold air return projection701protruding in a pillar shape in the direction where cold air returns, and the cold air return rib703protruding inward in a long strap shape in the lengthwise direction are spaced from each other and disposed consecutively, at the outer ice maker return duct. A plurality of cold air return projections701may be provided and spaced from each other.

The outer ice maker supply duct2600is disposed near a portion of the outer ice maker return duct270side by side. The outer ice maker return duct2700connects to and is disposed at the lower side of the outer ice maker supply duct2600.

The outer ice maker supply duct2600and the outer ice maker return duct2700have an outer supply convex concave part2601and an outer return convex concave part2701, therebetween, and the outer supply convex concave part2601and the outer return convex concave part2701are formed convexly and concavely, engage with each other, and are spaced from each other side by side.

A hook2603,2703is formed in any one of the space between the inner ice maker supply duct1600and the inner ice maker return duct1700, and the space between the outer ice maker supply duct2600and the outer ice maker return duct2700, and a hook hole1603,1703to which the hook2603,2703is fastened is formed in the other space. Referring toFIGS.10and11, in the embodiment, the hook2603,2703is formed between the outer ice maker supply part2600and the outer ice maker return duct2700, and the hook hole1603,1703is formed between the inner ice maker supply duct1600and the inner ice maker return duct1700.

FIG.12is a perspective view showing an ice maker guide duct of the refrigerator of one embodiment,FIG.13is a cross-sectional view showing the ice maker guide duct of the refrigerator of one embodiment, andFIG.14is a partial cross-sectional view showing the ice maker duct and the ice maker guide duct of the refrigerator of one embodiment.

The ice maker guide duct800comprises a guide main body810through which cold air flows, a guide duct connection part830which connects to the ice maker duct600,700, a guide assembly connection part820which connects to the grille fan assembly100, and a guide support member840which supports the guide main body810, and at a time when the foam insulator foams, prevents the deformation of the guide main body810.

The ice maker guide duct800comprises an inner guide duct1800and an outer guide duct2800that are divided by a vertical surface formed in the direction where cold air flows.

The inner guide duct800has an inner guide convex concave part1801that is formed convexly and concavely, at the edge thereof, and the outer guide duct2800has an outer guide convex concave part2801that is formed convexly and concavely and engages with the inner guide convex concave part1801, at the edge thereof. The convex concave structures are assembled to each other, such that the foam insulator cannot be drawn between the inner guide duct1800and the outer guide duct2800.

The inner guide duct1800is disposed on the rear surface42aof the freezer case, and the outer guide duct2800is spaced and disposed apart from the outer case10.

The inner guide duct1800connects to the inner ice maker duct1600,1700, and the outer guide duct2800connects to the outer ice maker duct2600,2700. A guide engagement convex concave part1805,2807is formed at the edge of the ice maker guide duct800, which connects to the ice maker duct600,700, and a duct engagement convex concave part1605,1607is formed at the inner ice maker supply duct1600of the ice maker duct600,700and engages with the guide engagement convex concave part1805,2807. An inner guide engagement convex concave part1805is formed at the inner guide duct1800, and an outer guide engagement convex concave part2807is formed at the outer guide duct2800. The convex concave structures are assembled to each other, to prevent the foam insulator from being drawn between the ice maker guide duct800and the inner ice maker supply duct1600.

FIG.15is a partial cross-sectional view showing the refrigerator of one embodiment.

The bend of the guide duct800has a guide surface803the bend of which is formed in a direction opposite to the direction of the bend that is formed based on the rotation of the ice making fan module170and which guides the cold air that is blown by the ice making fan module170diagonally in the upward direction. A circle formed by the guide surface803and the ice making fan module170has an inflection point. The guide surface803has an arc-shaped cross section, and preferably, a tangent line connecting the center of the arc and the edge of the arc has a 45-degree gradient.

The inner guide duct1800has a guide projection801that protrudes in a pillar shape. The guide projection801has an oval-shaped cross section, a wing-shaped cross section or an arch-shaped cross section. The guide projection801distributes cold air flowing to the cold air rib601,703, such that the cold air rib601,703of the ice maker duct600,700does not act as frictional resistance of a flow path.

FIG.16is a view showing a structure for supplying and returning cold air to the ice maker of the refrigerator of one embodiment.

Cold air generated from the evaporator101may be supplied to the ice maker22that is disposed at the first upper door20adisposed on the front surface of the refrigerator1, through the ice maker supply duct600.

One end of the ice maker supply duct600may communicate with the grille fan assembly100. The other end of the ice maker supply duct600may communicate with the ice maker22.

Cold air having circulated in the ice maker22may return to the freezer compartment52through the ice maker return duct700.

One end of the ice maker return duct700may communicate with the freezer compartment52. The other end of the ice maker return duct700may communicate with the ice maker22.

The ice maker22's cold air having returned to the freezer compartment52may return through the freezer compartment cold air return guide part119that is disposed under the lower portion of the grille fan assembly100of the freezer compartment52.

As described above, a cold air supply duct supplying cold air to the freezer compartment52and a cold air supply duct supplying cold air to the ice maker22are different, but cold air having circulated in the freezer compartment52and cold air having circulated in the ice maker22may both return to the refrigerator cold air return guide part119.

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

Advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure are not limited to the advantages described above, and other advantages that are not mentioned above can be clearly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art, based on the details of the appended claims.

It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” another element or layer, the element or layer can be directly on another element or layer or intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Spatially relative terms, such as “lower”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “lower” relative to other elements or features would then be oriented “upper” relative to the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “lower” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described herein with reference to cross-section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of the disclosure. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.