REFRIGERATOR

Abstract

A refrigerator may include an inner case that forms a storage compartment; a temperature control room inside the storage compartment and configured so that a temperature of the temperature control compartment is independent of a temperature of the storage compartment; and a fan assembly configured to cool the temperature control room, including, a fan case including an inlet configured to communicate with the storage compartment and an outlet configured to communicate with the temperature control room, and a fan accommodated in the fan case and configured to move air inside the storage compartment through the inlet and to discharge air through the outlet to the temperature control room so that air from inside the storage compartment is moved into the temperature control room.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator including an improved structure.

BACKGROUND ART

A refrigerator is a device that keeps food fresh by including a storage compartment provided to store food, and a cold air supply system configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a refrigerating compartment maintained at temperature of about 0 to 5° C. to keep food refrigerated, and a freezing compartment maintained at temperature of about 0 to −30° C. to keep food frozen.

The refrigerator may be classified according to the position of refrigerating compartment and freezing compartment, and the type of door. That is, the refrigerator may be classified into a Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF) type refrigerator in which the refrigerating compartment is formed on an upper side and the freezing compartment is formed on a lower side, a Top Mounted Freezer (TMF) type refrigerator in which the refrigerating compartment is formed on a lower side, and the freezing compartment is formed on an upper side, and a Side by Side (SBS) type refrigerator in which the freezing compartment is formed on the left side and the refrigerating compartment is formed on the right side. The BMF type refrigerator may be classified into a French Door Refrigerator (FDR) including a pair of refrigerating compartment doors configured to open and close the refrigerating compartment, and a 4-door type refrigerator including a pair of refrigerating compartment doors configured to open and close the refrigerating compartment and a pair of freezing compartment doors configured to open and close the freezing compartment.

The refrigerator may include a temperature control room configured to control an internal temperature thereof so as to have the internal temperature different from a temperature of the storage compartment.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator including a structure capable of cooling a temperature control room by circulating air inside a storage compartment.

The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator including a removable fan assembly.

The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator having an improved usability.

The technical object intended to be achieved by the present document is not limited to the above-mentioned technical objects, and other technical objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.

Technical Solution

An aspect of the present disclosure includes a refrigerator including: an inner case that forms a storage compartment; a temperature control room inside the storage compartment and configured so that a temperature of the temperature control compartment is independent of a temperature of the storage compartment; and a fan assembly configured to cool the temperature control room, including, a fan case including an inlet configured to communicate with the storage compartment and an outlet configured to communicate with the temperature control room; and a fan accommodated in the fan case and configured to move air from inside the storage compartment through the inlet and to discharge air through the outlet to the temperature control room so that air from inside the storage compartment may be moved into the temperature control room.

The refrigerator may further include: a duct to guide air into the storage compartment, wherein the fan case may be mountable on a front side of the duct.

The refrigerator may further include: a duct to guide air into the storage compartment, wherein a space may be configured between the inlet of the fan case at a rear side of the fan case and a front side of the duct.

The refrigerator may further include: a duct facing a rear wall of the inner case and configured to guide air into the storage compartment, wherein the fan case includes, a first cover that may face the temperature control room, and a second cover removably couplable to a rear side of the first cover with the fan interposed therebetween, and spaced apart from a front side of the duct.

The outlet of the fan case may face a rear side of the temperature control room.

The duct may include a hook on a front side of the duct, and the fan case may include, a hook hole to accommodate the hook, and a hook locking portion couplable to the hook with the hook accommodated in the hook hole.

The hook may include, a first hook protrusion protruding toward the storage compartment, and a second hook protrusion spaced apart from the first hook protrusion and protruding toward the storage compartment, and the fan case may include a fixing rib that may be between the first hook protrusion and the second hook protrusion with the hook accommodated in the hook hole and the hook coupled to the hook locking portion.

The fixing rib may be movable, and with the fixing rib moved from between the first hook protrusion and the second hook protrusion, the first hook protrusion and the second hook protrusion may be pressable toward each other so that the hook may be decoupled from the hooking locking portion.

The first hook protrusion and the second hook protrusion may be elastically deformable.

The fan assembly may include a fan connector to supply power to the fan, and the duct may include a connector hole on the front side of the duct so as to allow the fan connector to be inserted into the connector hole.

The fan assembly may include, a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the temperature control room, and a sensor connector to supply power to the temperature sensor, and the duct may include a connector hole on the front side of the duct so as to allow the sensor connector to be inserted into the connector hole.

The refrigerator may further include: a drawer case that may have an open front side, that may be mountable in the storage compartment, and that may form the temperature control room with the drawer case mounted in the storage compartment; and a drawer configured to be inserted into and withdrawn from the drawer case through the open front side.

The refrigerator may further include: a first side frame that may be removably couplable to the inner case; a second side frame that may be removably couplable to the inner case, and wherein, with the drawer case mounted in the storage compartment, the first side frame may be adjacent to a right surface of the drawer case and the second side frame may be adjacent to a left surface of the drawer case.

The drawer case may include, a first case protrusion that may protrude from the right surface of the drawer case, and a second case protrusion that may protrude from the left surface of the drawer case, and the first case protrusion and the second case protrusion may be configured so that, with the drawer case mounted in the storage compartment, the first case protrusion interferes with the first side frame and the second case protrusion interferes with the second side frame so that a movement of the drawer case in the storage compartment may be restricted.

The first side frame may include, a first extension portion, a second extension portion spaced downward from the first extension portion, and a first roller on the second extension portion, the second side frame may include, a third extension portion, a fourth extension portion spaced downward from the third extension portion, and a second roller on the fourth extension portion, the drawer case may include, a first case rib that may protrude from the right surface of the drawer case, and a second case rib that may protrude from the left surface of the drawer case, and the first side frame, the second side frame and the drawer case may be configured so that, with the drawer case mounted in the storage compartment, the first extension portion protrudes toward the right surface of the drawer case, the second extension portion protrudes toward the right surface of the drawer case, the third extension portion protrudes toward the left surface of the drawer case, the fourth extension portion protrudes toward the left surface of the drawer case, the first case rib may be supported by the first roller, and the second case rib may be supported by the second roller.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator including: an inner case provided to form a storage compartment; an evaporator configured to generate cold air supplied to the storage compartment; a duct provided to guide cold air generated by the evaporator to the storage compartment and disposed to face a rear wall of the inner case; a temperature control room disposed inside the storage compartment and provided to have a temperature independent of the storage compartment; a fan case removably coupled to a front side of the duct; and a fan provided to be accommodated in the fan case. The fan is configured to circulate air inside the storage compartment so as to cool the temperature control room.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a state in which a drawer is withdrawn from a drawer case in the refrigerator shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a state in which the drawer case and the drawer are separated from a storage compartment in the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which the drawer case and the drawer shown in FIG. 5 are separated from the storage compartment when viewed from another direction.

FIG. 7 illustrates the drawer case and the drawer according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates the drawer case and the drawer shown in FIG. 7 when viewed from another direction.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 illustrates a state in which the drawer case, the drawer, and a side rail are removed from the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a fan assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates the fan assembly shown in FIG. 12 when viewed from another direction.

FIG. 14 illustrates a duct and the fan assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the fan assembly before being coupled to the duct.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the fan assembly in a process of being coupled to the duct.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the fan assembly after being coupled to the duct.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a state in which a fixing rib is pressed during a process of separating the fan assembly from the duct.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a state in which a hook is pressed during the process of separating the fan assembly from the duct.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the fan assembly after being separated from the duct.

FIG. 21 illustrates a state in which a portion of the refrigerator according to one embodiment is cut out.

FIG. 22 illustrates a cross section of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a control block diagram of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

MODES OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments.

In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context.

In this document, phrases, such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C”, may include any one or all possible combinations of items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of associated listed items.

The term “part”, “portion”, “module”, or “member” may be implemented in hardware or software. In some embodiments, a plurality of “parts”, “portions”, “modules”, or “members” may be implemented as a single component, or a single “part”, “portion”, “module”, or “member” may comprise a plurality of components.

Terms such as “1st”, “2nd”, “primary” or “secondary” may be used simply to distinguish a component from other components, without limiting the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” it may refer to that the component may be connected to another component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

It will be understood that when the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, operations, components, members, or combinations thereof.

It will be understood that when a certain component is referred to as being “connected to”, “coupled to”, “supported by” or “in contact with” another component, it can be directly or indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component. When a component is indirectly connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with another component, it may be connected to, coupled to, supported by, or in contact with the other component through a third component.

It will also be understood that when a component is referred to as being “on” or “over” another component, it can be directly on the other component or intervening components may also be present.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a main body.

The “main body” may include an inner case, an outer case positioned outside the inner case, and an insulation provided between the inner case and the outer case.

The “inner case” may include a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage compartment (also referred to as a storage room). The inner case may be formed as one body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates together. The “outer case” may form an appearance of the main body, and be coupled to an outer side of the inner case such that the insulation is positioned between the inner case and the outer case.

The “insulation” may insulate inside of the storage compartment from outside of the storage compartment to maintain inside temperature of the storage compartment at appropriate temperature without being influenced by an external environment of the storage compartment. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a foaming insulation. The foaming insulation may be molded by fixing the inner case and the outer case with jigs, etc. and then injecting and foaming urethane foam as a mixture of polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner case and the outer case.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the insulation may include a vacuum insulation in addition to a foaming insulation, or may be configured only with a vacuum insulation instead of a forming insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core material and a cladding material accommodating the core material and sealing the inside with vacuum or pressure close to vacuum. The vacuum insulation may further include an adsorbent for adsorbing a gas and water to stably maintain a vacuum state. However, the insulation is not limited to the above-mentioned foaming insulation or vacuum insulation, and may include various materials capable of being used for insulation.

The “storage compartment (storage room)” may include a space defined by the inner case. The storage compartment may further include the inner case defining the space. A variety of items, such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, may be stored in the storage compartment, and at least one side of the storage compartment may be open for putting items or taking items out.

The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. In a case in which two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, the respective storage compartments may have different purposes of use, and may be maintained at different temperature. To this end, the storage compartments may be partitioned by a partition wall including an insulation.

The storage compartment may be maintained within an appropriate temperature range according to a purpose of use, and include a “refrigerating compartment”, a “freezing compartment”, and a “temperature conversion compartment” according to purposes of use and/or temperature ranges. The refrigerating compartment may be maintained at appropriate temperature to keep food refrigerating, and the freezing compartment may be maintained at appropriate temperature to keep food frozen. The “refrigerating” may be keeping food cold without freezing the food, and for example, the refrigerating compartment may be maintained within a range of 0 degrees C. to 7 degrees C. The “freezing” may be freezing food or keeping food frozen, and for example, the freezing compartment may be maintained within a range of −20 degrees C. to −1 degrees C. The temperature conversion compartment may be used as any one of a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment according to or regardless of a user's selection.

The storage compartment may also be called various other terms, such as “vegetable compartment”, “freshness compartment”, “cooling compartment”, and “ice-making compartment”, in addition to “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, and “temperature conversion compartment”, and the terms, such as “refrigerating compartment”, “freezing compartment”, “temperature conversion compartment”, etc., as used below need to be understood to represent storage compartments having the corresponding purposes of use and the corresponding temperature ranges.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include at least one door configured to open or close the open side of the storage compartment. The respective doors may be provided to open and close one or more storage compartments, or a single door may be provided to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be rotatably or slidably mounted on the front of the main body.

The “door” may seal the storage compartment in a closed state. The door may include an insulation, like the main body, to insulate the storage compartment in the closed state.

According to an embodiment, the door may include an outer door plate forming the front surface of the door, an inner door plate forming the rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulation provided therein.

A gasket may be provided on the edge of the inner door plate to seal the storage compartment by coming into close contact with the front surface of the main body when the door is closed. The inner door plate may include a dyke that protrudes rearward to allow a door basket for storing items to be fitted.

According to an embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel that is detachably coupled to the front of the door body and forms the front surface of the door. The door body may include an outer door plate that forms the front surface of the door body, an inner door plate that forms the rear surface of the door body and faces the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and a door insulator provided therein.

The refrigerator may be classified as French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, Bottom Mounted Freezer (BMF), Top Mounted Freezer (TMF), or One Door Refrigerator depending on the arrangement of the doors and the storage compartments.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment.

The “cold air supply device” may include a machine, an apparatus, an electronic device, and/or a combination system thereof, capable of generating cold air and guiding the cool air to cool the storage compartment.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may generate cold air through a cooling cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of refrigerants. To this end, the cold air supply device may include a cooling cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator to drive the cooling cycle. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold air supply device may include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element may cool the storage compartment by heating and cooling actions through the Peltier effect.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a machine compartment where at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are installed.

The “machine compartment” may be partitioned and insulated from the storage compartment to prevent heat generated from the components installed in the machine compartment from being transferred to the storage compartment. To dissipate heat from the components installed inside the machine compartment, the machine compartment may communicate with outside of the main body.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a dispenser provided on the door to provide water and/or ice. The dispenser may be provided on the door to allow access by the user without opening the door.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include an ice-making device that produces ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray that stores water, an ice-moving device that separates ice from the ice-making tray, and an ice-bucket that stores ice generated in the ice-making tray.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a controller for controlling the refrigerator.

The “controller” may include a memory for storing and/or memorizing data and/or programs for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor for outputting control signals for controlling the cold air supply device, etc. according to the programs and/or data memorized in the memory.

The memory may store or record various information, data, commands, programs, and the like necessary for operations of the refrigerator. The memory may store temporary data generated while generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory may include at least one of volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof.

The processor may control the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor may control the components of the refrigerator by executing programs stored in memory. The processor may include a separate neural processing unit (NPU) that performs an operation of an artificial intelligence (AI) model. In addition, the processor may include a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processor (GPU), and the like. The processor may generate a control signal to control the operation of the cold air supply device. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor, and generate a cooling control signal for controlling an operation of the cold air supply device based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

Furthermore, the processor may process a user input of a user interface and control an operation of the user interface according to the programs and/or data memorized/stored in the memory. The user interface may be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor may receive the user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor may transmit a display control signal and image data for displaying an image on the user interface to the user interface in response to the user input.

The processor and memory may be provided integrally or may be provided separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one sub-processor. The memory may include one or more memories.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the disclosure may include a processor and a memory for controlling all the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories for individually controlling the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the cold air supply device according to an output of the temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may be separately equipped with a processor and a memory for controlling the operation of the user interface according to the user input.

A communication module may communicate with external devices, such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances via a nearby access point (AP). The AP may connect a local area network (LAN) to which a refrigerator or a user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The refrigerator or the user device may be connected to the server via the WAN.

The input interface may include keys, a touch screen, a microphone, and the like. The input interface may receive the user input and pass the received user input to the processor.

The output interface may include a display, a speaker, and the like. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, and the like generated by the processor.

The terms “front,” “rear,” “left”, “right”, “up”, “down” and the like used in the following description are defined with reference to the drawings, and the shape and position of each element are not limited by these terms. For example, based on the drawings, the side (front side) of the refrigerator (1) where the door (30) is facing may be defined as the +X side, and the opposite side (rear side) may be defined as the −X side. For example, based on the drawings, the right side may be defined as the +Y side, and the left side as the −Y side. For example, based on the drawings, the upper side may be defined as the +Z side, and the lower side as the −Z side.

Hereinafter, various embodiments according to the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 may include a main body 10. The refrigerator 1 may include a storage compartment 20 disposed inside the main body 10.

The refrigerator 1 may include an inner case 40. The main body 10 may include the inner case 40 forming the storage compartment 20. The inner case 40 may be provided to include a plastic material. For example, the inner case 40 may be manufactured through a vacuum forming process. For example, the inner case 40 may be manufactured through an injection molding process.

The refrigerator 1 may include an outer case 50. The main body 10 may include the outer case 50 disposed on an outside of the inner case 40. The outer case 50 may form at least part of an appearance of the refrigerator 1. The outer case 50 may be referred to as a cabinet 50. The outer case 50 may be provided to include a metal material. For example, the outer case 50 may be manufactured by processing a steel plate material.

The refrigerator 1 may include an insulating material 55. The main body 10 may include the insulating material 55 disposed between the inner case 40 and the outer case 50. The insulating material 55 may insulate between the inner case 40 and the outer case 50. The insulating material 55 may prevent heat exchange between the inner case 40 and the outer case 50. For example, urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, vacuum insulation panel, etc. may be used as the insulating material 55. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, and the insulating material 55 may be formed of various materials.

The refrigerator 1 may include the storage compartment 20. The main body 10 may include the storage compartment 20 formed by the inner case 40. The storage compartment 20 may be used as a refrigerating compartment maintained at temperature of about 0 to 5° C. to keep food refrigerated, and a freezing compartment maintained at temperature of about 0 to −30° C. to keep food frozen.

A front side of the storage compartment 20 may open for putting in and out of food.

The storage compartment 20 may be provided with a shelf 25 on which food is placed. The storage compartment 20 may be provided with a storage container (not shown) provided to accommodate food. The arrangement of the shelf 25 and/or the storage container may be changed in various ways depending on the user's wishes.

The refrigerator 1 may include at least one storage compartment 20. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a first storage compartment 21, a second storage compartment 22, and a third storage compartment 23. In the drawing, it is illustrated that the refrigerator 1 includes three storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 divided into upper and lower sections, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include two or less storage compartments, or may include four or more storage compartments. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include at least two storage compartments divided into left and right sides. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a single storage compartment. Further, the refrigerator 1 may include a storage compartment 20 having various shapes and/or arrangements in addition to the examples described above.

An intermediate wall 48 may be disposed between the first storage compartment 21 and the second storage compartment 22. A partition 49 may be disposed between the second storage compartment 22 and the third storage compartment 23. For example, the intermediate wall 48 may be provided as a configuration of the inner case 40, and the partition 49 may be provided as a separate configuration from the inner case 40 and provided to be removably installed to the inner case 40. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples. Various known configurations and/or arrangements may be applied to the refrigerator 1 according to the present disclosure to partition a plurality of storage compartments.

The refrigerator 1 may include a door 30 configured to open and close the storage compartment 20. The door 30 may form a part of the appearance of the refrigerator 1. The door 30 may form a front exterior of the refrigerator 1.

The refrigerator 1 may include at least one door 30. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a first door 31 configured to open and close the first storage compartment 21. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a second door 32 configured to open and close the second storage compartment 22. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a third door 33 configured to open and close the third storage compartment 23. In the drawing, it is illustrated that the refrigerator 1 includes three doors 31, 32, and 33, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the number of doors 30 may correspond to the number of storage compartments 20. For example, a single door 30 may be provided to open and close the plurality of storage compartments 20.

The first door 31 may be coupled to the main body 10 so as to be rotatable in the left and right directions. For example, a door guard 34 provided to store food may be provided on a rear surface of the first door 31.

The second door 32 may be provided to be slidable so as to be inserted into or withdrawn from the second storage compartment 22. The second door 32 may include a door panel 32a provided to cover an open front side of the second storage compartment 22 and a basket 32b coupled to a rear surface of the door panel 32a. A handle 32c may be provided on the door panel 32a.

The third door 33 may be provided to be slidable so as to be inserted into or withdrawn from the third storage compartment 23. The third door 33 may include a door panel 33a provided to cover an open front side of the third storage compartment 23, and a basket 33b coupled to a rear surface of the door panel 33a. A handle 33c may be provided on the door panel 33a.

The refrigerator 1 may include a cold air supply device configured to generate cold air using a refrigeration cycle and configured to supply the generated cold air to the storage compartment 20. The refrigerator 1 may include a compressor 11, a condenser, an expansion device, and evaporators 12 and 13. The refrigerator 1 may include blowing fans 14 and 15 configured to move cold air generated in the evaporators 12 and 13. The evaporators 12 and 13 may be referred to as heat exchangers 12 and 13. The compressor 11 and the condenser, etc. may be disposed in a machine room 19.

The refrigerator 1 may include a first evaporator 12 and a second evaporator 13. The first evaporator 12 may be configured to cool air collected from the first storage compartment 21. The first evaporator 12 may be configured to generate cold air supplied to the first storage compartment 21. The second evaporator 13 may be configured to cool air collected from the second storage compartment 22 and the third storage compartment 23. The second evaporator 13 may be configured to generate cold air supplied to the second storage compartment 22 and the third storage compartment 23.

The refrigerator 1 may include a first blowing fan 14 and a second blowing fan 15. The first blowing fan 14 may be configured to move cold air generated by the first evaporator 12. The second blowing fan 15 may be configured to move cold air generated by the second evaporator 13.

The refrigerator 1 may include a first damper 16, a second damper 17, and a third damper 18. The first damper 16 may control an amount of cold air supplied to the first storage compartment 21. The second damper 17 may control an amount of cold air supplied to the second storage compartment 22. The third damper 18 may control an amount of cold air supplied to the third storage compartment 23.

The refrigerator 1 may include a first duct 60 provided to guide cold air to the first storage compartment 21. The first duct 60 may guide cold air generated by the first evaporator 12 to the first storage compartment 21. The first duct 60 may be disposed to face a rear wall 42 of the inner case 40. The first duct 60 may be disposed in a rear portion of the first storage compartment 21. The first duct 60 may be disposed behind a temperature control room 100, which will be described later. The first duct 60 may accommodate the first blowing fan 14 and the first damper 16. The first duct 60 may be provided to divide the first storage compartment 21 into a storage space 21a in which food, etc. is stored, and a cooling space 21b in which the first evaporator 12 is disposed. The storage space 21a may be disposed on a front side of the first duct 60, and the cooling space 21b may be disposed on a rear side of the first duct 60.

The refrigerator 1 may include a second duct 69 provided to guide cold air to the second storage compartment 22 and the third storage compartment 23. The second duct 69 may guide cold air generated by the second evaporator 13 to the second storage compartment 22 and the third storage compartment 23. The second duct 69 may be disposed in a rear portion of the second storage compartment 22 and the third storage compartment 23. The second duct 69 may accommodate the second blowing fan 15, the second damper 17, and the third damper 18. In the drawing, it is illustrated that the second duct 69 is a different configuration from the first duct 60, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, according to some embodiments, the first duct 60 and the second duct 69 may be provided as an integrated configuration.

Meanwhile, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described content. The arrangement, shape, number, etc. of configurations for generating, supplying, and/or guiding cold air may vary according to the type of refrigerator 1. For example, unlike the drawings, the refrigerator 1 may include a single evaporator. In this case, at least one flow path may be provided to connect a space, in which the evaporator is disposed, and at least one storage compartment. For example, unlike the drawing, the refrigerator 1 may include a single duct. In this case, the duct may be provided to allow all storage compartments to communicate with each other. The number of blowing fans and/or dampers may also vary.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a state in which a drawer is withdrawn from a drawer case in the refrigerator shown in FIG. 3.

The refrigerator 1 may include the temperature control room 100 (refer to FIG. 4). The temperature control room 100 may be disposed in the storage compartment 20. For example, the temperature control room 100 may be disposed in at least one of the first storage compartment 21, the second storage compartment 22, or the third storage compartment 23. In the drawing, it is illustrated that the refrigerator 1 includes a single temperature control room 100, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The refrigerator 1 may include a plurality of temperature control rooms 100, and each of the plurality of temperature control rooms 100 may be disposed in the first storage compartment 21, the second storage compartment 22, or the third storage compartment 23, respectively.

However hereinafter an example in which the temperature control room 100 is disposed in the first storage compartment 21 will be described. For convenience of description, the first storage compartment 21 may be referred to as the storage compartment 21, and the first duct 60 may be referred to as the duct 60. Information regarding the temperature control room 100 and configurations for controlling a temperature of the temperature control room 100 (e.g., fan assembly 200, heating assembly 80, etc.) described below may be applied to various cases such as an example in which the temperature control room is disposed in the second storage compartment 22, an example in which the temperature control room is disposed in the third storage compartment 23, and an example in which the temperature control room is disposed in a single storage compartment. Further, each of walls 41, 42, 43, 44, and 45 of the inner case 40 described below may correspond to a wall for defining the storage compartment 21. For example, the inner case 40 may include a bottom wall 41, the rear wall 42, a right wall 43, a left wall 44, and an upper wall 45 to define the storage compartment 21.

The temperature control room 100 may be disposed inside the storage compartment 21. The temperature control room 100 may be provided to have a temperature independent of the storage compartment 21. An internal temperature of the temperature control room 100 may be higher or lower than an internal temperature of the storage compartment 21. The internal temperature of the temperature control room 100 may have a different temperature from the internal temperature of the storage compartment 21 according to settings set by a user. In some cases, the internal temperature of the temperature control room 100 may be the same as the internal temperature of the storage compartment 21.

For example, the temperature control room 100 may have a temperature provided to ripen (or thaw) food. For example, food that requires ripening (or thawing), such as kimchi, bread dough, meat, wine, etc., may be stored in the temperature control room 100. For example, after ripening (or thawing) of food stored in the temperature control room 100 is completed, the temperature control room 100 may have the same temperature as the storage compartment 21. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, and the temperature control room 100 may have various temperature ranges according to user's settings.

The refrigerator 1 may include a drawer case 110. The drawer case 110 may be disposed inside the storage compartment 21. The drawer case 110 may be disposed in front of the fan assembly 200, which will be described later. The drawer case 110 may be disposed above a portion of the heating assembly 80, which will be described later. The drawer case 110 may be disposed in front of another portion of the heating assembly 80, which will be described later. A detailed description of the heating assembly 80 and the fan assembly 200 will be described later.

The drawer case 110 may be provided to form the temperature control room 100. The drawer case 110 may be provided to accommodate a drawer 120, which will be described later. The drawer case 110 may have a shape in which a front surface is open.

The refrigerator 1 may include the drawer 120. The drawer 120 may be removably mounted on the drawer case 110. The drawer 120 may be provided to be inserted into the drawer case 110 or withdrawn from the drawer case 110. The drawer 120 may be provided to be inserted into the drawer case 110 or withdrawn from the drawer case 110 through the open front surface of the drawer case 110. The drawer 120 may have a shape in which an upper surface is open.

The drawer 120 may include a storage space 121 to accommodate food, etc. Various foods such as kimchi, bread dough, meat, wine, vegetables, etc. may be stored in the storage space 121. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various storage items in addition to food may be stored in the storage space 121.

As the drawer 120 is inserted into the drawer case 110, the storage space 121 of the drawer 120 may be accommodated in the temperature control room 100. That is, as the storage space 121 of the drawer 120 is located within the temperature control room 100, the food contained in the storage space 121 may also be located within the temperature control room 100. Food contained in the storage space 121 may be stored within the temperature control room 100 for a predetermined period of time. Food contained in the storage space 121 may be ripened (or thawed) in the temperature control room 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a state in which the drawer case and the drawer are separated from a storage compartment in the refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which the drawer case and the drawer shown in FIG. 5 are separated from the storage compartment when viewed from another direction. FIG. 7 illustrates the drawer case and the drawer according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates the drawer case and the drawer shown in FIG. 7 when viewed from another direction. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A′ shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B′ shown in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the drawer case 110 may be provided to be separable from the storage compartment 21. The drawer case 110 may be replaced with a general storage container, shelf, etc. For example, when the temperature control room 100 is not used, a user can disassemble the drawer case 110 from the storage compartment 21 and assemble a general storage container, shelf, etc. into a side frame 300, which will be described later. At this time, a user can disassemble the fan assembly 200 and/or the heating assembly 80 from the storage compartment 21 to secure more space in the storage compartment 21.

The drawer 120 may be provided to be separable from the storage compartment 21. As the drawer case 110 is separated from the storage compartment 21, the drawer 120 inserted into the drawer case 110 may also be separated from the storage compartment 21. However, unlike FIGS. 5 and 6, the drawer 120 does not need to be separated from the storage compartment 21 while being inserted into the drawer case 110. The drawer 120 may be separated from the storage compartment 21 by being withdrawn from the drawer case 110 disposed in the storage compartment 21.

Each configuration of the drawer case 110 and the drawer 120 according to one embodiment will be described.

The drawer case 110 may have a substantially box shape. For example, the drawer case 110 may include a lower surface 110a, a rear surface 110b, a right surface 110c, a left surface 110d, an upper surface 110e, and a front surface 110f. For example, at least a portion of the front surface 110f of the drawer case 110 may be opened to allow the drawer 120 to be inserted into and withdrawn from the drawer case 110.

The drawer case 110 may include a first case hole 111. The first case hole 111 may be formed on the lower surface 110a of the drawer case 110. The first case hole 111 may be provided to correspond to the heating assembly 80. By forming the first case hole 111 in the drawer case 110, the temperature control room 100 may be quickly heated by the heating assembly 80. By forming the first case hole 111 in the drawer case 110, the storage space 121 of the drawer 120 inserted into the drawer case 110 may be quickly heated by the heating assembly 80.

The drawer case 110 may include a second case hole 112. The second case hole 112 may be formed on the rear surface 110b of the drawer case 110. The second case hole 112 may be provided to correspond to the fan assembly 200. The second case hole 112 may be provided to face a fan 210. The rear surface of the drawer 120 (i.e., a rear surface 122b of a drawer body 122) inserted into the drawer case 110 may be provided to face the fan 210 through the second case hole 112. By forming the second case hole 112 in the drawer case 110, the temperature control room 100 may be quickly cooled by the fan assembly 200. By forming the second case hole 112 in the drawer case 110, the storage space 121 of the drawer 120 inserted into the drawer case 110 may be quickly cooled by the fan assembly 200.

The drawer case 110 may include a pair of case rollers 113. The pair of case rollers 113 may be disposed on an inner side of the both side surfaces 110c and 110d of the drawer case 110. The pair of case rollers 113 of the drawer case 110 may correspond to a pair of rails 125 of the drawer 120, which will be described later.

The drawer case 110 may include a pair of case rails 114. The pair of case rails 114 may be provided on the inner side of the both side surfaces 110c and 110d of the drawer case 110. The pair of case rails 114 may have an extended shape along a moving direction of the drawer 120. The pair of case rails 114 of the drawer case 110 may correspond to a pair of drawer rollers 124 of the drawer 120, which will be described later.

The drawer case 110 may include a case protrusion 115. The case protrusion 115 may be formed on at least one of the both side surfaces 110c and 110d of the drawer case 110. The case protrusion 115 may protrude from at least one of the both side surfaces 110c and 110d. The case protrusion 115 may be provided to interfere with the side frame 300. The case protrusion 115 may be provided to be coupled to the side frame 300. For example, the case protrusion 115 may have a substantially cylindrical shape.

For example, the drawer case 110 may include a first case protrusion 1151 formed on the right surface 110c of the drawer case 110, and a second case protrusion 1152 formed on the left surface 110d of the drawer case 110. The first case protrusion 1151 may protrude from the right surface 110c of the drawer case 110. The first case protrusion 1151 may be provided to interfere with a first side frame 310 (refer to FIG. 5), which will be described later. The first case protrusion 1151 may be provided to be coupled to the first side frame 310. The second case protrusion 1152 may protrude from the left surface 110d of the drawer case 110. The second case protrusion 1152 may be provided to interfere with a second side frame 320 (refer to FIGS. 5 and 6), which will be described later. The second case protrusion 1152 may be provided to be coupled to the second side frame 320.

In the drawing, it is illustrated that a single case protrusion 115 is formed on each of the both side surfaces 110c and 110d of the drawer case 110, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of case protrusions 115 may be formed on the right surface 110c of the case 110, and one case protrusion 115 may be formed on the left surface 110d of the case 110. For example, one case protrusion 115 may be formed on the right surface 110c of the case 110, and a plurality of case protrusions 115 may be formed on the left surface 110d of the case 110. For example, the plurality of case protrusions 115 may be formed on each of the right surface 110c and left surface 110d of the case 110.

The drawer case 110 may include a case rib 116. The case rib 116 may be formed on at least one of the both side surfaces 110c and 110d of the drawer case 110. The case rib 116 may protrude from at least one of the both side surfaces 110c and 110d. The case rib 116 may be provided to be supported by the side frame 300. The case rib 116 may be provided to prevent the drawer case 110 from sagging and/or being deformed. For example, the case rib 116 may have a substantially plate shape.

For example, the drawer case 110 may include a first case rib 1161 formed on the right surface 110c of the drawer case 110, and a second case rib 1162 formed on the left surface 110d of the drawer case 110. The first case rib 1161 may protrude from the right surface 110c of the drawer case 110. The first case rib 1161 may be supported by a first roller 314 of the first side frame 310, which will be described later. The second case rib 1162 may protrude from the left surface 110d of the drawer case 110. The second case rib 1162 may be supported by a second roller 324 of the second side frame 320, which will be described later.

In the drawing, it is illustrated that one case rib 116 is formed on each of the both side surfaces 110c and 110d of the drawer case 110, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of case ribs 116 may be formed on the right surface 110c of the case 110, and one case rib 116 may be formed on the left surface 110d of the case 110. For example, one case rib 116 may be formed on the right surface 110c of the case 110, and a plurality of case ribs 116 may be formed on the left surface 110d of the case 110. For example, a plurality of case ribs 116 may be formed on each of the right surface 110c and left surface 110d of the case 110.

The drawer 120 may include the drawer body 122 forming the storage space 121. For example, the drawer body 122 may include a lower surface 122a, the rear surface 122b, a right surface 122c, a left surface 122d, and a front surface 122e. For example, the drawer body 122 may have a shape in which an upper side is open for putting in and out of food.

The drawer 120 may include a drawer hole 123. The drawer hole 123 may be formed on the rear surface 122d of the drawer body 122. The drawer hole 123 may be provided to correspond to the second case hole 112 of the drawer case 110. Air blown by the fan 210 may easily flow into the storage space 121 through the drawer hole 123. That is, by forming the drawer hole 123 in the drawer body 122, the storage space 121 may be quickly cooled by the fan assembly 200.

The drawer 120 may include the pair of drawer rollers 124. The pair of drawer rollers 124 may be disposed on the outside of the both side surfaces 122c and 122d of the drawer body 122. While the drawer 120 is being inserted into or withdrawn from the drawer case 110, the pair of drawer rollers 124 may be guided by the pair of case rails 114. The drawer 120 may be provided to slide with respect to the drawer case 110. As a result, the drawer 120 may be more smoothly inserted into and/or withdrawn from the drawer case 110.

The drawer 120 may include the pair of drawer rails 125. The pair of drawer rails 125 may be disposed on the outside of the both side surfaces 122c and 122d of the drawer body 122. While the drawer 120 is being inserted into or withdrawn from the drawer case 110, the pair of drawer rails 125 may be guided by the pair of case rollers 113. The drawer 120 may be provided to slide with respect to the drawer case 110. As a result, the drawer 120 may be more smoothly inserted into and/or withdrawn from the drawer case 110.

The drawer 120 may include a drawer panel 126 provided to cover the front side of the drawer body 122. The drawer panel 126 may be removably coupled to the front side of the drawer body 122. The drawer panel 126 may include a handle 1261. A user can insert the drawer 120 into the drawer case 110 or withdraw the drawer 120 from the drawer case 110 by gripping the handle 1261.

For example, the drawer panel 126 may include a first panel 126a, a second panel 126b, and a gasket 126c. For example, at least one of the first panel 126a and the second panel 126b may be provided to block heat or cold air from leaking out of the drawer body 122. For example, the gasket 126c may be provided to seal between the drawer panel 126 and the drawer case 110. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example, and the drawer panel 126 may be provided as a single configuration.

In the drawing, it is illustrated that the drawer body 122 and the drawer panel 126 are separate configurations, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the drawer body 122 and the drawer panel 126 may be provided as an integrated configuration.

The refrigerator 1 may include at least one side frame 300. The side frame 300 may be disposed in the storage compartment 21. The side frame 300 may be removably mounted on the inner case 40. The drawer case 110 may be removably mounted on the side frame 300. The drawer case 110 may be mounted on the side frame 300 and disposed inside the storage compartment 21. The side frame 300 may fix the drawer case 110 to the inner case 40. Although not shown in the drawing, the side frame 300 may fix not only the drawer case 110 but also a general storage container, shelf, etc. to the inner case 40. As a result, the drawer case 110 may be provided to be replaceable with a general storage container, shelf, etc. For example, when a general storage container or shelf is disposed inside the storage compartment 21 instead of the temperature control room 100, the drawer case 110 may be separated from the side frame 300, and the general storage container or shelf may be assembled to the side frame 300.

For example, the refrigerator 1 may include the first side frame 310 and the second side frame 320. The first side frame 310 may be disposed adjacent to the right surface 110c of the drawer case 110 and removably coupled to the inner case 40. The second side frame 320 may be disposed adjacent to the left surface 110d of the drawer case 110 and removably coupled to the inner case 40.

The first side frame 310 may include a first frame body 310a provided to be fixed to the inner case 40. For example, the first frame body 310a may be removably coupled to the right wall 43 of the inner case 40.

The first side frame 310 may include a first extension portion 311. The first extension portion 311 may protrude toward the right surface 110c of the drawer case 110. The first extension portion 311 may have a shape extending approximately along the front and rear direction (X direction).

The first side frame 310 may include a second extension portion 312 spaced downward from the first extension portion 311. The second extension portion 312 may protrude toward the right surface 110c of the drawer case 110. The second extension portion 312 may have a shape extending approximately along the front and rear direction (X direction).

The first side frame 310 may include a first rail 313 formed between the first extension portion 311 and the second extension portion 312. The first rail 313 may have a shape extending approximately along the front and rear direction (X direction). A general storage container, shelf, etc. may include a protrusion and/or roller provided to slide along the first rail 313. A general storage container, shelf, etc. may be disposed in the storage compartment 21 or separated from the storage compartment 21 while moving along the first rail 313.

The first side frame 310 may include a first roller 314 provided on the second extension portion 312. The first roller 314 may be provided to guide the drawer case 110, a storage container, shelf, etc. mounted on the first side frame 310.

The second side frame 320 may include a second frame body 320a provided to be fixed to the inner case 40. For example, the second frame body 320a may be removably coupled to the bottom wall 41 of the inner case 40.

The second side frame 320 may include a third extension portion 321. The third extension portion 321 may protrude toward the left surface 110d of the drawer case 110. The third extension portion 321 may have a shape extending approximately along the front and rear direction (X direction).

The second side frame 320 may include a fourth extension portion 322 spaced downward from the third extension portion 321. The fourth extension portion 322 may protrude toward the left surface 110d of the drawer case 110. The fourth extension portion 322 may have a shape extending approximately along the front and rear direction (X direction).

The second side frame 320 may include a second rail 323 formed between the third extension portion 321 and the fourth extension portion 322. The second rail 323 may have a shape extending approximately along the front and rear direction (X direction). A general storage container, shelf, etc. may include a protrusion and/or roller provided to slide along the second rail 323. A general storage container, shelf, etc. may be disposed in the storage compartment 21 or separated from the storage compartment 21 while moving along the second rail 323.

The second side frame 320 may include a second roller 324 provided on the fourth extension portion 322. The second roller 324 may be provided to guide the drawer case 110, a storage container, shelf, etc. mounted on the second side frame 320.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the second side frame 320 may be provided to fix another drawer case (not shown) other than the drawer case 100, which is shown in the drawing, to the inner case 40. Another drawer case may be provided on one side of the second side frame 320 that is opposite to one side adjacent to the drawer case 100. The drawer case 110 may be removably coupled to a right side 320b of the second side frame 320, and another drawer case may be removably coupled to a left side 320c of the second side frame 320.

The second side frame 320 may include a fifth extension portion 325. The fifth extension portion 325 may protrude in a direction opposite to a protruding direction of the third extension portion 321. The fifth extension portion 325 may have a shape extending approximately along the front and rear direction (X direction). For example, the fifth extension portion 325 may have substantially the same shape as the third extension portion 321 except for the protruding direction. For example, the fifth extension portion 325 may perform substantially the same function as the third extension portion 321.

The second side frame 320 may include a sixth extension portion 326 spaced downward from the fifth extension portion 325. The sixth extension portion 326 may protrude in the same direction as a protruding direction of the fifth extension portion 325. The sixth extension portion 326 may have a shape extending approximately along the front and rear direction (X direction). For example, the sixth extension portion 326 may have substantially the same shape as the fourth extension portion 322 except for the protruding direction. For example, the sixth extension portion 326 may perform substantially the same function as the fourth extension portion 322.

The second side frame 320 may include a third rail 327 formed between the fifth extension portion 325 and the sixth extension portion 326. The third rail 327 may have a shape extending approximately along the front and rear direction (X direction). For example, the third rail 327 may have substantially the same shape and function as the second rail 323.

The second side frame 320 may include a third roller 328 disposed on the sixth extension portion 326. The third roller 328 may be provided to guide the drawer case, a storage container, shelf, etc. mounted on the second side frame 320. For example, the third roller 328 may have substantially the same shape and function as the second roller 324.

In the drawing, an example in which the refrigerator 1 includes the first side frame 310 and the second side frame 320 is illustrated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include only one of the first side frame 310 and the second side frame 320. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a plurality of first side frames 310. For example, the refrigerator 1 may include a plurality of second side frames 320. Additionally, in the drawings, it is illustrated that the first side frame 310 and the second side frame 320 have different shapes, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first side frame 310 and the second side frame 320 may have substantially the same shape.

Meanwhile, the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” do not limit the configuration. For example, the first side frame 310 may be referred to as a second side frame 310, and the second side frame 320 may be referred to as a first side frame 320.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, while the drawer case 110 is mounted on the side frame 300, the case protrusion 115 may interfere with the side frame 300. Accordingly, the drawer case 110 may not be easily separated from the side frame 300. Additionally, while the drawer case 110 is mounted on the side frame 300, the case rib 116 may be supported by the side frame 300. As a result, it is possible to prevent the drawer case 110 from sagging and/or being deformed.

Referring to FIG. 9, the first case protrusion 1151 of the drawer case 110 may be provided to interfere with the first extension portion 311 of the first side frame 310. The first case protrusion 1151 may be provided to be in contact with the first extension portion 311. In a state in which the first case protrusion 1151 interferes with the first extension portion 311, movement of the drawer case 110 may be restricted. For example, an upper portion of the first case protrusion 1151 may interfere with the first extension portion 311, and the drawer case 110 may be restricted from moving upward.

The first case rib 1161 of the drawer case 110 may be supported by the first roller 314 of the first side frame 310. The first case rib 1161 may be provided to be in contact with the first roller 314.

Referring to FIG. 10, the second case protrusion 1152 of the drawer case 110 may be provided to interfere with the third extension portion 321 of the second side frame 320. The second case protrusion 1152 may be provided to be in contact with the third extension portion 321. In a state in which the second case protrusion 1152 interferes with the third extension portion 321, movement of the drawer case 110 may be restricted. For example, an upper portion of the second case protrusion 1152 may interfere with the third extension portion 313, and the drawer case 110 may be restricted from moving upward.

The second case rib 1162 of the drawer case 110 may be supported by the second roller 324 of the second side frame 320. The second case rib 1162 may be provided to be in contact with the second roller 324.

FIG. 11 illustrates a state in which the drawer case, the drawer, and a side rail are removed from the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

The refrigerator 1 may include the heating assembly 80. The heating assembly 80 may be disposed in the storage compartment 21. The heating assembly 80 may be configured to increase the temperature of the temperature control room 100. The heating assembly 80 may be configured to heat the temperature control room 100. The heating assembly 80 may be configured to heat a lower portion of the temperature control room 100. The heating assembly 80 may be disposed to face the lower surface 110a of the drawer case 110 (refer to FIGS. 3, 7, and 8). The heating assembly 80 may be disposed to face the rear surface 110b of the drawer case 110 (refer to FIGS. 3 and 8).

The heating assembly 80 may be disposed outside the temperature control room 100. That is, the heating assembly 80 may be disposed outside the drawer case 110. Because the heating assembly 80 is not disposed inside the drawer case 110, it is easy to secure space in the temperature control room 100. That is, space utilization of the temperature control room 100 may be improved. Additionally, the drawer 120 may be freely attached and detached from the drawer case 110 without interfering with the heating assembly 80.

The heating assembly 80 may include a heater 81. The heater 81 may generate heat. For example, the heater 81 may have a substantially plate shape. For example, the heater 81 may include two aluminum sheets and a heating wire disposed between the two aluminum sheets. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, and the heater 81 may be provided in various shapes and/or configurations.

The heating assembly 80 may include a bimetal 83. The bimetal 83 may be provided to prevent overheating of the heater 81.

The heating assembly 80 may include a heater case 82. The heater case 82 may accommodate the heater 81. The heater case 82 may protect the heater 81. The heater case 81 may accommodate the bimetal 83. The heater case 82 may protect the bimetal 83. The heater case 82 may be mounted on the bottom wall 41 of the inner case 40 and a front side 60a of the duct 60.

The refrigerator 1 may include the fan assembly 200. The fan assembly 200 may be disposed in the storage compartment 21. The fan assembly 200 may be configured to lower the temperature of the temperature control room 100. The fan assembly 200 may be configured to cool the temperature control room 100. The fan assembly 200 may be disposed to face the rear surface 110b of the drawer case 110 (refer to FIGS. 3 and 8).

The fan assembly 200 may be disposed outside the temperature control room 100. That is, the fan assembly 200 may be disposed outside the drawer case 110. Because the fan assembly 200 is not disposed inside the drawer case 110, it is easy to secure space in the temperature control room 100. That is, space utilization of the temperature control room 100 may be improved. Additionally, the drawer 120 may be freely attached to and detached from the drawer case 110 without interfering with the fan assembly 200.

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a fan assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 illustrates the fan assembly shown in FIG. 12 when viewed from another direction.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the fan assembly 200 may include the fan 210. The fan 210 may be provided to be accommodated in a fan case 220, which will be described later. The fan 210 may generate a blowing force. The fan 210 may be configured to discharge air toward the temperature control room 100. The fan 210 may be configured to circulate the air inside the storage compartment 21. The fan 210 may be configured to force the air inside the storage compartment 21 to move. A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

The fan assembly 200 may include the fan case 220. The fan case 220 may be provided to accommodate the fan 210. The fan case 220 may protect the fan 210. The fan case 220 may be provided to accommodate a temperature sensor 230, which will be described later. The fan case 220 may protect the temperature sensor 230. The fan case 220 may be provided to be mountable on the front side 60a of the duct 60. The fan case 220 may be provided to be couplable to the front side 60a of the duct 60.

The fan case 220 may include a first cover 221 and a second cover 222.

The first cover 221 may be arranged to face the temperature control room 100. The first cover 221 may be removably coupled to the front side 60a of the duct 60.

The second cover 222 may be provided to be removably coupled to the rear side of the first cover 221 with the fan 210 interposed therebetween. The second cover 222 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the front side 60a of the duct 60 by a predetermined distance d (refer to FIG. 23).

The first cover 221 may include a first coupling portion 2210, and the second cover 222 may include a second coupling portion 2220 corresponding to the first coupling portion 2210. For example, the first coupling portion 2210 may include a coupling hole, and the second coupling portion 2220 may include a coupling protrusion inserted into the coupling hole. However, on the contrary, the first coupling portion 2210 may include a coupling protrusion, and the second coupling portion 2220 may include a coupling hole into which the coupling protrusion is inserted. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described examples, and the first cover 221 and the second cover 222 may be coupled through various known methods. Meanwhile, the fan case 220 may be provided as a single configuration. The first cover 221 may be provided integrally with the second cover 222.

Meanwhile, the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” do not limit the configuration. For example, the first cover 221 may be referred to as the second cover 221, and the second cover 222 may be referred to as the first cover 222.

The fan assembly 200 may include an inlet 223. The inlet 223 may be provided to draw in air inside the storage compartment 21. The inlet 223 may be provided to communicate with the storage compartment 21. The inlet 223 may be provided as a configuration of the fan case 220. For example, the inlet 223 may be formed in the second cover 222.

The fan assembly 200 may include an outlet 224. The outlet 23 may be provided to discharge air blown by the fan 210. The outlet 23 may be provided to communicate with the temperature control room 100. The outlet 23 may be provided as a configuration of the fan case 220. For example, the outlet 23 may be formed in the first cover 221.

The fan assembly 200 may include a temperature sensor 230. The temperature sensor 230 may be configured to detect a temperature of the temperature control room 100. The temperature sensor 230 may be removably mounted on the fan case 220. For example, the temperature sensor 230 may be removably mounted on a sensor mounting portion 229 formed on one side of the fan case 220 facing the temperature control room 100.

The fan assembly 200 may include a fan connector 240. The fan connector 240 may be provided to supply power to the fan 210. The fan connector 240 may electrically connect the fan 210 to a controller 70 (refer to FIG. 24), which will be described later. For example, the fan connector 240 may be disposed at one end of a wire 210w of the fan 210.

The fan assembly 200 may include a sensor connector 250. The sensor connector 250 may be provided to supply power to the temperature sensor 230. The sensor connector 250 may electrically connect the controller 70 (refer to FIG. 24) and the temperature sensor 230. For example, the sensor connector 250 may be disposed at one end of a wire 230w of the temperature sensor 230.

The fan assembly 200 may include a wire fixing portion 260. The wire fixing portion 260 may be provided to fix the wire 210w of the fan 210 and/or the wire 230w of the temperature sensor 230. The wire fixing portion 260 may be provided as a configuration of the fan case 220. For example, the wire fixing portion 260 may be formed on the second cover 222.

The fan assembly 200 may include a sensor fixing member 270 accommodated in the fan case 220 so as to fix the temperature sensor 230. For example, the sensor fixing member 270 may be provided to fill a space between the fan case 220 and the temperature sensor 230. For example, in order to allow the temperature sensor 230 to more sensitively detect the temperature of the temperature control room 100, the sensor fixing member 270 may include an insulating material.

The fan assembly 200 may include a cutout portion 280 formed in the fan case 220. The cutout portion 280 may be provided to allow the inlet 223 and the storage compartment 21 to communicate with each other. The cutout portion 280 may secure a predetermined space between the fan case 220 and the duct 60 while the fan case 220 is coupled to the duct 60. As will be described later, the air inside the storage compartment 21 may pass through the cutout portion 280 and flow into the inlet 223. For example, the cutout portion 280 may be formed in the first cover 221.

FIG. 14 illustrates a duct and the fan assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the fan assembly before being coupled to the duct. FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the fan assembly in a process of being coupled to the duct. FIG. 17 illustrates an example of the fan assembly after being coupled to the duct.

The duct 60 may include a hook 610. The hook 610 may be formed at the front side 60a of the duct 60. The hook 610 may protrude from the front side 60a of the duct 60. The hook 610 may be removably coupled to the fan case 220. The hook 610 may correspond to a hook hole 225, which will be described later.

The hook 610 may include a first hook protrusion 611 protruding toward the storage compartment 21 and a second hook protrusion 612 spaced apart from the first hook protrusion 611 and protruding toward the storage compartment 21.

For example, the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may be provided to be elastically deformable. For example, the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may approach each other by an external force. For example, the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 return to their original state and position when the external force applied to the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 is removed.

For example, the first hook protrusion 611 may include a groove 611a. A user can grip the groove 611a. For example, the second hook protrusion 612 may include a groove 612a. A user can grip the groove 612a.

In the drawing, it is illustrated that the duct 60 includes two hooks 610 spaced apart from each other, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The duct 60 may include a single hook 610 or may include three or more hooks 610.

The duct 60 may include an opening 620. The opening 620 may be formed in the front side 60a of the duct 60. For example, the opening 620 may be formed by cutting a portion of the duct 60. The opening 620 may correspond to a locking protrusion 228, which will be described later.

In the drawing, it is illustrated that the duct 60 includes two openings 620 spaced apart from each other, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The duct 60 may include one opening 620 or may include three or more openings 620.

The duct 60 may include a first connector hole 630 into which the fan connector 240 is insertable. The first connector hole 630 may be formed in the front side 60a of the duct 60. The fan connector 240 may be mounted on the duct 60 by being inserted into the first connector hole 630. The fan connector 240 mounted on the duct 60 may be electrically connected to the controller 70.

The duct 60 may include a second connector hole 640 into which the sensor connector 250 is insertable. The second connector hole 640 may be formed in the front side 60a of the duct 60. The sensor connector 250 may be mounted on the duct 60 by being inserted into the second connector hole 640. The sensor connector 250 mounted on the duct 60 may be electrically connected to the controller 70.

The fan assembly 200 may include configurations couplable to the duct 60.

The fan case 220 may include the hook hole 225. The hook hole 225 may be provided to accommodate the hook 610. The hook 610 may be inserted into hook hole 225. A portion of the hook 610 may be provided to pass through the hook hole 225. For example, the number of hook holes 225 may correspond to the number of hooks 610. For example, the hook hole 225 may be formed in the first cover 221.

The fan case 220 may include a hook locking portion 226. The hook locking portion 226 may be provided to be couplable to the hook 610 accommodated in the hook hole 225. The hook locking portion 226 may be provided to interfere with the hook 610 accommodated in the hook hole 225. The hook 610 may be provided to be locked to the hook locking portion 226. For example, the hook locking portion 226 may be formed on the first cover 221.

The hook locking portion 226 may be disposed around the hook hole 225. For example, the hook locking portion 226 may be provided on at least a portion of an edge that defines the hook hole 225.

The hook locking portion 226 may include a first locking portion 2261 provided to interfere with the first hook protrusion 611, and a second locking portion 2262 provided to interfere with the second hook protrusion 612. For example, the first locking portion 2261 and the second locking portion 2262 may be arranged with the hook hole 225 interposed therebetween.

The fan case 220 may include a fixing rib 227. The fixing rib 227 may be provided to prevent the hook 610 from being separated from the hook locking portion 226 while the hook 610 and the hook locking portion 226 are coupled. The fixing rib 227 may be provided to prevent the hook 610, which is accommodated in the hook hole 225, from being separated from the hook hole 225 due to the elastic deformation of the hook 610. For example, the number of fixing ribs 227 may correspond to the number of hook holes 224. For example, the fixing rib 227 may be formed on the first cover 221.

The fixing rib 227 may be arranged to be disposed between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 while the hook 610 and the hook locking portion 226 are coupled. The fixing rib 227 may be disposed between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 and provided to be in contact with at least one of the first hook protrusion 611 or the second hook protrusion 612. The fixing rib 227 may be disposed between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 and provided to maintain a gap between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612.

The fixing rib 227 may be disposed adjacent to the hook hole 225. For example, the fixing rib 227 may extend toward the hook hole 225 from a portion of an edge that defines the hook hole 225.

For example, the fixing rib 227 may be provided to be elastically deformable. For example, the fixing rib 227 may be provided to escape from between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 as the fixing rib 227 is pressed by an external force. For example, the fixing rib 227 may return to its original state and position when the external force applied to the fixing rib 227 is removed.

The fan case 220 may include the locking protrusion 228. The locking protrusion 228 may be provided to correspond to the opening 620. The locking protrusion 228 may be provided to be mounted on the duct 60 by being inserted into the opening 620. For example, the number of locking protrusions 228 may correspond to the number of openings 620. For example, the locking protrusion 228 may be formed on the first cover 221.

An example of a process in which the fan assembly 200 is coupled to the duct 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. However, this is only an example, and the process of coupling the fan assembly 200 and the duct 60 is not limited to the state or sequence shown in FIGS. 15 to 17.

Referring to FIG. 15, the locking protrusion 228 of the fan assembly 200 may be disposed to face the opening 620 of the duct 60. The locking protrusion 228 of the fan assembly 200 may be disposed to correspond to the opening 620 of the duct 60.

Referring to FIG. 16, the locking protrusion 228 of the fan assembly 200 may be inserted into the opening 620 of the duct 60. The locking protrusion 228 of the fan assembly 200 may be mounted on the duct 60. For example, the fan assembly 200 may be temporarily fixed to the duct 60.

Referring to FIG. 17, the hook 610 of the duct 60 may be inserted into the hook hole 225. A portion of the hook 610 may be provided to pass through the hook hole 225 and locked to the hook locking portion 226. For example, while a portion of the hook 610 passes through the hook hole 225, the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may be elastically deformed. For example, while a portion of the hook 610 passes through the hook hole 225, the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may be provided to be close to each other. For example, after a portion of the hook 610 passes through the hook hole 225, the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may return to their original state, respectively, and the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may be locked to the first hook locking portion 2261 and the second hook locking portion 2262.

Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawing, the fan connector 240 of the fan assembly 200 may be inserted into the first connector hole 630 of the duct 60, and the sensor connector 250 of the fan assembly 200 may be inserted into the second connector hole 640 of the duct 60. For example, this operation may be performed before the locking protrusion 228 is inserted into the opening 620, or after the locking protrusion 228 is inserted into the opening 620, or in a process in which the locking protrusion 228 is inserted into the opening 620.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of a state in which a fixing rib is pressed during a process of separating the fan assembly from the duct. FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a state in which a hook is pressed during the process of separating the fan assembly from the duct. FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the fan assembly after being separated from the duct.

An example of a process in which the fan assembly 200 is separated from the duct 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 to 20. However, this is only an example, and the separation process of the fan assembly 200 and the duct 60 is not limited to a state or sequence shown in FIGS. 18 to 20.

Referring to FIG. 18, the fixing rib 227 may be pressed by an external force. The fixing rib 227 may be provided to escape from between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612. The fixing rib 227 may be provided so as not to be disposed between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612. The fixing rib 227 may be pressed in a direction away from the hook hole 225. For example, the fixing rib 227 may be lifted.

Referring to FIG. 19, while the fixing rib 227 escapes from between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612, the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may be pressed by the external force. While the fixing rib 227 escapes from between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612, the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may be elastically deformable. While the fixing rib 227 escapes from between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612, the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may be pressed to approach each other. While the fixing rib 227 escapes from between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612, the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may be pressed to be close to each other. As the fixing rib 227 escapes from between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612, the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may not interfere with the fixing rib 227.

Accordingly, the hook 610 may be provided to be separated from the hook locking portion 226. The hook 610 may be provided so as not to be locked to the hook locking portion 226. The first hook protrusion 611 may not interfere with the first locking portion 2261. The second hook protrusion 612 may not interfere with the second locking portion 2262.

Referring to FIG. 20, the hook 610 may be separated from the hook hole 225. The first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may escape from the hook hole 225. Accordingly, the fan assembly 200 may be separated from the duct 60.

FIG. 21 illustrates a state in which a portion of the refrigerator according to one embodiment is cut out. FIG. 22 illustrates a cross section of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 22.

Referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, the fan assembly 200 may be disposed behind the temperature control room 100. The fan assembly 200 may be disposed in front of the duct 60. The fan assembly 200 may be disposed between the rear side of the temperature control room 100 and the front side of the duct 60.

The fan 210 may be configured to circulate air inside the storage compartment 21. The fan 210 may be configured to draw in the air inside the storage compartment 21 and discharge the drawn air into the temperature control room 100. The fan 210 may forcibly move the air inside the storage compartment 21 to allow the air inside the storage compartment 21 to be drawn through the inlet 223 and to be discharged toward the temperature control room 100 through the outlet 23. That is, forced convection may occur inside the storage compartment 21 by the fan 210.

A predetermined space may be formed between the fan assembly 200 and the duct 60 to allow the air inside the storage compartment 21 to flow. For example, the predetermined space may be formed between the rear side of the fan case 220 and the front side of the duct. For example, the second cover 222 and the front side 60a of the duct 60 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance d. For example, the fan case 220 may include the cutout portion 280. The air inside the storage compartment 21 may pass through the cutout portion 280 and flow into the inlet 223. Accordingly, the air inside the storage compartment 21 may flow smoothly between the fan assembly 200 and the duct 60. The air inside the storage compartment 21 may be smoothly drawn in through the inlet 223.

The fan 210 may be arranged to face the rear side of the temperature control room 100. The outlet 23 may be arranged to face the rear side of the temperature control room 100. The air discharged from the fan 210 may pass through the outlet 23 and flow into the temperature control room 100. The air flowing into the temperature control room 100 may pass through the drawer hole 123 of the drawer 120 and flow into the storage space 121. Accordingly, the temperature control room 100 may be cooled while the air inside the storage compartment 21 is supplied. The internal temperature of the temperature control room 100 may become the same as the internal temperature of the storage compartment 21.

According to the related technology, a fan may supply cold air generated in an evaporator to a temperature control room. To this, it is required to add a cold air supply flow path to allow a space, in which an evaporator is disposed, to communicate with the temperature control room. At this time, a separate damper may be needed to open and close the cold air supply flow path. At least a portion of the cold air supply flow path may be formed in a duct, and a separate hole may be additionally formed in the duct to transmit cold air to the temperature control room. That is, as the cold air supply flow path is added, manufacturing cost and/or manufacturing time of a refrigerator may increase. Additionally, the fan may be disposed in the cold air supply flow path and thus provided as a configuration of the duct. Accordingly, it may be difficult to separate the fan from the duct, and maintenance of the fan is not easy. Further, because the fan is disposed in the duct even when the temperature control room is not used, the space utilization of the storage compartment may be reduced.

However, according to the present disclosure, the fan 210 may be provided to allow the air inside the storage compartment 21 to be supplied to the temperature control room 100 by forcibly moving the air inside the storage compartment 21. That is, the fan 210 may be configured to blow the air inside the storage compartment 21, rather than the cold air generated in the evaporator 12, into the temperature control room 100. Accordingly, there is no need to add a separate cold air supply flow path to the duct 60, and there is no need to provide a separate hole or damper. Because a separate cold air supply flow path is not added, the manufacturing cost and/or manufacturing time of the refrigerator may be reduced. Further, the fan assembly 200 may be provided as a separate configuration from the duct 60 and may be removably coupled to the duct 60. A user can easily attach and detach the fan assembly 200 from the duct 60 without a separate tool or jig. Accordingly, the assembly and/or disassembly of the fan assembly 200 is easy, and maintenance of the fan 210 is also easy. Further, when the temperature control room 100 is not used, the fan assembly 200 may be separated from the duct 60 to secure more space in the storage compartment 21. Therefore, the usability of the refrigerator 1 may be improved.

FIG. 24 is a control block diagram of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 24, the refrigerator 1 may include the controller 70. The refrigerator 1 may include a user interface 90. The refrigerator 1 may include the temperature sensor 230. The refrigerator 1 may include the compressor 11. The refrigerator 1 may include the heater 81. The refrigerator 1 may include the fan 210. The refrigerator 1 may include a communication module 75. However, each configuration of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 24 may be omitted according to embodiments, and configurations not shown in FIG. 24 may also be included according to embodiments.

The refrigerator 1 may include the user interface 90 for interacting with a user. The user interface 90 may receive user commands. The user interface 90 may be configured to display various information about the refrigerator 1 to a user. For example, the user interface 90 may be implemented as a control panel. In the drawing, it is illustrated that the user interface 90 is disposed on the right wall 43 of the inner case 40, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. There is no limitation in the position of the user interface 90, as long as the user interface 90 is provided in a position accessible by a user.

The user interface 90 may include at least one input interface 91. The at least one input interface 91 may convert sensory information received from a user into an electrical signal. For example, the at least one input interface 91 may receive information related to the temperature control room 100 (e.g., set temperature, set time, etc.) from a user. For example, the at least one input interface 91 may include a button, a switch, a touch pad (touch screen), a dial, and/or a microphone. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example, and the user interface 90 may include a known input device for receiving user input.

The user interface 90 may include at least one output interface 92. The at least one output interface 92 may transmit various data related to the operation, status, etc. of the refrigerator 1 to a user by generating sensory information. For example, the at least one output interface 92 may transmit information related to the temperature control room 100 (e.g., current temperature, storage time, etc.) to a user. For example, the at least one output interface 92 may include a display, a speaker, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described example, and the user interface 90 may include various known output devices for displaying various information about the refrigerator 1.

The refrigerator 1 may include the temperature sensor 230 configured to detect the internal temperature of the temperature control room 100. The temperature sensor 230 may detect the internal temperature of the temperature control room 100, output a signal, and transmit the output signal to the controller 70. In the drawing, it is illustrated that the temperature sensor 230 is mounted on the fan case 220, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. There is no limitation in the position of the temperature sensor 230, as long as the temperature sensor 230 is provided at a position capable of detecting the internal temperature of the temperature control room 100. Additionally, the temperature sensor 230 may not be provided as a configuration of the fan assembly 200.

The refrigerator 1 may include the communication module 75 for wired and/or wireless communication with an external device (e.g., server, user device, etc.). The communication module 75 may include at least one communication module. The communication module 75 may transmit data to or receive data from an external device.

The refrigerator 1 may include the compressor 11. The compressor 11 may compress the refrigerant to high temperature and high pressure. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 may be provided to pass through the condenser (not shown). The compressor 11 may operate the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator 1.

The refrigerator 1 may include the heater 81. The heater 81 may generate heat to heat the temperature control room 100.

Refrigerator 1 may include the fan 210. The fan 210 may circulate the air inside the storage compartment 21 to cool the temperature control room 100.

The refrigerator 1 may include the controller 70 configured to control various configurations of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1 may control the operation of the compressor 11. The controller 70 may control the operation of the heater 81. The controller 70 may control the operation of the fan 210.

The controller 70 may control the operation of the heater 81 and/or the fan 210 based on a user command received through the user interface 90. For example, the controller 70 may control a heating intensity and an operation time of the heater 81 based on information received through the user interface 90. For example, the controller 70 may control a rotation speed and an operation time of the fan 210 based on information received through the user interface 90. For example, the controller 70 may control the operation of the heater 81 and/or the fan 210 by comparing information received through the user interface 90 with information detected by the temperature sensor 230.

The controller 70 may include hardware such as a CPU or memory, and software such as a control program. For example, the controller 70 may include at least one memory 72 configured to store data in the form of a program and an algorithm for controlling the operation of various configurations of the refrigerator 1, and at least one processor 71 configured to perform the above-described operations. The memory 72 and the processor 71 may each be implemented as separate chips. The processor 71 may include one or two or more processor chips, or may include one or two or more processing cores. The memory 72 may include one or two or more memory chips, or may include one or two or more memory blocks. Alternatively, the memory 72 and processor 71 may be implemented as a single chip.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may include the inner case 40 provided to form the storage compartment 20, the temperature control room 100 disposed inside the storage compartment and provided to have a temperature independent of the storage compartment, and the fan assembly 200 configured to cool the temperature control room. The fan assembly 200 may include the fan case 220 including the inlet 223 provided to communicate with the storage compartment and the outlet 224 provided to communicate with the temperature control room, and the fan 210 provided to be accommodated in the fan case 220. The fan 210 may be configured to forcibly move air inside the storage compartment to allow the air inside the storage compartment to be drawn through the inlet 223 and to be discharged to the temperature control room 100 through the outlet 224.

The refrigerator may further include the duct 60 provided to guide cold air into the storage compartment. The fan case 220 may be mountable on the front side 60a of the duct.

The refrigerator may further include the duct 60 provided to guide cold air into the storage compartment. The predetermined space may be formed between the rear side of the fan case and the front side of the duct.

The refrigerator may further include the duct 60 disposed to face the rear wall 42 of the inner case and provided to guide cold air into the storage compartment. The fan case 220 may include the first cover 221 disposed to face the temperature control room. The fan case 220 may include the second cover 222 removably couplable to the rear side of the first cover with the fan interposed therebetween. The second cover 222 may be disposed to be spaced apart from the front side of the duct by the predetermined distance d.

The outlet 224 may be disposed to face the rear side of the temperature control room 100.

The duct 60 may include the hook 610 formed on the front side of the duct. The fan case 220 may include the hook hole 225 provided to accommodate the hook, and the hook locking portion 226 couplable to the hook accommodated in the hook hole.

The hook 610 of the duct may include the first hook protrusion 611 provided to protrude toward the storage compartment, and the second hook protrusion 612 spaced apart from the first hook protrusion and provided to protrude toward the storage compartment. The fan case 220 may include the fixing rib 227 disposed between the first hook protrusion and the second hook protrusion while the hook is coupled to the hook locking portion.

The hook 610 of the duct may be provided to be separated from the hooking locking portion 226 as the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 are pressed to approach each other while the fixing rib 227 escapes from between the first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612.

The first hook protrusion 611 and the second hook protrusion 612 may be provided to be elastically deformable.

The fan assembly 200 may include the fan connector 240 provided to supply power to the fan. The duct 60 may include the connector hole 630 formed on the front side of the duct so as to allow the fan connector to be inserted thereinto.

The fan assembly 200 may include the temperature sensor 230 configured to detect the temperature of the temperature control room, and the sensor connector 250 provided to supply power to the temperature sensor. The duct 60 may include the connector hole 640 formed on the front side of the duct so as to allow the sensor connector to be inserted thereinto.

The refrigerator may further include the drawer case 110 provided to form the temperature control room and provided to have a shape in which a front side is open, and the drawer 120 provided to be inserted into or withdrawn from the drawer case through the open front side of the drawer case.

The refrigerator may further include the first side frame 310 disposed adjacent to the right surface of the drawer case and removably couplable to the inner case, and the second side frame 320 disposed adjacent to the left surface of the drawer case and removably couplable to the inner case.

The drawer case 110 may include the first case protrusion 1151 provided to protrude from the right surface of the drawer case so as to interfere with the first side frame, and the second case protrusion 1152 provided to protrude from the left surface of the drawer case so as to interfere with the second side frame.

The first side frame 310 may include the first extension portion 311 provided to protrude toward the right surface of the drawer case, the second extension portion 312 spaced downward from the first extension portion and provided to protrude toward the right surface of the drawer case, and the first roller 314 disposed on the second extension portion. The second side frame 320 may include the third extension portion 321 provided to protrude toward the left surface of the drawer case, the fourth extension portion 322 spaced downward from the third extension portion and provided to protrude toward the left surface of the drawer case, and the second roller 324 disposed on the fourth extension portion. The drawer case may include the first case rib 1161 provided to protrude from the right surface of the drawer case so as to be supported by the first roller, and the second case rib 1162 provided to protrude from the left surface of the drawer case so as to be supported by the second roller.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator 1 may include the inner case 40 provided to form the storage compartment, the evaporator 12 configured to generate cold air suppled to the storage compartment, the duct 60 provided to guide cold air generated by the evaporator to the storage compartment and disposed to face the rear wall of the inner case, the temperature control room 100 disposed inside the storage compartment and provided to have a temperature independent of the storage compartment, the fan case 220 removably coupled to the front side 60a of the duct, and the fan 210 provided to be accommodated in the fan case. The fan 210 may be configured to circulate air inside the storage compartment so as to cool the temperature control room 100.

The fan case 220 may include the first cover 221 disposed to be spaced apart from the front side of the duct 60 by the predetermined distance d. The fan case 220 may include the second cover 222 removably coupled to the front side of the first cover with the fan 210 interposed therebetween, and disposed to face the rear side of the temperature control room.

The refrigerator may further include the drawer case 110 provided to form the temperature control room 100, and the drawer 120 provided to be inserted into or withdrawn from the drawer case.

The drawer case 110 may include the case protrusion 115 formed on at least one of both side surfaces of the drawer case. The refrigerator may further include the side frame 310 provided to interfere with the case protrusion and removably coupled to the inner case.

The refrigerator may further include the temperature sensor 230 removably mounted on the fan case and configured to detect the temperature of the temperature control room. The refrigerator may further include the controller 70 configured to control an operation of the fan 210 based on information obtained from the temperature sensor.

According to the present disclosure, usability of a refrigerator may be improved.

According to the present disclosure, assembly and/or disassembly of a fan assembly may be easy.

According to the present disclosure, a refrigerator may cool a temperature control room by circulation air inside a storage compartment. Accordingly, there is no need to form a separate flow path to connect a duct and the temperature control room.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

While the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood by those of skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: an inner case that forms a storage compartment;a temperature control room inside the storage compartment and configured so that a temperature of the temperature control compartment is independent of a temperature of the storage compartment; anda fan assembly configured to cool the temperature control room, including, a fan case including an inlet configured to communicate with the storage compartment and an outlet configured to communicate with the temperature control room, anda fan accommodated in the fan case and configured to move air from inside the storage compartment through the inlet and to discharge air through the outlet to the temperature control room so that air from inside the storage compartment is moved into the temperature control room.

2. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: a duct to guide air into the storage compartment,wherein the fan case is mountable on a front side of the duct.

3. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: a duct to guide air into the storage compartment,wherein a space is configured between the inlet of the fan case at a rear side of the fan case and a front side of the duct.

4. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: a duct facing a rear wall of the inner case and configured to guide air into the storage compartment,wherein the fan case includes, a first cover that faces the temperature control room, anda second cover removably couplable to a rear side of the first cover with the fan interposed therebetween, and spaced apart from a front side of the duct.

5. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the fan case faces a rear side of the temperature control room.

6. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the duct includes a hook on a front side of the duct, andthe fan case includes, a hook hole to accommodate the hook, anda hook locking portion couplable to the hook with the hook accommodated in the hook hole.

7. The refrigerator of claim 6, wherein the hook includes, a first hook protrusion protruding toward the storage compartment, anda second hook protrusion spaced apart from the first hook protrusion and protruding toward the storage compartment, andthe fan case includes a fixing rib that is between the first hook protrusion and the second hook protrusion with the hook accommodated in the hook hole and the hook coupled to the hook locking portion.

8. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the fixing rib is movable, and with the fixing rib moved from between the first hook protrusion and the second hook protrusion, the first hook protrusion and the second hook protrusion are pressable toward each other so that the hook is decoupled from the hooking locking portion.

9. The refrigerator of claim 7, wherein the first hook protrusion and the second hook protrusion are elastically deformable.

10. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the fan assembly includes a fan connector to supply power to the fan, andthe duct includes a connector hole on the front side of the duct so as to allow the fan connector to be inserted into the connector hole.

11. The refrigerator of claim 2, wherein the fan assembly includes, a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the temperature control room, anda sensor connector to supply power to the temperature sensor, andthe duct includes a connector hole on the front side of the duct so as to allow the sensor connector to be inserted into the connector hole.

12. The refrigerator of claim 1, further comprising: a drawer case that has an open front side, that is mountable in the storage compartment, and that forms the temperature control room with the drawer case mounted in the storage compartment; anda drawer configured to be inserted into and withdrawn from the drawer case through the open front side.

13. The refrigerator of claim 12, further comprising: a first side frame that is removably couplable to the inner case;a second side frame that is removably couplable to the inner case, andwherein, with the drawer case mounted in the storage compartment, the first side frame is adjacent to a right surface of the drawer case and the second side frame is adjacent to a left surface of the drawer case.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the drawer case includes, a first case protrusion that protrudes from the right surface of the drawer case, anda second case protrusion that protrudes from the left surface of the drawer case, andthe first case protrusion and the second case protrusion are configured so that, with the drawer case mounted in the storage compartment, the first case protrusion interferes with the first side frame and the second case protrusion interferes with the second side frame so that a movement of the drawer case in the storage compartment is restricted.

15. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein the first side frame includes, a first extension portion,a second extension portion spaced downward from the first extension portion, anda first roller on the second extension portion,the second side frame includes, a third extension portion,a fourth extension portion spaced downward from the third extension portion, anda second roller on the fourth extension portion,the drawer case includes, a first case rib that protrudes from the right surface of the drawer case, anda second case rib that protrudes from the left surface of the drawer case, andthe first side frame, the second side frame and the drawer case are configured so that, with the drawer case mounted in the storage compartment, the first extension portion protrudes toward the right surface of the drawer case, the second extension portion protrudes toward the right surface of the drawer case, the third extension portion protrudes toward the left surface of the drawer case, the fourth extension portion protrudes toward the left surface of the drawer case, the first case rib is supported by the first roller, and the second case rib is supported by the second roller.