KR102595021B1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes a refrigerator main body having a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment that are separated from each other; an evaporator provided in the refrigerator main body and generating cold air; and a multi-duct disposed adjacent to the evaporator and configured to introduce cold air generated in the evaporator into the first and second storage chambers, respectively, wherein the multi-duct has the ducts on one side and the other with respect to the center. a duct housing each having a first inlet and a second inlet through which cold air generated in the evaporator is supplied, and a first outlet and a second outlet communicating with the first storage chamber on the other side formed at vertically spaced positions; and a duct insulation mounted on the back of the duct housing and having a first flow path and a second flow path for guiding cold air flowing in through the first inlet to the first and second discharge openings, wherein the first flow path is extending upward from the first inlet formed on one side of the duct housing to the other side of the duct housing, and having a first communication hole corresponding to the first discharge port, wherein the second flow path branches off from the first flow path, Disclosed is a refrigerator having a second communication hole corresponding to the second discharge port.

Description

Refrigerator{REFRIGERATOR}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a duct configured to introduce cold air generated in an evaporator into a storage compartment.

A refrigerator is a device that keeps food stored inside at a low temperature using cold air generated by a refrigeration cycle in which the processes of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation are performed continuously.

The refrigeration cycle consists of a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a condenser that condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed from the compressor through heat dissipation, and a cooling effect that absorbs the surrounding latent heat as the refrigerant provided from the condenser evaporates, thereby purifying the surrounding air. Includes a cooling evaporator. A capillary tube (or expansion valve) is provided between the condenser and the evaporator to increase the flow rate and lower the pressure of the refrigerant so that evaporation of the refrigerant flowing into the evaporator can easily occur.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the refrigerator 10, and FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the refrigerator 10 of FIG. 1 with the door open.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the refrigerator main body 11 has at least one storage space therein for storing food. When a plurality of storage spaces are provided, each storage space may be separated from each other by a partition and may be maintained at different set temperatures.

In this drawing, it is shown that first to third storage compartments 11a, 11b, and 11c are formed in the refrigerator main body 11. As shown, the first to third storage compartments 11a, 11b, and 11c may be arranged sequentially from top to bottom.

A door 12 is connected to the refrigerator body 11 to open and close the front opening of the refrigerator body 11. The door 12 may be configured in various ways, such as a rotary door rotatably connected to the refrigerator main body 11, a drawer-type door slidably connected to the refrigerator main body 11, etc.

In this drawing, the first to third doors 12a, 12b, and 12c are shown to be configured to open and close the front portions of the first to third storage compartments 11a, 11b, and 11c, respectively. As shown, the first and third doors 12a and 12c may be configured as rotary doors, and the second door 12b may be configured as a drawer-type door.

The first door 12a may include a main door 12a' and a sub door 12a". The main door 12a' can be rotated on the refrigerator body 11 to open and close the first storage compartment 11a. The sub door 12a" may be rotatably connected to the main door 12a' to open and close the opening of the main door 12a'. At least one of the main door 12a' or the sub door 12a" may be provided with a storage portion 13 for storing food, and the user may enter the storage portion 13 just by opening the sub door 12a". can be accessed. Accordingly, user convenience and energy efficiency can be increased.

The refrigerator main body 11 is equipped with at least one storage unit (eg, shelf 13a, tray 13b, basket 13c, etc.) for efficient use of internal storage space. For example, the shelf 13a and the tray 13b may be installed inside the refrigerator body 11, and the basket 13c may be installed inside the door 12 connected to the refrigerator body 11.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing configurations for introducing cold air into the first storage compartment 11a and the second storage compartment 11b of FIG. 2. In this drawing, for convenience of explanation, components for introducing cold air into the third storage compartment 11c are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, an evaporator 14 that generates cold air for cooling the first and second storage compartments 11a and 11b is provided on the rear side of the refrigerator main body 11. For example, the evaporator 14 may be placed behind the first storage compartment 11a. Another evaporator (not shown) that generates cold air to cool the third storage compartment 11c may be installed behind the third storage compartment 11c.

In order to cool the two storage compartments 11a and 11b using one evaporator 14, the refrigerator 10 is equipped with a blower fan 15 to blow cold air generated in the evaporator 14 and a blower fan 15 to blow the cold air generated in the evaporator 14. It is equipped with a multi-duct 16 for supplying cold air to the first and second storage rooms 11a and 11b, respectively, and a damper [17(17a, 17b)] to control the supply of cold air to the first and second storage rooms 11a and 11b. do.

In the above structure, as shown, the first storage compartment 11a has a relatively larger volume than the second storage compartment 11b, so that in order for the first storage compartment 11a to have an overall uniform temperature, the first storage compartment 11a ( 11a) It is necessary to blow cold air everywhere. To this end, the multi-duct 16 may be formed with a plurality of discharge ports for supplying cold air to the first storage compartment 11a and a flow path for guiding the cold air to the plurality of discharge ports.

Referring to FIG. 2 above, a shelf 13a may be placed in the first storage compartment 11a, and accordingly, the upper and lower parts of the shelf 13a may be divided into different compartments. Although the upper and lower parts of the shelf 13a are spaces within the same first storage compartment 11a, there may be a temperature difference depending on how the flow of cold air is formed.

In addition, even if they are located in the same compartment, temperature differences may appear depending on the location depending on how the flow of cold air is formed.

In this drawing, it is shown that the first storage compartment 11a is divided into an upper compartment 11a1, a middle compartment 11a2, and a lower compartment 11a3 by the shelf 13a. A drawer-shaped tray 13b may be disposed below the lower compartment 11a3, and an evaporator 14 may be disposed behind the tray 13b. Accordingly, the tray 13b immediately adjacent to the evaporator 14 can be easily cooled due to heat transfer of the evaporator 14 itself, but the upper compartment 11a1, middle compartment 11a2, and lower compartment ( 11a3), and the second storage compartment 11b may not satisfy the set temperature if the cold air generated in the evaporator 14 is not effectively transmitted.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can reduce temperature deviation by location in the first storage compartment by allowing the flow of cold air discharged from the discharge port to spread evenly rather than being concentrated in any one place.

The specific purpose of the present invention in this regard is as follows.

First, the present invention is to provide a duct that allows cold air to flow in the lateral direction of the discharge port and increases the flow rate of cold air delivered to the door by minimizing the kinetic energy loss of cold air occurring within the flow path. .

Second, the present invention is to provide a duct that allows cold air to flow to an outlet adjacent to one side wall in the middle of the flow path.

Third, the present invention has a structure in which a plurality of discharge ports are formed up and down in a duct, and even if a main stream toward the upper discharge port is generated in the flow path, the cold air discharged from the lower discharge port can be discharged with a straight line, and water generated by condensation, etc. This is to provide a duct that prevents the material from flowing into the first storage chamber through the lower outlet when it falls from the upper part of the flow path.

In order to achieve the first object of the present invention, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a refrigerator main body having a storage compartment; an evaporator provided in the refrigerator main body and generating cold air; and a duct disposed adjacent to the evaporator and configured to introduce cold air generated in the evaporator into the storage compartment, wherein the duct forms a rear wall of the storage compartment and has a discharge port communicating with the storage compartment. housing; and a duct insulation mounted on the back of the duct housing and having a flow path for guiding cold air generated in the evaporator to the discharge port and a communication hole corresponding to the discharge port formed on the flow path, and flowing to the storage room through the discharge port. To guide a portion of the discharged cold air laterally, the duct housing is provided with a discharge guide bent outward from the rear of the discharge opening toward one side of the discharge opening.

The discharge guide may be provided on at least one side of the left or right side of the discharge port.

The discharge port is disposed on one side based on the center of the storage compartment, and the discharge guide may be provided on one side of the discharge port adjacent to one corner of the storage compartment.

The discharge port includes a first discharge port and a second discharge port adjacent to the right and left sides of the storage compartment, respectively. The discharge guide is formed on the right side of the first discharge port in the first discharge port, and the discharge guide is formed in the second discharge port. may be formed on the left side of the second discharge port.

The discharge guide may be arranged to cover the inner surface of the communication hole.

A concave portion may be formed in the flow path to guide a portion of the flowing cold air to the side wall of the flow path.

The concave portion may be formed adjacent to the discharge guide.

A curved guide may be formed in the duct insulation at a position facing the communication hole, extending roundly toward the upper end of the communication hole to guide the change of direction of the cold air flowing through the passage toward the discharge port.

When the duct insulation is viewed from the rear, the communication hole may be completely obscured by the curved guide.

The upper inner surface of the outlet may be connected perpendicularly to the front of the duct housing so that the flow of cold air discharged through the outlet by the curved guide has a straight line.

The upper inner surface of the discharge port may be flush with the upper end of the curved guide.

The refrigerator includes a main door rotatably connected to the refrigerator body to open and close the storage compartment; and a sub-door rotatably connected to the main door to open and close the opening of the main door, and the outlet may be formed to face the sub-door.

The first object of the present invention is to include: a refrigerator main body having a storage compartment; an evaporator provided in the refrigerator main body and generating cold air; and a duct disposed adjacent to the evaporator and configured to introduce cold air generated in the evaporator into the storage compartment, wherein the duct forms a rear wall of the storage compartment and has a discharge port communicating with the storage compartment. housing; and a duct insulation mounted on the back of the duct housing and having a flow path for guiding cold air generated in the evaporator to the outlet and a communication hole corresponding to the outlet on the flow path, wherein the duct insulation includes the communication hole. This can also be achieved by a refrigerator in which a curved guide is formed in a round shape at a position facing the flow path to guide a change in direction of the cold air flowing through the passage toward the discharge port.

The curved guide may be formed to extend roundly from a portion spaced rearward from the communication hole toward the upper end of the communication hole.

The upper inner surface of the outlet may be connected perpendicularly to the front of the duct housing so that the flow of cold air discharged through the outlet by the curved guide has a straight line.

In order to achieve the second object of the present invention, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a refrigerator main body having a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment separated from each other; an evaporator provided in the refrigerator main body and generating cold air; It includes a multi-duct disposed adjacent to the evaporator and configured to introduce cold air generated in the evaporator into the first and second storage chambers, respectively, wherein the multi-duct has the evaporator on one side and the other side with respect to the center. a duct housing each having a first inlet and a second inlet through which cold air generated in the duct is supplied, and a third outlet communicating with the first storage chamber formed on the other side; and a duct insulation mounted on the back of the duct housing and having a first flow path for guiding cold air flowing in through the first inlet to the third outlet, wherein the duct insulation is positioned adjacent to one side wall of the first flow path. A third communication hole corresponding to the third discharge port is formed, and the cold air flowing along the other side wall is separated from the other side wall of the first flow path so that a part of it flows toward the third communication hole, A first flow separation portion sharply angled inward is formed.

The first flow separation portion may be located below the third communication hole.

The other side wall includes a first side wall extending obliquely; and a second side wall extending upward in a direction intersecting the first side wall and forming the first flow separation portion at an intersection point with the first side wall.

In the first flow separation unit, the first side wall may be formed to be inclined toward the third communication hole.

The third communication hole may be located above an imaginary line extending obliquely upward from the first flow separation portion at the same inclination as the first side wall.

In the first flow separation unit, the first side wall and the second side wall may form an obtuse angle.

A fourth discharge port communicating with the first storage chamber is formed on one side of the duct housing where the first inlet is formed, and in the duct insulation, it communicates with the first inlet and the first flow path and passes through the first inlet. A second flow path may be formed to guide the incoming cold air to the fourth outlet.

A fourth communication hole corresponding to the fourth discharge port is formed at a position adjacent to one side wall of the second flow path, and the cold air flowing along the other side wall is separated and a portion of the first outlet is formed in the other side wall of the second flow path. 4 A second flow separation portion sharply angled inward may be formed to flow toward the communication hole.

The second flow separation unit may be located below the fourth communication hole.

The fourth communication hole may be formed at the same height as the third communication hole, and the second flow separation part may be located above the first flow separation part.

A branch guide is formed between the first flow path and the second flow path, and a lower end of the branch guide may be positioned below the center of the multi-duct.

The refrigerator includes a blowing fan rotatably installed at a lower portion of the duct housing to blow cold air generated in the evaporator; A first damper installed to be openable and closed at the first entrance; A second damper installed to be openable and closed at the second entrance; And it may further include a cold air supply duct connecting the second inlet and the second storage chamber to guide cold air flowing in through the second inlet to the second storage chamber.

The refrigerator includes a first cold air recovery duct that communicates between the first storage chamber and the space where the evaporator is installed so that cold air flowing into the first storage chamber can be recovered toward the evaporator; And it may further include a second cold air recovery duct that communicates the second storage chamber with the space where the evaporator is installed so that the cold air flowing into the second storage chamber can be recovered toward the evaporator.

The second object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator body having a storage compartment; an evaporator provided in the refrigerator main body and generating cold air; and a duct disposed adjacent to the evaporator and configured to introduce cold air generated in the evaporator into the storage compartment, wherein the duct has an inlet through which cold air generated in the evaporator is supplied on one side with respect to the center. a duct housing formed with a third outlet and a fourth outlet communicating with the storage chamber on one side and the other on the inlet, respectively; and a duct insulation mounted on the back of the duct housing and having a first flow path and a second flow path respectively guiding cold air flowing in through the inlet to the third and fourth discharge outlets, wherein one of the first flow paths is formed. A third communication hole corresponding to the third outlet is formed at a position adjacent to the side wall, and on the other side wall of the first flow path located below the third communication hole, cold air flowing along the other side wall is separated ( This can also be achieved by a refrigerator in which a first flow separation portion sharply angled inward is formed so that a portion of the flow separation occurs and flows toward the third communication hole.

A fourth communication hole corresponding to the fourth outlet is formed at a position adjacent to one side wall of the second flow path, and at the other side wall of the second flow path located below the fourth communication hole, along the other side wall. A second flow separation portion sharply angled inward may be formed so that the flowing cold air is separated and a portion flows toward the fourth communication hole.

The fourth communication hole may be formed at the same height as the third communication hole, and the second flow separation part may be located above the first flow separation part.

A branch guide is formed between the first flow passage and the second flow passage, and a lower end of the branch guide may be located below the center of the duct.

In order to achieve the third object of the present invention, the refrigerator of the present invention includes a refrigerator main body having a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment that are separated from each other; an evaporator provided in the refrigerator main body and generating cold air; and a multi-duct disposed adjacent to the evaporator and configured to introduce cold air generated in the evaporator into the first and second storage chambers, respectively, wherein the multi-duct has the ducts on one side and the other with respect to the center. a duct housing each having a first inlet and a second inlet through which cold air generated in the evaporator is supplied, and a third outlet and a fifth outlet communicating with the first storage chamber on the other side, formed at vertically spaced positions; and a duct insulation mounted on the back of the duct housing and having a first flow path and a third flow path for guiding cold air flowing in through the first inlet to the third and fifth discharge outlets, wherein the first flow path is extending upward from the first inlet formed on one side of the duct housing to the other side of the duct housing, and having a third communication hole corresponding to the third discharge port, wherein the third flow path branches off from the first flow path, It is provided with a fifth communication hole corresponding to the fifth discharge port.

The fifth discharge port may be formed below the center of the duct housing.

A flow guide is formed between the first flow path and the second flow path to branch the first and second flow paths, and the fifth communication hole may be located below the flow guide.

The lower surface of the flow path guide defines the third flow path and may include a rounded curved portion.

The curved portion may be formed to face the fifth communication hole in a vertical direction.

To prevent water generated by condensation on the upper side of the flow guide from flowing into the fifth communication hole, the flow guide may be formed to protrude laterally than the fifth communication hole.

A flow restriction portion may be formed on the lower side of the flow guide to define the first flow path and prevent water that has fallen along the flow path guide from flowing into the fifth communication hole.

The flow restrictor may be formed at an angle to guide water that falls along the flow guide to the first inlet.

The upper surface of the flow guide may be inclined in the same direction as the flow restriction portion.

A portion of the flow guide may be arranged to overlap the flow restrictor in the vertical direction.

In addition, the present invention includes a refrigerator main body having a storage compartment; an evaporator provided in the refrigerator main body and generating cold air; and a multi-duct disposed adjacent to the evaporator and configured to introduce cold air generated by the evaporator into the storage compartment, wherein the multi-duct is supplied with cold air generated by the evaporator on one side with respect to the center. a duct housing having an inlet formed thereon, third and fifth discharge ports formed on the other side at vertically spaced positions, and a fourth discharge port formed above the inlet; and a duct insulation mounted on the back of the duct housing and formed with first to third passages that guide cold air flowing in through the inlet to the third to fifth discharge openings, wherein the first passages are formed with the inlet and the third outlet. It communicates and extends upward to the other side of the duct housing, and has a third communication hole corresponding to the third discharge port. The second flow passage communicates with the inlet and extends upward to one side of the duct housing, and the fourth flow path communicates with the inlet and extends upward to one side of the duct housing. Disclosed is a refrigerator having a fourth communication hole corresponding to the discharge port, the third flow path branching off from the first flow path, and a fifth communication hole corresponding to the fifth discharge port.

A branch guide is formed between the first flow path and the second flow path to branch the first and second flow paths, and a flow guide is formed between the first flow path and the third flow path to branch the first and third flow paths. is formed, and the end of the branch guide may be located below the end of the flow guide.

The fifth communication hole may be located below the flow path guide.

A portion of the flow guide will be arranged to overlap in the vertical direction with an inclined portion defining the first flow path on the lower side of the flow guide so that water generated by condensation on the upper side of the flow guide is guided to the inlet on the lower side. You can.

A sixth outlet is formed between the inlet and the fourth outlet, and a sixth communication hole corresponding to the sixth outlet may be formed in the duct insulation at a position away from the second flow path.

A first outlet is formed above the third outlet, and a first communication hole corresponding to the first outlet is formed in the first flow path, and a portion of the cold air discharged into the storage compartment through the outlet is directed laterally. To provide guidance, the duct housing may be provided with a discharge guide bent outward from the rear of the first discharge port toward one side of the first discharge port.

A concave portion that guides a portion of the flowing cold air to the side wall of the first flow path may be formed in a portion of the first flow path adjacent to the discharge guide.

In the duct insulation, a curved guide is formed in a round shape at a position facing the first communication hole to guide the change in direction of the cold air flowing in the first flow path toward the first discharge port, and the curved guide The upper inner surface of the first outlet may be connected perpendicularly to the front of the duct housing so that the flow of cold air discharged through the outlet has a straight line.

The third communication hole is formed at a position adjacent to one side wall of the first flow path, and the cold air flowing along the other side wall is separated from the other side wall of the first flow path, and a portion of the third communication hole is formed in the third communication hole. A flow separation angled sharply inward may be formed to flow toward the hole.

The other side wall includes a first side wall extending obliquely; and a second side wall extending upward in a direction intersecting the first side wall and forming the flow separation portion at an intersection point with the first side wall, wherein the first side wall in the flow separation portion is connected to the third communication channel. It may be formed to be inclined toward the hole.

The effects of the present invention obtained through the above-described solution are as follows.

First, a portion of the cold air discharged into the first storage chamber through the first discharge port (or second discharge port) may be guided laterally by the discharge guide. Therefore, more cold air can be delivered to the corners of the first storage compartment compared to the existing case, and the temperature difference with other parts can be reduced.

If a concave portion is formed adjacent to the discharge guide where the width of the flow path narrows and then widens again, a more natural flow can be formed in which the cold air spread to both sides by the concave portion flows toward the side of the first storage compartment by the discharge guide. there is.

In addition, by forming a curved guide at a position facing the first communication hole (or the second communication hole), a natural change in direction of cold air from the flow path toward the first discharge port can be achieved, and during the change of direction, the cold air is The pressure resistance may be reduced. Additionally, the upper inner surface of the first discharge port can be connected perpendicularly to the front of the duct housing and can be continuously connected to the curved guide without a step. Accordingly, the cold air whose direction has been changed by the curved guide can be discharged into the first storage chamber in a straight line through the first discharge port with the kinetic energy loss of the cold air occurring within the flow path minimized. Accordingly, the flow rate of cold air delivered to the door can be increased.

Second, the cold air flowing through the first flow path and the second flow path is separated from the first and second flow separation parts, respectively, and a portion of the separated cold air flows toward the third and fourth communication holes. Accordingly, the amount of cold air discharged through the third and fourth discharge ports can be increased.

In addition, considering the shapes of the first and second flow paths and the resulting flow characteristics, the second flow separation unit may be located above the first flow separation unit. Accordingly, the amount of cold air discharged through the fourth outlet may be similar to the amount of cold air discharged through the third outlet.

Third, a third passage branched from the first passage is formed by the passage guide, and a fifth discharge port is formed on the third passage, so that cold air can be directly supplied to the lower compartment of the first storage compartment.

The flow guide may be formed to protrude laterally from the upper side of the fifth communication hole to cover the fifth communication hole, thereby preventing water generated by condensation on the upper side of the duct insulation from flowing into the fifth communication hole. In addition, a part of the flow guide is arranged to overlap the flow restrictor located below in the vertical direction, and is configured to have the same inclination, so that water falling along the inclined upper surface of the flow guide is directed to the first inlet. A drainage structure that can flow in can be implemented.

1 is a front view showing an example of a refrigerator.
Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the door in the refrigerator of Figure 1 in an open state.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing configurations for introducing cold air into the first and second storage compartments of FIG. 2.
Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the front of the multi-duct shown in Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the rear of the multi-duct shown in Figure 3.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the temperature at each location in the upper compartment of the first storage compartment shown in FIG. 3.
Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the front of a multi-duct according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the rear of the multi-duct shown in Figure 7.
Figures 9 (a) to (c) are conceptual diagrams showing flow according to the shape of the flow path.
Figure 10 is an enlarged view showing part A shown in Figure 8.
Figure 11 is an enlarged view showing part B shown in Figure 7.
Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in Fig. 11;
Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD shown in Fig. 11;
FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the temperature at each location in the middle compartment of the first storage compartment shown in FIG. 3.
Figure 15 (a) is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of cold air in the middle part of the flow path of Figure 5, and (b) is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of cold air in the middle part of the flow path of Figure 8.
FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the first flow separation unit and the third discharge port of FIG. 15.
Figure 17 (a) is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of cold air in the middle part of the flow path of Figure 5, and (b) is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of cold air in the middle part of the flow path of Figure 8.
FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the first flow separation unit of FIG. 15 and the second flow separation unit of FIG. 17.
FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the temperature at each location in the lower compartment of the first storage room shown in FIG. 3.
Figure 20 (a) is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of cold air in the lower part of the flow path in Figure 5, and (b) is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of cold air in the lower part of the flow path in Figure 8.
Figure 21 is an enlarged view showing part E shown in Figure 20.

Hereinafter, the refrigerator related to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, the detailed descriptions will be omitted.

The attached drawings are only for easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical idea disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and all changes, equivalents, and changes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are not limited. It should be understood to include water or substitutes.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the front of the multi-duct 16 shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the rear of the multi-duct 16 shown in FIG. 3.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 together with the preceding drawings, the multi-duct 16 includes a duct housing 16a and a duct insulation 16b. The duct housing 16a forms the rear wall of the first storage compartment 11a. The duct insulation 16b is mounted on the back of the duct housing 16a and has a recessed flow path 16b' for the flow of cold air. That is, the portion of the duct insulation 16b where the flow path 16b' is formed has a concave shape compared to the portion where the flow path 16b' is not formed, and is a path through which cold air can flow due to the cover covering the back of the duct insulation 16b. forms.

In this drawing, in order to distinguish between the duct housing 16a and the duct insulation 16b, the duct insulation 16b is shaded.

The cold air generated in the evaporator 14 flows to the first and second inlets 16' and 16" of the multi-duct 16 by blowing from the blowing fan 15. The cold air generated in the evaporator 14 In the flow path structure for supplying the first and second storage compartments 11a and 11b separately, the first inlet 16' and the second inlet 16" are formed to be spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, the first inlet 16' is formed on one side based on the center of the multi-duct 16, and the second inlet 16" is formed on the other side based on the center of the multi-duct 16. It is showing.

The first inlet 16' and the second inlet 16" may be formed to be open in directions that intersect each other (e.g., vertically). Accordingly, the flow of cold air passing through the first inlet 16' The direction and direction of flow of cold air passing through the second inlet (16") may intersect with each other.

The blowing fan 15 is disposed between the first inlet 16' and the second inlet 16". As shown, the blowing fan 15 is disposed on one side based on the center of the multi-duct 16. It can be.

First and second dampers 17a and 17b are installed at the first and second inlets 16' and 16", respectively, to control the inflow of cold air through opening and closing.

When the first damper 17a is opened, the cold air flowing into the first inlet 16' is guided by the flow path 16b' in communication with the first inlet 16' and is discharged into the first storage chamber 11a. do. A plurality of discharge ports 16a1 and 16a2 communicating with the first storage compartment 11a are formed in the passage 16b'. As shown, the existing multi-duct 16 has a discharge port corresponding to the upper compartment 11a1 ( The discharge ports 16a2 corresponding to the 16a1) and the middle compartment 11a2 are provided one on the left and one on the right with respect to the center of the multi-duct 16.

As the first inlet 16' is formed on one side based on the center of the multi-duct 16, the flow path 16b' starts at the lower end of one side. In addition, due to the structure in which the discharge ports 16a1 and 16a2 are formed on both sides of the center of the multi-duct 16, the flow path 16b' has a portion extending to one side and a portion extending to the other side. Therefore, the flow path 16b' cannot help but be formed asymmetrically, and accordingly, it is important to design the flow path 16b' so that the flow of cold air can be properly distributed.

In addition, when the second damper (17b) is opened, the cold air flowing into the second inlet (16") is guided by the cold air supply duct 18 in communication with the second inlet (16") and flows into the second storage compartment (11b). ) is discharged.

The cold air flowing into the first and second storage chambers 11a and 11b is returned to the evaporator 14. For this purpose, each of the first storage chambers 11a and the second storage chamber 11b is provided with first and second cold air recovery ducts ( 19a, 19b) are provided.

The recovered cold air is re-cooled by the evaporator 14 and supplied to the first or second storage chambers 11a and 11b, repeating the process to maintain the set temperature.

As described above, the passage 16b' through which cold air flows is provided with a plurality of discharge ports 16a1 and 16a2. If the cold air flowing through the flow path 16b' is not properly distributed to each of the plurality of discharge ports 16a1 and 16a2, or if the cold air discharged from each discharge port 16a1 and 16a2 is not spread evenly throughout the first storage compartment 11a, There are times when the set temperature cannot be satisfied.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the temperature at each location in the upper compartment 11a1 of the first storage compartment 11a shown in FIG. 3. Here, the upper compartment 11a1 may be referred to as the first portion 11a1 of the first storage compartment 11a. Among the areas where the temperature is displayed, the shaded area can be understood as a relatively insufficient inflow of cold air.

Referring to FIG. 6 together with FIGS. 4 and 5, discharge ports 16a1 are provided at positions corresponding to the upper compartment 11a1 on the left and right sides of the center of the multi-duct 16, respectively. As the cold air discharged from the discharge port 16a1 of the upper compartment 11a1 has a straight line, the cold air transmitted to the side of the discharge port 16a1 is insufficient, so the temperature of the left and right corners of the upper compartment 11a1 is relatively higher than that of other parts. There was a high problem with it.

In addition, since the discharge port 16a1 is located at the top of the flow path 16b', there was a problem in that cold air was not sufficiently transmitted to the first door 12a in the front due to loss of kinetic energy and pressure of the flow.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first door 12a includes a main door 12a' that opens and closes the first storage compartment 11a, and a sub door that opens and closes the opening of the main door 12a'. When configured with a combination of (12a"), cold air is not sufficiently transmitted to the storage portion 13 of the sub door 12a", which has a problem affecting the freshness of food stored in the storage portion 13.

Specifically, the main door 12a' is rotatably connected to the refrigerator body 11 to open and close the first storage compartment 11a, and the sub door 12a" is rotatably connected to the main door 12a'. It is connected to open and close the opening of the main door 12a'. At least one of the main door 12a' or the sub door 12a" is provided with a storage portion 13 for storing food, and the sub door 12a ") is configured to be exposed to the outside when the storage portion 13 is opened. Referring to FIG. 2, in this embodiment, a basket 13c is provided on each of the main door 12a' and the sub door 12a". It's showing.

In order to ensure the freshness of food stored in the storage portion 13 of the sub door 12a", the amount of cold air directed toward the sub door 12a" must be increased. This may be even more true when the receiving portion 13 of the main door 12a' is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the receiving portion 13 of the sub door 12a".

In this regard, it allows cold air to flow in the lateral direction of the discharge port and increases the flow rate of cold air delivered to the sub door (12a") by minimizing the kinetic energy and pressure loss of cold air occurring within the flow path. A new multi-duct 100 may be considered.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the front of the multi-duct 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the rear of the multi-duct 100 shown in FIG. 7. In this drawing, the blowing fan 15, the first damper 17a, and the second damper 17b are omitted. The functions and arrangement of the above components will be replaced with the description of the multi-duct 16 described above.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the multi-duct 100 is disposed adjacent to the evaporator 14 to introduce cold air generated in the evaporator 14 into the first and second storage chambers 11a and 11b, respectively. It is composed. The multi-duct 100 includes a duct housing 100a and duct insulation 100b. In this drawing, in order to distinguish between the duct housing 100a and the duct insulation 100b, the duct insulation 100b is shaded.

The duct housing 100a forms at least a portion of the rear wall of the first storage chamber 11a and has a plurality of discharge ports 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, and 100a6 that communicate with the first storage chamber 11a. In this embodiment, the duct housing 100a forms a portion of the rear wall of the first storage compartment 11a, and includes an upper compartment 11a1 (first part), a middle compartment 11a2, and an upper and lower compartment partitioned by a shelf 13a. For each lower compartment (11a3, lower compartment), discharge ports (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5, 100a6) are formed on both left and right sides based on the center of the duct housing (100a).

The duct housing 100a may be made of synthetic resin material. The duct housing 100a may be formed by injection molding, 3D printing, etc.

The duct insulation (100b) is mounted on the back of the duct housing (100a). A flow path 100b' is formed in the duct insulation 100b to guide the cold air generated in the evaporator 14 to a plurality of discharge ports 100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, and 100a5, and a plurality of flow paths 100b' are formed on the flow path 100b'. A plurality of communication holes (100b1, 100b2, 100b3, 100b4, 100b5) corresponding to the discharge ports (100a1, 100a2, 100a3, 100a4, 100a5) are formed.

The duct insulation 100b may be made of an insulating material (eg, Styrofoam) to minimize heat loss of cold air.

Figures 9 (a) to (c) are conceptual diagrams showing the flow of cold air according to the shape of the flow path 202.

Referring to FIG. 9, (a) shows a flow path 202 that extends upward and guides the flow of cold air, and a discharge port 203 that opens at the top of the flow path 202 toward the front storage compartment 201. there is.

As the flow path 202 extends upward, the cold air flowing through the flow path 202 travels straight. In this way, when cold air having a straight path is discharged through the discharge port 203, most of the cold air is discharged toward the front of the discharge port 203 due to the straight line of the discharged cold air.

That is, cold air does not spread to both sides of the discharge port 203. Accordingly, a problem occurs in which cold air is not sufficiently transmitted to both corners of the storage compartment 201 located on both sides of the discharge port 203.

(b) shows that inward concave portions 204 are formed on both sides of the flow path 202. Along the flow direction of cold air, the width of the passage 202 in the concave portion 204 gradually decreases and then gradually increases again.

In the process of cold air flowing through the concave portion 204 of the flow path 202, a portion of the cold air moves along the concave portion 204. That is, part of the cold air spreads to both edges of the flow path 202 along the concave portion 204.

Therefore, compared to the previous case (a), the amount of cold air flowing in laterally among the cold air discharged through the discharge port 203 increases.

In (c), inwardly concave portions 204 are formed on both sides of the flow path 202, and a laterally rounded part 205 is formed on both sides of the flow path 202 leading to the discharge port 203. It is showing.

As described above, as the flow path 202 extends upward, the cold air flowing through the flow path 202 travels straight. In addition, in the concave portion 204 of the flow path 202, a part of the cold air is guided to the edges of both sides of the flow path 202, so that the cold air spreads to both sides of the flow path 202. Accordingly, the cold air discharged from both sides of the flow path 202 is guided along the laterally rounded portion 205 and flows in the lateral direction of the storage compartment 201.

As a result, the cold air discharged through the discharge port 203 is discharged not only in front of the discharge port 203 but also in a side direction of the discharge port 203, so that it can be evenly spread throughout the entire storage compartment 201.

The present invention utilizes these experimental results to disclose a multi-duct 100 that allows cold air to flow in the lateral direction of the first or second discharge ports 100a1 and 100a2. Below, the structure applied to the first discharge port 100a1 will be described as an example, but of course, the structure can also be applied to the second discharge port 100a2.

Figure 10 is an enlarged view showing part A shown in Figure 8.

Referring to FIG. 10, a concave portion 100b7 is formed in the passage 100b' formed in the duct insulation 100b, where the width of the passage 100b' narrows and then widens again. A portion of the cold air that has passed through the concave portion 100b7 is guided to the side wall of the flow path 100b'. In other words, the cold air not only travels straight, but also has the property of spreading to both sides of the flow path 100b'.

The concave portion 100b7 may be formed adjacent to the first discharge port 100a1 located at the top of the multi-duct 100. Due to the above arrangement, cold air can be discharged while spreading to both sides of the first discharge port 100a1.

The concave portion 100b7 may be formed by having at least one side of the flow path 100b' rounded inward. Of course, both sides of the flow path 100b' may be rounded inward to form a concave portion 100b7.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing part B shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C shown in FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 , the duct housing 100a is provided with a discharge guide 100a7 that is rounded outward from the rear of the first discharge opening 100a1 toward one side of the first discharge opening 100a1. The discharge guide 100a7 forms the inner wall of the first discharge opening 100a1. By the discharge guide 100a7, a portion of the cold air discharged into the first storage chamber 11a through the first discharge port 100a1 is guided laterally, that is, toward one side of the first discharge port 100a1.

The discharge guide 100a7 is provided on at least one side of the left or right side of the first discharge opening 100a1 and extends toward the one side. The flow cross section through which cold air flows expands outward by the discharge guide 100a7. That is, the discharge guide 100a7 is formed to be curved in a direction that gradually widens the flow cross section.

The first discharge port 100a1 is disposed on one side of the center of the first storage compartment 11a. The discharge guide 100a7 is provided on one side of the first discharge port 100a1 adjacent to one corner of the first storage compartment 11a. Therefore, a portion of the cold air discharged into the first storage compartment 11a through the first discharge port 100a1 is moved to one corner of the first storage compartment 11a by the discharge guide 100a7 formed on one side of the first discharge port 100a1. flows towards.

In this drawing, when looking at the first storage compartment 11a from the front of the refrigerator 10, the first outlet 100a1 and the second outlet 100a2 are located on the right and left, respectively, based on the center of the first storage compartment 11a. ) is shown to have been formed. If the cold air guide structure of the present invention is not provided, even if the first and second discharge ports 100a1 and 100a2 are provided on the right and left, respectively, with respect to the center of the first storage compartment 11a, Cold air is not transmitted to the right and left corners of the screen, causing a problem where the temperature appears higher than other parts.

In order to improve this, a discharge guide 100a7 is formed on the right side of the first discharge port 100a1 provided on the right side. According to this, cold air discharged into the first storage chamber 11a through the first discharge port 100a1 may flow to the right edge of the first storage chamber 11a.

Additionally, a discharge guide 100a7 is formed on the left side of the second discharge port 100a2 provided on the left side. According to this, cold air discharged to the first storage chamber (11a) through the second discharge port (100a2) may flow to the left edge of the first storage chamber (11a).

Therefore, more cold air is delivered to the right and left corners of the first storage compartment 11a compared to the existing case, and the temperature difference with other parts can be reduced.

Meanwhile, a discharge guide 100a7 may be formed on the left side of the first discharge port 100a1. Likewise, a discharge guide 100a7 may be formed on the right side of the second discharge port 100a2. According to this, cold air can also be transmitted between the first outlet (100a1) and the second outlet (100a2).

As shown in FIG. 12, the discharge guide 100a7 is arranged to cover the inner surface of the first communication hole 100b1 formed in the duct insulation 100b. That is, the discharge guide 100a7 extends rearward from the first discharge port 100a1 and is arranged to cover the inner surface of the first communication hole 100b1. The discharge guide 100a7 may be arranged to completely cover the inner surface of the first communication hole 100b1.

Meanwhile, the previously described concave portion 100b7 may be formed adjacent to the discharge guide 100a7. In this case, a portion of the cold air is guided to both edge portions of the flow path 100b' by the concave portion 100b7 and then is immediately guided laterally by the discharge guide 100a7. Accordingly, cold air flowing on both edges of the flow path 100b' can naturally flow in the lateral direction of the first storage chamber 11a.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D shown in FIG. 11.

Previously, cold air was not sufficiently transmitted to the first door 12a due to loss of kinetic energy of cold air in the multi-duct 16. The following two reasons can be cited as reasons why cold air is not sufficiently transmitted to the first door 12a.

The existing duct insulation (16b) had an open shape in the part facing the discharge port (16a1) corresponding to the upper compartment (11a1). For reference, according to the above structure, when the duct housing 16a is viewed from the front, the duct insulation 16b is not visible through the discharge port 16a1.

As such, the existing duct insulation 16b did not have a part that guided the change in direction of the cold air rising along the flow path 16b' toward the front discharge port 16a1. Therefore, in the process of changing the direction of the cold air rising along the flow path 100b' toward the front discharge port 16a1, significant pressure resistance occurred. This pressure resistance was analyzed as the main cause of the loss of kinetic energy of cold air.

In addition, previously, a chamfer was formed on the upper inner surface of the duct housing (16a) defining the discharge port (16a1). That is, the upper inner surface of the discharge port 16a1 formed an obtuse angle with the front of the duct housing 16a. Accordingly, a part of the cold air discharged from the front discharge port 16a1 was guided upward by the chamfer, causing a decrease in the straight flow of the cold air.

Based on this cause analysis, the present invention discloses the following structure that allows cold air to be sufficiently transmitted to the door.

Referring to FIG. 13, a curved guide 100b8 is formed in the duct insulation 100b to guide the change of direction of the cold air rising along the flow path 100b' toward the first discharge port 100a1 at the front. The curved guide 100b8 has a shape curved from the outside of the flow path 100b' toward the first discharge port 100a1. The curved guide 100b8 is formed to extend roundly from a portion spaced rearward from the first communication hole 100b1 toward the upper end of the first communication hole 100b1.

The curved guide 100b8 is formed in a round shape at a position facing the first communication hole 100b1 of the duct insulation 100b. Accordingly, when the multi-duct 100 is viewed from the front (i.e., when viewed from the front of the duct housing 100a), the curved guide 100b8 is visible through the first discharge port 100a1. Additionally, when the multi-duct 100 is viewed from the rear (i.e., when the duct insulation 100b is viewed from the rear), the first communication hole 100b1 is completely covered by the curved guide 100b8.

In this way, a natural direction change (approximately vertical direction change) of the cold air can be achieved by the curved guide 100b8, and the pressure resistance applied to the cold air during the direction change process can be reduced.

Meanwhile, the first discharge port 100a1 is formed to face the sub door 12a", so that cold air that travels straight can be discharged toward the sub door 12a".

In addition, the upper inner surface of the first discharge port 100a1 may be connected perpendicularly to the front of the duct housing 100a. That is, no chamfer is formed on the upper inner surface of the first discharge port 100a1.

When the above structure is combined with the curved guide 100b8 described above, the straight flow of cold air discharged to the first discharge port 100a1 by the curved guide 100b8 can be improved.

The upper inner surface of the first discharge port 100a1 may be flush with the upper end of the curved guide 100b8. That is, the upper inner surface of the first discharge port 100a1 and the curved guide 100b8 can be continuously connected without a step. Accordingly, the cold air whose direction has been changed by the curved guide 100b8 can be discharged into the first storage chamber 11a with a straight line through the first discharge port 100a1.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the temperature at each location in the middle compartment 11a2 of the first storage compartment 11a shown in FIG. 3. Here, the middle compartment may be referred to as the second part 11a2 of the first storage compartment 11a.

Referring to FIG. 14 together with FIGS. 4 and 5, the first inlet 100' and the second inlet 100" are formed on one side and the other, respectively, with respect to the center of the duct housing 100a. The middle compartment 11a2 ), the third and fourth discharge ports 100a3 and 100a4 are provided on one side and the other, respectively, based on the center of the duct housing 100a.

The flow path 16b' formed in the duct insulation 16b includes a rising flow path 16b'1 that raises the cold air flowing in through the first inlet 16', and a rising flow path 16b'1 on both sides from the rising flow path 16b'1. It includes a branched first branch flow path (16b'2) and a second branch flow path (16b'3).

The rising flow path 16b'1 extends upward from one side of the duct insulation 16b corresponding to the first inlet 16'. The rising flow path 16b'1 may extend to the middle portion of the duct insulation 16b.

The first branch flow path 16b'2 extends upward in an inclined form from the rising flow path 16b'1 toward the upper part of the other side of the duct insulation 100b. The second branch flow path 16b'3 extends upward from the rising flow path 16b'1 toward the upper part of the other side of the duct insulation 100b, and may be formed to be inclined in the opposite direction to the first branch flow path 16b'2. .

The third and fourth discharge openings 100a3 and 100a4 are formed within the first and second branch passages 16b'2 and 16b'3, respectively. As shown, the third discharge opening 100a3 is formed in the first branch passage (100a3). It was formed in a location adjacent to one side wall of 16b'2). According to this, the main flow of cold air flowing through the first branch flow path 16b'2 is concentrated on the other side wall (inner wall) rather than one side wall (outer wall), causing a problem of insufficient cold air discharged through the third outlet 100a3. occurred.

Additionally, the second branch passage 16b'3 is formed to be narrower than the first branch passage 16b'2. Accordingly, a problem occurred in which cold air flowing into the second branch flow path 16b'3 was small, and the amount of cold air discharged through the fourth outlet 100a4 was not sufficient.

In order to improve these problems, the present invention discloses the following multi-duct 100 through which sufficient cold air can be discharged through the third and fourth discharge openings 100a3 and 100a4.

Figure 15 (a) is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of cold air in the middle of the flow path 16b' in Figure 5, (b) is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of cold air in the middle of the flow path 100b' in Figure 8, FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the first flow separation portion 100b9' and the third discharge port 100a3 of FIG. 15.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the duct insulation 100b has a first flow path 100b'1 that guides cold air flowing in through the first inlet 100' to the third and fourth discharge ports 100a3 and 100a4, respectively. ) and a second flow path (100b'2) is formed. The first and second flow paths 100b'1 and 100b'2 are formed to communicate with the first inlet 100'.

That is, the first and second flow paths 100b'1 and 100b'2 have a shape branched from the first inlet 100' to both sides of the duct insulation 100b. Therefore, unlike the existing flow path 16b' in which the rising flow path 16b'1 was provided between the first inlet 100' and the first and second branch flow paths 16b'2 and 16b'3, the duct insulation (100b) is not provided with a portion corresponding to the rising flow passage 16b'1.

The branch guide 100b9 protruding between the first and second flow paths 100b'1 and 100b'2 is the branch guide 16b9 between the existing first and second branch flow paths 16b'2 and 16b'3. ) is located lower than the As shown, the lower end of the branch guide 100b9 where the first flow path 100b'1 and the second flow path 100b'2 intersect may be located below the center of the multi-duct 100.

A third communication hole 100b3 corresponding to the third discharge port 100a3 is formed in the first flow passage 100b'1. Within the first flow passage 100b'1, the above-described first communication hole 100b1 is formed on the upper side of the third communication hole 100b3. For reference, a fifth communication hole 100b5, which will be described later, is formed below the third communication hole 100b3.

The cold air flowing through the first flow path (100b'1) must be able to flow and be discharged in a certain amount to each of the third and fifth discharge ports (100a3 and 100a5). Therefore, a portion of the cold air flowing through the first flow passage 100b'1 must be able to pass through the third communication hole 100b3 and flow toward the first communication hole 100b1. For this purpose, the third communication hole 100b3 is preferably formed at a location adjacent to one side wall of the first flow passage 100b'1 rather than at the center. Here, the one side wall may be an outer wall of the first passage 100b'1 that faces the inner wall (hereinafter, the other side wall) of the first passage 100b'1 forming the branch guide 100b9.

On the other side wall of the first flow path (100b'1), the cold air flowing along the other side wall is separated and a portion of the cold air flows sharply toward the inside of the first flow path (100b'1) to flow toward the third communication hole (100b3). An angled first flow separation portion 100b9' is formed. The first flow separation portion 100b9' is located below the first communication hole 100b1.

The other side wall of the first flow passage 100b'1 includes a first side wall 100b9'a and a second side wall 100b9'b.

The first side wall 100b9'a extends obliquely. In this drawing, the first side wall 100b9'a is shown to extend obliquely toward the third communication hole 100b3.

The second side wall 100b9'b extends upward in a direction intersecting the first side wall 100b9'a, and has a sharp first flow separation portion 100b9' at the intersection with the first side wall 100b9'a. form The angle formed by the first side wall 100b9'a and the second side wall 100b9'b forming the first flow separation portion 100b9' may be an obtuse angle.

Due to the above structure, cold air flowing along the first side wall 100b9'a is separated from the first flow separation portion 100b9', and a portion of the separated cold air flows toward the third communication hole 100b3. . Accordingly, the amount of cold air discharged through the third discharge port 100a3 can be increased.

As shown in FIG. 16, the third communication hole 100b3 is above an imaginary line L extending obliquely upward from the first flow separation portion 100b9' at the same inclination as the first side wall 100b9'a. can be located Accordingly, cold air flowing along the first side wall 100b9'a and separated from the first flow separation portion 100b9' may flow toward the third communication hole 100b3.

Figure 17 (a) is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of cold air in the middle part of the flow path 16b' in Figure 5, and (b) is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of cold air in the middle part of the flow path 100b' in Figure 8. .

Referring to FIG. 17, the first and second flow paths 100b'1 and 100b'2 are formed on both sides of the branch guide 100b9 located in the center of the duct insulation 100b. A first inlet 100' is located on one lower side of the branch guide 100b9.

The second flow path 100b'2 communicates with the first inlet 100' and the first flow path 100b'1. A fourth communication hole 100b4 corresponding to the fourth discharge port 100a4 is formed in the second flow passage 100b'2. Within the second flow passage 100b'2, the above-described second communication hole 100b2 is formed above the fourth communication hole 100b4.

The cold air flowing through the second flow passage 100b'2 must be able to rise and be discharged in a certain amount to each of the second and fourth discharge ports 100a2 and 100a4. Therefore, a portion of the cold air flowing through the second flow path 100b'2 must be able to pass through the fourth communication hole 100b4 and flow toward the second communication hole 100b2. For this purpose, the fourth communication hole 100b4 is preferably formed at a location adjacent to one side wall of the second flow passage 100b'2 rather than at the center. Here, the one side wall may be an outer wall of the second passage 100b'2 that faces the inner wall (hereinafter, the other side wall) of the second passage 100b'2 forming the branch guide 100b9.

On the other side wall of the second flow passage 100b'2, a second flow separation portion 100b9 is sharply angled inward so that cold air flowing along the other side wall is separated and a portion flows toward the fourth communication hole 100b4. ") is formed. The second flow separation portion 100b9" is located below the fourth communication hole 100b4.

The other side wall of the second flow passage 100b'2 includes a first side wall 100b9'a and a second side wall 100b9'b.

The first side wall 100b9'a extends obliquely. In this drawing, the first side wall 100b9'a is shown to extend obliquely toward the fourth communication hole 100b4.

The second side wall 100b9'b extends upward in a direction intersecting the first side wall 100b9'a, and has a sharp second flow separation portion 100b9" at the intersection with the first side wall 100b9'a. The angle formed by the first side wall 100b9'a and the second side wall 100b9'b forming the second flow separation portion 100b9" may be an obtuse angle.

Due to the above structure, cold air flowing along the first side wall 100b9'a is separated from the second flow separation portion 100b9", and a portion of the separated cold air flows toward the fourth communication hole 100b4. Accordingly, the amount of cold air discharged through the fourth outlet (100a4) can be increased.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the first flow separation unit 100b9' of FIG. 15 and the second flow separation unit 100b9" of FIG. 17.

Referring to FIG. 18, the third and fourth discharge ports 100a3 and 100a4 are configured to supply cold air to the middle compartment 11a2 of the first storage compartment 11a, that is, the second portion 11a2. Accordingly, the third and fourth communication holes 100b3 and 100b4 are formed at a height corresponding to the middle compartment 11a2 of the first storage compartment 11a. For example, the third and fourth communication holes 100b3 and 100b4 may be formed at the same height.

In addition, an inlet guide 100b10 that is inclined with respect to a portion of the first inlet 100' is formed to protrude from the duct insulation 100b. The inflow guide (100b10) is located below the branch guide (100b9). The inlet guide 100b10 serves to provide an initial direction so that a portion of the cold air flowing in through the first inlet 100' flows toward the first flow path 100b'1.

A portion of the inlet guide 100b10 forms one side wall of the second flow path 100b'2. In this drawing, it is shown that the upper part of the inlet guide 100b10 forms the lower one side wall of the second flow passage 100b'2.

Accordingly, part of the cold air flowing into the first inlet 100' flows into the first flow path 100b'1 by the inflow guide 100b10, and the other part flows into the second flow path 100b'2. do. Since the second flow path 100b'2 is formed on the same side as the first inlet 100', that is, on one side of the duct insulation 100b, most of the cold air rising along the second flow path 100b'2 is guided through the inflow guide. The rise is slightly more concentrated on the other side wall of the second flow path (100b'2) opposite to (100b10).

In addition, the absolute angle (β) formed by the first side wall (100b9'a) of the second flow separation portion (100b9") with respect to the horizontal plane of the duct insulation (100b) is the first side wall of the first flow separation portion (100b9') It is formed larger than the absolute angle (α) formed by (100b9'a). The second side wall (100b9'b) of the first flow separation unit (100b9') and the second side wall (100b9'b) of the second flow separation unit (100b9") Since 100b9'b) extends approximately vertically upward toward the top of the duct insulation 100b, less flow separation appears in the second flow separation portion 100b9" than in the first flow separation portion 100b9'.

Considering these flow characteristics, in order to allow more cold air to flow into the fourth communication hole (100b4) formed on one side wall of the second flow path (100b'2), the second flow separation portion (100b9") It is preferably disposed adjacent to the fourth communication hole 100b4. Accordingly, the second flow separation portion 100b9" may be located above the first flow separation portion 100b9'. That is, the distance between the second flow separation unit 100b9'' and the fourth communication hole 100b4 may be shorter than the distance between the first flow separation unit 100b9' and the third communication hole 100b3.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the temperature at each location in the lower compartment 11a3 of the first storage compartment 11a shown in FIG. 3. Here, the lower compartment 11a3 may be referred to as the third portion 11a3 of the first storage compartment 11a.

Referring to FIG. 19 together with FIGS. 4 and 5, the first inlet 100' is formed on one side of the center of the duct housing 100a. Conventionally, after the cold air introduced through the first inlet 16' rises through the rising passage 16b'1, some of it flows into the middle compartment 11a2 through the discharge port 16a2, and the remaining portion flows into the discharge port 16a1. ) flowed into the upper compartment (11a1). That is, the existing multi-duct 16 did not have a structure in which cold air directly flows into the lower compartment 11a3.

In the above structure, one side of the lower compartment 11a3 is disposed adjacent to the first inlet 16', so that sufficient cooling is achieved. However, the other side of the lower compartment (11a3), which is located on the opposite side of the first inlet (16') based on the center of the multi-duct (16), is far away from the first inlet (16') and does not have a flow path through which cold air can be transmitted. Since the discharge port was not formed, there were cases where the temperature conditions were not satisfied.

To solve this problem, it could be considered to form discharge openings on both sides of the duct housing (16a) corresponding to the lower compartment (11a3), and forming communication holes and flow paths corresponding to the discharge openings in the duct insulation (16b). However, in this case, supercooling occurred on one side of the lower compartment 11a3 disposed adjacent to the first inlet 16'. In addition, it was difficult to form a flow path that guides cold air to the lower compartment 11a3 in the existing flow path 16b' structure in which the rising flow path 16b'1 was formed. It was possible to transfer cold air to the other side of the lower compartment 11a3 by widening the first branch passage 16b'2, but water generated by condensation on the upper side of the passage 100b' passed through the discharge port into the inside of the first storage compartment 11a. A problem of infiltration occurred.

The present invention can satisfy the temperature conditions for the lower compartment of the first storage chamber (11a) and prevent water generated on the upper side of the flow path (100b') from penetrating into the first storage chamber (11a) through the discharge port. The following multi-duct 100 is disclosed.

Figure 20 (a) is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of cold air in the lower part of the flow path 16b' in Figure 5, and (b) is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of cold air in the lower part of the flow path 100b' in Figure 8. 21 is an enlarged view showing part E shown in FIG. 20.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the duct housing 100a has a first inlet 100' and a second inlet 100" through which cold air generated in the evaporator 14 is supplied on one side and the other side with respect to the center. At the top of the duct housing 100a, first and second discharge ports 100a1 and 100a2 are formed on the other side and one side, respectively, and in the middle, third and fourth discharge ports 100a3 and 100a4 are formed on the other side and one side, respectively. Each is formed in the lower part, and fifth and sixth discharge ports 100a5 and 100a6 are formed on one side and the other, respectively.

That is, on the other side of the duct housing 100a, first, third, and fifth discharge ports 100a1, 100a3, and 100a5 are formed to be spaced apart from each other along a direction from the top to the bottom. Additionally, second, fourth, and sixth discharge ports 100a2, 100a4, and 100a6 are formed on one side of the duct housing 100a to be spaced apart from each other in a direction from the top to the bottom.

Here, cold air is not discharged through the sixth outlet (100a6). That is, the sixth discharge port 100a6 is composed of a dummy discharge port formed to achieve shape symmetry with the fifth discharge port 100a5.

A sixth communication hole (100b6) corresponding to the sixth discharge port (100a6) may be formed in the duct insulation (100b). The sixth communication hole 100b6 may be formed within the inlet guide 100b10 described above. That is, the sixth communication hole 100b6 is formed at a location outside the first to third flow paths 100b'1, 100b'2, and 100b'3, which will be described later.

The duct insulation (100b) includes first to third passages (100b'1, 100b'2, 100b'3) are formed.

The first flow passage 100b'1 communicates with the first inlet 100' and extends upward toward the upper part of the other side of the duct housing 100a. A portion of the first flow path 100b'1 may be formed to be inclined. First and third communication holes 100b1 and 100b3 corresponding to the first and third discharge ports 100a1 and 100a3 are formed in the first flow passage 100b'1.

The second flow path 100b'2 communicates with the first inlet 100' and extends upward toward the upper part of one side of the duct housing 100a. A portion of the second flow path 100b'2 may be formed to be inclined. In this case, the inclined portion of the first passage 100b'1 and the inclined portion of the second passage 100b'2 may have inclinations in opposite directions.

Second and fourth communication holes 100b2 and 100b4 corresponding to the second and fourth discharge ports 100a2 and 100a4 are formed in the second flow passage 100b'2. A branch guide 100b9 is formed between the first flow path 100b'1 and the second flow path 100b'2 to branch the first and second flow paths 100b'1 and 100b'2.

An inlet guide 100b10 may be formed to protrude between the first inlet 100' and the second flow path 100b'2 and is inclined to cover a portion of the first inlet 100'.

The third flow path 100b'3 branches off from the first flow path 100b'1. For this purpose, a flow path guide 100b11 is formed between the first flow path 100b'1 and the third flow path 100b'3 to branch the first and third flow paths 100b'1 and 100b'3. As shown, the lower end of the flow guide 100b11 may be located below the center of the multi-duct 100. A fifth communication hole 100b5 corresponding to the fifth discharge port 100a5 is formed in the third flow passage 100b'3.

The end of the branch guide 100b9 is located below the end of the flow path guide 100b11. Therefore, some of the cold air introduced through the first inlet 100' flows into the first flow path 100b'1 and the other part flows into the second flow path 100b'2 by the branch guide 100b9. . A portion of the cold air flowing into the first passage (100b'1) flows into the third passage (100b'3) by the passage guide (100b11) and passes through the fifth communication hole (100b5) and the fifth outlet (100a5). It is discharged into the lower compartment of the first storage compartment (11a).

The flow guide (100b11) protrudes between the third communication hole (100b3) and the fifth communication hole (100b5). Accordingly, the fifth communication hole 100b5 is located below the flow path guide 100b11.

The lower surface of the flow path guide 100b11 defines the third flow path 100b'3. The lower surface of the flow guide 100b11 may include a rounded curved portion 100b11'. The curved portion 100b11' is formed to face the fifth communication hole 100b5 in the vertical direction.

Cold air flowing into the third flow passage 100b'3 may be guided by the curved portion 100b11' and flow into the fifth communication hole 100b5, and in this process, the pressure resistance applied to the cold air may be reduced. Accordingly, cold air discharged through the fifth discharge port 100a5 can be sufficiently discharged toward the door.

Meanwhile, water droplets may form on the duct insulation 100b due to condensation. When the water droplets gather and grow, the generated water flows down along the flow path 100b'. Since the fifth communication hole 100b5 is located below the duct insulation 100b, it must be designed to prevent water from flowing into the fifth communication hole 100b5.

To this end, the flow guide 100b11 is formed to protrude laterally from the fifth communication hole 100b5. That is, by arranging the flow guide 100b11 to cover the fifth communication hole 100b5, water generated by condensation on the upper side of the duct insulation 100b can be prevented from flowing into the fifth communication hole 100b5. there is.

Below the flow guide (100b11), a flow restrictor (100b12) defines the first flow path (100b'1) and prevents water that has fallen along the flow guide (100b11) from flowing into the second communication hole (100b2). ) is formed.

As an example, the flow restrictor 100b12 may be formed at an angle to guide water that falls along the flow guide 100b11 to the first inlet 100'.

The flow restriction portion 100b12 may be composed of a portion inclined upward toward the other side of the duct insulation 100b and a portion extending downward from the upwardly inclined portion. A curved portion 100b11' of the flow guide 100b11 may be formed on an upper portion of the convex portion formed by the upwardly inclined portion and the downwardly extending portion. The fifth communication hole 100b5 may be located next to the downwardly extending portion.

The upper surface of the flow guide 100b11 may be inclined in the same direction as the flow restriction portion 100b12. Additionally, a portion of the flow guide 100b11 may be arranged to overlap the flow restriction portion 100b12 in the vertical direction. Due to the above structure, water that falls along the inclined upper surface of the flow guide (100b11) falls along the inclined surface of the flow restrictor (100b12). Accordingly, water generated by condensation may flow into the first inlet 100'.

As another example, the flow restrictor 100b12 may be formed to protrude in a jaw-like shape to spatially separate water falling along the fifth communication hole 100b5 and the flow guide 100b11. In this case, the flow restriction portion 100b12 is formed to be completely covered by the flow path guide 100b11.

Claims (20)

A refrigerator main body including a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment that are separated from each other;
an evaporator provided in the refrigerator main body and generating cold air; and
It includes a multi-duct disposed adjacent to the evaporator and configured to introduce cold air generated in the evaporator into the first and second storage chambers, respectively,
The multi-duct is,
A first inlet and a second inlet through which cold air generated in the evaporator is supplied are formed on one side and the other side based on the center, respectively, and a first outlet and a second outlet communicating with the first storage chamber are spaced vertically on the other side. a duct housing formed in position; and
It is mounted on the back of the duct housing and includes a duct insulation formed with a first flow path and a second flow path that guides cold air flowing in through the first inlet to the first and second discharge ports,
The first flow path extends upward from the first inlet formed on one side of the duct housing to the other side of the duct housing, and has a first communication hole corresponding to the first outlet,
The second flow path branches off from the first flow path and has a second communication hole corresponding to the second discharge port,
A flow guide is formed between the first flow path and the second flow path to branch the first and second flow paths,
On the lower side of the flow guide, flow restrictors are formed spaced apart at a preset distance,
The upper surface of the flow guide is inclined downward in the same direction as the flow restriction portion,
A refrigerator, wherein a portion of the flow guide is disposed to overlap the flow restriction portion in the vertical direction. According to paragraph 1,
A refrigerator, wherein the second discharge port is formed below the center of the duct housing. According to paragraph 1,
A refrigerator, wherein the second communication hole is located below the flow path guide. According to paragraph 3,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the lower surface of the flow guide defines the second flow path and includes a rounded curved portion. According to paragraph 4,
A refrigerator, wherein the curved portion is formed to face the second communication hole in a vertical direction. According to paragraph 3,
A refrigerator, wherein the flow path guide protrudes laterally from the second communication hole to prevent water generated by condensation on the upper side of the flow guide from flowing into the second communication hole. According to clause 6,
The refrigerator is characterized in that the flow limiting part limits the first flow path and prevents water falling along the flow guide from flowing into the second communication hole. In clause 7,
A refrigerator, wherein the flow restrictor is formed at an angle to guide water that falls along the flow guide to the first inlet. delete delete A refrigerator main body having a storage compartment;
an evaporator provided in the refrigerator main body and generating cold air; and
It includes a multi-duct disposed adjacent to the evaporator and configured to introduce cold air generated in the evaporator into the storage compartment,
The multi-duct is,
A duct housing in which an inlet through which cold air generated in the evaporator is supplied is formed on one side relative to the center, first and second discharge ports are formed at vertically spaced positions on the other side, and a third discharge port is formed above the inlet. ; and
It is mounted on the back of the duct housing and includes a duct insulation formed with first to third flow paths that guide cold air flowing in through the inlet to the first to third discharge ports,
The first flow path communicates with the inlet and extends upward to the other side of the duct housing, and has a first communication hole corresponding to the first discharge port,
The second flow path communicates with the inlet, extends upward to one side of the duct housing, and has a third communication hole corresponding to the third outlet,
The third flow path branches off from the first flow path and has a second communication hole corresponding to the second discharge port,
A flow guide is formed between the first flow path and the third flow path to branch the first and third flow paths,
On the lower side of the flow guide, flow restrictors are formed spaced apart at a preset distance,
The upper surface of the flow guide is inclined downward in the same direction as the flow restriction portion,
A refrigerator, wherein a portion of the flow guide is disposed to overlap the flow restriction portion in the vertical direction. According to clause 11,
A branch guide is formed between the first flow path and the second flow path to branch the first and second flow paths,
A refrigerator, characterized in that the end of the branch guide is located below the end of the flow path guide. According to clause 12,
A refrigerator, wherein the second communication hole is located below the flow path guide. According to clause 13,
The refrigerator, wherein the flow restrictor limits the first flow path at the lower side of the flow path guide so that water generated by condensation at the upper side of the flow path guide is guided to the inlet at the lower side. According to clause 11,
A fourth outlet is formed between the inlet and the third outlet,
A refrigerator, wherein a fourth communication hole corresponding to the fourth outlet is formed in the duct insulation at a position away from the second flow path. According to clause 11,
A fifth outlet is formed above the first outlet,
A fifth communication hole corresponding to the fifth discharge port is formed in the first flow path,
The duct housing is provided with a discharge guide bent outward from the rear of the fifth discharge port toward one side of the fifth discharge port to laterally guide a portion of the cold air discharged into the storage compartment through the fifth discharge port. A refrigerator that does. According to clause 16,
A refrigerator, wherein a concave portion is formed in a portion of the first passage adjacent to the discharge guide to guide a portion of the flowing cold air to a side wall of the first passage. According to clause 16,
In the duct insulation, a curved guide is formed in a round shape at a position facing the fifth communication hole to guide the change in direction of the cold air flowing in the first flow path toward the fifth outlet,
A refrigerator, wherein the upper inner surface of the fifth outlet is connected perpendicularly to the front of the duct housing so that the flow of cold air discharged through the fifth outlet by the curved guide has a straight line. According to clause 11,
The first communication hole is formed at a location adjacent to one side wall of the first flow path,
On the other side wall of the first flow path, a flow separation portion sharply angled inward is formed so that cold air flowing along the other side wall separates and a portion flows toward the first communication hole. A refrigerator that does. According to clause 19,
The other side wall is,
A first side wall extending obliquely; and
a second side wall extending upward in a direction intersecting the first side wall and forming the flow separation portion at an intersection point with the first side wall;
A refrigerator, wherein the first side wall in the flow separation portion is formed to be inclined toward the first communication hole.

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