REFRIGERATOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0150711, filed on Oct. 30, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

Description of Prior Art

A refrigerator is a home appliance that stores food for a long time using cold air generated by circulating refrigerant through a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerator includes one or more storage compartments for storing items in a refrigerated or frozen state. Each storage compartment can be opened or closed by a swing-type door or accessed by pulling out a drawer. The storage compartment can include a freezer compartment for storing items in a frozen state and a refrigerator compartment for storing items in a refrigerated state.

The refrigerator includes an evaporator for generating cold air. The cold air generated by the evaporator can be supplied into the storage compartment by a blower fan. Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0072573 discloses the structure and function of a grill fan assembly for supplying cold air generated by an evaporator into a storage compartment.

According to the related art, the grill fan assembly supplies the cold air generated by the evaporator into the storage compartment through a single blower fan disposed in a central area of the grill fan assembly. However, the size of the blower fan disposed in the central area of the grill fan assembly is smaller than the size of the evaporator. Accordingly, with only the single blower fan, the cold air generated by the evaporator cannot be evenly supplied into the storage compartment.

In addition, according to the related art, since, with only the single blower fan, the cold air cannot sufficiently circulate within the grill fan assembly, some cold air generated by the evaporator circulates within the grill fan assembly instead of being supplied into the storage compartment, resulting in cold air loss.

In addition, according to the related art, some cold air generated by the evaporator cannot be quickly supplied into the storage compartment, and the cold air circulating within the storage compartment cannot be quickly introduced into the evaporator. Accordingly, since heat exchange through cold air circulation is not performed quickly, the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator is reduced.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to providing a refrigerator for supplying cold air into a storage compartment through a plurality of blower fans.

The present disclosure is also directed to providing a refrigerator capable of evenly and quickly supplying cold air generated by an evaporator into a storage compartment.

The present disclosure is also directed to providing a refrigerator capable of minimizing the loss of cold air generated by an evaporator during a process of supplying the cold air into a storage compartment.

The present disclosure is also directed to providing a refrigerator that enhances cooling efficiency by increasing a cold air circulation speed between a storage compartment and an evaporator.

Objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above objects, and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure that are not described can be more clearly understood by various embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, the objects and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by the components stated in the claims and combinations thereof.

According to an embodiment, there is provided a refrigerator including a cabinet in which a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment are formed, an evaporator disposed on one side of the second storage compartment, and a grill fan assembly which is disposed between the second storage compartment and the evaporator and supplies cold air generated by the evaporator into the second storage compartment.

The grill fan assembly may include a shroud including a first inlet and a second inlet through which the cold air generated by the evaporator is introduced, a grill fan which is coupled to a front surface of the shroud and includes a first outlet and a second outlet configured to discharge the cold air generated by the evaporator into the second storage compartment, a first blower fan disposed at a position corresponding to the first inlet, and a second blower fan disposed at a position corresponding to the second inlet.

The shroud may include a first rib and a second rib which are disposed around the first inlet and form a first cold air flow path, and a third rib and a fourth rib which are disposed around the second inlet and form a second cold air flow path.

The first rib, the second rib, the third rib, or the fourth rib may include a first sub-rib and a second sub-rib connected at a predetermined connection angle at a bent portion.

At least portions of the first sub-rib and the second sub-rib may have a curved shape having a predetermined curvature.

When viewed from the first cold air flow path or the second cold air flow path, the connection angle between the first sub-rib and the second sub-rib may be an obtuse angle.

The bent portion of the first rib and the bent portion of the second rib may be disposed at different heights with respect to a center point of the first inlet.

The bent portion of the third rib and the bent portion of the fourth rib may be disposed at different heights with respect to a center point of the second inlet.

The shroud may include a first extension flow path which communicates with the first cold air flow path, and a second extension flow path which communicates with the second cold air flow path.

Cold air introduced into the first cold air flow path may be guided by the second sub-rib of the first rib and the second sub-rib of the second rib to move to the first extension flow path.

Cold air introduced into the second cold air flow path may be guided by the second sub-rib of the third rib and the second sub-rib of the fourth rib to move to the second extension flow path.

A width of the first extension flow path may be narrower than a width of the first cold air flow path, and a width of the second extension flow path may be narrower than a width of the second cold air flow path.

The first outlet may include a first upper outlet and a first middle outlet disposed at positions corresponding to the first cold air flow path, and a first lower outlet formed on an end portion of the first extension flow path which communicates with the first cold air flow path.

The second outlet may include a second upper outlet and a second middle outlet disposed at positions corresponding to the second cold air flow path, and a second lower outlet formed on an end portion of the second extension flow path which communicates with the second cold air flow path.

The grill fan may further include a damper connection part formed at a position corresponding to the cold air outlet and to which a damper configured to supply cold air to the first storage compartment is connectable.

The grill fan may further include a cold air accommodation part in which the first blower fan and the second blower fan are accommodated, and a first extension and a second extension connected to the cold air accommodation part and formed at positions corresponding to the first extension flow path and the second extension flow path formed in the shroud, respectively.

The first extension or the second extension may be disposed to protrude further forward than the cold air accommodation part.

The first extension or the second extension may be disposed parallel to the cold air accommodation part.

The cold air accommodation part may be disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the first extension or the second extension.

The first extension or the second extension may be disposed on the same plane as the cold air accommodation part.

The first blower fan or the second blower fan may be disposed parallel to the grill fan.

The first blower fan or the second blower fan may be disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the grill fan.

The grill fan may further include a grill fan plate, and a suction guide connected to the grill fan plate in a direction facing a front side of the grill fan plate to form a suction space.

The suction space may be open in a direction from a front side toward a lower surface of the grill fan.

The first outlet may include a first lower outlet formed on an end portion of the first extension flow path which communicates with the first cold air flow path.

The second outlet may include a second lower outlet formed on an end portion of the second extension flow path which communicates with the second cold air flow path.

A first protrusion disposed at a position corresponding to the first lower outlet, and a second protrusion disposed at a position corresponding to the second lower outlet may be disposed in the suction space.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cold air generated by the evaporator can be supplied evenly and quickly into the storage compartment.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the loss of cold air generated by the evaporator can be minimized during the process of supplying the cold air into the storage compartment.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator can be enhanced by increasing the cold air circulation speed between the storage compartment and the evaporator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an internal structure of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a grill fan assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a grill fan included in the grill fan assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a shroud included in the grill fan assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the grill fan assembly according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a grill fan assembly according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a grill fan included in the grill fan assembly according to another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a front view of a shroud included in the grill fan assembly according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a grill fan assembly according to still another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the grill fan assembly illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a grill fan assembly according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the grill fan assembly illustrated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 illustrates flow rates of cold air measured at each front cross section of a grill fan assembly having a single blower fan.

FIG. 17 illustrates flow rates of cold air measured at each front cross section of a grill fan assembly having two blower fans.

FIG. 18 illustrates flow rates of cold air measured at each side cross section of a grill fan assembly having a single blower fan.

FIG. 19 illustrates flow rates of cold air measured at each front cross section of a grill fan assembly having two blower fans.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The above objects, features, and advantages will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and thus those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will be able to easily carry out the technical spirit of the present disclosure. In describing the present disclosure, when it is determined that a detailed description of the known technology related to the present disclosure may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals may be used to denote the same or similar components.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of a refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an internal structure of the refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator according to one embodiment.

A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a cabinet 10.

A first storage compartment 11 and second storage compartments 12a, 12b, and 13 may be formed within the cabinet 10. In one embodiment, the first storage compartment 11 may be a refrigerator compartment in which items are stored in a refrigerated state, and the second storage compartments 12a and 12b may be a freezer compartment in which items are stored in a frozen state. In addition, the second storage compartment 13 may be a switching compartment, which may be changed to a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment according to a user setting. This is merely an example, and the location and number of storage compartments formed within the cabinet 10 may vary depending on the embodiment. Each storage compartment may be divided by a partition wall 14 within the cabinet 10.

A door 20 for opening and closing the first storage compartment 11 may be connected to the cabinet 10. In one embodiment, the door 20 may be hinge-connected to the cabinet 10 and may rotate about the hinge.

The second storage compartments 12a, 12b, and 13 may store a first drawer box 22 and a second drawer box 23, which may be inserted into or withdrawn from the second storage compartments 12a, 12b, and 13. A user may withdraw the first drawer box 22 or the second drawer box 23 from the second storage compartments 12a, 12b, and 13 and store the items within the first drawer box 22 or the second drawer box 23.

One or more evaporators 31 and 32 may be disposed on a rear surface of the cabinet 10. For example, the evaporator 31 may be disposed on a rear surface of the first storage compartment 11, and the evaporator 32 may be disposed on rear surfaces of the second storage compartments 12a, 12b, and 13.

In another embodiment, an evaporator may be disposed on only rear surfaces of some storage compartments. For example, the evaporator 31 is not disposed the rear surface of the first storage compartment 11, and the evaporator 32 may be disposed on only the rear surfaces of the second storage compartments 12a, 12b, and 13.

Grill fan assemblies 1 and 2 may be disposed on front surfaces of the evaporators 31 and 32. For example, the grill fan assembly 2 may be disposed on the front surface of the evaporator 31, and the grill fan assembly 1 may be disposed on the front surface of the evaporator 32. The grill fan assemblies 1 and 2 may INCOMING AIR generated by the evaporators 31 and 32 and discharge the suctioned cold air into the storage compartments 11, 12a, 12b, and 13. The grill fan assembly 1 and the grill fan assembly 2 may have the same structure or different structures.

A machine room 15 may be disposed on a rear surface of the cabinet 10 and below the second evaporator 32. A compressor and condenser for supplying refrigerant to the evaporators 31 and 32 may be disposed within the machine room 15.

In one embodiment, an ice-making chamber 21 may be disposed on an inner surface of the door 20 (surface facing the first storage compartment 11 when the door 20 is closed). An ice tray for making ice may be disposed within the ice-making chamber 21. Water stored in the ice tray may be cooled by cold air, thereby generating ice within the ice-making chamber 21.

In one embodiment, a cold air supply duct 51 may be disposed between the ice-making chamber 21 and the grill fan assembly 1. The cold air supply duct 51 may be connected to the guide duct 25. The cold air generated by the evaporator 32 and introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 may be supplied to the ice-making chamber 21 through the cold air supply duct 51 and the guide duct 25.

In one embodiment, a cold air return duct 52 may be disposed between the ice-making chamber 21 and the second storage chamber 12b. The cold air supplied to the ice-making chamber 21 through the cold air supply duct 51 may flow within the ice-making chamber 21 and then move to the second storage chamber 12b through the cold air return duct 52.

In another embodiment, the refrigerator may not include the ice-making chamber 21, the cold air supply duct 51, and the cold air return duct 52.

The structure and function of the grill fan assembly 1 according to each embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a grill fan assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front view of a grill fan included in the grill fan assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a front view of a shroud included in the grill fan assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the grill fan assembly according to one embodiment.

The grill fan assembly 1 according to one embodiment may include a grill fan 100, a shroud 200, a first blower fan 410a, and a second blower fan 410b. The grill fan assembly 1 according to one embodiment may further include an ice-making fan 420.

The grill fan 100 forms a front surface of the grill fan assembly 1.

The grill fan 100 may include a cold air accommodation part 150 formed to protrude forward. The cold air accommodation part 150 may include a first blower fan accommodation portion 110a and a second blower fan accommodation portion 110b that accommodate a first blower fan 410a and a second blower fan 410b, respectively. The first blower fan accommodation portion 110a and the second blower fan accommodation portion 110b may be formed to protrude forward from the cold air accommodation part 150. When the grill fan 100, the shroud 200, the first blower fan 410a, and the second blower fan 410b may be coupled, at least portions of the first blower fan 410a and second blower fan 410b may be accommodated in the first blower fan accommodation portion 110a and the second blower fan accommodation portion 110b.

In one embodiment, the grill fan 100 may further include an ice-making fan accommodation portion 120 that accommodates the ice-making fan 420. When the grill fan 100, the shroud 200, and the ice-making fan 420 are coupled, at least a portion of the ice-making fan 420 may be accommodated in the ice-making fan accommodation portion 120.

The grill fan 100 may further include a first extension 160a and a second extension 160b, each connected to the cold air accommodation part 150. One ends of the first extension 160a and the second extension 160b may be formed to be bent at a predetermined angle forward. A first lower outlet 131a and a second lower outlet 131b may be formed on bent end portions of the first extension 160a and the second extension 160b, respectively. Each of the first lower outlet 131a and the second lower outlet 131b may have a shape that is open forward.

A first protrusion 142a and a second protrusion 142b protruding downward may be disposed below the first lower outlet 131a and the second lower outlet 131b, respectively.

The first extension 160a and the second extension 160b may be disposed at positions corresponding to a first extension flow path 260a and a second extension flow path 260b formed in the shroud 200, respectively. Accordingly, when the grill fan 100 and the shroud 200 are coupled, the first extension flow path 260a and the second extension flow path 260b may be sealed by the first extension 160a and the second extension 160b, and the first protrusion 142a and the second protrusion 142b, respectively, thereby forming a flow path through which cold air flows.

The grill fan 100 may include one or more outlets for discharging cold air. In one embodiment, the grill fan 100 may include first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a and second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b.

The first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a may OUTGOING AIR introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 into the second storage chambers 12a, 12b, and 13 through a first inlet 210a and the first blower fan 410a. The first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a may include a first upper outlet 111a communicating with an upper storage chamber 13, first middle outlets 121a and 122a communicating with a middle storage chamber 12a, and a first lower outlet 131a communicating with a lower storage chamber 12b.

The second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b may OUTGOING AIR introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 into the second storage chambers 12a, 12b, and 13 through a second inlet 210b and the second blower fan 410b. The second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b may include a second upper outlet 111b communicating with the upper storage chamber 13, second middle outlets 121b and 122b communicating with the middle storage chamber 12a, and a second lower outlet 131b communicating with the lower storage chamber 12b.

In a front view of the grill fan 100, the first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b may be disposed on both sides with respect to the center of the grill fan 100, respectively. For example, the first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a may be disposed on the left side with respect to the center of the grill fan 100, and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b may be disposed on the right side with respect to the center of the grill fan 100. The first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the center of the grill fan 100, but the first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b are not necessarily disposed in exactly symmetrical positions with respect to the center of the grill fan 100.

The first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a may be disposed at positions corresponding to the first blower fan accommodation portion 110a, the first blower fan 410a, and a first inlet 210a, and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b may be disposed at positions corresponding to the second blower fan accommodation portion 110b, the second blower fan 410b, and the second inlet 210b.

With this structure, when the storage room is divided into two spaces (e.g., a left space and a right space) with respect to the center of the grill fan 100, cold air may be separately discharged to each space by the first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b. Accordingly, cold air flow paths are separately formed in each space, enabling independent cooling for each space. The grill fan 100 may further include a suction guide 140. The suction guide 140 may be connected to the grill fan plate 151 in a direction facing a front side of the grill fan plate 151. The suction guide 140 may be connected to the grill fan plate 151 so as to be bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the grill fan plate 151. The suction guide 140 may be connected to the grill fan plate 151 at the same angle as bent ends of the first extension 160a and the second extension 160b.

A suction space 141 may be formed on a lower surface of the suction guide 140. As described above, since the suction guide 140 is connected to the grill fan plate 151 in a direction facing a front side of the grill fan 100, a front surface of the suction space 141 is open and unobstructed. Accordingly, a wide suction space 141, which is open in a direction from the front of the grill fan 100 toward a lower surface thereof, may be formed by the suction guide 140. With this structure, a large amount of cold air may be suctioned not only through the lower surface of the suction space 141, but also the front surface of the suction space 141. Accordingly, a flow and circulation speed of the cold air within the storage chamber may increase.

The cold air flowing in the second storage chambers 13, 12a, and 12b may be guided by the suction guide 140 and suctioned into the suction space 141. Since the suction guide 140 protrudes in the direction facing a front side of the grill fan 100, the cold air suctioned through the suction space 141 may be suctioned into the suction space 141 without mixing with the cold air discharged through the first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a and the second outlet 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b.

In addition, the first protrusion 142a and the second protrusion 142b may be disposed in the suction space 141. The first protrusion 142a and the second protrusion 142b may be disposed at positions corresponding to the first lower outlet 131a and the second lower outlet 131b, respectively. The first protrusion 142a and the second protrusion 142b may block the movement of the cold air discharged from the first lower outlet 131a and the second lower outlet 131b toward the suction space 141.

Air suctioned into the suction space 141 may move toward the evaporator 32. The shroud 200 forms the rear surface of the grill fan assembly 1.

The shroud 200 may include the first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b. The first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b may be disposed so as to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other. The first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b may be formed at positions corresponding to the first blower fan 410a and the second blower fan 410b, respectively. The cold air generated by the evaporator 32 may be introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 through the first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b.

A number of fixing screws 211 may be disposed around the first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b. The first blower fan 410a and the second blower fan 410b may each be fixed to the shroud 200 by the fixing screws 211.

In one embodiment, the shroud 200 may further include a third inlet 220. The third inlet 220 may be formed at a position corresponding to the ice-making fan 420. The cold air generated by the evaporator 32 may be introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 through the third inlet 220.

A number of ribs 251, 252, 253, and 254 may be disposed around the first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b. In one embodiment, a first rib 251 and a second rib 252 may be disposed around the first inlet 210a, and a third rib 253 and a fourth rib 254 may be disposed around the second inlet 210b.

In one embodiment, the second rib 252 and the third rib 253 may be disposed without contacting each other. Accordingly, an area in which cold air is not introduced may be formed between the second rib 252 and the third rib 253.

When the grill fan 100 and the shroud 200 are coupled, upper surfaces of the ribs 251, 252, 253, and 254 may be in contact with an inner surface of the grill fan 100. Accordingly, a first cold air flow path may be formed around the first inlet 210a by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252, and a second cold air flow path may be formed around the second inlet 210b by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254. The first cold air flow path may communicate with the first extension flow path 260a, and the second cold air flow path may communicate with the second extension flow path 260b.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first rib 251 may include a first sub-rib 251a, a second sub-rib 251b, and a bent portion 251c.

One end of the first sub-rib 251a and one end of the second sub-rib 251b may be connected at a predetermined connection angle at the bent portion 251c. In one embodiment, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251b may be an acute angle when viewed from the third inlet 220, and an obtuse angle when viewed from the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252. However, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251b may vary depending on the embodiment.

At least portions of the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251b may each be formed in a curved shape having a predetermined curvature. Curvatures of the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251b may vary depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment, the at least portions of the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251b may have a concave shape when viewed from the third inlet 220. In addition, the at least portions of the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251bmay have a convex shape when viewed from the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252.

The second rib 252 may include a first sub-rib 252a, a second sub-rib 252b, and a bent portion 252c.

One end of the first sub-rib 252a and one end of the second sub-rib 252b may be connected at a predetermined connection angle at the bent portion 252c. In one embodiment, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 252a and the second sub-rib 252b may be an obtuse angle when viewed from the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252, and an acute angle when viewed from the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254. However, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 252a and the second sub-rib 252b may vary depending on the embodiment.

At least portions of the first sub-rib 252a and the second sub-rib 252b may each be formed in a curved shape having a predetermined curvature. Curvatures of the first sub-rib 252a and the second sub-rib 252b may vary depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment, the at least portions of the first sub-rib 252a and the second sub-rib 252b may have a concave shape when viewed from the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252.

In one embodiment, in a front view of the shroud 200, the bent portion 251c included in the first rib 251 and the bent portion 252c included in the second rib 252 may be disposed at different heights with respect to a center point of the first inlet 210a. For example, the bent portion 251c included in the first rib 251 may be disposed at a position higher than the center point of the first inlet 210a, and the bent portion 252c included in the second rib 252 may be disposed to a position lower than the center point of the first inlet 210a. This is merely an example, and the positions of the bent portion 251c included in the first rib 251 and the bent portion 252c included in the second rib 252 may vary depending on the embodiment.

The third rib 253 may include a first sub-rib 253a, a second sub-rib 253b, and a bent portion 253c.

One end of the first sub-rib 253a and one end of the second sub-rib 253b may be connected at a predetermined connection angle at the bent portion 253c. In one embodiment, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 253a and the second sub-rib 253b may be an obtuse angle when viewed from the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254, and an acute angle when viewed from the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252. However, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 253a and the second sub-rib 253b may vary depending on the embodiment.

At least portions of the first sub-rib 253a and the second sub-rib 253b may each be formed in a curved shape having a predetermined curvature. Curvatures of the first sub-rib 253a and the second sub-rib 253b may vary depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment, the at least portions of the first sub-rib 253a and the second sub-rib 253b may have a concave shape when viewed from the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254.

The fourth rib 254 may include a first sub-rib 254a, a second sub-rib 254b, and a bent portion 254c.

One end of the first sub-rib 254a and one end of the second sub-rib 254b may be connected at a predetermined connection angle at the bent portion 254c. In one embodiment, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 254a and the second sub-rib 254b may be an obtuse angle when viewed from the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254, and an acute angle when viewed from a rightmost side surface of the shroud 200. However, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 254a and the second sub-rib 254b may vary depending on the embodiment.

At least portions of the first sub-rib 254a and the second sub-rib 254b may each be formed in a curved shape having a predetermined curvature. Curvatures of the first sub-rib 254a and the second sub-rib 254b may vary depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment, the at least portions of the first sub-rib 254a and the second sub-rib 254b may have a concave shape when viewed from the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 254 and the fourth rib 254.

In one embodiment, in a front view of the shroud 200, the bent portion 253c included in the third rib 253 and the bent portion 254c included in the fourth rib 254 may be disposed at different heights with respect to a center point of the second inlet 210b. For example, the bent portion 253c included in the third rib 253 may be disposed at a position higher than the center point of the second inlet 210b, and the bent portion 254c included in the fourth rib 254 may be disposed to a position lower than the center point of the second inlet 210b. This is merely an example, and the positions of the bent portion 253c included in the third rib 253 and the bent portion 254c included in the fourth rib 254 may vary depending on the embodiment.

The cold air introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 through the first inlet 210a may be introduced into the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252 by the rotation of the first blower fan 410a disposed at a position corresponding to the first inlet 210a and may flow within the first cold air flow path.

The cold air introduced into the first cold air flow path by the rotation of the first blower fan 410a is separated by the bent portion 251c included in the first rib 251 and the bent portion 252c included in the second rib 252 and flows toward the first sub-ribs 251a and 252a and the second sub-ribs 251b and 252b, respectively.

As described above, the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251b included in the first rib 251 and the first sub-rib 252a and the second sub-rib 252b included in the second rib 252 have a concave shape when viewed from the first cold air flow path. Accordingly, the cold air introduced into the first cold air flow path by the rotation of the first blower fan 410a may collide with a surface of each of the sub-ribs 251a, 251b, 252a, and 252b or rotate while flowing along the surface of each of the sub-ribs 251a, 251b, 252a, and 252b, thereby increasing the flow speed of the cold air within the first cold air flow path.

The cold air introduced into the first cold air flow path may be discharged into the storage chamber through the first upper outlet 111a or the first middle outlets 121a and 122a disposed at positions corresponding to the first rib 251 and the second rib 252 while flowing through the first cold air flow path.

In addition, some cold air flowing through the first cold air flow path may be guided by the second sub-ribs 251b and 252b and may move toward the first extension flow path 260a.

In one embodiment, a width of the first extension flow path 260a may be narrower than that of the first cold air flow path. Accordingly, a speed of the cold air moving from the first cold air flow path to the first extension flow path 260a may increase. The cold air moving to the first extension flow path 260a may be discharged into the storage chamber through the first lower outlet 131a.

The cold air introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 through the second inlet 210b may be introduced into the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254 by the rotation of the second blower fan 410b disposed at a position corresponding to the second inlet 210b and may flow within the second cold air flow path.

The cold air introduced into the second cold air flow path by the rotation of the second blower fan 410b is separated by the bent portion 253c included in the third rib 253 and the bent portion 254c included in the fourth rib 254 and flows toward the first sub-ribs 253a and 254a and the second sub-ribs 253b and 254b, respectively.

As described above, the first sub-rib 253a and the second sub-rib 253b included in the third rib 253 and the first sub-rib 254a and the second sub-rib 254b included in the fourth rib 254 have a concave shape when viewed from the second cold air flow path. Accordingly, the cold air introduced into the second cold air flow path by the rotation of the second blower fan 410b may collide with a surface of each of the sub-ribs 253a, 253b, 254a, and 254b or rotates while flowing along the surface of each of the sub-ribs 253a, 253b, 254a, and 254b, thereby increasing the flow speed of the cold air within the second cold air flow path.

The cold air introduced into the second cold air flow path may be discharged into the storage chamber through the second upper outlet 111b or the second middle outlets 121b and 122b disposed at positions corresponding to the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254 while flowing through the second cold air flow path.

In addition, some cold air flowing through the second cold air flow path may be guided by the second sub-ribs 253b and 254b and may move toward the second extension flow path 260b.

In one embodiment, a width of the second extension flow path 260b may be narrower than that of the second cold air flow path. Accordingly, a speed of the cold air moving from the second cold air flow path to the second extension flow path 260b may increase. The cold air moving to the second extension flow path 260b may be discharged into the storage chamber through the second lower outlet 131b.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first rib 251 is disposed between the first inlet 210a and the third inlet 220. In addition, the first rib 251 may be disposed to surround the first inlet 210a, thereby forming an ice-making flow path. The cold air introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 through the third inlet 220 may be introduced into the ice-making flow path formed by the first rib 251 and may flow within the ice-making flow path by the rotation of the ice-making fan 420 disposed at a position corresponding to the third inlet 220.

The cold air flowing within the ice-making flow path may be discharged through a cold air outlet 290. In one embodiment, in a front view of the shroud 200, the cold air outlet 290 may be disposed at a position higher than the center of the third inlet 220. This is merely an example, and the position of the cold air outlet 290 may vary depending on the embodiment.

The cold air supply duct 51 may be connected to the cold air outlet 290. The cold air introduced into the cold air supply duct 51 may be supplied into the ice-making chamber 21 through the guide duct 25.

FIG. 8 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the grill fan assembly 1. FIG. 8 illustrates a front line A1 of the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a), a front line A2 of the cold air accommodation part 150, a front line F1 and a rear line F2 of the second blower fan 410b (or the first blower fan 410a), and a rear line A3 of the shroud 200. In addition, FIG. 8 illustrates a front line C1 and a rear line C2 of the evaporator 32 and a cold air supply area CA formed by the front line C1 and the rear line C2. In addition, FIG. 8 illustrates a flow of suctioned cold air that is suctioned from the storage chamber through the suction space 141 and moves to the evaporator 32 and the second blower fan 410b (or the first blower fan 410a), and a flow of discharged cold air that is discharged to the storage chamber through the second outlets 111b, 121b, and 131b (or the first outlets 111a, 121a, and 131a).

Referring to FIG. 8, the front line A1 of the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a) of the grill fan assembly 1 according to one embodiment may be positioned in front of the front line A2 of the cold air accommodation part 150. That is, the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a) may be disposed to protrude further forward than the cold air accommodation part 150. With this structure, the storage compartment formed at a position corresponding to the cold air accommodation part 150 may be secured with a larger space.

In one embodiment, the front line A1 of the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a) of the grill fan assembly 1 may be parallel to the front line A2 of the cold air accommodation part 150 or the rear line A3 of the shroud 200. That is, the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a) may be disposed parallel to the cold air accommodation part 150. Accordingly, the second blower fan 410b (or the first blower fan 410a) disposed behind the cold air accommodation part 150 may be disposed parallel to the front line A1 of the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a) and the front line A2 of the cold air accommodation part 150, respectively.

In one embodiment, a rear inclined surface 270 may be formed between the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a) and the cold air accommodation part 150. As illustrated in FIG. 8, at least a portion of the rear inclined surface 270 may be disposed to overlap the cold air supply area CA of the evaporator 32. Some cold air suctioned through the suction space 141 and cooled by the evaporator 32 may be discharged through the cold air supply area CA. The cold air discharged through the cold air supply area CA may move toward the first inlet 210a or the second inlet 210b. In this case, some cold air discharged through the cold air supply area CA may collide with the rear inclined surface 270 and then move toward the first inlet 210a or the second inlet 210b.

The grill fan assembly 1 according to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 has a dual-fan structure including two blower fans (the first blower fan 410a and the second blower fan 410b). The grill fan assembly 1 with such a dual-fan structure may suction and OUTGOING AIR more quickly than the conventional grill fan assembly with a single fan structure. Accordingly, cold air can be quickly supplied into the storage compartment.

In addition, according to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, two inlets (the first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b) are formed in the shroud 200) are formed, and the first cold air flow path and the second cold air flow path are formed around each inlet. With this structure, an area in which the cold air is introduced is larger than that of the conventional grill fan assembly with a single fan structure, and the cold air can be more evenly distributed and circulated within the grill fan assembly 1 through the first cold air flow path and the second cold air flow path. Accordingly, compared to the conventional grill fan assembly, cold air loss can be reduced, and cold air can be prevented from being concentrated in only a specific area, thereby enhancing cooling efficiency.

In addition, according to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, the cold air generated by the evaporator 32 can be more quickly introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 by two blower fans (the first blower fan 410a and the second blower fan 410b). Accordingly, the cold air circulation speed between the storage compartment and the evaporator can increase, thereby enhancing the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a grill fan assembly according to another embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view of a grill fan included in the grill fan assembly according to another embodiment. FIG. 11 is a front view of a shroud included in the grill fan assembly according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the grill fan assembly 1 according to another embodiment may include the grill fan 100, the shroud 200, the first blower fan 410a, and the second blower fan 410b.

The grill fan assembly 1 illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11 may be used in a refrigerator that does not include the ice-making chamber 21. Accordingly, the grill fan assembly 1 illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11 does not include an ice-making fan.

The grill fan 100 forms the front surface of the grill fan assembly 1.

The grill fan 100 may include the cold air accommodation part 150 formed to protrude forward. The cold air accommodation part 150 may include the first blower fan accommodation portion 110a and the second blower fan accommodation portion 110b that accommodate the first blower fan 410a and the second blower fan 410b, respectively. The first blower fan accommodation portion 110a and the second blower fan accommodation portion 110b may be formed to protrude forward from the cold air accommodation part 150. When the grill fan 100, the shroud 200, the first blower fan 410a, and the second blower fan 410b may be coupled, at least portions of the first blower fan 410a and second blower fan 410b may be accommodated in the first blower fan accommodation portion 110a and the second blower fan accommodation portion 110b.

The grill fan 100 may further include the first extension 160a and the second extension 160b, each connected to the cold air accommodation part 150. One ends of the first extension 160a and the second extension 160b may be formed to be bent at a predetermined angle forward. The first lower outlet 131a and the second lower outlet 131b may be formed on the bent end portions of the first extension 160a and the second extension 160b, respectively.

Each of the first lower outlet 131a and the second lower outlet 131b may have a shape that is open forward.

The first protrusion 142a and the second protrusion 142b protruding downward may be disposed below the first lower outlet 131a and the second lower outlet 131b, respectively.

The first extension 160a and the second extension 160b may be disposed at positions corresponding to the first extension flow path 260a and the second extension flow path 260b formed in the shroud 200, respectively. Accordingly, when the grill fan 100 and the shroud 200 are coupled, the first extension flow path 260a and the second extension flow path 260b may be sealed by the first extension 160a and the second extension 160b, and the first protrusion 142a and the second protrusion 142b, respectively, thereby forming a flow path through which cold air flows.

The grill fan 100 may include one or more outlets for discharging cold air. In one embodiment, the grill fan 100 may include the first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b.

The first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a may OUTGOING AIR introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 into the second storage chambers 12a, 12b, and 13 through the first inlet 210a and the first blower fan 410a. The first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a may include the first upper outlet 111a communicating with the upper storage chamber 13, the first middle outlets 121a and 122a communicating with the middle storage chamber 12a, and the first lower outlet 131a communicating with the lower storage chamber 12b.

The second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b may OUTGOING AIR introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 into the second storage chambers 12a, 12b, and 13 through the second inlet 210b and the second blower fan 410b. The second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b may include a second upper outlet 111b communicating with the upper storage chamber 13, the second middle outlets 121b and 122b communicating with the middle storage chamber 12a, and the second lower outlet 131b communicating with the lower storage chamber 12b.

In a front view of the grill fan 100, the first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b may be disposed on both sides with respect to the center of the grill fan 100, respectively. For example, the first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a may be disposed on the left side with respect to the center of the grill fan 100, and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b may be disposed on the right side with respect to the center of the grill fan 100. The first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the center of the grill fan 100, but the first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b are not necessarily disposed in exactly symmetrical positions with respect to the center of the grill fan 100.

The first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a may be disposed at positions corresponding to the first blower the fan accommodation portion 110a, the first blower fan 410a, and the first inlet 210a, and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b may be disposed at positions corresponding to the second blower fan accommodation portion 110b, the second blower fan 410b, and the second inlet 210b.

With this structure, when the storage room is divided into two spaces (e.g., a left space and a right space) with respect to the center of the grill fan 100, cold air may be separately discharged to each space by the first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a and the second outlets 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b. Accordingly, cold air flow paths are separately formed in each space, enabling independent cooling for each space.

The grill fan 100 may further include the suction guide 140. The suction guide 140 may be connected to the grill fan plate 151 in a direction facing a front side of the grill fan plate 151. The suction guide 140 may be connected to the grill fan plate 151 so as to be bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the grill fan plate 151. The suction guide 140 may be connected to the grill fan plate 151 at the same angle as bent ends of the first extension 160a and the second extension 160b.

The suction space 141 may be formed on the lower surface of the suction guide 140. As described above, since the suction guide 140 is connected to the grill fan plate 151 in a direction facing a front side of the grill fan 100, a front surface of the suction space 141 is open without blocked. Accordingly, the wide suction space 141, which is open in a direction from the front of the grill fan 100 toward a lower surface thereof, may be formed by the suction guide 140. With this structure, a large amount of cold air may be suctioned not only through the lower surface of the suction space 141, but also the front surface of the suction space 141. Accordingly, a flow and circulation speed of the cold air within the storage chamber may increase.

The cold air flowing in the second storage chambers 13, 12a, and 12b may be guided by the suction guide 140 and suctioned into the suction space 141. Since the suction guide 140 protrudes in the direction facing a front side of the grill fan 100, the cold air suctioned through the suction space 141 may be suctioned into the suction space 141 without mixing with the cold air discharged through the first outlets 111a, 121a, 122a, and 131a and the second outlet 111b, 121b, 122b, and 131b.

In addition, the first protrusion 142a and the second protrusion 142b may be disposed in the suction space 141. The first protrusion 142a and the second protrusion 142b may be disposed at positions corresponding to the first lower outlet 131a and the second lower outlet 131b, respectively. The first protrusion 142a and the second protrusion 142b may block the movement of the cold air discharged from the first lower outlet 131a and the second lower outlet 131b toward the suction space 141.

The air suctioned into the suction space 141 may move toward the evaporator 32.

The shroud 200 forms the rear surface of the grill fan assembly 1.

The shroud 200 may include the first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b. The first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b may be disposed so as to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other. The first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b may be formed at positions corresponding to the first blower fan 410a and the second blower fan 410b, respectively. The cold air generated by the evaporator 32 may be introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 through the first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b.

A number of fixing screws 211 may be disposed around the first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b. The first blower fan 410a and the second blower fan 410b may each be fixed to the shroud 200 by the fixing screws 211.

A number of ribs 251, 252, 253, and 254 may be disposed around the first inlet 210a and the second inlet 210b. In one embodiment, the first rib 251 and the second rib 252 may be disposed around the first inlet 210a, and the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254 may be disposed around the second inlet 210b.

When the grill fan 100 and the shroud 200 are coupled, the upper surfaces of the ribs 251, 252, 253, and 254 may be in contact with the inner surface of the grill fan 100. Accordingly, the first cold air flow path may be formed around the first inlet 210a by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252, and the second cold air flow path may be formed around the second inlet 210b by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254. The first cold air flow path may communicate with the first extension flow path 260a, and the second cold air flow path may communicate with the second extension flow path 260b.

Referring to FIG. 11, the first rib 251 may include the first sub-rib 251a, the second sub-rib 251b, and the bent portion 251c.

One end of the first sub-rib 251a and one end of the second sub-rib 251b may be connected at a predetermined connection angle at the bent portion 251c. In one embodiment, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251b may be an acute angle when viewed from the leftmost side surface of the shroud 200, and an obtuse angle when viewed from the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252. However, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251b may vary depending on the embodiment.

At least portions of the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251b may each be formed in a curved shape having a predetermined curvature. The curvatures of the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251b may vary depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment, the at least portions of the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251b may have a concave or convex shape when viewed from the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252.

The second rib 252 may include the first sub-rib 252a, the second sub-rib 252b, and the bent portion 252c.

One end of the first sub-rib 252a and one end of the second sub-rib 252b may be connected at a predetermined connection angle at the bent portion 252c. In one embodiment, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 252a and the second sub-rib 252b may be an obtuse angle when viewed from the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252, and an acute angle when viewed from the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254. However, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 252a and the second sub-rib 252b may vary depending on the embodiment.

At least portions of the first sub-rib 252a and the second sub-rib 252b may each be formed in a curved shape having a predetermined curvature. The curvatures of the first sub-rib 252a and the second sub-rib 252b may vary depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment, the at least portions of the first sub-rib 252a and the second sub-rib 252b may have a concave shape when viewed from the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252.

In one embodiment, in a front view of the shroud 200, the bent portion 251c included in the first rib 251 and the bent portion 252c included in the second rib 252 may be disposed at different heights with respect to the center point of the first inlet 210a. For example, the bent portion 251c included in the first rib 251 may be disposed at a position higher than the center point of the first inlet 210a, and the bent portion 252c included in the second rib 252 may be disposed to a position lower than the center point of the first inlet 210a. This is merely an example, and the positions of the bent portion 251c included in the first rib 251 and the bent portion 252c included in the second rib 252 may vary depending on the embodiment.

The third rib 253 may include the first sub-rib 253a, the second sub-rib 253b, and the bent portion 253c.

One end of the first sub-rib 253a and one end of the second sub-rib 253b may be connected at a predetermined connection angle at the bent portion 253c. In one embodiment, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 253a and the second sub-rib 253b may be an obtuse angle when viewed from the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254, and an acute angle when viewed from the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252. However, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 253a and the second sub-rib 253b may vary depending on the embodiment.

At least portions of the first sub-rib 253a and the second sub-rib 253b may each be formed in a curved shape having a predetermined curvature. The curvatures of the first sub-rib 253a and the second sub-rib 253b may vary depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment, the at least portions of the first sub-rib 253a and the second sub-rib 253b may have a concave shape when viewed from the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254.

The fourth rib 254 may include the first sub-rib 254a, the second sub-rib 254b, and the bent portion 254c.

One end of the first sub-rib 254a and one end of the second sub-rib 254b may be connected at a predetermined connection angle at the bent portion 254c. In one embodiment, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 254a and the second sub-rib 254b may be an obtuse angle when viewed from the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254, and an acute angle when viewed from a rightmost side surface of the shroud 200. However, the connection angle of the first sub-rib 254a and the second sub-rib 254b may vary depending on the embodiment.

At least portions of the first sub-rib 254a and the second sub-rib 254b may each be formed in a curved shape having a predetermined curvature. The curvatures of the first sub-rib 254a and the second sub-rib 254b may vary depending on the embodiment. In one embodiment, the at least portions of the first sub-rib 254a and the second sub-rib 254b may have a concave shape when viewed from the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 254 and the fourth rib 254.

In one embodiment, in a front view of the shroud 200, the bent portion 253c included in the third rib 253 and the bent portion 254c included in the fourth rib 254 may be disposed at different heights with respect to the center point of the second inlet 210b. For example, the bent portion 253c included in the third rib 253 may be disposed at a position higher than the center point of the second inlet 210b, and the bent portion 254c included in the fourth rib 254 may be disposed to a position lower than the center point of the second inlet 210b. This is merely an example, and the positions of the bent portion 253c included in the third rib 253 and the bent portion 254c included in the fourth rib 254 may vary depending on the embodiment.

The cold air introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 through the first inlet 210a may be introduced into the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252 by the rotation of the first blower fan 410a disposed at a position corresponding to the first inlet 210a and may flow within the first cold air flow path.

The cold air introduced into the first cold air flow path by the rotation of the first blower fan 410a is separated by the bent portion 251c included in the first rib 251 and the bent portion 252c included in the second rib 252 and flows toward the first sub-ribs 251a and 252a and the second sub-ribs 251b and 252b, respectively.

As described above, the first sub-rib 251a and the second sub-rib 251b included in the first rib 251 and the first sub-rib 252a and the second sub-rib 252b included in the second rib 252 have a concave shape when viewed from the first cold air flow path. Accordingly, the cold air introduced into the first cold air flow path by the rotation of the first blower fan 410a may collide with a surface of each of the sub-ribs 251a, 251b, 252a, and 252b or rotates while flowing along the surface of each of the sub-ribs 251a, 251b, 252a, and 252b, thereby increasing the flow speed of the cold air within the first cold air flow path.

The cold air introduced into the first cold air flow path may be discharged into the storage chamber through the first upper outlet 111a or the first middle outlets 121a and 122a disposed at positions corresponding to the first rib 251 and the second rib 252 while flowing through the first cold air flow path.

In addition, some cold air flowing through the first cold air flow path may be guided by the second sub-ribs 251b and 252b and may move toward the first extension flow path 260a.

In one embodiment, a width of the first extension flow path 260a may be narrower than that of the first cold air flow path. Accordingly, a speed of the cold air moving from the first cold air flow path to the first extension flow path 260a may increase. The cold air moving to the first extension flow path 260a may be discharged into the storage chamber through the first lower outlet 131a.

The cold air introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 through the second inlet 210b may be introduced into the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254 by the rotation of the second blower fan 410b disposed at a position corresponding to the second inlet 210b and may flow within the second cold air flow path.

The cold air introduced into the second cold air flow path by the rotation of the second blower fan 410b is separated by the bent portion 253c included in the third rib 253 and the bent portion 254c included in the fourth rib 254 and flows toward the first sub-ribs 253a and 254a and the second sub-ribs 253b and 254b, respectively.

As described above, the first sub-rib 253a and the second sub-rib 253b included in the third rib 253 and the first sub-rib 254a and the second sub-rib 254b included in the fourth rib 254 have a concave shape when viewed from the second cold air flow path. Accordingly, the cold air introduced into the second cold air flow path by the rotation of the second blower fan 410b may collide with a surface of each of the sub-ribs 253a, 253b, 254a, and 254b or rotates while flowing along the surface of each of the sub-ribs 253a, 253b, 254a, and 254b, thereby increasing the flow speed of the cold air within the second cold air flow path.

The cold air introduced into the second cold air flow path may be discharged into the storage chamber through the second upper outlet 111b or the second middle outlets 121b and 122b disposed at positions corresponding to the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254 while flowing through the second cold air flow path.

In addition, some cold air flowing through the second cold air flow path may be guided by the second sub-ribs 253b and 254b and may move toward the second extension flow path 260b.

In one embodiment, a width of the second extension flow path 260b may be narrower than that of the second cold air flow path. Accordingly, a speed of the cold air moving from the second cold air flow path to the second extension flow path 260b may increase. The cold air moving to the second extension flow path 260b may be discharged into the storage chamber through the second lower outlet 131b.

In one embodiment, the shroud 200 may further include a cold air outlet 280. As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, the cold air outlet 280 may communicate with at least a portion of the first cold air flow path formed by the first rib 251 and the second rib 252 and/or at least a portion of the second cold air flow path formed by the third rib 253 and the fourth rib 254. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 11, the second rib 252 and the third rib 253 may be disposed in contact with each other at the cold air outlet 280. Accordingly, the cold air introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 through the first inlet 210a and/or the cold air introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 through the second inlet 210b may be discharged through the cold air outlet 280.

In one embodiment, the grill fan 100 may further include a damper connection part 180. The damper connection part 180 may be formed at a position corresponding to the cold air outlet 280. The damper connection part 180 may include an opening. Accordingly, when the grill fan 100 and the shroud 200 are coupled, cold air may be discharged to the outside through the opening formed in the cold air outlet 280 and the damper connection part 180.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which the evaporator 31 and the grill fan assembly 2 are each disposed on the rear surface of the first storage compartment 11. However, in another embodiment, the evaporator 31 and the grill fan assembly 2 may not be disposed on the rear surface of the first storage compartment 11. In such a case, the cold air generated by the evaporator 32 disposed on the rear surface of the second storage compartments 12a, 12b, and 13 needs to be supplied into the first storage compartment 11. To supply cold air into the first storage compartment 11, a damper (not illustrated) that forms a flow path for supplying cold air to the first storage compartment may be connected to the damper connection part 180.

In contrast, when the grill fan assembly 1 is applied to the refrigerator in which the evaporator 31 and the grill fan assembly 2 are disposed on the rear surface of the first storage compartment 11, it is not necessary to supply cold air to the first storage compartment 11 through the cold air outlet 280 and the damper connection part 180. Accordingly, in this case, the damper connection part 180 may be provided with a shielding cover 281 for blocking cold air discharged through the cold air outlet 280 and the damper connection part 180.

The grill fan assembly 1 having such a structure may be applied to both the refrigerator with a single evaporator and the refrigerator with a plurality of evaporators, thus offering high compatibility and versatility. Accordingly, the time and cost required for designing and manufacturing the refrigerator can be reduced.

The positions of the cold air outlet 280 and the damper connection part 180 may vary depending on the embodiment. For example, the cold air outlet 280 and the damper connection part 180 may be disposed to communicate only with the first cold air flow path without communicating with the second cold air flow path, or communicate only with the second cold air flow path without communicating with the first cold air flow path.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a grill fan assembly according to yet another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the grill fan assembly illustrated in FIG. 12.

The grill fan assembly 1 illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 has a structure similar to the grill fan assembly 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, except for the cold air accommodation part 150 and the grill fans 410a and 410b.

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a grill fan assembly 1 according to still another embodiment. FIG. 13 illustrates the front line A1 of the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a), the front line A2 of the cold air accommodation part 150, the front line F1 and the rear line F2 of the second blower fan 410b (or the first blower fan 410a), and the rear line A3 of the shroud 200. In addition, FIG. 13 illustrates the front line C1 and the rear line C2 of the evaporator 32 and the cold air supply area CA formed by the front line C1 and the rear line C2. In addition, FIG. 13 illustrates a flow of suctioned cold air that is suctioned from the storage chamber through the suction space 141 and moves to the evaporator 32 and the second blower fan 410b (or the first blower fan 410a), and a flow of discharged cold air that is discharged to the storage chamber through the second outlets 111b, 121b, and 131b (or the first outlets 111a, 121a, and 131a).

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the front line A2 of the cold air accommodation part 150 of the grill fan assembly 1 according to still another embodiment may be disposed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the front line A1 of the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a). Accordingly, the cold air accommodation part 150 or the second blower fan 410b (or the first blower fan 410a) disposed behind the cold air accommodation part 150 may be disposed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the front line A1 of the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a). The cold air accommodation part 150 or the second blower fan 410b (or the first blower fan 410a) may be disposed so as to be inclined toward the rear surface of the grill fan assembly 1.

In one embodiment, the rear inclined surface 270 may be formed between the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a) and the cold air accommodation part 150. As illustrated in FIG. 13, at least a portion of the rear inclined surface 270 may be disposed to overlap the cold air supply area CA of the evaporator 32. Some cold air suctioned through the suction space 141 and cooled by the evaporator 32 may be discharged through the cold air supply area CA. The cold air discharged through the cold air supply area CA may move toward the first inlet 210a or the second inlet 210b. In this case, some cold air discharged through the cold air supply area CA may collide with the rear inclined surface 270 and then move toward the first inlet 210a or the second inlet 210b.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first blower fan 410a or the second blower fan 410b is disposed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle toward the rear surface of the grill fan assembly 1. Accordingly, a distance between the rear surface of the first blower fan 410a or the second blower fan 410b and the cold air supply area CA may be reduced. Accordingly, the cold air discharged through the cold air supply area CA may be introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 at a higher speed through the first blower fan 410a or the second blower fan 410b. Accordingly, the cold air circulation speed within the refrigerator and the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator can be improved.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a grill fan assembly according to yet another embodiment. FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the grill fan assembly illustrated in FIG. 14.

The grill fan assembly 1 illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 has a structure similar to the grill fan assembly 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, except for the cold air accommodation part 150 and the grill fans 410a and 410b. In addition, the grill fan assembly 1 illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 differs from the grill fan assembly 1 according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11 in that it does not include the cold air outlet 280, the damper connection part 180, and the shielding cover 281.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the grill fan assembly 1 according to yet another embodiment. FIG. 15 illustrates the front line A1 of the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a), the front line A2 of the cold air accommodation part 150, the front line F1 and the rear line F2 of the second blower fan 410b (or the first blower fan 410a), and the rear line A3 of the shroud 200. In addition, FIG. 15 illustrates the front line C1 and the rear line C2 of the evaporator 32 and the cold air supply area CA formed by the front line C1 and the rear line C2. In addition, FIG. 15 illustrates a flow of suctioned cold air that is suctioned from the storage chamber through the suction space 141 and moves to the evaporator 32 and the second blower fan 410b (or the first blower fan 410a), and a flow of discharged cold air that is discharged to the storage chamber through the second outlets 111b, 121b, and 131b (or the first outlets 111a, 121a, and 131a).

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the front line A2 of the cold air accommodation part 150 of the grill fan assembly 1 according to yet another embodiment may coincide with the front line A1 of the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a). That is, the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a) may be disposed on the same plane as the cold air accommodation part 150. Accordingly, the second blower fan 410b (or the first blower fan 410a) disposed behind the cold air accommodation part 150 may be disposed parallel to the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a).

In one embodiment, the rear inclined surface 270 may be formed between the second extension 160b (or the first extension 160a) and the cold air accommodation part 150. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the rear inclined surface 270 may be disposed so as not to overlap the cold air supply area CA. Accordingly, the cold air discharged through the cold air supply area CA may move toward the first inlet 210a or the second inlet 210b without colliding with the rear inclined surface 270.

According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the cold air accommodation part 150 is disposed behind the first extension 160a (or the second extension 160b). With this structure, the rear inclined surface 270 connecting the cold air accommodation part 150 and the first extension 160a (or the second extension 160b). As illustrated in FIG. 8, since the rear inclined surface 270 is positioned above the cold air supply area CA, the cold air discharged from the cold air supply area CA may collide with the rear inclined surface 270, thereby reducing the flow rate of the cold air. In addition, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, since a portion of an upper surface of the rear inclined surface 270 faces the cold air supply area CA, the cold air discharged from the cold air supply area CA may collide with the rear inclined surface 270, thereby reducing the flow rate of the cold air.

However, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the cold air accommodation part 150 is disposed on the same plane as the first extension 160a or the second extension 160b. Accordingly, the upper surface of the cold air supply area CA may be disposed so as not to overlap the rear inclined surface 270. Accordingly, since the cold air discharged from the cold air supply area CA does not collide with the rear inclined surface 270, the flow rate of the cold air cannot be reduced.

Accordingly, compared to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 or FIG. 13, the cold air discharged through the cold air supply area CA may be introduced into the grill fan assembly 1 through the first blower fan 410a or the second blower fan 410b at a higher speed without resistance from the rear inclined surface 270. Accordingly, the cold air circulation speed within the refrigerator and the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator can be improved.

FIG. 16 illustrates flow rates of cold air measured at each front cross section of a grill fan assembly having a single blower fan. FIG. 17 illustrates flow rates of cold air measured at each front cross section of a grill fan assembly having two blower fans. FIG. 18 illustrates flow rates of cold air measured at each side cross section of a grill fan assembly having a single blower fan. FIG. 19 illustrates flow rates of cold air measured at each front cross section of a grill fan assembly having two blower fans.

A grill fan assembly 5 illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18 has the same structure as the grill fan assembly 1 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10. However, one blower fan is disposed within the grill fan assembly 5 illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18.

The grill fan assembly 1 illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19 has the same structure as the grill fan assembly 1 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10. However, two blower fans are disposed within the grill fan assembly 1 illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate flow rates of cold air measured at cross sections (Sections A, B, C, and D) of an area in which the evaporator 32 is disposed in front views of each of the grill fan assemblies 1 and 5.

FIGS. 17 and 19 illustrate flow rates of cold air measured at cross sections (Sections A, B, C, and D,) of an area in which the evaporator 32 is disposed in side views of each of the grill fan assemblies 1 and 5.

In FIGS. 16 to 19, EA denotes the area in which the evaporator 32 is disposed (hereinafter, an “evaporator area”). In addition, in FIGS. 16 to 19, SA denotes an area in which a flow rate of cold air is 0.3 m/s or less (hereinafter, a “low flow rate area”).

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18, when the single blower fan is disposed within the grill fan assembly 5, the cold air from the evaporator area EA is suctioned by only the single blower fan. However, since the amount of cold air suctioned by the single blower fan is limited, an area of the entire evaporator area EA in which cold air is suctioned by the single blower fan is small. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18, in the evaporator area EA, a flow rate reduction area SA, in which the flow rate of the cold air is very low, covers a large area.

When the flow rate reduction area SA is wide, the flow rate of the cold air flowing between the grill fan assembly 5 and the evaporator area EA decreases, and thus the cold air inside the storage compartment cannot quickly move toward the evaporator 32, and the cold air generated by the evaporator 32 cannot be quickly supplied into the storage compartment. Accordingly, the cooling efficiency of the evaporator 32 can be reduced, and the power consumption of the refrigerator can increase.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19, when two blower fans are disposed within the grill fan assembly 1, the cold air of the evaporator area EA is suctioned by the two blower fans. Accordingly, compared to the single blower fan, the amount of cold air suctioned by the blower fan increases, and the area of the area in which cold air is suctioned in the entire evaporator area EA increases. Accordingly, the area of the flow rate reduction area SA illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 is smaller than that illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18.

When the flow rate reduction area SA decreases, the speed of the cold air flowing between the grill fan assembly 1 and the evaporator area EA increases, enabling cold air within the storage compartment to move more quickly toward the evaporator 32, and the cold air generated by the evaporator 32 to be supplied more quickly into the storage compartment. Accordingly, the cooling efficiency of the evaporator 32 can be enhanced, and the power consumption of the refrigerator can be reduced.

The present disclosure has been described above with reference to the exemplary drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in the present disclosure, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art. In addition, even when the effects according to the configuration of the present disclosure have not been explicitly described in the descriptions of various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is apparent that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be recognized.