REFRIGERATOR, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE OF REFRIGERATOR

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0180741, filed on December 6, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator, and more specifically, to a refrigerator including a convertible compartment.

A refrigerator is a home appliance for supplying cold air generated using circulation of refrigerant to a storage compartment to keep various types of storage objects fresh for a long time. Cold air supplied to the refrigerator can be generated as refrigerant sequentially circulating through a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator flows into the evaporator and liquid refrigerant is vaporized into a gaseous refrigerant by absorbing heat inside the refrigerator. The cold air generated while passing through the evaporator can be supplied to the storage compartment by a grille fan assembly including a cold air flow path through which the cold air flows and a blower fan that blows the cold air into the storage compartment.

The storage compartment can be used for various purposes, such as a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment. Since the refrigerating compartment stores items under refrigerated conditions and the freezing compartment stores items under frozen conditions, it is necessary to control the amount of cold air supplied to the refrigerator and freezing compartments differently so as to maintain different temperatures. Accordingly, the refrigerator may have a plurality of independent storage compartments to secure a plurality of storage spaces for various purposes. When the refrigerator has the plurality of storage compartments with the independent storage spaces, cold air can be supplied to each storage compartment by a separate evaporator disposed in each of the refrigerator and freezing compartments.

Meanwhile, to meet various types of food storage needs of users, a refrigerator may have a convertible compartment, which is a multi-purpose storage compartment capable of maintaining a refrigerated, frozen, or user-specified temperature by controlling temperature according to the user’s needs. The convertible compartment can be formed as a separate storage space from the refrigerator and freezing compartments and can require a cold-air control system independent of the refrigerator and freezing compartments.

When the cold air generated from the freezer evaporator to the convertible compartment is supplied, the temperature of the convertible compartment can achieve a temperature lower than 0 °C, but a separate blower fan for supplying cold air to the convertible compartment needs to be provided on the freezer evaporator, and the need for careful insulation and shielding of the convertible compartment can lead to the inconvenience of structural modifications and increased material costs.

In addition, since the cold air supplied to the convertible compartment is preferably returned to the evaporator and circulated, a separate return duct for returning the cold air from the convertible compartment can be provided. However, when the separate return duct for returning the cold air from the convertible compartment is provided, the design complexity and costs of the refrigerator can be increased.

In addition, a temperature fluctuation in the convertible compartment can affect the energy efficiency of the refrigerator. When energy consumption increases during the temperature control process in the convertible compartment, the power consumption of the refrigerator can increase, which can be a financial burden to the user. For example, heating elements such as a heater can be used to raise the temperature in the convertible compartment, but the use of such a heater can disrupt cold-air balance throughout the refrigerator.

Recently, storage compartments that can be used by opening only a front surface of a door, without fully opening the door, have been used, and when a convertible compartment is also operated in such a manner, cold-air balance throughout the refrigerator can be further disrupted. Accordingly, there is a need for a cold-air control system for a convertible compartment, which can reduce the impact on the energy efficiency of the refrigerator when the temperature in the convertible compartment is changed, such as by increasing or decreasing the temperature of the convertible compartment, and maintain the cold-air balance throughout the refrigerator.

In addition, when the temperature control of the convertible compartment is solely dependent on the cold-air control system of the refrigerator or freezer, the cold-air control system of the refrigerator or freezing compartment also needs to be operated to control the temperature of the convertible compartment, which can reduce the energy efficiency of the refrigerator. Accordingly, there is a need for a cold-air control system for a convertible compartment, which can control the temperature of the convertible compartment even when the cold-air control system of the refrigerator or freezer is not operating.

In addition, when the temperature of the convertible compartment remains at the user-set level for a long time, the cold-air control system of the convertible compartment cannot operate, and thus the cold air in the convertible compartment cannot circulate. In this way, when the cold air in the convertible compartment does not circulate, a problem that the cold air forms temperature layers inside the convertible compartment can occur.

To solve these problems, the present invention proposes a refrigerator and a method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator, which can control the temperature of the convertible compartment using the cold air of the refrigerating compartment.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to providing a refrigerator and a method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator, which may implement both a convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode and a convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode.

The present invention is also directed to providing a refrigerator and a method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator, which can reduce the structural modification issues and increases in material costs related to thermal insulation shielding of a convertible compartment.

The present invention is also directed to providing a refrigerator and a method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator, which may implement both a convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode and a convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode independently of the operation of a cold-air control system of a refrigerating compartment or a cold-air control system of a freezing compartment.

The present invention is also directed to providing a refrigerator and a method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator, which can enhance the energy efficiency of a refrigerator without disrupting cold-air balance throughout the refrigerator.

The present invention is also directed to providing a refrigerator and a method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator, which may implement a cold-air circulation mode that circulates cold air within a convertible compartment independently of the operation of a cold-air control system of a refrigerating compartment or a cold-air control system of a freezing compartment.

The present invention is also directed to providing a refrigerator and a method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator, which can simplify a design for returning cold air from a convertible compartment and reduce costs of structural modifications.

The present invention is also directed to providing a refrigerator and a method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator, which can discharge cold air from a convertible compartment into a refrigerating compartment with minimal cooling loss.

The present invention is also directed to providing a refrigerator and a method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator, which can prevent storage items in a convertible compartment from being damaged by cold air.

The present invention is also directed to providing a refrigerator and a method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator, which can solve a problem of cold-air imbalance that may occur when a convertible compartment is mounted on a door using a sub door.

Objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described object, and other objects and advantages of the present invention which are not mentioned can be understood by the following description and more clearly understood by embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be able to be easily seen that the objects and advantages of the present invention may be achieved by devices and combinations thereof that are described in the claims.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a refrigerator including a cabinet including a refrigerating compartment, one or more doors for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment, a convertible compartment mounted on the door, a convertible compartment fan disposed on one side of the convertible compartment, a cold-air supply duct configured to transfer cold air generated from an evaporator disposed in the refrigerating compartment to the convertible compartment, a damper configured to adjust an amount of the cold air transferred to the convertible compartment, and a control unit configured to control operations of the convertible compartment fan and the damper, wherein the control unit controls the convertible compartment fan and the damper so as to maintain the convertible compartment at a temperature either lower than or higher than the temperature of the refrigerating compartment.

The control unit may open the damper and operate the convertible compartment fan to achieve the temperature of the convertible compartment which is lower than that of the refrigerating compartment.

The refrigerator may further include a grille fan assembly on which a blower fan is mounted and which is disposed in the refrigerating compartment, wherein the control unit may additionally operate the blower fan to achieve the temperature of the convertible compartment which is lower than that of the refrigerating compartment.

The control unit may close the damper so as to block cold air transferred from the cold-air supply duct to the convertible compartment, thereby achieving a convertible compartment temperature that is higher than that of the refrigerating compartment.

The convertible compartment may include an accommodation unit configured to accommodate stored items, a flow path forming member configured to communicate with the accommodation unit and disposed on one side of the accommodation unit, and a convertible compartment heater disposed on one side of the flow path forming member, and the control unit may operate the convertible compartment fan and the convertible compartment heater to achieve the temperature of the convertible compartment which is higher than that of the refrigerating compartment.

Cold air circulating along a cold-air circulation flow path formed by the accommodation unit and the flow path forming member may be heated while passing through the convertible compartment heater.

The convertible compartment may include an accommodation unit configured to accommodate stored items, and a flow path forming member configured to communicate with the accommodation unit and disposed on one side of the accommodation unit, and the control unit may close the damper and operate the convertible compartment fan to circulate cold air within the convertible compartment along a cold-air circulation flow path formed by the accommodation unit and the flow path forming member.

The convertible compartment may include an outlet configured to discharge the cold air transferred from the cold-air supply duct into the refrigerating compartment.

The cold air discharged into the refrigerating compartment through the outlet may be returned to the evaporator.

The outlet may be configured to be selectively opened and closed.

The convertible compartment may include an accommodation unit configured to accommodate stored items, and a convertible compartment door configured to open and close a rear side of the accommodation unit, and the outlet may be provided on the convertible compartment door.

The refrigerator may further include one or more storage units disposed within the refrigerating compartment, wherein the outlet may be positioned above the storage unit.

The convertible compartment may include an inlet communicating with the cold-air supply duct, and the outlet and the inlet may be positioned diagonally opposite each other.

The inlet may be positioned in a lower area of one side of the convertible compartment, and the outlet may be positioned in an upper area of the other side of the convertible compartment.

The convertible compartment may include an inlet configured to communicate with the cold-air supply duct, and a discharge cover configured to cover the inlet, and the discharge cover may include one or more discharge guide ribs inclined toward the outlet.

The convertible compartment may include an inlet configured to communicate with the cold-air supply duct, and a discharge cover configured to cover the inlet, and the discharge cover may include a discharge opening which is open rearward and/or upward from the convertible compartment, and one or more discharge guide ribs disposed in the discharge opening.

The convertible compartment may include an accommodation unit configured to accommodate stored items, a flow path forming member configured to communicate with the accommodation unit and disposed on one side of the accommodation unit, and an inlet configured to communicate with the cold-air supply duct and introduce cold air into the accommodation unit, the flow path forming member may include an inflow hole configured to communicate with the accommodation unit and introduce cold air into the flow path forming member, and a suction port configured to draw cold air passing through the flow path forming member into the inlet, and the accommodation unit may include a through hole configured to communicate with the inflow hole and the suction port.

The inlet, the inflow hole, the through hole, and the suction port may be positioned on the same side of the convertible compartment.

The inlet may be positioned in a lower area of the convertible compartment, the inflow hole may be positioned in an upper area of the convertible compartment, and the through hole may be adjacent to the inlet and positioned between the inlet and the inflow hole.

The convertible compartment fan may be disposed to communicate with the inlet, and the cold air drawn from the suction port passes through the convertible compartment fan and is introduced into the accommodation unit through the inlet.

The through hole may be positioned above the convertible compartment fan.

The door may include a main door including a front opening and rotatable from the cabinet to open and close the refrigerating compartment, and a sub door rotatable from the main door to open and close the front opening of the main door, and the convertible compartment may be mounted on the main door.

A front surface of the convertible compartment may be open to communicate with the front opening of the main door.

The refrigerator may further include a door supply duct configured to supply the cold air generated from the evaporator to the door, the door supply duct may extend forward from a rear of the cabinet and supply the cold air downward from an upper area of the door.

The cold-air supply duct may extend along one outer surface of the refrigerating compartment, and the door supply duct may be disposed closer to the one outer surface of the refrigerating compartment than to the other outer surface of the refrigerating compartment.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator including a refrigerating compartment, a convertible compartment mounted on a door for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment, a convertible compartment fan disposed on one side of the convertible compartment, a cold-air supply duct for transferring cold air generated from an evaporator disposed in the refrigerating compartment to the convertible compartment, and a damper configured to adjust an amount of cold air transferred to the convertible compartment, including a convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode which achieves a temperature of the convertible compartment which is lower than that of the refrigerating compartment, and a convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode which achieves the temperature of the convertible compartment which is higher than that of the refrigerating compartment.

When a preset temperature of the convertible compartment is not satisfied, the convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode may open the damper and operate the convertible compartment fan to achieve the temperature of the convertible compartment which is lower than that of the refrigerating compartment.

The method may further include controlling an opening angle of the damper to control the amount of cold air transferred to the convertible compartment.

When a preset temperature of the convertible compartment is satisfied, the convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode may close the damper and stop an operation of the convertible compartment fan.

The convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode may close the damper to block cold air transferred to the convertible compartment through the cold-air supply duct.

The convertible compartment may include an accommodation unit configured to accommodate stored items, and a flow path forming member configured to communicate with the accommodation unit and disposed on one side of the accommodation unit.

The convertible compartment may further include a convertible compartment heater disposed on one side of the flow path forming member, and when a preset temperature of the convertible compartment is not satisfied, the convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode may close the damper and operate the convertible compartment fan and the convertible compartment heater to achieve the temperature of the convertible compartment which is higher than that of the refrigerating compartment.

In the convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode, the cold air within the convertible compartment may be heated by the convertible compartment heater while circulating along a cold-air circulation flow path formed by the accommodation unit and the flow path forming member.

When a preset temperature of the convertible compartment is satisfied, the convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode may close the damper and stop operations of the convertible compartment fan and the convertible compartment heater.

The method may further include a convertible compartment circulation mode which circulates cold air within the convertible compartment.

When a duration during which a preset temperature of the convertible compartment is satisfied exceeds a preset time in a closed state of the damper, the convertible compartment circulation mode may operate the convertible compartment fan to circulate the cold air within the convertible compartment along a cold-air circulation flow path formed by the accommodation unit and the flow path forming member for a predetermined time.

When a duration during which a preset temperature of the convertible compartment is satisfied does not exceed a preset time in a closed state of the damper, the convertible compartment fan may maintain a stopped state.

The convertible compartment may further include a temperature sensor disposed on the flow path forming member, and the temperature sensor may measure the temperature of the convertible compartment.

According to the refrigerator and the method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator according to the present invention, by supplying the cold air generated from the refrigerator evaporator to the convertible compartment, it is possible to implement the convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode, which achieves the temperature of the convertible compartment that is lower than that of the refrigerating compartment, and the convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode, which achieves the temperature of the convertible compartment that is higher than that of the refrigerating compartment.

Accordingly, compared to supplying the convertible compartment with cold air from the freezer evaporator that provides relatively colder air, it is possible to reduce structural modification issues and increases in material costs related to thermal insulation shielding of the convertible compartment.

In addition, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator according to the present invention, the operations of the convertible compartment fan and the damper can be controlled, thereby achieving the temperature of the convertible compartment that is lower or higher than the temperature of the refrigerating compartment.

Accordingly, the temperature in the convertible compartment can be controlled to be increased or decreased independently of the operation of the cold-air control system of the refrigerating compartment or the cold-air control system of the freezing compartment.

In addition, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator according to the present invention, it is possible to achieve the temperature in the convertible compartment higher than the temperature in the refrigerating compartment simply by closing the damper to block the cold air generated from the refrigerator evaporator from being transferred to the convertible compartment through the cold-air supply duct.

Accordingly, the temperature in the convertible compartment can be controlled to be increased without using a separate heating element, thereby enhancing the energy efficiency of the refrigerator and maintaining the cold-air balance throughout the refrigerator.

In addition, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator according to the present invention, by operating the convertible compartment fan and the convertible compartment heater to circulate the cold air passing through the convertible compartment heater along the cold-air circulation flow path formed within the convertible compartment, it is possible to achieve the temperature of the convertible compartment that is higher than that of the refrigerating compartment.

Accordingly, in addition to locally heating the cold air within the convertible compartment by the convertible compartment heater, the heated cold air can be circulated along the cold-air circulation flow path formed within the convertible compartment to increase the temperature of the convertible compartment more quickly and efficiently, thereby decreasing the operation time of the convertible compartment heater to enhance the energy efficiency of the refrigerator and maintaining the cold-air balance throughout the refrigerator.

In addition, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator according to the present invention, by closing the damper and operating the convertible compartment fan to circulate the cold air within the convertible compartment along the cold-air circulation flow path formed within the convertible compartment, the cold air within the convertible compartment can be periodically circulated to prevent the cold air within the convertible compartment from forming the temperature layers depending on the temperature.

Accordingly, when the temperature of the convertible compartment remains at the user-set level for a long time, it is possible to implement the cold-air circulation mode which circulates the cold air within the convertible compartment independently of the operation of the cold-air control system of the refrigerating compartment or the cold-air control system of the freezing compartment.

In addition, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator according to the present invention, by discharging the cold air from the convertible compartment, which is received from the cold-air supply duct, into the refrigerating compartment through the outlet formed in the convertible compartment, the cold air within the convertible compartment can be returned to the refrigerator evaporator.

Accordingly, since a separate return duct is not required, the design for cold-air return can be simplified and the cost of structural modifications can be reduced.

In addition, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator according to the present invention, by allowing the outlet of the convertible compartment to be selectively opened and closed, the convertible compartment can easily maintain various temperatures desired by the users, thereby providing a greater variety of user options for changing the purpose of the convertible compartment.

In addition, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator according to the present invention, by positioning the outlet through which the cold air within the convertible compartment is discharged above the storage unit within the refrigerating compartment, the cold air discharged from the convertible compartment can be discharged into the refrigerating compartment with minimal cooling loss without interference from the storage unit.

In addition, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator according to the present invention, by allowing the discharge cover to open rearward and/or upward, with the discharge cover covering the inlet through which cold air is introduced into the convertible compartment, it is possible to implement the indirect cooling method of indirectly applying cold air without applying the cold air to the items stored in the accommodation unit, thereby preventing the stored items from being directly exposed to the cold air and damaged.

In addition, according to the refrigerator and the method for controlling a temperature of a refrigerator according to the present invention, by including the door supply duct for supplying cold air downward from the upper area of the door, more cold air can be discharged to one side of the refrigerator in which the door with the convertible compartment is disposed.

Accordingly, the cold-air imbalance throughout the refrigerator, which can be caused by the frequent inflow of warm air according to the user’s usage pattern of frequently opening the sub door or by the operation of the convertible compartment heater, can be eliminated by additionally supplying cold air through the door supply duct.

Specific effects together with the above-described effects are described together with a description of the following detailed matters for carrying out the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a refrigerator.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a refrigerator in which a freezer door is removed and a refrigerator door on which a convertible compartment is mounted is illustrated in an open state.

FIG. 3 is a view of a sub door provided on the refrigerator door, on which the convertible compartment is mounted, illustrated in an open state.

FIG. 4 is a view of the refrigerator door, on which the convertible compartment is mounted, and a convertible compartment door illustrated in an open state.

FIG. 5 is a view of the refrigerator door, on which the convertible compartment is mounted, illustrated in a fully open state.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a supply and return configuration of cold air to and from the convertible compartment.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a cold-air supply connection relationship between a convertible compartment, a refrigerator grille fan assembly, a damper, and a cold-air supply duct.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of components constituting a convertible compartment according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of some components of a convertible compartment according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a view of a discharge cover according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a view of a discharge cover according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a first convertible compartment heater, a convertible compartment fan, and a temperature sensor disposed on one side surface of the convertible compartment.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a cold-air circulation path of the convertible compartment.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a control connection configuration of a control unit.

FIG. 15 is a view for describing temperature control of the convertible compartment according to temperature control of a refrigerating compartment and temperature control of a freezing compartment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart for a convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for adjusting a set temperature of the convertible compartment in the convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for a convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart for a convertible compartment circulation mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The above-described 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 invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of the known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar components.

Although “first,” “second,” etc. are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise stated, it is obvious that a first component may be a second component.

Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

Hereinafter, the arrangement of an arbitrary component on an “upper portion (or lower portion)” of a component or “above (or under)” the component may not only mean that the arbitrary component is disposed in contact with an upper surface (or a lower surface) of the component, but also mean that other components may be interposed between the component and the arbitrary component disposed above (or under) the component.

In addition, when a first component is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “joined” to a second component, the components may be directly connected or joined, but it should be understood that a third component may be “interposed” between the components, or the components may be “connected,” “coupled,” or “joined” through the third component.

The singular expression used herein includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the application, terms such as “composed of” or “comprising” should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or operations described in the specification and should be construed as not including some of the components or some of the operations or further including additional components or operations.

Throughout the specification, when “A and/or B” is described, this means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified, and when “C to D” is described, this means C or more and D or less unless otherwise specified.

Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[Structure of refrigerator including convertible compartment]

A refrigerator including a convertible compartment according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exterior of a refrigerator 1 may be formed by a cabinet 10 including one or more storage compartments, which are storage spaces of items, and a plurality of doors capable of opening and closing an open front surface of the cabinet 10. The cabinet 10 may include an outer case 11 and an inner case 12 engaging with the inside of the outer case 11. An insulation material may be filled between the inner case 12 and the outer case 11, and various types of ducts related to a cold-air system may pass through the insulation material. A barrier unit 17 may divide the inner case 12 into separate spaces including a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment. The first storage compartment disposed at the top may serve as a refrigerating compartment 20, and the second storage compartment disposed at the bottom may serve as a freezing compartment 30.

A refrigerator grille fan assembly 21 and a freezer grille fan assembly 31, which supply cold air generated from an evaporator to each storage compartment, may be disposed in the refrigerating compartment 20 and the freezing compartment 30, respectively. In addition, one or more storage units 22 for storing items may be disposed within the refrigerating compartment 20, and one or more storage units 32 for storing items may also be disposed within the freezing compartment 30.

The refrigerating compartment 20 may be opened and closed by a pair of first doors 13. The pair of first doors 13 may be a pair of pivoting doors rotatably connected to one side and the other side of the cabinet 10, respectively, by hinges. A dispenser 15 that allows a user to take out water or ice without opening the door may be mounted on one of the first doors 13.

In addition, the other of the first doors 13 may be provided with a convertible compartment 40 that may be used for different purposes according to user settings. The convertible compartment 40 may be used as a refrigerating compartment, a freezing compartment, or a separate storage compartment with a desired temperature, according to user settings. The following description will provide an embodiment in which the first door 13 with the dispenser 15 is a left door and the first door 13 with the convertible compartment 40 is a right door.

The freezing compartment 30 may be opened and closed by a pair of second doors 14. The pair of second doors 14 may be a pair of rotatable doors rotatably connected to one side and the other side of the cabinet 10, respectively, by hinges, but are not limited thereto, and the pair of second doors 14 may be drawer-type doors that are drawn in and out by rails.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the first door 13 provided with the convertible compartment 40 may be composed of a main door 131 and a sub door 132. The first door 13 may be implemented in a door-in-door manner. The main door 131 is a door attached to the cabinet 10 and serves as an access door to the entire interior of the refrigerating compartment 20. The sub door 132 may be connected to one side of the main door 131 by a hinge and rotatably opened and closed independently of the main door 131. The main door 131 may be provided with the convertible compartment 40. The convertible compartment 40 may include an accommodation unit 41 for storing items to be stored, and a convertible compartment door 42 covering a rear surface of the accommodation unit 41.

A front opening 133 having an open front surface may be formed in a front surface of the main door 131. Accordingly, a user may access the accommodation unit 41 of the convertible compartment 40 through the front opening 133 by opening only the sub door 132 without opening the main door 131. That is, the front surface of the convertible compartment 40 may be closed in a closed state of the sub door 132, but opened in an open state of the sub door 132. In addition, when the convertible compartment door 42 is opened in an open state of the main door 131 together with the sub door 132, the user may access the convertible compartment 40 through a rear surface of the convertible compartment 40.

A front surface of the sub door 132 may include a transmissive unit 16. Accordingly, the user can easily check items stored inside the convertible compartment 40 without opening the sub door 132. In this case, the transmittance of the transmissive unit 16 may be changed according to a special user action, such as a knock-on, or user settings. For example, the transmissive unit 16 may normally maintain an opaque or semi-transparent state and may be changed to a transmissive state through an input from a control unit.

A convertible compartment fan 44 and a gasket 45 may be disposed on an outer side of one side surface of the convertible compartment 40, and a discharge cover 46 may be disposed on an inner side of the one side surface of the convertible compartment 40. The discharge cover 46 and the convertible compartment fan 44 may be disposed to face each other. A cold-air supply duct connection port 23 may be formed on one side of the inner case 12 constituting the refrigerating compartment 20. In the closed state of the main door 131, the convertible compartment fan 44 and the gasket 45 of the convertible compartment 40 may be disposed at positions that communicate with the cold-air supply duct connection port 23 of the inner case 12. Accordingly, in the closed state of the main door 131, the cold-air supply duct connection port 23 of the inner case 12 may communicate with the convertible compartment fan 44 and the discharge cover 46 of the convertible compartment 40. One or more holding units 134, such as storage shelves, may be mounted on the main door 131. Although the present specification describes a structure in which the holding units 134 are disposed above the convertible compartment 40, the present invention is not limited thereto.

In this specification, the refrigerating compartment may be referred to as the refrigerator compartment or fresh food compartment, the freezing compartment may be referred to as the freezer compartment or frozen food compartment, and the convertible compartment may be referred to as the switching compartment or variable temperature compartment.

[Cold-air system of convertible compartment]

Hereinafter, a cold-air system of the convertible compartment according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with further reference to FIG. 6.

A refrigerator evaporator 211e for generating cold air to be supplied to the refrigerating compartment 20, and the refrigerator grille fan assembly 21 for supplying cold air generated from the refrigerator evaporator 211e into the refrigerating compartment 20 may be disposed in the refrigerating compartment 20. The refrigerator grille fan assembly 21 may include a refrigerator blower fan 212 for blowing the cold air generated from the refrigerator evaporator 211e. The refrigerator evaporator 211e and the refrigerator grille fan assembly 21 may be disposed at a rear interior of the refrigerating compartment 20. The refrigerator evaporator 211e may be disposed between the refrigerator grille fan assembly 211 and a rear surface of the refrigerating compartment 20. For example, a refrigerator evaporator compartment 211 in which the refrigerator evaporator 211e is seated may be formed between the refrigerator grille fan assembly 211 and a rear surface of the inner case 12 constituting the refrigerating compartment 20. For example, the refrigerator evaporator 211e may be disposed below the refrigerator blower fan 212. The refrigerator grille fan assembly 21, the refrigerator blower fan 212, the refrigerator evaporator 211e, and the refrigerator evaporator compartment 211 may be referred to as a first grille fan assembly, a first blower fan, a first evaporator, and a first evaporator compartment, respectively.

A refrigerating compartment cooling system may repeat the following cycle. High-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from a compressor may release heat and changes into a liquid state in a condenser, the liquid refrigerant may move to the refrigerator evaporator 211e through an expansion valve, and in the refrigerator evaporator 211e, the refrigerant changes into a gaseous state to absorb heat from the surroundings to generate cold air. The cold air generated in this way may be blown into the refrigerating compartment 20 by the refrigerator blower fan 212, thereby cooling the inner side of the refrigerating compartment 20.

A cold-air discharge structure 213 including one or more refrigerator cold-air flow paths 214 may be disposed at the rear interior of the refrigerating compartment 20. The cold-air discharge structure 213 may also be referred to as a connection duct or a multi-duct. The cold-air discharge structure 213 may be disposed above the refrigerator grille fan assembly 21 and may communicate with the refrigerator grille fan assembly 21. Cold air blown by the refrigerator blower fan 212 may move along the refrigerator cold-air flow paths 214 of the cold-air discharge structure 213 and may be supplied into the refrigerating compartment 20 through cold-air guide holes and the like formed in the cold-air discharge structure 213.

A freezer evaporator 311e for generating cold air to be supplied to the freezing compartment 30 and the freezer grille fan assembly 31 for supplying cold air generated from the freezer evaporator 311e into the freezing compartment 30 may be disposed in the freezing compartment 30. The freezer grille fan assembly 31 may include a freezer blower fan 312 for blowing the cold air generated from the freezer evaporator 311e. The freezer evaporator 311e and the freezer grille fan assembly 31 may be disposed at a rear interior of the freezing compartment 30. The freezer evaporator 311e may be disposed between the freezer grille fan assembly 311 and a rear surface of the freezing compartment 30. For example, a freezer evaporator compartment 311 in which the freezer evaporator 311e is seated may be formed between the freezer grille fan assembly 311 and the rear surface of the inner case 12 constituting the freezing compartment 30. For example, the freezer evaporator 311e may be disposed below the freezer blower fan 312. The freezer grille fan assembly 31, the freezer blower fan 312, the freezer evaporator 311e, and the freezer evaporator compartment 311 may be referred to as a second grille fan assembly, a second blower fan, a second evaporator, and a second evaporator compartment, respectively.

In addition, the freezer grille fan assembly 31 may further include an ice-making fan 313 for supplying cold air to an ice-making device. For example, the ice-making device may be mounted on the freezing compartment 30, a door, etc.

A freezing compartment cooling system may repeat the following cycle. High-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant from a compressor may release heat and changes into a liquid state in a condenser, the liquid refrigerant may move to the freezer evaporator 311e through an expansion valve, and in the freezer evaporator 311e, the refrigerant changes into a gaseous state to absorb heat from the surroundings to generate cold air. The cold air generated in this way may be blown into the freezing compartment 30 by the freezer blower fan 312, thereby cooling the inner side of the freezing compartment 30.

For example, the compressor may be disposed in a machine compartment positioned at a rear outer lower end of the freezing compartment 30. A single compressor may implement both the refrigerating compartment cooling system and the freezing compartment cooling system, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and two compressors may implement the refrigerating compartment cooling system and the freezing compartment cooling system, respectively.

In this way, according to the present invention, the refrigerating compartment 20 and the freezing compartment 30 may each implement independent cooling systems. The convertible compartment 40 may receive cold air generated from the refrigerating compartment cooling system or the freezing compartment cooling system. In the present invention, an embodiment in which the convertible compartment 40 receives cold air from the refrigerating compartment cooling system will be described.

Referring to FIG. 6, the convertible compartment 40 may receive the cold air generated from the refrigerator evaporator 211e through a cold-air supply duct 50 that communicates with the refrigerator evaporator 211e. One side and the other side of the cold-air supply duct 50 may communicate with a refrigerator grille fan assembly 21 provided with the refrigerator evaporator 211e and one side of the convertible compartment 40, respectively. The cold-air supply duct 50 may be formed to extend along one side surface from the rear surface of the inner case 12 constituting the refrigerating compartment 20. The cold-air supply duct 50 extending along the one side surface of the inner case 12 may communicate with a cold-air supply duct connection port 23 formed on the one side surface of the inner case 12.

The amount of cold air supplied to the convertible compartment 40 may be controlled by a damper 54. For example, the damper 54 may be disposed between the refrigerator grille fan assembly 21 and the cold-air supply duct 50. When the damper 54 is opened, the cold air generated from the refrigerator evaporator 211e may be transferred to the convertible compartment 40, but when the damper 54 is closed, the cold air generated from the refrigerator evaporator 211e may not be transferred to the convertible compartment 40, thereby blocking the introduction of cold air into the convertible compartment 40. The damper 54 may be opened at a predetermined angle, rather than being fully open or closed, and the amount of cold air passing through the damper 54 may be controlled depending on the angle being opened.

A convertible compartment fan 44 may be mounted on the one side surface of the convertible compartment 40. The convertible compartment fan 44 may be disposed on the one side surface of the convertible compartment 40 and may communicate with the cold-air supply duct connection port 23 formed on the one side surface of the inner case 12 in the closed state of the main door 131 provided with the convertible compartment 40. Accordingly, the convertible compartment fan 44 and the cold-air supply duct 50 may communicate with each other with the inner case 12 interposed therebetween. The convertible compartment fan 44 may assist in drawing in the cold air generated from the cold-air supply duct 50 and discharging the cold air into the convertible compartment 40, and when the cold air supplied from the cold-air supply duct 50 is blocked by the damper 54, the convertible compartment fan 44 may serve to circulate the air within the convertible compartment 40.

According to the present invention, the convertible compartment 40 may receive the cold air generated from the refrigerator evaporator 211e, and the convertible compartment 40 may achieve a temperature that is lower than or higher than the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 20. That is, according to the present invention, since the cold air generated by the refrigerator evaporator 211e is supplied to the convertible compartment 40, compared to supplying the convertible compartment 40 with cold air from the freezer evaporator 311e that provides relatively colder air, structural modification issues or increases in material costs related to thermal insulation shielding of the convertible compartment 40 may not occur.

In addition, according to the present invention, the operations of the convertible compartment fan 44 and the damper 54 may be controlled to implement a convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode, which achieves the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 that is lower than the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 20, and a convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode, which achieves the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 that is higher than the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 20. However, the convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode as defined herein is not limited to achieving the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 that is lower than that of the refrigerating compartment 20, but may control the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 to achieve a predetermined temperature that is lower than the currently measured temperature of the convertible compartment 40. Likewise, the convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode as defined herein is not limited to achieving the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 that is higher than that of the refrigerating compartment 20, but may control the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 to achieve a predetermined temperature higher than the currently measured temperature of the convertible compartment 40.

For example, the convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode may be implemented as follows. When the temperature conditions required in the refrigerating compartment 20 are satisfied, the operation of the cold-air control system of the refrigerating compartment may be stopped. In this case, the operation of the refrigerator blower fan 212 may also be stopped, thereby stopping the supply of cold air into the refrigerating compartment 20. Even when the operation of the refrigerator blower fan 212 is stopped in this way, when the convertible compartment fan 44 of the convertible compartment 40 is operated in an open state of the damper 54, the cold air generated in the refrigerator evaporator 211e may be drawn into the convertible compartment 40 by the convertible compartment fan 44. Accordingly, even when the supply of cold air into the refrigerating compartment 20 is stopped, cold air may be continuously supplied into the convertible compartment 40, thereby achieving a temperature that is lower than that of the refrigerating compartment 20.

In addition, even when the cold-air control system of the refrigerating compartment is operated in a state in which the temperature conditions required in the refrigerating compartment 20 is not satisfied, when the convertible compartment fan 44 of the convertible compartment 40 is operated, compared to the refrigerating compartment 20 to which cold air is supplied only by the air volume of the refrigerator blower fan 212, more cold air may be blown to the convertible compartment 40 in a state in which the air volumes of the refrigerator blower fan 212 and the convertible compartment 44 are combined, thereby achieving the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 that is lower than that of the refrigerating compartment 20. In this way, according to the present invention, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may be controlled to be decreased independently of the operation of the cold-air control system of the refrigerating compartment 20 or the cold-air control system of the freezing compartment 30.

For example, the convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode may be implemented as follows. The damper 54 capable of controlling the amount of cold air supplied to the convertible compartment 40 may be closed to block the cold air generated from the refrigerator evaporator 211e from being transferred to the convertible compartment 40 through the cold-air supply duct 50. In this way, when the supply of cold air to the convertible compartment 40 is blocked, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 that is higher than that of the refrigerating compartment 20 can be achieved. In this way, according to the present invention, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may be controlled to be increased independently of the operation of the cold-air control system of the refrigerating compartment 20 or the cold-air control system of the freezing compartment 30.

In addition, according to the present invention, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may be controlled to be increased without using a separate heating member. When the separate heating member is disposed in the convertible compartment 40 and generates heat, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may be increased, but a temperature near the one side of the refrigerating compartment 20 adjacent to the convertible compartment 40 may also be increased. In this way, when the temperature near the one side of the refrigerating compartment 20 adjacent to the convertible compartment 40 increases, cold-air imbalance between left and right areas of the refrigerating compartment 20 may occur. In addition, when the temperature near the one side of the refrigerating compartment 20 adjacent to the convertible compartment 40 increases, the cold-air control system of the refrigerating compartment 20 needs to be continuously operated to meet a set temperature within the refrigerating compartment 20, which is detrimental to the energy efficiency of the refrigerator 1. In this way, according to the present invention, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may be controlled to be increased simply by controlling the opening and closing of the damper 54 without using a separate heating member, thereby enhancing the energy efficiency of the refrigerator 1 and preventing the cold-air balance throughout the refrigerator 1 from being disrupted.

Meanwhile, to enhance the energy efficiency of the refrigerator 1 and maintain cold-air balance throughout the refrigerator 1, cold air may be discharged more intensively to the first door 13 in which the convertible compartment 40 is disposed. In particular, when the warm air is frequently introduced according to the user’s usage pattern of frequently opening the sub door 132 to use the convertible compartment 40 or the convertible compartment heater disposed in the convertible compartment 40 is operated, it can be difficult to maintain the cold-air balance between the left and right areas of the refrigerating compartment 20. To this end, a door supply duct 52 for supplying cold air to the first door 13 provided with the convertible compartment 40 may be additionally disposed in the refrigerating compartment 20. The door supply duct 52 may be disposed to extend from an outer side of an upper surface of the refrigerating compartment 20 so that one end of the other side of the door supply duct 52 may communicate through an opening formed in an upper surface of the inner case 12, but is not limited thereto. The door supply duct 52 may also be disposed to extend from an inner side of the upper surface of the refrigerating compartment 20.

One side of the door supply duct 52 may communicate with a cold-air discharge structure 213 disposed at the rear interior of the refrigerating compartment 20, and the other side of the door supply duct 52 may discharge cold air downward from an upper area of the first door 13. The other side of the door supply duct 52 that discharges cold air to the first door 13 may be disposed to vertically overlap the first door 13 provided with the convertible compartment 40 and supply cold air. The door supply duct 52 does not directly communicate with the first door 13 or the convertible compartment 40, but may discharge cold air downward from a position vertically overlapping the upper area of the first door 13 provided with the convertible compartment 40, thereby achieving an effect substantially similar to supplying cold air directly to the first door 13. In this way, according to the present invention, by additionally arranging the door supply duct 52, more cold air may be supplied near one side of the refrigerator in which the first door 13 provided with the convertible compartment 40 is disposed, thereby solving the problem of the cold air imbalance between the left and right areas of the refrigerator.

In addition, the door supply duct 52 may be disposed closer to one outer surface of the refrigerating compartment 20 in which the cold-air supply duct 50 is disposed to extend than the other outer surface of the refrigerating compartment 20 in which the cold-air supply duct 50 is not disposed. Accordingly, in a left-right direction of the refrigerating compartment 20, the cold-air supply duct 50 and the door supply duct 52 may be disposed to be more biased to the first door 13 in which the convertible compartment 40 is disposed. By arranging the cold-air supply duct 50 and the door supply duct 52 adjacent to the first door 13 provided with the convertible compartment 40 in this way, it is possible to solve the problem of cold-air imbalance that may be caused by the presence of the convertible compartment 40 and the frequent opening of the sub door 132.

As described above, according to the present invention, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may control the operations of the convertible compartment fan 44 and the damper 54, thereby achieving the convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode, which maintains the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 that is lower than that of the refrigerating compartment 20, and the convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode, which maintains the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 that is higher than that of the refrigerating compartment 20. However, the refrigerator 1 according to the present invention is not limited to implementing the convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode and the convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode by controlling the operations of the convertible compartment fan 44 and the damper 54 and may also be implemented by adding components or performing other control methods, and thus additional embodiments will be described below.

Meanwhile, the cold air supplied to the convertible compartment 40 may be discharged into the refrigerating compartment 20 through the outlet 421 formed in the convertible compartment 40. For example, the outlet 421 may be formed on the convertible compartment door 42. The cold air discharged into the refrigerating compartment 20 through the outlet 421 may be recovered to the refrigerator evaporator compartment 211, cooled while passing through the refrigerator evaporator 211e, and circulated to be supplied back into the convertible compartment 40. In this way, according to the present invention, the cold air in the convertible compartment 40 received from the cold-air supply duct 50 is discharged into the refrigerating compartment 20 through the outlet 421 formed in the convertible compartment 40, thereby recovering the cold air in the convertible compartment 40 to the refrigerator evaporator 211e. Accordingly, since a separate return duct is not required, the design for cold-air return can be simplified and the cost of structural modifications can be reduced.

[Structure of convertible compartment]

Hereinafter, the structure of the convertible compartment according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with further reference to FIGS. 7 to 13.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, and 13, the convertible compartment 40 may be mounted on the door liner 135. The door liner 135 may substantially form a body portion of the main door 131. The door liner 135 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular frame having a hollow with the front opening 133 formed therein. A pair of protrusions 136, which are disposed at opposing positions and protrude inward from the door liner 135, may be formed on both inner sides of the door liner 135. The pair of protrusions 136 may serve to support and fix both sides of the convertible compartment 40. Accordingly, the convertible compartment 40 may be mounted on the pair of protrusions 136 and fixed to an inner side of the door liner 135. Additional pairs of protrusions 136 may be disposed on the inner side of the door liner 135 to additionally support and fix the holding units 134. A terminal storage unit 137 to be described below may be additionally formed on one side of the door liner 135. The terminal storage unit 137 may be covered by a terminal cover 48.

The convertible compartment 40 may include the accommodation unit 41 for accommodating stored items. The accommodation unit 41 may substantially form a body portion of the convertible compartment 40. The accommodation unit 41 may be referred to as a convertible compartment. A lower portion of the accommodation unit 41 may be formed in the shape of a basket capable of accommodating stored items. Accordingly, a storage wall 418 having a predetermined height upward along an edge of a lower surface 41b of the accommodation unit 41 may be formed. An upper surface 41t of the accommodation unit 41 may be formed in a plate shape to cover an upper area thereof. A pair of catch portions 413 recessed inward to be caught on the protrusions 136 of the door liner 135 may be formed on both sides of the storage wall 418 of the accommodation unit 41.

In addition, an inlet 411 formed as an opening having a predetermined size may be formed on one side of the storage wall 418 of the accommodation unit 41. The lower surface 41b and the upper surface 41t of the accommodation unit 41 may be connected by two side surfaces 41s extending vertically, respectively. That is, both side surfaces 41s of the accommodation unit 41 may extend upward from a portion of a side surface of the storage wall 418 and may be connected to the upper surface 41t. The catch portion 413 may be disposed in front of both side surfaces 41s of the accommodation unit 41, and the inlet 411 may be disposed to overlap vertically on both side surfaces 41s of the accommodation unit 41. The inlet 411 may communicate with the cold-air supply duct 50 and serve as a passage for introducing cold air blown from the refrigerator grille fan assembly 21 to the cold-air supply duct 50 into the convertible compartment 40. A through hole 412 may be formed at an upper end of the inlet 411. The through hole 412 may be formed to have a slit shape extending in a front-rear direction of the accommodation unit 41. A front-rear length of the through hole 412 may be similar to a front-rear length of the inlet 411, but a vertical height of the through hole 412 may be formed to have a vertical height smaller than that of the inlet 411.

Front and rear surfaces of the accommodation unit 41 may both be formed to be open. The front surface of the accommodation unit 41 refers to a direction facing a front surface of the refrigerator 1 in a closed state of the first door 13, and the rear surface thereof refers to a direction facing the refrigerating compartment 20 in the closed state of the first door 13. The front surface of the accommodation unit 41 may be formed in an open shape so that the accommodation unit 41 may be accessed through the front opening 133 of the door liner 135 in the open state of the sub door 132. A blocking guide 47, which serves as a gasket for blocking cold air from leaking through a gap between the sub door 132 and the accommodation unit 41 in the closed state of the sub door 132, may be formed on the front surface of the accommodation unit 41. The blocking guide 47 may be disposed along a contact surface between the accommodation unit 41 and the sub door 132.

The rear surface of the accommodation unit 41 may be formed in an open shape and opened and closed by the convertible compartment door 42. The convertible compartment door 42 may be connected to one side of the accommodation unit 41 by a vertically extending rotating rod 422 and opened and closed in a rotational manner. The convertible compartment door 42 is generally formed in a plate shape, with both sides of the plate shape being bent toward the accommodation unit 41. Accordingly, edge portions may be formed on both sides of the convertible compartment door 42 in the bent areas.

In another embodiment described with reference to FIG. 9, an outer side of the accommodation unit 41 may be additionally covered by a convertible compartment case 414. The convertible compartment case 414 may be formed to cover a portion of a side surface and an upper surface, excluding the rear and front surfaces of the accommodation unit 41. The convertible compartment door 42 may be rotatably connected to one side of the convertible compartment case 414. A space between the accommodation unit 41 and the convertible compartment case 414 may be filled with an insulation material. Accordingly, the convertible compartment 40 may be formed as an independent insulated storage space. When the convertible compartment 40 is insulated in this way, even when the temperature within the convertible compartment 40 disposed within the refrigerating compartment 20 differs significantly from the temperature within the refrigerating compartment 20, the effect on the temperature fluctuation within the refrigerating compartment 20 can be minimized.

An outlet 421 may be formed on the convertible compartment door 42. Since the outlet 421 is formed on the convertible compartment door 42, even when the accommodation unit 41 is insulated, there is no need to form an opening area for the outlet 421 in the insulated area, thereby preventing degradation of the insulation performance of the accommodation unit 41. For example, the outlet 421 may be formed in a stacked form of a plurality of opening slits extending a predetermined length in a left-right direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For another example, the outlet 421 may be formed in a stacked form of a plurality of opening slits vertically extending a predetermined length. A separation distance between the plurality of opening slits forming the outlet 421 may be maintained constantly, but is not limited thereto, and the separation distance between the plurality of opening slits may be set differently. For example, considering the flow of cold air within the refrigerating compartment 20 generated when cold air is discharged into the refrigerating compartment 20, the separation distance between the plurality of opening slits may be formed to be narrower or wider toward the bottom or top. In addition, the separation distance between the plurality of opening slits may be formed to be narrower or wider toward one side or the other side. In addition, the sizes of the plurality of opening slits may be the same, but are not limited thereto, and each opening slit may be formed to have different sizes. For example, considering the flow of cold air within the refrigerating compartment 20 generated when cold air is discharged into the refrigerating compartment 20, the sizes of the plurality of opening slits may be formed to be larger or smaller toward the bottom or top. In addition, the sizes of the plurality of opening slits may be formed to be larger or smaller toward one side or the other side. In addition, the outlet 421 is not limited to a slit, but may be formed in various patterns, such as a mesh or dot.

The outlet 421 serves as a passage through which the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 is discharged into the refrigerating compartment 20. Accordingly, when an area that is open through the outlet 421 is too large, the temperatures of the refrigerating compartment 20 and the convertible compartment 40 are likely to be synchronized, and thus the size of the outlet 421 may be sufficient as long as it may discharge the cold air within the convertible compartment 40. For example, the size of the outlet 421 may be formed to be smaller than the size of the inlet 411, which serves as a passage through which cold air is introduced into the convertible compartment 40.

The outlet 421 may be formed in an upper area of the convertible compartment door 42 adjacent to the other side of the accommodation unit 41, on which the inlet 411 is formed, positioned at the side opposite to the one side of the accommodation unit 41. The outlet 421 may be disposed at a corner formed in a bent area of the convertible compartment door 42. Accordingly, in the closed state of the convertible compartment door 42, the outlet 421 may be open toward a central area as well as the rear surface of the refrigerating compartment 20. As the outlet 421 of the convertible compartment 40 is formed toward the central area of the refrigerating compartment 20, the cold air discharged through the outlet 421 may contribute to maintaining the cooling temperature of the refrigerating compartment 20 without being biased to either side of the refrigerating compartment 20, thereby maintaining the cold-air balance between the refrigerating compartment 20 in the left-right direction.

In addition, the outlet 421 may be positioned above the storage unit 22 disposed within the refrigerating compartment 20. That is, the outlet 421 may be disposed so as not to overlap the storage unit 22 in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the cold-air flow path of the cold air discharged into the refrigerating compartment 20 through the outlet 421 may not be obstructed by the storage unit 22, thereby contributing to controlling the temperature within the refrigerating compartment 20. In this way, according to the present invention, since the outlet 421 through which the cold air of the convertible compartment 40 is discharged may be positioned above the storage unit 22 within the refrigerating compartment 20, the cold air discharged from the convertible compartment 40 may be discharged into the refrigerating compartment 20 with minimal cooling loss without being obstructed by the storage unit 22.

In addition, the outlet 421 may be positioned diagonally from the inlet 411 of the convertible compartment 40. For example, the inlet 411 may be positioned in a lower area of the one side of the convertible compartment 40, and the outlet 421 may be positioned in an upper area of the other side of the convertible compartment 40. In this way, the inlet 411 through which cold air is introduced into the convertible compartment 40 and the outlet 421 through which cold air is discharged from the convertible compartment 40 are disposed to be as far apart as possible, thereby ensuring that the cold air introduced into the convertible compartment 40 through the inlet 411 circulates sufficiently within the convertible compartment 40 and is discharged to the outside. However, the position and number of outlets 421 are not limited thereto. For example, the outlet 421 may be positioned in the upper area of the one side of the convertible compartment 40 adjacent to the inlet 411 of the convertible compartment 40. In addition, the outlet 421 may be provided as a plurality of outlets, such as a first outlet positioned diagonally from the inlet 411 of the convertible compartment 40 and a second outlet positioned in the upper area of the one side of the convertible compartment 40 adjacent to the inlet 411 of the convertible compartment 40. In this case, a third outlet may be further formed in a central upper area of the convertible compartment 40 between the first and second outlets. In this case, the first, second, and third outlets may be formed together, but any two thereof may be formed in combination, or only one thereof may be formed.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the outlet 421 may be installed to be selectively opened or closed. For example, there may be cases in which the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is maintained at a relatively high or low level for a long time according to the user’s needs, or the convertible compartment 40 is intended to be implemented to serve as a storage space completely independent of the refrigerating compartment 20. In this case, the outlet 421 may be closed to prevent the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 from being discharged into the refrigerating compartment 20 and to prevent the cold air within the refrigerating compartment 20 from flowing back into the convertible compartment 40 through the outlet 421. To this end, a shutter member for allowing the user to manually close the outlet 421 may be further installed on the outlet 421. The shutter member of the outlet 421 may be automatically opened and closed. For example, a separate driving member for opening and closing the shutter member may be further provided in the convertible compartment 40, and the shutter member may be automatically opened and closed by driving the driving member under the control of the control unit. In this way, according to the present invention, the outlet 421 of the convertible compartment 40 may be selectively opened and closed to allow the convertible compartment 40 to easily maintain various temperatures desired by the user, thereby providing a greater variety of user options for changing the purpose of the convertible compartment 40.

In addition, according to still another embodiment of the present invention, the convertible compartment 40 may not be provided with the outlet 421. That is, the cold air introduced into the convertible compartment 40 through the inlet 411 may not be discharged into the refrigerating compartment 20. In this case, the convertible compartment 40 may not be connected by a separate return duct. In this way, since the outlet 421 and the separate return duct are not connected to the convertible compartment 40, the convertible compartment 40 may be implemented to serve as an independent storage space that can minimize an effect of a temperature fluctuation in the refrigerating compartment 20 and/or an effect exerted on the refrigerating compartment 20.

A flow path forming member 43 may be disposed on one side of the accommodation unit 41 on which the inlet 411 is formed. The flow path forming member 43 may include the circulation flow path 401 for circulating cool air in the accommodation unit 41. The flow path forming member 43 may include a first flow path forming member 431 and a second flow path forming member 432. The first flow path forming member 431 may be disposed on the inner side of the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41 on which the inlet 411 is formed, and the second flow path forming member 432 may be disposed on an outer side of the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41 on which the inlet 411 is formed. Accordingly, the first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432 may be disposed with the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41 interposed therebetween. The first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432 may be formed in a plate shape generally extending vertically so as to correspond to the shape of the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41.

The first flow path forming member 431 may include one or more fastening protrusions 4314. The fastening protrusions 4314 may protrude toward the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41. The fastening protrusions 4314 may protrude with a predetermined thickness to form a gap between the first flow path forming member 431 and the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41. The circulation flow path 401 may be formed by a separation space formed by the gap between the first flow path forming member 431 and the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41. Holes may be formed in central portions of the fastening protrusions 4314.

Protrusion fastening portions 416 disposed at positions corresponding to the fastening protrusions 4314 of the first flow path forming member 431 may be formed on the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41. The fastening protrusions 4314 may be fixedly inserted into the protrusion fastening portions 416. Accordingly, an outer diameter of the fastening protrusion 4314 may be formed to be smaller than an inner diameter of the protrusion fastening portion 416. The fastening protrusion 4314 may also protrude with a predetermined thickness toward the first flow path forming member 431. In addition, the fastening protrusion 4314 may also protrude with a predetermined thickness toward the second flow path forming member 432 so that a gap between the fastening protrusion 4314 and the second flow path forming member 432 is formed. A through hole 417 passing through the protrusion fastening portion 416 may be formed in a central portion of the protrusion fastening portion 416.

A fastening hole 4324 disposed at a position corresponding to the protrusion fastening portion 416 of the accommodation unit 41 may be formed in the second flow path forming member 432. The fastening hole 4324 of the second flow path forming member 432 and the through hole 417 of the accommodation unit 41 may be aligned with a hole formed in a central portion of the fastening protrusion 4314 of the first flow path forming member 431. The first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432 may be fixed to the accommodation unit 41 using separate fastening members that pass through the holes formed in the first flow path forming member 431, the accommodation unit 41, and the second flow path forming member 432 and are fastened thereto. For example, the fastening member may be a screw member, but is not limited thereto.

A first suction port 4312 and a second suction port 4322, which are formed to communicate with the inlet 411, may be formed on the first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432, respectively. Accordingly, when the first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432 are engaged with the accommodation unit 41, the first suction port 4312, the inlet 411, and the second suction port 4322 may be arranged to sequentially communicate with each other from the inside to the outside of the accommodation unit 41. The first suction port 4312 and the second suction port 4322 may be formed in lower areas of the first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432, respectively.

The first suction port 4312 may be formed to have substantially the same size as the inlet 411. The second suction port 4322 may be formed to have a larger size than the first suction port 4312 and the inlet 411. For example, the first suction port 4312 and the inlet 411 may be positioned inside the second suction port 4322. In addition, the through hole 412 positioned at an upper end of the inlet 411 may also be positioned inside the second suction port 4322. Accordingly, in a state in which the second flow path forming member 432 is engaged with the accommodation unit 41, the inlet 411 and the through hole 412 of the accommodation unit 41 may be exposed to the outside through the second suction port 4322.

An inflow hole 4311 that is open to communicate with the accommodation unit 41 may be formed in the first flow path forming member 431. The inflow hole 4311 may be formed to have a slit shape extending in the front-rear direction of the accommodation unit 41. The inflow hole 4311 may be formed in an upper area of the first flow path forming member 431. That is, the inflow hole 4311 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the first suction port 4312 of the first flow path forming member 431 and disposed above the first suction port 4312. The inflow hole 4311 may be formed to have a smaller size than the first suction port 4312.

A convertible compartment heater 434 may be disposed between the inflow hole 4311 and the first suction port 4312 of the first flow path forming member 431. Accordingly, the convertible compartment heater 434 may be positioned in the circulation flow path 401 formed between the first flow path forming member 431 and the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41. The convertible compartment heater 434 may indirectly heat the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 and directly heat cold air passing through the circulation flow path 401.

In addition, a temperature sensor 433 may be disposed on the first flow path forming member 431 and may measure a temperature within the convertible compartment 40. The temperature sensor 433 may be disposed in the upper area of the first flow path forming member 431 and may measure a temperature of cold air having a relatively higher temperature. For example, the temperature sensor 433 may be disposed above the inflow hole 4311, but is not limited thereto. The temperature sensor 433 may communicate with the accommodation unit 41 through the hole formed in the first flow path forming member 431 and measure a temperature within the accommodation unit 41.

The convertible compartment fan 44, which communicates with the inlet 411 and draws cool air into the convertible compartment 40, may be disposed outside the accommodation unit 41. The convertible compartment fan 44 may be formed to have a shape that mates with the inlet 411 of the accommodation unit 41 and the first suction port 4312 of the first flow path forming member 431. Accordingly, the convertible compartment fan 44 may be positioned inside the inlet 411 and the first suction port 4312. One side of the convertible compartment fan 44 may coincide with a boundary surface of the inlet 411, and the other side of the convertible compartment fan 44 may protrude outward from the first suction port 4312. The convertible compartment fan 44 may be inserted into the inlet 411 and the first suction port 4312 and may additionally be fastened to the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41 through a plurality of fastening portions that protrude outward from the convertible compartment fan 44. For example, the fastening portion of the convertible compartment fan 44 may be disposed so as to be inserted between the first flow path forming member 431 and the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41. The fastening portion of the convertible compartment fan 44 may be fastened to the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41 through a fastening member such as a screw, but is not limited thereto.

The gasket 45 formed to have a hollow therein and surround an outer surface of the inlet 411 may be disposed outside the accommodation unit 41. The gasket 45 may be disposed outside the second flow path forming member 432 along an outer surface of the second suction port 4322 of the second flow path forming member 432. For example, the gasket 45 may be fixedly fastened to a gasket fastening portion 415 formed to protrude outward from the side surface 41s of the accommodation unit 41. In a state in which the gasket 45 is engaged with the second flow path forming member 432, the inlet 411 and the through hole 412 of the accommodation unit 41 and the second suction port 4322 of the second flow path forming member 432 may be exposed to the outside through the gasket 45. In a closed state of the first door 13 in which the convertible compartment 40 is disposed, the gasket 45 may come into contact with one side surface of the inner case 12 forming the refrigerating compartment 20. Accordingly, the gasket 45 may come into contact with the inner case 12 so as to surround the outer surface of the cold-air supply duct connection port 23 of the inner case 12, thereby enhancing airtightness so that the cold air introduced through the cold-air supply duct connection port 23 may be transferred into the convertible compartment 40 without leakage.

The cold-air supply duct 50 may communicate with the inner case 12 through the cold-air supply duct connection port 23 formed on one side surface of the inner case 12. That is, one end of the cold-air supply duct 50 may communicate with the cold-air supply duct connection port 23 through the outer surface of the inner case 12, and the other end of the cold-air supply duct 50 may communicate with the damper 54 and the refrigerator grille fan assembly 21.

The discharge cover 46, which communicates with the inlet 411 to guide a direction of cold air discharged into the convertible compartment 40, may be disposed inside the accommodation unit 41. The discharge cover 46 may be fixedly fastened to one side of the first flow path forming member 431. The discharge cover 46 may be disposed to cover the first suction port 4312 of the first flow path forming member 431 and the inlet 411 of the accommodation unit 41. For example, a coupling hole 4313 may be formed in the first flow path forming member 431, and a hook 465 may be formed on the discharge cover 46 to be removably fastened to the coupling hole 4313 in a hook coupling manner. The discharge cover 46 may be positioned on an inner surface of the first flow path forming member 431 and fastened so as to protrude into the accommodation unit 41. As the discharge cover 46 is disposed in this way, the discharge cover 46 and the convertible compartment fan 44 may be sequentially arranged to communicate with the inlet 411 from the inside to the outside of the accommodation unit 41.

Referring to FIG. 10, the discharge cover 46 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be disposed on the one side surface of the convertible compartment 40 and open toward the other side surface of the convertible compartment 40. In this case, the discharge cover 46 may include one or more discharge guide ribs 463 to guide the direction of cold air discharged through the discharge cover 46. For example, the discharge cover 46 may be formed to have a hollow therein and surround an outer surface of the first suction port 4312, and a plurality of discharge guide ribs 463 may be disposed in the hollow formed therein. The plurality of discharge guide ribs 463 may be arranged to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other in the vertical direction. Each discharge guide rib 463 may be formed to extend in the front-rear and vertical directions of the convertible compartment 40 while mounted in the convertible compartment 40. A plurality of discharge guide ribs 463 arranged vertically may be formed to be inclined toward the outlet 421. That is, the discharge guide ribs 463 may be inclined toward the upper area of the other side surface of the accommodation unit 41. Accordingly, the discharge cover 46 may guide the cold air introduced through the inlet 411 disposed in the lower area of the one side of the convertible compartment 40 toward the outlet 421 disposed in the upper area of the other side of the convertible compartment 40. By guiding the direction of the cold air in this way, it may assist the smooth discharge of cold air introduced into the convertible compartment 40 to the outside of the convertible compartment 40, thereby facilitating circulation of the refrigeration cycle.

Referring to FIG. 11, the discharge cover 46 according to another embodiment of the present invention may be disposed on the one side surface of the convertible compartment 40 and open rearward and/or upward from the convertible compartment 40. The discharge cover 46 may be closed so as not to be open forward and downward from the convertible compartment 40. For example, the discharge cover 46 may be formed to have a separation space having a predetermined distance between the discharge cover 46 and the front surface of the first suction port 4312 and to cover the front surface of the first suction port 4312. The discharge cover 46 may include a discharge opening 462 that is open rearward and/or upward from the convertible compartment 40. One or more discharge guide ribs 463 may be disposed in the discharge opening 462 that is open in this way. When a plurality of discharge guide ribs 463 are provided, adjacent discharge guide ribs 463 may be arranged to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other. For example, the plurality of discharge guide ribs 463, which are disposed in the discharge opening 462 that is open rearward from the convertible compartment 40, may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction of the convertible compartment 40. In addition, the plurality of discharge guide ribs 463, which are disposed in the discharge opening 462 that is open upward from the convertible compartment 40, may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction of the convertible compartment 40. Each of the discharge guide ribs 463 may be formed to be inclined upward toward the rear. Accordingly, the cold air passing through the discharge cover 46 through the inlet 411 and the first suction port 4312 may be discharged rearward and/or upward from the convertible compartment 40 in which the discharge opening 462 is formed, rather than being discharged laterally from the convertible compartment 40. In addition, the discharge direction of the cold air may be guided rearward and upward from the convertible compartment 40 along the inclined direction of the discharge guide ribs 463. In this way, according to the present invention, by opening the discharge cover 46 covering the inlet 411 through which cold air is introduced into the convertible compartment 40 rearward and/or upward, it is possible to implement an indirect cooling method in which cold air is indirectly, rather than directly, applied to the items stored in the accommodation unit 41, thereby preventing the stored items from being directly exposed to cold air and being damaged by the cold air.

One or more discharge holes 464 that are open toward the side surfaces of the convertible compartment 40 may be further formed in the discharge cover 46. The discharge holes 464 may guide some cold air introduced into the discharge cover 46 to be directly discharged toward the side surfaces of the convertible compartment 40. The discharge holes 464 may be provided as a plurality of discharge holes. One discharge hole 464 may be formed adjacent to a lower area of the discharge cover 46 in the form of a slit extending in the front-rear direction of the convertible compartment 40. The other discharge hole 464 may be formed adjacent to one side surface of the discharge cover 46 positioned at the front of the convertible compartment 40 in the form of a slit extending in the vertical direction of the convertible compartment 40. An opening area of the discharge hole 464 may be formed to be smaller than an opening area of the discharge opening 462 so that some cool air may be discharged through the discharge holes 464 and most of the cool air may be discharged through the discharge openings 462.

Referring to FIG. 12, the temperature sensor 433, the convertible compartment heater 434, and the convertible compartment fan 44 may be disposed on the first flow path forming member 431. The terminal storage unit 137 may be formed on a side surface of the door liner 135 positioned on the side surface on which the first flow path forming member 431 is disposed. A harness unit 138 electrically connected to a first wire 1381 connected to the convertible compartment fan 44, a second wire 1382 connected to the convertible compartment heater 434, and a third wire 1383 connected to the temperature sensor 433 may be disposed and stored in the terminal storage unit 137. The terminal storage unit 137 may communicate with the upper area of the door liner 135 along the side surface of the door liner 135. The upper area of the door liner 135 may be connected to a hinge that rotates the first door 13. Signal wires and power wires drawn out from the control unit and power supply unit of the refrigerator 1 may be electrically connected to the harness unit 138 stored in the terminal storage unit 137 through the hinge of the first door 13 and the inner side of the side surface of the door liner 135. Accordingly, the convertible compartment fan 44, the convertible compartment heater 434, and the temperature sensor 433 disposed in the convertible compartment 40 may receive control signals and electric power.

[Cold-air circulation flow path of convertible compartment]

Hereinafter, the structure of a cold-air circulation flow path 400 formed within the convertible compartment 40 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. In the convertible compartment 40, in addition to the cold-air supply flow path provided by the cold-air system that receives cold air from the cold-air supply duct 50, the cold-air circulation flow path 400 may be separately formed.

In the open state of the damper 54, the cold air introduced through the cold-air supply duct 50 may be introduced into the accommodation unit 41 through the second suction port 4322, the inlet 411, and the first suction port 4312. When the convertible compartment fan 44 is operated in addition to the switching blower fan 212 that blows cold air into the cold-air supply duct 50, the suction air volume of the cold air introduced through the cold-air supply duct 50 increases, a larger amount of cold air may be introduced into the convertible compartment 40. Accordingly, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may be controlled to be lower than the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 20. In addition, even when the switching blower fan 212 is not operating, cold air may be introduced into the convertible compartment 40 through the cold-air supply duct 50 only by the operation of the convertible compartment fan 44. In this way, cold air introduced through the cold-air supply flow path may assist in lowering the temperature of the convertible compartment 40.

The cold-air circulation flow path 400 of the convertible compartment 40 may be formed by the flow path forming member 43 including the first flow path forming member 431 and the second flow path forming member 432. The cold-air circulation flow path 400 refers to a flow path for cold air circulating within the convertible compartment 40 in the closed state of the damper 54. In the closed state of the damper 54, cold air may not be introduced and discharged toward the cold-air supply duct 50. Meanwhile, since the convertible compartment 40 has the outlet 421, some cold air may be discharged into the refrigerating compartment 20 through the outlet 421 during circulation of cold air within the convertible compartment 40. However, since the size of the outlet 421 is relatively much smaller than the size of the inlet 411 forming the cold-air circulation flow path 400, a small amount of cold air may be discharged into the refrigerating compartment 20 through the outlet 421. Accordingly, the cold-air circulation flow path 400 formed within the convertible compartment 40 as referred to herein does not refer to a fully closed-loop circulation flow path, but rather, may refer to a flow path for the movement of most of the cold air when the cold air circulating within the convertible compartment 40 is significantly greater than the cold air discharged from the convertible compartment 40.

The inflow hole 4311 communicating with the accommodation unit 41 may be disposed in the upper area of the first flow path forming member 431. One side of the circulation flow path 401 may communicate with the inflow hole 4311, and the other side may communicate with the through hole 412 of the accommodation unit 41. The through hole 412 of the accommodation unit 41 may communicate with the second suction port 4322 of the second flow path forming member 432. The second suction port 4322 of the second flow path forming member 432 may communicate with the inlet 411 disposed in the lower area of the accommodation unit 41 and the first suction port 4312 of the first flow path forming member 431. The through hole 412 may be disposed closer to the inlet 411 than to the inflow hole 4311 and disposed between the inlet 411 and the inflow hole 4311. The through hole 412 may be positioned above the convertible compartment fan 44. The inflow hole 4311, the through hole 412, the second suction port 4322, the inlet 411, and the first suction port 4312 formed in this way may be disposed on the same side surface 41s of the convertible compartment 40 to form the cold-air circulation flow path 400.

When the convertible compartment fan 44 operates in the closed state of the damper 54, the cold air within the accommodation unit 41 may be introduced into the circulation flow path 401 formed in the flow path forming member 43 through the inflow hole 4311 due to the drawing-in operation of the convertible compartment fan 44. In this way, the cold air introduced into the circulation flow path 401 may move along the circulation flow path 401, pass through the through hole 412, and may be drawn into the inlet 411 having the convertible compartment fan 44 via the second suction port 4322. Since the convertible compartment fan 44 blows the cold air drawn in through the second suction port 4322 back into the accommodation unit 41, the cold air blown by the convertible compartment fan 44 may be discharged back into the accommodation unit 41 by the discharge cover 46 through the first suction port 4312. In this way, the cold air discharged into the accommodation unit 41 may be introduced back into the circulation flow path 401 through the inflow hole 4311, thereby allowing the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 to continuously circulate through the cold-air circulation flow path 400. In this way, according to the present invention, by closing the damper 54 and operating the convertible compartment fan 44 to allow the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 to circulate along the cold-air circulation flow path 400 formed within the convertible compartment 40, the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 may be periodically circulated.

The convertible compartment heater 434 may be disposed in the circulation flow path 401 of the flow path forming member 43. Accordingly, the cold air circulating along the cold-air circulation flow path 400 may be heated while passing through the convertible compartment heater 434 disposed in the circulation flow path 401. The cold air heated by the convertible compartment heater 434 may be continuously supplied to and circulated within the accommodation unit 41 along the cold-air circulation flow path 400, thereby increasing the temperature of the convertible compartment 40. Accordingly, according to the present invention, by operating the convertible compartment fan 44 and the convertible compartment heater 434, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may be controlled to be higher than the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 20. In this way, according to the present invention, by not only locally heating the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 by the convertible compartment heater 434, but also circulating the heated cold air along the cold-air circulation flow path 400 formed within the convertible compartment 40, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 can be more quickly and efficiently increased, thereby enhancing the energy efficiency of the refrigerator by reducing the operating time of the convertible compartment heater and preventing the cold-air balance throughout the refrigerator from being disrupted.

[Cold-air control system of convertible compartment]

Hereinafter, the cold-air control system of the convertible compartment will be described with further reference to FIGS. 14 to 19.

The refrigerator 1 may include a control unit 100, which is a central control device responsible for various operations and functions of the refrigerator 1. The control unit 100 may include a microcontroller. The control unit 100 may control various sensors, an actuator, and the like of the refrigerator 1 to adjust operations such as temperature regulation, cooling, overall system control, etc. Referring to FIG. 14, the control unit 100 of the refrigerator 1 may control the operations of various components within the refrigerator 1, such as the damper 54, the convertible compartment fan 44, the convertible compartment heater 434, the temperature sensor 433, the refrigerator blower fan 212, the freezer blower fan 312, and a compressor 56, or receive information.

FIG. 15 is a view for describing temperature control of the convertible compartment according to temperature control of a refrigerating compartment and temperature control of a freezing compartment. FIG. 15 illustrates a target temperature Notch 1 of the convertible compartment positioned between a target temperature Notch 3 of a refrigerating compartment and a target temperature Notch 2 of a freezing compartment, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the target temperature Notch 1 of the convertible compartment may be set to be higher than the target temperature Notch 3 of the refrigerating compartment.

The compressor 56 may be operated to control the temperatures of the refrigerating compartment 20 and the freezing compartment 30. To match the target temperature Notch 3 of the refrigerating compartment, the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 20 may be controlled so that the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 20 varies within a set range of the target temperature (Notch 3±Diff). For example, when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 20 is higher than the target temperature Notch 3, the compressor 56 may be operated to perform refrigerator operation, and when the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 20 falls below the target temperature Notch 3, the refrigerator operation may be stopped. Likewise, to match the target temperature Notch 2 of the freezing compartment, the temperature of the freezing compartment 30 may be controlled so that the temperature of the freezing compartment 30 varies within a set range of the target temperature (Notch 2±Diff). For example, when the temperature of the freezing compartment 30 is higher than the target temperature Notch 2, the compressor 56 may be operated to perform freezer operation, and when the temperature of the freezing compartment 30 falls below the target temperature Notch 2, the freezer operation may be stopped. In this way, to control the temperatures of the refrigerating compartment 20 and the freezing compartment 30, the refrigerator operation and freezer operation need to be carried out simultaneously with the operation of the compressor 56.

Meanwhile, the convertible compartment 40 according to the present invention may independently control the temperature of the convertible compartment 40, independently of the refrigerator or freezer operation for the temperature control of the refrigerating compartment 20 or the temperature control of the freezing compartment 30 in order to control temperature. To match the target temperature Notch 1 of the convertible compartment, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may be controlled so that the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 varies within the set range of the target temperature (Notch 1±Diff). For example, when the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is higher than the target temperature Notch 1, the damper 54 may be opened and the convertible compartment blower fan 44 is operated, and when the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 falls below the target temperature Notch 1, the damper 54 may be closed or the convertible compartment fan 44 may be additionally operated to increase the temperature of the convertible compartment 40. As needed, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may be increased more quickly by additionally operating the convertible compartment heater 434 disposed within the convertible compartment 40. For example, the set range of the target temperature (Notch 1±Diff) of the convertible compartment may from -1 °C to 7 °C, but is not limited thereto.

In this way, according to the present invention, the convertible compartment 40 may achieve a temperature that is lower or higher than that of the refrigerating compartment 20 by controlling the operations of the convertible compartment fan 44 and the damper 54. Accordingly, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may be controlled to be decreased or increased independently of the operation of the cold-air control system of the refrigerating compartment 20 or the cold-air control system of the freezing compartment 30.

The convertible compartment 40 according to the present invention may implement the convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode, which achieves the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 that is lower than that of the refrigerating compartment 20, and the convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode, which achieves the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 that is higher than that of the refrigerating compartment 20. In addition, a convertible compartment circulation mode, which circulates cold air within the convertible compartment 40, may also be implemented.

Referring to FIG. 16, when a convertible compartment operation S100 begins to implement the convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode, an operation S110 of determining whether a preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is satisfied is performed. In this case, when the preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is satisfied, an operation S120 of closing the damper 54 and not operating the convertible compartment blower fan 44 is performed, and thus an operation of decreasing the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is not performed. Meanwhile, when the preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is not met, an operation S130 of opening the damper 54 and operating the convertible compartment blower fan 44 is performed to allow cold air to be introduced into the convertible compartment 40 through the cold-air supply duct 50, thereby decreasing the temperature of the convertible compartment 40. In this case, the control unit 100 may additionally operate the refrigerator blower fan 212 to decrease the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 more quickly. When the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is decreased to the preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 while operation S130 is performed, the satisfaction conditions in operation S110 are met, and thus operation S120 is performed.

Referring to FIG. 17, the convertible compartment temperature-decreasing mode may control a cooling speed or cooling temperature by adjusting an opening angle of the damper 54. When a convertible compartment operation S200 begins, an operation S210 of determining whether the preset temperature of the convertible compartment is satisfied is performed. In this case, when the preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is satisfied, an operation S220 of closing the damper 54 and not operating the convertible compartment blower fan 44 is performed, and thus an operation of decreasing the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is not performed. Meanwhile, when the preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is not satisfied, an operation S230 of controlling a set temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is performed. In operation S230 of controlling the set temperature, when a set intensity target Notch is set to low, an operation S240 of opening the damper 54 so that the opening angle of the damper 54 reaches 45 degrees and introducing cold air into the convertible compartment 40 is performed, and when the set intensity target Notch is set to medium or high, an operation S250 of opening the damper 54 so that the opening angle of the damper 54 reaches 90 degrees and introducing cold air into the convertible compartment 40 is performed. The opening angle of the damper 54 set to 45 degrees in operation S240 and the opening angle of the damper 54 set to 90 degrees in operation S250 are merely one example, and the opening angle of the damper 54 may be set to different angles in each setting operation. However, in operation S240, the opening angle of the damper 54 may be set to be smaller than the opening angle of the damper 54 in operation S250. The opening angle of the damper 54 set to 90 degrees may be the maximum opening angle of the damper 54, but is not limited thereto. When the damper 54 is opened at the maximum opening angle, the convertible compartment 40 may be implemented at the lowest temperature. In this case, the minimum temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may be lower than the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 20. In addition, when the damper 54 is opened at a predetermined angle smaller than the maximum opening angle, such as 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, or the like, rather than the maximum opening angle, the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 may be implemented as a temperature between the temperature of the refrigerating compartment 20 and the minimum temperature of the convertible compartment 40. When the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is decreased to the preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 as operations S240 and S250 are performed, the satisfaction condition in operation S210 is satisfied, and thus operation S220 is performed. In this way, according to the present invention, the amount of cold air transferred to the convertible compartment 40 may be adjusted by controlling the opening angle of the damper 54.

Referring to FIG. 18, when a convertible compartment operation S500 begins to implement the convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode, an operation S510 of determining whether a preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is satisfied is performed. In this case, when the preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is satisfied, an operation S520 of closing the damper 54 and not operating the convertible compartment fan 44 and the convertible compartment blower fan 434 is performed, and thus an operation of increasing the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is not performed. Meanwhile, when the preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is not satisfied, an operation S530 of operating the convertible compartment fan 44 and the convertible compartment heater 434 in the closed state of the damper 54 is performed, thereby blocking the introduction of cold air into the convertible compartment 40 through the cold-air supply duct 50 and increasing the temperature within the convertible compartment 40 through the convertible compartment heater 434. In this case, as the convertible compartment fan 44 operates together, the cold air inside the convertible compartment 40 may be heated by the convertible compartment heater 434 while circulating along the cold-air circulation flow path 400 formed by the accommodation unit 41 and the flow path forming member 43. When the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is increased to the preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 while operation S530 is performed, the satisfaction conditions in operation S510 are met, and thus operation S520 is performed.

The convertible compartment temperature-increasing mode according to FIG. 18 has been described as one embodiment in which the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is increased by operating not only the damper 54, but also the convertible compartment heater 434 and the convertible compartment fan 44, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the set temperature of the convertible compartment 40 to be increased is not high, the temperature within the convertible compartment 40 may be increased only by closing the damper 54 and blocking the cold air being transferred from the refrigerator evaporator 211e to the convertible compartment 40 without operating the convertible compartment heater 434 and the convertible compartment fan 44.

Referring to FIG. 19, when a convertible compartment operation S600 begins to implement a convertible compartment circulation mode, an operation S610 of determining whether the duration during which the preset temperature of the convertible compartment is satisfied exceeds a preset time is performed. The convertible compartment circulation mode is performed with the damper 54 closed. For example, operation S610 may be performed by determining whether the duration during which the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is maintained at the preset temperature exceeds 60 minutes. 60 minutes in operation S610 is an example, and the time may be set differently depending on the user’s preference. When the time required to satisfy the preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 exceeds the preset time of 60 minutes in the closed state of the damper 54, an operation S620 of operating the convertible compartment fan 44 in the closed state of the damper 54 is performed. As operation S620 is performed in this way, the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 circulates along the cold-air circulation flow path 400 formed by the accommodation unit 41 and the flow path forming member 43. As operation S620 is performed, an operation S630 of determining whether the convertible compartment circulation mode has been operated for a predetermined time is performed, and when the preset time is satisfied, the process returns to operation S610. In this case, the circulation time of the convertible compartment cold-air circulation mode may be set to 30 seconds, but may be set differently according to the user’s preference. In operation S610, when the duration during which the preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 is satisfied does not exceed the preset time of 60 minutes, an operation S640 of maintaining the closed state of the damper 54 and maintain a state in which the operation of the convertible compartment fan 44 is stopped may be performed. As operation S640 is performed, when the time required to satisfy the preset temperature of the convertible compartment 40 exceeds the preset time of 60 minutes, the satisfaction condition in operation S610 is met, and thus operation S620 is performed.

When the time required to maintain the temperature of the convertible compartment 40 at the preset temperature continues for a long time, no new cold air is supplied to the convertible compartment 40. In this way, when no new cold air is supplied to the convertible compartment 40, the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 does not circulate, and thus, the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 does not exhibit an even temperature distribution throughout the entire area, but rather, a temperature difference may occur between the upper and lower areas of the convertible compartment 40. Accordingly, according to the present invention, by closing the damper 54 and operating the convertible compartment fan 44, the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 may circulate along the cold-air circulation flow path 400 formed within the convertible compartment 40, thereby allowing the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 to circulate periodically to prevent the cold air within the convertible compartment 40 from forming temperature layers depending on the temperature. Accordingly, according to the present invention, when the temperature of the convertible compartment remains at the user-set level for a long time, it is possible to implement the cold-air circulation mode which circulates the cold air within the convertible compartment independently of the operation of the cold-air control system of the refrigerating compartment or the cold-air control system of the freezing compartment.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in the specification, and it is apparent that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention. In addition, even when the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it goes without saying that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should be recognized.