WO2008120907A2

WO2008120907A2 - A refrigerator and control method for the same

Info

Publication number: WO2008120907A2
Application number: PCT/KR2008/001743
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chang Joon Kim; Jun Ho Bae; Soo Kwan Lee
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2007-03-31
Filing date: 2008-03-28
Publication date: 2008-10-09
Also published as: KR100848917B1; WO2008120907A3

Abstract

A refrigerator which has a simple structure and is easily controllable to achieve the effective operation of a cold chamber (10) and a storage chamber (30) is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body (1) having a cold chamber (10) defined therein and a storage chamber (30), of a predetermined cooling space, disposed in the cold chamber (10), a cool air generation chamber (20) partitioned from the cold chamber (10), the cool air generation chamber (20) having a cooler (21) mounted therein, the cool air generation chamber (20) defining a main flow channel (130) for supplying cool air to the cold chamber (10), a bypass flow channel (140) communicating with the cool air generation chamber (20) for bypassing cool air such that the cool air is supplied to the storage chamber (30), and a fan unit (200) for selectively opening the main flow channel (130) or the bypass flow channel (140) to selectively supply cool air to the cold chamber (10) and the storage chamber (30).

Description

A REFRIGERATOR AND CONTROL METHOD FOR THE

SAME

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a control method for the same, and more particularly, to a refrigerator which has a simple structure and is easily controllable, thereby achieving the effective operation of a cold chamber and a storage chamber.

[2]

Background Art

[3] Generally, a refrigerator is an appliance that is capable of preserving foods at low temperature for a long time through the supply of cool air, generated by a refrigeration cycle apparatus including a compressor and a heat exchanger, to a cold chamber, such as a refrigerator compartment or a freezer compartment, defined therein.

[4] For the refrigerator, an additional storage chamber is disposed in the cold chamber.

The storage chamber is controlled independently from the cold chamber such that the storage chamber is given the optimum cooling conditions in which cooling is possible at various temperature zones according to the properties of objects to be cooled, and, at the same time, the properties of the objects are maintained as long as possible.

[5]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[6] However, the independent operations of the cold chamber and the storage chamber require an additional evaporator for independent operation of the storage chamber. In addition, an additional device for controlling cool air is also required. As a result, the manufacturing costs of the refrigerator are increased, and the control of the refrigerator is complicated.

[7] A cooler for operation of the cold chamber may be used to independently control the storage chamber in place of the evaporator. In this case, however, a plurality of complicated apparatuses are required, and therefore, the manufacturing costs of the refrigerator are increased, and the control of the refrigerator is complicated.

[8]

[9]

Technical Solution

[10] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a refrigerator includes a re- frigerator body having a cold chamber defined therein and a storage chamber, of a predetermined cooling space, disposed in the cold chamber, a cool air generation chamber partitioned from the cold chamber, the cool air generation chamber having a cooler mounted therein, the cool air generation chamber defining a main flow channel for supplying cool air to the cold chamber, a bypass flow channel communicating with the cool air generation chamber for bypassing cool air such that the cool air is supplied to the storage chamber, and a fan unit for selectively opening the main flow channel or the bypass flow channel to selectively supply cool air to the cold chamber and the storage chamber.

[11] Preferably, the bypass flow channel includes a cool air hole of a predetermined size through which the cool air generated by the cooler is bypassed, and a bypass duct for guiding the cool air bypassed through the cool air hole to the storage chamber.

[12] Preferably, the fan unit includes a fan for blowing the cool air generated by the cooler, a fan housing for receiving the fan, a first opening and closing part disposed at one side of the fan housing for opening and closing the main flow channel, and a second opening and closing part disposed at the other side of the fan housing for opening and closing the cool air hole.

[13] Preferably, the first opening and closing part extends downward at one side of the fan housing, and the second opening and closing part extends upward at the other side of the fan housing.

[14] Preferably, the fan unit further includes a drive part for driving the fan to blow cool air to the main flow channel, while the cool air hole is closed by the second opening and closing part, in a first mode in which the cool air is supplied to the main flow channel and driving the fan to blow cool air to the bypass flow channel, while the main flow channel is closed by the first opening and closing part, in a second mode in which the cool air is supplied to the bypass flow channel.

[15] Preferably, the drive part includes a rotating device for rotating the fan such that the operation mode of the fan is selectively switched between the first mode and the second mode.

[16] Preferably, the fan unit is rotated about the connection between the second opening and closing part and the fan housing.

[17] Preferably, the fan unit includes a fan for blowing the cool air generated by the cooler, an opening and closing part fixed to one side of the fan for opening and closing the cool air hole, and a drive part for driving the fan to blow cool air to the main flow channel, while the cool air hole is closed by the opening and closing part, in a IA mode in which the cool air is supplied to the main flow channel and driving the fan to blow cool air to the main flow channel and the bypass duct, while the cool air hole is opened by the opening and closing part, in a 2A mode in which the cool air is simul- taneously supplied to the main flow channel and the bypass duct.

[18] Preferably, the drive part slides the fan unit vertically to switch the operation mode of the fan unit between the IA mode and the 2A mode.

[19] Preferably, the refrigerator further includes a controller for operating the drive part to control the fan unit.

[20] In another aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator includes a refrigerator body, a cold chamber defined in the refrigerator body, a storage chamber disposed in the cold chamber, a cool air generation chamber defined in the refrigerator body, the cool air generation chamber having a cooler mounted therein, a main flow channel communicating with the cool air generation chamber for guiding cool air to the cold chamber, a bypass flow channel communicating with the cool air generation chamber and the main flow channel for guiding cool air to the storage chamber, and a fan unit including an opening and closing part for selectively opening and closing the main flow channel or the bypass flow channel and a fan coupled to the opening and closing part for guiding cool air to the main flow channel or the bypass flow channel.

[21] Preferably, the fan unit further includes a fan housing for receiving the fan, and the opening and closing part includes a first opening and closing part coupled to one side of the fan housing for opening and closing the main flow channel and a second opening and closing part coupled to the other side of the fan housing for opening and closing the bypass flow channel.

[22] Preferably, the refrigerator further includes a drive part for rotating the fan unit to selectively open and close the main flow channel or the bypass flow channel.

[23] Preferably, the refrigerator further includes a curved part formed at the cool air generation chamber such that the curved part corresponds to the rotation track of the fan unit.

[24] Preferably, the refrigerator further includes a controller connected to the drive part for controlling the drive part such that the fan unit closes the bypass flow channel in a first mode in which cool air is introduced into the main flow channel and such that the fan unit closes the main flow channel in a second mode in which cool air is introduced into the bypass flow channel.

[25] Preferably, the refrigerator further includes a drive part for sliding the fan unit to selectively open and close the bypass flow channel.

[26] Preferably, the fan unit further includes a fan housing for receiving the fan, and the opening and closing part is coupled to one side of the fan housing for selectively opening and closing the bypass flow channel according to the movement of the fan housing.

[27] Preferably, the refrigerator further includes a drive part for sliding the fan unit, and a controller connected to the drive part for controlling the fan to blow cool air to the main flow channel, while the bypass flow channel is closed by the opening and closing part, in a IA mode in which the cool air is supplied to the main flow channel and controlling the fan to blow cool air to the main flow channel and the bypass duct, while the cool air hole is opened by the opening and closing part, in a 2A mode in which the cool air is simultaneously supplied to the main flow channel and the bypass duct.

[28] In a further aspect of the present invention, a control method for a refrigerator includes deciding a cooling mode, operating a cooler and a fan unit, and switching the fan unit to a corresponding operation mode according to the cooling mode decided at the step of deciding the cooling mode.

[29] Preferably, the cooling mode includes a first cooling mode in which cool air is supplied to a cold chamber, and a second cooling mode in which cool air is supplied to either a storage chamber or both the cold chamber and the storage chamber.

[30] Preferably, the step of switching the fan unit to the corresponding operation mode according to the cooling mode decided at the step of deciding the cooling mode includes, when the cooling mode is the first cooling mode, controlling the fan unit in a first mode in which cool air is supplied to the cold chamber through a main flow channel communicating with the cold chamber while a bypass flow channel communicating with the storage chamber is closed, and, when the cooling mode is the second cooling mode, controlling the fan unit in a second mode in which cool air is supplied to the storage chamber through the bypass flow channel while the main flow channel is closed.

[31] Preferably, the step of switching the fan unit to the corresponding operation mode according to the cooling mode decided at the step of deciding the cooling mode includes, when the cooling mode is the first cooling mode, controlling the fan unit in a IA mode in which cool air is supplied to the cold chamber through a main flow channel communicating with the cold chamber while a bypass flow channel communicating with the storage chamber is closed, and, when the cooling mode is the second cooling mode, controlling the fan unit in a 2A mode in which the bypass flow channel and the main flow channel are opened to supply cool air to the cold chamber and the storage chamber.

[32] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

[33]

Advantageous Effects

[34] As apparent from the above description, the refrigerator according to the present invention has the effect of independently operating the cold chamber and the storage chamber by simply controlling the fan unit without the provision of an additional device, such as a damper, for controlling the flow of cool air. Furthermore, the structure of the refrigerator is simple, the control of the refrigerator is easy, and the manufacturing costs of the refrigerator are decreased. [35]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[36] FIG. 1 is a side sectional view illustrating a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[37] FIGs. 2 and 3 are views illustrating the operation of a refrigerator according to the an embodiment of the present invention;

[38] FIGs. 4 and 5 are views illustrating the operation of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[39] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a control method for a refrigerator according to the present invention.

[40]

Mode for the Invention

[41] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[42] First, the structure of a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

[43] As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerator body 1, a cold chamber 10 disposed in the refrigerator body 1, a cool air generation chamber 20 for supplying cool air to the cold chamber 10, and a partition plate 100 for partitioning the cold chamber 10 and the cool air generation chamber 20 from each other.

[44] In the cold chamber 10 is disposed a storage chamber 30 where cooling is independently carried out. The storage chamber 30 is provided to rapidly cool objects to be cooled, stored therein, or store the objects at regular temperature for a long time.

[45] In the cool air generation chamber 20 is disposed a cooler 21 for generating cool air.

The cooler 21 may be materialized by an evaporator connected to specific devices constituting a refrigeration cycle. Alternatively, the cooler 21 may be materialized by a thermoelectric device.

[46] The partition plate 100 partitions the cold chamber 10 and the cool air generation chamber 20 from each other. The partition plate 100 is provided with a cool air flow channel through which cool air generated by the cooler 21 is supplied to the cold chamber 10 and the storage chamber 30.

[47] The cool air generated by the cooler 21 is supplied to the cold chamber 10 or the storage chamber 30 through a flow channel communicating with the cold chamber 10 and/or a flow channel communicating with the storage chamber 30.

[48] Here, the flow channel communicating with the cold chamber 10 is defined by a main flow channel 130, and the flow channel communicating with the storage chamber 30 is defined by a bypass flow channel 140.

[49] In the cool air generation chamber 20 is mounted a fan unit 200 for selectively supplying cool air generated by the cooler 21 to the main flow channel 130 or the bypass flow channel 140.

[50] The details of the fan unit 200 will be described with reference to other drawings.

[51] Meanwhile, the partition plate 100 has discharge ports 120 through which cool air is discharged to the cold chamber 10 and suction ports 110 through which the cool air discharged to the cold chamber 10 is suctioned to the cool air generation chamber 20.

[52] The bypass flow channel 140 includes a bypass duct 142 and a cool air hole 141. The partition plate 100 has a cool air hole 141 communicating with the bypass duct 142 for allowing cool air to flow along the bypass duct 142 therethrough.

[53] The bypass duct 142 may be connected to the storage chamber 30 such that cool air flowing along the bypass duct 142 can be directly introduced into the storage chamber 30. Alternatively, the storage chamber 30 may be spaced apart from the corresponding end of the bypass duct 142, and a communication port (not shown) of a predetermined size may be formed at the storage chamber 30 such that cool air supplied through the bypass duct 142 can be introduced into the storage chamber 30 through the communication port (not shown).

[54] Also, cool air supplied through the bypass duct 142 may directly cool a container constituting the storage chamber 30, whereby objects to be cooled, in the storage chamber 30, can be indirectly cooled.

[55] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGs. 2 and 3.

[56] As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerator according to the an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the fan unit 200 is mounted in the cool air generation chamber 20. The fan unit 200 includes a fan 210 for blowing cool air, a fan housing 215 for receiving the fan 210, a first opening and closing part 211 for selectively opening and closing the bypass flow channel 140, a second opening and closing part 212 for selectively opening and closing the main flow channel 130, and a drive part 230 for driving the fan 210, the first opening and closing part 211, and the second opening and closing part 212.

[57] The first opening and closing part 211, and the second opening and closing part 212 are disposed at opposite sides of the fan housing 215, respectively. Preferably, the first opening and closing part 211 extends downward at one side of the fan housing 215, and the second opening and closing part 212 extends upward at the other side of the fan housing 215.

[58] At one side of the fan unit 200 is preferably mounted a rotating device 231 connected to the drive part 230 for rotating the fan unit 200.

[59] Meanwhile, the drive part 230 is connected to a controller 260 for controlling a first cooling mode and a second cooling mode, which will be described below, for driving the fan unit 200 under the control of the controller 260.

[60] In FIGs. 2 and 3, the drive part 230 is illustrated to perform a function to rotate the fan 210, the first opening and closing part 211, and the second opening and closing part 212.

[61] Here, the first cooling mode is a mode in which cool air is supplied to the cold chamber 10, and the second cooling mode is a mode in which cool air is supplied to the storage chamber 30. FIG. 2 illustrates the first cooling mode, and FIG. 3 illustrates the second cooling mode.

[62] In the first cooling mode, as shown in FIG. 2, the fan unit 200 blows cool air to the main flow channel 130, while the cool air hole 141 is closed by the second opening and closing part 212, and the cool air flowing along the main flow channel 130 is supplied to the cold chamber 10 through the discharge ports.

[63] At this time, the fan unit 200 is operated in a first mode. Here, the first mode is a mode in which the fan 210 blows cool air to the main flow channel 130, and the cool air hole 141 is closed by the second opening and closing part 212.

[64] On the other hand, when the operation mode of the refrigerator is switched to the second cooling mode, during the supply of the cool air to the main flow channel 130 by the operation of the fan 210, while the cool air hole 141 is closed by the second opening and closing part 212, as shown in FIG. 2, the fan unit 200 is rotated, as shown in FIG. 3.

[65] Specifically, the fan unit 200 is rotated approximately 90 degrees in a counterclockwise direction from the state shown in FIG. 2 to the state shown in FIG. 3. In this state, the second opening and closing part 212 opens the cool air hole 141, and the first opening and closing part 211 closes the main flow channel 130. Also, the fan 210 blows cool air into the bypass duct 142. This state is referred to as a second mode of the fan unit 200.

[66] Consequently, cool air is supplied to the storage chamber 30 along the bypass duct

142 by the fan unit 200.

[67] At this time, when the fan 210, the first opening and closing part 211, and the second opening and closing part 212 are rotated, a curved part 3 is preferably formed at the rear of the cool air generation chamber 20 such that the rotation of the first opening and closing part 211 is easily achieved.

[68] Specifically, the curved part 3 is formed in consideration of the rotation radius of the first opening and closing part 211 such that the curved part 3 provides a space enough to rotate the first opening and closing part 211.

[69] The end of the bypass duct 142 is connected to the storage chamber 30 (or directly or indirectly communicates with the storage chamber 30) such that the cool air flowing along the bypass duct 142 can be supplied to the storage chamber 30.

[70] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGs. 4 and 5.

[71] As shown in FIG. 4, the refrigerator according to the another embodiment of the present invention is substantially identical to the refrigerator according to the an embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGs. 2 and 3 in terms of the cold chamber 10, the storage chamber 30, the cool air generation chamber 20, the cooler 21, the main flow channel 130, and the bypass flow channel 140, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will not be given.

[72] The fan unit 200 of the refrigerator according to the present invention shown in FIGs.

4 and 5 includes a fan 210 for blowing cool air, an opening and closing part 213 for selectively opening and closing the cool air hole 141 of the bypass flow channel 140, a fan housing 215 for receiving the fan 210, the opening and closing part 213 being attached to the fan housing 215, and a drive part 240 for driving the fan 210, and the opening and closing part 213.

[73] The refrigerator according to the another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGs. 4 and 5 is characterized in that the drive part 240 performs a function to slide the fan 210 and the opening and closing part 213.

[74] The drive part 240 is controlled by a controller 260 for controlling a IA cooling mode and a 2A cooling mode, which will be described below.

[75] Here, the IA cooling mode is a mode in which the refrigerator is operated such that cool air is supplied to the cold chamber 10 along the main flow channel 130, and the 2A cooling mode is a mode in which the refrigerator is operated such that cool air is simultaneously supplied to the cold chamber 10 and the storage chamber 30. FIG. 4 illustrates the IA cooling mode, and FIG. 5 illustrates the 2A cooling mode.

[76] In the IA cooling mode, as shown in FIG. 4, the fan unit 200 drives the fan 210 to blow cool air to the main flow channel 130, while the cool air hole 141 is closed by the opening and closing part 213. At this time, the fan unit 200 is operated in a IA mode. In the IA mode of the fan unit 200, the opening and closing part 213 closes the cool air hole 141, and the fan 210 blows cool air to the main flow channel 130.

[77] When the operation mode of the refrigerator is switched from the IA cooling mode to the 2A cooling mode, as shown in FIG. 5, the drive part (not shown) of the fan unit

200 slides the fan 210 and the opening and closing part 213 toward the main flow channel 130 such that the opening and closing part 213 opens the cool air hole 141. In this state, the cool air hole 141 is located between the fan unit 200 and the cooler 21.

This state is referred to as a 2A mode of the fan unit 200. In the 2A mode of the fan unit 200, the opening and closing part 213 opens the cool air hole 141, and the fan 210 blows cool air to the main flow channel 130. [78] While the cool air hole 141 is opened by the opening and closing part 213, the fan

210 is driven to blow cool air to the main flow channel 130. At this time, some of the cool air flowing toward the fan unit 200 is bypassed to the cool air hole 141. [79] The cool air bypassed to the cool air hole 141 flows along the bypass duct 142 and is then supplied to the storage chamber 30. Also, the cool air blown by the fan 210 flows along the main flow channel 130, and is then supplied to the cold chamber 10 through the discharge ports. [80] That is, the operation mode of the fan unit 200 is switched to the 2A mode in the 2A cooling mode. In this state, both the cold chamber 10 and the storage chamber 30 are operated. [81] Hereinafter, a control method for a refrigerator according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6. [82] As shown in FIG. 6, the controller determines whether a cooling mode required by a user is a first cooling mode (or a IA cooling mode) or a second cooling mode (or a 2A cooling mode) (SlO, S20). [83] When it is determined that the cooling mode required by the user is the first cooling mode (or the IA cooling mode), the controller operates the cooler (Sl 1) and operates the fan unit (S 12).

[84] At this time, the fan unit is operated in a first mode (or a IA mode) (S 13).

[85] On the other hand, when it is determined that the cooling mode required by the user is the second cooling mode (or the 2 A cooling mode), the controller operates the cooler

(S21) and operates the fan unit (S22). At this time, the operation mode of the fan unit is switched to a second mode (or a 2A mode) (S23). [86] When it is determined that the cooling mode required by the user is neither the first cooling mode (or the IA cooling mode) nor the second cooling mode (or the 2 A cooling mode), the controller determines that cooling in the refrigerator is not necessary and thus stops the cooler and the fan unit (S30). [87] The operations in the first cooling mode and the second cooling mode as well as the

IA cooling mode and the 2A cooling mode were previously described, and therefore, a detailed description thereof will not be given. [88] As apparent from the above description, the refrigerator according to the present invention has the effect of independently operating the cold chamber and the storage chamber by simply controlling the fan unit without the provision of an additional device, such as a damper, for controlling the flow of cool air. Furthermore, the structure of the refrigerator is simple, the control of the refrigerator is easy, and the manufacturing costs of the refrigerator are decreased.

[89] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[90]

[91]

Claims

[ 1 ] A refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator body having a cold chamber defined therein and a storage chamber, of a predetermined cooling space, disposed in the cold chamber; a cool air generation chamber partitioned from the cold chamber, the cool air generation chamber having a cooler mounted therein, the cool air generation chamber defining a main flow channel for supplying cool air to the cold chamber; a bypass flow channel communicating with the cool air generation chamber for bypassing cool air such that the cool air is supplied to the storage chamber; and a fan unit for selectively opening the main flow channel or the bypass flow channel to selectively supply cool air to the cold chamber and the storage chamber.

[2] The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the bypass flow channel includes a cool air hole of a predetermined size through which the cool air generated by the cooler is bypassed, and a bypass duct for guiding the cool air bypassed through the cool air hole to the storage chamber.

[3] The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the fan unit includes a fan for blowing the cool air generated by the cooler, a fan housing for receiving the fan, a first opening and closing part disposed at one side of the fan housing for opening and closing the main flow channel, and a second opening and closing part disposed at the other side of the fan housing for opening and closing the cool air hole.

[4] The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the first opening and closing part extends downward at one side of the fan housing, and the second opening and closing part extends upward at the other side of the fan housing.

[5] The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the fan unit further includes a drive part for driving the fan to blow cool air to the main flow channel, while the cool air hole is closed by the second opening and closing part, in a first mode in which the cool air is supplied to the main flow channel and driving the fan to blow cool air to the bypass flow channel, while the main flow channel is closed by the first opening and closing part, in a second mode in which the cool air is supplied to the bypass flow channel.

[6] The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the drive part includes a rotating device for rotating the fan unit such that the operation mode of the fan is selectively switched between the first mode and the second mode.

[7] The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein the fan unit is rotated about the connection between the second opening and closing part and the fan housing.

[8] The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the fan unit includes a fan for blowing the cool air generated by the cooler, an opening and closing part fixed to one side of the fan for opening and closing the cool air hole, and a drive part for driving the fan to blow cool air to the main flow channel, while the cool air hole is closed by the opening and closing part, in a IA mode in which the cool air is supplied to the main flow channel and driving the fan to blow cool air to the main flow channel and the bypass duct, while the cool air hole is opened by the opening and closing part, in a 2A mode in which the cool air is simultaneously supplied to the main flow channel and the bypass duct.

[9] The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the drive part slides the fan unit vertically to switch the operation mode of the fan unit between the IA mode and the 2 A mode.

[10] The refrigerator according to claim 5 or 8, further comprising: a controller for operating the drive part to control the fan unit.

[11] A refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator body; a cold chamber defined in the refrigerator body; a storage chamber disposed in the cold chamber; a cool air generation chamber defined in the refrigerator body, the cool air generation chamber having a cooler mounted therein; a main flow channel communicating with the cool air generation chamber for guiding cool air to the cold chamber; a bypass flow channel communicating with the cool air generation chamber and the main flow channel for guiding cool air to the storage chamber; and a fan unit including an opening and closing part for selectively opening and closing the main flow channel or the bypass flow channel and a fan coupled to the opening and closing part for guiding cool air to the main flow channel or the bypass flow channel.

[12] The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the fan unit further includes a fan housing for receiving the fan, and the opening and closing part includes a first opening and closing part coupled to one side of the fan housing for opening and closing the main flow channel and a second opening and closing part coupled to the other side of the fan housing for opening and closing the bypass flow channel.

[13] The refrigerator according to claim 11, further comprising: a drive part for rotating the fan unit to selectively open and close the main flow channel or the bypass flow channel.

[14] The refrigerator according to claim 13, further comprising: a curved part formed at the cool air generation chamber such that the curved part corresponds to the rotation track of the fan unit.

[15] The refrigerator according to claim 13, further comprising: a controller connected to the drive part for controlling the drive part such that the fan unit closes the bypass flow channel in a first mode in which cool air is introduced into the main flow channel and such that the fan unit closes the main flow channel in a second mode in which cool air is introduced into the bypass flow channel.

[16] The refrigerator according to claim 11, further comprising: a drive part for sliding the fan unit to selectively open and close the bypass flow channel.

[17] The refrigerator according to claim 16, wherein the fan unit further includes a fan housing for receiving the fan, and the opening and closing part is coupled to one side of the fan housing for selectively opening and closing the bypass flow channel according to the movement of the fan housing.

[18] The refrigerator according to claim 17, further comprising: a drive part for sliding the fan unit; and a controller connected to the drive part for controlling the fan to blow cool air to the main flow channel, while the bypass flow channel is closed by the opening and closing part, in a IA mode in which the cool air is supplied to the main flow channel and controlling the fan to blow cool air to the main flow channel and the bypass duct, while the cool air hole is opened by the opening and closing part, in a 2A mode in which the cool air is simultaneously supplied to the main flow channel and the bypass duct.

[19] A control method for a refrigerator, comprising: deciding a cooling mode; operating a cooler and a fan unit; and switching the fan unit to a corresponding operation mode according to the cooling mode decided at the step of deciding the cooling mode.

[20] The control method according to claim 19, wherein the cooling mode includes a first cooling mode in which cool air is supplied to a cold chamber, and a second cooling mode in which cool air is supplied to either a storage chamber or both the cold chamber and the storage chamber.

[21] The control method according to claim 20, wherein the step of switching the fan unit to the corresponding operation mode according to the cooling mode decided at the step of deciding the cooling mode includes when the cooling mode is the first cooling mode, controlling the fan unit in a first mode in which cool air is supplied to the cold chamber through a main flow channel communicating with the cold chamber while a bypass flow channel communicating with the storage chamber is closed, and when the cooling mode is the second cooling mode, controlling the fan unit in a second mode in which cool air is supplied to the storage chamber through the bypass flow channel while the main flow channel is closed.

[22] The control method according to claim 20, wherein the step of switching the fan unit to the corresponding operation mode according to the cooling mode decided at the step of deciding the cooling mode includes when the cooling mode is the first cooling mode, controlling the fan unit in a IA mode in which cool air is supplied to the cold chamber through a main flow channel communicating with the cold chamber while a bypass flow channel communicating with the storage chamber is closed, and when the cooling mode is the second cooling mode, controlling the fan unit in a 2A mode in which the bypass flow channel and the main flow channel are opened to supply cool air to the cold chamber and the storage chamber.