Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D23/00—General constructional features
  • F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
  • F25D23/028—Details
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
  • F25C5/00—Working or handling ice
  • F25C5/20—Distributing ice
  • F25C5/22—Distributing ice particularly adapted for household refrigerators
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
  • F25C1/00—Producing ice
  • F25C1/22—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds
  • F25C1/24—Construction of moulds; Filling devices for moulds for refrigerators, e.g. freezing trays
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D23/00—General constructional features
  • F25D23/02—Doors; Covers
  • F25D23/04—Doors; Covers with special compartments, e.g. butter conditioners
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D29/00—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
  • F25D29/005—Mounting of control devices
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
  • F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
  • F25C2400/06—Multiple ice moulds or trays therefor
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
  • F25C2400/00—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice
  • F25C2400/08—Auxiliary features or devices for producing, working or handling ice for different type of ice
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
  • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F25D2331/00—Details or arrangements of other cooling or freezing apparatus not provided for in other groups of this subclass
  • F25D2331/80—Type of cooled receptacles
  • F25D2331/806—Dispensers

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.
• a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing food at a low temperature in a storage space that is covered by a door.
• the refrigerator is configured to keep stored food in in a refrigerated state or frozen state by cooling an inside of the storage space using cold air.
• the refrigerator may be a side-by-side type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber are arranged left and right, a top mount type refrigerator in which the freezing chamber is located above the refrigerating chamber, or a bottom freezer type refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber is located above the freezing chamber.
• an ice maker is provided in the freezing chamber of a refrigerator to make ice.
• the ice maker receives water supplied from a water source or a water tank in a tray and cools the water to generate ice.
• the ice generated by the ice maker may be stored in an ice bin.
• the ice stored in the ice bin can be discharged through a dispenser provided in the door, or the user can open a freezing chamber door, approach the ice bin, and take out the ice in the ice bin.
• a refrigerator is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0136659 that is a prior art document.
• the refrigerator of the prior art document comprises a cabinet in which a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber below the refrigerating chamber are formed; a pair of refrigerating chamber doors arranged on the left and right sides to open and close the refrigerating chamber, and an ice maker and a dispenser being provided on one side; a main water tank provided in the refrigerating chamber and cooling the supplied water; a water purifier provided in the cabinet and purifying supplied water; a sub water tank provided in the refrigerating chamber door and additionally cooling the supplied water; a water supply path connecting the water purifier, the main water tank, the sub water tank, the dispenser and the ice maker; and a branch valve provided on the water supply path of the refrigerating chamber door to selectively supply purified water to the dispenser or the ice maker.
• One embodiment provides a refrigerator having a slim dispenser.
• one embodiment provides a refrigerator that can form a space for a specific use at a rear of the dispenser.
• one embodiment provides a refrigerator that reduces a space occupied by a pad and a space for pad operation.
• one embodiment provides a refrigerator that allows a user to easily manipulate a pad.
• a refrigerator may include a cabinet.
• the cabinet may have a storage space.
• the refrigerator may further include a door for opening and closing the storage space.
• the refrigerator may further include an ice maker.
• the ice maker may be provided in the cabinet or the door.
• the refrigerator may further include a dispenser provided in the door and for discharging ice generated by the ice maker.
• the dispenser may include a dispenser housing.
• the dispenser may further include a receiving portion having a recessed shape and provided in the dispenser housing.
• the dispenser may further include a pad (or operation portion) movably installed in the dispenser housing.
• the dispenser may further include a switch installed in the receiving portion.
• the dispenser may further include a lever for transmitting an operating force of the pad to the switch.
• the pad may include a hinge that allows the pad to rotate.
• the pad may include a lever operating portion for operating the lever and disposed at a lower side of the hinge.
• the dispenser may further include an elastic member that elastically supports the pad.
• the receiving portion may further include a first supporter that supports the elastic member.
• the receiving portion may include a first wall on which the switch is installed.
• the receiving portion may further include a second wall that is stepped from the first wall.
• the first supporter may include a seating groove on which the elastic member is seated.
• the receiving portion may include a first wall in which the switch is installed.
• the receiving portion may further include a second wall that is stepped from the first wall and in which the hinge supporter is formed.
• the first wall may be disposed closer to an opening of the dispenser housing than the second wall.
• a horizontal distance from the second wall to a rotation center of the hinge may be equal to or less than a horizontal distance from the rotation center to a front uppermost portion of the pad.
• a distance from the switch to a rear surface of the pad may be less than a distance from the first wall to a surface of the switch facing the pad.
• a distance from a vertical line extending vertically from a front bottom end of the pad to a point on a front surface of the pad may be equal to or greater than a distance from the switch to a point on a rear surface of the pad.
• the point on the front surface is a point facing the switch, and the point on the rear surface is a point disposed at the same height as the point on the front surface.
• the receiving portion may further include a third wall that is stepped from the first wall and in which the first supporter is formed.
• the third wall may be disposed closer to an opening of the dispenser housing than the first wall.
• a size of a step difference between the first wall and the second wall may be greater than a size of a step difference between the first wall and the third wall.
• the receiving portion may further include a lever shaft rotatably supporting the lever.
• the lever may include a lever body coupled to the lever shaft.
• the lever may further include a first extension extending from one point of the lever body and pressed by the pad.
• the lever may further include a second extension extending from another point of the lever body and transmitting a rotational force of the lever to the switch.
• a refrigerator may include a dispenser.
• the dispenser may include a dispenser housing.
• the dispenser may further include a receiving portion having a recessed shape and provided in the dispenser housing.
• the dispenser may further include a pad (or operation portion) movably installed in the dispenser housing.
• the dispenser may further include a switch installed in the receiving portion.
• the dispenser may further include a lever for transmitting an operating force of the pad to the switch.
• the pad may include a hinge.
• the pad may further include a lever operating portion disposed at an upper side of the hinge for operating the lever.
• the pad may further include a supporter disposed higher than the lever operating portion for supporting the elastic member.
• the receiving portion may include a plurality of coupling protrusions for coupling with the switch.
• the receiving portion may further include a hook that is caught on the switch in a state in which the plurality of coupling protrusions are inserted into the switch.
• the receiving portion may include a first portion in which the hinge is installed.
• the receiving portion may further include a second portion disposed at an upper side of the first portion and having a different recessed depth from the first portion.
• the receiving portion may further include a third portion disposed at an upper side of the second portion and in which the switch is installed. At least a portion of the second portion may be disposed closer to an opening of the dispenser housing than the first portion and the third portion.
• a dispenser is slim, which has an advantage of forming a space for a specific purpose at a rear side of the dispenser.
• FIG. 1A is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first present embodiment.
• FIG. 1B is a drawing showing a state in which one door of the refrigerator is separated.
• FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a front side according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a rear side according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 2C is a lateral side view of a first refrigerating chamber door according to a first present embodiment.
• a refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment may include a cabinet 2 having a storage space.
• the refrigerator 1 may further include a refrigerator door configured to open and close the storage space.
• the storage space may include a refrigerating chamber 18.
• the storage space may optionally or additionally include a freezing chamber 19.
• FIG. 2 illustrates that the storage space includes a refrigerating chamber 18 and a freezing chamber 19.
• the refrigerating chamber 18 is described as being opened and closed by a first refrigerating chamber door 10 and a second refrigerating chamber door 20.
• At least one of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 or the second refrigerating chamber door 20 may include a dispenser 11 for discharging water and/or ice.
• a dispenser 11 for discharging water and/or ice.
• the freezing chamber door 30 it is also possible for the freezing chamber door 30 to be provided with the dispenser 11.
• At least one of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 or the second refrigerating chamber door 20 may include at least one ice maker.
• an ice maker being provided in the first refrigerating chamber door 10 will be described.
• an ice maker may also be provided in the second refrigerating chamber door 20 or the freezing chamber door 30.
• the dispenser 11 and the ice maker may be provided in the same door.
• the first refrigerating chamber door 10 includes a plurality of ice makers. It is not limited thereto, and the second refrigerating chamber door 20 may also include a plurality of ice makers.
• the refrigerator 1 is exemplarily illustrated as a bottom freezer type refrigerator, but it is to be noted that an idea of the present invention can be equally applied to a side-by-side type refrigerator or a top-mount type refrigerator.
• the freezing chamber door may include a plurality of ice makers or the refrigerating chamber door may include a plurality of ice makers.
• the dispenser 11 is disposed at a front side of the first refrigerating chamber door 10, and a portion of the dispensers may be recessed toward rearward to provide a space where a container can be disposed.
• the plurality of ice makers may be arranged in a vertical direction.
• the plurality of ice makers may include a first ice maker 200.
• the plurality of ice makers may further include a second ice maker 500.
• the second ice maker 500 may be disposed at a lower side of the first ice maker 200.
• the present embodiment does not exclude the plurality of ice makers 200, 500 being arranged in a left-right direction.
• the second ice maker 500 may be disposed at a rear side of the dispenser 11.
• the first refrigerating chamber door 10 may include an outer case 101 configured to form a front exterior.
• the first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a door liner 102 coupled to the outer case 101.
• the door liner 102 may open and close the refrigerating chamber 18.
• an insulating space may be formed in a space between the outer case 101 and the door liner 102.
• An insulator may be provided in the insulating space.
• the door liner 102 may include a first space 122 in which the first ice maker 200 is disposed.
• the first space 122 may also be referred to as a first ice making chamber.
• the door liner 102 may further include a second space 124 in which the second ice maker 500 is disposed.
• the second space 124 may also be referred to as a second ice making chamber.
• the second ice maker 500 may be omitted, and in this case, the second space 124 may exist.
• the second space 124 may function as a door storage space used for a specific purpose.
• a position of the second ice maker 500 in the present embodiment may vary.
• the second ice maker 500 may be positioned in the storage space.
• the second space 124 may be present or may be omitted.
• the first space 122 may be formed as one side of the door liner 102 is recessed toward the outer case 101.
• the second space 124 may be formed as one side of the door liner 102 is recessed toward the outer case 101.
• the second space 124 may be recessed toward the dispenser 11.
• the first refrigerating chamber door 10 may include a first ice bin 280 in which ice generated in the first ice maker 200 is stored.
• the first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a second ice bin 600 in which ice generated in the second ice maker 500 is stored.
• the second ice bin 600 may also be omitted.
• the first ice bin 280 may be received in the first space 122 together with the first ice maker 200.
• the second ice bin 600 may be received in the second space 124 together with the second ice maker 500.
• the first space 122 may be supplied with cold generated from a cooler.
• the cooler may be defined as a means for cooling the storage space, including at least one of a refrigerant cycle or a thermoelectric element.
• cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 may be supplied to the first space 122.
• the second space 124 may be supplied with cold generated from a cooler.
• cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 may be supplied to the second space 124.
• the refrigerator 1 may include a supply passage 2a that guides cold air of the freezing chamber 19 or cold air of a space where an evaporator that generates cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 is disposed to the first refrigerating chamber door 10.
• the refrigerator 1 may include a discharge passage 2b that guides cold air discharged from the first refrigerating chamber door 10 to the freezing chamber 19 or the space where the evaporator is disposed.
• the supply passage 2a and the discharge passage 2b may be provided in the cabinet 2.
• the cold air inlet 123a may be formed on one side of the door liner 102.
• the one side of the door liner 102 may be a side facing a wall where the supply passage 2a is disposed in the refrigerating chamber 18 when the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed.
• the cold air outlet 123b may be formed on one side of the door liner 102.
• the one side of the door liner 102 may be a side facing a wall where the discharge passage 2b is disposed in the refrigerating chamber 18 when the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed.
• a shape of the ice generated from the first ice maker 200 may be the same as or different from a shape of the ice generated from the second ice maker 500.
• the second ice maker 500 may form spherical ice.
• the "spherical shape" mentioned in this specification means not only a geometrically spherical shape but also a shape similar to a spherical shape.
• a transparency of ice generated from the first ice maker200 may be the same as or different from a transparency of ice generated from the second ice maker 500.
• a transparency of the ice generated from the second ice maker 500 may be greater than a transparency of the ice formed from the first ice maker 200.
• a size (or volume) of ice generated from the first ice maker 200 may be different from a size (or volume) of ice generated from the second ice maker 500.
• a size (or volume) of ice generated from the second ice maker 500 may be greater than a size (or volume) of ice formed from the first ice maker 200.
• a structure of the first ice maker 200 for generating ice and a method for separation the generated ice may be the same as or different from a structure of the second ice maker 500 and a method for separation the ice generated from the second ice maker 500 is separated. If the structure and/or the method of the ice makers are different, a shape of the first space 122 where the first ice maker 200 is disposed may be different from a shape of the second space 124 where the second ice maker 500 is disposed.
• a depth of the second space 124 may be greater than a depth of the first space 122. Due to a difference in depth between the first space 122 and the second space 124, the one side of the door liner 102 may include a first side portion 102a and a second side portion 102b having different widths in a front-back direction. a width of the second side portion 102b may be formed to be greater than a width of the first side portion 102a. At least one of the cold air inlet 123a or the cold air outlet 123b may be formed on the second side portion 102b of the door liner 102. The second side portion 102b may protrude further toward the refrigerating chamber18 than the first side portion 102a.
• the first door 130 may be rotatably provided on the first refrigerating chamber door 10 by a hinge.
• the second door 132 may be rotatably provided on the first refrigerating chamber door 10 by a hinge.
• a rotation direction of the first door 130 and a rotation direction of the second door 132 may be the same or different.
• a basket 136 capable of storing food may be connected to the first door 130 by varying a thickness of the first refrigerating chamber door 10.
• a filter (not shown) may be mounted at one side 103 of the first refrigerating chamber door 10, and the filter may be covered by a filter cover 142.
• the first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a cold air passage for cold air flow.
• the cold air passage may be formed by a cold air duct, not shown.
• the cold air duct may be installed, for example, in the door liner 102.
• the cold air passage may guide cold air to at least one of the first space 122 or the second space 124.
• the cold air passage may include a first cold air passage P1.
• the first cold air passage P1 may guide cold air supplied from the cabinet 2 to the first space 122. Cold air guided by the first cold air passage P1 may flow toward the first ice maker 200.
• the cold air passage may further include a second cold air passage P2.
• the second cold air passage P2 may guide cold air of the first space 122 to the second space 124. Cold air from a lower portion of the first space 122 may be discharged to the second cold air passage P2. Cold air may descend in the second cold air passage P2 and be supplied to the second space 124.
• the cold air passage may further include a third cold air passage P3.
• the third cold air passage P3 may guide cold air of the second space 124 to an outside of the first refrigerating chamber door 10.
• the first ice maker 200 may include an ice tray 210 configured to form an ice making cell.
• the first ice maker 200 may further include a driver that provides power to automatically rotate the ice tray 210 to separate ice from the ice tray 210.
• the first ice maker 200 may further include a power transmission unit that transmits a power of the driver to the ice tray 210.
• the ice tray 210 may include a plurality of ice making cells. Water discharged from a water supply portion and dropped onto the ice tray 210 may be distributed to the plurality of ice making cells.
• the ice may be separated from the ice tray 210 as the ice tray 210 is rotated (or twisted) by the driver.
• An ice separated from the ice tray 210 may be stored in the first ice bin 280.
• the second ice maker 500 may include the first tray 510.
• the second ice maker 500 may further include a second tray 550.
• the first tray 510 and the second tray 550 may form an ice making cell 501.
• the second tray 550 may be moved with respect to the first tray 510.
• the second tray 550 may be rotated with respect to the first tray 510, or may move linearly with respect to the first tray 510, or may move linearly and rotationally.
• the second tray 550 is a rotation type tray, water supply may be performed at a water supply position of the second tray 550. After the water supply is completed, the second tray550 may be rotated to an ice making position. If the second tray 550 is a linear movement type tray, water supply may be performed at the ice making position of the second tray 550.
• the dispenser 11 may include a dispenser housing 11a.
• the dispenser housing 11a may form a receiving space.
• a container such as a cup may be positioned in the receiving space. Water or ice may be discharged into the receiving space.
• At least a portion of the dispenser housing 11a may be disposed to overlap the second space 124 in a front-back direction.
• a minimum horizontal distance between a front surface of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 and the second space 124 is greater than a minimum horizontal distance between the front surface of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 and the first space 122 by the dispenser housing 11a.
• a vertical length of the first space 122 may be greater than a vertical length of the second space 124. At least a portion of the second space 124 may overlap the first space 122 in the vertical direction.
• the ice making cell 501 of the second ice maker 500 may overlap the dispenser housing 11a in the front-back direction.
• An ice chute 700 may be disposed at a lower side of the first space 122.
• the ice chute 700 may be opened and closed by a cap duct 900.
• An ice guide 800 may be disposed at a lower side of the ice chute 700.
• the ice chute700 may guide ice discharged from the first ice bin 280 to the ice guide 800.
• the ice guide 800 may guide ice and finally discharge the ice.
• the ice chute 700 may overlap at least a portion of the first space122 in a vertical direction.
• At least a portion of the ice chute700 may overlap at least a portion of the second space124 in the vertical direction.
• a water tank 340 may be detachably mounted on the first refrigerating chamber door 10.
• the ice guide 800 may overlap at least a portion of the second space 124 in a horizontal direction.
• FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser according to the present embodiment.
• a dispenser 11 of the present embodiment may include a dispenser housing 11a.
• the dispenser housing 11a may form a receiving space 11c.
• the receiving space 11c may be formed by a front surface of the dispenser housing 11a being recessed toward rearward.
• the dispenser 11 may further include a pad 1010.
• the pad 1010 may also be referred to as an operation portion.
• the pad 1010 may be movably installed in the dispenser housing 11a.
• a user may manipulate the pad 1010 to discharge ice and/or water. For example, the user may push or press the pad 1010.
• the switch 1050 may be turned off, and when the pad 1010 is operated, an operating force of the pad 1010 is transmitted to the lever 1070, so that the lever 1070 may turn on the switch 1050.
• the dispenser housing 11a may further include an ice slot 111 through which ice guided by the ice chute 700 passes.
• the ice slot 111 may be formed, for example, in an inclined wall 111a of the dispenser housing 11a.
• the ice chute 700 may be disposed at an outer side of the dispenser housing 11a.
• the ice guide 800 may be disposed in the receiving space 11c.
• the ice guide 800 may guide ice passed through the ice slot 111.
• the ice guide 800 may be disposed at a lower side of the inclined wall 111a.
• the ice slot 111 may be opened and closed by the cap duct 900.
• the cap duct 900 may open and close the ice slot 111 in the receiving space 11c.
• the cap duct 900 may be driven by a duct driver 990 to open and close the ice slot 111.
• the duct driver 990 may include a motor.
• the cap duct 900 may be rotated by a driving of the motor to open the ice slot 111.
• the dispenser 11 may further include a water discharge port 870 through which water is discharged.
• the water discharge port 870 may be disposed in the receiving space 11c.
• the water discharge port 870 may be disposed adjacent to the ice guide 800.
• the dispenser 11 may further include a supporter 890 that supports the water discharge port 870.
• the dispenser 11 may further include a sterilizing device 880 for sterilizing the water discharge port 870.
• the sterilizing device 880 may sterilize a water path formed by the water discharge port 870 by irradiating ultraviolet rays, for example.
• the dispenser 11 may further include a display device.
• the display device may include a display 1100.
• the display 1100 may display an operating status of the refrigerator.
• the display 1100 may perform an input function that may receive a user's command. The user may select or change a temperature or various functions by manipulating or touching a button displayed on the display 1100.
• the display device may further include a display frame 1120 that supports the display 1100.
• the display frame 1120 may be received in the receiving space 11c.
• the display frame 1120 may include an opening 1122 in which at least a portion of the display 1100 is disposed.
• the display 1100 may be exposed to an outside through the opening 1122.
• An input module 1160 may be installed in the display frame 1120.
• a type of ice may be selected through the input module 1160.
• a state of the ice to be discharged may be selected through the input module 1160.
• transparent ice or opaque ice may be selected through the input module 1160.
• ices of different sizes may be distinguished and selected through the input module 1160.
• the input module 1160 may include, for example, a button. A portion of the input module 1160 may be exposed to an outside while installed in the display frame 1120.
• the display device may further include a display supporter 1140 disposed at a rear side of the display frame 1120.
• the display supporter 1140 may support the display 1100 penetrating the opening 1122.
• the display supporter 1140 may be omitted.
• the dispenser housing 11a may be coupled to the door liner 102.
• the door liner 102 may include a space forming wall 124g forming the second space 124.
• the dispenser housing 11a may be disposed in front of the space forming wall 124g.
• a mounting bracket 480 for guiding water to the second space 124 may be installed in the space forming wall 124g.
• the mounting bracket 480 may be disposed at a rear of the ice guide 800. That is, the mounting bracket 480 may be disposed to overlap the ice guide 800 in a front-back direction.
• FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which a pad, a switch, and a lever are separated in a dispenser according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a receiving portion according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pad is installed in a dispenser according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a first supporter according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 8 shows a state in which a pad is not manipulated
• FIG 9 shows a state in which a pad is manipulated.
• the receiving portion 113 may be recessed in the rear wall 112 away from an opening 11d of the dispenser housing 11a. That is, the receiving portion 113 may be recessed in the rear wall 112 toward the second space 124.
• the receiving portion 113 may receive a portion of the pad 1010.
• a left-right width of the receiving portion 113 may be equal to or greater than a left-right width of the pad 1010.
• the receiving portion 113 may be provided with a hinge supporter 113a that rotatably supports the pad 1010.
• a pair of hinge supporters 113a may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction.
• the hinge supporter 113a may protrude from the receiving portion 113 toward an opening 11d of the dispenser housing 11a.
• the pad 1010 may include a pad body 1013.
• a front surface of the pad body 1013 may face an opening 11d of the dispenser housing 11a.
• a rear surface of the pad body 1013 may face the receiving portion 113.
• the switch 1050 may further include a plurality of terminals 1051, 1052 for electrical connection.
• the switch 1050 may further include a switch extension 1057.
• the switch extension 1057 may be installed on the switch 1050 to be elastically deformable.
• the switch extension 1057 may be selectively pressed by the lever 1070.
• the switch 1050 may further include a pin 1055 that is selectively pressed by the switch extension 1057. For example, when the pin 1055 is pressed, the switch 1050 may be turned on.
• the receiving portion 113 may further include a lever shaft 115 that rotatably supports the lever 1070.
• the lever shaft 115 may protrude from the receiving portion 113 toward an opening 11d of the dispenser housing 11a.
• the lever shaft 115 may be disposed lower than the switch extension 1057. In a state in which the switch 1050 is installed in the receiving portion 113, at least a portion of the lever shaft 115 may be disposed lower than the switch 1050 the switch 1050 (excluding terminal).
• the lever 1070 may include a first extension 1072 extending from a point of the lever body 1071.
• the first extension 1072 may, for example, extend radially from the lever body 1071.
• the first extension 1072 may be selectively pressed by the pad 1010.
• the lever 1070 may further include a second extension 1073 extending from another point of the lever body 1071.
• the second extension 1073 may, for example, extend radially from the lever body 1071.
• the first extension 1072 and the second extension 1073 may be disposed to form a predetermined angle with respect to the lever body 1071.
• the second extension 1073 serves to transmit a rotational power of the lever 1070.
• a length of the second extension 1073 may be different from a length of the first extension 1072.
• the length of the second extension 1073 may be greater than the length of the first extension 1072.
• the lever 1070 may further include a pressing portion 1074 formed at an end of the second extension 1073. During a rotation of the lever 1070, the pressing portion 1074 may press the switch extension 1057.
• the pressing portion 1074 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. A diameter or left-right width of the pressing portion 1074 may be greater than a left-right width of the second extension 1073. When the pad 1010 is not operated, the pressing portion 1074 may come into contact with the switch extension 1057.
• the dispenser 11 may further include an elastic member 1080 that elastically supports the pad 1010.
• the elastic member 1080 may be, for example, a coil spring.
• the receiving portion 113 may further include a first supporter 116 for supporting the elastic member 1080.
• the first supporter 116 may be disposed at a lower side of the lever shaft 115 in the receiving portion 113.
• the first supporter 116 may be provided with a seating groove 116a into which a portion of the elastic member 1080 is inserted.
• the pad 1010 may further include a lever operating portion 1015 protruding from a rear side of the pad body 1013.
• the lever operating portion 1015 When the pad 1010 is not operated, the lever operating portion 1015 may be disposed at a lower side of the second extension1073.
• An inclined surface 1015a may be provided at an end of the lever operating portion 1015.
• the first extension 1072 In a process of the pad 1010 being pressed and rotated, the first extension 1072 may rise by the inclined surface 1015a. When the first extension 1072 rises, the lever 1070 may be rotated.
• the pad 1010 may further include a second supporter supporting the elastic member 1080.
• the second supporter may protrude from a rear surface of the pad body 1013.
• the second supporter may be disposed at a lower side of the lever operating portion 1015 at a rear surface of the pad 1010.
• the second supporter may include a first part 1013a extending from the rear surface of the pad body 1013.
• the second supporter may further include a second part 1013b extending from the first part 1013a.
• the second supporter may further include a third part 1013c extending from the second part 1013b.
• a diameter of the second part 1013b may be greater than a diameter of the third part 1013c.
• the third part 1013c may be received in a space defined by the elastic member 1080.
• the elastic member 1080 may be seated on the second part 1013b. That is, one end of the elastic member 1080 may be supported on a seating groove 116a of the first supporter 116, and another end of the elastic member 1080 may be supported on the second part 1013b.
• the receiving portion 113 may include a first wall 113c on which the switch 1050 is mounted.
• the hinge supporter 113a may protrude from the first wall 113c. Accordingly, the lever 1070 may be mounted on the first wall 113c.
• a line extending vertically from a front lowermost end 1010c of the pad 1010a may be referred to as a second virtual line A2.
• a distance g from the second virtual line A2 to a point on a front surface of the pad 1010a may be greater than a distance h from the switch 1050 to a point on a rear surface of the pad 1010a.
• the point on the front surface may be a point facing the switch 1050.
• the point on the rear surface of the pad 1010a may be a point disposed at the same height as the point on the front surface.
• the receiving portion 1313 may further include a third wall 1313d that is stepped from the first wall 1313a.
• the third wall 1313d may be disposed at a lower side of the first wall 1313a.
• the third wall 1313d may be disposed loser to an opening 11d of the dispenser housing 11a than the first wall 1313a.
• the first supporter 116 may be provided on the third wall 1313d.
• a size of a step between the first wall 1313a and the second wall 1313b may be greater than a size of a step between the first wall 1313a and the third wall 1313c.
• a rear surface of the pad 1010a may be provided with a second supporter 1013d on which an elastic member 1080 is supported.
• the second supporter 1013d In a non-operated state of the pad 1010a, the second supporter 1013d may be disposed outside a seating groove 116a of the support member 116. In an operated state of the pad 1010a, a portion of the second supporter 1013d may be received in the seating groove 116a of the support member 116.
• FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a state in which a pad, a switch, and a lever are separated in a dispenser according to a third embodiment.
• FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a state in which a switch and a lever are installed in a receiving portion according to a third embodiment.
• FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pad is installed in a dispenser according to a third embodiment.
• FIG. 12 shows a modified example of FIG. 6 .
• a dispenser 11 of the present embodiment may include a dispenser housing 11a and a pad 1510 installed in the dispenser housing 11.
• the dispenser housing 11a may include a rear wall 112.
• the rear wall 112 may include a receiving portion 1412 having a recessed shape.
• the receiving portion 1412 may receive a switch 1550.
• the receiving portion 1412 may receive the pad 1510.
• the receiving portion 1412 may include a first portion 1412a.
• the first portion 1412a may be provided with a hinge supporter 1413.
• a hinge 1511 rotatably supported by the hinge supporter 1413 may be provided on a lower rear surface of the pad 1510.
• At least a portion of the second portion 1412b may be positioned closer to an opening 11d of the dispenser housing 11c (see FIG. 5 ) than the first portion 1412a.
• An amount of foam liquid that can be filled into the first refrigerating chamber door 10 may be increased by the second portion 1412b, thereby improving an insulation performance.
• the receiving portion 1412 may further include a third portion 1412c disposed at an upper side of the second portion 1412b. At least a portion of the second portion 1412b may be positioned closer to an opening 11d of the dispenser housing 11c (see FIG. 5 ) than the third portion 1412c.
• a switch 1550 and a lever 1570 may be installed in the third portion 1412c.
• the third portion 1412c may be provided with a plurality of coupling protrusions 1416, 1417 for insertion into the switch 1550.
• the switch 1550 may be provided with a plurality of protrusion holes 1553, 1554 for insertion of the plurality of coupling protrusions 1416, 1417, respectively.
• a rotation of the switch 1550 may be restricted by the plurality of coupling protrusions 1416, 1417.
• the third portion 1412c may further include a hook 1418 that is caught on the switch 1550 in a state in which the plurality of coupling protrusions 1416, 1417 are inserted into the plurality of protrusion holes 1553, 1554.
• the hook 1418 can be caught on a surface of the switch 1550 to prevent separation of the switch 1550. That is, the switch 1550 may be installed in the receiving portion 1412 without using a separate coupling member. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that a space for coupling the coupling member to the receiving portion 1412 is unnecessary, and accordingly, slimming of the dispenser housing 11a is possible.
• the third portion 1412c may be provided with a lever shaft 1415 that rotatably supports the lever 1570.
• the lever shaft 1415 may be disposed higher than the switch 1550.
• the lever 1570 may include a lever body 1571 rotatably connected to the lever shaft 1415.
• the lever 1570 may further include an extension 1573 that extends radially from the lever body 1571.
• the pad 1510 may further include a lever operating portion 1515 protruding from a rear surface of the pad 150.
• the lever operating portion 1515 may be disposed at an upper side of the hinge 1511 in a rear surface of the pad 1510.
• the lever operating portion 1515 When the pad 1510 is not operated, the lever operating portion 1515 may be disposed at an upper side of the extension 1573.
• An inclined surface 1515a may be provided at an end of the lever operating portion 1515.
• the extension 1573 In a process of the pad 1510 being pressed and rotated, the extension 1573 may be lowered by the inclined surface 1515a.
• the lever 1570 When the extension 1573 is lowered, the lever 1570 may be rotated counterclockwise with respect to FIG. 13 .

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Thermal Sciences (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
• Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
• Refrigerator Housings (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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ID=90669455

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• 2022
  • 2022-10-13 KR KR1020220131546A patent/KR20240051642A/ko active Pending
• 2023
  • 2023-09-07 WO PCT/KR2023/013403 patent/WO2024080559A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2023-09-07 EP EP23877489.7A patent/EP4603774A1/fr active Pending

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