WO2024162580A1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator comprises: an outer case; an inner case which is provided inside the outer case, forms a storage chamber, and comprises a first inner wall and a second inner wall facing the first inner wall; an ice tray on which ice is produced; and a support case which supports the ice tray and is mounted on the inner case, wherein the support case comprises a fastening part, arranged to be fastened to the first inner wall by a fastening member, and an elastic deformation part, which movably supports the fastening part and enables elastic deformation when the fastening part is pressed by the first inner wall.

Description

refrigerator

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator including an ice maker.

A refrigerator is a device that has a main body with a storage room and a cold air supply system that supplies cold air to the storage room to keep food fresh. The storage room includes a refrigerator that is maintained at about 0 to 5 degrees Celsius to refrigerate food, and a freezer that is maintained at about 0 to -30 degrees Celsius to freeze food. In general, the storage room is designed so that the front is open for putting food in and taking it out, and the open front of the storage room is opened and closed by a door.

A refrigerator repeats the cooling cycle of compressing, condensing, expanding, and evaporating the refrigerant using a compressor, condenser, expander, and evaporator. At this time, both the freezer and refrigerator can be cooled by one evaporator installed in the freezer, or the freezer and refrigerator can each have an evaporator installed to cool independently.

The refrigerator may be equipped with an ice maker that creates ice. The ice maker may be equipped with an ice tray for creating ice, an ejector for discharging ice from the ice tray, an ice bucket for storing ice discharged from the ice tray, and a control unit for controlling the ice making process, so as to automatically create ice.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure so that an ice maker can be stably fixed to an inner surface.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure such that a gap between an ice maker and an inner case can be maintained when the inner case is deformed.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure that prevents damage to the ice maker or the inner case when the ice maker is mounted on the inner case.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure so as to improve the quality of the product's appearance.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure to prevent a user's body from approaching a water supply pipe from inside the ice maker.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a refrigerator having an improved structure for improving the flowability of cold air supplied from the inside of an ice maker to an ice tray and improving the efficiency of ice production.

The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer case, an inner case provided inside the outer case and forming a storage compartment, the inner case including a first inner wall and a second inner wall facing the first inner wall, an ice tray in which ice is produced, and a support case that supports the ice tray and is mounted on the inner case, the support case including a fastening portion provided to be fastened to the first inner wall by a fastening member, and an elastic deformation portion provided to be elastically deformable when the fastening portion is pressed by the first inner wall and movably supporting the fastening portion.

A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer case, an inner case provided inside the outer case and forming a storage compartment, the inner case including a first inner wall and a second inner wall facing the first inner wall, an ice tray in which ice is generated, and a support case that supports the ice tray and is mounted on the inner case. The support case may include a case body on which the ice tray is mounted, a first fastening portion fastened to the first inner wall, a second fastening portion fastened to the second inner wall, a first elastic deformation portion facing the first inner wall, connecting the case body and the first fastening portion, and being elastically deformable such that the first fastening portion is movable relative to the case body, and a second elastic deformation portion facing the second inner wall, connecting the case body and the second fastening portion, and being elastically deformable such that the second fastening portion is movable relative to the case body.

A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer case, an inner case provided inside the outer case and forming a storage compartment, an ice tray in which ice is generated, and a support case disposed in the storage compartment. The support case may include a case body supporting the ice tray, and a case wall connected to the case body and disposed to face an inner wall of the inner case, wherein at least a portion of the case wall is fastened to the inner wall of the inner case, and one side of the at least a portion of the case wall opposite to the case body is elastically deformable so as to be movable with respect to the case body.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an exploded view of a part of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an exploded view of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a support case of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of a supporting case of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of a supporting case of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cut away and enlarged in part.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the appearance when the inner wall of the inner case of the refrigerator of Figure 9 is deformed.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cut away and enlarged in part.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the appearance when the inner wall of the refrigerator of Figure 11 is deformed.

FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a state in which cold air is introduced into an ice maker of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing some components, such as an ice maker, of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

In this disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

The term “and/or” includes any combination of multiple related described elements or any one of multiple related described elements.

Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order).

In addition, the terms 'front', 'rear', 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'left', 'right', 'upper', 'lower', etc. used in the present disclosure are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

The terms “include” or “have” and the like are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the present disclosure, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

When a component is said to be “connected,” “coupled,” “supported,” or “contacted” with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact, but also cases where the components are indirectly connected, coupled, supported, or in contact through a third component.

When we say that a component is "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where there is another component between the two components.

A refrigerator according to one embodiment may include a body.

The “body” may include an inner case, an outer case arranged on the outside of the inner case, and an insulating material provided between the inner case and the outer case.

The “inner case” may include at least one of a case, a plate, a panel, or a liner forming a storage chamber. The inner case may be formed as a single body, or may be formed by assembling a plurality of plates. The “outer case” may form an outer appearance of the main body, and may be joined to the outer side of the inner case so that insulation is arranged between the inner case and the outer case.

“Insulation” can insulate the inside and outside of the storage room so that the temperature inside the storage room can be maintained at a set appropriate temperature without being affected by the environment outside the storage room. According to one embodiment, the insulation can include foam insulation. The foam insulation can be formed by injecting and foaming urethane foam mixed with polyurethane and a foaming agent between the inner and outer layers.

In one embodiment, the insulation may additionally include a vacuum insulation in addition to the foam insulation, or the insulation may consist solely of the vacuum insulation instead of the foam insulation. The vacuum insulation may include a core and an outer shell that accommodates the core and seals the interior at a vacuum or near-vacuum pressure. However, the insulation is not limited to the foam insulation or vacuum insulation described above, and may include various materials that can be used for insulation.

The “storage room” may include a space defined by an inner box. The storage room may further include an inner box defining a space corresponding to the storage room. The storage room may store various items such as food, medicine, and cosmetics, and the storage room may be formed so that at least one side is open for taking items in and out.

The refrigerator may include one or more storage compartments. When two or more storage compartments are formed in the refrigerator, each storage compartment may have a different purpose and may be maintained at a different temperature. For this purpose, each storage compartment may be separated from each other by a partition containing insulation.

The storage room may be arranged to be maintained at an appropriate temperature range depending on the intended use, and may include a "refrigerator", a "freezer" or a "variable temperature room" which are distinguished depending on the intended use and/or temperature range. The refrigerator may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for refrigerating an item, and the freezer may be maintained at a temperature appropriate for freezing an item. "Refrigeration" may mean cooling an item to a temperature that does not freeze, and for example, a refrigerator may be maintained in a range of 0 degrees Celsius to +7 degrees Celsius. "Freezing" may mean cooling an item to freeze or maintain it in a frozen state, and for example, a freezer may be maintained in a range of -20 degrees Celsius to -1 degree Celsius. The variable temperature room may be used as either a refrigerator or a freezer, at the user's option or not.

In addition to being called by names such as "refrigerator", "freezer", and "variable temperature room", a storage room may also be called by various names such as "vegetable room", "freshness room", "cooling room", and "ice room". The terms "refrigerator", "freezer", and "variable temperature room" used hereinafter should be understood to encompass storage rooms having corresponding uses and temperature ranges.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include at least one door configured to open and close an open side of a storage compartment. The door may be configured to open and close each of one or more storage compartments, or one door may be configured to open and close a plurality of storage compartments. The door may be installed on the front of the main body in a pivotal or slidable manner.

The “door” may be configured to seal the storage compartment when the door is closed. The door may include insulation, similar to the body, to insulate the storage compartment when the door is closed.

According to one embodiment, the door may include a door outer panel forming a front surface of the door, a door inner panel forming a rear surface of the door and facing the storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided on the interior of each of the door panels.

The door inner panel may be provided with a gasket that seals the storage compartment by being pressed against the front of the body when the door is closed. The door inner panel may include a dyke that projects rearwardly to accommodate a door basket for storing items.

According to one embodiment, the door may include a door body and a front panel detachably coupled to a front side of the door body and forming a front surface of the door. The door body may include a door outer panel forming a front surface of the door body, a door inner panel forming a rear surface of the door body and facing a storage compartment, an upper cap, a lower cap, and door insulation provided inside these.

Depending on the arrangement of the door and storage compartment, refrigerators can be classified into French Door Type, Side-by-side Type, BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer), TMF (Top Mounted Freezer), or 1-door refrigerator.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a cold air supply device configured to supply cold air to the storage compartment.

A “cold air supply device” may include a system of machines, devices, electronic devices and/or combinations thereof capable of generating cold air and guiding the cold air to cool a storage room.

According to one embodiment, the cold air supply device can generate cold air through a refrigeration cycle including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation processes of a refrigerant. To this end, the cold air supply device can include a refrigeration cycle device having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator capable of driving the refrigeration cycle. According to one embodiment, the cold air supply device can include a semiconductor such as a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element can cool the storage room by heat generation and cooling through the Peltier effect.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a machine room in which at least some components belonging to the cold air supply device are arranged.

The “machine room” may be provided with a compartment and insulation from the storage room to prevent heat generated from components placed in the machine room from being transferred to the storage room. The interior of the machine room may be configured to be in communication with the exterior of the main body to dissipate heat from components placed inside the machine room.

In one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a dispenser provided in the door to provide water and/or ice. The dispenser may be provided in the door so as to be accessible to a user without opening the door.

According to one embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice making device configured to produce ice. The ice making device may include an ice making tray configured to store water, an ice separating device configured to separate ice from the ice making tray, and an ice bucket configured to store ice produced in the ice making tray.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a control unit for controlling the refrigerator.

The “control unit” may include a memory that stores or memorizes a program and/or data for controlling the refrigerator, and a processor that outputs a control signal for controlling a cold air supply device, etc. according to the program and/or data stored in the memory.

The memory stores or records various information, data, commands, programs, etc. required for the operation of the refrigerator. The memory can store temporary data generated during the process of generating control signals for controlling components included in the refrigerator. The memory can include at least one of volatile memory and nonvolatile memory, or a combination of both.

The processor controls the overall operation of the refrigerator. The processor can control components of the refrigerator by executing a program stored in the memory. The processor may include a separate NPU that performs the operation of the artificial intelligence model. The processor may also include a central processing unit, a graphics processor (GPU), etc. The processor may generate a control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply unit. For example, the processor may receive temperature information of the storage compartment from a temperature sensor and generate a cooling control signal for controlling the operation of the cold air supply unit based on the temperature information of the storage compartment.

In addition, the processor can process user input of the user interface and control operation of the user interface according to the program and/or data stored/stored in the memory. The user interface can be provided using an input interface and an output interface. The processor can receive user input from the user interface. In addition, the processor can transmit a display control signal and image data to the user interface for displaying an image on the user interface in response to the user input.

The processor and memory may be provided integrally or separately. The processor may include one or more processors. For example, the processor may include a main processor and at least one subprocessor. The memory may include one or more memories.

According to one embodiment, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory that control all of the components included in the refrigerator, and may include a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories that individually control the components of the refrigerator. For example, the refrigerator may include a processor and a memory that control the operation of a cold air supply device according to the output of a temperature sensor. In addition, the refrigerator may separately include a processor and a memory that control the operation of a user interface according to a user input.

The communication module can communicate with external devices such as servers, mobile devices, and other home appliances through a surrounding access point (AP). The access point (AP) can connect a local area network (LAN) to which a refrigerator or user device is connected to a wide area network (WAN) to which a server is connected. The refrigerator or user device can be connected to the server through the wide area network (WAN).

The input interface may include keys, a touchscreen, a microphone, etc. The input interface may receive user input and transmit it to the processor.

The output interface may include a display, a speaker, etc. The output interface may output various notifications, messages, information, etc. generated by the processor.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

When describing embodiments according to the invention with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” etc. used below are defined with reference to the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms. For example, the terms “front” and “rear” below may mean front and rear in the X direction with respect to the drawings, respectively. The terms “upper” and “lower” below may mean upper in the Z direction and lower in the Z direction with respect to the drawings, respectively. The terms “left” and “right” below may mean left in the Y direction and right in the Y direction with respect to the drawings, respectively.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body (10), a storage room (21, 22) provided inside the main body (10), a door (30) for opening and closing the storage room (21, 22), and a cooling system for supplying cold air to the storage room (21, 22).

The main body (10) may include an inner case (11, 12) forming a storage room (21, 22, 23), an outer case (13) forming the exterior of the refrigerator (1), and a main body insulation material (14) provided between the inner case (11, 12) and the outer case (13).

The outer case (13) can be formed to have a shape of a box with an open front. The outer case (13) can form the upper and lower surfaces, left and right sides, and the rear of the refrigerator (1).

The outer body (13) may be configured to include a metal material. For example, the outer body (13) may be manufactured by processing a steel plate material.

The inner case (11, 12) may be open at the front. The inner case (11, 12) may have a storage room (21, 22) provided inside. The inner case (11, 12) may be provided on the inner side of the outer case (13). The inner wall of the inner case (11, 12) may form the inner wall of the storage room (21, 22).

The inner casing (11, 12) may be configured to include a plastic material. For example, the inner casing (11, 12) may be manufactured by a vacuum forming process. For example, the inner casing (11, 12) may be manufactured by an injection molding process.

The main body insulation (14) can be provided so that the outer case (13) and the inner case (11, 12) are insulated from each other. The main body insulation (14) can be foamed between the inner case (11, 12) and the outer case (13) to connect the inner case (11, 12) and the outer case (13) to each other. The main body insulation (14) can prevent heat exchange between the inside of the storage room (21, 22) and the outside of the main body (10), thereby improving the cooling efficiency inside the storage room (21, 22).

As the main body insulation material (14), urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, vacuum insulation panel, etc. can be used. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the main body insulation material (14) can be composed of various materials.

A storage room (21, 22) may be formed on the inside of the main body (10). For example, the storage room (21, 22) may include a refrigerator that is maintained at approximately 0 to 5 degrees Celsius and stores food in a cold state. For example, the storage room (21, 22) may include a freezer that is maintained at approximately -30 to 0 degrees Celsius and stores food in a frozen state.

The storage room (20) may be provided with shelves (18) for placing food, drawers (19) for storing food, etc.

The main body (10) may include a first inner case (11) and a second inner case (12). The first inner case (11) may form a first storage room (21). The second inner case (12) may form a second storage room (22). For example, the first storage room (21) may be configured as a freezer. For example, the second storage room (22) may be configured as a refrigerator.

In a side-by-side type refrigerator as illustrated in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the first inner case (11) and the second inner case (12) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (Y direction) of the refrigerator (1). Similarly, the first storage compartment (21) and the second storage compartment (22) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the refrigerator (1).

In FIG. 1, the inner box arranged on the left among the inner boxes (11, 12) is the first inner box (11), and a first storage room (21), which is a freezer, is provided inside the first inner box (11), and the inner box arranged on the right among the inner boxes (11, 12) is the second inner box (12), and a second storage room (22), which is a refrigerator, is provided inside the second inner box (12). However, the idea of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a freezer may be provided inside the inner box arranged on the right among the inner boxes (11, 12) of the refrigerator (1), and a refrigerator may be provided inside the inner box arranged on the left. However, for convenience of explanation, the following description will be based on the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.

The main body (10) may include a partition (15) that divides the first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22). For example, the partition (15) may extend in a vertical direction (Z direction) to divide the first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22) in a horizontal direction (Y direction).

A body insulation material (14) is foamed on the inside of the partition (15) to insulate the space between the first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22).

For example, the first inner case (11) and the second inner case (12) may be formed as separate structures. The first inner case (11) and the second inner case (12) may be connected by a partition (15) and may be joined to each other by a body insulation material (14). However, this is not limited thereto, and the first inner case (11) and the second inner case (12) may be formed integrally.

A refrigerator (1) may include a cooling system that is arranged to generate cold air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cold air to a storage room (21, 22). The cooling system may generate cold air using a cooling cycle that compresses, condenses, expands, and evaporates a refrigerant. For example, the cooling system may include a compressor (73), a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator (71), a blower fan (72), and the like.

A cooling room (50) and a machine room (60) for arranging a cooling system may be provided in the main body (10). For example, the cooling room (50) may be provided with components such as an evaporator (71) for generating cold air and a blower fan (72) for allowing the cold air generated by the evaporator (71) to flow. The machine room (60) may be provided with components such as a compressor (73) and a condenser.

The cooling room (50) may be placed at the rear of the storage room (21, 22). The machine room (60) may be placed at the rear of the storage room (21, 22).

In the cooling room (50), cold air is generated by the evaporator (71), so that a relatively low temperature state can be maintained. In contrast, in the machine room (60), heat is generated by the compressor (73) and the condenser, so that a relatively high temperature state can be maintained. Accordingly, the cooling room (50) and the machine room (60) can be formed in separate spaces, and can be insulated from each other. For example, a body insulation material (14) can be foamed between the cooling room (50) and the machine room (60).

The main body (10) may include a cold air supply duct (16). The cold air supply duct (16) may form a cold air path through which cold air generated by the cooling system flows to the storage room (21, 22).

The cold air supply duct (16) may be formed inside the inner case (11, 12). The cold air supply duct (16) may be formed at the rear of the inner case (11, 12). More specifically, the cold air supply duct (16) may be provided at the rear of the storage room (21, 22).

For example, the cooling room (50) may be provided at the rear of the first storage room (21). The cooling room (50) may be communicated with the first storage room (21) by a cold air supply duct (16). The cold air supply duct (16) may be provided at the rear of the first storage room (21), and the cooling room (50) may be formed between the cold air supply duct (16) and the inner wall (11c) forming the rear wall of the first inner box (11). The first inner box (11) and the second inner box (12) may be communicated by a connecting duct (not shown) that is connected to the rear portion of the first inner box (11) and the rear portion of the second inner box (12), respectively.

At this time, the cold air generated by one evaporator (71) can flow to the first storage room (21) or the second storage room (22), respectively. The cold air generated by one evaporator (71) can have a temperature within a certain range. Therefore, in order to maintain the temperatures of the first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22) at different levels, the cold air inflow amounts of the first storage room (21) and the cold air inflow amounts of the second storage room (22) can be provided differently from each other.

For example, a damper (not shown) may be provided in the cold air supply duct (16) to control the amount of cold air generated in the cooling room (50) and flowing into the second storage room (22) through the connecting duct. The damper may be provided to open and close the path of cold air flowing from the cooling room (50) to the second storage room (22) through the connecting duct. Temperature sensors (not shown) for measuring the temperatures of the first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22) may be provided in the first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22), respectively, and a control unit (not shown) of the refrigerator (1) may receive the output value of the temperature sensor and control the opening and closing of the damper.

However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various configurations may be provided to maintain the temperatures of the first storage room (21) and the second storage room (22) at different temperatures. For example, two or more evaporators may be provided in the cooling room (50). At least one evaporator may be provided to generate cold air supplied to the first storage room (21), and at least one other evaporator may be provided to generate cold air supplied to the second storage room (22). In correspondence with each evaporator, two or more blower fans may be provided in the cooling room (50). Here, the evaporator and blower fan for supplying cold air to the first storage room (21) and the evaporator and blower fan for supplying cold air to the second storage room (22) may be respectively arranged in spaces that are partitioned from each other within the cooling room (50).

The door (30) may be provided to open and close the storage compartment (21, 22). The door (30) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the main body (10). More specifically, the door (30) may be rotatably connected to the main body (10) by a hinge (40) connected to the door (30) and the main body (10), respectively. The hinge (40) may be connected to the door (30) and the outer case (13), respectively.

The refrigerator (1) may include a plurality of doors (30) for opening and closing the first storage compartment (21) and the second storage compartment (22), respectively.

The outer surface of the door (30) may form a part of the exterior of the refrigerator (1). When the door (30) is in a closed position, the outer surface of the door (30) may form the front surface of the door (30).

In the closed position of the door (30), the inner surface of the door (30) may form the rear surface of the door (30). In the closed position of the door (30), the inner surface of the door (30) may be arranged to face the interior of the main body (10). In the closed position of the door (30), the inner surface of the door (30) may be arranged to cover the front of the storage chamber (21, 22).

A foam space is formed between the outer surface of the door (30) and the inner surface of the door (30), so that the door insulation (31) can be foamed. The door insulation (31) can prevent heat exchange between the outer surface and the inner surface of the door (30). The door insulation (31) can improve the insulation performance between the inside of the storage room (21, 22) and the outside of the door (30).

As the door insulation (31), urethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation, vacuum insulation panel, etc. can be used. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the door insulation (31) can be composed of various materials.

For example, the door insulation (31) may be composed of insulation of the same material as the body insulation (14). Alternatively, for example, the door insulation (31) may be composed of insulation of a different material from the body insulation (14).

A door gasket (33) may be provided on the inner surface of the door (30) to seal the gap between the door (30) and the main body (10) and prevent cold air from leaking from the storage chambers (21, 22). The door gasket (33) may be provided along the perimeter of the inner surface of the door (30). The door gasket (33) may be arranged so as to be parallel to the opening of the first storage chamber (21) and the opening of the second storage chamber (22) when the door (30) is closed. The door gasket (33) may be configured to include an elastic material such as rubber.

A door basket (32) for storing food may be provided on the back of the door (30).

The refrigerator (1) may include an ice maker (1000) that creates ice using cold air from the first storage room (21). The ice maker (1000) may include an ice maker unit (1300, 1400) that creates ice (see FIG. 5, etc.) and a support case (1200, see FIG. 3, etc.) that supports the ice maker unit (1300, 1400).

The ice maker (1000) may be installed in the first storage room (21) configured as a freezer. The ice maker (1000) may be mounted on the first inner case (11). The ice maker (1000) may be supported by the first inner wall (11a) and the second inner wall (11b) described below.

The refrigerator (1) may further include a water supply pipe (80) that is arranged to receive water from an external water source (not shown). The water supply pipe (80) may be arranged to supply water supplied from the external water source to the ice maker (1000). The ice maker (1000) may create ice using the water supplied through the water supply pipe (80).

The water supply pipe (80) can be formed to have a shape of a roughly hollow pipe, and a water supply path through which water flows can be formed in the hollow portion of the water supply pipe (80).

The number of water supply pipes (80) may correspond to the number of ice making units (1300, 1400). For example, the ice making units (1300, 1400) may include a first ice making unit (1300) and a second ice making unit (1400) (see FIG. 5, etc.), and the water supply pipes (80) may be provided in multiple numbers to supply water to each of the first ice making unit (1300) and the second ice making unit (1400).

The water supply pipe (80) may be arranged to penetrate the main body (10). The water supply pipe (80) may be arranged to penetrate the outer case (13) and the first inner case (11). More specifically, the water supply pipe (80) may penetrate the rear surface of the outer case (13) and the first inner case (11). The rear surface of the inner case (11) as referred to here may mean the inner case rear wall (11c) of the first inner case (11). In addition, the water supply pipe (80) may penetrate the cold air supply duct (16).

The refrigerator (1) may include an ice bucket (100) provided to receive ice generated by an ice maker (1000). The ice bucket (100) may be provided in the first storage room (21). The ice bucket (100) may be mounted on the first inner case (11).

An ice bucket (100) may be placed below an ice maker (1000). The ice bucket (100) may be arranged to receive ice discharged from an ice maker unit (1300, 1400) and moved downward.

The specific features of the ice maker (1000) and ice bucket (100) will be described later.

The configuration of the refrigerator (1) described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 is merely an example for explaining the refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure may be provided to include various configurations for performing the function of supplying cold air to a storage room for storing food.

In the above, for the convenience of explanation, a side-by-side type refrigerator (1) in which the refrigerator and freezer are arranged on the left and right has been described as an example of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure may include various types of refrigerators, such as a French door type, a BMF (Bottom Mounted Freezer) type, a TMF (Top Mounted Freezer) type, or a 1-door type.

In addition, although the above description is made on the premise that it is a direct-cooling refrigerator (1) as an example of the present disclosure, the idea of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a direct-cooling refrigerator.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a drawing showing an exploded view of some components of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an ice maker (1000) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided in a first storage compartment (21). The ice maker (1000) may be mounted on a first inner case (11). The ice maker (1000) may be supported by an inner wall of the first inner case (11).

The inner wall of the first inner box (11) may include a first inner wall (11a), a second inner wall (11b) facing the first inner wall (11a), an inner box rear wall (11c) provided between the first inner wall (11a) and the second inner wall (11b), an upper wall, and a lower wall. For example, the first inner wall (11a) may refer to an inner wall of the inner box (11) provided on the left side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator (1). The second inner wall (11b) may refer to an inner wall of the inner box (11) provided on the right side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator (1) and facing the first inner wall (11a). The inner box rear wall (11c) may be covered on the front by a cold air supply duct (16).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first inner wall (11a) can be placed adjacent to the left outer surface of the outer wall (13), and the second inner wall (11b) can be placed adjacent to the partition (15).

However, the terms "first inner wall" and "second inner wall" of the present disclosure are merely terms for defining inner walls that are arranged opposite each other among the inner walls of the first inner box (11), and the definition of the inner wall of the inner box is not limited by expressions such as "first", "second", etc. For example, the inner wall (11b) of the inner box (11) provided on the right side when looking from the front of the refrigerator (1) may be referred to as the first inner wall, and the inner wall (11a) of the inner box (11) provided on the left side when looking from the front of the refrigerator (1) may be referred to as the second inner wall.

Hereinafter, the first inner wall (11a) is defined as the left inner wall in the Y direction of the first inner box (11) based on the drawing. In addition, the second inner wall (11b) is defined as the right inner wall in the Y direction of the first inner box (11) based on the drawing.

The ice maker (1000) can be supported on the first inner wall (11a) and the second inner wall (11b) of the first inner case (11). The ice maker (1000) can be placed between the first inner wall (11a) and the second inner wall (11b).

The ice making device (1000) may include a support case (1200) that supports an ice tray (1310, 1410) to be described later. The support case (1200) may support an ice making unit (1300, 1400) (see FIG. 5).

The support case (1200) can be placed in the first storage room (21). The support case (1200) can be mounted on the first inner case (11). The support case (1200) can be supported by the inner wall (11a, 11b) of the first inner case (11).

The first inner case (11) may include a support member (11s1, 11s2) provided to support the support case (1200). The support member (11s1, 11s2) may be formed to protrude to support the support case (1200).

In detail, the first inner wall (11a) may include a first support portion (11s1) formed to protrude to support the support case (1200). The first support portion (11s1) may protrude in the inner direction of the first storage chamber (21). Based on the drawing, the first support portion (11s1) may have a shape that protrudes to the right.

The second inner wall (11b) may include a second support portion (11s2, see FIG. 11, etc.) that is formed to protrude to support the support case (1200). The second support portion (11s2) may protrude in the inner direction of the first storage chamber (21). Based on the drawing, the second support portion (11s2) may have a shape that protrudes to the left.

The first support part (11s1) and the second support part (11s2) may be arranged to face each other. The first support part (11s1) and the second support part (11s2) may be provided at heights corresponding to each other in the Z direction. The first support part (11s1) and the second support part (11s2) may be formed to have shapes corresponding to each other.

The support case (1200) may include an inner mounting portion (1218) that is provided to be supported by the support portions (11s1, 11s2). The inner mounting portion (1218) may be mounted on the support portions (11s1, 11s2). The support portions (11s1, 11s2) may support the lower side of the inner mounting portion (1218).

For example, the support members (11s1, 11s2) may be provided to support the upper portion of the support case (1200). The inner mounting member (1218) may be provided on the upper portion of the support case (1200). Specifically, the inner mounting member (1218) may be provided on the upper portion of the case body (1210) of the support case (1200), which will be described later. In this case, the support case (1200) may be supported more stably compared to a case in which the lower portion of the support case (1200) is supported by the support members (11s1, 11s2).

The support members (11s1, 11s2) can extend in a direction approximately parallel to the front-back direction (X direction) of the first inner case (11). Accordingly, the support case (1200) can be stably supported in the upper-lower direction (Z direction) of the first inner case (11) by the support members (11s1, 11s2).

For example, the support case (1200) can be mounted on the first inner case (11) by sliding from the front to the rear of the first inner case (11) along the support portions (11s1, 11s2) that extend approximately parallel to the front-back direction of the first inner case (11). In other words, in the step of assembling the support case (1200) to the first inner case (11), the support case (1200) can be introduced in a sliding manner from the front to the rear of the first inner case (11).

When the support case (1200) is mounted on the first inner case (11), the mounting position on the first inner case (11) and the mounting direction to the first inner case (11) can be guided by the support members (11s1, 11s2).

However, this is not limited thereto, and the manner in which the support case (1200) is mounted on the first inner case (11) may be variously provided. For example, the support case (1200) may be mounted while moving up and down with respect to the first inner case (11), and even in this case, the support parts (11s1, 11s2) may still extend approximately parallel to the front-rear direction of the first inner case (11).

The shapes of the first support member (11s1) and the second support member (11s2) described above are merely examples of the support member of the inner case configured to support the ice maker of the refrigerator according to the idea of the present disclosure, and the idea of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, in the refrigerator according to one embodiment, the support member of the inner case for supporting the support case of the ice maker may be formed to have a shape that is concavely sunken toward the outside of the refrigerator from the inner wall of the inner case. In this case, the support case may be provided with a portion that protrudes toward the inner wall of the inner case, and the support case may be supported by the inner case as the protruding portion of the support case is inserted into the support member having a concave shape.

Below, an example is described in which the support members (11s1, 11s2) are formed to protrude to support the support case (1200) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The support case (1200) can form at least a part of the exterior of the ice maker (1000). Specifically, the front part (1260) of the support case (1200) can form the front exterior of the ice maker (1000). For example, the front part (1260) of the support case (1200) can be formed so that the width in the Y direction corresponds to the distance between the first inner wall (11a) and the second inner wall (11b).

A detailed description of the structure of the support case (1200) is described later.

The ice maker (1000) may include a case cover (1100) that covers one side of the support case (1200). For example, the case cover (1100) may be coupled to the upper portion of the support case (1200) and may cover the upper portion of the support case (1200).

For example, the case cover (1100) may be detachably mounted to the support case (1200). Alternatively, for example, the case cover (1100) may be formed integrally with the support case (1200).

The case cover (1100) can form at least a portion of the exterior of the ice maker (1000). The case cover (1100) can form the upper surface of the ice maker (1000).

The case cover (1100) can cover at least a portion of the water supply pipe (80). More specifically, the case cover (1100) can cover at least a portion located inside the first storage chamber (21) of the water supply pipe (80).

An ice bucket (100) may be provided in the first storage room (21). The ice bucket (100) may be mounted on the first inner case (11). Specifically, the ice bucket (100) may be supported by the first inner wall (11a) and the second inner wall (11b) of the first inner case (11).

An ice bucket (100) may be placed below an ice maker (1000). The ice bucket (100) may be arranged to receive ice discharged from an ice maker unit (1300, 1400) and moved downward.

For example, the ice bucket (100) may include a first receiving portion (110) for receiving ice generated by a first ice making unit (1300, see FIG. 5) and a second receiving portion (120) for receiving ice generated by a second ice making unit (1400, see FIG. 5). The first receiving portion (110) may be positioned below the first ice making unit (1300). The second receiving portion (120) may be positioned below the second ice making unit (1400).

A bucket shelf (17) supporting an ice bucket (100) may be provided in the first storage room (21). The ice bucket (100) may be placed on the bucket shelf (17). The bucket shelf (17) may be supported by the first inner wall (11a) and the second inner wall (11b).

In detail, the bucket shelf (17) can be supported by a bucket support member (11s3). The bucket support member (11s3) can be formed on each of the first inner wall (11a) and the second inner wall (11b).

The bucket support (11s3) can extend along the front-rear direction of the first inner casing (11).

For example, the ice bucket (100) may be provided so as to be inserted or removed from the first storage room (21). That is, the ice bucket (100) may be mounted so as to be slidably moved relative to the first inner case (11). For example, the bucket shelf (17) may be provided so as to be slidably moved along the bucket support member (11s3). The bucket shelf (17) may be inserted or removed relative to the first storage room (21) along the bucket support member (11s3), and the ice bucket (100) secured on the bucket shelf (17) may be inserted or removed relative to the first storage room (21) together with the bucket shelf (17).

However, the ice bucket (100) described above is only an example of a configuration for storing ice generated by an ice making unit in a refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an exploded view of an ice maker of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a support case of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, an ice making device (1000) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an ice making unit (1300, 1400). The ice making unit (1300, 1400) may be supported by a supporting case (1200).

The ice making unit (1300, 1400) provided in the ice making device (1000) can be provided to produce ice of various shapes.

For example, the ice maker (1000) may include a first ice maker unit (1300) that produces a first type of ice. For example, the ice maker (1000) may include a second ice maker unit (1400) that produces a second type of ice.

The first type of ice produced by the first ice making unit (1300) and the second type of ice produced by the second ice making unit (1400) may be types of ice that are different from each other in terms of shape, size, etc.

For example, the first type of ice may be ice having a roughly cube shape. For example, the second type of ice may be formed to have a roughly cube shape or a shape similar to the first type of ice, but having a different size from the first type of ice. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first type of ice produced by the first ice making unit (1300) may be smaller in size than the second type of ice produced by the second ice making unit (1400).

However, this is not limited thereto, and for example, the first type or second type of ice may be ice having a roughly spherical shape. Alternatively, unlike as described above, the ice maker (1000) may be configured to produce only one type of ice.

Below, an example of the configuration of the first ice making unit (1300) is described in detail.

The first ice making unit (1300) may include a first ice tray (1310) in which ice is produced. The first ice tray (1310) may be supplied with water from a water supply pipe (80).

The first ice tray (1310) may include at least one first ice-making cell (1311) that stores water supplied from a water supply pipe (80). The water stored in the first ice-making cell (1311) may be changed into ice by the cold air of the first storage room (21). When the first ice-making cells (1311) are provided in multiple numbers as shown in FIG. 5, the multiple first ice-making cells (1311) may be partitioned by a partition wall.

The first ice tray (1310) and the first ice-making cell (1311) may have an open shape on one side. When water is supplied to the first ice tray (1310) or when water is frozen, the open side of the first ice tray (1310) and the first ice-making cell (1311) may face approximately upward of the refrigerator (1). When ice generated in the first ice tray (1310) is moved to the ice bucket (100), the open side of the first ice tray (1310) and the first ice-making cell (1311) may face approximately downward of the refrigerator (1).

The first ice tray (1310) may include a first rotation axis (1313). The first rotation axis (1313) may be formed to protrude outwardly (e.g., rearwardly) from one side (e.g., rearward) of the first ice tray (1310).

The first ice making unit (1300) may include a first driving unit (1320) for providing power to the first ice tray (1310) in an ice-moving operation to move ice generated in the first ice tray (1310) to the first receiving portion (110) of the ice bucket (100). For example, the first driving unit (1320) may be provided such that the first ice tray (1310) rotates around a first rotation axis (1313) extending in a horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) of the refrigerator (1) so that ice in the first ice tray (1310) moves to the first receiving portion (110).

The first driving unit (1320) may be coupled to the first ice tray (1310). The first driving unit (1320) may be coupled to one side of the first ice tray (1310) in the extension direction of the first rotation axis (1313). The first ice tray (1310) may include a first driving unit coupling unit (1312) to which the first driving unit (1320) is coupled. The first driving unit coupling unit (1312) may be provided on one side of the first ice tray (1310) facing the first driving unit (1320).

The first driving unit (1320) may include a motor (not shown), a power transmission member, etc. The motor of the first driving unit (1320) may generate power, and the power transmission member may receive power from the motor and transmit the power to the first ice tray (1310). The power transmission member of the first driving unit (1320) may be connected to the first driving unit coupling member (1312). The power transmission member of the first driving unit (1320) may include, for example, at least one gear.

The first ice tray (1310) can be coupled to an axial coupling hole (1241) provided in a case rear wall (1240) of a support case (1200). A first rotational axis (1313) of the first ice tray (1310) can be coupled to the axial coupling hole (1241). The first rotational axis (1313) can be arranged to penetrate the axial coupling hole (1241). The axial coupling hole (1241) can be arranged at a position opposite to the first driving unit coupling unit (1312) with respect to the first ice tray (1310). The axial coupling hole (1241) can rotatably support the first ice tray (1310).

With the above configuration, the first ice tray (1310) can receive power from the first driving unit (1320) and rotate around a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction of the refrigerator (1). In an ice-moving operation of moving ice from the first ice-making unit (1300) to the ice bucket (100), the ice produced in the first ice tray (1310) can be discharged from the first ice-making cell (1311) as the first ice tray (1310) rotates and can be moved to the first receiving portion (110) of the ice bucket (100).

The first ice making unit (1300) may include a first full ice detection lever (1330). The first full ice detection lever (1330) may be provided to detect whether the first receiving portion (110) of the ice bucket (100) disposed at the bottom of the ice making device (1000) is full of ice.

The first full ice detection lever (1330) may be coupled to the first driving unit (1320). Specifically, the first full ice detection lever (1330) may be coupled to a side of the first driving unit (1320). The first full ice detection lever (1330) may include a first lever mounting portion (1331) coupled to a case of the first driving unit (1320).

The first full ice detection lever (1330) may be rotatably coupled to the first driving unit (1320). The first full ice detection lever (1330) may be provided to be rotatable about the first lever mounting unit (1331) as an axis. The rotation axis of the first full ice detection lever (1330) may extend in a horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

When the first receiving portion (110) is judged to be full of ice by the first full ice detection lever (1330), the control unit (not shown) can control the ice maker (1000) to no longer supply water. This can prevent excessive ice from being collected in the ice bucket (100).

The first ice making unit (1300) may include a first sensor (1341). The first sensor (1341) may be mounted on the lower portion of the first ice tray (1310). The first sensor (1341) may be a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the first ice tray (1310).

If it is determined that the temperature of the first ice tray (1310) is lower than or equal to a reference temperature based on the electrical signal output by the first sensor (1341), the control unit (not shown) may determine that ice formation in the first ice tray (1310) is completed. Based on the completion of ice formation in the first ice tray (1310), the control unit (not shown) may control the driving of the first driving unit (1320) so that the first ice tray (1310) rotates. Through this, ice formed in the first ice tray (1310) may be collected in the first receiving portion (110) of the ice bucket (100) disposed below the first ice tray (1310).

The first ice making unit (1300) may include a first insulation material (1342). The first insulation material (1342) may accommodate a first sensor (1341).

The first ice making unit (1300) may include a first sensor case (1343). The first sensor case (1343) may accommodate a first insulation material (1342). The first sensor (1341) may be connected to a wire through the first sensor case (1343) and may be supplied with power or transmit an electrical signal to a control unit (not shown).

The second ice making unit (1400) may have a similar structure to the first ice making unit (1300).

Below, an example of the configuration of the second ice making unit (1400) is described in detail.

The second ice making unit (1400) may include a second ice tray (1410) in which ice is produced. The second ice tray (1410) may be supplied with water from a water supply pipe (80).

The second ice tray (1410) may include at least one second ice-making cell (1411) that stores water supplied from a water supply pipe (80). The water stored in the second ice-making cell (1411) may be changed into ice by the cold air of the first storage room (21). When a plurality of second ice-making cells (1411) are provided as shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of second ice-making cells (1411) may be partitioned by a partition wall.

The second ice tray (1410) and the second ice-making cell (1411) may have an open shape on one side. When water is supplied to the second ice tray (1410) or when water is frozen, the open side of the second ice tray (1410) and the second ice-making cell (1411) may face approximately upward of the refrigerator (1). When ice generated in the second ice tray (1410) is moved to the ice bucket (100), the open side of the second ice tray (1410) and the second ice-making cell (1411) may face approximately downward of the refrigerator (1).

The second ice tray (1410) may include a second rotation axis (1413). The second rotation axis (1413) may be formed to protrude from one side (e.g., the rear side) of the second ice tray (1410) toward the outside (e.g., the rear) of the second ice tray (1410).

The second ice making unit (1400) may include a second driving unit (1420) for providing power to the second ice tray (1410) in an ice-moving operation to move ice generated in the second ice tray (1410) to the second receiving portion (120) of the ice bucket (100). For example, the second driving unit (1420) may be provided such that the second ice tray (1410) rotates around a second rotation axis (1413) extending in a horizontal direction (e.g., X direction) of the refrigerator (1) so that ice in the second ice tray (1410) moves to the second receiving portion (120).

The second driving unit (1420) may be coupled to the second ice tray (1410). The second driving unit (1420) may be coupled to one side of the second ice tray (1410) in the extension direction of the second rotation shaft (1413). The second ice tray (1410) may include a second driving unit coupling unit (1412) to which the second driving unit (1420) is coupled. The second driving unit coupling unit (1412) may be provided on one side of the second ice tray (1410) facing the second driving unit (1420).

The second driving unit (1420) may include a motor (not shown), a power transmission member, etc. The motor of the second driving unit (1420) may generate power, and the power transmission member may receive power from the motor and transmit the power to the second ice tray (1410). The power transmission member of the second driving unit (1420) may be connected to the second driving unit coupling member (1412). The power transmission member of the second driving unit (1420) may include, for example, at least one gear.

The second ice tray (1410) can be coupled to an axial coupling hole (1241) provided in a case rear wall (1240) of a support case (1200). A second rotational axis (1413) of the second ice tray (1410) can be coupled to the axial coupling hole (1241). The second rotational axis (1413) can be arranged to penetrate the axial coupling hole (1241). The axial coupling hole (1241) can be arranged at a position opposite to the second driving unit coupling unit (1412) with respect to the second ice tray (1410). The axial coupling hole (1241) can rotatably support the second ice tray (1410).

With the above configuration, the second ice tray (1410) can receive power from the second driving unit (1420) and rotate around a rotation axis extending in the horizontal direction of the refrigerator (1). In an ice-moving operation of moving ice from the second ice-making unit (1400) to the ice bucket (100), the ice produced in the second ice tray (1410) can be discharged from the second ice-making cell (1411) as the second ice tray (1410) rotates and can be moved to the second receiving portion (120) of the ice bucket (100).

The second ice making unit (1400) may include a second full ice detection lever (1430). The second full ice detection lever (1430) may be provided to detect whether the second receiving portion (120) of the ice bucket (100) disposed at the bottom of the ice making device (1000) is full of ice.

The second full ice detection lever (1430) may be coupled to the second driving unit (1420). Specifically, the second full ice detection lever (1430) may be coupled to the side of the second driving unit (1420). The second full ice detection lever (1430) may include a second lever mounting portion (1431) coupled to the case of the second driving unit (1420).

The second full ice detection lever (1430) may be rotatably coupled to the second driving unit (1420). The second full ice detection lever (1430) may be provided to be rotatable about the second lever mounting unit (1431) as an axis. The rotation axis of the second full ice detection lever (1430) may extend in a horizontal direction (e.g., Y direction).

When the second receiving portion (120) is judged to be full of ice by the second full ice detection lever (1430), the control unit (not shown) can control the ice maker (1000) to no longer supply water. This can prevent excessive ice from being collected in the ice bucket (100).

The second ice making unit (1400) may include a second sensor (1441). The second sensor (1441) may be mounted on the lower portion of the second ice tray (1410). The second sensor (1441) may be a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the second ice tray (1410).

If it is determined that the temperature of the second ice tray (1410) is lower than or equal to a reference temperature based on the electrical signal output by the second sensor (1441), the control unit (not shown) may determine that ice formation in the second ice tray (1410) is completed. Based on the completion of ice formation in the second ice tray (1410), the control unit (not shown) may control the driving of the second driving unit (1420) to rotate the second ice tray (1410). Through this, ice formed in the second ice tray (1410) may be collected in the second receiving portion (120) of the ice bucket (100) disposed below the second ice tray (1410).

The second ice making unit (1400) may include a second insulation material (1442). The second insulation material (1442) may accommodate a second sensor (1441).

The second ice making unit (1400) may include a second sensor case (1443). The second sensor case (1443) may accommodate a second insulation material (1442). The second sensor (1441) may be connected to a wire through the second sensor case (1443) and may be supplied with power or transmit an electrical signal to a control unit (not shown).

However, the configuration of the ice making unit (1300, 1400) described above is only an example of an ice making unit that generates ice in a refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

The first ice making unit (1300) and the second ice making unit (1400) may be placed in the inner space of the supporting case (1200). The first ice making unit (1300) and the second ice making unit (1400) may be positioned lower than the upper surface of the supporting case (1200). The first ice making unit (1300) and the second ice making unit (1400) may be placed in the space formed between the case walls (1220L, 1220R, 1230L, 1230R) to the case rear wall (1240) described below.

The first ice making unit (1300) and the second ice making unit (1400) may be arranged parallel to each other. For example, the first ice making unit (1300) and the second ice making unit (1400) may be arranged parallel to each other in the left-right direction (Y direction) of the refrigerator (1).

The support case (1200) may be formed to have a shape roughly similar to a box. The support case (1200) may be formed to have a shape of a box with at least one side open. For example, the support case (1200) may have a shape in which the direction toward the ice bucket (100), i.e., the downward direction, is open. For example, the support case (1200) may have a shape in which the rear side is open. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the support case (1200) may be formed to have various shapes.

Below, the structure of the support case (1200) will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

The support case (1200) may include a case body (1210). The case body (1210) may be supported by the first inner case (11).

The case body (1210) can be supported by the first support member (11s1) and the second support member (11s2). For example, the case body (1210) can be supported by the first support member (11s1) and the second support member (11s2) by the inner mounting member (1218).

The case body (1210) can maintain a substantially fixed position with respect to the first inner case (11) when supported by the first support member (11s1) and the second support member (11s2).

The aforementioned case cover (1100) can be coupled to the upper part of the case body (1210).

The case body (1210) may be provided to support ice-making units (1300, 1400). The case body (1210) may include an ice-making unit mounting portion (1213) provided to mount the first ice-making unit (1300) and the second ice-making unit (1400), respectively. The ice-making unit mounting portion (1213) may be formed on the inside of the case body (1210).

For example, the ice making unit mounting portion (1213) may be provided on the upper portion of the case body (1210). The ice making unit mounting portion (1213) may be provided to support the upper portions of each of the first ice making unit (1300) and the second ice making unit (1400). However, the position of the ice making unit mounting portion (1213) is not limited thereto.

The case body (1210) may include a tray partition (1215) arranged between the first ice making unit (1300) and the second ice making unit (1400). The tray partition (1215) may be provided to divide the accommodation space of the first ice tray (1310) and the second ice tray (1410). The tray partition (1215) may be arranged in the inner space of the support case (1200).

For example, the tray partition (1215) may extend downward from the upper surface of the case body (1210).

As illustrated in FIG. 6, a plurality of slits may be formed in the tray partition (1215) to improve the flow of cold air inside the support case (1200).

The support case (1200) may include a water supply opening (1217) formed to allow water to flow into the ice tray (1310, 1410) through the water supply pipe (80).

The water supply opening (1217) may be provided at the upper portion of the case body (1210). The water supply opening (1217) may be formed on the upper surface of the case body (1210). The water supply opening (1217) may be formed to penetrate in the upper and lower direction (Z direction) from the upper surface of the case body (1210).

The water inlet opening (1217) may be covered by a case cover (1100).

The water supply opening (1217) may be located above the ice tray (1310, 1410).

The number of water supply openings (1217) may correspond to the number of ice trays (1310, 1410). For example, the water supply openings (1217) may be provided in a pair, and may be positioned one above each of the first ice tray (1310) and the second ice tray (1410).

The number of water supply openings (1217) can be provided corresponding to the number of water supply pipes (80).

However, this is not limited thereto, and for example, multiple water supply pipes (80) may supply water to the ice trays (1310, 1410) through a single water supply opening (1217).

The supporting case (1200) may include case walls (1220L, 1220R, 1230L, 1230R). The case walls (1220L, 1220R, 1230L, 1230R) may extend approximately in the up-down direction (Z direction) of the refrigerator (1). The case walls (1220L, 1220R, 1230L, 1230R) may form at least a portion of the left outer wall and the right outer wall of the supporting case (1200).

At least a portion of the case wall (1220L, 1220R, 1230L, 1230R) may be arranged to face the first inner wall (11a) or the second inner wall (11b) of the first inner case (11).

The left case wall (1220L, 1230L) of the support case (1200) can be positioned to face the first inner wall (11a). The left case wall (1220L, 1230L) of the support case (1200) can be formed approximately parallel to the first inner wall (11a).

The right case wall (1220R, 1230R) of the support case (1200) can be arranged to face the second inner wall (11b). The right case wall (1220R, 1230R) of the support case (1200) can be arranged to be approximately parallel to the second inner wall (11b).

The case walls (1220L, 1220R, 1230L, 1230R) can be connected to the case body (1210). Specifically, the case walls (1220L, 1220R, 1230L, 1230R) can be positioned lower than the upper surface of the case body (1210). The case walls (1220L, 1220R, 1230L, 1230R) can be positioned lower than the inner mounting portion (1218) of the case body (1210).

The case walls (1220L, 1220R, 1230L, 1230R) can be positioned lower than the support members (11s1, 11s2) of the first inner case (11).

The support case (1200) may include an elastic wall (1220L, 1220R). The elastic wall (1220L, 1220R) may be provided to be elastically deformable when an external force is applied.

The elastic wall (1220L, 1220R) may be connected to the case body (1210). The elastic wall (1220L, 1220R) may be provided so that its relative position with respect to the case body (1210) can be moved as it is elastically deformed. The elastic wall (1220L, 1220R) may be a component of the case wall of the support case (1200).

The elastic wall of the support case (1200) may include a first elastic wall (1220L) arranged to face the first inner wall (11a). The first elastic wall (1220L) may be a component of the left case wall of the support case (1200). At least a portion of the first elastic wall (1220L) may be in contact with the first inner wall (11a). At least a portion of the first elastic wall (1220L) may be fastened to the first inner wall (11a).

The elastic wall of the support case (1200) may include a second elastic wall (1220R) arranged to face the second inner wall (11b). The second elastic wall (1220R) may be a component of the right case wall of the support case (1200). At least a portion of the second elastic wall (1220R) may be in contact with the second inner wall (11b). At least a portion of the second elastic wall (1220R) may be fastened to the second inner wall (11b).

The first elastic wall (1220L) and the second elastic wall (1220R) can be arranged to face each other.

The support case (1200) may include fixed walls (1230L, 1230R).

The fixed wall (1230L, 1230R) can be connected to the case body (1210). The fixed wall (1230L, 1230R) can maintain a fixed position with respect to the case body (1210), and more specifically, even when the elastic wall (1220L, 1220R) is elastically deformed, the fixed wall (1230L, 1230R) can maintain a fixed position regardless. The fixed wall (1230L, 1230R) can be a component of the case wall of the support case (1200).

The fixed wall of the support case (1200) may include a first fixed wall (1230L) arranged to face the first inner wall (11a). The first fixed wall (1230L) may be a component of the left case wall of the support case (1200). The first fixed wall (1230L) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first inner wall (11a). As the first fixed wall (1230L) is spaced apart from the first inner wall (11a), the flow of cold air in the first storage room (21) may be improved, and when the first fixed wall (1230L) comes into contact with the first inner wall (11a), frost may be prevented from occurring on the contact surface.

The first fixed wall (1230L) can be arranged parallel to the first elastic wall (1220L). Specifically, the first fixed wall (1230L) can be arranged parallel to the first elastic wall (1220L) in the front-back direction (X direction).

The fixed wall of the support case (1200) may include a second fixed wall (1230R) arranged to face the second inner wall (11b). The second fixed wall (1230R) may be a component of the right case wall of the support case (1200). The second fixed wall (1230R) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second inner wall (11b). As the second fixed wall (1230R) is spaced apart from the second inner wall (11b), the flow of cold air in the first storage room (21) may be improved, and when the second fixed wall (1230R) comes into contact with the second inner wall (11b), frost may be prevented from occurring on the contact surface.

The second fixed wall (1230R) can be arranged parallel to the second elastic wall (1220R). Specifically, the second fixed wall (1230R) can be arranged parallel to the second elastic wall (1220R) in the front-back direction (X direction).

The first fixed wall (1230L) and the second fixed wall (1230R) can be arranged to face each other.

The support case (1200) may include a case rear wall (1240). The case rear wall (1240) may extend approximately in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the refrigerator (1). The case rear wall (1240) may form at least a portion of the rear outer wall of the support case (1200). The case rear wall (1240) may be provided at the rear portion of the support case (1200).

The case rear wall (1240) can be positioned to face the inner rear wall (11c) of the first inner case (11).

The case rear wall (1240) may be positioned to face the cold air supply duct (16). The case rear wall (1240) may be provided at a position facing the front part (1260) of the support case (1200).

The case rear wall (1240) may be connected to the case body (1210). Specifically, the case rear wall (1240) may be positioned lower than the upper surface of the case body (1210). The case rear wall (1240) may be positioned lower than the inner mounting portion (1218) of the case body (1210).

The case rear wall (1240) can maintain a fixed position with respect to the case body (1210).

For example, the first fixed wall (1230L) may be connected to the case rear wall (1240). Also, for example, the second fixed wall (1230R) may be connected to the case rear wall (1240). That is, the case rear wall (1240) may connect the first fixed wall (1230L) and the second fixed wall (1230R).

In other words, the case rear wall (1240) can connect at least a part of the first fixed wall (1230L) and at least a part of the second fixed wall (1230R). Here, at least a part of the first fixed wall (1230L) may mean at least a part disposed at the rear of the first elastic wall (1220L) and at least a part disposed at the rear of the first elastic deformation part (1222L) described later. In addition, at least a part of the second fixed wall (1230R) may mean at least a part disposed at the rear of the second elastic wall (1220R) and at least a part disposed at the rear of the second elastic deformation part (1222R) described later.

The first fixed wall (1230L), the second fixed wall (1230R) and the case rear wall (1240) can be formed integrally.

When the ice-making operation of the first ice-making unit (1300) or the second ice-making unit (1400) is performed, the first ice tray (1310) or the second ice tray (1410) can rotate around the rotational axis (1313, 1413) coupled to the shaft coupling hole (1241). At this time, the support case (1200) can receive torsional stress according to the rotational operation of the ice tray (1310, 1410), and the torsional stress can be particularly focused on the case rear wall (1240).

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the first fixed wall (1230L) and the second fixed wall (1230R) are each connected to the case rear wall (1240), the degree to which the support case (1200) resists torsional stress can increase and the rigidity of the support case (1200) can be reinforced.

The case body (1210), case walls (1220L, 1220R, 1230L, 1230R), and case rear wall (1240) may be formed integrally. Furthermore, the support case (1200) may be formed integrally as a whole. For example, the support case (1200) may be formed integrally by including a plastic material.

However, it is not limited thereto, and the support case (1200) may be formed as a separate part from some of the components of the support case (1200) described above.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of a supporting case of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of a supporting case of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a supporting case (1200) of a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a fastening portion (1221L, 1221R) and an elastic deformation portion (1222L, 1222R). The fastening portion (1221L, 1221R) and the elastic deformation portion (1222L, 1222R) may each be configured to be included in an elastic wall of the supporting case (1200).

In detail, the support case (1200) may include a first fastening portion (1221L) that is arranged to be fastened to the first inner wall (11a). For example, the first fastening portion (1221L) may be fastened to the first inner wall (11a) by a first fastening member (F1) (see FIGS. 9 and 10).

In FIGS. 9 and 10, it is assumed that the first fastening portion (1221L) is fastened to the first inner wall (11a) by a screw, but the idea of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first fastening portion (1221L) may be fastened to the first inner wall (11a) by various fastening methods.

The first fastening portion (1221L) can be in contact with the first inner wall (11a) and can be fixed to the first inner wall (11a). Therefore, the first fastening portion (1221L) can receive a force pushing in the Y direction (to the right in the drawing) by the first inner wall (11a) depending on the state of the first inner wall (11a). Alternatively, the first fastening portion (1221L) can receive a force pulling in the Y direction (to the left in the drawing) by the first inner wall (11a) depending on the state of the first inner wall (11a).

The support case (1200) may include a first elastic deformation portion (1222L) that is configured to be elastically deformable when an external force is applied. The first elastic deformation portion (1222L) may be connected to a first fastening portion (1221L).

The first elastic deformation part (1222L) can movably support the first fastening part (1221L). Specifically, the first elastic deformation part (1222L) can be elastically deformed when the first fastening part (1221L) is pressed by the first inner wall (11a), and the first fastening part (1221L) connected to the first elastic deformation part (1222L) can move as the first elastic deformation part (1222L) is elastically deformed. The first fastening part (1221L) can be provided to be movable with respect to the case body (1210).

More specifically, the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) can connect the case body (1210) and the first fastening portion (1221L).

The first elastic deformation part (1222L) may include a first fixed end (1222Le1) provided at one end of the first elastic deformation part (1222L) connected to the case body (1210). The first fixed end (1222Le1) may maintain a fixed position with respect to the case body (1210).

The first elastic deformation portion (1222L) may include a first free end (1222Le2) provided at an opposite end to the first fixed end (1222Le1). The first free end (1222Le2) may be provided to be movable as the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) is elastically deformed. That is, when the first fastening portion (1221L) is pressed by the first inner wall (11a), the first free end (1222Le2) may move in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the first fastening portion (1221L) receives force, and the first fixed end (1222Le1) may maintain a fixed position.

For example, the first fastening portion (1221L) may be positioned adjacent to the first free end (1222Le2). In this case, when the first fastening portion (1221L) is pressurized, the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) may be elastically deformed more efficiently.

The first elastic deformation portion (1222L) may be arranged to face the first inner wall (11a). The first elastic deformation portion (1222L) may extend approximately in the vertical direction (Z direction). The first elastic deformation portion (1222L) may extend approximately downward from the first fixed end (1222Le1) to the first free end (1222Le2).

The first elastic deformation part (1222L) may be arranged parallel to the first fixed wall (1230L) in the X direction. For example, the first elastic deformation part (1222L) may be provided at the front part of the support case (1200), in which case the first elastic deformation part (1222L) may be arranged forward of at least a part of the first fixed wall (1230L). Or, as an example, the first elastic deformation part (1222L) may be arranged forward of the entire first fixed wall (1230L). The first elastic deformation part (1222L) may be located between at least a part of the first fixed wall (1230L) and the front part (1260).

The first fixed end (1222Le1) can be connected to one end connected to the case body (1210) of the first fixed wall (1230L).

The first free end (1222Le2) can be disconnected from the other end opposite the case body (1210) of the first fixed wall (1230L). That is, the first free end (1222Le2) can be spaced apart from the other end opposite the case body (1210) of the first fixed wall (1230L). The first free end (1222Le2) can be spaced apart from the other end opposite the case body (1210) of the first fixed wall (1230L) in the X direction.

Specifically, a portion of the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) spaced apart from the first fixed wall (1230L) in the X direction may be provided to extend upward from the first free end (1222Le2) by a predetermined distance. In other words, the left case wall (1220L, 1230L) may be formed to have a shape in which a portion between the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) and the first fixed wall (1230L) is cut upward by a predetermined length from an end opposite to the case body (1210).

Furthermore, the first fixed end (1222Le1) of the first elastic deformation part (1222L) may be connected to the upper end of the left portion of the front portion (1260), and the first free end (1222Le2) of the first elastic deformation part (1222L) may be spaced apart from the lower end of the left portion of the front portion (1260).

With this configuration, the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) can be made elastically deformable without being restricted by the first fixed wall (1230L).

For example, when the direction from one end connected to the case body (1210) of the first fixed wall (1230L) to the opposite end is referred to as the first direction, the length of the first fixed wall (1230L) in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction may be formed longer than the length of the first elastic deformation part (1222L) in the second direction. As described based on the diagram in FIG. 7, the first direction herein refers to the Z direction, and the second direction refers to the Y direction. That is, the front-back direction length of the first fixed wall (1230L) may be formed longer than the front-back direction length of the first elastic deformation part (1222L).

In this case, the first fixed wall (1230L) can sufficiently reinforce the rigidity of the support case (1200), while the first elastic deformation part (1222L) can be provided to be elastically deformable more efficiently.

For example, the length by which the first fixed end (1222Le1) is connected to the case body (1210) may be shorter than the length from the first fixed end (1222Le1) to the first free end (1222Le2). In this case, the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) can be elastically deformed more efficiently.

The first elastic deformation portion (1222L) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first inner wall (11a). For example, the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first inner wall (11a) in approximately the Y direction. As the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) is spaced apart from the first inner wall (11a), the flowability of cold air in the first storage chamber (21) may be improved, and when the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) comes into contact with the first inner wall (11a), frost may be prevented from occurring on the contact surface.

The first fastening portion (1221L) can protrude from the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) toward the first inner wall (11a) so as to come into contact with the first inner wall (11a).

For example, the first fastening portion (1221L) may protrude from the first free end (1222Le2) toward the first inner wall (11a).

The support case (1200) may include a second fastening portion (1221R) that is configured to be fastened to the second inner wall (11b). For example, the second fastening portion (1221R) may be fastened to the second inner wall (11b) by a second fastening member (F2) (see FIGS. 11 and 12).

In FIGS. 11 and 12, it is assumed that the second fastening portion (1221R) is fastened to the second inner wall (11b) by a screw, but the idea of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second fastening portion (1221R) may be fastened to the second inner wall (11b) by various known fastening methods.

The second fastening portion (1221R) can be in contact with the second inner wall (11b) and can be fixed to the second inner wall (11b). Accordingly, the second fastening portion (1221R) can receive a force pushing in the Y direction (leftward in the drawing) by the second inner wall (11b) depending on the state of the second inner wall (11b). Alternatively, the second fastening portion (1221R) can receive a force pulling in the Y direction (rightward in the drawing) by the second inner wall (11b) depending on the state of the second inner wall (11b).

The support case (1200) may include a second elastic deformation part (1222R) that is configured to be elastically deformable when an external force is applied. The second elastic deformation part (1222R) may be connected to the second fastening part (1221R).

The second elastic deformation part (1222R) can movably support the second fastening part (1221R). Specifically, the second elastic deformation part (1222R) can be elastically deformed when the second fastening part (1221R) is pressed by the second inner wall (11b), and the second fastening part (1221R) connected to the second elastic deformation part (1222R) can move as the second elastic deformation part (1222R) is elastically deformed. The second fastening part (1221R) can be provided to be movable with respect to the case body (1210).

More specifically, the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) can connect the case body (1210) and the second fastening portion (1221R).

The second elastic deformation part (1222R) may include a second fixed end (1222Re1) provided at one end of the second elastic deformation part (1222R) connected to the case body (1210). The second fixed end (1222Re1) may maintain a fixed position with respect to the case body (1210).

The second elastic deformation portion (1222R) may include a second free end (1222Re2) provided at the other end opposite to the second fixed end (1222Re1). The second free end (1222Re2) may be provided to be movable as the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) is elastically deformed. That is, when the second fastening portion (1221R) is pressed by the second inner wall (11b), the second free end (1222Re2) may move in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the second fastening portion (1221R) receives the force, and the second fixed end (1222Re1) may maintain a fixed position.

For example, the second fastening portion (1221R) may be positioned adjacent to the second free end (1222Re2). In this case, when the second fastening portion (1221R) is pressurized, the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) may be elastically deformed more efficiently.

The second elastic deformation portion (1222R) may be arranged to face the second inner wall (11b). The second elastic deformation portion (1222R) may extend approximately in the vertical direction (Z direction). The second elastic deformation portion (1222R) may extend approximately downward from the second fixed end (1222Re1) to the second free end (1222Re2).

The second elastic deformation part (1222R) may be arranged parallel to the second fixed wall (1230R) in the X direction. For example, the second elastic deformation part (1222R) may be provided at the front part of the support case (1200), and in this case, the second elastic deformation part (1222R) may be arranged forward of at least a part of the second fixed wall (1230R). Or, as an example, the second elastic deformation part (1222R) may be arranged forward of the entire second fixed wall (1230R). The second elastic deformation part (1222R) may be located between at least a part of the second fixed wall (1230R) and the front part (1260).

The second fixed end (1222Re1) can be connected to one end connected to the case body (1210) of the second fixed wall (1230R).

The second free end (1222Re2) can be disconnected from the other end opposite the case body (1210) of the second fixed wall (1230R). That is, the second free end (1222Re2) can be spaced apart from the other end opposite the case body (1210) of the second fixed wall (1230R). The second free end (1222Re2) can be spaced apart from the other end opposite the case body (1210) of the second fixed wall (1230R) in the X direction.

Specifically, a portion of the second fixed wall (1230R) of the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) spaced apart in the X direction may be provided to extend upward from the second free end (1222Re2) by a predetermined distance. In other words, the right case wall (1220R, 1230R) may be formed to have a shape in which a portion between the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) and the second fixed wall (1230R) is cut upward by a predetermined length from an end opposite to the case body (1210).

Furthermore, the second fixed end (1222Re1) of the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) may be connected to the upper end of the right portion of the front portion (1260), and the second free end (1222Re2) of the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) may be spaced apart from the lower end of the right portion of the front portion (1260).

With this configuration, the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) can be made elastically deformable without being restricted by the second fixed wall (1230R).

For example, when the direction from one end connected to the case body (1210) of the second fixed wall (1230R) to the opposite end is referred to as the first direction, the length of the second fixed wall (1230R) in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction may be formed longer than the length of the second elastic deformation part (1222R) in the second direction. As described with reference to FIG. 8, the first direction herein refers to the Z direction, and the second direction refers to the Y direction. That is, the front-back direction length of the second fixed wall (1230R) may be formed longer than the front-back direction length of the second elastic deformation part (1222R).

In this case, the second fixed wall (1230R) can sufficiently reinforce the rigidity of the support case (1200), while the second elastic deformation part (1222R) can be provided to be elastically deformable more efficiently.

For example, the length by which the second fixed end (1222Re1) is connected to the case body (1210) may be shorter than the length from the second fixed end (1222Re1) to the second free end (1222Re2). In this case, the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) can be elastically deformed more efficiently.

The second elastic deformation portion (1222R) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second inner wall (11b). For example, the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second inner wall (11b) in approximately the Y direction. As the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) is spaced apart from the second inner wall (11b), the flowability of cold air in the first storage chamber (21) may be improved, and when the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) comes into contact with the second inner wall (11b), frost may be prevented from occurring on the contact surface.

The second fastening portion (1221R) can protrude from the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) toward the second inner wall (11b) so as to come into contact with the second inner wall (11b).

For example, the second fastening portion (1221R) may protrude from the second free end (1222Re2) toward the second inner wall (11b).

The first elastic deformation portion (1222L) and the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) can be arranged so that their positions in the X direction and the Z direction are nearly the same or similar to each other.

Below, the structures of each of the first fastening portion (1221L) and the second fastening portion (1221R) are described in more detail.

The first fastening portion (1221L) may include a projection (1221La) protruding from the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) toward the first inner wall (11a). The projection (1221La) may contact the first inner wall (11a). The projection (1221La) may interfere with the first inner wall (11a) and may be pressed by the first inner wall (11a). When the projection (1221La) receives a force in the Y direction from the first inner wall (11a), the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) may be elastically deformed.

The protrusion (1221La) may protrude toward the first inner wall (11a) from a position on the first free end (1222Le2) of the first elastic deformation portion (1222L), or at least from a position adjacent to the first free end (1222Le2).

The first fastening portion (1221L) may include a first fastening hole (1221Lb). The first fastening hole (1221Lb) may be provided to be fastened to the first inner wall (11a) by the first fastening member (F1).

For example, the first fastening hole (1221Lb) can be formed to penetrate the protrusion (1221La) and can be penetrated by the first fastening member (F1).

The second fastening portion (1221R) may include an extension portion (1221Ra) extending from the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) toward the second inner wall (11b). The extension portion (1221Ra) may extend from the second free end (1222Re2) of the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) toward the second inner wall (11b).

The second fastening portion (1221R) may include a contact portion (1221Rb) that is in contact with the second inner wall (11b). The contact portion (1221Rb) may extend from one end of the extension portion (1221Ra) toward the second inner wall (11b) in a manner parallel to the second inner wall (11b). In other words, the contact portion (1221Rb) may extend from one end of the extension portion (1221Ra) opposite to the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) in a manner parallel to the second inner wall (11b). The second fastening portion (1221R) may have a shape that extends from the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) toward the second inner wall (11b) as a whole and is bent to extend in a manner parallel to the second inner wall (11b).

The second fastening portion (1221R) may include a second fastening hole (1221Rc). The second fastening hole (1221Rc) may be provided to be fastened to the second inner wall (11b) by the second fastening member (F2).

For example, the second fastening hole (1221Rc) can be formed to penetrate the contact portion (1221Rb) and can be penetrated by the second fastening member (F2).

The length by which the extension (1221Ra) of the second fastening portion (1221R) extends may correspond to the distance between the second free end (1222Re2) of the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) and the second inner wall (11b).

For example, the length by which the extension (1221Ra) of the second fastening portion (1221R) extends toward the first inner wall (11a) may be longer than the length by which the protrusion (1221La) of the first fastening portion (1221L) protrudes toward the first inner wall (11a).

However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first fastening portion (1221L) and the second fastening portion (1221R) may have various structures that are arranged to be fastened to the first inner wall (11a) and the second inner wall (11b), respectively. In addition, unlike as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first fastening portion (1221L) and the second fastening portion (1221R) may have structures that correspond to each other, or structures that are opposite to each other (i.e., the first fastening portion has a structure such as an extension portion, a contact portion, a fastening hole penetrating the contact portion, and the second fastening portion has a structure such as a protrusion, a fastening portion penetrating the protrusion, and the like).

The first elastic deformation portion (1222L) may be configured to include various elastic materials, such as an elastic plastic material. The first fastening portion (1221L) may be configured to include the same material as the first elastic deformation portion (1221L).

For example, the first elastic wall (1220L) may be formed integrally. That is, the first fastening portion (1221L) and the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) may be formed integrally. However, this is not limited to the first fastening portion (1221L) and the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) may be formed as separate structures and then combined.

The second elastic deformation portion (1222R) may be configured to include various elastic materials, such as an elastic plastic material. The second fastening portion (1221R) may be configured to include the same material as the second elastic deformation portion (1222R).

The second elastic wall (1220R) may be formed integrally. That is, the second fastening portion (1221R) and the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) may be formed integrally. However, this is not limited to the second fastening portion (1221R) and the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) may be formed as separate components and then combined.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a slit (Sl) may be formed in the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) and the second elastic deformation portion (1222R). For example, the slit (Sl) may be formed to be long in the vertical direction (Z direction).

Since cold air can flow through the slits (Sl) penetrating the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) and the second elastic deformation portion (1222R), respectively, the cold air flow in the first storage chamber (21) can be improved and frost can be prevented from occurring on the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) or the second elastic deformation portion (1222R).

However, this is not limited thereto, and a separate slit may not be formed in the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) or the second elastic deformation portion (1222R).

Additionally, slits (Sl) may be formed in the first fixed wall (1230L) and the second fixed wall (1230R). For example, the slits (Sl) may be formed to be long in the vertical direction (Z direction).

Since cold air can flow through the slits (Sl) penetrating the first fixed wall (1230L) and the second fixed wall (1230R), respectively, the cold air flow in the first storage room (21) can be improved and frost can be prevented from occurring on the first fixed wall (1230L) or the second fixed wall (1230R).

However, this is not limited thereto, and a separate slit may not be formed in the first fixed wall (1230L) or the second fixed wall (1230R).

To summarize the configuration of the support case (1200) described above, at least a part of the case wall included in the support case (1200) can be fastened to the inner wall (11a, 11b) of the first inner case (11). In addition, at least a part of the case wall included in the support case (1200) can be provided to be elastically deformable so that one side opposite to the case body (1210) can move relative to the case body (1210). Here, "at least a part of the case wall" can mean the elastic wall (1220L, 1220R) described above.

The support case (1200) may include a first elastic protrusion (1250L). The first elastic protrusion (1250L) may face the first inner wall (11a). The first elastic protrusion (1250L) may interfere with the first support portion (11s1). The first elastic protrusion (1250L) may have a shape that protrudes toward the first support portion (11s1).

For example, the first elastic protrusion (1250L) may be located on one side of the case body (1210). The first elastic protrusion (1250L) may be formed on a portion facing the first inner wall (11a) of the case body (1210). That is, the first elastic protrusion (1250L) may be formed on the left portion of the case body (1210) based on the drawing.

The first elastic protrusion (1250L) may be provided to be elastically deformable when pressed by the first support member (11s1). The first elastic protrusion (1250L) may be provided to be movable in the direction in which it is pressed by the first support member (11s1). The first elastic protrusion (1250L) may be movable relative to the case body (1210) when pressed by the first support member (11s1).

In detail, the case body (1210) may include a first interference prevention hole (1216L) formed to prevent the first elastic protrusion (1250L) from interfering with the first elastic protrusion (1250L) when the first elastic protrusion (1250L) is elastically deformed. The first interference prevention hole (1216L) may be formed so that the inside and the outside of the case body (1210) are in communication. The first interference prevention hole (1216L) may face the first support portion (11s1) and may be formed on one surface of the case body (1210) facing the first support portion (11s1).

The first elastic protrusion (1250L) can extend from one end connected to the case body (1210) to the other end positioned inside the edge of the first interference prevention hole (1216L). One end of the first elastic protrusion (1250L) can maintain a position fixed to the case body (1210). Since the other end of the first elastic protrusion (1250L) is not restrained with respect to the case body (1210), the first elastic protrusion (1250L) can move with respect to the case body (1210) when elastically deformed.

In detail, the first elastic protrusion (1250L) may include a first connecting portion (1252L) extending from one end connected to the case body (1210), and a first interference portion (1251L) protruding from the first connecting portion (1252L) and interfering with the first support portion (11s1).

For example, the first connecting portion (1252L) may extend in the X direction. Specifically, the first connecting portion (1252L) may extend rearward from one end connected to the case body (1210).

For example, the first interference portion (1251L) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first connecting portion (1252L) extends from one end connected to the case body (1210).

When the first interference portion (1251L) is pressurized by the first support portion (11s1), the first connecting portion (1252L) can be elastically deformed.

The first elastic projection (1250L) can be provided above the first elastic wall (1220L).

The first elastic projection (1250L) can be composed of various elastic materials, such as an elastic plastic material.

For example, the first elastic protrusion (1250L) may be formed integrally with the case body (1210).

The support case (1200) may include a second elastic protrusion (1250R). The second elastic protrusion (1250R) may face the second inner wall (11b). The second elastic protrusion (1250R) may interfere with the second support portion (11s2). The second elastic protrusion (1250R) may have a shape that protrudes toward the second support portion (11s2).

For example, the second elastic protrusion (1250R) may be located on one side of the case body (1210). The second elastic protrusion (1250R) may be formed on a portion facing the second inner wall (11b) of the case body (1210). That is, the second elastic protrusion (1250R) may be formed on the right portion of the case body (1210) based on the drawing.

The second elastic projection (1250R) can be positioned to face the first elastic projection (1250L).

The second elastic protrusion (1250R) may be provided to be elastically deformable when pressed by the second support member (11s2). The second elastic protrusion (1250R) may be provided to be movable in the direction in which it is pressed by the second support member (11s2). The second elastic protrusion (1250R) may be movable relative to the case body (1210) when pressed by the second support member (11s2).

In detail, the case body (1210) may include a second interference prevention hole (1216R) formed to prevent the second elastic protrusion (1250R) from interfering with the second elastic protrusion (1250R) when the second elastic protrusion (1250R) is elastically deformed. The second interference prevention hole (1216R) may be formed so that the inside and the outside of the case body (1210) are in communication. The second interference prevention hole (1216R) may face the second support portion (11s2) and may be formed on one surface of the case body (1210) facing the second support portion (11s2).

The second elastic protrusion (1250R) can extend from one end connected to the case body (1210) to the other end positioned inside the edge of the second interference prevention hole (1216R). One end of the second elastic protrusion (1250R) can maintain a position fixed to the case body (1210). Since the other end of the second elastic protrusion (1250R) is not restrained with respect to the case body (1210), the second elastic protrusion (1250R) can move with respect to the case body (1210) when elastically deformed.

In detail, the second elastic protrusion (1250R) may include a second connecting portion (1252R) extending from one end connected to the case body (1210), and a second interference portion (1251R) protruding from the second connecting portion (1252R) and interfering with the second support portion (11s2).

For example, the second connecting portion (1252R) may extend in the X direction. Specifically, the second connecting portion (1252R) may extend rearward from one end connected to the case body (1210).

For example, the second interference portion (1251R) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second connecting portion (1252R) extends from one end connected to the case body (1210).

When the second interference portion (1251R) is pressed by the second support portion (11s2), the second connecting portion (1252R) can be elastically deformed.

The second elastic projection (1250R) can be provided above the second elastic wall (1220R).

The second elastic protrusion (1250R) can be composed of various elastic materials, such as an elastic plastic material.

For example, the second elastic protrusion (1250R) may be formed integrally with the case body (1210).

The elastic projection (1250L, 1250R) can be formed lower than the inner mounting portion (1218).

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut and partially enlarged. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the inner wall of the inner case in the refrigerator of FIG. 9 is deformed. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut and partially enlarged. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a state when the inner wall of the inner case in the refrigerator of FIG. 11 is deformed.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, in a refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when an ice maker (1000) is mounted on a first inner case (11), the Y-direction width of the support case (1200) and the Y-direction width of the first inner case (11) may not exactly correspond. The causes of such errors may include limitations in the design and manufacturing of the inner case (11), limitations in the design and manufacturing of the support case (1200), etc. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12, even after the ice maker (1000) is mounted on the first inner case (11), deformation may occur in the first inner case (11). For example, the inner cases (11, 12) may be deformed during the operation of the refrigerator (1), or the inner cases (11, 12) may be deformed due to causes such as shrinkage or expansion of the main body insulation material (14).

Due to causes such as deformation of the first inner case (11), the relative position between the support case (1200) and the first inner case (11) may be different from that designed in the past. In this case, a problem may occur in which the ice maker (1000) is not stably supported on the first inner case (11).

In particular, when the relative positions of the support case (1200) with respect to each of the first inner wall (11a) and the second inner wall (11b) are different from the conventionally designed position, the appearance quality of the ice maker (1000) may deteriorate when a user views the ice maker (1000) mounted on the first inner box (11). For example, when the relative positions between the inner walls (11a, 11b) of the first inner box (11) and the support case (1200) are different from the conventionally designed position, the front part (1260) of the support case (1200) may be positioned to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction of the refrigerator (1). Since the front part (1260) forms the front appearance of the ice maker (1000), when the front part (1260) is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, the appearance quality of the ice maker (1000) may deteriorate.

In addition, in the process of mounting the ice maker (1000) on the first inner case (11), when the support case (1200) and the inner wall (11a, 11b) come into contact, a scratch problem may occur between them. This may cause a problem of damaging the ice maker (1000) or the first inner case (11), and may be more problematic when the Y-direction width of the support case (1200) and the Y-direction width of the first inner case (11) do not exactly correspond. This problem may also occur during the process of mounting the support case (1200) on the first inner case (11), and may likewise become a problem if the first inner case (11) is deformed after the support case (1200) is mounted on the first inner case (11).

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the first inner wall (11a) of the first inner case (11) can be deformed in the outward direction of the first inner case (11). In this case, the first inner wall (11a) can be deformed so that its relative position with respect to the support case (1200) moves away.

Referring to FIG. 9, in order for the support case (1200) to be stably supported on the first inner wall (11a) even when the first inner wall (11a) is deformed, the support case (1200) can be mounted on the first inner wall (11a) before deformation with the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) and the first elastic protrusion (1250L) being elastically deformed. When the support case (1200) is mounted on the first inner wall (11a) before deformation, the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) can be elastically deformed as the first fastening portion (1221L) is pressed by the first inner wall (11a), and the relative position with respect to the case body (1210) can be moved. When the support case (1200) is mounted on the first inner wall (11a) before deformation, the first elastic protrusion (1250L) can be elastically deformed as it is pressed by the first inner wall (11a), and its relative position with respect to the case body (1210) can be moved.

Referring to FIG. 10, after the support case (1200) is mounted on the first inner wall (11), the first inner wall (11a) can be deformed in a direction away from the case body (1210), the first fixed wall (1230L), etc. In this case, the degree to which the first fastening portion (1221L) is pressed by the first inner wall (11a) can be reduced, and the degree to which the first elastic deformation portion (1222L) is elastically deformed can be reduced. Even if the first inner wall (11a) is deformed, the first fastening portion (1221L) is provided to be movable depending on the degree of elastic deformation of the first elastic deformation portion (1222L), so that the fastening state with the first inner wall (11a) can be stably maintained.

In addition, the degree to which the first elastic protrusion (1250L) is pressed by the first inner wall (11a) can be reduced, and the degree to which it is elastically deformed with respect to the case body (1210) can be reduced. Even if the first inner wall (11a) is deformed, the first elastic protrusion (1222L) can move relatively to the case body (1210) and stably maintain a support state with respect to the first support portion (11s1).

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the second inner wall (11b) of the first inner wall (11) can be deformed in the outward direction of the second inner wall (11). In this case, the second inner wall (11b) can be deformed so that its relative position with respect to the support case (1200) moves away.

Referring to FIG. 11, in order for the supporting case (1200) to be stably supported on the second inner wall (11b) even when the second inner wall (11b) is deformed, the supporting case (1200) can be mounted on the second inner wall (11b) before deformation with the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) and the second elastic protrusion (1250R) being elastically deformed. When the supporting case (1200) is mounted on the second inner wall (11b) before deformation, the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) can be elastically deformed as the second fastening portion (1221R) is pressed by the second inner wall (11b), and the relative position with respect to the case body (1210) can be moved. When the support case (1200) is mounted on the second inner wall (11b) before deformation, the second elastic deformation part (1222R) can be elastically deformed as it is pressed by the second inner wall (11b), and its relative position with respect to the case body (1210) can be moved.

Referring to Fig. 12, after the support case (1200) is mounted on the first inner case (11), the second inner wall (11b) can be deformed in a direction away from the case body (1210), the second fixed wall (1230R), etc. In this case, the degree to which the second fastening portion (1221R) is pressed by the second inner wall (11b) can be reduced, and the degree to which the second elastic deformation portion (1222R) is elastically deformed can be reduced. Even if the second inner wall (11b) is deformed, the second fastening portion (1221R) is provided to be movable depending on the degree of elastic deformation of the second elastic deformation portion (1222R), so that the fastening state with the second inner wall (11b) can be stably maintained.

In addition, the degree to which the second elastic protrusion (1250R) is pressed by the second inner wall (11b) can be reduced, and the degree to which it is elastically deformed with respect to the case body (1210) can be reduced. Even if the second inner wall (11b) is deformed, the second elastic protrusion (1250R) can move relatively to the case body (1210) and stably maintain a support state with respect to the second support portion (11s2).

In this way, the support case (1200) can have its relative position with respect to the inner wall (11a, 11b) of the first inner case (11) by including elastic walls (1220L, 1220R) and elastic protrusions (1250L, 1250R).

In FIGS. 9 and 10, a case in which the first inner wall (11a) is deformed to the left toward the outside of the first inner box (11) is described as an example, but the effect described above can also be correspondingly provided even in a case in which the first inner wall (11a) is deformed to the right toward the inside of the first inner box (11).

Similarly, in FIGS. 11 and 12, the case where the second inner wall (11b) is deformed to the right toward the outside of the first inner box (11) is described as an example, but the effect described above can be correspondingly provided even in the case where the second inner wall (11b) is deformed to the left toward the inside of the first inner box (11).

Since the appearance of the ice maker (1000) that is exposed to the user is mainly the front appearance of the ice maker (1000), it may be desirable to adjust the relative position with respect to the first inner wall (11a) at least in the front portion of the support case (1200). Accordingly, the elastic walls (1220L, 1220R) and the elastic protrusions (1250L, 1250R) may be provided adjacent to the front portion of the support case (1200). In other words, the elastic walls (1220L, 1220R) and the elastic protrusions (1250L, 1250R) may be arranged adjacent to the opening of the first inner case (11) rather than the rear wall (11c) of the first inner case (11). However, this is not limited thereto, and the elastic walls (1220L, 1220R) and elastic projections (1250L, 1250R) may each be provided in various positions.

By this configuration, the ice maker (1000) of the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be stably fixed to the first inner case (11). In addition, when the first inner case (11) is deformed, the gap between the ice maker (1000) and the first inner case (11) can be maintained. In addition, when the ice maker (1000) is mounted on the first inner case (11), damage to the ice maker (1000) or the first inner case (11) can be prevented. In addition, the appearance quality of the refrigerator product can be improved.

Unlike what is shown in the drawing, the support case (1200) may be provided with only a single elastic wall. That is, the support case (1200) may be provided with only one of the first elastic wall (1220L) or the second elastic wall (1220R) described above, and in this case, the above-described effect may also be provided. Alternatively, the support case (1200) may be provided with three or more elastic walls.

Likewise, unlike what is shown in the drawing, the support case (1200) may be provided with only a single elastic protrusion, or may be provided with three or more elastic protrusions.

In addition, even if only the elastic walls (1220L, 1220R) are provided in the support case (1200) and no elastic protrusions are provided, the effect described above can be provided.

FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a state in which cold air is introduced into an ice maker of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating a part of a component, such as an ice maker of a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, by cutting it.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, a refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cold air supply unit (16a) provided to supply cold air to a first storage compartment (21). The cold air supply unit (16a) may be provided in a cold air supply duct (16). The cold air supply unit (16a) may be formed on a front surface of the cold air supply duct (16) facing the first storage compartment (21).

The cold air supply unit (16a) can be formed so that the cooling room (50) and the first storage room (21) are connected to each other. Cold air generated in the cooling room (50) can be discharged to the first storage room (21) through the cold air supply unit (16a).

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the cold air supply unit (16a) may be located at the center of the cold air supply duct (16) in the Y direction, but is not limited thereto.

The cold air supply unit (16a) may be placed adjacent to the ice maker (1000). The cold air supply unit (16a) may be placed at the rear of the support case (1200).

The support case (1200) may include a case inlet (1211) that allows cold air to flow into the interior of the support case (1200) from the cold air supply unit (16a). The cold air flowing into the interior of the support case (1200) through the case inlet (1211) may cool water in the ice tray (1310, 1410).

The case inlet (1211) may be arranged to face the cold air supply unit (16a). The case inlet (1211) may be provided at the rear end of the support case (1200). The case inlet (1211) may be positioned to have a height that roughly corresponds to the cold air supply unit (16a). The case inlet (1211) may be arranged at the center of the rear end of the support case (1200) in the Y direction.

The support case (1200) may include a cold air guide (1212) provided to guide cold air introduced from the case inlet (1211) to the first ice tray (1310) and the second ice tray (1410), respectively.

The cold air guide (1212) can be placed at the rear of the support case (1200) so as to face the cold air supply unit (16a).

For example, the case inlet (1211) may be positioned on the center line of the support case (1200), and the first ice tray (1310) and the second ice tray (1410) may be positioned on both sides in the Y direction based on the center line of the support case (1200), so that the cold air guide (1212) may extend obliquely with respect to the X direction and the Y direction. The center line of the support case (1200) referred to here means a line that passes through the center of the support case (1200) in the Y direction and extends in the X direction.

The water supply pipe (80) may include a first water supply pipe (80L) provided to supply water to the first ice tray (1310) and a second water supply pipe (80R) provided to supply water to the second ice tray (1410).

The first water supply pipe (80L) and the second water supply pipe (80R) may be arranged parallel to each other in the Y direction. For example, the first water supply pipe (80L) may be arranged on the left side with respect to the center line of the support case (1200), and the second water supply pipe (80R) may be arranged on the right side with respect to the center line of the support case (1200). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the positions of the first water supply pipe (80L) and the second water supply pipe (80R) may vary depending on the positions of the first ice tray (1310) and the second ice tray (1410).

The water supply opening (1217) may include a first water supply opening (1217L) positioned above the first ice tray (1310) and a second water supply opening (1217R) positioned above the second ice tray (1410).

The first water supply pipe (80L) can supply water to the first ice tray (1310) through the first water supply opening (1217L). The second water supply pipe (80R) can supply water to the second ice tray (1410) through the second water supply opening (1217R).

At this time, the user can access the water supply pipe (80) through the water supply opening (1217) at the bottom of the support case (1200), and the surface of the water supply pipe (80) has a very low temperature, so there is a risk of injury if the user's hand touches the water supply pipe (80).

Accordingly, the support case (1200) may include a rib (1214) arranged on one side of the water supply opening (1217). The rib (1214) may be provided to block a user from accessing the water supply pipe (80) through the water supply opening (1217).

In detail, the rib (1214) may extend downwardly from the upper surface of the support case (1200). The rib (1214) may extend downwardly at a position adjacent to the water supply opening (1217).

For example, the rib (1214) may be provided at a position adjacent to the first water supply opening (1217). Specifically, the rib (1214) may be formed at the right side of the first water supply opening (1217). The rib (1214) may extend downward from the right side of the first water supply opening (1217). The rib (1214) may extend from the upper side of the case body (1210) to a position adjacent to the first ice tray (1310). In this case, the rib (1214) may prevent a user from accessing the first water supply pipe (80) through the first water supply opening (1217) from the lower side of the support case (1200).

For example, the rib (1214) may extend in the forward-backward direction to the right of the first water supply opening (1217).

However, in such a case, the flow of cold air inside the support case (1200) may be reduced by the rib (1214), and the cooling efficiency of the water or the ice production efficiency may be reduced. This may be particularly problematic because the rib (1214) may be positioned adjacent to an ice tray (e.g., a first ice tray (1310)).

To address this issue, the rib (1214) may include at least one through hole (1214a). The through hole (1214a) may have a shape that allows cold air to pass through the rib (1214).

For example, the through hole (1214a) can be formed to penetrate in the Y direction.

For example, the through hole (1214a) may be formed in the shape of a slit that extends long in the vertical direction (Z direction). Specifically, the through hole (1214a) may be formed to extend upward from the lower end of the rib (1214).

A plurality of through holes (1214a) may be provided. For example, a plurality of through holes (1214a) may be arranged in the front-back direction (X direction).

The rib (1214) may include a plurality of blocking portions (1214b) arranged spaced apart from each other along one side of the water supply opening (1217). Each of the plurality of blocking portions (1214b) may extend in a vertical direction. That is, each of the plurality of blocking portions (1214b) may extend downward from the upper side of the support case (1200). The plurality of blocking portions (1214b) may block a user's hand from approaching the water supply opening (1217) from the lower side of the support case (1200).

Specifically, the plurality of blocking members (1214b) may be arranged along the right side of the first water supply opening (1217L). The plurality of blocking members (1214b) may be arranged adjacent to the first ice tray (1310).

For example, multiple blocking members (1214b) can be arranged in a forward-backward direction along one side of the first water supply opening (1217L).

At least one of the above-described through holes (1214a) may be formed between a plurality of blocking portions (1214b) spaced apart from each other. The plurality of through holes (1214a) may be arranged parallel to the direction in which the plurality of blocking portions (1214b) are arranged.

A plurality of blocking members (1214b) can impede the flow of cold air inside the support case (1200). However, the plurality of blocking members (1214b) are arranged spaced apart from each other, and a through hole (1214a) is formed between the plurality of blocking members (1214b) spaced apart from each other, so that the flow of cold air inside the support case (1200) can be improved.

The rib (1214) may be positioned adjacent to the central portion inside the support case (1200).

When a user puts his/her hand into the lower part of the support case (1200), there may be a higher risk of accessing the water supply opening (1217) through the central part inside the support case (1200) than when accessing the water supply opening (1217) through the left and right parts inside the support case (1200). When the rib (1214) is positioned adjacent to the central part inside the support case (1200), the risk of injury to the user can be prevented more effectively. However, it may be preferable that the rib (1214) be positioned at a position slightly offset from the central part so as to be adjacent to the water supply opening (1217) rather than being positioned exactly at the central part inside the support case (1200).

In detail, the rib (1214) can be positioned between the case inlet (1211) and the first water supply opening (1217L).

At this time, the flow of cold air from the case inlet (1211) to the first ice tray (1310) may be impeded by the rib (1214), but a through hole (1214a) may be formed in the rib (1214), and the flow of cold air from the case inlet (1211) to the first ice tray (1310) may pass through the through hole (1214a).

Therefore, the through hole (1214a) can improve the flow of cold air from the case inlet (1211) to the first ice tray (1310).

The first ice tray (1310) may include a first side adjacent to the case inlet (1211) and a second side opposite to the first side. Cold air introduced into the support case (1200) through the case inlet (1211) may reach the first side of the first ice tray (1310) before the second side.

The rib (1214) may be positioned closer to the first side than the second side of the first ice tray (1310). The rib (1214) may be positioned between the first side and the second side of the first ice tray (1310), or may be positioned on the outside between the first side and the second side.

The rib (1214) may block the user's hand from approaching the first water supply opening (1217L) at a location adjacent to the first side of the first ice tray (1310), while including a through hole (1214a) to improve the flow of cold air.

The first ice tray (1310) may include a first side that descends and a second side that ascends when rotating about a first rotation axis (1313) in an ice-discharging motion for discharging generated ice. The first side and the second side of the first ice tray (1310) may each extend in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis (1313). With reference to the drawing, the first side of the first ice tray (1310) may be the right side of the first ice tray (1310) (the side where the first full ice detection lever (1310) is arranged), and the second side of the first ice tray (1310) may be the left side of the first ice tray (1410).

The first side of the first ice tray (1310) descending in the moving motion may have the same configuration as the first side adjacent to the case inlet (1211) of the first ice tray (1310) described above. The second side of the first ice tray (1310) ascending in the moving motion may have the same configuration as the second side opposite to the first side adjacent to the case inlet (1211) of the first ice tray (1310) described above.

However, the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited to what has been described above, and according to an embodiment, the rib (1214) may be provided adjacent to the second water supply opening (1217R) to prevent a user from accessing the second water supply pipe (80R) through the second water supply opening (1217R) from the lower side of the support case (1200), while also improving the flow of cold air by including a through hole (1214a).

By this configuration, the refrigerator (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent the user's body from approaching the water supply pipe (80) from the inside of the ice maker (1000) by providing a rib (1214) in the support case (1200). In addition, the fluidity of cold air supplied from the inside of the ice maker (1000) to the ice tray (1310, 1410) can be improved, and the efficiency of ice production can be improved.

A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer case (13), an inner case (11) provided inside the outer case, forming a storage compartment (21), and including a first inner wall (11a) and a second inner wall (11b) facing the first inner wall, an ice tray (1310, 1410) in which ice is produced, and a support case (1200) that supports the ice tray and is mounted on the inner case, the support case including a fastening portion (1221L) provided to be fastened to the first inner wall (11a) by a fastening member, and an elastic deformation portion (1222L) provided to be elastically deformable when the fastening portion is pressed by the first inner wall and movably supports the fastening portion. According to the present disclosure, an ice maker (1000) of a refrigerator (1) can be stably fixed to the inner case (11) by the fastening portion (1221L) and the elastic deformation portion (1222L). In addition, even when the inner case (11) is deformed, the gap between the ice maker (1000) and the inner case (11) can be maintained by the fastening portion (1221L) and the elastic deformation portion (1222L). In addition, when the ice maker (1000) is mounted on the inner case (11), damage to the ice maker (1000) or the inner case (11) can be prevented. In addition, the relative position of the ice maker (1000) with respect to the inner case (11) can be adjusted by the fastening portion (1221L) and the elastic deformation portion (1222L), so that the external appearance quality of the refrigerator product can be improved.

The above-described support case may further include a case body (1210) supported by the inner wall. The above-described elastic deformation portion (1222L) may include a fixed end (1222Le1) provided at one end of the elastic deformation portion connected to the case body and maintaining a fixed position with respect to the case body, and a free end (1222Le2) provided at the other end of the elastic deformation portion opposite to the fixed end and configured to be movable as the elastic deformation portion is elastically deformed. According to the present disclosure, the elastic deformation portion (1222L) can be efficiently elastically deformed when the fastening portion (1221L) is pressed by the first inner wall (11a), and can support the fastening portion (1221L) so as to be movable.

The above-described support case may further include a fixed wall (1230L) arranged to face the first inner wall, connected to the case body, and maintaining a fixed position with respect to the case body. The fixed end (1222Le1) may be connected to one end of the fixed wall connected to the case body. The free end (1222Le2) may be disconnected from the other end of the fixed wall opposite to the case body. According to the present disclosure, the elastically deformable portion (1222L) may be efficiently elastically deformed when the fastening portion (1221L) is pressed by the first inner wall (11a), and may movably support the fastening portion (1221L). In addition, the fixed wall (1230L) may reinforce the rigidity of the support case (1200).

When the direction from one end of the fixed wall (1230L) connected to the case body to the opposite end is referred to as the first direction, the length of the fixed wall (1230L) in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction may be formed longer than the length of the elastic deformation portion (1222L) in the second direction. According to the present disclosure, the elastic deformation portion (1222L) may be efficiently elastically deformed when the fastening portion (1221L) is pressed by the first inner wall (11a).

The above-described fastening portion (1221L) may be positioned adjacent to the free end (1222Le2). According to the present disclosure, the elastic deformation portion (1222L) can be efficiently elastically deformed when the fastening portion (1221L) is pressed by the first inner wall (11a).

The above-described elastic deformation portion (1222L) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first inner wall. The above-described fastening portion (1221L) may protrude from the elastic deformation portion toward the first inner wall so as to be in contact with the first inner wall. According to the present disclosure, the fluidity of cold air may be improved, and the occurrence of frost between the elastic deformation portion (1222L) and the first inner wall (11a) may be prevented, and the fastening portion (1221L) may be stably fastened to the first inner wall (11a).

The above-mentioned fastening member may include a protrusion (1221La) protruding from the elastic deformation member toward the first inner wall and a fastening hole (1221Lb) formed to penetrate the protrusion and penetrated by the fastening member.

The above-mentioned fastening portion may include an extension portion (1221Ra) extending from the elastic deformation portion toward the first inner wall, a contact portion (1221Rb) extending parallel to the first inner wall from one end of the extension portion in the direction of the first inner wall and in contact with the first inner wall, and a fastening hole (1221Rc) formed to penetrate the contact portion and penetrated by the fastening member.

The first inner wall (11a) may include a support portion (11s1) formed to protrude to support the support case. The support case (1200) may further include an elastic protrusion (1250L) that is provided to be elastically deformable when interfering with the support portion and pressurized by the support portion. According to the present disclosure, the ice maker (1000) of the refrigerator (1) can be stably supported on the inner case (11) by the elastic protrusion (1250L). In addition, even when the inner case (11) is deformed, the gap between the ice maker (1000) and the inner case (11) can be maintained by the elastic protrusion (1250L). In addition, when the ice maker (1000) is mounted on the inner case (11), damage to the ice maker (1000) or the inner case (11) can be prevented. In addition, the relative position of the ice maker (1000) with respect to the inner case (11) can be adjusted by the elastic protrusion (1250L), so that the external appearance quality of the refrigerator product can be improved.

The above-described support case may further include a case body (1210) supported by the support member. The case body may include an interference prevention hole (1216L) formed to face the support member and prevent interference with the elastic protrusion when the elastic protrusion is elastically deformed. The elastic protrusion (1250L) may extend from one end connected to the case body to the other end located inside the edge of the interference prevention hole. According to the present disclosure, the elastic protrusion (1250L) may be efficiently elastically deformed when pressed by the first inner wall (11a).

When the above-described fastening portion is a first fastening portion (1221L), and the fastening member provided to fasten the first fastening portion to the first inner wall is a first fastening member (F1), and the elastic deformation portion is a first elastic deformation portion (1222L), the support case may further include a second fastening portion (1221R) that is arranged to face the first fastening portion and is provided to fasten to the second inner wall (11b) by a second fastening member (F2), and a second elastic deformation portion (1222R) that is arranged to face the first elastic deformation portion and is provided to be elastically deformable when the second fastening portion is pressed by the second inner wall and movably supports the second fastening portion. According to the present disclosure, the support case (1200) can be more efficiently fixed to the inner walls (11a, 11b) of the inner case (11), and the relative position of the ice maker (1000) with respect to the first inner wall (11a) and the second inner wall (11b) of the inner case (11) can be more efficiently stored.

The refrigerator may further include a water supply pipe (80) provided to supply water to the ice tray. The support case may include a water supply opening (1217) provided on an upper surface of the support case located above the ice tray and formed to allow water to flow into the ice tray through the water supply pipe, and a rib (1214) disposed on one side of the water supply opening and extending downward from the upper surface of the support case, the rib including at least one through hole (1214a). According to the present disclosure, the rib (1214) is provided on the support case (1200) to prevent a user's body from approaching the water supply pipe (80) from the inside of the ice maker (1000). In addition, a through hole (1214a) is formed in the rib (1214) to improve the fluidity of cold air supplied from the inside of the ice maker (1000) to the ice tray (1310, 1410), thereby improving the efficiency of ice production.

The support case may further include a cold air supply unit (16a) arranged at the rear of the support case and configured to supply cold air to the storage room. The support case may further include a case inlet (1211) facing the cold air supply unit and configured to allow cold air to flow into the inside of the support case from the cold air supply unit. The rib (1214) may be arranged between the case inlet (1211) and the water supply opening (1217).

The ice tray (1310) may include a first side adjacent to the case inlet and a second side opposite to the first side. The rib (1214) may be arranged closer to the first side than to the second side.

The above rib may include a plurality of blocking portions (1214b) arranged spaced apart from each other in the front-back direction along one side of the water supply opening. The plurality of blocking portions (1214b) may each extend in the vertical direction. At least one through hole (1214a) may be formed between the plurality of blocking portions (1214b) spaced apart from each other.

A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer case (13), an inner case (11) provided inside the outer case and forming a storage compartment (21) and including a first inner wall (11a) and a second inner wall (11b) facing the first inner wall, an ice tray (1310, 1410) in which ice is produced, and a support case (1200) that supports the ice tray and is mounted on the inner case. The above-described support case may include a case body (1210) on which the ice tray is mounted, a first fastening portion (1221L) fastened to the first inner wall, a second fastening portion (1221R) fastened to the second inner wall, a first elastic deformation portion (1222L) facing the first inner wall, connecting the case body and the first fastening portion, and being provided to be elastically deformable so that the first fastening portion can move with respect to the case body, and a second elastic deformation portion (1222R) facing the second inner wall, connecting the case body and the second fastening portion, and being provided to be elastically deformable so that the second fastening portion can move with respect to the case body.

The above support case may further include a first fixed wall (1230L) facing the first inner wall, connected to the case body, and maintaining a fixed position with respect to the case body, and a second fixed wall (1230R) facing the second inner wall, connected to the case body, and maintaining a fixed position with respect to the case body. The other end (1222Le2) of the first elastic deformation part, opposite to one end connected to the case body, may be spaced apart from the other end of the first fixed wall (1230L) connected to the case body. The other end (1222Re2) of the second elastic deformation part, opposite to one end connected to the case body, may be spaced apart from the other end of the second fixed wall (1230R) connected to the case body.

The above support case may further include a case rear wall (1240) that connects at least a portion disposed at the rear of the first elastic deformation part (1222L) of the first fixed wall (1230L) and at least a portion disposed at the rear of the second elastic deformation part (1222R) of the second fixed wall (1230R).

The first elastic deformation part (1222L) may include a first fixed end (1222Le1) provided at one end of the first elastic deformation part connected to the case body, and a first free end (1222Le2) provided at the other end of the first elastic deformation part opposite the first fixed end and configured to move as the first elastic deformation part is elastically deformed. The second elastic deformation part (1222R) may include a second fixed end (1222Re1) provided at one end of the second elastic deformation part connected to the case body, and a second free end (1222Re2) provided at the other end of the second elastic deformation part opposite the second fixed end and configured to move as the second elastic deformation part is elastically deformed. The first fastening part (1221L) may protrude from the first free end toward the first inner wall. The above second fastening portion (1221R) can protrude from the second free end toward the second inner wall.

A refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer case (13), an inner case (11) provided inside the outer case and forming a storage compartment (21), an ice tray (1310) in which ice is generated, and a support case (1200) arranged in the storage compartment. The support case may include a case body (1210) that supports the ice tray, and a case wall (1220L, 1220R, 1230L, 1230R) that is connected to the case body and arranged to face the inner wall (11a, 11b) of the inner case, wherein at least a portion of the case wall is fastened to the inner wall of the inner case, and one side of the at least a portion of the case wall opposite to the case body is elastically deformable so as to be movable with respect to the case body.

According to the idea of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a fastening member provided on a support case and an elastic deformation member that movably supports the fastening member, so that an ice maker can be stably fixed to the inner surface.

According to the idea of the present disclosure, the refrigerator includes a fastening member provided on a support case and an elastic deformation member that movably supports the same, so that a gap between the ice maker and the inner case can be maintained even when the inner case is deformed.

According to the idea of the present disclosure, the refrigerator can prevent damage to the ice maker or the inner case when the ice maker is mounted on the inner case or after being mounted on the inner case by the fastening portion and the elastic deformation portion.

According to the idea of the present disclosure, the relative position of the ice maker with respect to the inner surface can be adjusted by the fastening portion and the elastic deformation portion, so that the appearance quality of the refrigerator product can be improved.

According to the idea of the present disclosure, the refrigerator can prevent a user's body from approaching the water supply pipe from the inside of the ice maker by providing a rib in the support case.

According to the idea of the present disclosure, a through hole is formed in a rib provided in a support case of a refrigerator to improve the flowability of cold air supplied from the inside of an ice maker to an ice tray, thereby improving the efficiency of ice production.

The above has been illustrated and described with respect to specific embodiments. However, it is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications and implementations without departing from the gist of the technical idea of the invention described in the claims below.

Claims (15)

trauma; An inner wall provided inside the above outer wall, forming a storage room, and including a first inner wall and a second inner wall facing the first inner wall; An ice tray in which ice is produced; and A refrigerator comprising: a support case that supports the ice tray and is mounted on the inner surface, the support case including a fastening portion that is provided to be fastened to the first inner wall by a fastening member, and an elastic deformation portion that is provided to be elastically deformable when the fastening portion is pressed by the first inner wall and movably supports the fastening portion; In the first paragraph, The above support case further includes a case body supported by the inner surface, The above elastic deformation part is, A fixed end provided at one end of the elastic deformation part connected to the case body and maintaining a fixed position with respect to the case body; A refrigerator including a free end provided at the other end of the elastic deformation part opposite to the fixed end and configured to move as the elastic deformation part is elastically deformed. In the second paragraph, The above support case further includes a fixed wall that is positioned so as to face the first inner wall, is connected to the case body, and maintains a fixed position with respect to the case body. The above fixed end is connected to one end of the case body of the above fixed wall, A refrigerator in which the free end is disconnected from the other end of the case body of the fixed wall. In the third paragraph, When the direction from one end of the fixed wall connected to the case body to the opposite end is called the first direction, A refrigerator in which the length of the fixed wall in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction is formed longer than the length of the elastic deformation portion in the second direction. In the second paragraph, A refrigerator wherein the above-mentioned fastening member is positioned adjacent to the above-mentioned free end. In the first paragraph, The above elastic deformation portion is arranged spaced apart from the first inner wall, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned fastening portion protrudes from the elastic deformation portion toward the first inner wall so as to be in contact with the first inner wall. In Article 6, A refrigerator in which the above-mentioned fastening member includes a projection protruding from the elastic deformation member toward the first inner wall and a fastening hole formed to penetrate the projection and penetrated by the fastening member. In Article 6, The above connecting part is, An extension portion extending from the elastic deformation portion toward the first inner wall, A contact portion extending parallel to the first inner wall from one end of the first inner wall of the extension and in contact with the first inner wall, A refrigerator including a fastening hole formed to penetrate the contact portion and penetrated by the fastening member. In the first paragraph, The first inner wall includes a support portion formed to protrude to support the support case, A refrigerator wherein the support case further includes an elastic protrusion that is configured to be elastically deformable when interfered with by the support portion and pressed by the support portion. In Article 9, The above support case further includes a case body supported by the support member, The case body faces the support portion and includes an interference prevention hole formed to prevent interference with the elastic protrusion when the elastic protrusion is elastically deformed. A refrigerator in which the elastic protrusion extends from one end connected to the case body to the other end located inside the edge of the interference prevention hole. In the first paragraph, The above fastening part is a first fastening part, The fastening member provided to fasten the first fastening portion to the first inner wall is a first fastening member, The above elastic deformation part is a first elastic deformation part, The above support case is, A second fastening portion arranged opposite to the first fastening portion and fastened to the second inner wall by a second fastening member; A refrigerator further comprising a second elastic deformation part that is arranged to face the first elastic deformation part and is configured to be elastically deformable when the second fastening part is pressed by the second inner wall, and that movably supports the second fastening part. In the first paragraph, Further comprising a water supply pipe arranged to supply water to the above ice tray, The above support case is, A water supply opening provided on the upper surface of the support case located above the ice tray and formed so that water can flow into the ice tray through the water supply pipe, A refrigerator comprising: a rib disposed on one side of the water supply opening and extending downward from the upper surface of the support case, the rib including at least one through hole; In Article 12, It further includes a cold air supply unit arranged at the rear of the above support case and configured to supply cold air to the storage room. The above support case further includes a case inlet facing the cold air supply unit and configured to allow cold air to flow into the inside of the support case from the cold air supply unit. A refrigerator wherein the rib is positioned between the case inlet and the water supply opening. In Article 13, The ice tray comprises a first side adjacent to the case inlet and a second side opposite to the first side, A refrigerator wherein the rib is positioned closer to the first side than to the second side. In Article 12, The above rib includes a plurality of blocking portions arranged spaced apart from each other in the forward and backward direction along one side of the above water supply opening, The above multiple blocking sections each extend in the vertical direction, A refrigerator wherein at least one of the above through holes is formed between the plurality of blocking portions spaced apart from each other.

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