EP4603775A1

EP4603775A1 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: EP4603775A1
Application number: EP23877490.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Donghoon Lee; Changho Seo; Wookyong Lee
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2022-10-13
Filing date: 2023-09-07
Publication date: 2025-08-20
Also published as: AU2023360671A1; EP4603775A4; KR20240051646A; WO2024080560A1; CN120077234A

Abstract

A refrigerator of one embodiment comprises: a cabinet forming a storage
compartment; a door for opening and closing the storage compartment; an ice maker provided in the door or cabinet and producing ice; and a dispenser provided at the door and configured to dispense ice produced by the ice maker. The dispenser comprises: a dispenser housing forming an accommodation space; an ice slot formed in the dispenser housing and through which the ice passes; a cap duct for opening and closing the ice slot; and an ice guide for guiding the ice which passes through the ice slot. The ice guide comprises a first body forming an ice inlet, a second body extending below the first body, and a third body extending below the second body and forming an ice outlet. The first body includes a first extension wall, the second body includes a second extension wall extending below the first extension wall, and a third extension wall located on an opposite side of the second extension wall, wherein the third extension wall is located closer to the ice slot than the second extension wall, and an inclination angle of the second extension wall with respect to a horizontal plane is smaller than an inclination angle of the third extension wall.

Description

[Technical Field]

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

[Background Art]

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance for storing food at a low temperature in a storage space that is covered by a door. The refrigerator is configured to keep stored food in in a refrigerated state or frozen state by cooling an inside of the storage space using cold air.
The refrigerator may be a side-by-side type refrigerator in which a freezing chamber and a refrigerating chamber are arranged left and right, a top mount type refrigerator in which the freezing chamber is located above the refrigerating chamber, or a bottom freezer type refrigerator in which the refrigerating chamber is located above the freezing chamber.
Typically, an ice maker is provided in the freezing chamber of a refrigerator to make ice. The ice maker receives water supplied from a water source or a water tank in a tray and cools the water to generate ice. The ice generated by the ice maker may be stored in an ice bin. The ice stored in the ice bin can be discharged through a dispenser provided in the door, or the user can open a freezing chamber door, approach the ice bin, and take out the ice in the ice bin.
A refrigerator is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2016-0136659 that is a prior art document.
The refrigerator of the prior art document comprises a cabinet in which a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber below the refrigerating chamber are formed; a pair of refrigerating chamber doors arranged on the left and right sides to open and close the refrigerating chamber, and an ice maker and a dispenser being provided on one side; a main water tank provided in the refrigerating chamber and cooling the supplied water; a water purifier provided in the cabinet and purifying supplied water; a sub water tank provided in the refrigerating chamber door and additionally cooling the supplied water; a water supply path connecting the water purifier, the main water tank, the sub water tank, the dispenser and the ice maker; and a branch valve provided on the water supply path of the refrigerating chamber door to selectively supply purified water to the dispenser or the ice maker.
However, in the case of the prior document, since the sub-water tank and the branch valve are provided at a rear of the dispenser, there is a disadvantage that a space at the rear of the dispenser cannot be used as a separate storage space or an ice making chamber.
Even in the case of the prior document, if an additional space is formed at the rear of the dispenser, a thickness of the door becomes thicker, so there is a disadvantage that a volume of the refrigerating chamber decreases by the thickness of the thickened door.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

One embodiment provides a refrigerator having a slim dispenser.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of smoothly discharging ice while reducing a width of a path for ice discharged from an ice maker provided in a door.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator having ice chips prevented from accumulating in an ice guide forming an ice path during an ice discharge process.
Alternatively or additionally, one embodiment provides a refrigerator capable of forming an ice storage chamber or storage space at a rear side of a slim dispenser.

[Technical Solution]

In one embodiment, a refrigerator may include a cabinet. The cabinet may have a storage space. The refrigerator may further include a door configured to open and close the storage space. The refrigerator may further include an ice maker for generating ice. The ice maker may be provided in the door or the cabinet.
The refrigerator may further include a dispenser for discharging ice generated by the ice maker and disposed in the door. The dispenser may include a dispenser housing configured to form a receiving space. The dispenser housing may include an ice slot through which ice passes.
The dispenser may further include a cap duct configured to open and close the ice slot. The dispenser may further include an ice guide for guiding ice. The ice guide may guide ice passing through the ice slot.
The ice guide may include a first body. The first body may form an ice inlet. The ice guide may further include a second body. The second body may extend downward from the first body. The ice guide may further include a third body. The third body may extend downward from the second body. The third body may form an ice outlet.
The first body may include a first extension wall.
The second body may include a second extension wall. The second extension wall may extend downward from the first extension wall. The second body may further include a third extension wall.
The third extension wall may be disposed opposite the second extension wall. The third extension wall may be disposed closer to the ice slot than the second extension wall.
An inclination angle of the second extension wall with respect to a horizontal plane may be less than an inclination angle of the third extension wall.
A length of the ice outlet in an X-axis direction, which is a front-back direction of a refrigerator door, may be less than a length in a Y-axis direction, which is a left-right direction of the refrigerator door.
A vertical line passing through a center of the ice outlet may be disposed closer to the third extension wall than the second extension wall.
A virtual line E1 passing through the third extension wall may pass through the ice outlet. A virtual line E2 passing through the second extension wall may not pass through the ice outlet.
A vertical length of the second body may be less than a vertical length of the third body.
The dispenser housing may include an inclined wall in which the ice slot is formed. The second body may further include a flange extending from an upper end of the third extension wall in a direction away from the second extension wall. The flange may contact a lower end of the inclined wall.
The first body may further include a fixing portion. The fixing portion may be fixed to the dispenser housing.
When the ice guide is viewed from at an upper side, a horizontal distance between the fixing portion and the first extension wall may be greater than a horizontal distance between a center of the ice outlet and the first extension wall.
In a state in which the cap duct closes the ice slot, a portion of the cap duct may overlap the second extension wall in a vertical direction.
The third body may include a fourth extension wall. The fourth extension wall may extend downward from the second extension wall. The third body may further include a fifth extension wall. The fifth extension wall may extend downward from the third extension wall. A virtual line E2 passing through the second extension wall may pass through the fifth extension wall.
In a state in which the cap duct opens the ice slot, a lowermost portion of the cap duct may overlap with the fourth extension wall in a vertical direction.
In a state in which the cap duct opens the ice slot, a lowermost portion of the cap duct may overlap with the ice outlet in a vertical direction.
The dispenser may further include a water discharge port disposed between a front surface of the refrigerator door and the fourth extension wall. The dispenser may further include a component disposed between a front surface of the refrigerator door and the fourth extension wall. The component may be a printed circuit board. The component may overlap the second extension wall in a vertical direction.
In another embodiment, a refrigerator may include an ice guide forming an ice path. An ice slot is provided in the dispenser housing. The ice guide may guide ice passing through the ice slot.
The ice guide may include a first body forming an ice inlet.
The ice guide may further include a second body extending downward from the first body. The ice guide may further include a third body extending downward from the second body and forming an ice outlet.
The ice slot may be opened and closed by the cap duct. In a state in which the cap duct closes the ice slot, a portion of the cap duct may overlap the second body in a vertical direction.
In a state in which the cap duct opens the ice slot, a lowermost portion of the cap duct may overlap the third body in a vertical direction or overlap the ice outlet in a vertical direction.
The first body may include a first extension wall. The second body may include a second extension wall extending downward from the first extension wall. The second body may include a third extension wall disposed opposite the second extension wall. The third body may include a fourth extension wall extending downward from the second extension wall. The third body may further include a fifth extension wall extending downward from the third extension wall.
The third extension wall may be disposed loser to the ice slot than the second extension wall. In a state in which the cap duct closes the ice slot, a lowermost portion of the cap duct may overlap the fourth extension wall in a vertical direction.

[Advantageous Effects]

According to one embodiment, a dispenser can be made slimmer by reducing a length in a thickness direction of a door while reducing an ice path formed by an ice guide.
According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that a slope of a wall adjacent to an ice slot through which ice passes is sufficiently large, so that smooth discharge of the ice is possible even if a width of an ice path is reduced.
According to one embodiment, during an ice discharge process, ice chips can be prevented from accumulating in an ice guide forming an ice path.
According to one embodiment, there is an advantage in that an ice chamber or a storage space can be formed at a rear side of the dispenser without increasing a thickness of the door or while minimizing an increase in the thickness of the door by a slim dispenser.

[Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1A is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 1B is a drawing showing a state in which one door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 is separated.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a front side according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a rear side according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 2C is a lateral side view of a first refrigerating chamber door according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 4 is a drawing showing cold air passage in a first refrigerating chamber door of the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an ice guide as viewed from an upper side according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ice guide as viewed from one side according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a plan view of an ice guide according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an ice guide according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first refrigerating chamber door showing an arrangement of a cap duct and an ice guide when an ice path is closed according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first refrigerating chamber door showing an arrangement of a cap duct and an ice guide when an ice path is opened according to the present embodiment.

[Mode for Invention]

FIG. 1A is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1B is a drawing showing a state in which one door of the refrigerator of FIG. 1 is separated. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a front side according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a first refrigerating chamber door as viewed from a rear side according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2C is a lateral side view of a first refrigerating chamber door according to the first embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment may include a cabinet 2 having a storage space. The refrigerator 1 may further include a refrigerator door configured to open and close the storage space.
The storage space may include a refrigerating chamber 18. The storage space may optionally or additionally include a freezing chamber 19. As an example, FIG. 1 illustrates that the storage space includes a refrigerating chamber 18 and a freezing chamber 19.
The refrigerating chamber 18 may be opened and closed by one or more refrigerating chamber doors 5. The freezing chamber 19 may be opened and closed by one or more freezing chamber doors 30.
Hereinafter, the refrigerating chamber 18 is described as being opened and closed by a first refrigerating chamber door 10 and a second refrigerating chamber door 20.
At least one of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 or the second refrigerating chamber door 20 may include a dispenser 11 for discharging water and/or ice. Of course, depending on a type of refrigerator, it is also possible for the freezing chamber door 30 to be provided with the dispenser 11.
At least one of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 or the second refrigerating chamber door 20 may include at least one ice maker.
Hereinafter, an example of an ice maker being provided in the first refrigerating chamber door 10 will be described. Of course, if necessary, an ice maker may also be provided in the second refrigerating chamber door 20 or the freezing chamber door 30. At this time, a dispenser 11 and the ice maker may be provided in the same door.
Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the first refrigerating chamber door 10 includes a plurality of ice makers. It is not limited thereto, and the second refrigerating chamber door 20 may also include a plurality of ice makers.
In FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 is exemplarily illustrated as a bottom freezer type refrigerator, but it is to be noted that an idea of the present invention can be equally applied to a side-by-side type refrigerator or a top-mount type refrigerator. In the case of a side-by-side type or top-mount type refrigerator, the freezing chamber door may include a plurality of ice makers or the refrigerating chamber door may include a plurality of ice makers.
The dispenser 11 is disposed at a front side of the first refrigerating chamber door 10, and a portion of the dispensers may be recessed toward rearward to provide a space where a container can be disposed.
The plurality of ice makers may be arranged in a vertical direction. For example, the plurality of ice makers may include a first ice maker 200. The plurality of ice makers may further include a second ice maker 500. The second ice maker 500 may be disposed at a lower side of the first ice maker 200. Of course, the present embodiment does not exclude the plurality of ice makers 200, 500 being arranged in a left-right direction.
The dispenser 11 may discharge at least ice generated in the first ice maker 200. To this end, the first ice maker 200 may positioned higher than the dispenser 11.
If the dispenser 11 may discharge ice generated in the second ice maker 500, the second ice maker 500 may also positioned higher than the dispenser 11. Even if at least one of the first ice maker 200 or the second ice maker 500 is positioned the same as or lower than the dispenser 11, ice generated in at least one of the first ice maker 200 or the second ice maker 500 can be transferred to the dispenser 11 by a separate transfer mechanism. As another example, the dispenser 11 may include a first dispenser to discharge ice generated in the first ice maker 200, and a second dispenser to discharge ice generated in the second ice maker.
The second ice maker 500 may be disposed at a rear side of the dispenser 11.
The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may include an outer case 101 configured to form a front exterior. The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a door liner 102 coupled to the outer case 101. The door liner 102 may open and close the refrigerating chamber 18.
In a state in which the outer case 101 is coupled to the door liner 102, an insulating space may be formed in a space between the outer case 101 and the door liner 102. An insulator may be provided in the insulating space.
The door liner 102 may include a first space 122 in which the first ice maker 200 is disposed. The first space 122 may also be referred to as a first ice making chamber. The door liner 102 may further include a second space 124 in which the second ice maker 500 is disposed. The second space 124 may also be referred to as a second ice making chamber.
In the present embodiment, the second ice maker 500 may be omitted, and in this case, the second space 124 may exist. In this case, the second space 124 may function as a door storage space used for a specific purpose. Alternatively, a position of the second ice maker 500 in the present embodiment may vary. Depending on the type of refrigerator, the second ice maker 500 may be positioned in the storage space. In this case, the second space 124 may be present or may be omitted.
The first space 122 may be formed as one side of the door liner 102 is recessed toward the outer case 101. The second space 124 may be formed as one side of the door liner 102 is recessed toward the outer case 101. For example, the second space 124 may be recessed toward the dispenser 11.
The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may include a first ice bin 280 in which ice generated in the first ice maker 200 is stored. The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a second ice bin 600 in which ice generated in the second ice maker 500 is stored. Of course, if the second ice maker 500 is omitted, the second ice bin 600 may also be omitted.
The first ice bin 280 may be received in the first space 122 together with the first ice maker 200. The second ice bin 600 may be received in the second space 124 together with the second ice maker 500.
The first space 122 may be supplied with cold generated from a cooler. The cooler may be defined as a means for cooling the storage space, including at least one of a refrigerant cycle or a thermoelectric element. For example, cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 may be supplied to the first space 122. The second space 124 may be supplied with cold generated from a cooler. For example, cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 may be supplied to the second space 124.
The refrigerator 1 may include a supply passage 2a that guides cold air of the freezing chamber 19 or cold air of a space where an evaporator that generates cold air for cooling the freezing chamber 19 is disposed to the first refrigerating chamber door 10. The refrigerator 1 may include a discharge passage 2b that guides cold air discharged from the first refrigerating chamber door 10 to the freezing chamber 19 or the space where the evaporator is disposed. The supply passage 2a and the discharge passage 2b may be provided in the cabinet 2.
The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may include a cold air inlet 123a. When the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed, the cold air inlet 123a may be communicated with the supply passage 2a. The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a cold air outlet 123b. When the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed, the cold air outlet 123b may be communicated with the discharge passage 2b.
The cold air inlet 123a may be formed on one side of the door liner 102. Although not limited, the one side of the door liner 102 may be a side facing a wall where the supply passage 2a is disposed in the refrigerating chamber 18 when the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed.
The cold air outlet 123b may be formed on one side of the door liner 102. Although not limited, the one side of the door liner 102 may be a side facing a wall where the discharge passage 2b is disposed in the refrigerating chamber 18 when the first refrigerating chamber door 10 is closed.
A shape of the ice generated from the first ice maker 200 may be the same as or different from a shape of the ice generated from the second ice maker 500. For example, the second ice maker 500 may form spherical ice. The "spherical shape" mentioned in this specification means not only a geometrically spherical shape but also a shape similar to a spherical shape.
A transparency of ice generated from the first ice maker200 may be the same as or different from a transparency of ice generated from the second ice maker 500. For example, a transparency of the ice generated from the second ice maker 500 may be greater than a transparency of the ice formed from the first ice maker 200. A size or volume of ice generated from the first ice maker 200 may be different from a size or volume of ice generated from the second ice maker 500. For example, a size or volume of ice generated from the second ice maker 500 may be greater than a size or volume of ice formed from the first ice maker 200.
A structure of the first ice maker 200 for generating ice and a method for separation the generated ice may be the same as or different from a structure of the second ice maker 500 and a method for separation the ice generated from the second ice maker 500 is separated. If the structure and/or the method of the ice makers are different, a shape of the first space 122 where the first ice maker 200 is disposed may be different from a shape of the second space 124 where the second ice maker 500 is disposed.
For example, a depth of the second space 124 may be greater than a depth of the first space 122. Due to a difference in depth between the first space 122 and the second space 124, the one side of the door liner 102 may include a first side portion 102a and a second side portion 102b having different widths in a front-back direction. A width of the second side portion 102b may be formed to be greater than a width of the first side portion 102a. At least one of the cold air inlet 123a or the cold air outlet 123b may be formed on the second side portion 102b of the door liner 102. The second side portion 102b may protrude further toward the refrigerating chamber18 than the first side portion 102a.
The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a first door130 (or a first space door) that opens and closes the first space 122. The first door 130 may be an insulated door having an insulator provided therein. The first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a second door 132 (or a second space door) that opens and closes the second space 124. The second door 132 may be an insulated door having an insulator provided therein. Even if the second ice maker 500 is omitted, the second door 132 may exist.
The first door 130 may be rotatably provided on the first refrigerating chamber door 10 by a hinge. The second door 132 may be rotatably provided on the first refrigerating chamber door 10 by a hinge. A rotation direction of the first door 130 and a rotation direction of the second door 132 may be the same or different.
Meanwhile, a basket 136 capable of storing food may be connected to the first door 130 by varying a thickness of the first refrigerating chamber door 10.
A filter (not shown) may be mounted on one side 103 of the first refrigerating chamber door 10, and the filter may be covered by a filter cover 142.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing cold air passage in a first refrigerating chamber door of the first embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the first refrigerating chamber door 10 may further include a cold air passage for cold air flow. The cold air passage may be formed by a cold air duct, not shown. The cold air duct may be installed, for example, in the door liner 102.
The cold air passage may guide cold air to at least one of the first space 122 or the second space 124.
The cold air passage may include a first cold air passage P1. The first cold air passage P1 may guide cold air supplied from the cabinet 2 to the first space 122. Cold air guided by the first cold air passage P1 may flow toward the first ice maker 200.
The cold air passage may further include a second cold air passage P2. The second cold air passage P2 may guide cold air of the first space 122 to the second space 124. Cold air from a lower portion of the first space 122 may be discharged to the second cold air passage P2. Cold air may descend in the second cold air passage P2 and be supplied to the second space 124.
The cold air passage may further include a third cold air passage P3. The third cold air passage P3 may guide cold air of the second space 124 to an outside of the first refrigerating chamber door 10.
Meanwhile, the first ice maker 200 may include an ice tray 210 configured to form an ice making cell. The first ice maker 200 may further include a driver that provides power to automatically rotate the ice tray 210 to separate ice from the ice tray 210. The first ice maker 200 may further include a power transmission unit that transmits a power of the driver to the ice tray 210.
The ice tray 210 may include a plurality of ice making cells. Water discharged from a water supply portion and dropped onto the ice tray 210 may be distributed to the plurality of ice making cells.
When the ice generation in the ice tray 210 is completed, the ice may be separated from the ice tray 210 as the ice tray 210 is rotated (or twisted) by the driver. An ice separated from the ice tray 210 may be stored in the first ice bin 280.
The second ice maker 500 may include the first tray 510. The second ice maker 500 may further include a second tray 550. The first tray 510 and the second tray 550 may form an ice making cell 501. The second tray 550 may be moved with respect to the first tray 510. For example, the second tray 550 may be rotated with respect to the first tray 510, or may move linearly with respect to the first tray 510, or may move linearly and rotationally.
If the second tray 550 is a rotation type tray, water supply may be performed at a water supply position of the second tray 550. After the water supply is completed, the second tray550 may be rotated to an ice making position. If the second tray 550 is a linear movement type tray, water supply may be performed at the ice making position of the second tray 550.
If the second tray 550 is a rotation type tray, at least a portion of the second tray 550 may be spaced apart from at least a portion of the first tray 510 at the water supply position. A portion of the second tray 550 spaced apart from the first tray 510 at the water supply position may come into contact with the first tray 510 at the ice making position to form the ice making cell 501.
The dispenser 11 may include a dispenser housing 11a. The dispenser housing 11a may form a receiving space. A container such as a cup may be positioned in the receiving space. Water or ice may be discharged into the receiving space. At least a portion of the dispenser housing 11a may be disposed to overlap the second space 124 in a front-back direction.
A minimum horizontal distance between a front surface of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 and the second space 124 is greater than a minimum horizontal distance between the front surface of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 and the first space 122 by the dispenser housing 11a.
A vertical length of the first space 122 may be greater than a vertical length of the second space 124. At least a portion of the second space 124 may overlap the first space 122 in the vertical direction. The ice making cell 501 of the second ice maker 500 may overlap the dispenser housing 11a in the front-back direction.
An ice chute 700 may be disposed at a lower side of the first space 122. The ice chute 700 may be opened and closed by a cap duct 900. An ice guide 800 may be disposed at a lower side of the ice chute 700. The ice chute700 may guide ice discharged from the first ice bin 280 to the ice guide 800. The ice guide 800 may guide ice and finally discharge the ice. The ice guide 800 may be referred to as a second path forming a passage through which ice moves or is discharged. The ice chute 700 may overlap at least a portion of the first space 122 in a vertical direction. At least a portion of the ice chute700 may overlap at least a portion of the second space 124 in the vertical direction. A water tank 340 may be detachably mounted on the first refrigerating chamber door 10. At least a portion of the ice chute 700 may overlap the water tank 340 in a vertical direction.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a dispenser according to the present embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 5, the dispenser 11 of the present embodiment may include a dispenser housing 11a. The dispenser housing 11a may form a receiving space 11c. The receiving space 11c may be formed by a front surface of the dispenser housing 11a being recessed toward rearward.
The dispenser 11 may further include a pad 1010. The pad 1010 may be movably installed in the dispenser housing 11a. A user may manipulate the pad 1010 to discharge ice and/or water. For example, the user may push or press the pad 1010. The pad 1010 may also be referred to as an operating member.
A lever 1070 that operates by the pad 1010 may be installed on the dispenser housing 11a. A switch 1050 that is selectively turned on or off by the lever 1070 may be installed on the dispenser housing 11a.
For example, when the pad 1010 is not operated, the switch 1050 may be turned off, and when the pad 1010 is operated, an operating force of the pad 1010 is transmitted to the lever 1070, so that the lever 1070 may turn on the switch 1050.
The dispenser housing 11a may further include an ice slot 111 through which ice guided by the ice chute 700 passes. The ice slot 111 may be formed, for example, in an inclined wall 111a of the dispenser housing 11a.
The ice chute 700 may be disposed at an outer side of the dispenser housing 11a. The ice guide 800 may be disposed in the receiving space 11c. The ice guide 800 may guide ice passed through the ice slot 111. The ice guide 800 may be disposed at a lower side of the inclined wall 111a.
The ice slot 111 may be opened and closed by the cap duct 900. The cap duct 900 may open and close the ice slot 111 in the receiving space 11c. The cap duct 900 may be driven by a duct driver 990 to open and close the ice slot 111. For example, the duct driver 990 may include a motor. The cap duct 900 may be rotated by a driving of the motor to open the ice slot 111.
The dispenser 11 may further include a water discharge port 870 through which water is discharged. The water discharge port 870 may be disposed in the receiving space 11c. The water discharge port 870 may be disposed adjacent to the ice guide 800.
The dispenser 11 may further include a supporter 890 that supports the water discharge port 870. The dispenser 11 may further include a sterilizing device 880 for sterilizing the water discharge port 870. The sterilizing device 880 may sterilize a water path formed by the water discharge port 870 by irradiating ultraviolet rays, for example. The dispenser 11 may further include a display device.
The display device may include a display 1100. The display 1100 may display an operating status of the refrigerator. The display 1100 may perform an input function that may receive a user's command. The user may select or change a temperature or various functions by manipulating or touching a button displayed on the display 1100.
The display device may further include a display frame 1120 that supports the display 1100. The display frame 1120 may be received in the receiving space 11c.
The display frame 1120 may include a first frame 1121 including an opening 1122 in which at least a portion of the display 1100 is disposed. The display 1100 may be exposed to an outside through the opening 1122.
The display frame 1120 may further include a second frame 1124 extending from the first frame 1121. The second frame 1124 may be inclined with respect to the first frame 1121.
An input module 1160 may be installed in the second frame 1124. A type of ice may be selected through the input module 1160. Or, a state of the ice to be discharged may be selected through the input module 1160. For example, transparent ice or opaque ice may be selected through the input module 1160. Or, ices of different sizes may be distinguished and selected through the input module 1160.
The input module 1160 may include, for example, a button. A portion of the input module 1160 may be exposed to an outside while installed in the second frame 1124.
A shape of the display frame 1120 is not limited to the above, and it is also possible for the input module 1160 to be installed or supported in a configuration other than the display frame 1120. Of course, it is also possible for the display 1100 to additionally perform a function of the input module without a separate input module 1160.
The display device may further include a display supporter 1140 disposed at a rear side of the display frame 1120. The display supporter 1140 may support the display 1100 penetrating the opening 1122. Of course, the display supporter 1140 may be omitted.
Meanwhile, the dispenser housing 11a may be coupled to the door liner 102. The door liner 102 may include a space forming wall 124g forming the second space 124. The dispenser housing 11a may be disposed in front of the space forming wall 124g. A mounting bracket 480 for guiding water to the second space 124 may be installed in the space forming wall 124g. The mounting bracket 480 may be disposed at a rear of the ice guide 800. That is, the mounting bracket 480 may be disposed to overlap the ice guide 800 in a front-back direction.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an ice guide as viewed from an upper side according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an ice guide as viewed from one side according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a plan view of an ice guide according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an ice guide according to the present embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, the ice guide 800 may form an ice path.
An upper portion of the ice guide 800 may provide an ice path 801. An upper portion of the ice guide 800 may provide a movement path of the cap duct 900. In order to prevent interference with the cap duct 900, a path width of an upper portion of the ice guide 800 may be greater than a path width of a lower portion of the ice guide.
The ice guide 800 may include a first body 810. The first body 810 may form an upper portion of the ice guide 800. A height of the upper portion of the first body 810 may be variable.
The first body 810 may form an ice inlet 813.
With reference to FIG. 8, the first body 810 may include a first extension wall 812. The first extension wall 812 may be disposed opposite the ice inlet 813. The first extension 812 may be disposed closer to a front surface of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 than the ice inlet 813.
The ice guide 800 may further include a second body 830. The second body 830 may be disposed at a lower side of the first body 810.
A path width of at least a portion of the second body 830 in an X-axis direction may be less than a path width of the first body 810. For example, the X-axis direction may be a front-back direction of the refrigerator or a thickness direction of the first refrigerating chamber door.
A portion of the second body 830 may form the ice inlet 813. That is, the ice inlet 813 may be formed in the first body 810 and the second body 830. Of course, it is also possible for only the first body 810 to form the ice inlet 813.
The second body 830 may include a second extension wall 832. Based on FIG. 8, the second extension wall 832 may be disposed at a lower side of the first extension wall 812.
The second body 830 may further include a third extension wall 834. The third extension wall 834 may be disposed at a lower side of the ice inlet 813.
The third extension wall 834 may be disposed opposite the second extension wall 832. The third extension wall 834 may be disposed closer to the ice slot 111 than the second extension wall 832. A distance between the second extension wall 832 and the third extension wall 834 may decrease toward a bottom. The second extension wall 832 and the third extension wall 834 may be inclined walls.
An inclination angle of the second extension wall 832 with respect to a horizontal plane may be different from an inclination angle of the third extension wall 834. For example, the inclination angle of the third extension wall 834 with respect to the horizontal plane may be greater than the inclination angle of the second extension wall 832.
The third extension wall 834 may also be referred to as a guide wall. If the inclination angle of the third extension wall 834 is greater, ice discharge may be facilitated. Although not limited, the inclination angle of the third extension wall 834 with respect to the horizontal plane may be equal to or greater than 55 degrees. Preferably, the inclination angle of the third extension wall 834 may be equal to or greater than 60 degrees.
The second body 830 may further include a flange 836. The flange 836 may extend from an upper end of the third extension wall 834 in a direction away from the second extension wall 832. The flange 836 may extend horizontally from the second extension wall 832, for example.
The ice guide 800 may further include a third body 850. The third body 850 may be disposed at a lower side of the second body 830. The third body 850 may include an ice outlet 851.
A path width of the third body 850 in an X-axis direction may be less than a path width of the second body 830. An upper and lower length L1 of the third body 850 may be greater than an upper and lower length L2 of the second body 830. Due to structural characteristics of the second body 830 and the third body 830, overall width of the ice guide 800 in the X-axis direction may be reduced, and thus, the ice guide 800 may contribute to slimming the dispenser 11.
The third body 850 may further include a fourth extension wall 852. The fourth extension wall 852 may extend from the second extension wall 832. The third body 850 may further include a fifth extension wall 853. The fifth extension wall 853 may extend from the third extension wall 834. At least a portion of the third extension wall 834 may be a round wall. At least a portion of the fifth extension wall 853 may be a round wall.
A virtual line E1 passing through the third extension wall 834 may pass through the ice outlet 851. On the other hand, a virtual line E2 passing through the second extension wall 832 may not pass through the ice outlet 851. The virtual line E2 passing through the second extension wall 832 may pass through the fifth extension wall 853. An inclination angle of the fourth extension wall 852 with respect to a horizontal plane may be greater than an inclination angle of the second extension wall 832.
An opening 854 may be formed in the fourth extension wall 852. Interference with surrounding structures can be prevented by the opening 854. A surrounding structure of the ice guide 800 may be disposed in the opening 854.
Referring to FIG. 9, the ice outlet 851 may be formed in a non-circular shape. A center C of the ice outlet 851 may be disposed closer to the fifth extension wall 853 than the fourth extension wall 852. Alternatively, a vertical line passing through the center C of the ice outlet 851 may be disposed closer to the third extension wall 834 than the second extension wall 832.
The ice guide 800 may further include a first fixing portion 814 for fixing the ice guide 800. For example, the first fixing portion 814 may protrude from the first body 810. Although not limited, the first fixing portion 814 may protrude from at least two points of the first body 810. The first fixing portion 814 may be fixed to the dispenser housing 11a.
With reference to FIG. 9, when viewing the ice guide 800 from an upper side, a horizontal distance between the first fixing portion 814 and the first extension wall 812 may be less than a horizontal distance between a center C of the ice outlet 851 and the first extension wall 812.
The ice guide 800 may further include a second fixing portion 838 for fixing the ice guide 800. The second fixing portion 838 may be spaced apart from the first fixing portion 814 in a vertical direction.
The second fixing portion 838 may, for example, protrude from the second body 830. Although not limited, the second fixing portion 838 may protrude from at least two points of the second body 830. The second fixing portion 838 may be fixed to the dispenser housing 11a.
Meanwhile, a horizontal length of the ice guide 800 in the X-axis direction may be less than a horizontal length of the ice guide 800 in a Y-axis direction excluding the first fixing portion 814. If a horizontal length of the ice guide 800 in the X-axis direction is reduced, a thickness of the dispenser 11 may be reduced.
A length of the ice outlet 851 in the X-axis direction may be less than a length of the ice outlet 851 in a Y-axis direction. A shape change of the ice outlet 851 may contribute to reduce the horizontal length of the ice guide 800 in the X-axis direction.
If the length of the ice outlet 851 in a Y-axis direction is reduced, a flying of ices passing through the ice outlet 851 may be reduced.
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first refrigerating chamber door showing an arrangement of a cap duct and an ice guide when an ice path is closed according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first refrigerating chamber door showing an arrangement of a cap duct and an ice guide when an ice path is opened according to the present embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the dispenser housing 11a may include a cover wall 110 surrounding the ice guide 800. The cover wall 110 may include the inclined wall 111a.
A coupling wall 112 may extend from the cover wall 110a around the ice slot 111. The ice chute 700 may be coupled to the coupling wall 112. For example, a portion of the ice chute 700 may be inserted into the coupling wall 112.
In a state in which a position of the above ice guide 800 is fixed, the flange 836 may contact a lower end of the inclined wall 111a. Therefore, ice chips can be prevented from accumulating in an ice path during an ice discharge process.
The state in which the cap duct 900 closes the ice slot 111 of the dispenser housing 11a is, for example, a state in which ice is blocked from being discharged through the ice path of the ice chute 700. Therefore, the state in which the cap duct 900 closes the ice slot 111 may mean a state in which the cap duct 900 closes the ice path upstream of the ice guide 800. In a state in which the cap duct 900 closes the ice slot 111, a portion of the cap duct 900 may overlap the second extension wall 832 in a vertical direction.
In order to open the ice slot 111, the cap duct 900 may be rotated in a direction closer to the first extension wall 812. In a state in which the cap duct 900 opens the ice slot 111, a portion of the cap duct 900 may overlap the fourth extension wall 852 in a vertical direction. For example, a portion of the cap duct 900 may be a lowermost portion 901 of the cap duct 900.
Since an inclination angle of the second extension wall 832 with respect to the horizontal plane is less than an inclination angle of the fourth extension wall 852, there is a possibility that ice chips may accumulate on an upper side of the second extension wall 832 during the ice discharge process. However, according to the present embodiment, when the lowermost portion 901 of the cap duct 900 overlaps the fourth extension wall 852 in the vertical direction, ice chips can be restricted from moving toward an upper side of the second extension wall 832.
In a state in which the cap duct 900 opens the ice slot 111, a lowermost portion 901 of the cap duct 900 may overlap the ice outlet 851 in a vertical direction.
In a state in which the cap duct 900 opens the ice slot 111, the cap duct 900 may contact the first extension wall 812. Alternatively, in a state in which the cap duct 900 opens the ice slot 111, the cap duct 900 may be spaced apart from the first extension wall 812. Alternatively, in a state in which the cap duct 900 opens the ice slot 111, the cap duct 900 may contact the second extension wall 832.
Meanwhile, the water discharge port 870 may be disposed between the ice guide 800 and a front surface 10a of the first refrigerating chamber door 10. For example, the water discharge port 870 may be disposed between the fourth extension wall 852 and a front surface 10a of the first refrigerating chamber door 10.
The sterilizing module 880 may be disposed between the ice guide 800 and the front surface 10a of the first refrigerating chamber door 10. For example, the sterilizing module 880 may be disposed between the fourth extension wall 852 and the front surface 10a of the first refrigerating chamber door 10.
As in the present embodiment, if the ice outlet 851 of the ice guide 800 is formed non-circularly to reduce a length of the X-axis direction of the ice outlet 851, a space between the ice guide 800 and the front surface 10a of the first refrigerating chamber door 10 may be increased, so that a component can be positioned.
If an inclination angle of the second extension wall 832 is less than an inclination angle of the third extension wall 834, a horizontal distance between a vertical extension line of the first extension wall 832 and the fourth extension wall 852 may be increased. In this case, a space can be secured below the second extension wall 832 in which a component can be disposed.
A printed circuit board 1162 of the input module 1160 may be disposed between the ice guide 800 and the front 10a of the first refrigerating chamber door 10. The printed circuit board 1162 may be disposed between the fourth extension wall 852 and the front surface 10a of the first refrigerating chamber door 10. Of course, it is also possible to arrange other components or other printed circuit board besides the input module 1160 between the fourth extension wall 852 and the front 10a of the first refrigerating chamber door 10. The second extension wall 832 may overlap the components in the vertical direction.
According to this embodiment, there is an advantage in that a wall adjacent to an ice slot opened by the cap duct has a sufficiently large slope so that smooth discharge of ice is possible even if a width of the ice path is reduced.
According to this embodiment, during a process of discharging ice, ice chips can be prevented from accumulating in the ice guide forming the ice path.
According to this embodiment, there is an advantage in that an ice chamber or a storage space can be formed at a rear side of the dispenser without increasing a thickness of the door or while minimizing an increase in the thickness of the door by a slim dispenser.

Claims

A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet to define a storage space;

a door configured to open and close the storage space;

an ice maker configured to generate ice and provided in the door or the cabinet; and

a dispenser configured to discharge ice generated by the ice maker and disposed in the door,

wherein the dispenser includes a dispenser housing configured to form a receiving space,

an ice slot through which the ice passes and disposed in the dispenser housing,

a cap duct configured to open and close the ice slot,

an ice guide configured to guide ice passing through the ice slot,

wherein the ice guide includes a first body to form an ice inlet,

a second body extended downward from the first body,

a third body extended downward from the second body and to form an ice outlet,

wherein the first body include a first extension wall,

the second body include a second extension wall extended downward from the first extension wall, and a third extension wall disposed opposite the second extension wall,

the third extension wall is disposed closer to the ice slot than the second extension wall, and

an inclination angle of the second extension wall with respect to a horizontal plane is less than an inclination angle of the third extension wall.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein a length of the ice outlet in an X-axis direction, which is a front-back direction of the door, is less than a length of the ice outlet in a Y-axis direction, which is a left-right direction of the door.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein a vertical line passing through a center of the ice outlet is disposed closer to the third extension wall than the second extension wall.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein a virtual line El passing through the third extension wall passes through the ice outlet.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein a virtual line E2 passing through the second extension wall is not pass through the ice outlet.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein a vertical length of the second body is less than a vertical length of the third body.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein the dispenser housing includes an inclined wall in which the ice slot is formed,

the second body further includes a flange extending from an upper end of the third extension wall in a direction away from the second extension wall, and

the flange is in contact with a lower end of the inclined wall.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein the first body includes a fixing portion fixed to the dispenser housing,

when the ice guide is viewed from at an upper side, a horizontal distance between the fixing portion and the first extension wall is less than a horizontal distance between a center of the ice outlet and the first extension wall.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein in a state in which the cap duct closes the ice slot, a portion of the cap duct overlap the second extension wall in a vertical direction.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein the third body includes a fourth extension wall extended downward from the second extension wall, and

a fifth extension wall extended downward from the third extension wall.
The refrigerator of claim 10,
wherein in a state in which the cap duct opens the ice slot, a lowermost portion of the cap duct overlap the fourth extension wall in a vertical direction or a lowermost portion of the cap duct overlap the ice outlet in the vertical direction.
The refrigerator of claim 10,
further comprising a water discharge port disposed between a front surface of the door and the fourth extension wall.
The refrigerator of claim 10,
further comprising a component disposed between a front surface of the door and the fourth extension wall.
The refrigerator of claim 13,
wherein the component overlaps the second extension wall in a vertical direction.
A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet to define a storage space;

a door configured to open and close the storage space;

an ice maker configured to generate ice and provided in the door or the cabinet; and

a dispenser configured to discharge ice generated by the ice maker and disposed in the door,

wherein the dispenser includes a dispenser housing configured to form a receiving space,

an ice slot through which the ice passes and disposed in the dispenser housing,

a cap duct configured to open and close the ice slot,

an ice guide configured to guide ice passing through the ice slot,

wherein the ice guide includes a first body to form an ice inlet,

a second body extended downward from the first body,

a third body extended downward from the second body and to form an ice outlet,

wherein in a state in which the cap duct closes the ice slot, a portion of the cap duct overlap the second body in a vertical direction,

in a state in which the cap duct opens the ice slot, a lowermost portion of the cap duct overlaps the third body in the vertical direction or a lowermost portion of the cap duct overlaps the ice outlet in the vertical direction.
The refrigerator of claim 15,
wherein the first body includes a first extension wall,

the second body includes a second extension wall extending downward from the first extension wall, and a third extension wall disposed opposite the second extension wall,

the third body includes a fourth extension wall extending downward from the second extension wall, and a fifth extension wall extending downward from the third extension wall,

wherein the third extension wall is disposed loser to the ice slot than the second extension wall,

in a state in which the cap duct closes the ice slot, a lowermost portion of the cap duct overlaps the fourth extension wall in the vertical direction.