JP3942988B2

JP3942988B2 - refrigerator

Info

Publication number: JP3942988B2
Application number: JP2002242865A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 淳二吉田; 睦加藤; 正雄荒木
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2002-08-23
Filing date: 2002-08-23
Publication date: 2007-07-11
Anticipated expiration: 2022-08-23
Also published as: JP2004084980A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、給水機構を有する自動製氷装置用を搭載した冷蔵庫に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
今日、冷蔵庫に自動製氷装置を具備させたものがある。図１３は従来の自動製氷装置を備えた冷蔵庫を示す側断面図である。図に示すように、冷蔵室１０に給水タンク１７を設け、冷蔵室１０の直下に製氷室１１を配置し、製氷室１１に製氷皿１６と貯氷箱１４が設けられている。製氷室１１内の温度は製氷や氷の保存の目的により温度は約−１８℃である。タンクカバー２８は給水タンク１７の蓋である。
【０００３】
給水タンク１７内の水は、ポンプ１８の運転により給水パイプ吸入部１９内を汲み上げられ、水受け部２０に送られ水受け部２０から水が自重により給水パイプ吐出部２１を流れて製氷皿１６へと給水される。ポンプ１８の停止時には給水タンク１７及び給水パイプ吸入部１９及び水受け部２０及び給水パイプ吐出部２１にて形成された給水経路が連通している。製氷皿１６へと給水された水は、製氷室１１内に供給される冷気により凝固した後、製氷ギアボックス１５の動作により離氷され貯氷箱１４に落下する。
【０００４】
ポンプ１８及び給水パイプ吸入部１９及び水受け部２０及び給水パイプ吐出部２１は取り外しができるのでユーザが洗うことができる。一般に給水パイプ吐出部２１の材料は、
雑菌の繁殖を防ぐ目的によりアルミニウムかステンレスである。アルミニウムの場合は、
酸化を防止するために表面にアルマイト処理が施されている。
【０００５】
図１３に示すように、水受け部２０及び給水タンク１７の間には間隔が設けられていて、その面積は２０ｍｍ²以上である。この水受け部２０及び給水タンク１７の間の間隔は給水タンク１７内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷皿１６へと所定量以上に流出し続けるのを防ぐ空気抜き穴の役目をしている。また、水受け部２０及び給水タンク１７の間の間隔は、ユーザがポンプ１８及び給水パイプ吸入部１９及び水受け部２０及び給水パイプ吐出部２１を組み付ける際の組み付けばらつきによりサイフォン現象を引き起こすまで小さくならないような大きさである。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
従来の給水機構を有する自動製氷装置用を搭載した冷蔵庫は、以上のように構成されているので、水受け部２０及び給水タンク１７の間に間隔があるため、製氷室１１内の冷気が給水経路を逆流して給水経路及び給水タンク１７の水と熱交換して給水経路及び給水タンク１７の水の温度を低下させるため、給水経路及び給水タンク１７内の水の凍結を防止するヒータを設ける必要があった。そのためにヒータで電力を浪費するという問題点があり、また給水タンク１７内の水の水温上昇により製氷時間が長くなるという問題点もあった。
【０００７】
また、特開平１１−１１８３０８号公報には、給水パイプのメンテナンスを行うことができると共に、添加する抗菌剤の量を少なくできる冷蔵庫が開示されているが、この冷蔵庫においても、上記と同様の問題点があった。また、急速製氷制御のように製氷室１１に冷気を通常より多く送るときは更に冷気逆流量が多くなり、より給水経路及び給水タンク１７内の水が凍りやすくなるため長時間急速製氷制御を実施できないという問題点もあった。
【０００８】
また、図１４は特開２００１−１８３０４０号公報に示された冷蔵庫の給水構造を示す図である。自吸性ポンプ１８Ａは、例えばギアポンプであるがユーザが取り外して洗うには複雑な構造をしていて確実に洗う事ができないという問題点があった。また空気抜き穴はユーザが掃除することができないために埃等で塞がってしまう恐れがあり、給水経路内に残水して衛生的に問題点が残るものであった。
【０００９】
この発明は、上記のような問題点を解決するためになされたもので、製氷室から給水経路への冷気逆流の抑制及びサイフォン現象を防止することができる自動製氷用の給水構造を価格を抑えて提供することであり、ひいては給水経路及び給水タンク内の水の凍結防止用ヒータ通電率低減による消費電力低減及び製氷時間の短縮及び連続急速製氷可能回数の向上によるユーザの使い勝手のよい冷蔵庫を提供することを目的とする。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、冷蔵室と、この冷蔵室の下に設けられた製氷室とを有する冷蔵庫本体と、冷蔵室に設けられた給水タンクと、この給水タンクに設けられ、給水タンク内の水を汲み上げるポンプと、このポンプに一端が接続され、他端が給水タンクの満水位置より高い位置に横に延びて形成された縁部から外周部は隙間ができないように下方に延出した給水パイプ吸入部と、この給水パイプ吸入部から落下する水を受ける水受け部と、この水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間をシールするシール部材と、水受け部に一端が接続され、他端が外周部は隙間ができないように製氷室に延出した給水パイプ吐出部と、給水タンク内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷室へ所定量以上流出し続けるのを防ぐ手段と、水受け部の空間と冷蔵室とを連通させる空気抜き穴とを備えたことを特徴とする。
【００１１】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、給水タンクはタンクカバーを有し、タンクカバー及び給水タンクの縁部に空気抜き穴を設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１２】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、タンクカバー及び給水タンクの縁部に設けた二つの空気抜き穴の中、何れか一方の面積の小さい方を１ｍｍ²以上１０ｍｍ²以下の面積としたことを特徴とする。
【００１３】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、タンクカバーに複数の空気抜き穴を設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１４】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、冷蔵室と、この冷蔵室の下に設けられた製氷室とを有する冷蔵庫本体と、冷蔵室に設けられた給水タンクと、この給水タンクに設けられ、給水タンク内の水を汲み上げるポンプと、このポンプに一端が接続され、他端が給水タンクの満水位置より高い位置に横に延びて形成された縁部から外周部は隙間ができないように下方に延出した給水パイプ吸入部と、この給水パイプ吸入部から落下する水を受ける水受け部と、この水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間をシールするシール部材と、水受け部に一端が接続され、他端が外周部は隙間ができないように製氷室に延出した給水パイプ吐出部と、給水タンク内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷室へ所定量以上流出し続けるのを防ぐ手段と、を備え、シール部材の材料をシリコンゴムとし、シール部材の給水タンクの縁部との接触部にヒレ部を設けたことを特徴とする。
【００１５】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、冷蔵室と、この冷蔵室の下に設けられた製氷室とを有する冷蔵庫本体と、冷蔵室に設けられた給水タンクと、この給水タンクに設けられ、給水タンク内の水を汲み上げるポンプと、このポンプに一端が接続され、他端が給水タンクの満水位置より高い位置に横に延びて形成された縁部から外周部は隙間ができないように下方に延出した給水パイプ吸入部と、この給水パイプ吸入部から落下する水を受ける水受け部と、この水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間をシールするシール部材と、水受け部に一端が接続され、他端が外周部は隙間ができないように製氷室に延出した給水パイプ吐出部と、給水タンク内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷室へ所定量以上流出し続けるのを防ぐ手段と、を備え、水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間をシールするシール部材で、水受け部と給水パイプ吐出部との間のシールも行う構成としたことを特徴とする。
【００１６】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、冷蔵室と、この冷蔵室の下に設けられた製氷室とを有する冷蔵庫本体と、冷蔵室に設けられた給水タンクと、この給水タンクに設けられ、給水タンク内の水を汲み上げるポンプと、このポンプに一端が接続され、他端が給水タンクの満水位置より高い位置に横に延びて形成された縁部から外周部は隙間ができないように下方に延出した給水パイプ吸入部と、この給水パイプ吸入部から落下する水を受ける水受け部と、この水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間をシールするシール部材と、水受け部に一端が接続され、他端が外周部は隙間ができないように前記製氷室に延出した給水パイプ吐出部と、給水タンク内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷室へ所定量以上流出し続けるのを防ぐ手段と、を備え、給水パイプ吸入部の材料をエラストマ又はゴムとし、給水パイプ吸入部に一体にシール部材を形成したことを特徴とする。
【００１７】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、給水パイプ吸入部の材料をシリコンゴムとしたことを特徴とする。
【００１８】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、冷蔵室と、この冷蔵室の下に設けられた製氷室とを有する冷蔵庫本体と、冷蔵室に設けられた給水タンクと、この給水タンクに設けられ、給水タンク内の水を汲み上げるポンプと、このポンプに一端が接続され、他端が給水タンクの満水位置より高い位置に横に延びて形成された縁部から外周部は隙間ができないように下方に延出した給水パイプ吸入部と、この給水パイプ吸入部から落下する水を受ける水受け部と、この水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間をシールするシール部材と、水受け部に一端が接続され、他端が外周部は隙間ができないように製氷室に延出した給水パイプ吐出部と、給水タンク内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷室へ所定量以上流出し続けるのを防ぐ手段と、を備え、給水タンク及び給水経路に添わせて設けられた加熱手段と、給水タンクを収納する給水タンク受けの給水タンク側の裏面で給水タンクの外側下部に、給水タンクの水の温度を検知する水温検知手段とを備え、水温検知手段の出力により前記加熱手段の運転を制御することを特徴とする。
【００１９】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、水温検知手段と加熱手段の最近接距離は、加熱手段と給水タンクの最近接距離よりも大きいことを特徴とする。
【００２０】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、水温検知手段は、給水タンク内の水温が、水温検知手段の実際に検知する温度に比べ高くなる位置に設けられていることを特徴とする。
【００２１】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、冷蔵室と、この冷蔵室の下に設けられた製氷室とを有する冷蔵庫本体と、冷蔵室に設けられた給水タンクと、この給水タンクに設けられ、給水タンク内の水を汲み上げるポンプと、このポンプに一端が接続され、他端が給水タンクの満水位置より高い位置に横に延びて形成された縁部から外周部は隙間ができないように下方に延出した給水パイプ吸入部と、この給水パイプ吸入部から落下する水を受ける水受け部と、この水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間をシールするシール部材と、水受け部に一端が接続され、他端が外周部は隙間ができないように製氷室に延出した給水パイプ吐出部と、給水タンク内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷室へ所定量以上流出し続けるのを防ぐ手段と、を備え、給水パイプ吸入部の材料をシリコンゴム又はエラストマとし、給水パイプ吸入部に一体にシール部材を形成し、シール部材を給水タンクの縁部の嵌合穴に嵌合させる際に、給水パイプ吸入部が嵌合穴に落ち込まないように補強部材を給水パイプ吸入部の中にインサートしたことを特徴とする。
【００２２】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、補強部材は上縁部にフランジ部を有し、前記給水タンク縁部の嵌合穴の大きさは、フランジ部より小さいことを特徴とする。
【００２３】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、補強部材の材料をポリブチレンテレフタレートとしたことを特徴とする。
【００２４】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、冷蔵室と、この冷蔵室の下に設けられた製氷室とを有する冷蔵庫本体と、冷蔵室に設けられた給水タンクと、この給水タンクに設けられ、給水タンク内の水を汲み上げるポンプと、このポンプに一端が接続され、他端が給水タンクの満水位置より高い位置に横に延びて形成された縁部から外周部は隙間ができないように下方に延出した給水パイプ吸入部と、この給水パイプ吸入部から落下する水を受ける水受け部と、この水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間をシールするシール部材と、水受け部に一端が接続され、他端が外周部は隙間ができないように製氷室に延出した給水パイプ吐出部と、給水タンク内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷室へ所定量以上流出し続けるのを防ぐ手段と、を備え、水受け部は下部に、給水パイプ吐出部が接続される下方筒部を有し、水受け部に落下する水位の最高到達点でも水没しない形状とすることにより、給水タンク内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷室へ所定量以上流出し続けるのを防ぐことを特徴とする。
【００２５】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、この発明の実施の形態を図面を参照して説明する。
実施の形態１．
図１〜４は実施の形態１を示す図で、図１は冷蔵庫の側断面図、図２は冷蔵庫の給水タンク周辺を示す概略断面図、図３は水受け部の表面温度と空気抜き穴面積との関係を示す図、図４は冷蔵庫の水受け部部周辺を示す概略断面図である。
図１において、１は冷蔵庫であり、冷蔵庫１は外箱と内箱とこれらに充填された発泡断熱材とで形成された断熱箱体２と、この断熱箱体２の開口を開閉自在に閉塞する冷蔵室扉体３、製氷室扉体４、野菜室扉体５、冷凍室扉体６とを有し、庫内に冷蔵室１０と製氷室１１と野菜室１２と冷凍室１３を形成している。
【００２６】
また、図示はしていないが、切替室が製氷室１１の隣に配設されている。さらに野菜室１２の後方に形成された冷却器室内に冷却器８及び庫内ファン９が設置され、冷蔵庫１の奥下部に圧縮機７が配設されている。
【００２７】
冷蔵室１０の床部に給水タンク１７が配設され、給水タンク１７内に水を汲み上げるポンプ１８を有している。給水タンク１７内の水はポンプ１８の動作により、給水パイプ吸入部１９の内側を通過し一旦水受け部２０に落下し自重により給水パイプ吐出部２１の内側を流れて製氷室１１内に設けられた製氷皿１６に供給される。
【００２８】
なお、給水パイプ吸入部１９の出口の高さは給水タンク１７の満水位置よりも高い位置にある。製氷皿１６上に供給される水の量は、ポンプ１８が所定時間運転することにより定められる。製氷皿１６上に供給された水は、製氷室１１に流入する冷気により凝固し製氷される。製氷された氷は、製氷ギアボックス１５が製氷皿１６をひねる作用により製氷皿１６から離氷され製氷室１１内に配設された貯氷箱１４に落下する。
【００２９】
給水タンク１７及びタンクカバー２８はユーザが簡単に取り外しすることができ、水の注入または排出することができ洗浄もできる。ポンプ１８は図面には記載していないマグネットモータの運転により水を汲み上げる方式のものでありユーザが簡単に取り外して洗う事ができる。さらに給水パイプ吸入部１９及び水受け部２０及び給水パイプ吐出部２１もユーザが簡単に取り外しすることができ洗う事もでき再度の組立ても容易である。
【００３０】
図２は給水タンク１７近傍を示す部分側断面図であるが、図中２３は給水タンク受けであり、冷蔵室１０の床部に設けられている。給水タンク受け２３は給水タンク１７を収納することができる。２４は加熱手段の一例のヒータであるが、製氷室１１の冷気の影響により給水タンク１７内の水や給水パイプ吸入部１９及び水受け部２０及び給水パイプ吐出部２１で形成された給水経路内での水の凍結を防止する目的でヒータ２４は設けられている。
【００３１】
２２は水受け部２０に取り付けられた給水タンク１７と水受け部２０間のシール部材となる上部パッキンであり、給水タンク１７を給水タンク受け２３に設置したときに水受け部２０と給水タンク１７間のシールの役目をするものである。上部パッキン２２の材料はゴムまたはエラストマであり、本実施の形態ではシリコンゴムである。
【００３２】
給水タンク１７には水受け部２０に連通する空気抜き穴１７Ａが設けられ、またタンクカバー２８にも冷蔵室１０に連通する空気抜き穴２８Ａが設けられている。空気抜き穴１７Ａの面積は１ｍｍ²以上である。空気抜き穴２８Ａは面積は、後述する理由により、１ｍｍ²以上１０ｍｍ²以下が好ましい。空気抜き穴２８Ａは少なくとも一つあれば良いが、複数あればユーザの目につきやすいし、一部が目詰まりしても他のもので機能するので好ましい。空気抜き穴２８Ａが複数ある場合は、複数の空気抜き穴２８Ａの総面積が１０ｍｍ²以下である。
【００３３】
但し、空気抜き穴１７Ａと空気抜き穴２８Ａの何れか一方の面積が、１ｍｍ²以上１０ｍｍ²2以下の条件を満たしていればよいく、他方のものはこれより大きくてもよい。
【００３４】
空気抜き穴１７Ａと空気抜き穴２８Ａは一例であり、水受け部２０内の空間の気圧を庫内気圧に保ち、給水タンク１７内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷皿１６へ所定量以上に流出し続けるのを防ぐものであれば、給水経路の何処に設けてもよい。
【００３５】
図３は空気抜き穴２８Ａの面積と水受け部２０の表面温度の傾向を示すグラフである。
ここで、空気抜き穴１７Ａの面積は２０ｍｍ²とした。空気抜き穴２８Ａが大きいほど水受け部２０表面温度が低くなり、空気抜き穴が１５ｍｍ²を超えると水受け部２０の表面温度が零下となる。従って、空気抜き穴２８Ａの大きさは１５ｍｍ²を超えると給水経路または給水タンク１７内の水が凍結して水を製氷皿１６に供給できなくなってしまう。逆に面積が１ｍｍ²よりも小さいとサイフォン現象が起こり、製氷皿１６上に供給される給水量が所定量以上となって製氷皿１６から水が溢れることがある。
【００３６】
図４は水受け部２０の詳細を示す側断面図であるが、図中２５は水受け部２０と給水パイプ吐出部２１間のシール部材となる下部パッキンである。下部パッキン２５は水受け部２０と給水パイプ吐出部２１間の水漏れ防止シールの役目を担っている。２２Ａは水受け部２０の上縁部にはめて設けられる上部パッキンである。上部パッキン２２Ａの上縁部にはヒレ部が設けられていて、給水タンク１７を給水タンク受け２３に設置したときに上部パッキン２２Ａのヒレ部が給水タンク１７と接触して給水タンク１７と水受け部２０の間がシールされる。
【００３７】
また、上部パッキン２２Ａの材料はシリコンゴムであるため、給水タンク１７を設置したときに給水タンク１７の位置の高さバラツキを吸収できるので、給水パイプ吸入部１９と水受け部２０と給水パイプ吐出部２１と下部パッキン２５及び上部パッキン２２Ａで給水経路が形成される。
【００３８】
上述の実施の形態によれば、給水タンク１７と水受け部２０との間を上部パッキン２２によりシールしたので、製氷室１１内の冷気が逆流して、給水経路及び給水タンク１７の温度を低下させることによるヒータ２４の電力消費を抑制することができると共に、給水経路の水受け部２０の空間が冷蔵室１０に連通する空気抜き穴１７Ａ、空気抜き穴２８Ａ等を設けることにより、給水タンク１７内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷皿１６へ所定量以上に流出し続けるのを防ぐことができる。
【００３９】
また、面積が１ｍｍ²以上１０ｍｍ²以下の空気抜き穴を給水経路に設けることにより、
給水タンク１７内の水が凍結することがなく、サイフォン現象により製氷皿１６上に供給される給水量が所定量以上となって製氷皿１６から水が溢れる恐れも少なくなる。
【００４０】
さらに、サイフォン現象を引き起こすことなく、給水経路の凍結も引き起こさずに製氷時間を短縮し、また、連続して急速製氷を行うことができ、さらにユーザによる給水経路のメンテナンスの可能な衛生的に優れたユーザに使い勝手の良い冷蔵庫を提供することができる。
【００４１】
実施の形態２．
図５は実施の形態２を示す図で、水受け部周辺を示す側断面図である。図に示すように、上部パッキン２２Ｂは、水受け部２０及び給水パイプ吐出部２１間の水漏れ防止シール及び水受け部２０と給水タンク１７間のシールの役割を兼ね備えた形状をしている。上部パッキン２２Ｂは水受け部２０の上縁部を覆うように設けられ、上部パッキン２２Ｂの上縁部に設けられたヒレ部が給水タンク１７を給水タンク受け２３に設置したときに給水タンク１７及び水受け部２０間をシールする。
【００４２】
また、上部パッキン２２Ｂは水受け部の下方筒部２０Ａに配設することができ上部パッキンの下方筒部２２Ｂ１に給水パイプ吐出部２１を配設することにより給水パイプ吐出部２１と水受け部２０の水漏れ防止シールがなされる。
【００４３】
上述の実施の形態によれば、上部パッキン２２Ｂが確実に水受け部２０に装着されてない場合、水受け部２０及び給水パイプ吐出部２１が取り付けられないので、ユーザに不備がわかりやすくなり取り付け不備が起きにくくなる。
【００４４】
実施の形態３．
図６は実施の形態３を示す図で、水受け部周辺を示す側断面図である。図に示すように、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ａの水受け部２０側に水受け部２０の上縁部をシールするヒレ形状１９Ａ１を設けている。給水パイプ吸入部１９Ａの材料はエラストマまたはゴムである。本実施の形態では給水パイプ吸入部１９Ａの材料はシリコンゴムである。
【００４５】
１９Ａ２は給水パイプ吸入部１９Ａに設けられた空気抜き穴であり、給水タンク１７の空気抜き穴１７Ａと重なる位置に設けられている。給水パイプ吸入部１９Ａの空気抜き穴１９Ａ２は少なくとも一つ以上である。本実施の形態では給水パイプ吸入部１９Ａの空気抜き穴１９Ａ２は一つである。
【００４６】
給水パイプ吸入部１９Ａの空気抜き穴１９Ａ２の大きさは、給水タンク１７の空気抜き穴１７Ａよりも大きくして、重なりの位置ずれが生じても空気抜き穴の面積を確保している。給水パイプ吸入部１９Ａの空気抜き穴１９Ａ２が二つ以上ある場合は、総面積が給水タンク１７の空気抜き穴１７Ａの面積よりも大きい。
【００４７】
ヒレ形状１９Ａ１は、水受け部２０及び給水タンク１７間のシールの役目を果たし、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ａ及び水受け部２０及び給水パイプ吐出部２１及び下部パッキン２５で略密閉給水経路が形成される。
【００４８】
上述の実施の形態によれば、給水タンク１７と水受け部２０間の上部パッキンと給水パイプ吸入部１９Ａを一体化することによって、ユーザが取り付けを忘れた場合、製氷皿１６への水の供給は不可能であり、給水経路の凍結の不具合はなくなる。
【００４９】
実施の形態４．
図７、８は実施の形態４を示す図で、図７は給水タンク周辺を示す側断面図、図８は冷蔵庫の給水タンク内の水温と水温検知手段の検知温度とヒータの運転状況の相関図である。
図７において、２６は給水タンク受け２３に取り付けられた水温検知手段である。水温検知手段２６は給水タンク受け２３の裏に設けられ、給水タンク１７の下部に位置しているが、その位置に限定されるものではなく、他の位置でもよい。給水タンク受け２３の材料は安価なポリプロピレンであるが、ポリプロピレン以外の材料でもよい。
【００５０】
水温検知手段２６は、給水タンク１７内の水温を検知する役割で設けられていて、ヒータ２４の運転を制御する役割を持っている。水温検知手段２６は例えばサーミスタである。
【００５１】
水温検知手段２６とヒータ２４の最近接距離は、ヒータ２４と給水タンク１７の最近接距離よりも大きい。水温検知手段２６とヒータ２４の距離が水と水温検知手段２６よりも小さいのは、ヒータ２４から発生する熱により水温検知手段２６が水温を検知しにくくなるため好ましくない。
【００５２】
さらに給水タンク１７内の水の水温が、水温検知手段２６の実際に検知する温度に比べ高くなる位置に設けられている。水温検知手段２６は給水タンク受け２３の裏に設けられるが、製氷室１１からの熱伝導により若干ではあるが冷やされるので、そのような構成が可能となる。それにより、給水タンク１７内の凍結を防ぐことができる。
【００５３】
逆に水温のほうが低くてもよいが、水温検知手段２６の検知する温度にバラツキがあった場合、水が凍結してしまう可能性があるため好ましくない。
【００５４】
図８に示すように、ヒータ２４の運転状況Ｃ１のときは、ヒータ２４の通電率は１００％である。ヒータ２４の運転状況Ｃ０のときは、ヒータ２４の通電率は５０％である。但し、ヒータ２４の通電率は上記のものに限定されるものではない。
【００５５】
上述の実施の形態によれば、給水タンク１７内の水温を検知する水温検知手段２６を、給水タンク受け２３の裏の給水タンク１７の下部で、ヒータ２４から発生する熱の影響を受けない、かつ給水タンク１７内の水の水温が、水温検知手段２６の実際に検知する温度に比べ高くなる位置に設け、水温検知手段２６でヒータ２４の運転を制御することにより、効率良く給水タンク１７内の水の凍結を防ぐことができる。
【００５６】
実施の形態５．
図９は実施の形態５を示す図で、冷蔵庫の示す給水パイプ吸入部の断面図である。図に示すように、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｂの断面形状は方形状であり角部は丸取りしている。
給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｂの断面形状を方形状とすることにより、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｂ内部の水の表面張力による水のホールドを和らげる効果を有し、サイフォン現象を起こしにくくする効果を有する。また、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｂのサイズを断面形状が丸であるのに対しほとんど大きくならないので給水タンク１７の容積も損なわない。
【００５７】
実施の形態６．
図１０は実施の形態６を示す図で、冷蔵庫の示す給水パイプ吸入部の吐出部の断面図である。図に示すように、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｃの断面積は吐出側が吸入側より大きくなっている。給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｃの吐出側で水の表面張力によるホールドを起こしにくくなるため、吐出部での水の凍結を抑制することができる。また、空気が給水経路の最上部に到達しやすくなるためサイフォン現象も起きにくくなる。
【００５８】
実施の形態７．
図１１は実施の形態７を示す図で、冷蔵庫の水受け部周辺の部分断面図である。図において、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄの材料はシリコンゴムである。２７は給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄの中にインサート成形された補強部材である。補強部材２７は、給水タンク１７と給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄの嵌合する部分の近傍に配置されるようにインサート成形されている。補強部材２７は上縁部にフランジ部２７Ａを設けている。
補強部材２７が無いと、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄを給水タンク１７の嵌合穴１７Ｂに嵌合する際に、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄが嵌合穴１７Ｂに落ち込む恐れがある。
【００５９】
給水タンク１７の給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄとの嵌合穴１７Ｂの大きさは、補強部材２７のフランジ部２７Ａよりも小さくなっているため、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄが嵌合穴１７Ｂに落ち込むことはなく、ユーザによる給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄの取り付け不備が起こらなくなる。
【００６０】
補強部材２７の材料は金属または樹脂である。シリコンゴムの成形加工時の温度は１６０〜１７０℃と高温であるため補強部材２７の変形が考えられる。また一般にシリコンゴムを電化製品に用いる場合はシリコンゴムを成形後に加硫処理を施し、そのときの温度が２００℃であるためインサートされた補強部材２７の変形が考えられる。本実施の形態においては補強部材２７の材料は耐熱性に優れるポリブチレンテレフタレートである。金属の場合、変形はほとんど考慮せずによいが、シリコンゴムの傷つき防止のためのエッジ処理の必要がありコストが増えてしまう。
【００６１】
また、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄの材料は、シリコンゴムの代わりにエラストマでもよい。エラストマはインジェクション成形が可能なため成形サイクルに優れるのでコストが安くなる。また、シリコンゴムほど成形加工時の温度が高くないのでポリブチレンテレフタレートよりも安価なアクリロニトリルブタジエンスチレンでの成形も可能となる。
【００６２】
上述の実施の形態によれば、上縁部にフランジ部２７Ａを設けた補強部材２７が給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄの中にインサート成形され、給水タンク１７の給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄとの嵌合穴１７Ｂの大きさが、補強部材２７のフランジ部２７Ａよりも小さくなっているため、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄが嵌合穴１７Ｂに落ち込むことはなく、ユーザによる給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄの取り付け不備が起こらなくなる。
【００６３】
また、補強部材２７の材料を耐熱性に優れたポリブチレンテレフタレートとしたので、給水パイプ吸入部１９Ｄの材料であるシリコンゴムの成形加工時の変形、及びシリコンゴム成形後の加硫処理時の変形を防ぐことができる。
【００６４】
実施の形態８．
図１２は実施の形態８に示す図で、冷蔵庫の水受け部周辺の部分断面図である。図に示すように、水受け部の下方筒部２０Ａは、水受け部２０に落下する水位の最高到達点でも水没しない大きさである。水受け部の下方筒部２０Ａの内側が水により水没した場合、サイフォン現象が引き起こされる。水受け部の下方筒部２０Ａの内側が水により水没しなければ製氷室１１より空気が水受け部の下方筒部２０Ａの内側を通過し水受け部２０内に到達し給水パイプ吸入部１９Ａの出口まで連通するため空気抜き穴の有無に関わらずサイフォン現象が引き起こされることはない。
【００６５】
上記したように、給水経路に空気抜き穴の有無に関わらずサイフォン現象が引き起こされることを防ぐ手段として、水受け部の下方筒部２０Ａを、水受け部２０に落下する水位の最高到達点でも水没しない大きさとする例を示したが、その他にポンプ１８の流量を低下させてもよい。
【００６６】
【発明の効果】
この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間をシール部材でシールすると共に、給水タンク内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷室へ所定量以上流出し続けるのを防ぐようにしたので、製氷室から冷気が給水経路や給水タンクへ逆流することがなく、かつサイフォン現象を引き起こすこともない。従って、給水経路の凍結も引き起こさずに製氷時間を短縮でき、また、連続して急速製氷を行うことができる。また、水受け部の空間と冷蔵室とを連通させる空気抜き穴を設けたことにより、水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間をシール部材でシールしても、サイフォン現象を引き起こすことはない。
【００６７】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、給水タンクはタンクカバーを有し、タンクカバー及び給水タンクの縁部に空気抜き穴を設けたことにより、水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間をシール部材でシールしても、サイフォン現象を引き起こすことはない。
【００６８】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、タンクカバー及び給水タンクの縁部に設けた二つの空気抜き穴の中、何れか一方の面積の小さい方を１ｍｍ²以上１０ｍｍ²以下の面積としたことにより、給水経路や給水タンク内の水が凍結することがなく、サイフォン現象を引き起こすこともない。
【００６９】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、タンクカバーに複数の空気抜き穴を設けたことにより、目詰まりする空気抜き穴があっても、他の目詰まりしていない空気抜き穴によりサイフォン現象を引き起こすことはない。
【００７０】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、シール部材の材料をシリコンゴムとしたので、水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間のシールを確実に行うことができる。また、シール部材の給水タンクの縁部との接触部にヒレ部を設けたことにより、シールを確実に行うことができると共に、給水タンクを設置したときの給水タンクの位置の高さバラツキを吸収できる。
【００７１】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、水受け部と給水タンクの縁部との間をシールするシール部材で、水受け部と給水パイプ吐出部との間のシールも行う構成としたことにより、シール部材が確実に水受け部に装着されてない場合、水受け部及び給水パイプ吐出部が取り付けられないので、ユーザに不備がわかりやすくなり取り付け不備が起きにくくなる。
【００７２】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、給水パイプ吸入部の材料をエラストマ又はゴムとし、
給水パイプ吸入部に一体にシール部材を形成したことにより、ユーザが取り付けを忘れた場合、製氷皿への水の供給は不可能であり、給水経路の凍結の不具合はなくなる。
【００７３】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、給水パイプ吸入部の材料をシリコンゴムとしたことにより、給水パイプ吸入部に一体にシール部材を形成することができる。
【００７４】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、給水タンク及び給水経路に添わせて設けられた加熱手段と、給水タンクを収納する給水タンク受けの給水タンク側の裏面で給水タンクの外側下部に、給水タンクの水の温度を検知する水温検知手段とを備え、水温検知手段の出力により加熱手段の運転を制御することにより、効率良く給水タンク内の水の凍結を防ぐことができる。
【００７５】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、水温検知手段と加熱手段の最近接距離は、加熱手段と給水タンクの最近接距離よりも大きいことにより、加熱手段から発生する熱により水温検知手段が水温を検知しにくくなることがない。
【００７６】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、水温検知手段は、給水タンク内の水温が、水温検知手段の実際に検知する温度に比べ高くなる位置に設けられていることにより、給水タンク内の凍結を防ぐことができる。
【００７７】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、給水パイプ吸入部の材料をシリコンゴム又はエラストマとし、給水パイプ吸入部に一体にシール部材を形成し、シール部材を給水タンクの縁部の嵌合穴に嵌合させる際に、給水パイプ吸入部が嵌合穴に落ち込まないように補強部材を給水パイプ吸入部の中にインサートしたことにより、給水パイプ吸入部が嵌合穴に落ち込むことはなく、ユーザによる給水パイプ吸入部の取り付け不備が起こらなくなる。
【００７８】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、補強部材は上縁部にフランジ部を有し、給水タンク縁部の嵌合穴の大きさは、フランジ部より小さくしたので、給水パイプ吸入部が嵌合穴に落ち込むことはなく、ユーザによる給水パイプ吸入部の取り付け不備が起こらなくなる。
【００７９】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、補強部材の材料をポリブチレンテレフタレートとしたことにより、給水パイプ吸入部の材料であるシリコンゴムの成形加工時の変形、及びシリコンゴム成形後の加硫処理時の変形を防ぐことができる。
【００８０】
また、この発明に係る冷蔵庫は、水受け部は下部に、給水パイプ吐出部が接続される下方筒部を有し、水受け部に落下する水位の最高到達点でも水没しない形状とすることにより、給水タンク内の水がサイフォン現象により製氷室へ所定量以上流出し続けるのを防ぐことができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】実施の形態１を示す図で、冷蔵庫の側断面図である。
【図２】実施の形態１を示す図で、冷蔵庫の給水タンク周辺を示す概略断面図である。
【図３】実施の形態１を示す図で、水受け部の表面温度と空気抜き穴面積との関係を示す図である。
【図４】実施の形態１を示す図で、冷蔵庫の水受け部部周辺を示す概略断面図である。
【図５】実施の形態２を示す図で、水受け部周辺を示す側断面図である。
【図６】実施の形態３を示す図で、水受け部周辺を示す側断面図である。
【図７】実施の形態４を示す図で、給水タンク周辺を示す側断面図である。
【図８】実施の形態４を示す図で、冷蔵庫の給水タンク内の水温と水温検知手段の検知温度とヒータの運転状況の相関図である。
【図９】実施の形態５を示す図で、冷蔵庫の示す給水パイプ吸入部の断面図である。
【図１０】実施の形態６を示す図で、冷蔵庫の示す給水パイプ吸入部の吐出部の断面図である。
【図１１】実施の形態７を示す図で、冷蔵庫の水受け部周辺の部分断面図である。
【図１２】実施の形態８に示す図で、冷蔵庫の水受け部周辺の部分断面図である。
【図１３】従来の自動製氷装置を備えた冷蔵庫を示す側断面図である。
【図１４】他の従来の冷蔵庫の給水構造を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１冷蔵庫、２断熱箱体、３冷蔵室扉体、４製氷室扉体、５野菜室扉体、６冷凍室扉体、７圧縮機、８冷却器、９庫内ファン、１０冷蔵室、１１製氷室、１２野菜室、１３冷凍室、１４貯氷箱、１５製氷ギアボックス、１６製氷皿、１７給水タンク、１７Ａ空気抜き穴、１７Ｂ嵌合穴、１８ポンプ、１９，１９Ａ，１９Ｂ，１９Ｃ，１９Ｄ給水パイプ吸入部、１９Ａ１ヒレ形状、１９Ａ２空気抜き穴、２０水受け部、２０Ａ水受け部の下方筒部、２１給水パイプ吐出部、２２，２２Ａ，２２Ｂ上部パッキン、２２Ｂ１上部パッキンの下方筒部、２３給水タンク受け、２４ヒータ、２５下部パッキン、２６水温検知手段、２７補強部材、２８タンクカバー、２８Ａ空気抜き穴。[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 The present invention relates to a refrigerator equipped with an automatic ice making device having a water supply mechanism.
[0002]
[Prior art]
 Today, there are refrigerators equipped with an automatic ice making device. FIG. 13 is a side sectional view showing a refrigerator equipped with a conventional automatic ice making device. As shown in the figure, a water supply tank 17 is provided in the refrigerating room 10, an ice making room 11 is disposed immediately below the refrigerating room 10, and an ice making tray 16 and an ice storage box 14 are provided in the ice making room 11. The temperature in the ice making chamber 11 is about −18 ° C. depending on the purpose of ice making and ice storage. The tank cover 28 is a lid of the water supply tank 17.
[0003]
 The water in the water supply tank 17 is pumped up in the water supply pipe suction part 19 by the operation of the pump 18, sent to the water receiving part 20, and the water flows from the water receiving part 20 through the water supply pipe discharge part 21 by its own weight, thereby making the ice tray 16. Water is supplied to When the pump 18 is stopped, the water supply path formed by the water supply tank 17, the water supply pipe suction part 19, the water receiving part 20 and the water supply pipe discharge part 21 is in communication. The water supplied to the ice tray 16 is solidified by the cold air supplied into the ice making chamber 11, then deiced by the operation of the ice making gear box 15 and falls to the ice storage box 14.
[0004]
 Since the pump 18, the water supply pipe suction part 19, the water receiving part 20, and the water supply pipe discharge part 21 can be removed, the user can wash them. In general, the material of the water supply pipe discharge part 21 is:
Aluminum or stainless steel is used for the purpose of preventing the propagation of various bacteria. For aluminum,
To prevent oxidation, the surface is anodized.
[0005]
 As shown in FIG. 13, a space is provided between the water receiving part 20 and the water supply tank 17, and the area is 20 mm.²That's it. The space between the water receiving portion 20 and the water supply tank 17 serves as an air vent hole for preventing the water in the water supply tank 17 from continuing to flow out to the ice tray 16 over a predetermined amount due to the siphon phenomenon. Further, the interval between the water receiving unit 20 and the water supply tank 17 is small until the user causes siphon phenomenon due to assembly variation when the pump 18 and the water supply pipe suction unit 19 and the water receiving unit 20 and the water supply pipe discharge unit 21 are assembled. It is a size that can not be.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
 Since a refrigerator equipped with a conventional automatic ice making device having a water supply mechanism is configured as described above, since there is a gap between the water receiving portion 20 and the water supply tank 17, the cold air in the ice making chamber 11 is supplied with water. In order to reduce the temperature of the water in the water supply path and the water supply tank 17 by exchanging heat with the water in the water supply path and the water supply tank 17 by flowing back through the path, a heater for preventing freezing of the water in the water supply path and the water supply tank 17 is provided. There was a need. Therefore, there is a problem that electric power is wasted by the heater, and there is also a problem that ice making time becomes longer due to an increase in the water temperature of the water in the water supply tank 17.
[0007]
 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-118308 discloses a refrigerator that can perform maintenance of a water supply pipe and can reduce the amount of an antibacterial agent to be added. There was a point. In addition, when a larger amount of cold air is sent to the ice making chamber 11 than in the normal ice making control, the reverse flow rate of the cold air is further increased, and the water in the water supply path and the water supply tank 17 is more likely to freeze. There was also a problem that it was not possible.
[0008]
 FIG. 14 is a view showing a water supply structure of a refrigerator disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-183040. The self-priming pump 18A is a gear pump, for example, but has a problem that it cannot be reliably washed because the user has a complicated structure to remove and wash. Further, since the user cannot clean the air vent hole, there is a possibility that the air vent hole may be clogged with dust or the like, and water remains in the water supply path, causing a sanitary problem.
[0009]
 The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and reduces the price of a water supply structure for automatic ice making that can suppress the backflow of cold air from the ice making chamber to the water supply path and prevent siphon phenomenon. As a result, we provide a refrigerator that is easy to use for users by reducing power consumption, reducing ice making time, and increasing the number of continuous rapid ice making operations by reducing the heater energization rate for preventing water freezing in the water supply path and water tank. The purpose is to do.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
 A refrigerator according to the present invention includes a refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment, an ice making chamber provided under the refrigerator compartment, a water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment, and a water supply tank provided in the water supply tank. A pump for pumping water, and one end connected to this pump, the other end extending laterally to a position higher than the full water position of the water supply tank, and the water supply extending downward so that there is no gap between the outer periphery One end is connected to the pipe suction portion, the water receiving portion that receives water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion, a seal member that seals between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank, and the water receiving portion, A water supply pipe discharge part extending to the ice making chamber so that there is no gap at the outer periphery of the other end, and means for preventing water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow out to the ice making chamber by a siphon phenomenon over a predetermined amount;An air vent hole that allows communication between the water receiving space and the refrigerator compartment.It is provided with.
[0011]
 In the refrigerator according to the present invention, the water supply tank has a tank cover, and an air vent hole is provided at an edge of the tank cover and the water supply tank.
[0012]
 Moreover, the refrigerator which concerns on this invention is 1 mm of the one where the area with the smaller one of two air vent holes provided in the edge part of a tank cover and a water supply tank is 1 mm.²10 mm or more²The area is as follows.
[0013]
 The refrigerator according to the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of air vent holes are provided in the tank cover.
[0014]
 In addition, a refrigerator according to the present invention includes a refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment, an ice making chamber provided under the refrigerator compartment, a water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment, and a water supply tank provided in the water supply tank. A pump that pumps up the water inside, and one end connected to this pump, and the other end extends downward from the edge formed to extend to a position higher than the full position of the water tank so that there is no gap between the outer periphery One end connected to the water receiving portion, a water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion, a seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank, and a water receiving portion And a means for preventing the water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow into the ice making chamber more than a predetermined amount due to a siphon phenomenon. PreparationThe material of the seal member is silicon rubber, and a fin portion is provided at the contact portion between the seal member and the edge of the water supply tank.It is characterized by that.
[0015]
 In addition, a refrigerator according to the present invention includes a refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment, an ice making chamber provided under the refrigerator compartment, a water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment, and a water supply tank provided in the water supply tank. A pump that pumps up the water inside, and one end connected to this pump, and the other end extends downward from the edge formed to extend to a position higher than the full position of the water tank so that there is no gap between the outer periphery One end connected to the water receiving portion, a water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion, a seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank, and a water receiving portion And a means for preventing the water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow into the ice making chamber more than a predetermined amount due to a siphon phenomenon. PreparationThe sealing member that seals between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank, and also configured to seal between the water receiving portion and the water supply pipe discharge portion.It is characterized by that.
[0016]
 In addition, a refrigerator according to the present invention includes a refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment, an ice making chamber provided under the refrigerator compartment, a water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment, and a water supply tank provided in the water supply tank. A pump that pumps up the water inside, and one end connected to this pump, and the other end extends downward from the edge formed to extend to a position higher than the full position of the water tank so that there is no gap between the outer periphery One end connected to the water receiving portion, a water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion, a seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank, and a water receiving portion A water supply pipe discharge portion extending to the ice making chamber so that there is no gap at the outer periphery of the other end, and means for preventing water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow out to the ice making chamber by a siphon phenomenon over a predetermined amount; WithThe material of the water supply pipe suction part is made of elastomer or rubber, and the seal member is formed integrally with the water supply pipe suction part.It is characterized by that.
[0017]
 The refrigerator according to the present invention is characterized in that the material of the water supply pipe suction portion is made of silicon rubber.
[0018]
 In addition, a refrigerator according to the present invention includes a refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment, an ice making chamber provided under the refrigerator compartment, a water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment, and a water supply tank provided in the water supply tank. A pump that pumps up the water inside, and one end connected to this pump, and the other end extends downward from the edge formed to extend to a position higher than the full position of the water tank so that there is no gap between the outer periphery One end connected to the water receiving portion, a water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion, a seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank, and a water receiving portion And a means for preventing the water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow into the ice making chamber more than a predetermined amount due to a siphon phenomenon. PreparationWater temperature detection that detects the temperature of the water in the water supply tank at the lower outside of the water supply tank on the back side of the water supply tank side of the water supply tank receiver that houses the water supply tank and the heating means provided along the water supply tank and the water supply path And the operation of the heating means is controlled by the output of the water temperature detecting means.It is characterized by that.
[0019]
 The refrigerator according to the present invention is characterized in that the closest distance between the water temperature detecting means and the heating means is larger than the closest distance between the heating means and the water supply tank.
[0020]
 In the refrigerator according to the present invention, the water temperature detection means is provided at a position where the water temperature in the water supply tank is higher than the temperature actually detected by the water temperature detection means.
[0021]
 In addition, a refrigerator according to the present invention includes a refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment, an ice making chamber provided under the refrigerator compartment, a water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment, and a water supply tank provided in the water supply tank. A pump that pumps up the water inside, and one end connected to this pump, and the other end extends downward from the edge formed to extend to a position higher than the full position of the water tank so that there is no gap between the outer periphery One end connected to the water receiving portion, a water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion, a seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank, and a water receiving portion And a means for preventing the water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow into the ice making chamber more than a predetermined amount due to a siphon phenomenon. PreparationThe water supply pipe suction part is made of silicon rubber or elastomer, and the water supply pipe suction part is formed integrally with the water supply pipe suction part when the seal member is fitted into the fitting hole at the edge of the water supply tank. Reinforcement member was inserted into the water supply pipe suction part to prevent the metal from falling into the fitting holeIt is characterized by that.
[0022]
 In the refrigerator according to the present invention, the reinforcing member has a flange portion at the upper edge portion, and the size of the fitting hole in the water tank edge portion is smaller than the flange portion.
[0023]
 The refrigerator according to the present invention is characterized in that the material of the reinforcing member is polybutylene terephthalate.
[0024]
 In addition, a refrigerator according to the present invention includes a refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment, an ice making chamber provided under the refrigerator compartment, a water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment, and a water supply tank provided in the water supply tank. A pump that pumps up the water inside, and one end connected to this pump, and the other end extends downward from the edge formed to extend to a position higher than the full position of the water tank so that there is no gap between the outer periphery One end connected to the water receiving portion, a water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion, a seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank, and a water receiving portion And a means for preventing the water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow into the ice making chamber more than a predetermined amount due to a siphon phenomenon. PreparationThe water receiving part has a lower cylinder part to which the water supply pipe discharge part is connected at the lower part, and the water in the water supply tank is siphoned by having a shape that does not submerge even at the highest point of the water level falling to the water receiving part. Prevents the phenomenon from continuing to flow beyond a predetermined amount due to a phenomenonIt is characterized by that.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Embodiment 1 FIG.
 1-4 is a figure which shows Embodiment 1, FIG. 1 is side sectional drawing of a refrigerator, FIG. 2 is schematic sectional drawing which shows the water supply tank periphery of a refrigerator, FIG. 3 is the surface temperature and air vent hole area of a water receiving part. FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing the periphery of the water receiving portion of the refrigerator.
 In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a refrigerator, and the refrigerator 1 closes an opening of the heat insulation box 2 that can be opened and closed, and a heat insulation box 2 formed of an outer box, an inner box, and a foam heat insulating material filled therein. The refrigerator compartment door 3, the ice compartment door 4, the vegetable compartment door 5 and the freezer compartment door 6 are formed, and the refrigerator compartment 10, the ice making compartment 11, the vegetable compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13 are formed in the cabinet. ing.
[0026]
 Further, although not shown, a switching chamber is disposed next to the ice making chamber 11. Further, a cooler 8 and an internal fan 9 are installed in a cooler chamber formed behind the vegetable compartment 12, and a compressor 7 is disposed at the bottom of the refrigerator 1.
[0027]
 A water supply tank 17 is disposed on the floor of the refrigerator compartment 10 and has a pump 18 that pumps water into the water supply tank 17. The water in the water supply tank 17 passes through the inside of the water supply pipe suction part 19 by the operation of the pump 18, temporarily falls to the water receiving part 20, flows under the water supply pipe discharge part 21 by its own weight, and is provided in the ice making chamber 11. Supplied to the ice tray 16.
[0028]
 Note that the height of the outlet of the water supply pipe suction portion 19 is higher than the full water position of the water supply tank 17. The amount of water supplied onto the ice tray 16 is determined by operating the pump 18 for a predetermined time. The water supplied onto the ice tray 16 is solidified and made into ice by the cold air flowing into the ice making chamber 11. The made ice is separated from the ice tray 16 by the action of the ice making gear box 15 twisting the ice tray 16 and falls into the ice storage box 14 disposed in the ice making chamber 11.
[0029]
 The water supply tank 17 and the tank cover 28 can be easily removed by the user, and water can be injected or discharged and can be cleaned. The pump 18 is of a type that pumps up water by operating a magnet motor not shown in the drawing, and can be easily removed and washed by the user. Further, the water supply pipe suction part 19, the water receiving part 20 and the water supply pipe discharge part 21 can be easily removed and washed by the user and can be easily assembled again.
[0030]
 FIG. 2 is a partial side sectional view showing the vicinity of the water supply tank 17. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 23 denotes a water supply tank receiver, which is provided on the floor of the refrigerator compartment 10. The water tank receiver 23 can store the water tank 17. Reference numeral 24 denotes a heater as an example of a heating unit, but in the water supply path formed by the water in the water supply tank 17, the water supply pipe suction part 19, the water receiving part 20, and the water supply pipe discharge part 21 due to the cold air in the ice making chamber 11. The heater 24 is provided for the purpose of preventing the water from freezing at this point.
[0031]
 An upper packing 22 serves as a seal member between the water supply tank 17 and the water receiver 20 attached to the water receiver 20. When the water tank 17 is installed in the water tank receiver 23, the water receiver 20 and the water tank 17 are provided. It serves as a seal between. The material of the upper packing 22 is rubber or elastomer, and is silicon rubber in this embodiment.
[0032]
 The water supply tank 17 is provided with an air vent hole 17 A communicating with the water receiving portion 20, and the tank cover 28 is also provided with an air vent hole 28 A communicating with the refrigerator compartment 10. Air vent hole 17A has an area of 1mm²That's it. The area of the air vent hole 28A is 1 mm for the reason described later.²10 mm or more²The following is preferred. At least one air vent hole 28A is sufficient, but a plurality of air vent holes 28A are preferable because they are easily noticeable by the user, and even if some of them are clogged, they function with other ones. When there are a plurality of air vent holes 28A, the total area of the plurality of air vent holes 28A is 10 mm.²It is as follows.
[0033]
 However, the area of either the air vent hole 17A or the air vent hole 28A is 1 mm.²10 mm or more²As long as the condition of 2 or less is satisfied, the other may be larger.
[0034]
 The air vent hole 17A and the air vent hole 28A are examples, and the air pressure in the space in the water receiving portion 20 is kept at the internal pressure, and the water in the water supply tank 17 continues to flow out to the ice tray 16 by a predetermined amount or more due to the siphon phenomenon. As long as it prevents the problem, it may be provided anywhere in the water supply route.
[0035]
 FIG. 3 is a graph showing the trend of the area of the air vent hole 28 A and the surface temperature of the water receiving portion 20.
Here, the area of the air vent hole 17A is 20 mm.²It was. The larger the air vent hole 28A, the lower the surface temperature of the water receiving part 20, and the air vent hole is 15 mm.²If it exceeds, the surface temperature of the water receiving part 20 will be below zero. Therefore, the size of the air vent hole 28A is 15 mm.²If it exceeds, the water in the water supply path or the water supply tank 17 is frozen and the water cannot be supplied to the ice tray 16. Conversely, the area is 1mm²If it is smaller than that, a siphon phenomenon may occur, and the amount of water supplied onto the ice tray 16 may exceed a predetermined amount, causing water to overflow from the ice tray 16.
[0036]
 FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing details of the water receiving portion 20, in which 25 is a lower packing serving as a seal member between the water receiving portion 20 and the water supply pipe discharge portion 21. The lower packing 25 serves as a water leakage prevention seal between the water receiving portion 20 and the water supply pipe discharge portion 21. 22A is an upper packing provided on the upper edge of the water receiving portion 20. A fin portion is provided at the upper edge portion of the upper packing 22A. When the water supply tank 17 is installed in the water supply tank receiver 23, the fin portion of the upper packing 22A comes into contact with the water supply tank 17 and receives the water supply tank 17 and the water receiver. The space between the portions 20 is sealed.
[0037]
 Further, since the material of the upper packing 22A is silicon rubber, the height variation of the position of the water supply tank 17 can be absorbed when the water supply tank 17 is installed, so that the water supply pipe suction part 19, the water receiving part 20, and the water supply pipe discharge A water supply path is formed by the portion 21, the lower packing 25, and the upper packing 22A.
[0038]
 According to the above-described embodiment, since the space between the water supply tank 17 and the water receiving portion 20 is sealed by the upper packing 22, the cold air in the ice making chamber 11 flows backward to lower the temperature of the water supply path and the water supply tank 17. It is possible to suppress the power consumption of the heater 24 due to the operation, and by providing the air vent hole 17A, the air vent hole 28A, etc., in which the space of the water receiving portion 20 of the water supply path communicates with the refrigerator compartment 10, the inside of the water supply tank 17 It is possible to prevent water from continuing to flow out to the ice tray 16 beyond a predetermined amount due to the siphon phenomenon.
[0039]
 Also, the area is 1mm²10 mm or more²By providing the following air vent holes in the water supply path,
The water in the water supply tank 17 does not freeze, and the amount of water supplied on the ice tray 16 by the siphon phenomenon becomes a predetermined amount or more, and the possibility of water overflowing from the ice tray 16 is reduced.
[0040]
 In addition, the ice making time can be shortened without causing siphon phenomenon, freezing of the water supply route, continuous ice making can be performed continuously, and the water supply route can be maintained by the user. A user-friendly refrigerator can be provided.
[0041]
Embodiment 2. FIG.
 FIG. 5 shows the second embodiment and is a side sectional view showing the periphery of the water receiving portion. As shown in the figure, the upper packing 22 B has a shape that serves both as a water leakage prevention seal between the water receiving portion 20 and the water supply pipe discharge portion 21 and as a seal between the water receiving portion 20 and the water supply tank 17. The upper packing 22B is provided so as to cover the upper edge portion of the water receiving portion 20, and when the fin portion provided on the upper edge portion of the upper packing 22B installs the water supply tank 17 in the water supply tank receiver 23, the water supply tank 17 and The space between the water receiving portions 20 is sealed.
[0042]
 Further, the upper packing 22B can be disposed in the lower cylindrical portion 20A of the water receiving portion, and the water supply pipe discharging portion 21 and the water receiving portion 20 are provided by disposing the water supply pipe discharging portion 21 in the lower cylindrical portion 22B1 of the upper packing. Water leakage prevention seal is made.
[0043]
 According to the above-described embodiment, when the upper packing 22B is not securely attached to the water receiving portion 20, the water receiving portion 20 and the water supply pipe discharge portion 21 are not attached, so that the user can easily understand the deficiencies and attach the upper packing 22B. Deficiencies are less likely to occur.
[0044]
Embodiment 3 FIG.
 FIG. 6 is a view showing the third embodiment, and is a side sectional view showing the periphery of the water receiving portion. As shown in the figure, a fin shape 19A1 for sealing the upper edge of the water receiving portion 20 is provided on the water receiving portion 20 side of the water supply pipe suction portion 19A. The material of the water supply pipe suction portion 19A is elastomer or rubber. In the present embodiment, the material of the water supply pipe suction portion 19A is silicon rubber.
[0045]
 Reference numeral 19A2 denotes an air vent hole provided in the water supply pipe suction portion 19A, and is provided at a position overlapping the air vent hole 17A of the water supply tank 17. There are at least one air vent hole 19A2 in the water supply pipe suction portion 19A. In the present embodiment, there is one air vent hole 19A2 in the water supply pipe suction portion 19A.
[0046]
 The size of the air vent hole 19A2 of the water supply pipe suction portion 19A is larger than that of the air vent hole 17A of the water supply tank 17, so that the area of the air vent hole is ensured even if an overlapping position shift occurs. When there are two or more air vent holes 19A2 of the water supply pipe suction portion 19A, the total area is larger than the area of the air vent holes 17A of the water feed tank 17.
[0047]
 The fin shape 19A1 serves as a seal between the water receiving portion 20 and the water supply tank 17, and a substantially sealed water supply path is formed by the water supply pipe suction portion 19A, the water receiving portion 20, the water supply pipe discharge portion 21, and the lower packing 25. .
[0048]
 According to the above-described embodiment, by integrating the upper packing between the water supply tank 17 and the water receiving portion 20 and the water supply pipe suction portion 19A, if the user forgets to attach the water supply to the ice tray 16 Is impossible, and the problem of freezing of the water supply route is eliminated.
[0049]
Embodiment 4 FIG.
 FIGS. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the fourth embodiment, FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing the vicinity of the water supply tank, and FIG. 8 is a correlation between the water temperature in the water supply tank of the refrigerator, the detected temperature of the water temperature detecting means, and the operating condition of the heater. FIG.
 In FIG. 7, reference numeral 26 denotes water temperature detection means attached to the water supply tank receiver 23. The water temperature detection means 26 is provided on the back of the water supply tank receiver 23 and is located below the water supply tank 17, but is not limited to that position, and may be at another position. The material of the water tank receiver 23 is inexpensive polypropylene, but may be a material other than polypropylene.
[0050]
 The water temperature detecting means 26 is provided to detect the water temperature in the water supply tank 17 and has a role to control the operation of the heater 24. The water temperature detection means 26 is, for example, a thermistor.
[0051]
 The closest distance between the water temperature detecting means 26 and the heater 24 is larger than the closest distance between the heater 24 and the water supply tank 17. The distance between the water temperature detection means 26 and the heater 24 is smaller than that of the water and water temperature detection means 26 because the water temperature detection means 26 is difficult to detect the water temperature due to the heat generated from the heater 24.
[0052]
 Further, the temperature of the water in the water supply tank 17 is provided at a position higher than the temperature actually detected by the water temperature detecting means 26. Although the water temperature detection means 26 is provided on the back of the water supply tank receiver 23, it is cooled to some extent by heat conduction from the ice making chamber 11, so that such a configuration is possible. Thereby, freezing in the water supply tank 17 can be prevented.
[0053]
 On the contrary, the water temperature may be lower, but if the temperature detected by the water temperature detection means 26 varies, the water may freeze, which is not preferable.
[0054]
 As shown in FIG. 8, when the heater 24 is operating C1, the energization rate of the heater 24 is 100%. When the operating condition C0 of the heater 24 is set, the energization rate of the heater 24 is 50%. However, the energization rate of the heater 24 is not limited to the above.
[0055]
 According to the above-described embodiment, the water temperature detecting means 26 for detecting the water temperature in the water supply tank 17 is not affected by the heat generated from the heater 24 below the water supply tank 17 behind the water supply tank receiver 23. In addition, the water temperature in the water supply tank 17 is provided at a position where it is higher than the temperature actually detected by the water temperature detection means 26, and the operation of the heater 24 is controlled by the water temperature detection means 26. Can prevent the water from freezing.
[0056]
Embodiment 5 FIG.
 FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the fifth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view of a water supply pipe suction portion shown by the refrigerator. As shown in the drawing, the cross-sectional shape of the water supply pipe suction portion 19B is rectangular and the corners are rounded.
By making the cross-sectional shape of the water supply pipe suction part 19B square, it has the effect of reducing the water hold due to the surface tension of the water inside the water supply pipe suction part 19B and the effect of making the siphon phenomenon difficult to occur. In addition, since the size of the water supply pipe suction portion 19B is not large, the volume of the water supply tank 17 is not impaired while the cross-sectional shape is round.
[0057]
Embodiment 6 FIG.
 FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the sixth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view of the discharge portion of the water supply pipe suction portion shown by the refrigerator. As shown in the drawing, the cross-sectional area of the water supply pipe suction portion 19C is larger on the discharge side than on the suction side. Since it becomes difficult to cause a hold due to the surface tension of water on the discharge side of the water supply pipe suction portion 19C, freezing of water in the discharge portion can be suppressed. In addition, since the air easily reaches the uppermost part of the water supply path, the siphon phenomenon is less likely to occur.
[0058]
Embodiment 7 FIG.
 FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the seventh embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view around the water receiving portion of the refrigerator. In the figure, the material of the water supply pipe suction portion 19D is silicon rubber. A reinforcement member 27 is insert-molded in the water supply pipe suction portion 19D. The reinforcing member 27 is insert-molded so as to be disposed in the vicinity of a portion where the water supply tank 17 and the water supply pipe suction portion 19D are fitted. The reinforcing member 27 is provided with a flange portion 27A at the upper edge portion.
 Without the reinforcing member 27, when the water supply pipe suction portion 19D is fitted into the fitting hole 17B of the water supply tank 17, the water supply pipe suction portion 19D may fall into the fitting hole 17B.
[0059]
 Since the size of the fitting hole 17B with the water supply pipe suction part 19D of the water supply tank 17 is smaller than the flange part 27A of the reinforcing member 27, the water supply pipe suction part 19D does not fall into the fitting hole 17B. Inadequate mounting of the water supply pipe suction part 19D by the user will not occur.
[0060]
 The material of the reinforcing member 27 is metal or resin. Since the temperature during the molding process of silicon rubber is as high as 160 to 170 ° C., deformation of the reinforcing member 27 can be considered. In general, when silicon rubber is used for an electrical appliance, vulcanization is performed after molding the silicone rubber, and since the temperature at that time is 200 ° C., deformation of the inserted reinforcing member 27 can be considered. In the present embodiment, the material of the reinforcing member 27 is polybutylene terephthalate having excellent heat resistance. In the case of metal, deformation is hardly considered, but edge treatment is necessary to prevent the silicon rubber from being damaged, and the cost increases.
[0061]
 The material of the water supply pipe suction part 19D may be an elastomer instead of silicon rubber. Elastomers can be injection-molded, so the molding cycle is excellent and the cost is reduced. Further, since the temperature at the time of molding is not as high as that of silicon rubber, molding with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which is cheaper than polybutylene terephthalate, is also possible.
[0062]
 According to the above-described embodiment, the reinforcing member 27 having the flange portion 27A at the upper edge portion is insert-molded in the water supply pipe suction portion 19D, and the fitting hole 17B with the water supply pipe suction portion 19D of the water supply tank 17 is inserted. Is smaller than the flange portion 27A of the reinforcing member 27, so that the water supply pipe suction portion 19D does not fall into the fitting hole 17B, and the user does not have an improper mounting of the water supply pipe suction portion 19D.
[0063]
 Further, since the material of the reinforcing member 27 is polybutylene terephthalate having excellent heat resistance, deformation during the molding process of the silicon rubber that is the material of the water supply pipe suction portion 19D, and deformation during the vulcanization process after molding the silicon rubber Can be prevented.
[0064]
Embodiment 8 FIG.
 FIG. 12 is a view shown in the eighth embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view around the water receiving portion of the refrigerator. As shown in the drawing, the lower cylindrical portion 20 A of the water receiving portion is sized so as not to be submerged even at the highest point of the water level falling on the water receiving portion 20. When the inside of the lower cylindrical portion 20A of the water receiving portion is submerged by water, a siphon phenomenon is caused. If the inner side of the lower cylindrical part 20A of the water receiving part is not submerged by water, the air from the ice making chamber 11 passes through the inner side of the lower cylindrical part 20A of the water receiving part and reaches into the water receiving part 20 to reach the water supply pipe suction part 19A. Since it communicates with the outlet, the siphon phenomenon is not caused regardless of the presence or absence of the air vent hole.
[0065]
 As described above, as a means for preventing the siphon phenomenon from being caused regardless of the presence or absence of an air vent hole in the water supply path, the lower cylindrical portion 20A of the water receiving portion is submerged even at the highest point where the water level falls to the water receiving portion 20. Although the example which makes it the magnitude | size which does not carry out was shown, you may reduce the flow volume of the pump 18 to others.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
 The refrigerator according to the present invention seals between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank with a sealing member, and prevents water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow out to the ice making chamber by a predetermined amount due to the siphon phenomenon. Therefore, the cold air from the ice making room does not flow back to the water supply path or the water supply tank, and the siphon phenomenon does not occur. Therefore, the ice making time can be shortened without causing the water supply path to freeze, and rapid ice making can be performed continuously.In addition, by providing an air vent hole that allows the space of the water receiving portion to communicate with the refrigerator compartment, the siphon phenomenon is not caused even if the space between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank is sealed with a sealing member. .
[0067]
 In the refrigerator according to the present invention, the water supply tank has a tank cover, and an air vent hole is provided in the edge of the tank cover and the water supply tank, so that a seal member is provided between the water receiving part and the edge of the water supply tank. Sealing with does not cause siphoning.
[0068]
 Moreover, the refrigerator which concerns on this invention is 1 mm of the one where the area with the smaller one of two air vent holes provided in the edge part of a tank cover and a water supply tank is 1 mm.²10 mm or more²By setting it as the following area, the water in a water supply path or a water supply tank does not freeze, and a siphon phenomenon is not caused.
[0069]
 Moreover, the refrigerator which concerns on this invention provided the some air vent hole in the tank cover, and even if there exists an air vent hole which becomes clogged, it does not cause a siphon phenomenon by the other air vent hole which is not clogged.
[0070]
 In the refrigerator according to the present invention, the seal member is made of silicon rubber, so that the seal between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank can be reliably performed.In addition, by providing a fin at the contact portion of the seal member with the edge of the water supply tank, sealing can be performed reliably and the height variation of the water supply tank when the water supply tank is installed is absorbed. it can.
[0071]
 Further, the refrigerator according to the present invention is a seal member that seals between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank, and also has a configuration that also performs a seal between the water receiving portion and the water supply pipe discharge portion. When the member is not securely attached to the water receiving portion, the water receiving portion and the water supply pipe discharge portion cannot be attached, so that the user can easily understand the deficiency and the mounting deficiency is less likely to occur.
[0072]
 In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention uses an elastomer or rubber as the material of the water supply pipe suction part,
Since the seal member is formed integrally with the water supply pipe suction portion, if the user forgets to attach it, water cannot be supplied to the ice tray, and the problem of freezing of the water supply path is eliminated.
[0073]
 Moreover, the refrigerator which concerns on this invention can form a sealing member integrally in a water supply pipe suction part by using the material of the water supply pipe suction part as the silicon rubber.
[0074]
 Further, the refrigerator according to the present invention includes a heating unit provided along the water supply tank and the water supply path, and a back surface of the water supply tank side of the water supply tank receiving the water supply tank on the lower side outside the water supply tank. By providing a water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the water and controlling the operation of the heating means by the output of the water temperature detecting means, it is possible to efficiently prevent the water in the water supply tank from freezing.
[0075]
 In the refrigerator according to the present invention, since the closest distance between the water temperature detecting means and the heating means is larger than the closest distance between the heating means and the water supply tank, the water temperature detecting means detects the water temperature by the heat generated from the heating means. It will not be difficult to do.
[0076]
 In the refrigerator according to the present invention, the water temperature detection means is provided at a position where the water temperature in the water supply tank is higher than the temperature actually detected by the water temperature detection means, thereby preventing freezing in the water supply tank. be able to.
[0077]
 In the refrigerator according to the present invention, the material of the water supply pipe suction part is made of silicon rubber or elastomer, a seal member is formed integrally with the water supply pipe suction part, and the seal member is fitted into the fitting hole at the edge of the water supply tank. The water supply pipe suction portion does not fall into the fitting hole by inserting the reinforcing member into the water supply pipe suction portion so that the water supply pipe suction portion does not fall into the fitting hole. Incomplete installation of the suction part will not occur.
[0078]
 In the refrigerator according to the present invention, the reinforcing member has a flange portion at the upper edge portion, and the size of the fitting hole at the water supply tank edge portion is smaller than that of the flange portion. This prevents the user from having to install the water supply pipe suction portion.
[0079]
 In addition, the refrigerator according to the present invention uses polybutylene terephthalate as the material of the reinforcing member, so that the deformation during the molding process of the silicon rubber that is the material of the water supply pipe suction portion and the vulcanization process after the molding of the silicon rubber are performed. Deformation can be prevented.
[0080]
 Further, in the refrigerator according to the present invention, the water receiving part has a lower cylindrical part to which the water supply pipe discharge part is connected at the lower part, and has a shape that does not submerge even at the highest point of the water level falling on the water receiving part. The water in the water supply tank can be prevented from continuing to flow out to the ice making chamber by a predetermined amount due to the siphon phenomenon.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 shows the first embodiment and is a side sectional view of a refrigerator.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the first embodiment and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a water supply tank of the refrigerator.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the first embodiment and is a diagram showing a relationship between a surface temperature of a water receiving portion and an air vent hole area;
FIG. 4 shows the first embodiment, and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a water receiving portion of a refrigerator.
FIG. 5 shows the second embodiment and is a side sectional view showing the periphery of a water receiving portion.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the third embodiment, and is a side sectional view showing the periphery of a water receiving portion.
FIG. 7 shows the fourth embodiment, and is a side sectional view showing the vicinity of a water supply tank.
FIG. 8 shows the fourth embodiment, and is a correlation diagram of the water temperature in the water supply tank of the refrigerator, the detected temperature of the water temperature detecting means, and the operating condition of the heater.
FIG. 9 shows the fifth embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view of a water supply pipe suction portion shown by the refrigerator.
FIG. 10 shows the sixth embodiment and is a cross-sectional view of the discharge part of the water supply pipe suction part shown by the refrigerator.
FIG. 11 shows the seventh embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view around the water receiving portion of the refrigerator.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the eighth embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view around the water receiving portion of the refrigerator.
FIG. 13 is a side sectional view showing a refrigerator provided with a conventional automatic ice making device.
FIG. 14 is a view showing a water supply structure of another conventional refrigerator.
[Explanation of symbols]
 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator, 2 Heat insulation box body, 3 Cold room door body, 4 Ice-making room door body, 5 Vegetable room door body, 6 Freezer room door body, 7 Compressor, 8 Cooler, 9 Fan in a refrigerator, 10 Cold room, 11 Ice making room, 12 Vegetable room, 13 Freezing room, 14 Ice storage box, 15 Ice making gear box, 16 Ice making tray, 17 Water supply tank, 17A Air vent hole, 17B Fitting hole, 18 Pump, 19, 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D Water supply Pipe suction part, 19A1 fin shape, 19A2 Air vent hole, 20 Water receiving part, 20A Lower cylindrical part of water receiving part, 21 Water supply pipe discharge part, 22, 22A, 22B Upper packing, 22B1 Lower cylindrical part of upper packing, 23 Water supply Tank receiver, 24 heater, 25 lower packing, 26 water temperature detecting means, 27 reinforcing member, 28 tank cover, 28A air vent hole.

Claims

A refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment and an ice making room provided under the refrigerator compartment,
A water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment;
A pump provided in this water supply tank for pumping up water in the water supply tank;
One end of the water supply pipe is connected to the pump, and the other end extends laterally to a position higher than the full water position of the water supply tank.
A water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion;
A seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank;
One end of the water receiving part is connected to the water receiving part, and the other end is extended to the ice making chamber so that there is no gap in the outer peripheral part.
Means for preventing water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow out to the ice making chamber by a siphon phenomenon over a predetermined amount;
The refrigerator provided with the air vent hole which connects the space of the said water-receiving part, and the said refrigerator compartment .

The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the water supply tank has a tank cover, and an air vent hole is provided at an edge of the tank cover and the water supply tank.

Wherein in the two air vent hole provided in the edge of the tank cover and the water supply tank, according to whichever smaller one area to claim 2, characterized in that it has a 1 mm ² or more 10 mm ² or less in area refrigerator.

The refrigerator according to claim 2 , wherein the tank cover is provided with a plurality of air vent holes.

A refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment and an ice making room provided under the refrigerator compartment,
A water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment;
A pump provided in this water supply tank for pumping up water in the water supply tank;
One end of the water supply pipe is connected to the pump, and the other end extends laterally to a position higher than the full water position of the water supply tank.
A water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion;
A seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank;
One end of the water receiving part is connected to the water receiving part, and the other end is extended to the ice making chamber so that there is no gap in the outer peripheral part.
Means for preventing water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow into the ice making chamber more than a predetermined amount due to a siphon phenomenon, and a material of the seal member is silicon rubber, and an edge of the water supply tank of the seal member; A refrigerator characterized in that a fin portion is provided at the contact portion .

A refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment and an ice making room provided under the refrigerator compartment,
A water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment;
A pump provided in this water supply tank for pumping up water in the water supply tank;
One end of the water supply pipe is connected to the pump, and the other end extends laterally to a position higher than the full water position of the water supply tank.
A water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion;
A seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank;
One end of the water receiving part is connected to the water receiving part, and the other end is extended to the ice making chamber so that there is no gap in the outer peripheral part.
Means for preventing water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow out to the ice making chamber by a siphon phenomenon more than a predetermined amount, and a seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank, A refrigerator characterized in that sealing is also performed between the water receiving portion and the water supply pipe discharge portion .

A refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment and an ice making room provided under the refrigerator compartment,
A water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment;
A pump provided in this water supply tank for pumping up water in the water supply tank;
One end of the water supply pipe is connected to the pump, and the other end extends laterally to a position higher than the full water position of the water supply tank.
A water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion;
A seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank;
One end of the water receiving part is connected to the water receiving part, and the other end is extended to the ice making chamber so that there is no gap in the outer peripheral part.
Means for preventing water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow into the ice making chamber more than a predetermined amount due to a siphon phenomenon, and the material of the water supply pipe suction part is made of elastomer or rubber, and is integrated with the water supply pipe suction part. A refrigerator in which the sealing member is formed .

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7 , wherein a material of the water supply pipe suction portion is silicon rubber.

A refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment and an ice making room provided under the refrigerator compartment,
A water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment;
A pump provided in this water supply tank for pumping up water in the water supply tank;
One end of the water supply pipe is connected to the pump, and the other end extends laterally to a position higher than the full water position of the water supply tank.
A water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion;
A seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank;
One end of the water receiving part is connected to the water receiving part, and the other end is extended to the ice making chamber so that there is no gap in the outer peripheral part.
Means for preventing water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow out to the ice making chamber by a siphon phenomenon over a predetermined amount, and heating means provided along the water supply tank and the water supply path,
Water temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the water in the water supply tank is provided on the rear lower surface of the water supply tank on the back surface of the water supply tank side of the water supply tank receiving the water supply tank, and the output of the water temperature detection means A refrigerator characterized by controlling the operation of the heating means .

The refrigerator according to claim 9 , wherein the closest distance between the water temperature detecting means and the heating means is larger than the closest distance between the heating means and the water supply tank.

The refrigerator according to claim 9 , wherein the water temperature detecting means is provided at a position where the water temperature in the water supply tank is higher than the temperature actually detected by the water temperature detecting means.

A refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment and an ice making room provided under the refrigerator compartment,
A water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment;
A pump provided in this water supply tank for pumping up water in the water supply tank;
One end of the water supply pipe is connected to the pump, and the other end extends laterally to a position higher than the full water position of the water supply tank.
A water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion;
A seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank;
One end of the water receiving part is connected to the water receiving part, and the other end is extended to the ice making chamber so that there is no gap in the outer peripheral part.
Means for preventing water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow into the ice making chamber more than a predetermined amount due to a siphon phenomenon, and the material of the water supply pipe suction part is made of silicon rubber or elastomer, and is integrated with the water supply pipe suction part. When the sealing member is formed in the fitting hole in the edge of the water supply tank, the reinforcing member is attached to the water supply pipe so that the water supply pipe suction portion does not fall into the fitting hole. A refrigerator characterized by being inserted into the suction part .

The refrigerator according to claim 12 , wherein the reinforcing member has a flange portion at an upper edge portion, and a size of a fitting hole in the water tank edge portion is smaller than the flange portion.

The refrigerator according to claim 12 , wherein the material of the reinforcing member is polybutylene terephthalate.

A refrigerator body having a refrigerator compartment and an ice making room provided under the refrigerator compartment,
A water supply tank provided in the refrigerator compartment;
A pump provided in this water supply tank for pumping up water in the water supply tank;
One end of the water supply pipe is connected to the pump, and the other end extends laterally to a position higher than the full water position of the water supply tank.
A water receiving portion for receiving water falling from the water supply pipe suction portion;
A seal member for sealing between the water receiving portion and the edge of the water supply tank;
One end of the water receiving part is connected to the water receiving part, and the other end is extended to the ice making chamber so that there is no gap in the outer peripheral part.
Means for preventing water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow out to the ice making chamber by a siphon phenomenon over a predetermined amount, and the water receiving portion has a lower cylindrical portion to which the water supply pipe discharge portion is connected at the lower portion. And having a shape that does not submerge even at the highest point of the water level falling on the water receiving portion, prevents water in the water supply tank from continuing to flow out to the ice making chamber by a predetermined amount due to a siphon phenomenon. Refrigerator.