KR100911283B1 - Refrigerator with a dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

An ice maker located inside the refrigerator; A first outlet; Second outlet; A dispenser cavity located in the refrigerator door and containing at least a second outlet; And an operation panel positioned at one side of the dispenser cavity and used to operate the refrigerator, wherein the first outlet and the second outlet are positioned at a distance along the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator. It relates to a refrigerator having a dispenser comprising a.

Refrigerator, Dispenser, Cold Water, Ice, Switch, Button, Actuator, Control Panel

Description

Refrigerator with dispenser {REFRIGERATOR WITH A DISPENSER}

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a dispenser, and more particularly, to a refrigerator having a dispenser having a switch interlocked with a cold water outlet on an ice outlet side, so that cold water can be easily supplied from the dispenser.

1 is a view showing a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-0107286, wherein the refrigerator 100 includes a dispenser 120 in a freezer compartment door 110, and the dispenser 120 has an outlet portion. An operating lever 140 and a pedestal 150 are provided at 130.

2 is a view showing a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-0050929, wherein the refrigerator 200 includes a dispenser 220 in a refrigerating compartment door 210.

3 is a view showing another example of a conventional refrigerator equipped with a dispenser, and the refrigerator 300 includes a freezing compartment 310 and a refrigerating compartment 320. An ice maker 330 is provided in the freezer compartment 310, and a dispenser 350 is provided in the freezer compartment door 340. A flow path 360 for supplying water to the ice maker 330 and the dispenser 350 is formed, the flow path 360 is connected to an external water supply source (not shown), and the flow path 360 has a first valve 370. ), The filter 380 and the second valve 390 are located. The first valve 370 controls the water supply from the external water supply to the refrigerator 300, the filter 380 filters the water, and the second valve 390 water to the ice maker 330 and the dispenser 350. To control the supply. Meanwhile, the first valve 370 and the second valve 390 are controlled by a control unit (not shown) of the refrigerator 300. The flow path 360 includes a flow path 361 for supplying water to the dispenser 350, and the water in the flow path 361 cools through heat exchange with the freezer compartment 310, so that the outlet 362 of the flow path 361 or It flows out through the outlet part 351 of the dispenser 350.

4 is a view showing another example of a conventional refrigerator equipped with a dispenser, wherein the refrigerator 400 includes an operation panel 410 and an ice maker 420 in addition to the configuration of FIG. 3. The operation panel 410 has a display 411 and a button 412, and the ice making means 420 runs through the passage 421 to the outlet 451. The user selects cold water via button 412, presses actuation lever 452, cold water exits through outlet 462, selects each ice or broken ice via button 412, and actuates lever 452. Pressing exits each ice or crushed ice through the outlet 422. Examples of such refrigerators are disclosed in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2005-0117830 and Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2006-0062146.

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 0629573. The refrigerator 500, unlike the refrigerator of FIG. 1, has a pad type button 510 instead of an operation lever 140. Referring to FIG. do. The user may select cold water or ice through the operation panel 520 and then press the button 510 with a cup (not shown) to obtain cold water or ice.

6 and 7 illustrate a dispenser structure of the refrigerator disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-0034110, and an ice bank 610 connected to the dispenser structure and containing ice is shown. The ice bank 610 includes transfer screws 611 and 612 for transferring ice, and cutters 613 and 614 are provided in front of the transfer screws 611 and 612 for crushing the ice to different sizes. The crushed ice is discharged to the outlet 630 through the passage 620.

8 and 9 illustrate a dispenser of a refrigerator disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-0048154. In FIG. 8, a cold water supply unit 820 having a cold water outlet 810 in the dispenser 800 includes an outlet portion. A state located in 830 is shown, and in FIG. 9, a cold water supply unit 820 having a cold water outlet 810 in the dispenser 800 is slid out of the outlet 830. . Through this configuration, even if the container 840 receiving the cold water is large and does not enter the outlet portion 830, the cold water can be received.

In addition, refrigerators having various types of dispensers have been proposed, and there is a need for refrigerators having dispensers for meeting user needs.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a refrigerator having a dispenser.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator having a dispenser capable of easily taking out a liquid without a separate operation and without having to put a hand deep into the dispenser.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator having a dispenser that can utilize the housing of the ice outlet as the installation space of the switch interlocked with the cold water outlet.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator having a dispenser capable of overcoming the width direction limitation of the dispenser.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator having a dispenser capable of overcoming the height direction limitation of the dispenser.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator having a dispenser that can overcome the dispenser design problem caused by the ice maker.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator having a dispenser capable of overcoming a problem in the design of a dispenser caused by two outlets located in the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator having a dispenser capable of overcoming a problem in the dispenser design caused by the first outlet being movable.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator having a dispenser capable of supplying ice and / or cold water effectively even to a container which does not enter the dispenser cavity.

To this end, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, the dispenser having a second outlet through which a solid flows out; A first switch used to drain the liquid; And, a housing for the second outlet; provides a refrigerator having a dispenser comprising a; housing having a surface formed so that the first switch is installed. Through this configuration, the liquid can be easily taken out without any manipulation and without having to put the hand deep into the dispenser, and the housing of the second outlet can be utilized as an installation space of the switch for this purpose. The liquids and solids are preferably cold water and ice, but any type of liquids and solids may be used as long as the liquids and solids are acceptable forms of the refrigerator.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the dispenser is located in front of the first switch, the first outlet for discharging the liquid in conjunction with the first switch.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, wherein the first switch is located below the first outlet. It is sufficient here that at least a part of the first switch is located below the first outlet, and those skilled in the art should maintain this view in understanding the positional relationship of the components of the present invention.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein the first outlet is positioned to be movable forward of the refrigerator.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein the first switch, the housing and the first outlet are positioned to be movable forwards while maintaining a distance to each other.

The present invention also includes a dispenser cavity in which the dispenser forms a concave space, the dispenser cavity having a lower end thereof located below the second outlet, wherein the face of the housing protrudes into the dispenser cavity. A refrigerator provided with a dispenser is provided.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, further comprising a second switch located in the dispenser cavity behind the second outlet, and interlocked with the second outlet.

In another aspect, the present invention is a door in which the dispenser is located; An ice maker positioned on top of the dispenser; And, provided in the door next to the dispenser, the operation panel used to operate the dispenser; provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, characterized in that it further comprises. Through this configuration, it is possible to overcome the height limitation of the dispenser caused by the provision of the first switch in the housing for the second outlet.

In another aspect, the present invention is a door in which the dispenser is located; An ice maker positioned on top of the dispenser; And an operation panel provided at the door next to the dispenser and used to operate the dispenser and having a button used to discharge the liquid through the first outlet. do.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, characterized in that it further comprises; a pedestal protruding out of the refrigerator at the lower end of the dispenser cavity.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, the dispenser comprising: a first outlet through which liquid flows out; And, it is located behind the first outlet, and provides a refrigerator having a dispenser comprising a; second outlet through which the solid flows out. Through such a configuration, by arranging the second outlet and the first outlet in the depth direction instead of the width direction of the dispenser, the width direction area occupied by the dispenser in the refrigerator, particularly the refrigerator door, can be reduced. This configuration is particularly useful for double door refrigerators and French door refrigerators.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the dispenser further comprises a first switch located between the first outlet and the second outlet and interlocked with the first outlet.

The present invention also provides a dispenser comprising: a first switch located between the first outlet and the second outlet, the first switch cooperating with the first outlet; And a second switch located behind the second outlet and interlocked with the second outlet.

The invention also provides a dispenser comprising a housing for a second outlet; And a first switch located in the housing and interlocked with the first outlet.

The present invention also provides a dispenser comprising: a first switch located between the first outlet and the second outlet, the first switch cooperating with the first outlet; A second switch cooperating with a second outlet; And it provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, characterized in that it further comprises; a dispenser cavity for receiving at least a second switch. The first outlet may be located within the dispenser cavity, may be located at the front end of the dispenser cavity, or may be located in front of the dispenser cavity beyond the door (in this case, the dispenser cavity may be considered expanded). It may protrude into the dispenser cavity.

The present invention also provides a dispenser comprising: a first switch located between the first outlet and the second outlet, the first switch cooperating with the first outlet; And a dispenser cavity accommodating at least a second outlet, wherein the refrigerator is positioned next to the dispenser cavity and is used to operate the refrigerator; providing a refrigerator having a dispenser do.

In another aspect, the present invention is a door in which the dispenser is located; An ice maker positioned on top of the dispenser; And, located in the door next to the dispenser, the operation panel used to operate the refrigerator; provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, characterized in that it further comprises.

The invention also provides a dispenser comprising a housing for a second outlet; A first switch located in the housing, the first switch cooperating with the first outlet; A second switch located behind the second outlet and interlocked with the second outlet; And a dispenser cavity for receiving at least a second switch, wherein the refrigerator includes an ice maker on top of the dispenser, the first outlet, the first switch, and the second outlet along the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator from the ice maker side. And, and provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the second switch is located.

The invention also provides a dispenser comprising a housing for a second outlet; A first switch located in the housing, the first switch cooperating with the first outlet; A second switch located behind the second outlet and interlocked with the second outlet; And a dispenser cavity accommodating at least a second switch, wherein the first outlet, the first switch, the second outlet, and the second switch are positioned at a distance along the depth direction of the refrigerator. A refrigerator provided with a dispenser is provided.

The invention also provides a dispenser comprising a housing for a second outlet; A first switch located in the housing, the first switch cooperating with the first outlet; A second switch located behind the second outlet and interlocked with the second outlet; A dispenser cavity for receiving at least a second switch; And a pedestal located at the lower end of the cavity, wherein the first outlet and the pedestal are movable relative to each other.

The present invention also provides an ice maker located inside the refrigerator; A dispenser located outside the refrigerator, comprising: a dispenser having a dispenser cavity for receiving a first outlet, a second outlet, and at least a second outlet; And, located on one side of the dispenser and an operation panel used to operate the refrigerator; provides a refrigerator having a dispenser comprising a. Through this configuration, the expansion is limited due to the ice maker, and the height of the dispenser having two outlets can be expanded.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the first outlet and the second outlet are located at a distance along the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator. Through this configuration, it is possible to meet the demand for the height expansion of the dispenser that occurs as the two outlets are located along the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator.

The present invention also includes two doors defining the inside of the refrigerator and the outside of the refrigerator, further comprising two doors located at both sides with respect to the length direction of the refrigerator, wherein the dispenser is located at one of the two doors. A refrigerator having a dispenser is provided.

The present invention also includes a refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein the operation panel includes a button interlocking with at least one of the first outlet and the second outlet. Through this configuration, the operation panel not only controls the operation of the refrigerator but also controls the operation of the dispenser.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein the first outlet is positioned to be movable relative to the dispenser cavity. Through this configuration, even if the configuration necessary for the movement of the first outlet is provided on the dispenser, it is possible to cope with this.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the dispenser has a housing for the second outlet, the housing protrudes into the dispenser cavity. With this configuration, even if the housing protrudes into the dispenser cavity and the dispenser cavity needs more height, it can cope with this.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein the dispenser is located between the first outlet and the second outlet, and has a first switch interlocked with the first outlet.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a dispenser having a dispenser, wherein the dispenser is located between the first outlet and the second outlet, and has a first switch interlocked with the first outlet, the first outlet being located above the first switch. Provide a refrigerator.

The present invention also provides a dispenser having an dispenser located between the first outlet and the second outlet, having a first switch interlocked with the first outlet and a second switch positioned behind the second outlet and interlocked with the second outlet. A refrigerator having a dispenser is provided, wherein a first outlet, a first switch, a second outlet, and a second switch are located at a distance from the side.

In addition, the present invention provides a dispenser with a first switch located between the first outlet and the second outlet and interlocked with the first outlet, a second switch located behind the second outlet and interlocked with the second outlet, and protruding into the dispenser cavity. A housing for the second outlet, the operation panel having a button interlocking with at least one of the first outlet and the second outlet, the first outlet, the first switch, the second outlet, the second switch being the ice maker side Provided is a refrigerator with a dispenser, characterized in that it is located at a distance from.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, the dispenser comprising: a first outlet through which liquid flows out; And two switches positioned below the first outlet and having a first switch used to drain the liquid through the first outlet, the two switches being positioned at a distance along the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator. It provides a refrigerator having a dispenser comprising a. This configuration grasps the present invention from the viewpoint of two switches, and through this configuration, it is possible to easily take out the liquid through the first outlet using the first switch, and to take out the ice using the remaining switches. . Here, the remaining switch can also be configured to interlock with the first outlet.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, characterized in that the two switches are located at a distance along the depth direction of the refrigerator.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein the first outlet is positioned to be movable relative to at least one of the two switches.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, characterized in that the two switches are located behind the first outlet.

The present invention also includes a dispenser cavity in which the dispenser forms a concave space, the dispenser cavity having a lower end thereof located below the first outlet, wherein at least one of the two switches is located in the dispenser cavity. A refrigerator provided with a dispenser is provided.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the dispenser further comprises a second outlet through which the solid flows out, wherein one of the two switches is used to discharge the solid through the second outlet.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the dispenser further comprises a second outlet through which the solid flows out, one of the two switches being located in front of the second outlet.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the dispenser further comprises a second outlet through which the solid flows out, one of the two switches being located between the first outlet and the second outlet.

In another aspect, the present invention is a door in which the dispenser is located; An ice maker positioned on top of the dispenser; And, provided in the door next to the dispenser, the operation panel used to operate the dispenser; provides a refrigerator having a dispenser comprising a.

The present invention also provides a dispenser cavity, the dispenser cavity forming a concave space, the dispenser cavity whose lower end is located below the first outlet; And a second outlet through which the solid flows out, wherein one of the two switches is located within the dispenser cavity, between the first outlet and the second outlet, and the other of the two switches is behind the second outlet. Located, one of the two switches provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, characterized in that it is used to discharge solids through a second outlet.

The present invention also provides an ice maker located inside the refrigerator; And a dispenser located outside the refrigerator, the dispenser cavity receiving a first outlet and a second outlet and at least a second outlet, a first interposed between the first outlet and the second outlet and interlocked with the first outlet. It provides a refrigerator having a dispenser comprising a; dispenser having a switch. This configuration means that the object flowing through the first outlet does not necessarily have to be a liquid, and one of the gist of the present invention is provided with a switch interposed between two outlets and one of the two outlets. That means that it relates to the external structure of the refrigerator dispenser.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the dispenser is located behind the first outlet in the dispenser cavity, and further comprising a second switch interlocked with the second outlet.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein the second outlet is located below the first outlet.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, wherein the second outlet is located below the first switch. It is sufficient here that at least part of the first switch is located above the second outlet.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein the dispenser is a housing for the second outlet, further comprising a housing protruding into the dispenser cavity, wherein the first switch is located in the housing.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser, characterized in that the first switch is located between the first outlet and the second outlet from the ice maker side in the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the first outlet, the first switch, the second outlet, and the second switch is located from the ice maker side along the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the first outlet, the first switch, the second outlet, and the second switch is located along the length direction and the depth direction of the refrigerator.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the dispenser further comprises a second switch interlocked with the first outlet on the first outlet.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, wherein the first outlet is relatively movable with respect to at least one of the first switch, the second outlet, and the second switch.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, characterized in that the dispenser further comprises a pedestal that is relatively movable relative to the dispenser cavity.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the dispenser further comprises a pedestal for opening and closing the dispenser cavity.

The present invention also provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein the first outlet is located in the dispenser such that the outlet direction thereof is adjustable with respect to the dispenser cavity.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the first outlet further comprises a handle for adjusting the outlet direction.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerator with a dispenser, characterized in that the dispenser further comprises a second switch on the side of the dispenser cavity to engage with the second outlet.

According to the refrigerator provided with the dispenser according to the present invention, the liquid can be easily taken out without a separate operation and without having to put the hand deep into the dispenser.

In addition, according to the refrigerator having a dispenser according to the present invention, the housing of the ice outlet can be utilized as the installation space of the switch interlocked with the cold water outlet.

In addition, according to the refrigerator having a dispenser according to the present invention, it is possible to overcome the width direction limitation of the dispenser.

In addition, according to the refrigerator having a dispenser according to the present invention, it is possible to overcome the height direction limitation of the dispenser.

In addition, according to the refrigerator having a dispenser according to the present invention, it is possible to overcome the problem of the dispenser design caused by the ice maker.

In addition, according to the refrigerator having a dispenser according to the present invention, it is possible to overcome the problem of the dispenser design caused by the two outlets are located in the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator.

In addition, according to the refrigerator having a dispenser according to the present invention, it is possible to overcome the problem in the dispenser design caused by the first outlet is movable.

Moreover, according to the refrigerator provided with the dispenser which concerns on this invention, it becomes possible to supply ice and / or cold water effectively also to the container which does not enter a dispenser cavity.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

10 to 12 is a view showing an example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention, the refrigerator 10 is a freezer compartment 21, a freezer compartment door 21 for opening and closing the freezer compartment 20, the refrigerating compartment 30 And a refrigerating compartment door 31 for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 30. The freezer compartment 20 is provided with an ice maker 40, the freezer compartment door 21 has a dispenser 50, and an operation panel for operating the refrigerator in the freezer compartment door 21 on one side of the dispenser 50 ( 60).

In addition, the refrigerator 10 includes a flow path 70 for supplying water into the refrigerator 10 from an external water supply source (not shown), and the flow path 70 includes a first valve 71, a filter 72, and a second flow path 70. The valve 72 and the heat exchange part 74 are provided. The first valve 71 controls the supply of water into the refrigerator 10, the filter 72 filters the water, and the second valve 73 supplies the water to the ice maker 40 and the heat exchanger 74. To control the water through the heat exchange in the heat exchange unit 74 located in the refrigerating chamber 30, the water becomes cold water. Ice made in the ice maker 40 and cold water made in the heat exchanger 74 are discharged through the dispenser 50. The heat exchange unit 74 is not necessarily to be located in the refrigerating compartment 30, and may be located anywhere as long as cold water can be formed through heat exchange with cold inside the refrigerator 10. Here, the ice maker 40 may consist of only the ice tray 41, and may be provided with an ice machine (not shown) for automatic ice-feeding into the dispenser 50, and also supplies each ice and crushed ice. For this purpose, a grinding means such as a cutter (not shown) may be provided. If only the ice tray 41 is provided, the user will have to supply ice directly to an ice bank (not shown) connected to the dispenser 50.

The dispenser 50 has a dispenser cavity 51 which is a concave space, and is provided at the upper end of the dispenser cavity 51 with a first outlet 52 through which cold water flows, and behind the first outlet 52. A second outlet 53 through which ice flows is provided, a housing 54 for the second outlet 53 protrudes into the dispenser cavity 51, and a first outlet 52 on one surface of the housing 54. The first switch 55 of the button type is used when the cold water is discharged through the), and the pad type is used when the ice is discharged through the second outlet 53 at the rear of the dispenser cavity 51. A second second switch 56 is provided, and a pedestal 57 in which a container such as a cup is placed is provided at the lower end of the dispenser cavity 51. Each of the first outlet 52 and the second outlet 53 is provided with a valve 58 and a valve 59, and outflow of cold water and ice through the first outlet 52 and the second outlet 53. To control. When viewed from the longitudinal direction (height) of the refrigerator 10, the first outlet 52, the first switch 55, the second outlet 53, and the second second switch 56 from the ice maker 40 side. Is located, and viewed from the depth direction of the refrigerator 10, toward the dispenser cavity 51, the first outlet 52, the first switch 55, the second outlet 53, and the second second switch ( 56 is disposed. With this arrangement, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the user can easily press the first switch 55 with the cup 80 (the second second switch after operating the operation panel 60). It is possible to take out the cold water through the first outlet 52 without having to take the cup up to 56). On the other hand, when ice is required, the ice is taken out through the second outlet 53 by pressing the second second switch 56 with the cup 80. In addition, by receiving the cold water using the first switch 55, and then receiving the ice using the second second switch 56, it is possible to easily receive cold water and ice without a separate operation on the operation panel. The first outlet 52 does not necessarily have to be located at the upper end of the dispenser cavity 51, but may be configured to slightly protrude into the dispenser cavity 51. Although the 2nd outlet 53 is used for outflow of ice, you may comprise so that cold water may also flow out. The first switch 55 and the second second switch 56 mainly receive a user's contact by a cup or the like in a mechanical manner, convert the electrical signal into an electrical signal, and transfer the electrical signal to a control unit (not shown) of the refrigerator 10. It may consist of a switch, a button or a lever in a mechanical manner. In particular, the second second switch 56 may be of a lever type. In addition, by modifying and / or changing the connection structure of the ice maker 40 and the heat exchanger 74 and the dispenser 50, the ice and / or cold water can be configured to come out to the second outlet 53, the first outlet Of course it can be configured to come out the crushed ice through (52).

The operation panel 60 includes a display 61 indicating the state of the refrigerator and the like and various buttons 62 used for operating the refrigerator, and the buttons 63 used to select each ice or crushed ice as necessary. , Button 64 used to let the cold water out through the first outlet 52, button 65 used to let the ice out through the second outlet 53, and outlet through the second outlet 53. And a button 66 used to select one of the cold water / each ice / crushed ice to be used (see FIG. 11). One button may be used to perform all of the above functions. The operation panel 60 may be provided on the dispenser 50 or the dispenser cavity 51, but in the example of FIG. 10, the operation panel 60 is located on one side of the dispenser 50. Through this configuration, the presence of the ice maker 40, the presence of two outlets (52, 53) in the longitudinal direction, the necessity of expanding the height of the dispenser cavity 51, a separate storage compartment under the freezer compartment 20 By being provided, it is possible to cope with the space constraints of the freezer door 21 (also known as a French door type refrigerator) and / or the necessity of expansion of the dispenser cavity 51 due to the presence of the housing 54 and the first switch 55. Will be.

13 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a method of operating a refrigerator having a dispenser according to the present invention. The present invention receives an input of a button (62, 63, 64, 65, 66, etc.), and a refrigeration cycle ( 91 is operated, and the control unit 90 which shows the operating state of the refrigerator via the display 61 is provided. The control unit 90 controls the first valve 71 and the second valve 73 to produce cold water and ice. In the cold water and ice state, if there is an input from the first switch 55, the control unit 90 opens the valve 58 of the first outlet 52, thereby from the first outlet 52. Cold water is supplied. On the other hand, if there is an input from the second second switch 56, the control unit 90 opens the valve 59 of the second outlet 53, whereby ice is supplied from the second outlet 53.

14 and 15 are views showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention, in which a housing 91 for the first outlet 52 is slidably formed so as to protrude forward of the freezer door 21. It is. As the housing 91 moves, the first outlet 52 also moves forward, whereby cold water can be easily supplied to a container larger than the width of the dispenser cavity 51. In this case the channel 92 behind the first outlet 52 to include the position A of the original first outlet 52 for cold water supply from the flow path 70 (see FIG. 10) to the first outlet 52. ) May be provided. When the first outlet 52 is moved forward, cold water from the flow path 70 is supplied to the channel 92 and then to the cup or the like through the first outlet 52. In addition, the configuration connecting the passage 70 and the first outlet 52 to the corrugated hose may be adopted. The movement of the housing 91 may be configured to move automatically, or may be configured to move manually by a user. Meanwhile, the housing 91 and the housing 54 may be integrally formed so that the first outlet 52, the housing 54, the first switch 55, and the second outlet 53 move together. . If the second outlet 53 and the housing 54 can be separated, the first outlet 52, the housing 54, and the first switch 55 can be configured to move together. Meanwhile, a button 93 may be provided on an upper portion of the housing 91, and the button 93 may be used to supply cold water while the cup is placed on the pedestal 57. In this case, it is preferable that the pedestal 57 is also configured to protrude forward as will be described later.

16 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention, in which a pedestal 57 is slidably formed and protrudes forward of the freezer door 21 (see FIG. 10). Through this configuration, it is possible to expand the space of the dispenser cavity 51 and to stably support the container. Although the pedestal 57 is slidable even in a conventional dispenser, such a configuration is combined with a dispense structure in which the first outlet 52 is located in front of the dispenser cavity 51, thereby eliminating a container that cannot enter the dispenser cavity 51. After being placed on the protruding pedestal 57, it is possible to stably supply cold water.

FIG. 17 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention, in which a housing 91 and a pedestal 57 for the first outlet 52 are slidably formed, thereby freezing door 21; Protrude forward). With this arrangement, the button 93 can be opened while the container is placed on the pedestal 57 while freely expanding the space of the dispenser cavity 51 having a limited width (especially when the operation panel 60 is located at one side). It is possible to supply cold water to the container (see FIG. 14). If the second outlet 53 is also configured to be movable, the button 93 is configured to interlock with the button 66 so that the ice can be supplied using the button 93 while the container is placed on the pedestal 57. can do.

18 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention, in which the pedestal 57 is provided to open and close the dispenser cavity 51. This configuration reduces the depth of the dispenser cavity 51, expands the dispenser cavity 51 space, improves the appearance of the freezer door 52, and prevents unnecessary use of the dispenser by children or the like. .

19 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention, the first outlet 52 is configured to adjust the cold water outflow direction by the handle (52a). This configuration is such that the effect can be maximized when the first outlet 52 can be located in front of the dispenser cavity 51 or at the front end of the dispenser cavity 51 as in the present invention. That is, in the state where the container which does not enter the dispenser cavity 51 is supported by the hand or placed on the protruding pedestal 57, by turning the direction of the first outlet 52 to the outside using the handle 52a, it is easy to the container. Cold water can be supplied easily.

20 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention, in which a switch 56a is additionally provided on the side of the dispenser cavity 51. This switch 56a is particularly useful when it has a configuration that can be supplied with cold water and ice through the second outlet 53. That is, while receiving the ice by pressing the second second switch 56 with a cup with one hand, it is possible to receive cold water by pressing the switch 56a with the other hand. Of course, you may abbreviate | omit the 2nd 2nd switch 56 and may be comprised so that ice may flow out using the switch 56a. In addition, when the second second switch 56 is omitted and only the switch 56a is provided, it is necessary to press the second second switch 56 by hand, not the cup, or when the cup is placed on the pedestal. In this case, when the second second switch 56 is pressed, the ice collides with the ice flowing out through the second outlet 53, but in the case of the switch 56a, the ice can flow out without such collision.

21 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention, in which the first switch 55 is an upper surface of the dispenser cavity 51 between the first outlet 52 and the second outlet 53. It is formed in. The second second switch 56 has the same configuration.

22 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention, in which the first switch 55 is configured as a lever type, and the first outlet 52 and the second outlet in front of the housing 54. It is provided between 53. The second second switch 56 is located at the rear of the dispenser cavity 51.

1 is a view showing a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-0107286;

2 is a view showing a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2003-0050929,

3 is a view showing another example of a conventional refrigerator equipped with a dispenser,

4 is a view showing another example of a conventional refrigerator equipped with a dispenser,

5 is a view showing a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 0629573,

6 and 7 are views showing a dispenser structure of a refrigerator disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-0034110,

8 and 9 are views showing a dispenser of a refrigerator disclosed in Korean Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2006-0048154,

10 to 12 is a view showing an example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention,

13 is a block diagram for explaining an example of a method of operating a refrigerator having a dispenser according to the present invention;

14 and 15 are views showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention;

16 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention;

17 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention;

18 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention;

19 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention;

20 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention

21 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention;

22 is a view showing another example of a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser according to the present invention.

Claims (31)

An ice maker located inside the refrigerator; A first outlet; Second outlet; A dispenser cavity located in the refrigerator door and containing a second outlet; An operation panel located at one side of the dispenser cavity and used to operate the refrigerator; The first outlet and the second outlet is a refrigerator with a dispenser, characterized in that located at a distance along the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator. The method of claim 1, The operation panel includes a refrigerator interlocked with at least one of the first outlet and the second outlet. The method of claim 1, And a first outlet is positioned to be movable relative to the dispenser cavity. The method of claim 1, And a housing for the second outlet. A refrigerator having a dispenser, wherein the housing protrudes into the dispenser cavity. The method of claim 1, And a first switch located between the first outlet and the second outlet and interlocked with the first outlet and a second switch located behind the second outlet and interlocked with the second outlet. The method of claim 5, wherein A refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that the first outlet, the first switch, the second outlet, and the second switch are positioned at a distance from the ice maker side sequentially. The method of claim 1, The operation panel has a button interlocking with at least one of the first outlet and the second outlet, wherein the first outlet, the first switch, the second outlet, and the second switch are positioned at a distance from the ice maker side. Refrigerator with dispenser. The method of claim 1, Two switches positioned below the first outlet and having a first switch interlocked with the first outlet, the two switches being positioned at a distance along the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator; Refrigerator with. The method of claim 8, 2. The refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein the two switches are positioned at a distance along the depth direction of the refrigerator. The method of claim 8, And a first outlet is positioned to be movable relative to at least one of the two switches. The method of claim 8, 2. The refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein the two switches are located behind the first outlet. The method of claim 8, A refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein at least one of the two switches is located in the dispenser cavity. The method of claim 8, One of the two switches is interlocked with the second outlet, the refrigerator with a dispenser. The method of claim 8, A refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein one of the two switches is located in front of the second outlet. The method of claim 8, A refrigerator with a dispenser, wherein one of the two switches is located between the first outlet and the second outlet. The method of claim 1, And a dispenser positioned between the first outlet and the second outlet and having a first switch interlocked with the first outlet. The method of claim 16, And a second switch located behind the first outlet and interlocked with the second outlet. The method of claim 16, The second outlet is located below the first outlet, the refrigerator with a dispenser. The method of claim 16, The second outlet is below the first switch, characterized in that the refrigerator with a dispenser. The method of claim 16, The dispenser is a housing for the second outlet, further comprising a housing projecting into the dispenser cavity, A refrigerator with a dispenser, characterized in that the first switch is located in the housing. The method of claim 16, The first switch is a refrigerator having a dispenser, characterized in that located between the first outlet and the second outlet from the ice maker side in the longitudinal direction of the refrigerator. The method of claim 17, A refrigerator having a dispenser, wherein the first outlet, the first switch, the second outlet, and the second switch are located from the ice maker side along the length direction of the refrigerator. The method of claim 17, A refrigerator having a dispenser, wherein the first outlet, the first switch, the second outlet, and the second switch are positioned along the length direction and the depth direction of the refrigerator. delete The method of claim 17, And the first outlet is movable relative to at least one of the first switch, the second outlet, and the second switch. The method of claim 16, The dispenser further comprises a pedestal that is movable relative to the dispenser cavity. The method of claim 16, The dispenser further comprises a pedestal for opening and closing the dispenser cavity. delete The method of claim 16, And the first outlet is positioned in the dispenser such that its outlet direction is adjustable relative to the dispenser cavity. The method of claim 29, The first outlet further comprises a handle for adjusting the outlet direction. The method of claim 16, The dispenser further comprises a second switch on the side of the dispenser cavity, the second switch cooperating with the second outlet.

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