KR20080078447A - A water tank for refrigerator and ice making device comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A water tank for a refrigerator and an ice making apparatus having the same are provided to prevent a freezing compartment from being contaminated by allowing a valve to be operated only at the state that the water tank is mounted on the freezing compartment so that the valve is prevented from being erroneously operated when mounting the water tank on the freezing compartment. A water tank(20) for a refrigerator comprises a valve(51) and a valve driving button(61) for driving the valve. Water storage spaces(32A,32B) are formed in the water tank. The valve selectively opens/closes water supply ports(33A,33B) through which water of the water storage space is supplied to an ice tray. The valve includes an elastic member such as a first coil spring(S1) and a second coil spring(S2). The elastic member is operated by the valve driving button to pass through the water supply port and move up/down, and applies elastic force to the valve so that the water supply port is closed by the valve moving downward.

Description

A water tank for refrigerator and ice making device comprising the same}

1 is a perspective view showing the inside of a preferred embodiment of the ice making apparatus according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the main portion of the water tank constituting the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the main portion of the ice making unit constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 4a to 4c is an operating state showing the process of supplying the water stored in the water tank constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

5a to 5c is an operating state showing the process of separating the ice produced in the ice making unit constituting an embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols on the main parts of the drawings

10: ice making housing 11: ice making space

13: Cold Supply Hole 15,16: Guide groove

17: guide slot 19: guide roller

20: water tank 31: tank body

32: compartment rib 32A, 32B: reservoir

33A, 33B: Water inlet 34: Valve guide boss

35: button mounting section 36: button mounting opening

37: button guide portion 38: button guide ball

39: guide rib 41: tank cover

43: water supply port 45: water supply cover

51: valve 52: valve body

53: linkage projection 54: linkage guide surface

55A, 55B: Cap fixing protrusion 57A, 57B: Valve cap

59: support protrusion 61: valve drive button

63: operation unit 65: drive unit

66: seating groove 67: drive projection

68: driving guide 69: guide bar

69S: Stopper 70: Ice Making Unit

71: support frame 72A, 72B: tray stopper

73: guide rib 74: gearbox

75A, 75B: Ice tray 76A, 76B: Ice making groove

77A, 77B: rotary shaft 78A, 78B: rotary connection

79A, 79B: Connecting Bar 80: Ice Bank

81: Ice storage 90: Guide plate

91: guide protrusion S1: first coil spring

S2: 2nd coil spring L: Control lever

G1, G2, G3: gear

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a water tank for a refrigerator in which water for manufacturing ice is stored, and an ice making apparatus including the same.

Refrigerators are home appliances for storing food in a fresh state for a long time by freezing or refrigerating food. Generally, a freezer compartment and a refrigerating compartment are provided in the refrigerator, and an ice maker for manufacturing ice is installed in the freezer compartment. Such an ice making device includes a water tank in which water for manufacturing ice is stored, an ice tray in which water stored in the water tank is supplied to substantially manufacture ice, and an ice bank in which ice produced in the ice tray is stored. It is composed.

The water stored in the water tank is supplied to the ice tray by driving a valve when the water tank is mounted in the freezer compartment. Meanwhile, the ice prepared by the ice tray is separated by the twisting of the ice tray and stored in the ice bank. Then, the ice bank is drawn out from the rear surface of the freezer compartment or the freezer compartment door to use the stored ice.

However, the refrigerator ice maker according to the related art has the following problems.

As described above, the water stored at the same time as the mounting of the water tank is conventionally supplied to the ice tray. Therefore, when the valve is driven while the water tank is not completely mounted in the freezer compartment, some of the water stored in the water tank may not be supplied to the ice tray and may be scattered into the freezer compartment.

The present invention is to solve such a conventional problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a water tank for a refrigerator configured to minimize contamination in the process of producing ice and an ice making device comprising the same.

According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the object as described above, the present invention is a refrigerator for a water tank having a reservoir for storing water for the production of ice: water stored in the reservoir is the ice tray A valve for selectively opening and closing a water supply port to be supplied; A valve driving button for driving the valve to selectively open and close the water supply port; Characterized in that configured to include.

The valve is driven by the valve drive button is installed so as to move up and down through a water supply port formed on the bottom surface of the tank body is provided with the water storage space, to move the valve downward so that the water supply port is shielded Characterized in that it further comprises an elastic member for imparting an elastic force to the valve.

The valve driving button is installed to be moved forward and backward on the bottom of the tank body to drive the valve is pressed by a door that shields the storage space to move backward to drive the valve to open the water supply port, And an elastic member for imparting an elastic force to the valve driving button to move the valve driving button forward to drive the valve so that the water inlet is shielded.

According to another feature of the invention, the present invention provides a refrigerator water tank having a storage space for storing water for the production of ice: a water tank having the storage space; A tank cover for selectively opening and closing the water storage space; A valve for selectively opening and closing a water inlet for supplying water stored in the water storage to an ice tray; And a valve driving button for driving the valve to selectively open and close the water supply port. Characterized in that configured to include.

The reservoir space includes first and second reservoir spaces in which water supplied to the first or second ice tray is stored, respectively, and the water stored in the first and second reservoir spaces is respectively connected to the first and second water outlets. Characterized in that configured.

The valve may include a valve body provided below the tank body, at least one cap fixing protrusion provided in the valve body and penetrating the water supply port, and positioned inside the water storage space through the water supply port. Is provided at the front end of the cap fixing projections and comprises at least one valve cap for opening and closing the water supply port; When the valve is driven by the valve drive button, the valve is moved upwards, characterized in that the water inlet is opened.

The valve is characterized in that it further comprises a support protrusion which is provided on one side of the valve body is inserted into the valve guide boss provided on the bottom surface of the tank body to move up and down along the valve guide boss.

And an elastic member for imparting an elastic force to the valve to move the valve downward so that the water inlet is shielded.

The elastic member is characterized in that both ends of the coil spring is supported on one side of the bottom surface of the tank body and one side of the valve body.

The valve driving button may include an operation unit provided to protrude forward of the tank body, a driving unit provided at a rear end of the operation unit to be in close contact with a bottom surface of the valve, and a rear end of the driving unit provided at the bottom of the tank body. It is configured to include a guide bar for moving forward and backward through the button guide portion to be; When the operation unit is pressed by a door that shields the storage space, the water supply port is opened by moving the valve upward in the process of moving the valve driving button backward.

And an elastic member for imparting an elastic force to the valve driving button to move the valve driving button forward to drive the valve so that the water inlet is shielded.

The elastic member is characterized in that both ends of the coil spring, both ends of which are supported on one side of the valve drive button and one side of the button guide portion.

According to another feature of the present invention, the present invention provides a refrigerator ice making apparatus for producing ice by freezing water by cold air circulating in the storage space of the refrigerator: Claims 1 to 2 detachably installed in the storage space; A water tank of claim 12; At least one ice tray installed in the storage space corresponding to the lower portion of the water tank and manufacturing ice from water to be supplied from the water tank; And an ice bank installed in and out of the storage space corresponding to the lower portion of the ice tray, and storing the ice produced by the ice tray; Characterized in that configured to include.

According to another feature of the present invention, the present invention provides a refrigerator ice making apparatus for producing ice by freezing water by cold air circulating the storage space of the refrigerator: Removable to the back of the door to selectively open and close the storage space A water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the water tank is installed so as to be installed; At least one ice tray installed on a rear surface of the door corresponding to a lower side of the water tank and manufacturing ice from water to be supplied from the water tank; And an ice bank is installed on the back of the door corresponding to the lower side of the ice tray, the ice bank to store the ice produced in the ice tray; Characterized in that configured to include.

According to the present invention, there is an advantage that can minimize the phenomenon that the water stored in the water tank is scattered during the supply to the ice tray.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of the water tank for a refrigerator and an ice making apparatus including the same according to the present invention will be described in detail.

1 is a perspective view showing the inside of a preferred embodiment of the ice making apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the main portion of the water tank constituting the embodiment shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is It is a perspective view which shows the main part of the ice-making unit which comprises the Example shown to.

As shown in the drawing, the ice making housing 10 constituting the ice making device is formed in a hexahedral shape in which approximately front and rear surfaces are opened. The ice making housing 10 is installed in the freezer compartment of the refrigerator. In addition, an ice making space 11 in which the water tank 20, the ice making unit 70, the ice bank 80, and the guide plate 90 are installed is provided inside the ice making housing 10.

On the other hand, a plurality of cold air supply holes 13 are provided on the upper surface of the ice making housing 10. The cold air supply hole 13 is formed by cutting the upper surface of the ice making housing 10 into an approximately elliptical shape, and is for guiding cold air circulating in the freezing compartment to the ice making space 11.

In addition, a pair of guide grooves 15 and 16 are provided at both inner sides of the ice making housing 10. The guide grooves 15 and 16 are formed long in the front and rear at a height corresponding to each other on both side surfaces of the ice making housing 10. The guide grooves 15 and 16 are for guiding the water tank 20 and the ice making unit 70 into and out of the ice making space 11. The guide grooves 15 and 16 are respectively provided on both side surfaces of the ice making housing 10 corresponding to the upper portion and the central portion of the ice making space 11, which are located below the ice making space 11. The first guide groove 15 and the central portion of the ice making space 11 are referred to as a second guide groove 16.

Guide slots 17 are provided at lower ends of both sides of the ice making housing 10, respectively. The guide slot 17 is formed by cutting both front and rear lower ends of the ice making housing 10 in front and rear, and guides the ice bank 80 and the guide plate 90 into and out of the ice making space 11. It plays a role. The guide slot 17 is formed in a curved shape whose front and rear ends are inclined downward toward the front and rear, respectively.

And guide rollers 19 are provided at the front end of both inner side lower ends of the ice making housing 10. The guide roller 19 is for guiding the withdrawal of the ice bank 80 and the guide plate 90. The guide roller 19 is rotatably installed about a horizontal axis of rotation.

Meanwhile, the water tank 20 is detachably installed at the upper portion of the ice making space 11. The water tank 20 stores water for producing ice. As shown in FIG. 2, the water tank 20 includes a tank body 31, a tank cover 41, a valve 51, and a valve driving button 61.

The tank body 31 is formed in the shape of a polyhedron with an upper surface opened. The tank body 31 is provided with a storage space for storing water. In the center of the reservoir space, the partition rib 32 is provided long in the front and rear. The storage space is composed of the first storage space 32A and the second storage space 32B by the partition rib 32. In the first and second reservoirs 32A and 32B, water is stored in the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B, which are used for the production of ice at once. .

In addition, the tank body 31 is provided with a pair of water inlets, that is, the first water inlet 33A and the second water inlet 33B. The first and second water supply holes 33A and 33B supply water stored in the first and second water storage spaces 32A and 32B to the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B, respectively. It is to. To this end, the first and second water inlets 33A and 33B are formed by opening a portion of the bottom surface of the tank body 31 upward and downward so as to communicate with the first and second water storage spaces 32A and 32B, respectively. do. In this case, the first and second water supply holes 33A and 33B are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval to be symmetrical about the compartment rib 32.

And the bottom of the tank body 31 is provided with a valve guide boss (34). The valve guide boss 34 is for guiding the shanghai movement of the valve 51 and opens downward. The valve guide boss 34 has a portion of the central portion of the bottom surface of the tank body 31 which is directly below the compartment rib 32, that is, the interior of the first and second reservoir spaces 32A and 32B. It is formed to be recessed.

The front surface of the tank body 31 is provided with a button installation portion 35. The button installation portion 35 extends downward relative to the bottom surface of the tank body 31. The button installation part 35 is provided with a button installation opening 36. The button installation opening 36 is formed by cutting the center lower end of the imaginary button installation unit 35 into a shape corresponding to the longitudinal section of the valve driving button 61.

In addition, the bottom surface of the tank body 31 is provided with a button guide portion 37. The button guide portion 37 protrudes downward from the central portion of the bottom surface of the tank body 31 corresponding to the rear of the valve guide boss 34. A button guide hole 38 is formed in the button guide portion 37. The button guide hole 38 is for guiding forward and backward movement of the valve drive button 61.

Guide ribs 39 are provided on both outer sides of the tank body 31, respectively. The guide rib 39 of the tank body 31 is inserted into the first guide groove 15 of the ice making housing 10 and slides along and out of the water tank 20.

The tank cover 41 serves to selectively open and close the first and second reservoir spaces 32A and 32B. To this end, the tank cover 41 is formed in a rectangular shape corresponding to the cross section of the tank body 31, and is detachably installed at the upper end of the tank body 31.

One side of the tank cover 41 is provided with a water supply port 43. The water supply port 43 is formed by cutting a portion of the tank cover 41 so as to be spaced apart from the first and second water supply ports 33A and 33B in a lateral direction by a predetermined distance. Water supplied through the water supply port 43 is stored in the first and second reservoir spaces 32A and 32B. Of course, in the state in which the tank cover 41 is removed from the tank body 31, water may be stored in the first and second reservoir spaces 32A and 32B.

In addition, the tank cover 41 is provided with a water supply cover 45 for selectively opening and closing the water supply port 43. The water supply port cover 45 is rotatably installed at the other end up and down about its one end.

The valve 51 selectively opens and closes the first and second water inlets 33A and 33B. The valve 51 includes a valve body 52 and cap fixing protrusions 55A and 55B, valve caps 57A and 57B, and a support protrusion 59.

The valve body 52 is formed to have a predetermined length from side to side. As shown in Figure 3a, the lower surface of the valve body 52 is provided with a linkage projection (53). The interlocking protrusion 53 is to allow the valve 51 to move upward in association with the valve driving button 61. Referring to FIG. 3A, the linkage protrusion 53 is formed by protruding a portion of the bottom surface of the valve driving button 61 downward. In addition, the interlocking protrusion 53 is provided with an interlocking guide surface 54. The interlocking guide surface 54 is formed by extending inclined downward toward the rear of the lower surface of the interlocking protrusion 53.

The cap fixing protrusions 55A and 55B are provided at both ends of the valve body 52, respectively. The cap fixing protrusions 55A and 55B are formed in an L-shape, respectively, and penetrate through the first and second water supply holes 33A and 33B, and the tip ends thereof are respectively the first and second storage spaces 32A ( 32B) respectively.

In addition, the valve caps 57A and 57B penetrate the first and second water inlets 33A and 33B, respectively, and are located in the first and second reservoir spaces 32A and 32B. It is provided in the front-end | tip of fixing protrusion 55A, 55B, respectively. The valve caps 57A and 57B are formed in a shape and size that can at least shield the first and second water inlets 33A and 33B, thereby substantially the first and second water inlets 33A and 33B. ) To open and close selectively.

The support protrusion 59 is provided at the center of the upper surface of the valve body 52. The support protrusion 59 extends in the same direction as the cap fixing protrusions 55A and 55B at the center of the valve body 52 and is inserted into the valve guide boss 34. The support protrusion 59 moves up and down along the valve guide boss 34 while being inserted into the valve guide boss 34.

The first coil spring S1 is provided on the support protrusion 59. The first coil spring S1 is a direction in which the valve 51 is shielded by the valve caps 57A and 57B so that the first and second water inlets 33A and 33B are respectively shielded. An elastic force for moving is applied to the valve body 52. To this end, both ends of the first coil spring S1 are adjacent to one side of the bottom surface of the tank body 31 corresponding to the inside of the valve guide boss 34 and one end of the support protrusion 59, respectively. It is supported by one side of 52, respectively.

The valve driving button 61 serves to drive the valve 51 to open and close the first and second water supply ports 33A and 33B. The valve driving button 61 is operated by a freezer compartment door D (see FIGS. 3B and 3C) or a user's operation for selectively opening and closing the freezer compartment to drive the valve 51. The valve drive button 61 includes an operation unit 63, a drive unit 65, and a guide bar 69.

The operation unit 63 is formed in a plate shape having a longitudinal section corresponding to the button installation opening 36. The operation unit 63 is installed through the button installation opening 36. Therefore, the front and rear ends of the operation unit 63 are located in front and rear of the button installation unit 35, respectively. In this state, the operation part 63 serves to move the valve driving button 61 backward by pressing the front end portion of the freezing compartment door D by the freezing compartment door D in the process of shielding the freezing compartment door D from the freezing compartment door D. Do it.

The drive unit 65 extends rearward from the rear end of the operation unit 63 by a predetermined length. The drive unit 65 is positioned so that its upper surface is in close contact with the bottom surface of the valve 51. A seating groove 66 is formed in the driving unit 65. Referring to FIG. 3A, the seating groove 66 is formed by recessing a portion of the driving part 65 downward, and the first and second water inlets 33A and 33B are formed in the valve cap 57A. The interlocking protrusion 53 is seated in a shielded state by 57B. In addition, a driving protrusion 67 is provided on an upper surface of the driving unit 65. The driving protrusion 67 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the driving unit 65 by a predetermined height. The upper surface of the seating groove 66 and the driving protrusion 67 is provided with a driving guide surface 68 to be fitted to the interlocking guide surface 54. The driving guide surface 68 is formed by extending inclined downward at a predetermined angle toward the rear of the seating groove 66 and the driving protrusion 67.

The guide bar 69 extends rearward from the rear end of the driving unit 65 by a predetermined length. The guide bar 69 is formed in a rod shape having a longitudinal section corresponding to the button guide hole 38 and is installed through the button guide hole 38. The guide bar 69 moves rearward in the state of passing through the button guide hole 38 when the operation unit 63 is pressed backward.

The guide bar 69 is provided with a stopper 69S. The stopper 69S is provided on an outer surface of the guide bar 69 spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the rear end of the guide bar 69 toward the rear end of the drive unit 65. A plurality of stoppers 69S are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the guide bar 69 to extend radially to substantially increase the diameter of the guide bar 69.

The second coil spring S2 is provided on the guide bar 69. The second coil spring S2 is a direction in which the valve driving button 61 is shielded by the valve caps 57A and 57B so that the first and second water inlets 33A and 33B are shielded. The elastic force to move to the valve body 52 is imparted. To this end, both ends of the second coil spring S2 are supported at one side of the button guide portion 37 adjacent to the button guide hole 38 and at one side of the stopper 69S, respectively.

The ice making unit 70 is detachably installed in the ice making space 11 corresponding to the lower portion of the water tank 20. The ice making unit 70 receives the water stored in the water tank 20 to substantially manufacture ice, and separates and delivers the ice to the ice bank 80. The ice making unit 70 includes a support frame 71, first and second ice trays 75A and 75B, an operating lever L, and a plurality of gears G1, G2, and G3. do.

The support frame 71 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. The support frame 71 rotatably supports the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B and is detachably installed in and out of the ice making space 11.

A pair of tray stoppers 72A and 72B are provided inside the rear end of the support frame 71. The tray stoppers 72A and 72B support the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B in a horizontal state, and rotate the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B by a predetermined angle. It is in close contact with one side of the first and second ice trays (75A, 75B) serves to twist.

And guide ribs 73 are respectively provided on both side end portions of the support frame 71. The guide ribs 73 of the support frame 71 slide along the guide ribs 73 in the state of being inserted into the second guide grooves 16 of the ice making housing 10 to guide the detachment of the ice making unit 70.

Meanwhile, a gear box 74 is provided at the front end of the support frame 71. The gear box 74 is formed in a flat hexahedral shape corresponding to the front end of the support frame 71, and the gears G1, G2 and G3 are provided inside the gear box 74.

The first and second ice trays 75A and 75B are provided to substantially manufacture ice by receiving water stored in the first and second reservoir spaces 32A and 32B of the water tank 20. The first and second ice trays 75A and 75B are supplied with water stored in the first and second storage spaces 32A and 32B, respectively, to prepare ice. As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B are provided with a plurality of ice making grooves 76A and 76B, respectively.

The first and second ice trays 75A and 75B are each formed in a flat hexahedral shape having an overall rectangular cross section. The first and second ice trays 75A and 75B are installed inside the support frame 71 such that both sides of the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B face the front and rear ends of the support frame 71, respectively. Hereinafter, for convenience of description, both sides of the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B facing the front and rear ends of the support frame 71 will be referred to as front and rear surfaces, respectively, and both side ends of the support frame 71 will be described. Both sides of the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B facing in the longitudinal direction are referred to as both sides. The front and rear surfaces of the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B are provided with rotation connecting portions 78A and 78B and rotation shafts 77A and 77B, respectively. The rotary joints 78A and 78B and the rotary shafts 77A and 77B are substantially the centers of rotation of the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B. The rotary connection portions 78A and 78B extend through the rear surface of the gearbox 74 and extend into the gearbox 74, and the rotary shafts 77A and 77B are rear ends of the support frame 71. Rotatably supported.

In addition, connecting bars 79A and 79B are provided on front surfaces of the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B, respectively. The connecting bars 79A and 79B are twisted at their corners relatively spaced apart from the rotational shafts 77A and 77B during the twisting of the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B. It delivers the Sting Moment to make the twisting more efficient. The connecting bars 79A and 79B are formed in an L-shape so that both ends thereof are provided at one end of the front end of the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B and at one side of the rotary connection parts 78A and 78B, respectively. Each is fixed. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection bars 79A and 79B are connected to the tray stoppers 72A and 72B around an imaginary line connecting the rotary connection parts 78A and 78B and the rotation shafts 77A and 77B. ) Is provided to be symmetrical with. That is, when the tray stoppers 72A and 72B support the rear right end portions of the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B, respectively, the connecting bars 79A and 79B may be formed by the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B. The left end of the front surface of the second ice trays 75A and 75B is connected to the respective rotary connection portions 78A and 78B.

The operation lever L is to be gripped and rotated by the user by hand to rotate and twist the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B. The operation lever (L) is rotatably installed in the front center of the gear box (74). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B are configured to rotate at the same time by the operation of the operating lever L. However, the first and second ice trays 75A and 75A are rotated at the same time. The operating levers for rotating the 75B may be provided respectively.

The gears G1, G2 and G3 comprise one main gear G1 and a pair of driven gears G2 and G3. The main gear G1 is connected to the operation lever L and rotates in the same direction by the rotation of the operation lever L. The driven gears G2 and G3 are respectively connected to the rotary connection portions 78A and 78B, and are geared to the main gear G1, respectively. Accordingly, when the operation lever L rotates, the main gear G1 rotates, and the driven gear G2 G3 rotates in the same direction by the rotation of the main gear G1.

Although not shown, the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B are rotated and twisted to move the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B to their original positions, namely, An elastic member which is supported by the tray stoppers 72A and 72B to impart an elastic force to rotate in the direction of returning to the horizontal level is provided. For example, a torsion spring having both ends of the support frame 71 and the first ice tray 75A or the second ice tray 75B may be provided on the rotary shafts 77A and 77B. Can be.

In addition, the ice bank 80 is installed in the lower portion of the ice making space 11 corresponding to the lower side of the ice making unit 70. The ice bank 80 is formed in a flat hexahedral shape with an upper surface opened. The ice bank 80 is provided with an ice storage space 81 in which the ice manufactured by the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B is stored.

In addition, a guide plate 90 is installed at the lower portion of the ice making space 11 so as to be retractable. The guide plate 90 is for guiding the withdrawal of the ice bank 80. The guide plate 90 is composed of both side surfaces and bottom surfaces corresponding to both side surfaces and the bottom surface of the ice bank 80 and is formed to have a substantially c-shaped longitudinal section. The guide plate 90 is withdrawn into and out of the ice making space 11 in a state where the ice bank 80 is seated therein. Guide protrusions 91 are provided on both side surfaces of the guide plate 90. When the guide protrusion 91 is inserted into the guide slot 17, the guide plate 90 and the ice bank 80 seated therein are withdrawn in front and rear of the ice making space 11. Move along

In addition, although not shown, interlocking projections and interlocking grooves are provided in order to allow the ice bank 80 to be withdrawn from the front and rear of the ice making space 11 in conjunction with the withdrawal of the guide plate 90. The interlocking protrusions and the interlocking grooves are respectively provided on the bottom surface of the ice bank 80 and the bottom surface of the guide plate 90 corresponding thereto, so that one of the interlocking protrusions and the interlocking grooves is inserted into the other side of the ice bank 80 and the guide plate 90. At the same time serves to allow the inside and outside of the ice making space (11).

Hereinafter, a process of manufacturing ice according to a preferred embodiment of a refrigerator water tank and an ice making apparatus including the same according to the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figures 4a to 4c is an operating state diagram showing the process of supplying the water stored in the water tank constituting a preferred embodiment of the water tank for refrigerators and ice-making apparatus including the same according to the present invention, Figures 5a to 5c It is an operational state diagram showing the process of separating the ice produced in the ice making unit constituting a preferred embodiment of the refrigerator water tank and the ice making device comprising the same.

First, as shown in FIG. 4A, when the water tank 20 is mounted in the ice making space 11, the first and second water inlets 33A and 33B are shielded by the valve caps 57A and 57B. do. At this time, the valve 51 and the valve driving button 61 are provided with the first and second water inlets 33A and 33B from the first and second coil springs S2 by the valve caps 57A and 57B. An elastic force is applied to move downward or forward, respectively, to maintain the shielded state. Accordingly, the first and second water supply holes 33A and 33B are arbitrarily opened to prevent the water stored in the first and second water storage spaces 32A and 32B from being drained to the outside.

Meanwhile, when the user closes the freezer compartment door D and shields the freezer compartment while the water tank 20 is mounted in the ice making space 11, as shown in FIG. 4B, a valve is opened by the freezer compartment door D. The operation button 63 of the drive button 61, substantially the valve drive button 61, begins to be pressed. In addition, the valve driving button 61 pressed by the freezer compartment door D is moved backward with respect to the water tank 20. As such, when the valve driving button 61 moves backward, the valve 51 moves upward by the driving protrusion 67 of the driving unit 65. Thus, the first and second water supply holes 33A and 33B start to open in a shielded state by the valve caps 57A and 57B. At this time, the operation unit 63 and the guide bar 69 are moved rearward in the state passing through the button installation opening 36 and the button guide hole 38, respectively. In addition, the first and second coil springs S2 start to be compressed by the valve 51 and the valve driving button 61 moving upward or backward, respectively.

When the freezing chamber door D completely shields the freezing chamber, as shown in FIG. 4C, the driving unit 65 of the valve driving button 61 continues to move backward and the valve 51 moves upward. The first and second water inlets 33A and 33B are completely opened by moving to. Accordingly, the water stored in the first and second water storage spaces 32A and 32B is supplied to the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B through the first and second water supply holes 33A and 33B. do. At this time, the first and second coil springs S2 are in the maximum compressed state.

In the illustrated embodiment, the valve drive button 61 is operated by the freezer compartment door D, which opens and closes the freezer compartment, but a user operates the valve drive button 61 to drive the valve 51. It may be. That is, the user may directly drive the valve 51 by pressing the operation unit 63 while the water tank 20 is mounted in the ice making space 11.

Meanwhile, water stored in the first and second reservoirs 32A and 32B is completely supplied to the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B, so that the first and second reservoirs 32A and 32B are provided. In order to supply water again), first, the freezer compartment door D is opened to open the freezer compartment. At the same time, the valve 51 and the valve drive button 61 move downward or forward, respectively, by the elastic force of the first and second coil springs S2, thereby providing the first and second water supply holes 33A. 33B are respectively shielded by the valve caps 57A and 57B. The water tank 20 is removed to the outside of the ice making space 11 while the first and second water inlets 33A and 33B are shielded, and the tank cover 41 is removed. The first and second reservoirs 32A and 32B are supplied with water or the water supply holes 45 are rotated to open the water supply holes 43 so that the first and second water reservoirs 43 are opened. 2 Water is supplied to the reservoirs 32A and 32B.

As shown in FIG. 5A, water stored in the first and second reservoir spaces 32A and 32B are respectively formed in the ice making grooves 76A and 76B of the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B, respectively. The first and second water supply holes 33A and 33B are supplied and contained therein. As such, the water contained in the ice making grooves 76A and 76B is frozen by cold air circulating in the freezing chamber, thereby producing ice. At this time, the cold air circulating in the freezing chamber is transferred into the ice making space 11 through the cold air supply hole 13.

On the other hand, when the production of ice is completed, the user rotates the operating lever (L) to separate the ice produced in the first and second ice trays (75A, 75B). That is, as shown in Figure 5b, when the user rotates the operating lever (L), the main gear (G1) is rotated. In addition, when the main gear G1 rotates, a pair of driven gears G2 and G3 geared thereto rotate, such that the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B rotate through the connection portion 78A and 78B. And the rotational shafts 77A and 77B.

As shown in FIG. 5C, when the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B continue to rotate, one side of the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B may be a tray stopper 72A. 72B is in close contact with each other. If the operating lever L is continuously rotated in such a state, the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B are twisted to separate the produced ice. At this time, since the twisting moment is applied to the corner portions of the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B by the connecting bars 79A and 79B, the ice is not properly separated.

In addition, when the force for rotating and twisting the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B, that is, the force for rotating the operating lever L, is removed, the first and the second ice trays are elastic by the torsion spring. The ice trays 75A and 75B are restored to their original positions, i.e., one side thereof is supported by the tray stoppers 72A and 72B and is kept horizontal.

As such, the ice separated from the first and second ice trays 75A and 75B is stored in the ice storage space 81 of the ice bank 80. The user may take out the ice bank 80 from the ice making space 11 and take out the ice stored in the ice storage space 81. At this time, the withdrawal of the ice bank 80 is guided by the guide plate 90. That is, the ice bank 80 is drawn out in conjunction with the withdrawal of the guide plate 90 in a state seated on the guide plate 90. In addition, the ice bank 80 and the guide plate 90 are pulled out of the ice making space 11, and the ice bank 80 is lifted upward to separate from the guide plate 90 so as to separate the ice. The ice stored in the storage space 81 is taken out and used.

Within the scope of the basic technical idea of the present invention, many modifications are possible to those skilled in the art, and the scope of the present invention should be interpreted based on the appended claims. will be.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ice making apparatus is installed in the freezing compartment, but the installation position of the ice making apparatus is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the ice making device may be installed on the rear surface of the freezer compartment door. As such, when the ice making device is installed on the rear surface of the freezing compartment door, the valve driving button may be operated by a driving protrusion or a user provided separately on one side of the inner case forming the freezing compartment or the freezing compartment.

According to the refrigerator water tank and the ice making apparatus including the same according to the present invention configured as described above, when the valve driving button is operated in a state in which the water tank is mounted in the freezer compartment, the valve is driven and the water stored therein is iced. Is supplied. Therefore, the valve is driven in the process of mounting the water tank in the freezer compartment, the water stored in the water tank is scattered into the freezer compartment to prevent the contamination of the freezer compartment, it can be expected to use the product more cleanly Will be.

Claims (14)

In a water tank for a refrigerator provided with a reservoir for storing water for ice production: A valve for selectively opening and closing a water supply port through which water stored in the water storage space is supplied to the ice tray; A valve driving button for driving the valve to selectively open and close the water supply port; Refrigerator water tank, characterized in that comprises a. The method of claim 1, The valve is driven by the valve drive button is installed so as to move up and down through the water inlet formed on the bottom surface of the tank body is provided with the reservoir space, The water tank for a refrigerator, characterized in that it further comprises an elastic member for imparting an elastic force to the valve to move the valve downward so that the water inlet is shielded. The method of claim 1, The valve driving button is installed to be moved forward and backward on the bottom of the tank body to drive the valve is pressed by a door that shields the storage space to move backward to drive the valve to open the water supply port, And a resilient member for imparting an elastic force to a valve driving button to move the valve driving button forward to drive the valve so that the water inlet is shielded. In a water tank for a refrigerator provided with a reservoir for storing water for ice production: A water tank having the reservoir space; A tank cover for selectively opening and closing the water storage space; A valve for selectively opening and closing a water inlet for supplying water stored in the water storage to an ice tray; And A valve driving button for driving the valve to selectively open and close the water supply port; Refrigerator water tank, characterized in that comprises a. The method of claim 4, wherein The storage space is composed of first and second storage spaces for storing water supplied to the first or second ice tray, respectively, The water tank for the refrigerator, characterized in that the water stored in the first and second reservoir space is composed of first and second water supply holes, respectively. The method of claim 4, wherein The valve, A valve body provided below the tank body, At least one cap fixing protrusion provided in the valve body and penetrating the water supply port, and It is configured to include at least one valve cap which is provided at the front end of the cap fixing protrusion which is located inside the water storage space through the water supply port to open and close the water supply port; When the valve is driven by the valve drive button, the valve is moved upwards, the water tank for the refrigerator characterized in that the water supply opening is opened. The method of claim 6, The valve is provided on one side of the valve body is inserted into the valve guide boss provided on the bottom surface of the tank body further comprises a support protrusion for moving up and down along the valve guide boss . The method of claim 6, The water tank for a refrigerator, characterized in that it further comprises an elastic member for imparting an elastic force to the valve to move the valve downward so that the water inlet is shielded. The method of claim 8, The elastic member is a water tank for a refrigerator, characterized in that both ends of the coil spring is supported on one side of the bottom and one side of the valve body of the tank body. The method of claim 4, wherein The valve drive button, An operation unit provided to protrude forward of the tank body; A driving part provided at a rear end of the operation part to be in close contact with a bottom surface of the valve, and A guide bar which is provided at the rear end of the driving unit and moves forward and backward through the button guide part provided on the bottom surface of the tank body; When the operation unit is pressed by a door that shields the storage space, the water supply port for the refrigerator characterized in that the water supply port is opened by moving the valve upward in the process of moving the valve drive button to the rear. The method of claim 10, And a resilient member for imparting an elastic force to the valve driving button to move the valve driving button forward to drive the valve so that the water inlet is shielded. The method of claim 11, The elastic member is a water tank for a refrigerator, characterized in that both ends of the coil spring, both ends of which are supported on one side of the valve driving button and one side of the button guide portion, respectively. In the ice making apparatus for refrigerators for producing ice by freezing water by cold air circulating the storage space of the refrigerator: A water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is detachably installed in the storage space; At least one ice tray installed in the storage space corresponding to the lower portion of the water tank and manufacturing ice from water to be supplied from the water tank; And An ice bank installed in and out of the storage space corresponding to the lower portion of the ice tray and storing ice produced by the ice tray; Refrigerator ice making device comprising a. In the ice making apparatus for refrigerators for producing ice by freezing water by cold air circulating the storage space of the refrigerator: A water tank according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is detachably installed on a rear surface of a door for selectively opening and closing the storage space; At least one ice tray installed on a rear surface of the door corresponding to a lower side of the water tank and manufacturing ice from water to be supplied from the water tank; And An ice bank installed on the rear surface of the door corresponding to the lower side of the ice tray and storing ice produced in the ice tray; Refrigerator ice making device comprising a.

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