KR20120069686A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A refrigerator supplies the ice through an ice container by making the ice through a first ice maker and a second ice maker. CONSTITUTION: A refrigerator comprises a cabinet(10), a first ice maker(100), a dispenser(26), a second ice maker(140), a ice container, and a water supply passage(200). The first ice maker is installed in one storage room. The dispenser receives the ice made by a first ice maker. The second ice maker is installed in the other storage room. The ice container is installed below the second ice maker and saves the ice and the ice is taken through the ice container. The water supply passage is installed to divide the water from a water source for selective supply the water to the first ice maker and the second ice maker.

Description

Refrigerator {Refrigerator}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

In general, a refrigerator is a device for low temperature storage of food, and is configured to freeze or refrigerate food according to a state of food to be stored.

The inside of the refrigerator is cooled by continuously supplied cold air, and the cold air is continuously generated by the heat exchange action of the refrigerant repeatedly performing a cycle of compression-condensation-expansion-evaporation. The cold air supplied to the inside of the refrigerator is evenly transferred to the inside of the refrigerator by convection, so that food in the refrigerator can be stored at a desired temperature.

Such refrigerators have tended to be enlarged and multi-functionalized according to diversification of tastes and changes in eating habits, and thus products having various configurations are being released.

In particular, the refrigerator is equipped with an ice maker for making ice in the refrigerator for the supply of ice. Such an ice maker may have various forms according to a method of operation and may be mounted at various positions of a refrigerating compartment or a freezing compartment.

In addition, the refrigerator door is provided with a dispenser for taking out the ice made by the ice maker, so that the user can take out the ice more easily.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first ice maker and a second ice maker capable of extracting ice through a dispenser are provided in different spaces partitioned inside a cabinet, and a water supply passage branched to supply water to each of them is provided. It is an object to provide a refrigerator provided.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first ice maker and a second ice maker capable of extracting ice through a dispenser are provided in different spaces partitioned inside a cabinet, and the operating conditions of the first ice maker and the second ice maker are provided. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a controller that can selectively control each ice maker.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet in which a plurality of partitioned storage spaces are formed; A first ice maker provided in any one of the plurality of storage spaces; A dispenser provided in the door and extracting the ice ice from the first ice maker; A second ice maker provided in a storage space different from the storage space in which the first ice maker is provided; An ice container provided below the second ice maker to store iced ice and provided to be withdrawable; A water supply passage branched to allow selective water supply from the water supply source to the first ice maker and the second ice maker.

In addition, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator compartment is formed in the upper portion, the cabinet is formed in the freezer compartment in the lower portion; A first ice maker provided in the refrigerating compartment; A dispenser provided in a refrigerating compartment door and extracting ice iced from the first ice maker; A second ice maker provided in the freezer compartment; An ice container provided in a freezer compartment to store ice iced in the second ice maker and accessible by opening a freezer compartment door; A water supply passage configured to be branched to supply water to the first ice maker and the second ice maker, respectively; And a control unit electrically connected to the first ice maker and the second ice maker to control respective operations.

In addition, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet in which a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment are formed; A first ice maker provided in the refrigerator compartment or the refrigerator compartment door; A dispenser provided in the refrigerating compartment door and extracting ice iced from the first ice maker; A second ice maker provided in the freezer compartment and selectively accessible according to opening / closing of the freezer compartment door; A water supply passage connected to an external water supply source for guiding water supplied to the first ice maker, the second ice maker, and the dispenser; And a branching means provided on the water supply flow passage and distributing water supplied from the water supply source to the first ice maker and the second ice maker.

In addition, the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet in which a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment are formed; A first ice maker provided in the refrigerator compartment or the refrigerator compartment door; A dispenser provided in the refrigerating compartment door and extracting ice iced from the first ice maker; A water supply passage for guiding water supply from a high water supply source to the first ice maker; A second ice maker provided inside the freezing compartment and making ice from water supplied by a user; It is provided below the second ice maker, and includes an ice container for storing the ice ice in the second ice maker.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first ice maker and a second ice maker are provided in each of the storage spaces partitioned inside the cabinet, and the ice may be extracted through the dispenser or the ice may be stored in the ice container according to the ice usage environment of the user. It is configured to enable the use of.

In other words, when the user wishes to easily use a small amount of ice, the user may take out ice used in the first ice maker through a dispenser, and when a large amount of ice or continuous ice is required, the ice iced in the second ice maker Is used through an ice container.

Therefore, by being able to cope with a variety of ice using environment of the user it can be expected to further improve the ease of use.

In addition, a control unit capable of controlling each of the first ice maker, the second ice maker, and the dispenser is provided, thereby enabling smooth water supply and effective cold air distribution. Therefore, the effect of improving the ice making performance, cooling performance and power consumption efficiency may be expected.

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a front view of an open door of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a partial perspective view of the inside of the freezer compartment according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a cross-sectional view of a freezer compartment according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5 is a rear view of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a perspective view schematically showing a water supply passage of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a block diagram showing the water flow and control signal flow of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a block diagram showing a water flow and a control signal flow of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a front view of an open door of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a perspective view schematically showing a water supply passage of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a partial perspective view of an open door of a freezer compartment of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in the drawings, and that other embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention may be easily devised by adding, .

In the embodiments of the present invention, a bottom freeze type refrigerator has been described as an example for convenience of explanation and understanding, but the present invention is disclosed in advance that it is applicable to other types of refrigerators in which two or more partitioned storage spaces are formed. .

1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a front view of the door of the refrigerator is opened according to the embodiment of the present invention.

1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 10 having a storage space formed therein and a door 20 for selectively opening and closing an opened front surface of the storage space. Is formed by.

The interior of the cabinet 10 is divided up and down by an inner case 12 forming a barrier or a storage space to form a refrigerating chamber 30 and a freezing chamber 40 in the upper and lower portions, respectively.

The door 20 is hingedly coupled to the cabinet 10 to be rotatably mounted, and a pair of refrigerating compartment doors 22 to selectively open and close the refrigerating compartment 30 and a drawer-type retractable mount to allow the freezer compartment to be opened. It consists of a freezer compartment door 24 which selectively opens and closes 40.

In the refrigerating compartment 30, the freezing compartment 40, the refrigerating compartment door 22, and the freezing compartment door 24 are provided with storage members such as a plurality of shelves, drawers, baskets, and the like. Food can be stored.

The dispenser 26 is provided on the front side of the refrigerating compartment door 22 of the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 22. The dispenser 26 is formed to be in communication with the first ice maker 100 to be described below, it is formed so that the ice and / or drinking water can be taken out by the user's operation.

Meanwhile, an ice making chamber 28 may be formed on the rear surface of the refrigerating chamber door 22. The ice making chamber 28 is a space in which the first ice maker 100 and the ice bank 110 for making and storing ice are accommodated. The ice making chamber 28 may be formed as a heat insulating space independent of the inside of the refrigerating chamber.

In detail, the ice making chamber 28 may be formed by a door liner forming a rear surface of the refrigerating chamber door 22, and may be configured to be opened and closed by an ice making chamber door 29 which is mounted to be openable and openable. have. In addition, an inner side of the ice making chamber 28 communicates with the dispenser 26 and is formed to enable the extraction of ice through the dispenser 26.

In addition, one side wall of the refrigerating chamber 30 may be provided with a cold air duct for guiding the cold air for ice making to the ice making chamber 28. The cold air duct is in communication with the ice making chamber 28 when the refrigerator compartment door 22 is closed, and the heat exchange chamber 50 (see FIG. 4) provided with an evaporator communicates with the ice making chamber 28. It can be configured to enable the supply of cold air so that the interior of the ice chamber 28 can be below freezing temperature.

In addition, a first ice maker 100 may be provided in the ice making chamber 28. The first ice maker 100 is to make ice from the water supplied by the water supply passage 200 to be described below, receiving a predetermined amount of water for ice making and cooling to reach a set time or a set temperature to make ice It is configured to automatically separate the ice-making ice and ice the ice bank 110 side.

In addition, the first ice maker 100 may be configured to detect whether there is more than a predetermined amount of ice in the ice bank 110 and to stop the ice making operation of the first ice maker 100.

An ice bank 110 is provided in the ice making chamber 28. The ice bank 110 is provided below the first ice maker 100 so as to store ice iced in the first ice maker 100. In addition, the ice bank 110 may be configured to communicate with the dispenser 26 side so as to supply the ice stored to the dispenser 26 side when the dispenser 26 is operated.

In addition, an auger may be provided in the ice bank 110 to prevent ice from being entangled and to smoothly move the dispenser 26. In addition, the ice bank 110 may further include a crusher for crushing the stored ice for taking out pieces of ice.

The water tank 120 to be described below may be provided inside the refrigerating compartment door 22. The water tank 120 allows the water supplied to the dispenser 26 to be temporarily stored and may be provided below the refrigerating compartment door 22.

In addition, a water filter 130 is provided on an inner upper surface of the refrigerating chamber 30. The water filter 130 is to purify the water supplied to the dispenser 26, and may be provided to be replaced in the refrigerating chamber 30.

On the other hand, a second ice maker 140 is provided at the upper edge of the freezing chamber 40. The second ice maker 140 is made of ice by receiving water flowing along the water supply passage 200 to be described below, and may be disposed to be exposed to the inside of the freezing compartment 40.

3 is a partial perspective view of the inside of the freezer compartment according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the freezer compartment according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a cross section of AA ′ of FIG. 3.

3 and 4, the second ice maker 140 is to make ice from the water supplied by the water supply passage 200 to be described below, a predetermined amount of water for ice making is set time or setting It is configured to cool until the temperature reaches the ice and to automatically separate the de-iced ice to ice the ice container 150 side to be described below.

In addition, the second ice maker 140 may be configured to detect whether ice is stored in the ice container 150 in a predetermined amount or more, and stop the ice making operation of the second ice maker 140. .

On the other hand, a portion of the upper surface of the freezing chamber 40 corresponding to the upper side of the second ice maker 140 is formed to be opened, the water supply passage 200 guided to the second ice maker 140 side through the opened portion. And wires 162 may be guided into the freezing compartment 40.

The bracket 160 may be mounted at an opened portion of the upper surface of the freezing compartment 40. The bracket 160 is formed in a corresponding shape to shield the opened portion of the upper surface of the freezer compartment. In addition, the water supply passage 200 and the wire 162 are guided to the second ice maker 140 through the bracket 160, the second ice maker 140 is fixed to the bracket 160. It may be mounted.

The water supply passage 200 and the electric wire 162 guided to the second ice maker 140 through the bracket 160 are exposed to the outside through a flow path connecting portion 70 formed on the rear surface of the cabinet 10. It may be, and may be connected to the other water supply passage 200 and the wire 162 in the flow path connecting portion 70.

The bracket 160 and the second ice maker 140 are connected to each other by the ice maker holder 170. The ice maker holder 170 may allow the second ice maker 140 to be fixedly mounted to the bracket 160, and the second ice maker 140 may have an inner wall surface of the freezer compartment 40 and the It is formed to be spaced apart from the bracket 160.

On the other hand, the side wall of the freezing chamber 40 may be provided with an ice making duct 180 for communicating with the heat exchange chamber 50 is provided with an evaporator. The sidewalls of the freezing chamber 40 adjacent to the second ice maker 140 are provided with a cold air discharge port 182 through which an end portion of the ice making air duct 180 is exposed.

The cold air discharge port 182 is provided for ice making of the second ice maker 140 separately from the main discharge port 42 provided on the rear wall surface of the freezing chamber 40. The cold air discharged through the cold air discharge port 182 may face the second ice maker 140, and may make ice at a higher speed inside the freezing compartment 40.

An ice container 150 is provided inside the freezing compartment 40 corresponding to the lower side of the second ice maker 140. The ice container 150 is to store the ice iced from the second ice maker 140, it may be formed in the shape of a general drawer.

The ice container 150 may be provided to be pulled in and out by a rail member provided in the freezing compartment 40, and the inside of the ice container 150 may be partitioned by the divider 152. The divider 152 may be configured to be movable left and right, and may be configured to store ice in a portion of the ice container 150 and to store food in a portion of the ice container 150.

The ice container 150 may be formed to have a width corresponding to an inner horizontal length of the freezing compartment 40, and if necessary, the ice container 150 may be formed inside the freezing compartment 40. A drawer for storing may be provided separately.

5 is a rear view of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a water supply passage of the refrigerator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first ice maker 100, the second ice maker 140, and the dispenser 26 are provided with a water supply source 60 such as a faucet by a tubular water supply passage 200. Is connected to, and receives water for ice making and drinking water from the water supply (60).

The water supply passage 200 includes a main passage 210, a first branch passage 220, and a second branch passage 230. The main flow path 210, the first branch flow path 220, and the second branch flow path 230 may be connected to the branch means 240 to communicate with each other.

In detail, the main flow path 210 connects the water supply source 60, such as a faucet, and the branch means 240, so that the water of the water supply source 60 reaches the refrigerator 1 primarily. In addition, ends of the branching means 240 and the main flow passage 210 may be connected at the flow path connecting portion 70 on the rear surface of the cabinet 10.

Therefore, when the refrigerator 1 is installed, the main flow path 210 may be connected to the branch means 240 at an open portion of the flow path connecting part 70, thereby making it easier to supply the water supply 60. You will be able to connect to.

The first basin flow path 220 extends from the branching means 240 to the refrigerating compartment door 22 side, and the water branched from the branching means 240 is the first ice maker of the refrigerating compartment door 22 ( 100) and is formed to guide to the dispenser (26). The water filter 130 provided inside the refrigerating chamber 30 is connected to the first branch channel 220 so that water passing through the first branch channel 220 may be purified.

The first branch flow path 220 is connected to the branch means 240 at the flow path connecting part 70, and the first branch flow path 220 extends upward along the rear wall of the cabinet 10. It is inserted into the cabinet 10 and communicates with the water filter 130.

In addition, the first branch passage 220 extending from the water filter 130 extends along the upper wall of the cabinet 10 and then through the door hinge 14 of the refrigerating compartment door 22. Guided to 22 inside.

The first branch flow path 220 guided into the refrigerating compartment door 22 may be the ice maker side passage 222 and the dispenser side passage 224 by the first valve 250 again inside the refrigerating compartment door 22. Branched).

The first valve 250 is for supplying the water supplied from the first branch flow path 220 to the first ice maker 100 and the dispenser 26, respectively. 310 or the dispenser controller 330 may be configured to control an operation.

The dispenser side flow path 224 extending from the first valve 250 to the dispenser 26 side is provided with a water tank 120 for temporarily storing water supplied thereto. Therefore, even if the flow rate of the first branch channel 220 is reduced during the operation of the dispenser 26, the set amount of water can be taken out of the dispenser 26.

The ice maker side flow path 222 may extend to the first ice maker 100 to supply water for ice making to the first ice maker 100 according to the driving of the first ice maker 100. Will be.

On the other hand, the second branch flow path 230 is connected to the branch means 240 in the flow path connecting portion 70. In addition, the second branch flow path 230, that is, the water supply flow path 200 illustrated in FIG. 4, is guided into the partition wall partitioning the refrigerating chamber 30 and the freezing chamber 40, and the bracket 160 is moved. Can penetrate and extend into the freezer compartment 40. In addition, an end portion of the second branch flow passage 230 extending in the freezing chamber 40 may face the second ice maker 140.

In this case, the partition wall is a space formed by the inner case 12 forming the refrigerating chamber 30 and the freezing chamber 40, and a barrier preformed with a heat insulating material is inserted therein, or by injection of the foam liquid. The interior of the partition wall may be filled with insulation.

A second valve 260 may be connected to the second branch flow path 230. The second valve 260 is controlled by the second ice maker control unit 320 to be described below, it can be configured to enable a selective water supply to the second ice maker 140.

On the other hand, the branching means 240 is disposed in the flow path connecting portion 70 formed on the rear of the cabinet 10. The branching means 240 may supply water supplied from the water supply source 60 to the first branch channel 220 and the second branch channel 230, respectively, and may be formed in a branched tubular shape. have.

A portion into which the first branch channel 220 is inserted and a portion into which the second branch channel 230 is inserted may have different inner diameters. Therefore, the first branch passage 220 and the second branch passage 240 may be prevented from being incorrectly assembled when the branching means 240 is connected to the water supply passage 200 in the passage connecting portion 70. To be.

For example, an inner diameter of one side of the branching means 240 connected to the first branch passage 220 may be 5/16 inch, and another portion of the branching means 240 connected to the second branch passage 230 may be formed. The inner diameter of one side may be formed to be 1/4 inch, so that the inner diameter of the portion connected to the first branch passage 220 may be formed larger. In addition, the inner diameter D1 of the other side of the branching means 240 connected to the main channel 210 may be formed to be the same as the inner diameter D3 of the second branch channel 230.

Therefore, more water can be supplied to the first ice maker 100 side and the dispenser 26 side than the second ice maker 140 side, and the first ice maker 100 and the dispenser ( In the case of simultaneous water supply in 26, stable water supply is possible.

Meanwhile, the branching means 240 may be configured as a three-way valve whose operation is controlled by the first ice maker controller 310, the second ice maker controller 320, or the dispenser controller 330, which will be described below. .

The branching means 240 is connected to the main flow path 210 and the first branch flow path 220 and the second branch flow path 230 in the outer side and is disposed in the flow path connecting portion 70, the second ice maker The wire 162 connected to the 140 may also be connected to an external power source at the flow path connecting part 70. In addition, the flow path connecting part 70 is shielded by the connecting part cover 72.

7 is a block diagram showing the water flow and control signal flow of the refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the first ice maker 100, the second ice maker 140, and the dispenser 26 each include a first ice maker controller 310, a second ice maker controller 320, and The dispenser controller 330 is provided.

In detail, the first ice maker control unit 310 is for controlling the operation of the first ice maker 100, and is provided on one side adjacent to the first ice maker 100 and the first ice maker 100. Is electrically connected). The first ice maker controller 310 is also electrically connected to the first valve 250 so as to control an operation of the first valve 250 provided on the first branch flow path 220. .

The dispenser controller 330 is for controlling the operation of the dispenser 26 and is provided at one side adjacent to the dispenser 26 and electrically connected to the dispenser 26. The dispenser controller 330 is also electrically connected to the first valve 250 to control the operation of the first valve 250.

On the other hand, both the first ice maker control unit 310 and the dispenser control unit 330 may be disposed inside the refrigerating compartment door 22, it is formed as a module as needed, the first ice maker 100 ), The dispenser 26, and the first valve 250 may be controlled.

The second ice maker control unit 320 is for controlling the operation of the second ice maker 140, and is provided on one side adjacent to the second ice maker 140 and the second ice maker 140. Electrically connected. The second ice maker control unit 320 is also electrically connected to the second valve 260 to control the operation of the second valve 260 provided on the second branch flow path 230. .

Meanwhile, the first ice maker controller 320, the dispenser controller 330, and the second ice maker controller 320 may be configured to communicate with each other. The first ice maker controller 320, the dispenser controller 330, and the second ice maker controller 320 are wirelessly communicated with the first ice maker 100, the second ice maker 140, and the dispenser 26. It is possible to exchange the operation information of the, through this it is possible to determine the operation of the first ice maker 100, the second ice maker 140 and the dispenser 26 and the operation of the components related to their operation.

Of course, the first ice maker controller 320, the dispenser controller 330, and the second ice maker controller 320 may be wired to each other, and each of the flow path connecting unit 70 or the refrigerator 1 may be connected to each other. Wires 162 connected to the control unit may be extended to be connected to each other.

The first ice maker control unit 310 and the second ice maker control unit 320 receive operation information of each ice maker according to the operation state of the first ice maker 100 and the second ice maker 140. Thereafter, any one of the first ice maker 100 and the second ice maker 140 may be controlled to operate preferentially.

The first ice maker control unit 310 and the second ice maker control unit 320 control the operations of the first valve 250 and the second valve 260 to control the first ice maker 100 and the first ice maker 100. 2 ice maker 140 may control the water supply.

At this time, the priority determined by the first ice maker control unit 310 and the second ice maker control unit 320 may be prioritized to operate the ice maker that started driving first, and, if necessary, by a user You may be able to select the ice maker you have entered and have it work first.

Of course, when it is determined that the flow rate supplied is sufficient, both the first ice maker 100 and the second ice maker 140 are driven, and the first valve 250 and the first valve 250 are provided so that water can be supplied to all of them. Two valves 260 may be controlled.

Meanwhile, the priority determined by the first ice maker controller 310 and the second ice maker controller 320 may store the amount of ice set in either the ice bank 110 or the ice container 150. Until one ice maker is operated until another ice maker may be controlled to be operated.

At this time, since the ice iced in the first ice maker 100 is usually taken out in a small amount into the dispenser 26 and has a high frequency of use, the ice is operated in preference to the second ice maker 140, and the second ice The ice that is iced in the maker 140 is used to pour out a large amount from the ice container 150, but since the use frequency is low, the second ice maker 140 may be controlled to operate after sensing the ice of the ice bank 110. Can be.

When the first ice maker 100 is restarted again, the driving of the second ice maker 140 is stopped, and water supply to the second ice maker 140 is also stopped. When full ice is detected in the ice bank 110 again and the operation of the first ice maker 100 is stopped, the second ice maker 140 may be controlled to be operated again.

Of course, if necessary, the second ice maker 140 may be controlled to operate in priority, and when the ice container 150 is full, the first ice maker 100 may be controlled to operate. .

Meanwhile, the first ice maker controller 310 and the second ice maker controller 320 may control driving of each ice maker according to whether the dispenser 26 is operated.

As such, the operation of the ice maker, the dispenser 26 and the valves may be controlled according to the operation state of the first ice maker 100, the second ice maker 140, and the dispenser 26. Deterioration in cooling efficiency can be prevented, and the flow rate of the water to be supplied can be kept constant.

Hereinafter, the operation of the refrigerator according to the present invention having the configuration as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

In order to supply water to the refrigerator 1, first, the first branch channel 220, the second branch channel 230, and the main channel 210 are respectively provided in the branching means 240 disposed in the channel connecting unit 70. ) Will be connected. The main flow passage 210 is connected to the water supply source 60 so that water from the water supply source 60 is transferred to the first ice maker 100, the second ice maker 140, and the dispenser 26. Each can be supplied.

When the wire 162 connected to an external power source or required to be connected to another wire is disposed on the flow path connecting part 70, the flow path connecting part is connected to the connection part cover 72 after the wire 162 is connected. 70 will be shielded.

When power is applied in such a state, the refrigerating cycle of the refrigerator is driven to cool the refrigerating compartment 30, the freezing compartment 40, and the ice making compartment 28.

Meanwhile, the first ice maker 100 and the second ice maker 140 are driven by the first ice maker controller 310 and the second ice maker controller 320 according to the set priority.

The operation priority of the first ice maker 100 and the second ice maker 140 may be set by the user externally, and any one of the first ice maker 100 and the second ice maker 140 may be set. It can be driven so that it can be driven first and then the other.

At this time, the first ice maker control unit 310 and the second ice maker control unit 320 may exchange information of the operation state with each other, and thus, the first ice maker 100 and the second ice maker 140 may be exchanged. It will control the operation of.

In detail, the water supplied through the first branch passage 220 through the main passage 210 by the instruction of the first ice maker control unit 310 is discharged from the first valve 250 to the dispenser side passage ( 224 is supplied to the first ice maker 100.

When the supply of water to the first ice maker 100 is completed, the first ice maker 100 is driven by an instruction of the first ice maker control unit 310, and cold air flows toward the first ice maker 100. Intensive supply will be achieved. When the set time after the operation of the first ice maker 100 or the temperature of the first ice maker 100 reaches the set temperature, ice making is completed.

After the ice making is completed, the ice is ejected from the first ice maker 100 to the ice bank 110 by the ejector, and the ice completed is stored in the ice bank 110, and the water supply for the ice making and the ice making are again 1 The drive of the ice maker 100 is started.

The first ice maker 100 stops the operation when ice is stored in the ice bank 110 for a predetermined amount or more. In this state, the first ice maker control unit 310 transmits the state information of the first ice maker 100 to the second ice maker control unit 320.

In order to conveniently use a small amount of ice in a state where ice is stored in the ice bank 110, the user may take out the ice by operating the dispenser 26. That is, the ice stored in the ice bank 110 according to the operation of the dispenser 26 may be discharged to the outside through the dispenser 26.

Meanwhile, after receiving operation state information of the first ice maker 100 from the first ice maker controller 310, the second ice maker 140 determines whether the second ice maker 140 is driven. You can decide.

Water supplied through the second branch passage 230 through the main passage 210 by the instruction of the second ice maker control unit 320 is flowed through the ice maker side passage 222 at the second valve 260. ) Is supplied to the second ice maker 140.

When the supply of water to the second ice maker 140 is completed, the second ice maker 140 is driven by an instruction of the second ice maker control unit 320, and cold air is directed toward the second ice maker 140. Intensive supply will be achieved. When the set time after the operation of the second ice maker 140 or the temperature of the second ice maker 140 reaches the set temperature, ice making is completed.

After the ice making is completed, the ice is ejected from the second ice maker 140 to the ice container 150 by the ejector, and the ice completed is stored in the ice container 150, and the water supply for the ice making is again The driving of the second ice maker 140 is started.

The second ice maker 140 stops the operation when ice is stored in the ice container 150 more than a predetermined amount. In this state, the state information of the first ice maker 100 is transmitted to the first ice maker control unit 310 through the second ice maker control unit 320.

When the ice is stored in the ice container 150, the user can open the freezer compartment door 24, draw out the ice container 150, and can use as much ice as needed.

On the other hand, when the dispenser 26 is operated to take out the drinking water, water supplied through the first branch passage 220 through the main passage 210 is supplied from the first valve 250. It is supplied along the side flow path 224 so that drinking water can be taken out from the dispenser 26. In this case, the operation information of the dispenser 26 may also be transmitted to the first ice maker controller 310 and the second ice maker controller 320.

The refrigerator according to the present invention may have various embodiments in addition to the above embodiments, and hereinafter, the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

8 is a block diagram showing a water flow and a control signal flow of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Another embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first ice maker 100, the second ice maker 140 and the dispenser 26 is configured to be controlled by one control unit 300, the present invention For the same configuration as the above-described embodiment among the embodiments of the detailed description thereof will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be used.

Referring to FIG. 8, the water supply passage 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a main passage 210, a first branch passage 220, and a second branch passage 230. The main flow path 210, the first branch flow path 220, and the second branch flow path 230 are connected to each other by a branching means 240 so as to communicate with the first ice maker 100 and the dispenser 26, respectively. It is configured to supply water to the second ice maker 140.

In detail, the main flow passage 210 connects the water supply source 60 and the branching means 240 to supply water from the water supply source 60 to the refrigerator 1 through the main flow passage 210. It is configured to be supplied.

The first branch flow path 220 is formed to connect the branch means 240, the first ice maker 100, and the dispenser 26. The water filter 130, the water tank 120, and the first valve 250 are connected to the first branch channel 220, and the first branch channel 220 is connected to the first valve 250. It is branched into the ice maker side flow path 252 and the dispenser side flow path 254 is configured to supply water to the first ice maker 100 and the dispenser 26, respectively.

The second branch flow path 230 connects the branch means 240 and the second ice maker 140, and the second ice maker (by the second valve 260 on the second branch flow path 230). 140 may be configured to allow a selective water supply.

Meanwhile, the first ice maker 100, the second ice maker 140, the dispenser 26, and the first valve 250 and the second valve 260 are all connected to one control unit 300. do. The control unit 300 receives the operation state of each configuration to operate the first ice maker 100 and the second ice maker 140 and to drive the first valve 250 and the second valve 260. You can control it.

The controller 300 determines a priority that can be operated first according to the operation information of the first ice maker 100 and the second ice maker 140 to determine the first ice maker 100 and the second ice maker. 140 will be driven.

The control unit 300 may be provided in the refrigerating compartment door 22, or may be provided on the cabinet 10 so as to be controlled together with other electrical components constituting a refrigeration cycle.

On the other hand, since the process of determining the priority and the extraction of the ice for driving the first ice maker 100 and the second ice maker 140 is the same as in the above-described embodiment will be omitted a detailed description thereof.

The refrigerator according to the present invention may have various embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments. Hereinafter, the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

9 is a front view of an open door of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a water supply passage of the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Another embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first ice maker is located inside the refrigerating compartment, and thus the water supply passage is designed. For the same configuration as the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be used.

9 and 10, the refrigerator 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention may have an outer shape formed by the cabinet 10 and the door 20. The inside of the cabinet 10 is divided up and down to form a refrigerating chamber 30 and a freezing chamber 40 at an upper portion thereof, and the door 20 is withdrawable from a pair of refrigerating chamber doors 22 that are rotatably mounted. It may be configured as a freezer compartment door 24 to be mounted.

An ice making chamber 400 is formed at an edge of the left or right upper surface of the refrigerating chamber 30. The ice making chamber 400 forms an insulation space that is distinct from the refrigerating chamber 30 and is formed long in the front-rear direction.

The first ice maker 410 for making ice is provided inside the ice making room 400, and the ice made by the first ice maker 410 is stored below the first ice maker 410. The bank 420 may be provided.

The ice bank 420 may be provided to be slide in and out of the ice making chamber 400, and may be configured to shield the opened front surface of the ice making chamber 400 when the ice bank 420 is drawn in.

In addition, an auger may be further provided inside the ice bank 420 to transfer the ice inside the ice bank 420 to the front to extract the ice from the dispenser 26.

The dispenser 26 and the ice chute 430 are provided in the refrigerating compartment door 22 that shields the opened front surface of the refrigerating compartment 30 corresponding to the position where the ice making chamber 400 is provided. The ice chute 430 is formed on the rear surface of the refrigerating compartment door 22 and is formed to communicate with the inside of the ice making compartment 400 and the dispenser 26 when the refrigerating compartment door 22 is closed. It is formed to guide the movement of iced ice.

The water filter 440 is provided on an inner upper surface of the refrigerating compartment 30, and the water tank 440 is provided inside the refrigerating compartment door 22. The water filter 440 and the water tank 440 are connected to a water supply passage 500 for supplying water from the water supply source 60 to the first ice maker 410 and the dispenser 26.

On the other hand, a second ice maker 140 is provided at the upper edge of the freezing chamber 40. The second ice maker 140 is made of ice by receiving water supplied from the water supply passage 500, and may be disposed to be exposed to the inside of the freezing compartment 40.

In detail, the second ice maker 140 is made of ice supplied by the water supply passage 500 to be described below, and receives a predetermined amount of water for ice making and cools the ice to reach a predetermined time or a predetermined temperature. It is configured to automatically separate the ice making and ice to the ice container 150 side.

In addition, the second ice maker 140 may be configured to detect whether ice is filled in the ice container 150 more than a predetermined amount, and to stop the ice making operation of the second ice maker 140.

The ice container 150 is provided below the second ice maker 140. The ice container 150 is to store the ice iced from the second ice maker 140, it may be formed in the shape of a general drawer.

The ice container 150 may be provided to be pulled in and out by a rail member provided in the freezing compartment 40, and may be partitioned by a divider 152 partitioning an inside thereof. The divider 152 may be configured to be movable left and right, and may be configured to store ice in a portion of the ice container 150 and to store food in a portion of the ice container 150.

The ice container 150 may be formed to have a width corresponding to an inner horizontal length of the freezing compartment 40, and if necessary, the ice container 150 may be formed inside the freezing compartment 40. A drawer for storing may be provided separately.

The first ice maker 410, the second ice maker 140, and the dispenser 26 are connected to a water supply source 60 such as a faucet by the water supply passage 500, and from the water supply source 60, You will receive water for drinking and drinking water.

The water supply passage 500 may include a main passage 510, a first branch passage 520, and a second branch passage 530, and may be connected to each other by the branch means 540. The branch means 540 and the main flow path 510, the first branch flow path 520, and the second branch flow path 530 may be connected to the flow path connecting part 70.

The main flow passage 510 connects the water supply source 60 and the branching means 540 and primarily reaches the inside of the refrigerator 1 of the water of the water supply source 60. The branching means 540 The end of the main flow path 510 is connected to the flow path connecting portion 70 of the rear of the cabinet (10).

The first branch channel 520 may extend toward the first ice maker 410, and the water filter 440 and the water tank 440 may be connected to the first branch channel 520. The first branch passage 520 is branched from the first valve 550 into the ice maker side passage 522 and the dispenser side passage 524, respectively, before being connected to the first ice maker 410.

The ice maker side flow path 522 is connected to the first ice maker 410, and the dispenser side flow path 524 is guided into the refrigerating compartment door 22 through the door hinge 14 to allow the dispenser ( 26).

The second branch channel 530 extends to the second ice maker side 140, and a second valve 560 is provided on the second branch channel 530 to selectively select the second ice maker 140. It is configured to supply water.

Meanwhile, the first ice maker 410, the second ice maker 140, and the dispenser 26 may be adjusted in operation by a control unit, and the first ice maker 410 and the second ice maker 140 may be adjusted. And the operation of the dispenser 26 will be the same as the embodiments described above.

The refrigerator according to the present invention may have various embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments. Hereinafter, the refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

11 is a partial perspective view of an open door of a freezer compartment of a refrigerator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Another embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the ice maker is configured to be operated and supplied directly by the user, rather than by automatic water supply and operation type. For the same configuration as the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be used.

Referring to FIG. 11, an ice maker 600 is provided at an upper corner of the freezer compartment 40 of the refrigerator 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In detail, a mounting member 610 for mounting the ice maker 600 may be provided at an upper left corner of the inside of the freezing compartment 40. The mounting member 610 may be formed so that the ice maker 600 is inserted into the front and fixedly mounted. In addition, the mounting member 610 may be formed such that a plurality of surfaces are opened so that cool air supplied into the freezing chamber 40 can be smoothly supplied to the ice maker 600.

The ice maker 600 includes an ice tray 620 in which the received water is frozen, an ice container 630 in which iced ice is stored, and a frame 640 in which the ice tray 620 and the ice container 630 are mounted. And, it may be composed of a tray cover 650 to shield the upper surface of the ice tray 620.

In detail, the ice tray 620 is rotated by the rotation of the operating lever 622, it is formed so that the ice can be separated from the ice tray 620 by the twist during the rotation. The ice tray 620 is configured to allow the user to directly separate from the frame 640 to hold water to freeze ice.

In addition, the ice tray 620 may be configured such that the plurality of ice trays 620 are continuously arranged vertically or horizontally and rotated at once by the operation lever 622 and the gear combination. Therefore, it can be configured to be able to ice and ice a large amount of ice at once.

The ice container 630 may be provided to be pulled out from below the ice tray 620 so that ice iced from the ice tray 620 may be stored, and a large amount of ice formed by multiple ice making may be stored. It will form a space for you.

The tray cover 650 may be seated on an upper portion of the frame 640, and may be configured to shield the upper surface of the ice tray 620 to prevent inflow of foreign matters or to prevent water from splashing. In addition, a plurality of perforations may be formed in the tray cover 650 so that the inflow of cold air may be performed smoothly.

The ice tray 620, the ice container 630, and the tray cover 650 may be configured to be mounted and detached from the mounting member 610 while being mounted on the frame 640.

In addition, a water tank may be provided in place of the tray cover 650 above the ice tray 620, and the water tank is mounted above the ice tray 620 in a state where a single water is stored. When the valve is open, the ice tray 620 may be configured to supply water.

In addition, the water tank may store a plurality of ice-making quantities of water, and in this case, a separate flow path provided outside the freezing chamber 40 and extending from the water tank to the ice tray 620. Water for ice making can be supplied.

In order to use the ice in the refrigerator 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention having such a configuration, when a small amount of ice is required, the ice that is automatically iced through the dispenser 26 is used to be taken out from the outside. When a large amount of ice is required, the freezer compartment door 24 is opened, the ice container 630 is drawn out, and the required amount of ice is extracted and used.

In addition, for ice making using the ice maker 600 provided in the freezer compartment 40, a user separates the ice tray 620 and supplies water to the ice tray 620 or the ice tray (from the water tank). 620 may be made to supply water to make ice, and after the ice making is completed, the user may rotate the operation lever 622 to separate the ice from the ice tray 620 and store the ice in the ice container 630. Will be.

Industrial availability

According to embodiments of the present invention, since the ejection of ice through the dispenser and the supply of ice from an ice container in which a large amount of ice is stored, the usability is improved, and thus the industrial applicability is very high.

Claims (27)

A cabinet in which a plurality of partitioned storage spaces are formed;
A first ice maker provided in any one of the plurality of storage spaces;
A dispenser provided in the door and extracting the ice ice from the first ice maker;
A second ice maker provided in a storage space different from the storage space in which the first ice maker is provided;
An ice container provided below the second ice maker to store iced ice and provided to be withdrawable;
And a water supply passage branched to enable selective water supply from the water supply source to the first ice maker and the second ice maker. The method of claim 1,
The first ice maker is provided in the refrigerator compartment,
The second ice maker is provided in the freezer compartment below the refrigerating compartment. The method of claim 1,
The door is provided with an ice chute to communicate the first ice maker and the dispenser. The method of claim 1,
The first ice maker is provided in the refrigerator compartment door,
The second ice maker is provided in the freezer compartment below the refrigerator compartment. The method of claim 4, wherein
The first ice maker is a refrigerator, characterized in that provided in the interior of the heat insulating space formed in the refrigerator compartment door. The method of claim 4, wherein
The second ice maker is mounted to the upper surface of the freezer compartment. The method of claim 4, wherein
In the freezer,
A bracket mounted to an upper surface of the freezing compartment and configured to guide a part of the water supply passage and an electric wire to the second ice maker;
And an ice maker holder coupled to the bracket and the second ice maker to fix the ice maker. The method of claim 4, wherein
And a freezing cold air duct for supplying cold air to the second ice maker. The method of claim 8,
The side wall of the freezer compartment adjacent to the second ice maker, characterized in that the refrigerator further comprises a cold air discharge port is formed with the open end of the ice-making cold duct. A cabinet in which a refrigerating chamber is formed at an upper portion and a freezing chamber is formed at a lower portion thereof;
A first ice maker provided in the refrigerating compartment;
A dispenser provided in a refrigerating compartment door and extracting ice iced from the first ice maker;
A second ice maker provided in the freezer compartment;
An ice container provided in a freezer compartment to store ice iced in the second ice maker and accessible by opening a freezer compartment door;
A water supply passage configured to be branched to supply water to the first ice maker and the second ice maker, respectively;
And a control unit electrically connected to the first ice maker and the second ice maker to control respective operations. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control unit,
A first ice maker control unit electrically connected to the first ice maker to control driving;
A second ice maker control unit electrically connected to the second ice maker to control driving;
And the first ice maker control unit and the second ice maker control unit are configured to communicate with each other. The method of claim 11,
And the first ice maker control unit and the second ice maker control unit are configured to enable wireless communication. The method of claim 11,
And the first ice maker control unit and the second ice maker control unit are provided in the first ice maker and the second ice maker, respectively. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control unit,
And a refrigerator electrically connected to both the first ice maker and the second ice maker, wherein one of the first ice maker and the second ice maker is preferentially operated. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control unit,
A refrigerator characterized by controlling so that another ice maker can be driven while the driving of one ice maker is stopped. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control unit,
And after the ice defrosted by the first ice maker is stored in the ice bank provided below the first ice maker for a predetermined amount or more, the second ice maker is controlled to be driven. 11. The method of claim 10,
The control unit,
The refrigerator characterized in that the water supply of the first ice maker and the second ice maker is stopped when the drinking water is dispensed through the dispenser. A cabinet in which a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment are formed;
A first ice maker provided in the refrigerator compartment or the refrigerator compartment door;
A dispenser provided in the refrigerating compartment door and extracting ice iced from the first ice maker;
A second ice maker provided in the freezer compartment and selectively accessible according to opening / closing of the freezer compartment door;
A water supply passage connected to an external water supply source for guiding water supplied to the first ice maker, the second ice maker, and the dispenser;
And a branching means provided on the water supply flow passage and distributing water supplied from the water supply source to the first ice maker and the second ice maker. The method of claim 18,
As the water supply oil,
A main flow passage connecting the water supply source and the branch means;
A first branch passage extending from the branching means to a first ice maker side;
And a second branch passage extending from the branching means to a second ice maker. The method of claim 19,
And a filter and a water tank are connected to the first branch channel. The method of claim 19,
The first branch channel is provided with a first valve for selectively supplying water to the first ice maker and the dispenser,
And the second branch passage has a second valve for selectively supplying water to the second ice maker. The method of claim 19,
And said branch means comprises a valve capable of selectively supplying water to said first branch channel or said second branch channel. The method of claim 19,
The branching means is a refrigerator, characterized in that the aperture is formed differently the first branch channel and the second branch channel. The method of claim 19,
And the first branch channel is larger than the inner diameter of the second branch channel. The method of claim 18,
The branching means is a refrigerator, characterized in that configured to be exposed to at least part of the rear of the cabinet. The method of claim 18,
The branch means is a refrigerator, characterized in that configured to be connected to the water supply passage and the outside of the cabinet. The method of claim 18,
The first ice maker is accommodated inside the refrigerating compartment, characterized in that the refrigerator provided with a heat insulating space independent of the refrigerating compartment.

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