KR20220051600A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator. The present invention includes a cabinet having a storage compartment therein and a door (1) opening and closing the storage compartment. A dispenser device is provided on the cabinet or the door (1), and a water tank (30) supplies water stored therein to the dispenser. The door (1) is provided with a connector (20). At least one surface of a connection hole (21) formed in the connector (20) and an outlet (33) of the water tank (30) inserted into the connection hole (21) has a sensing protrusion (25) protruding toward the other side. At this time, in the process of mounting the water tank (30) to the connector (20), the sensing protrusion (25) can generate a tightening sound while riding over the surface of the other side. Accordingly, the reliability of the dispenser function can be improved.

Description

Refrigerator {Refrigerator}

The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator equipped with a dispenser capable of dispensing beverages.

BACKGROUND ART In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that can store food at a low temperature in an internal storage space that is shielded by a door. To this end, the refrigerator is configured to store the stored food in an optimal state by cooling the inside of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle.

Recently, refrigerators are becoming more multifunctional according to changes in dietary habits and the trend of luxury products, and refrigerators equipped with various structures and convenient devices for user convenience and efficient use of internal space have been released. For example, the refrigerator door is provided with a dispenser for supplying beverages or ice, and when the user operates the dispenser, beverages stored in the water tank or ice from the ice maker can be taken out.

Such a dispenser includes a storage tank, and a user can put a drink in the storage tank and install it in the refrigerator. When all beverages are taken out, the user can separate the storage tank from the refrigerator, fill the storage tank with beverages, and install it in the refrigerator again. Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2018-0080056 and Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-2018-0126835 disclose a technology related to a refrigerator having a dispenser function as described above.

However, it is difficult for the user to recognize whether the storage tank is completely inserted into the refrigerator. The discharge port of the storage tank must be completely inserted into the insertion port provided in the refrigerator, since the insertion port is hidden by the storage tank and difficult to visually confirm. If the storage tank is not fully inserted, the beverage may not be supplied smoothly or the beverage may leak to the surroundings.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication 10-2018-0080056 Republic of Korea Patent Publication 10-2018-0126835

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and an object of the present invention is to enable a user to easily know that a water tank is completely mounted in a refrigerator.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent water from being supplied from the water tank when the water tank is incompletely installed in the refrigerator.

Another object of the present invention is to facilitate the installation of the water tank by using the weight of the water tank, and also to facilitate the operation of removing the mounted water tank.

According to a feature of the present invention for achieving the above object, the present invention includes a cabinet having a storage compartment formed therein, and a door for opening and closing the storage compartment. In addition, a dispenser device is provided in the cabinet or the door, and the water tank may supply water stored therein to the dispenser. The door is provided with a connector, and at least one surface of the connection hole formed in the connector and the outlet of the water tank inserted into the connection hole has a sensing protrusion protruding toward the other side. In this case, while the water tank is mounted to the connector, the sensing protrusion may generate a locking sound while riding over the opposite surface.

In addition, the sensing protrusion may be provided in the center of the ceiling surface of the connection hole facing the upper surface of the outlet. When the water tank is inserted, due to the weight of the water tank, the water tank tends to be biased in the direction in which the outlet is lifted, and the surface of the outlet may be inserted while rubbing against the ceiling surface of the connector. In this process, the surface of the outlet may increase the possibility of interference with the sensing protrusion.

In addition, the sensing protrusion may gradually narrow in width toward the most protruding upper end. Accordingly, a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface may be formed on both sides of the sensing protrusion, respectively, and it is possible to facilitate mounting/dismounting of the water tank.

In addition, the striking portion may protrude at a position spaced apart from the sensing protrusion. The striking unit may hit the surface of either one of the connection hole or the outlet when the sensing protrusion rides over the sensing jaw. Accordingly, the installation and fastening sound of the water tank may be further increased.

In this case, the sensing protrusion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the connection hole, and a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface are respectively formed on both surfaces of the sensing protrusion. The first inclined surface is a part that interferes with the surface of the water tank when the water tank is mounted to the connector, and the second inclined surface is continuous with the first inclined surface and the water tank is separated from the connector. It may interfere with the surface of the water tank when.

And, when the water tank is mounted on the connector, the second inclined surface may be in surface contact with the guide surface of the sensing jaw provided on the surface of the outlet. Accordingly, the water tank can be stably maintained in a mounted state.

In addition, the inclination angle between the first inclined surface and the inner peripheral surface of the connection hole is greater than the inclination angle between the second inclined surface and the inner peripheral surface of the connection hole. Accordingly, when a heavy water tank filled with water is mounted, it can easily ride over the first inclined surface through gravity, and on the contrary, when the water tank is detached, it can also be easily separated through the relatively gentle second inclined surface.

A valve assembly is coupled to the outlet, and a sensing jaw connected to each other is provided in the outlet and the valve assembly. While the water tank is mounted to the connector, the sensing protrusion provided in the connecting hole may ride over the sensing jaw.

In addition, guide surfaces are provided on both sides of the detection jaw in the form of an inclined surface or a curved surface, respectively, and the guide surface may interfere with the detection protrusion while the water tank is mounted to or separated from the connector. The guide surface may facilitate mounting/dismounting of the water tank.

In this case, the distance between both ends of the sensing jaw is greater than or equal to the stroke distance for the valve assembly coupled to the outlet to be operated by the dispenser device. Therefore, only when the water tank is completely installed, water can be supplied through the dispenser device. This may prevent the user from accidentally tightening the water tank incompletely, thereby preventing the dispenser device from malfunctioning.

In addition, the sensing protrusion is provided inside the connection hole rather than the inlet edge of the connection hole, and the sensing protrusion is inserted relative to the end of the bottom surface of the connection hole based on an insertion path through which the outlet is inserted into the connection hole It can be located ahead of the path. In this way, the sensing protrusion and the sensing jaw may interfere with each other immediately when the outlet is inserted into the insertion hole, and the user can recognize that the outlet is inserted into the correct position through the sense of interference.

As discussed above, the refrigerator according to the present invention has the following effects.

In the present invention, while the outlet of the water tank is inserted into the connector of the refrigerator, the sensing protrusion in the connector rides over the surface of the outlet. The user can easily recognize that the water tank is completely installed in the refrigerator through the locking sound generated when the sensor protrusion crosses the surface of the outlet. Accordingly, there is an effect that the installation workability of the water tank is improved.

And, if the outlet of the water tank is not completely inserted into the connector of the refrigerator, the outlet is caught on the sensing protrusion and the end of the outlet of the water tank is not connected to the dispenser device. As such, when the water tank is incompletely installed in the refrigerator, water is not supplied from the water tank, and water leakage from the water tank or a decrease in the amount of water supply due to incomplete installation can be prevented.

In particular, in the present invention, the distance the sensing protrusion travels over the sensing jaw of the water tank is greater than the stroke distance for the valve assembly of the water tank to be operated by the dispenser device. Therefore, water can be supplied through the dispenser device only when the water tank is completely installed. It is possible to prevent a malfunction of the dispenser device due to the user inadvertently fastening the water tank, and to increase the reliability of the dispenser function.

Also, in the present invention, a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface are respectively formed on both sides of the sensing protrusion, and the inclination angle of the interfering first inclined surface is larger when the water tank is mounted on the refrigerator. Therefore, when installing a heavy water tank filled with water, it can easily ride over the first inclined surface using gravity, and when removing the water tank, it can also be easily separated through a relatively gentle second inclined surface. . Through this, there is an effect of improving the usability of the refrigerator.

At this time, since the inclination angle of the first inclined surface is large, the user can definitely feel the mounting feeling that the surface of the water tank goes over the sensing protrusion, and the possibility of incomplete assembly of the water tank accidentally caught at the inlet of the connector can be further reduced.

In addition, the sensing protrusion provided in the connector of the refrigerator protrudes from the ceiling surface among the inner surfaces of the connector. When the water tank is inserted, the discharge port tends to interfere with the ceiling surface of the connection port because the water tank tends to be biased toward the direction in which the discharge port is lifted due to the weight of the water tank. Therefore, the surface of the outlet is inserted while rubbing against the ceiling surface of the connector, and in this process, the surface of the outlet is more likely to interfere with the sensing protrusion, so that the user can more easily feel a sense of being caught and fitted.

1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a door constituting a refrigerator according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view showing a front view of the refrigerator door shown in FIG. 1;
3 is an enlarged perspective view of a water tank constituting a refrigerator according to the present invention mounted on a door;
Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the disassembled state of the water tank in Fig. 1;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 3 .
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 3;
7 is an enlarged view showing the periphery of the sensing protrusion in FIG. 6 .
8 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a connector constituting a refrigerator according to the present invention.
9 is a perspective view of a connector constituting a refrigerator according to the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 9;
11 is a cross-sectional view showing in detail the structure of the sensing protrusion provided in the connector constituting the refrigerator according to the present invention.
12(a) to 12(b) are cross-sectional views sequentially illustrating a process in which a water tank constituting an embodiment of the present invention is mounted to a connector.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even though they are indicated on different drawings. In addition, in describing the embodiment of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function interferes with the understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the components of the embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the elements from other elements, and the essence, order, or order of the elements are not limited by the terms. When it is described that a component is "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component is between each component. It will be understood that may also be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

The present invention relates to a refrigerator in which a removable water tank (30) is installed inside the refrigerator. The water tank 30 may supply water to the inside of the refrigerator. For example, drinking water may be supplied to the user through a dispenser device, or water may be supplied to an ice maker installed in the refrigerator to make ice. Of course, the user may obtain both water and ice through the dispenser device. Here, the water tank 30 may be viewed as a part of the dispenser device or as an independent part thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the structure of the door 1 of the refrigerator is shown. The refrigerator door 1 is coupled to a cabinet (not shown) and serves to selectively shield the storage compartment of the refrigerator. A hinge is installed in the cabinet to rotate the door 1 , and the door 1 is rotatably connected to the hinge.

The door 1 has a shape corresponding to the front surface of the cabinet, and has a substantially flat plate structure. Looking at the structure of the door 1 , the door frame 2 constitutes the outer periphery of the door 1 , and a foam filling part may be filled in the inside surrounded by the door frame 2 for thermal insulation. The door frame 2 may be composed of a plurality of parts, and the part shown in the drawings may be viewed as a cover member for enclosing the door frame provided on the inside.

1 shows the inner surface of the door 1, that is, the surface facing the storage compartment of the refrigerator. The inner surface of the door 1 has a recessed shape and becomes a storage space 3 . A basket (not shown) is mounted in the storage space 3 , so that a user can store food and the like on the inner surface of the door 1 . The storage space 3 may be surrounded by a door frame 4 constituting a side surface of the door 1 . Reference numeral G denotes a gasket, which may increase the airtightness between the door 1 and the cabinet.

A water tank 30 may be mounted on the upper portion of the door 1 , and a mounting space 11 is provided at the upper portion of the door 1 for mounting the water tank 30 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the mounting space 11 is a space occupying an upper portion of the inner surface of the door 1 . The mounting space 11 may have a certain amount of free space upward after the water tank 30 is mounted so that it can be mounted while moving the water tank 30 from top to bottom.

3 and 4 , the water tank 30 may be mounted in the mounting space 11 of the door 1 in the diagonal direction of the arrow ①. In the center of the mounting space 11 is a tank mounting portion (10). The tank mounting part 10 is a part where the water tank 30 is mounted, and more precisely, it may be a part into which the outlet 33 provided in the water tank 30 is fitted. Reference numeral 33a denotes a discharge hole, and the discharge hole 33a is a passage through which water is discharged through the interior of the discharge port 33 .

A mounting hole 12 is formed in the center of the tank mounting part 10 , and a connector 20 to be described below is fitted into the mounting hole 12 . The connector 20 may be fitted into the mounting hole 12 , and the outlet 33 of the water tank 30 may be fitted to the connector 20 to overlap again. Of course, the connector 20 may be provided integrally with the mounting hole 12 . A separate connection bracket 27 may be coupled to the connector 20 , and the connection bracket 27 may be omitted or configured as a filter.

Referring to FIG. 4 , there is a guide groove 5 on the side of the mounting space 11 . The guide groove (5) is for assisting in the installation of the water tank (30), and the installation guide (35) provided on the side of the water tank (30) is engaged with the guide groove (5). (30) can be mounted. The guide groove 5 is provided symmetrically on both sides of the mounting space 11, and the guide groove 5 may be omitted.

A connector 20 is fitted into the mounting hole 12 . The connector 20 has a hollow tube structure and may be viewed as a kind of adapter. A connection hole 21 , which is an empty space, is formed inside the connection hole 20 , and the outlet 33 of the water tank 30 is fitted inside the connection hole 21 . When the outlet 33 of the water tank 30 is inserted into the connector 20 , the valve assembly 50 mounted on the outlet 33 may be connected to a dispenser device (not shown). 5 and 6 show the connector support part 7 provided inside the door frame 2, with the door frame 2 interposed therebetween, on the opposite side of the connector support part 7, the connector ( 20) can be combined.

For better understanding, first, the schematic structure of the water tank 30 will be described first. As shown in FIG. 4 , the tank body 31 of the water tank 30 has a substantially hexahedral shape, and is opened upwards. A space 32 is provided therein. The water tank 30 has a long form left and right to fit the shape of the mounting space 11 , and this shape can be deformed to fit the mounting space 11 .

The water tank 30 is preferably located above the dispenser device to be described below. This is because it is possible to supply water from the water tank 30 to the dispenser device in a free-fall method by gravity without using a separate pump.

There are mounting guides 35 on both sides of the tank body 31 . The mounting guide 35 is in the form of a rib protruding to fit the shape of the guide groove 5 , and may be provided symmetrically on both sides. The mounting guide 35 may extend in a diagonal direction to be engaged with the guide groove 5 , that is, in a direction in which the water tank 30 is fitted into the mounting space 11 .

A tank cover 36 is coupled to the open upper portion of the water storage space 32 of the water tank 30 . The tank cover 36 serves to cover the upper surface of the tank body 31 to shield the water storage space 32 . At this time, a supply hole 37 passes through the tank cover 36 , and the water storage space 32 may be exposed to the outside through the supply hole 37 . When the shielding cap 39 is coupled to the tank cover 36 , the supply hole 37 may be shielded. Accordingly, the user can separate the shielding cap 39 and fill the water storage space 32 with water through the supply hole 37 .

5 to 7 , the water tank 30 has an outlet 33 . The outlet 33 extends from the bottom of the water storage space 32 of the water tank 30 , and is a part for supplying water stored in the water storage space 32 . The outlet 33 may protrude in a diagonal direction from the bottom surface 23b of the tank body 31, and the protruding direction and length may be changed according to the internal structure of the refrigerator. For reference, reference numeral F denotes the inner space of the door 1 in which the foam filling part is filled.

The outlet 33 may have an inclination between horizontal (0 degrees) and vertical (90 degrees), but it is more preferable to have an inclination between 45 and 90 degrees. In this case, the water in the water storage space 32 can be naturally supplied downward through the outlet 33 .

A valve assembly 50 to be described below is assembled to the outlet 33 . The valve assembly 50 works in conjunction with the dispenser device to allow the outlet 33 to be opened only under specific conditions. That is, the outlet 33 is not always open, and when the user operates the dispenser device, the valve assembly 50 opens the outlet 33 so that the water in the water storage space 32 can be discharged through the dispenser device. there will be

A first screw thread portion 34 is provided on the surface of the outlet 33 . The first screw thread part 34 is for assembly with the second screw thread part 52 of the valve assembly 50, and the first screw thread part 34 and the second screw thread part 52 are screwed together. can be 5 to 7 show a state in which the valve assembly 50 is screwed to the end of the outlet 33 .

A first sensing jaw 35 is provided on the surface of the outlet 33 . The first sensing jaw 35 protrudes outward from the surface of the outlet 33 , that is, toward the inner surface of the connection hole 21 of the connector 20 , and the first sensing jaw 35 is It interferes with the sensing protrusion 25 protruding from the inner surface of the connection hole 21 . The structure of the first sensing jaw 35 will be described again below.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the state of the connector 20 is illustrated in detail. A connection hole 21 is opened at the center of the connector 20 . The connection hole 21 penetrates in the front-rear direction, and serves as a path through which the outlet 33 is fitted. The connection hole 21 has a shape corresponding to the outlet 33 , and in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the connection hole 21 is circular. Of course, the connection hole 21 may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape.

The inlet edge of the connection hole 21 is made of a curved surface. An insertion guide 21a having a curved or inclined surface is formed at the edge of the inlet of the connection hole 21, and the end of the outlet 33 is smoothly connected to the connection hole 21 through the insertion guide 21a. Can be inserted inside.

There is a sensing protrusion 25 inside the connection hole 21 . The sensing protrusion 25 interferes with the first sensing protrusion 35 of the outlet 33 described above. In this embodiment, the sensing protrusion 25 protrudes from the inner surface of the connection hole 21 . Here, the inner surface of the connection hole 21 is a surface facing the surface of the outlet 33 , and the inner surface of the connection hole 21 may also be viewed as a surface constituting the connection hole 21 .

The sensing protrusion 25 may be provided on the ceiling surface 23a of the inner surface of the connection hole 21 . Referring to FIG. 8 , the sensing protrusion 25 protrudes from the ceiling surface 23a of the connection hole 21 corresponding to the center of the connection hole 21 . In other words, the sensing protrusion 25 is provided at the center of the ceiling surface 23a of the connector 20 facing the upper surface of the outlet 33 .

When the water tank 30 is mounted, the water tank 30 tends to be biased in the direction in which the discharge port 33 is lifted due to the weight of the water tank 30, so the discharge port 33 is connected to the connection hole ( 21) tends to interfere with the ceiling surface 23a. Accordingly, the first sensing jaw 35 on the surface of the outlet 33 and the second sensing jaw 51 ′ of the valve assembly 50 to be described below are connected to the ceiling surface of the connection hole 21 ( 23a) and is inserted while rubbing, in this process, the possibility that the first sensing jaw 35 and the second sensing jaw 51 ′ interfere with the sensing protrusion 25 may increase.

In consideration of this point, as shown in FIG. 10 , the ceiling surface 23a of the connection hole 21 extends longer than the bottom surface 23b. Through this asymmetric structure, the outlet 33 can be more easily fitted into the inlet portion of the connection hole 21 .

In this embodiment, the sensing protrusion 25 is provided only on the ceiling surface 23a of the connection hole 21 , whereas the sensing protrusion 25 is also provided on the bottom surface 23b of the connection hole 21 . Or, it may be provided only on the bottom surface (23b). In addition, the sensing protrusion 25 may be provided in plurality around the inner circumferential surface of the connection hole 21 , or may be provided in plurality to be spaced apart from each other along the path through which the outlet 33 is inserted.

Preferably, the sensing protrusion 25 is provided at a position inward from the entrance of the connection hole 21 . In this case, after the end of the outlet 33 is inserted to some extent inside the inlet of the connection hole 21, the sensing jaws 35 and 51' may interfere with the sensing protrusion 25, so that the user When the water tank 30 is initially inserted, the water tank 30 can be mounted without resistance.

Looking at the structure of the sensing protrusion 25 with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 , the sensing protrusion 25 may have a structure in which the width becomes narrower toward the top. Since the width of the sensing protrusion 25 becomes narrower toward the top, the surface of the sensing protrusion 25 may be an inclined surface or a curved surface. The sensing protrusion 25 has such an inclined surface or a curved surface on both surfaces. Here, both surfaces refer to a surface close to the inlet into which the outlet 33 is inserted, and a surface relatively far from it, based on the same direction as the direction in which the outlet 33 is inserted.

The sensing protrusion 25 may include a first inclined surface 25a and a second inclined surface 25b. The first inclined surface 25a is a portion that interferes with the surface of the water tank 30 when the water tank 30 is mounted to the connector 20 . And, the second inclined surface 25b is continuous with the first inclined surface 25a, and when the water tank 30 is separated from the connector 20, it interferes with the surface of the water tank 30 part

That is, it can be seen that the first inclined surface 25a and the second inclined surface 25b are respectively provided on both sides of the upper end from which the sensing protrusion 25 protrudes the highest. Since the first inclined surface 25a and the second inclined surface 25b are continuous with each other, the first inclined surface 25a first meets the second sensing jaw 51 ′ of the valve assembly 50 . If it passes over it and the sensing protrusion 25 rides over the second sensing jaw 51 ′, the second inclined surface 25b may come into contact with the first sensing jaw 35 of the outlet 33 . .

As shown in FIG. 10 , the sensing protrusion 25 has a height of L1, which is a height that can interfere with the first sensing jaw 35 and the second sensing jaw 51 ′ of the outlet 33 . do. Due to the height of the sensing protrusion 25 , the diameter of the connection hole 21 in the portion where the sensing protrusion 25 is provided is smaller than that of the other portions, and the diameter is the same as the first sensing protrusion 35 is formed. The outer diameter of the outlet 33 and the diameter of the valve assembly 50 on which the second sensing jaw 51 ′ is formed are smaller. Accordingly, the sensing jaws 35 and 51 ′ and the sensing protrusion 25 may interfere with each other.

12, the first inclined surface 25a and the second inclined surface 25b each have a predetermined angle. When the inner surface of the connecting hole 21 is used as a reference, the inclination angle between the first inclined surface 25a and the inner surface of the connecting hole 21 is K1, and the second inclined surface 25b is the connecting hole. The inclination angle formed with the inner surface of (21) becomes K2.

At this time, the inclination angle between the first inclined surface 25a and the inner surface of the connection hole 21 is K1, and the inclination angle between the second inclined surface 25b and the inner surface of the connection hole 21 is K2. there is. In this case, when the water tank 30, which is filled with water and is heavy, is mounted, the sensing jaws 35 and 51' can easily ride over the first inclined surface 25a by using gravity (arrow ④ in FIG. 11). direction), on the contrary, when the water tank 30 is separated, the sensing jaws 35 and 51 ′ can be easily separated while crossing the relatively gentle second inclined surface 25b (arrow ⑤ in FIG. 11 ). ).

Of course, the inclination angle K1 between the first inclined surface 25a and the inner surface of the connection hole 21 is also the inclination angle K2 between the second inclined surface 25b and the inner surface of the connection hole 21 and You can also do it gently together. However, when the inclination angle K1 of the first inclined surface 25a becomes gentle, it is difficult for the user to feel a sense of fitting when the water tank 30 is installed. Therefore, the inclination angle K1 of the first inclined surface 25a is is preferably larger than the inclination angle K2 of the second inclined surface 25b.

Referring back to FIG. 10 , based on the insertion path through which the outlet 33 is inserted into the connection hole 21 , the sensing protrusion 25 is greater than the end of the bottom surface 23b of the connection hole 21 . It may be located relatively in front of the insertion path. In this case, the sensing protrusion 25 and the sensing jaws 35 and 51 ′ may interfere with each other immediately at the initial stage when the outlet 33 is inserted into the insertion hole, and the user can move to the correct position through the sense of interference. It can be recognized that the outlet 33 is fitted.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 7 , when the outlet 33 of the water tank 30 is mounted on the connector 20 , the second inclined surface 25b comes into contact with the surface of the outlet 33 . More precisely, the second inclined surface 25b is in surface contact with the first guide surface 35a of the first sensing jaw 35 provided on the surface of the outlet 33 . When the second inclined surface 25b and the first guide surface 35a are in surface contact with each other in this way, the outlet 33 may be stably maintained in a fully inserted state.

The first guide surface 35a of the first sensing jaw 35 is an inclined surface, and in this embodiment, the inclination angle of the first guide surface 35a is equal to the inclination angle K2 of the second inclined surface 25b. . Accordingly, the second inclined surface 25b and the first guide surface 35a may be in surface contact with each other.

Meanwhile, a striking part 29 may be provided on the inner surface of the connection hole 21 . The striking part 29 protrudes from the inner surface of the connection hole 21 , and is located closer to the outlet of the connection hole 21 than the sensing protrusion 25 . The striking portion 29 is provided at a position spaced apart from the sensing protrusion 25 , and the striking unit 29 is disposed at the outlet 33 when the sensing protrusion 25 rides over the first sensing protrusion 35 . ) can hit the surface. Through such a blow, the tightening sound of the water tank 30 may be further increased.

As shown in FIG. 7 , a valve assembly 50 is coupled to the outlet 33 , and sensing jaws 35 and 51 ′ connected to each other may be provided at the outlet 33 and the valve assembly 50 . . That is, the sensing jaws 35 and 51 ′ are not present only in the outlet 33 , but may extend to the surface of the valve assembly 50 assembled to the outlet 33 . The first detection jaw 35 provided in the outlet 33 is connected to the second detection jaw 51 ′ on the surface of the valve assembly 50 to constitute one detection jaw 35 , 51 ′. can Accordingly, in the process in which the water tank 30 is mounted to the connector 20 , the sensing protrusion 25 provided in the connection hole 21 is formed by the first sensing jaw 35 and the second sensing jaw 51 . ') can ride over the whole.

In addition, guide surfaces 35a and 51'a may be provided on both sides of the sensing jaws 35 and 51' in the form of an inclined surface or a curved surface, respectively. More precisely, the first guide surface 35a is formed on the first sensing jaw 35 , and the second guide surface 51'a is formed on the second sensing jaw 51 ′. In this case, when the water tank 30 is mounted, the first inclined surface 25a of the sensing protrusion 25 first interferes with the second guide surface 51'a, and the sensing protrusion 25 When is over to the second sensing jaw 51', the first guide surface 35a of the first sensing jaw 35 is in surface contact with the second inclined surface 25b. Of course, unlike this, the second sensing jaw 51 ′ may be omitted from the valve assembly 50 .

At this time, referring to FIG. 7 , the distance H1 between both ends of the sensing jaws 35 and 51 ′ is greater than the stroke distance for the valve assembly 50 coupled to the outlet 33 to be operated by the dispenser device. may be greater than or equal to That is, the distance H1 from the first sensing jaw 35 to the second sensing jaw 51' is greater than, or at least equal to, the distance at which the valve assembly 50 is operated by the dispenser device. In this case, only when the water tank 30 is completely mounted, water can be supplied through the dispenser device. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the dispenser device from malfunctioning due to the user inadvertently fastening the water tank 30 incompletely.

Although not shown, the sensing protrusion 25 protrudes from the inner surface of the connection hole 21 , and when the water tank 30 is mounted on the connector 20 , the sensing protrusion 25 is the opposite surface. It may be inserted into the sensing groove formed to be depressed on the surface of the outlet 33 . The sensing groove is recessed in the surface of the outlet 33 , and is a portion into which the end of the sensing protrusion 25 can be inserted.

In addition, unlike the above embodiment, the first sensing protrusion 25 protrudes toward the surface of the outlet 33 on the inner surface of the connection hole 21 , and the sensing jaw ( 35 and 51 ′), but a short second sensing protrusion (not shown) like the first sensing protrusion 25 may be provided. In this case, while the water tank 30 is mounted on the connector 20 , the first sensing protrusion 25 may ride over the second sensing protrusion 25 and be caught on the opposite side.

In addition, the sensing protrusion 25 may not simply protrude from the inner surface of the connection hole 21 as described above, but may have an elastically deformable structure. For example, the sensing protrusion 25 may be provided in a cantilever shape, or elastic slits may be formed on both sides of the sensing protrusion 25 so that the sensing protrusion 25 may be elastically deformed. In this case, during the installation process of the water tank 30, the sensing protrusion 25 is elastically deformed in the pressing direction, and when the water tank 30 is mounted on the connector 20, it is restored to a circular shape and a fastening sound is heard. may pay

In the previous embodiment, the sensing protrusion 25 is provided on the inner surface of the connection hole 21 , whereas the sensing protrusion 25 is provided on the surface of the outlet 33 , and the sensing protrusion 35 . , 51 ′) may be provided on the inner surface of the connection hole 21 .

Next, the valve assembly 50 will be described. The valve assembly 50 is assembled to the outlet 33 , and the water in the water storage space 32 is selectively discharged from the outlet 33 . The valve assembly 50 may be screwed to the surface of the outlet 33 .

The valve assembly 50 includes a valve case 51 . The valve case 51 forms the exterior of the valve assembly 50 , and there is a flange on the upper portion of the valve case 51 . The inner surface of the flange has a second screw thread portion 52 , the second screw thread portion 52 is screwed with the first screw thread portion 34 on the surface of the outlet 33 .

The valve case 51 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the flange is provided at the inlet of the valve case 51 , and it can be seen that the second screw thread portion 52 is provided on the inner surface of the flange. The flange may have a larger diameter than other parts of the valve case 51 .

The second sensing jaw 51 ′ described above is formed on the surface of the flange. That is, a second sensing jaw 51 ′ protrudes from the surface of the flange, and the second sensing jaw 51 ′ is continuously made with the first sensing jaw 35 to form one sensing jaw 35 , 51 . ') can be configured. In this case, the first sensing jaw 35 and the second sensing jaw 51 ′ may constitute a continuous outer surface.

A spring 60 is provided inside the valve case 51 , and the spring 60 provides an elastic force to the valve shaft 70 and the cock body 70 assembled to the valve case 51 . The spring 60 moves the valve shaft 70 and the cock body 70 away from the valve case 51 so that the valve assembly 50 moves from the water tank 30 toward the dispenser device. Make sure no water is supplied.

At this time, although not shown, when the user presses the lever provided in the dispenser device, the link unit operates to push the valve shaft 70 and the cock body 70 toward the outlet 33 , and accordingly, the valve Assembly 50 is opened. When the valve assembly 50 is opened, water may be discharged through the water outlet 75 provided in the valve shaft 70 .

For reference, referring to FIG. 5 , the direction in which the user presses the lever is indicated by an arrow ②, and the direction in which the valve shaft 70 and the cock body 70 rise by interlocking with the lever is indicated by an arrow ③. For example, the user can push the lever with a cup. In FIG. 5 , reference numeral 8 denotes the mounting space 11 of the dispenser device, and FIG. 9 shows the water outlet space where the user presses the lever to extract water.

Next, a process in which the water tank 30 is mounted on the door 1 of the refrigerator will be described. 12 shows a state in which the outlet 33 of the water tank 30 and the valve assembly 50 assembled to the outlet 33 are assembled to the connector 20 .

The user places the water tank 30 inside the mounting space 11 of the door 1 in a state where the valve assembly 50 of the water tank 30 faces the connection hole 21 of the connector 20 . When it is pushed obliquely, it is inserted into the connection hole 21 from the valve assembly 50 . At this time, the water tank 30 may be mounted in a state where the mounting guide 35 provided on the side surface of the water tank 30 is engaged with the guide groove 5 .

Since the water tank 30 is filled with water and is in a heavy state, once the end of the valve assembly 50 enters the inlet of the connection hole 21, even if the user reduces the force holding the water tank 30, the water tank (30) can be mounted. That is, the water tank 30 can be mounted on the tank mounting unit 10 by the weight of the water tank 30 .

At this time, due to the weight of the water tank 30, the water tank 30 tends to be biased in the direction in which the outlet 33 is lifted. Accordingly, the outlet 33 is located on the ceiling surface of the connection hole 21 ( 23a) tends to interfere. In this case, the first sensing jaw 35 on the surface of the outlet 33 and the second sensing jaw 51 ′ of the valve assembly 50 are connected to the ceiling surface 23a of the connection hole 21 . It is inserted while being rubbed against each other, and in this process, the possibility that the first sensing jaw 35 and the second sensing jaw 51 ′ interfere with the sensing protrusion 25 may increase.

FIG. 12( a ) shows a state in which the second sensing jaw 51 ′ of the valve assembly 50 is in contact with the sensing protrusion 25 in the connection hole 21 . As can be seen, since the sensing protrusion 25 protrudes, the second sensing protrusion 51 ′ is caught by the sensing protrusion 25 first. In this state, when the water tank 30 is further inserted into the door 1, the sensing protrusion 25 rides over the second sensing jaw 51' in the process.

When the sensing protrusion 25 successively passes the second sensing jaw 51 ′ and the first sensing jaw 35 , the second inclined surface 25b of the sensing protrusion 25 becomes the outlet 33 . ) may be in contact with the first sensing jaw 35 . Such a state is shown in Fig. 12(b).

At this time, a locking sound is generated when the sensing protrusion 25 passes over the first sensing jaw 35 . This fastening sound is generated in the process of restoring the distance between the connector 20 and the outlet 33 after moving away from each other, and at least one of the connector 20 and the outlet 33 can be elastically deformed. Therefore, a fastening sound may be generated in the process of restoration after elastic deformation. In addition, the user can know that the water tank 30 is completely installed through this fastening sound.

In other words, during the installation process of the water tank 30, interference occurs between the sensing protrusion 25 and the sensing jaws 35 and 51', and when the water tank 30 is fully mounted, the sensing As the interference between the protrusion 25 and the sensing jaws 35 and 51' is released, a locking sound is generated. Here, the cancellation of the interference includes both the state in which the sensing protrusion 25 and the sensing jaws 35 and 51 ′ press the opponent in a direction away from each other completely disappears or a part of the pressing force is reduced.

And, since the first inclined surface 25a and the second inclined surface 25b are continuous surfaces, the first inclined surface 25a is connected to the second sensing jaw 51' of the valve assembly 50 and First, they meet and ride over it, and when the sensing protrusion 25 rides over the second sensing jaw 51 ′, the second inclined surface 25b comes into contact with the first sensing jaw 35 of the outlet 33 . can That is, the second inclined surface 25b is in surface contact with the first guide surface 35a of the first sensing jaw 35 provided on the surface of the outlet 33 . When the second inclined surface 25b and the first guide surface 35a are in surface contact with each other in this way, the outlet 33 may be stably maintained in a fully inserted state.

At the same time, the striking part 29 provided in the connector 20 hits the surface of the outlet 33 when the sensing protrusion 25 rides over the first sensing jaw 35 and hits the surface of the outlet 33 , such a hit Through this, the tightening sound of the water tank 30 may be further increased.

As described above, the inclination angle K1 between the first inclined surface 25a of the sensing protrusion 25 and the inner surface of the connection hole 21 is set quickly, but the heavy water tank 30 is filled with water. When mounted, the sensing jaws 35 and 51' can easily ride over the first inclined surface 25a by using gravity.

Conversely, when the water tank 30 is separated to fill the water tank 30 with water, the sensing jaws 35 and 51 ′ cross the relatively gentle second inclined surface 25b and are also easily separated. can do.

In the above, even though it has been described that all components constituting the embodiment according to the present invention operate in combination or combined into one, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this embodiment. That is, within the scope of the object of the present invention, all the components may operate by selectively combining one or more. In addition, terms such as "comprises", "comprises" or "have" described above mean that the corresponding component may be inherent, unless otherwise specified, excluding other components. Rather, it should be construed as being able to further include other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. Terms commonly used, such as those defined in the dictionary, should be construed as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the related art, and should not be construed in an ideal or excessively formal sense unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

1: Door 2: Door frame
5: Guide groove 7: Connector support
10: tank mounting part 11: mounting space
12: mounting hole 20: connector
21: connection hole 21a: insertion guide
25: sensing protrusion 25a: first inclined surface
25b: second inclined surface 29: striking part
30: water tank 31: tank body
32: water storage space 33: outlet
35: sensing jaw 35a: first guide surface
50: valve assembly 51: valve case
51': second sensing jaw 52: second screw thread part
60: spring 70: valve shaft
75: outlet 80: cock body
F: foam filling part G: gasket

Claims (17)

a cabinet having a storage room formed therein;
a door for opening and closing the storage compartment;
a dispenser device provided in the cabinet or the door and capable of supplying water or ice; and
a water tank installed in a connector provided in the cabinet or the door and supplying water stored therein to the dispenser device;
At least one surface of the connection hole formed in the connection hole and the discharge port of the water tank inserted into the connection hole has a sensing protrusion protruding toward the other side, and in the process of the discharge port being mounted to the connection port, the sensing projection is the opposite side The refrigerator interferes with the surface, and when the outlet is mounted on the connector, the interference between the sensing protrusion and the opposite surface is canceled.
The method according to claim 1, wherein a sensing protrusion protrudes from either one of the connection hole and the outlet, and the sensing jaw over which the sensing protrusion rides while the water tank is mounted to the connector protrudes from the other side, and the water When the tank is mounted on the connector, the sensing protrusion is caught on the sensing jaw to generate a locking sound.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the sensing protrusion is provided in the center of the ceiling surface of the connection hole facing the upper surface of the outlet.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the sensing protrusion becomes narrower in width toward the most protruding upper end.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a striking portion protrudes from a position spaced apart from the sensing protrusion, and the striking unit strikes a surface of either the connection hole or the outlet when the sensing protrusion rides over the sensing jaw.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the sensing projection is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connection hole,
On both surfaces of the sensing protrusion,
a first inclined surface that interferes with a surface of the water tank when the water tank is mounted to the connector; and
a second inclined surface continuous with the first inclined surface and interfering with the surface of the water tank when the water tank is separated from the connector;
The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein when the water tank is mounted on the connector, the second inclined surface is in surface contact with the guide surface of the sensing jaw provided on the surface of the outlet.
The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein an inclination angle between the first inclined surface and the inner surface of the connection hole is greater than an inclination angle between the second inclined surface and the inner surface of the connection hole.
The method according to claim 1, The valve assembly is coupled to the outlet, the outlet and the valve assembly are provided with a sensing jaw connected to each other, and the sensing protrusion provided in the connection hole while the water tank is mounted to the connector. is the refrigerator that climbs over the threshold.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein guide surfaces are provided on both sides of the sensing jaw in the form of an inclined surface or a curved surface, respectively, and the guide surface interferes with the sensing protrusion while the water tank is mounted to or detached from the connector.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a distance between both ends of the sensing jaw is greater than or equal to a stroke distance for the valve assembly coupled to the outlet to be operated by the dispenser device.
The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one surface of the connection hole and the outlet has a sensing protrusion that protrudes toward the other side, and when the water tank is mounted on the connecting port, the sensing protrusion is inserted into a sensing groove formed to be recessed in the surface of the other side. refrigerator to be.
The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one surface of the connection hole and the outlet has a first sensing protrusion that protrudes toward the other side, and the first sensing protrusion protrudes from the surface of the other side while the water tank is mounted to the connector. Refrigerator hanging over the second sensor protrusion.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a first sensing protrusion protrudes toward the opposite side on at least one surface of the connection hole and the outlet, and a plurality of the first sensing protrusions are provided to be spaced apart from each other.
The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one surface of the connection hole and the outlet has a sensing protrusion that protrudes toward the other side, and the sensing protrusion is elastically deformed when pressed against the surface of the other side, and when the water tank is mounted on the connecting unit, Refrigerator restored to its original shape.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the sensing protrusion is provided on the inside of the connection hole rather than the inlet edge of the connection hole, and based on an insertion path through which the outlet is inserted into the connection hole, the sensing projection is larger than the end of the bottom surface of the connection hole. Refrigerator positioned relatively in front of the insertion path.
a cabinet having a storage room formed therein;
a door that opens and closes the storage compartment; and
Including; a water tank mounted on the door;
At least one surface of the connector provided in the door and the outlet of the water tank inserted into the connector has a sensing protrusion protruding toward the other side, and the sensing protrusion is detected while the outlet of the water tank is mounted to the connector. The protrusion interferes with the opposing surface, and when the outlet of the water tank is mounted on the connector, the sensing protrusion strikes the opposing surface and generates a locking sound.

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