KR20240033763A - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main door that opens and closes while sealing the storage compartment of the refrigerator, a main door formed with a storage space and a dispenser, a main door that opens and closes while sealing the storage space, and is connected to the main door and includes a sub-door and the main door. It is connected to and provides water or ice to the dispenser, and may include an ice-making chamber to which the refrigerant pipe of the refrigerator is connected.

Description

Refrigerator{REFRIGERATOR}

The present invention relates to refrigerators.

A refrigerator is a home appliance that uses a refrigerant cycle to refrigerate or freeze stored items. A refrigerator includes a main body having a storage compartment such as a freezer or refrigerator compartment, and a door installed on the main body to open and close the storage compartment.

Refrigerators include the Top Mount Type, where the freezer compartment is located at the top of the refrigerator compartment, the Bottom Freezer Type, where the freezer compartment is located at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, and the Side By Type, where the freezer compartment and refrigerator compartment are partitioned to the left and right. It can be divided into Side By Side Type.

Recently, the capacity of refrigerators has tended to be larger, and in order to utilize storage space efficiently, there is a trend to provide a door shelf or storage case on the inside of the door to create a space to store stored items, and an ice maker is also installed in the door. . Ice produced by the ice maker is supplied to consumers through a dispenser installed on the door.

In particular, in order to increase energy efficiency and improve accessibility, recent refrigerator doors are equipped with a main door that opens and closes the storage room, and a storage space as an auxiliary storage room inside the main door. The main door is connected to a sub-door that is rotatably mounted on the main door to facilitate access to the storage space.

However, due to limitations in the size of the main door, storage space, dispensers, and ice makers cannot be installed. When installing an ice maker and dispenser, there is a problem of securing usable storage space while providing a sufficient amount of ice for use.

The present invention, which was developed based on the above technical background, seeks to provide a refrigerator equipped with an ice maker that can provide a sufficient amount of ice while installing a usable storage space in the main door.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main door that opens and closes while sealing the storage compartment of the refrigerator, a main door formed with a storage space and a dispenser, a main door that opens and closes while sealing the storage space, and is connected to the main door and includes a sub-door and the main door. It is connected to and provides water or ice to the dispenser, and may include an ice-making chamber to which the refrigerant pipe of the refrigerator is connected.

The refrigerant pipe may include a first refrigerant pipe located on the ceiling of the refrigerator, a flexible tube connected to the first refrigerant pipe, located between the main door and the refrigerator, and connected to the ice maker.

The ice making room may include an ice maker that contains water to form ice and is connected to the flexible tube, a cooling fan installed inside and spaced apart from the ice maker, and an ice storage box located below the ice maker.

The ice maker is made of a thermally conductive composite material that generates heat when an electric current is supplied, and may include a tray on which a second refrigerant pipe connected to the flexible tube is located inside the thermally conductive composite material.

When the ice is manufactured, the tray may be rotated toward the ice storage box to move the ice formed inside.

The flexible tube may include a connector at both ends that is inserted into and communicates with the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, and rotates the flexible tube according to rotation of the tray.

It may further include a drain plate located between the ice maker and the ice storage box, which guides defrost water generated when the ice melts in the ice maker to a water pan of the dispenser.

The refrigerant pipe includes a first refrigerant pipe located on the ceiling of the refrigerator, a second refrigerant pipe connected to the ice maker located inside the ice making chamber and filled with refrigerant therein, and the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe. It may include a heat exchange unit located between the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe to exchange heat and condense the refrigerant into a fluid.

The ice maker may include a tray installed lower than the heat exchange unit and in contact with the second refrigerant pipe connected to the heat exchange unit to exchange heat and form ice.

The second refrigerant pipe may include a circulation fan installed between the tray and the heat exchange unit to supply the refrigerant that exchanges heat with the tray and becomes a gas to the heat exchange unit.

The storage space may be located above the dispenser, and may be located at the user's eye level when the subdoor is opened.

The storage compartment may include a refrigerator compartment to which the main door is connected and a freezer compartment located below the refrigerator compartment and supplying cold air to the main door.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention can be equipped with an ice maker that can provide a sufficient amount of ice while installing a usable storage space in the main door.

1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the main door shown in Figure 1.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the storage space shown in FIG. 2.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the storage space shown in Figure 2.
Figure 5 is a view showing the side of the main door shown in Figure 2.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the refrigerant device of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice maker shown in FIG. 6.
Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice maker shown in Figure 7.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a rotating state of the ice maker shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice maker shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state in which the ice maker shown in FIG. 10 is rotated.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice maker shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 13 is a diagram of the subdoor shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the ice making room shown in FIG. 2.
Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker shown in Figure 14.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the tray taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 15.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the tray taken along line V-V shown in FIG. 15.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the tray cap taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 15.
Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the moving operation of the ice maker shown in Figure 15.

Below, various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments described below may be modified and implemented in various different forms. In order to more clearly explain the characteristics of the embodiments, detailed descriptions of matters widely known to those skilled in the art to which the following embodiments belong have been omitted. In addition, in the drawings, parts that are not related to the description of the embodiments are omitted, and similar parts are given similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a configuration is said to be “connected” to another configuration, this may include not only the case of being ‘directly connected’, but also the case of being ‘connected with another configuration in between’. . In addition, when a configuration “includes” a configuration, this means that other configurations may be further included rather than excluding other configurations, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the refrigerator 200 may include a main door 211 and a sub door 214. The sub door 214 is connected to the main door 211 and can be opened and closed while sealing the main door 211. For example, the subdoor 214 is made of glass so that consumers can see the inside of the main door 211 without opening the door. As another example, the subdoor 214 can be made of a display panel such as LCD or LED, and through the subdoor 214, consumers can obtain information from outside.

The main door 211 may include a storage space 212 and a dispenser 213 therein. For example, in the case of the main door 211 without the dispenser 213, the storage space 212 may be formed throughout the main door 211. Through this, the user can access simple refrigerated food such as drinks without opening the main door 211, making accessibility very easy and energy saving. As another example, in the case of the main door 211 where the dispenser 213 is located, the storage space 212 may be located above the dispenser 213. That is, when the sub-door 214 is opened, the storage space 212 can be located at the user's eye level. Simple refrigerated food such as drinks are stored in this storage space 212, and the user can more easily access the refrigerated food stored in the storage space 212 by opening and closing the sub door 214. Additionally, energy can be greatly saved by not opening the main door 211 that seals the storage compartment.

The dispenser 213 is located below the storage space 212, and the user can receive ice through the dispenser 213. For example, the dispenser 213 may be closed by the subdoor 214. Through this, it is possible to prevent external contaminants from flowing into the refrigerator 200 through the dispenser 213 or the dispenser 213 . In addition, heat transfer to the internal space of the ice storage box 110 or storage room 220 connected to the dispenser 213 can be prevented. Accordingly, more efficient energy saving is possible.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the main door shown in Figure 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, the main door 211 can be opened and closed while sealing the storage compartment 220. That is, when the main door 211 is opened, the storage compartment 220 is completely opened, so the user can easily access the storage compartment 220, that is, the refrigerator compartment 221 or the freezer compartment 222.

The ice making room 101 may be connected to the main door 211. Specifically, the ice making room 101 may be connected to the back of the storage space 212. The ice making room 101 stores an ice maker 100 and an ice storage box 110, which will be described later.

The lower part of the ice making room 101 is connected to the dispenser 213 so that ice stored in the ice storage box 110 of the ice making room 101 can be provided to the outside through the dispenser 213.

FIG. 3 is a view showing one embodiment of the storage space shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a view showing another embodiment of the storage space shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , a first cold air portion 212a and a second cold air portion 212b may be formed in the storage space 212 formed in the main door 211. For example, the first cold air portion 212a and the second cold air portion 212b may be formed on a surface where the storage space 212 and the ice-making chamber 101 contact each other. Cold air may flow in through the first cold air portion 212a, and cold air may be discharged through the second cold air portion 212b. The storage space 212 has a relatively high temperature compared to the ice-making room 101, so refrigeration may be possible in the storage space 212 even if the cold air supplied and discharged from the ice-making room 101 is guided to the storage space 212. . That is, the temperature of the storage space 212 can be adjusted to above or below zero. In addition, the air discharged through the second cooling unit 212b is guided to the refrigerating compartment 221 or the freezing compartment 222 to remove moisture remaining in the storage space 212, thereby preventing dew from forming on the sub door 214, etc. can be prevented.

The blowing fan 212c may be connected to the first cold air unit 212a. The blower fan 212c not only smoothly supplies cold air to the storage space 212, but also blows air to ensure smooth air circulation inside the storage space 212. The air inside the storage space 212 is discharged through the second cold air unit 212b. Additionally, moisture in the internal air can be removed and supplied back to the storage space 212 through the ice-making room 101, etc. Through this process, cold air from which moisture has been removed is supplied to the storage space 212, and dew can be prevented from forming due to temperature differences inside the storage space 212 or on the subdoor 214.

Figure 5 is a view showing the side of the main door shown in Figure 2.

Referring to FIG. 5, an insulating layer 102 may be formed in the ice making room 101. The temperature inside the ice-making room 101 is maintained below zero for the formation and storage of ice. This is a relatively lower temperature than the storage compartment 220 or the storage space 212, and if there is a lot of moisture in the cold air, condensation may form around the ice-making compartment 101 due to the temperature difference. Therefore, heat transfer can be prevented through the heat insulating layer 102 formed in the ice-making chamber 101, thereby preventing condensation from occurring. Specifically, the insulation layer 102 may be a vacuum insulation panel. Through this, the insulation layer 102 can be made thin and the ice-making chamber 101 can be formed larger. Additionally, the heat insulating layer 102 prevents heat loss, enabling faster ice making in the ice making room 101.

The insulation layer 102 may be formed between the storage space 212 and the ice-making room 101. Condensation may occur in the storage space 212 due to heat transferred from the ice making room 101. In particular, the sub door 214 is opened and closed relatively more frequently than the main door 211, so it is easy for outside air to flow in. At this time, the outside air has high humidity, which may cause condensation in the storage space 212. As described above, the air in the storage space 212 is discharged to the freezer 222 or the evaporator 235 through the second cold air unit 212b, and cold air with relatively low humidity or cold air from which moisture has been removed is supplied. By lowering the humidity of the storage space 212 and blocking cold heat transmitted from the ice maker 100, the temperature of the rear wall of the storage space 212 can be prevented from lowering. Through this, it is possible to prevent condensation from occurring in the storage space 212.

The heat insulating layer 102 may be formed in a direction from the ice-making chamber 101 toward the storage chamber 220 . For example, the storage compartment 220 may be a refrigerating compartment 221. In this case, the temperature of the ice-making chamber 101 is lower than the temperature of the storage chamber 220, so condensation may occur on the surface of the ice-making chamber 101 due to the temperature difference. Therefore, it is possible to prevent condensation from occurring by blocking heat transfer to the surface of the ice-making chamber 101 through the heat insulating layer 102.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the refrigerant device of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the refrigerator 200 consists of a refrigerator compartment 221 and a freezer compartment 222, and the refrigerator compartment 221 may be located above the freezer compartment 222. A refrigerant device 230 may be located in the freezer 222. The refrigerant device 230 circulates the refrigerant and transfers heat to the surrounding air through the evaporator 235 to generate cold air, and this cold air can be supplied to the freezer compartment 222 or the refrigerator compartment 221.

The refrigerant device 230 may include a condenser 231, a compressor 232, an expansion valve 234, an evaporator 235, and a refrigerator refrigerant pipe 236 connecting them.

The refrigerant device 230 compresses the refrigerant to high temperature and high pressure with the compressor 232 and dissipates heat in the condenser 231, thereby changing the refrigerant to a low temperature and high pressure state. Afterwards, the state is changed to low temperature and low pressure through the expansion valve 234, and then the refrigerant undergoes a phase change from liquid to gas while exchanging heat with the surrounding air in the evaporator 235. In this process, the evaporator 235 generates cold air that cools the surrounding air, and supplies it to the refrigerator compartment 221 and the freezer compartment 222.

The refrigerator refrigerant pipe 236 connects the condenser 231, compressor 232, expansion valve 234, and evaporator 235 of the refrigerator 200 to each other to complete the refrigeration cycle.

The refrigerant pipe 250 may be connected to the refrigerator refrigerant pipe 236. For example, the refrigerant pipe 250 between the expansion valve 234 and the evaporator 235 may be connected to the refrigerator refrigerant pipe 236. The refrigerant pipe 250 extends to the top of the refrigerator 200 along the side or rear of the refrigerator 200 and may extend to the ice-making chamber 101 connected to the main door 211. That is, by supplying low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant directly to the ice-making chamber 101 through the refrigerant pipe 250, faster ice-making and more ice-making may be possible.

The refrigerant pipe 250 may include a first refrigerant pipe 251 and a flexible tube 256. The first refrigerant pipe 251 is directly connected to the refrigerator refrigerant pipe 236 and may extend to the part where the main door 211 contacts the refrigerator 200.

The first refrigerant pipe 251 may include a first refrigerant supply pipe 251a and a first refrigerant discharge pipe 251b. For example, the first refrigerant supply pipe 251a may be connected to the refrigerator refrigerant pipe 236 between the expansion valve 234 and the evaporator 235. The second refrigerant discharge pipe 252b may be connected to the refrigerator refrigerant pipe 236 between the evaporator 235 and the compressor 232. Through this, faster and more ice making may be possible by supplying the refrigerant generated in the refrigerant device 230 directly to the ice making chamber 101.

The flexible tube 256 is located between the refrigerator 200 and the main door 211, and can connect the first refrigerant pipe 251 and the ice-making chamber 101. For example, the flexible tube 256 may be made of nylon or polyamide. Even when the main door 211 is opened and closed, the flexible tube 256 can stably supply the refrigerant supplied from the first refrigerant supply pipe 251a to the ice-making chamber 101, and refrigerant discharged from the ice-making chamber 101 can be stably supplied. It can be discharged through the first refrigerant discharge pipe (251b). Additionally, the flexible tube 256 can stably connect the first refrigerant pipe 251 and the ice-making chamber 101 even if it is twisted. Through this, the supply and discharge of refrigerant between the refrigerator 200 and the main door 211 can be stably achieved.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a first embodiment of a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice maker shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice maker shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice maker shown in FIG. 7. This is a drawing showing one state.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9 , the ice maker 100 may be installed inside the ice making room 101. A second refrigerant pipe 252 may be connected to the lower part of the ice maker 100. The second refrigerant pipe 252 may be connected to the first refrigerant pipe 251 and a flexible tube 256. For example, the second refrigerant pipe 252 and the flexible tube 256 and the first refrigerant pipe 251 and the flexible tube 256 may be respectively connected through a pipe connection. The flexible tube 256 may be stretched or twisted due to opening and closing of the main door 211 and rotation of the ice maker 100. At this time, the piping connection part can prevent refrigerant from leaking by tightly connecting the second refrigerant pipe 252 and the first refrigerant pipe 251 with the flexible tube 256.

The ice maker 100 may be connected to the motor unit 20. For example, the ice maker 100 may move ice while rotating by the motor unit 20. At this time, the position of the second refrigerant pipe 252 is reversed, and the flexible tube 256 is twisted.

Specifically, the second refrigerant pipe 252 consists of a second refrigerant supply pipe 252a and a second refrigerant discharge pipe 252b, and is connected to the first refrigerant supply pipe 251a and the second refrigerant supply pipe 251a respectively through the flexible tube 256. It is connected to the first refrigerant discharge pipe (251b). When the ice maker 100 is in the correct position, that is, forming ice with water supplied from the refrigerator 200, the flexible tube 256 between the first refrigerant pipe 251 and the second refrigerant pipe 252 is bent or There is no distortion, so the refrigerant flows smoothly. When the ice maker 100 rotates for ice removal, the second refrigerant supply pipe 252a of the second refrigerant pipe 252 is located at the position of the second refrigerant discharge pipe 252b, and the second refrigerant discharge pipe (252b) 252b) is located at the location of the second refrigerant supply pipe (252a). Additionally, the height of the second refrigerant pipe 252 located below the ice maker 100 changes as the ice maker 100 rotates. That is, the height and position of the second refrigerant discharge pipe 252b change. At this time, since the positions of the first refrigerant supply pipe 251a and the first refrigerant discharge pipe 251b of the first refrigerant pipe 251 are fixed, the flexible tube 256 is twisted to position the second refrigerant pipe 252. The first refrigerant pipe 251 and the second refrigerant pipe 252 can be stably connected despite changes in . Although the inner diameter of the refrigerant becomes somewhat narrow as the flexible tube 256 is twisted, the refrigerant can still flow stably.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice maker shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the ice maker shown in FIG. 10 in a rotated state.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , a heat exchange unit 280 may be located between the first refrigerant pipe 251 and the second refrigerant pipe 252. For example, the first refrigerant pipe 251 and the second refrigerant pipe 252 may be indirectly connected through the heat exchange unit 280. That is, the first refrigerant pipe 251 and the second refrigerant pipe 252 exchange heat with each other through the heat exchange unit 280. Specifically, the first refrigerant supply pipe 251a is connected to the heat exchange unit 280, and may be connected to the first refrigerant discharge pipe 251b within the heat exchange unit 280. That is, the first connection part 251c connecting the first refrigerant supply pipe 251a and the first refrigerant discharge pipe 251b is located in the heat exchange unit 280. For example, the first connection part 251c forms a long flow path so that the refrigerant supplied from the first refrigerant supply pipe 251a stays inside the heat exchange part 280 for a long time and exchanges heat to ensure good heat exchange with the heat exchange part 280. can do. Specifically, the first connection part 251c may be formed in a zigzag shape within the heat exchange part 280.

The second refrigerant pipe 252 may be connected to the heat exchange unit 280. The second refrigerant pipe 252 may be located between the first refrigerant supply pipe 251a and the first refrigerant discharge pipe 251b. For example, the second refrigerant pipe 252 may be located close to the first connection portion 251c. Through this, heat exchange efficiency can be greatly increased.

The second refrigerant pipe 252 may be rotatably connected to the heat exchange unit 280. For example, the ice maker 100 rotates to make ice. At this time, when rotating, the second refrigerant pipe 252 rotates according to the rotation of the ice maker 100. At this time, the second refrigerant pipe 252 connected to the heat exchange unit 280 rotates while connected to the heat exchange unit 280 and stably exchanges heat.

The inside of the second refrigerant pipe 252 may be filled with refrigerant. For example, when heat is exchanged in the heat exchange unit 280, the refrigerant changes phase into a fluid and can naturally flow to a lower area. That is, the first refrigerant pipe 251 and the heat exchange unit 280 are formed higher than the second refrigerant pipe 252, and the refrigerant that has changed phase into a fluid inside the second refrigerant pipe 252 naturally moves to a lower place due to gravity. It flows. Since the ice maker 100 connected to the second refrigerant pipe 252 is located at a relatively low location, the refrigerant that has changed its phase into a fluid flows into the ice maker 100. At this time, while exchanging heat with the ice maker 100 containing water, the refrigerant in the fluid changes phase into gas. The refrigerant that has changed its phase to a gas naturally moves to a higher place and moves to the heat exchange unit 280. In the heat exchange unit 280, the refrigerant is changed into a fluid through heat exchange with the refrigerant, which has changed its phase to a gas, and continuously and repeatedly exchanges heat with the ice maker 100 and the heat exchange unit 280, respectively. At this time, the second refrigerant pipe 252 must have a height difference with the first refrigerant pipe 251 and the heat exchange unit 280, and the temperature of the refrigerant located inside the low second refrigerant pipe 252 is relatively high. As it absorbs heat, it changes phase into a gas and moves to a higher place. The temperature of the heat exchanger 280 and the first refrigerant pipe 251 located at a high place is relatively low, and the temperature of the heat exchanger 280 and the first refrigerant pipe 251 located at a high place is relatively low, and the temperature of the heat exchanger 280 and the first refrigerant pipe 251 located at a high place is relatively low. While exchanging heat with a refrigerant that has been phase-changed to a gas, the refrigerant can be phase-changed to a fluid and flow naturally.

The second refrigerant pipe 252 may be formed of a flexible tube 256. For example, when the ice maker 100 rotates, the height of the second refrigerant pipe 252 changes. That is, the second refrigerant pipe 252 is located relatively close to the heat exchange unit 280. At this time, even if the second refrigerant pipe 252 formed of the flexible tube 256 is twisted as its length expands and contracts, the refrigerant inside the second refrigerant pipe 252 can be prevented from leaking.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of a refrigerant pipe connected to the ice maker shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 12, the first refrigerant pipe 251 and the second refrigerant pipe 252 may be respectively connected to the heat exchange unit 280. For example, the first refrigerant supply pipe 251a and the first refrigerant discharge pipe 251b may be connected inside the heat exchange unit 280 via the first connection part 251c. The second refrigerant supply pipe 252a and the second refrigerant discharge pipe 252b may be connected inside the heat exchange unit 280 via the second connection part 252c. The first connection part 251c and the second connection part 252c are located close to each other, so that heat exchange can be performed more effectively between the first connection part 251c and the second connection part 252c. The first connection portion 251c and the second connection portion 252c may each be formed in a zigzag shape to improve heat exchange efficiency. The first connection part 251c and the second connection part 252c may be arranged to be staggered. That is, the first refrigerant supply pipe (251a) and the second refrigerant discharge pipe (252b), the first refrigerant discharge pipe (251b) and the second refrigerant supply pipe (252a) are arranged in order, and the first refrigerant supply pipe (251a) ) and the first connection part (251c) connecting the first refrigerant discharge pipe (251b) and the second connection part (252c) connecting the second refrigerant supply pipe (252a) and the second refrigerant discharge pipe (252b) are arranged alternately. can do. Through this, it is possible to enable more efficient and effective heat exchange within the heat exchange unit 280.

The second refrigerant pipe 252 may be formed of a flexible tube 256. For example, when the ice in the ice maker 100 is moved by the rotation of the ice maker 100, the second refrigerant pipe 252 rotates while being fixed to the first refrigerant pipe 251 according to the rotation of the ice maker 100. At this time, the second refrigerant pipe 252 formed of the flexible tube 256 can be stretched and twisted.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of the subdoor shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 13, the subdoor 214 may be formed with an opening 214a in the space of the dispenser 213. In this case, the dispenser 213 is configured to be open normally. Through this, energy efficiency can be increased by reducing unnecessary opening and closing of the subdoor 214 when using the dispenser 213 for ice or purified water. Additionally, since frequent opening and closing of the sub door 214 may cause condensation inside the storage space 212, the possibility of condensation can be reduced by maximizing the closing time of the storage space 212.

As another example, the subdoor 214 can open the storage space 212 and the dispenser 213 space, respectively. For example, the subdoor 214 may be divided into upper and lower parts. The upper sub door 214 can open the storage space 212. The lower subdoor 214 can open the dispenser 213. In this case, overall energy efficiency can be increased by reducing contaminants flowing into the dispenser 213, blocking heat transfer that can be transmitted through the dispenser 213, and maintaining the seal of the storage space 212.

FIG. 14 is a view showing the ice making room shown in FIG. 2, and FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the ice maker shown in FIG. 14.

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15 , the ice making room 101 may include an ice maker 100 and an ice storage box 110 .

The ice storage box 110 is located below the ice maker 100 and can contain ice generated and discharged from the ice maker 100. The contained ice may be supplied to the dispenser 213.

The ice maker 100 may include a tray 10 and a frame unit 30.

The tray 10 in which the supplied water is contained to form ice may include a body portion 11 and an ice making portion 12. Additionally, the tray 10 is located inside the frame unit 30 and is rotatably connected to the frame unit 30. For example, the connection portion 11a may protrude outward from the side of the body portion 11 of the tray 10. The connection portion 11a is connected to the frame portion 30 so that the tray 10 can be supported to rotate. As another example, a connection groove may be formed on the side of the body portion 11 of the tray 10, and a connection portion formed on the frame portion 30 may be inserted and connected to each other.

A rotation space 18 may be formed between the frame portion 30 and the tray 10. For example, a rotation radius is formed based on the rotation axis 19 formed through the connecting portion 11a of the tray 10, and this is related to the depth of the ice making unit 12, that is, the size of the ice making unit 12. The rotation space 18 enables smooth rotation of the tray 10, and contamination of the inside of the frame portion 30 and the tray 10 can be checked with the naked eye through the rotation space 18.

The ice making part 12 is formed to protrude from the lower surface of the body part 11. A plurality of such ice making units 12 may be formed. Water is supplied to the ice maker 12 and can be frozen by the supplied cold air. The shape of the ice may be formed to correspond to the inner shape of the ice making unit 12. Ice of various shapes can be produced by varying the cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the ice maker 12. For example, the cross-sectional shape can be formed into a star shape, square, circle, triangle, or character. Through this, you can create various shapes of ice in one tray by combining various shapes at the same time.

The plurality of ice making units 12 may be arranged in a zigzag shape inside the tray 10. For example, when the ice making units 12 are formed in two rows, one row of the ice making units 12 is arranged and the ice making units 12 in the second row are arranged alternately with the first row, so that the ice making units 12 adjacent to the first row of ice making units 12 Two rows of ice making units (12) can be placed between (12). Through this, the size of the tray 10 can be manufactured smaller while maintaining the size of the ice, and the ice production efficiency can be further improved by concentrating the supply area where cold air should be supplied.

The moving unit 13 is formed between the ice making unit 12 and the ice making unit 12 to connect the ice making unit 12 and the ice making unit 12 to each other. That is, the water supplied to the tray 10 can be contained in one of the ice making units 12 and sequentially contained in the ice making units 12. Through this, it not only controls the amount of water contained in the ice maker 12 by guiding the flow of water supplied to the tray 10, but also prevents the overflow phenomenon that may occur when water freely fills the tray 10. can do. Specifically, the moving unit 13 may be arranged diagonally and formed between adjacent ice making units 12. Through this, the supplied water can be filled in order along the zigzagly arranged ice making units 12, and when movement or impact of an object to which the frame unit 30 is connected occurs, such as when the main door 211 is opened, Water can be prevented from overflowing out of the tray (10).

Tray 10 may be made of a thermally conductive composite material. For example, the ice making unit 12 of the tray 10 may be manufactured from a thermally conductive composite material. By supplying current to the thermally conductive composite material, ice can be removed from the inner surface of the ice maker 12 through self-heating. Specifically, the larger the size of the inside of the ice making unit 12, the larger ice can be generated. In addition, when the depth inside the ice making unit 12 is deepened, long ice can also be created. Therefore, the ice maker 12 made of a self-heating thermally conductive composite material can separate ice more easily by applying heat to the surface of the ice formed inside to separate the ice from the ice maker 12. The tray 10 rotates, and the ice separated from the ice maker 12 freely falls, which allows for easier ice removal.

For example, a thermally conductive composite material may be manufactured from any one of carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes, or a polymer containing graphene and metal, or a combination thereof. In other words, the tray 10 can improve heat conduction and enable self-heating by the electrode 50. An electrode 50 that supplies current may be connected to this thermally conductive composite material. For example, a refrigerator power line (not shown) and the electrode 50 may be connected.

The tray 10 to which current is supplied through the electrode 50 may generate heat. The electrodes 50 may be arranged left and right around the ice maker 12 and installed close to the area where ice is generated. That is, since heat is generated between the two electrodes of the electrode 50, it is efficient to arrange the two electrodes 50 around the ice maker 12.

The electrode 50 may include a covered electric wire made of a bundle of wires. In other words, durability against frequent rotation can be secured through an electric wire made of a relatively flexible bundle of wires. For example, when the tray 10 is positioned in the correct position and ice production is completed in the ice maker 100, the tray 10 is rotated, and then electric current is provided to the electrode 50, so that the thermally conductive composite material generates self-heating. can do. That is, the connection of the electric circuit can be implemented depending on the position of the tray 10. For example, after the ice maker 100 completes ice production and the ice is separated from the tray 10, when the tray 10 rotates to its normal position, the current supply may be cut off. Through this, it is possible to control whether or not current is supplied according to a change in the position of the tray 10 without an additional control device, thereby simplifying the structure.

The tray cap 40 may be connected to the tray 10. The tray cap 40 is located between the tray 10 and the frame portion 30. The tray cap 40 may include a guard portion 41 and a tray connection portion 42. The tray connection part 42 is formed in the direction from the guard part 41 toward the tray 10, and is inserted into the fitting groove 11c formed in the tray body 11 to connect the tray 10 and the tray cap 40. You can.

The guard portion 41 may be formed to be inclined toward the inside of the tray 10. The guard part 41 is installed inside the tray when the main door 211 is opened, or the object to which the frame part 30 is connected is moved or shocked, causing the water filled inside the tray 10 to slosh around due to inertia. It guides water in one direction and prevents water from overflowing.

The motor unit 20 may be located outside the frame unit 30 and connected to the tray 10. The frame unit 30 may be located between the motor unit 20 and the tray 10. That is, the motor unit 20 can rotate the tray 10 connected to the frame unit 30 by providing power to the rotatably supported tray 10 . For example, the motor unit 20 can rotate the tray 10 by more than 90 degrees. For example, the motor unit can be rotated between 100 and 180 degrees. Through this, the ice formed inside the tray 10 can freely fall due to gravity, and the ice generated in the tray 10 can be moved through smooth operation even in a narrow space.

The motor unit 20 may be connected to the connection part 11a formed on one side of the tray 10. The connection portion 11a of the tray 10 connected to the motor unit 20 may further include an angled motor connection portion. That is, the connection portion 11a is formed in a circular shape and is connected to the frame portion 30, and the motor connection portion is connected to the motor portion 20. Through this, the rotational force of the motor unit 20 can be more stably transmitted to the tray 10.

The frame portion 30 may form the overall shape of the ice maker 100. That is, the tray 10 and the tray cap 40, excluding the motor unit 20, may be located inside the frame unit 30. Through this, the ice maker 100 can be stably fixed by connecting only the frame portion 30 to the main door 211, etc., and the tray 10 rotates in a stably fixed state, thereby generating the ice maker 100. Ice can be moved in free fall. In other words, it is possible to secure stronger durability by implementing an ice maker 100 that has a simple structure and only rotates the tray 10. In addition, the frame part 30 has an open front, so the tray 10 located inside the frame part can be visually confirmed. Through this, it is possible to visually check whether the inside of the frame part 30, the tray 10, or the tray cap 40 is abnormal, making maintenance easy.

The frame portion 30 may be composed of a frame 31, a support portion 33, and a guide portion 35. The frame 31 is formed in the longitudinal direction of the tray 10, and support portions 33 may be formed on both sides. The frame 31 may include an attachment plate 32. The attachment plate 32 is in contact with the main door 211 or the location where the ice maker 100 is to be installed. A plurality of attachment holes 32a are formed in the attachment plate 32, so that the ice maker 100 is connected to the main door 211, etc.

A plurality of ribs 34 may be formed between the frame 31 and the attachment plate 32. For example, the frame 31 and the attachment plate 32 may be vertically connected to each other, and a plurality of ribs 34 formed in a triangular shape may be connected between the frame 31 and the attachment plate 32. The ribs 34 may be formed in a direction toward the tray 10. Through this, the frame 31 and the attachment plate 32 can be more strongly coupled, and the ice maker 12 can be prevented from being separated from or damaged by the main door 211, etc., due to unexpected external shock.

The support portion 33 may be located on both sides of the tray 10 and fitted into the tray 10. The tray 10 may be formed with a connection portion 11a protruding toward the support portion 33. Due to the combination of the connection portion 11a and the support portion 33, the rotation axis of the tray 10 is formed, and the tray 10 rotates around the rotation axis 19.

The support portion 33 may be formed to be rounded in a semicircle toward the front of the frame portion 30, that is, the main body 210 of the refrigerator. Additionally, the support portion 33 may be formed with an extension portion 36 that starts from the center and becomes wider as it approaches the frame 31 of the frame portion 30. Through this, the structural rigidity of the frame portion 30 can be further improved.

The guide portion 35 may be formed on the upper surface of the frame 31. The guide portion 35 may have an inclined injection portion 35a formed therein. The injection portion 35a is formed to have a smaller area as it approaches the tray 10 and is open toward the tray 10. Accordingly, not only is the water supplied from the water hose (not shown) guided to the tray 10, but also the water is supplied to the tray 10 with the water contained inside the guide part 35, thereby making the tray (10) flow at a constant speed. 10) Water can be supplied.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the tray taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 15, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the tray taken along line V-V shown in FIG. 15.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 , the tray 10 may be composed of a body portion 11, an ice making portion 12, and a tray wall 15. Connecting portions 11a may protrude on both sides of the body portion 11. The ice making unit 12 may be arranged in a zigzag shape on the body unit 11 to form a plurality of ice making units 12 .

A tray wall 15 may be formed along the outside of the body portion 11. The tray wall 15 is formed higher than the ice making unit 12, so that when the main door 211, etc. moves or an impact is transmitted from the outside, the water contained in the tray 10 sloshes through the tray wall 15. This can prevent water from overflowing. Specifically, the height H2 of the tray wall 15 may be 1.5 to 3 times higher than the height H1 of the ice maker. For example, when the main door 211 is closed very quickly and an inertial force acts on the water contained in the tray 10, the water moves along the tray wall 15 and falls back into the tray 10 by gravity, It does not overflow outside the tray (10).

A curved surface 17 may be formed from the tray wall 15 to the ice making unit 12. The curved surface 17 may be formed from the tray wall 15 toward the inside of the tray 10 to the ice maker 12. For example, the curved surface 17 may be concave. As described above, when water moves by inertia, it moves along the curved surface 17. At this time, the concave curved surface 17 may increase the water movement path and reduce the water movement speed. Additionally, since the curved surface 17 is a structure that forms one side of the ice maker 12, when ice is formed in the ice maker 12, the overall rigidity of the tray 10 can be increased. As another example, the curved surface 17 may be formed to be convex. Additionally, the curved surface 17 can be arranged to alternate between concave and convex shapes. Through this, the movement path of water can be further improved.

The temperature sensor 60 may be connected to the bottom or lower side of the tray 10. For example, the temperature sensor 60 may be connected to the tray 10 by being inserted into the tray 10 holder formed at the bottom of the ice maker 12. The temperature sensor can control the rotation of the tray 10 and the water supplied to the tray 10.

The temperature sensor 60 can generate a signal to control the operation of the ice maker 100 and transmit it to the control unit of the refrigerator. For example, the temperature sensor 60 can measure the temperature inside the ice maker 12. When ice formation is completed, the temperature inside the ice maker 12 may be below zero. Through this, it can serve as a standard for determining whether ice has been formed in the ice making unit 12. As another example, the temperature sensor 60 can measure the difference in temperature. In other words, it is possible to measure the difference between the temperature when water is placed in the ice making unit 12 and the temperature of the ice formed in the ice making unit 12. Specifically, since the average temperature of the water supplied from the water hose (not shown) of the refrigerator is zero, as water is contained inside the ice maker 12, the temperature inside the ice maker 12 may rise to zero. Thereafter, when ice formation inside the ice making unit 12 is completed, the temperature inside the ice making unit 12 may fall below zero. When the temperature is -10 degrees Celsius, the temperature difference inside the ice maker 12 may be a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. In this way, the temperature sensor 60 can detect whether ice is formed in the ice maker 12 through the difference in temperature.

When the temperature sensor 60 determines that ice formation has been completed in the ice maker 12, it can transmit a signal for ice removal. For example, when it is determined that the ice is complete, a signal for transmitting current is transmitted to the electrode 50, and through this, the tray 10 can be heated. Thereafter, when the ice is separated from the inner surface of the ice making unit 12, a signal to rotate the tray 10 can be transmitted to move the ice. Additionally, when the ice has completely moved and the inside of the ice maker 12 is empty, a signal for water supply can be transmitted.

A plurality of temperature sensors 60 may be connected to the tray 10. For example, the temperature sensor 60 can detect the internal state of the ice making unit 12 by dividing the ice making unit 12 into multiple sections. Specifically, the ice making unit 12 may be formed in various shapes, and accordingly, the size of ice formed inside the ice making unit 12 may also vary. Therefore, the temperature detection sensor 60 divides the ice making unit 12 and can be installed in each partition. Through this, it more accurately detects whether or not the ice making unit 12 is making ice and states that the ice is not frozen. This can prevent water from pouring into the ice storage box 110.

Electrodes 50 may be disposed on the side of the body portion 11. For example, the electrode 50 may be located below the tray wall 15. For example, the electrode 50 may be located at a portion of the tray 10 where the ice making unit 12 begins. In general, the ice maker 12 is formed so that its cross-sectional area narrows as it moves away from the tray 10, so the electrode 50 is placed at the starting point with the largest cross-sectional area to form a surface of ice formed on the upper surface of the ice maker 12. It can be melted and induced to naturally separate from the ice making unit 12. As another example, the electrode 50 may be placed on the moving part 13 between the ice making unit 12 and the ice making unit 12 . This means that when the water contained in the tray 10 turns into ice, ice is also formed in the moving part 13 and the ice formed in the ice making part 12 can be connected to each other. In this case, the ice making unit 12 may be like a lump of ice regardless of its shape, and in this case, the size of the ice moving away from the tray 10 causes the ice to be stored 110 when it falls freely. It can put a strain on. Accordingly, by positioning the electrode 50 on the moving unit 13, ice generated according to the shape of the ice making unit 12 is provided to the ice storage box 110, thereby enabling easier transfer of ice and ice storage. The weight and impact applied to (110) can be reduced. As another example, the electrode 50 may be placed on the lower surface of the ice maker 12. That is, the larger the height H1 of the ice making unit 12, that is, the deeper the depth of the ice making unit 12, the longer ice can be generated. In this case, the contact force between the ice making unit 12 and the ice may increase as the ice making unit 12 becomes deeper. Through this, it can be formed close to the ice-making unit 12 where ice is generated while making it invisible from the outside. Therefore, by placing electrodes on the lower surface of the ice maker 12 and generating heat in the area where the contact force between the inner surface of the ice maker 12 and the ice is large, ice can be more easily separated from the ice maker 12. there is.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the tray cap taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 15.

Referring to FIG. 18, the guard portion 41 of the tray cap 40 may be formed to be inclined toward the inside of the tray 10. At this time, the inclination (θ) of the guard portion 41 can be formed from 5° to 90°. For example, water moving along the curved surface 17 of the tray 10 may move up to the tray wall 15 as the moving speed decreases. At this time, the water moves along the guard portion 41 formed inclined toward the inside of the tray 10, and the water moves between the tray 10 and the tray cap 40 as if swirling. Accordingly, even water subjected to a very large inertial force can be prevented from overflowing to the outside of the ice maker 100.

The shape of the guard portion 41 may be changed by transporting ice. For example, the guard portion 41 may be formed of silicon. Through this, the guard portion 41 prevents water from overflowing, and is made of a flexible material so that it does not interfere with the transportation of solidly frozen ice.

The tray connection part 42 is formed in a direction from the guard part 41 toward the tray 10, and a protrusion 42a may be formed on one side so that it can be inserted into the tray 10 and caught on the tray 10. Through this, the tray 10 and the tray cap 40 can be more closely coupled.

Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the moving operation of the ice maker shown in Figure 15.

Referring to FIG. 19, the tray 10 of the ice maker 100 rotates around the rotation axis 19 formed by the connection portion 11a. At this time, the ice can be moved by free falling into the ice storage box 110, etc. Therefore, there is no need for additional space such as an ice transfer duct to send the ice downward due to free fall. Through this, the ice making part 12 of the tray 10 can be made larger by the space secured, allowing the tray 10 to have a larger ice making amount compared to other ice makers that move ice through an ejector, etc. without relatively rotating. You can make it.

For example, when the rotation of the tray 10 moves the ice to the ice storage box 110 in free fall, if the inside of the ice storage box 110 is full of ice, the tray cannot rotate because it is blocked by the ice. 10) can detect full ice. Although the rotational force is transmitted, the tray 10 fails to rotate, so the load applied to the motor unit 20 or the tray 10 fails to rotate, so the phenomenon is divided into the phenomenon of not being able to rotate as much as the target and the phenomenon of not being able to rotate to the target point and then return. The degree of possession can be measured. Specifically, if you try to turn for ice removal but cannot reach the desired angle, it returns to its original position and stops making ice. Additionally, if the ice storage box 110 is caught in the ice after rotating and moving and cannot return to its original position, the ice may be recognized as full and the ice making may be stopped. Afterwards, when ice is used, the level of ice in the ice storage box 110 decreases, so the motor is periodically operated to attempt to return to its original position.

Specifically, a rotation of 180° based on the normal state (0°) of the tray 10 is defined as a forward rotation, and the direction of rotation from the 180° position to the 0° position is described as reverse rotation. Additionally, the time from 0° to 180° or from 180° to 0° is called the setting time.

For example, when it is determined through the temperature sensor 60 that ice making has been completed in the ice making unit 12, when electricity is applied to the motor unit 20, it rotates forward 180° and rotates 180° at the set time. When it reaches, the current increases. At that time, it stops and electricity is applied to the ice maker 100 for a certain period of time to heat the tray 10. The space between the ice and the ice maker 12 melts, the ice falls freely, and when the temperature of the tray 10 rises, current is supplied to the tray 10. stops and reversely rotates the tray 10 through the motor unit 20. At this time, if the load increases before the set time required for rotation, it is determined that the tray 10 is stuck due to full ice, the water supply to the ice maker 100 is stopped, and the ice maker 100 rotates forward again to the 180 degree position. Reverse rotation is attempted again periodically, and when the 0 degree position is reached at the set time and the load increases, the full ice is released and water can be supplied and ice made again.

As another example, when the ice making unit 12 determines through the temperature sensor 60 that ice making is complete and electricity is applied to the motor unit 20, the tray 10 rotates forward for a time longer than the set time. If the load current increases, it can be judged that the ice is full.

In this case, it rotates in reverse and comes to the 0° position. The tray 10 is periodically rotated forward, and when the load increases at the set time, the position is 180°. At this time, electricity is applied to the tray 10 to heat the tray 10 and move it. After moving, it rotates in reverse and continues to supply water and make ice if the load increases at the set time. If the load increases before the set time when rotating reversely at the 180° position, the ice is full, and in this case, it rotates forward again and stops at the 180° position. Reverse rotation is attempted again periodically, and when the 0° position is reached at the set time and the load increases, the full ice is released and water can be supplied and ice made again.

That is, the ice maker 100 can detect moving ice and full ice through the principle of rotating the motor unit 20 without using other mechanisms or sensors such as optical sensors for detecting full ice.

In addition, compared to the moving lever (shut-off arm, ball wire) method or the optical sensor method, which detects full ice only in some parts, full ice can be detected more reliably with the entire mechanically rotating tray 10. In other words, when full ice is detected by rotating the tray 10 itself, detection errors can be eliminated because the entire three-dimensional space under the ice maker 100 is detected, and control logic can be created with only the load of the motor without a separate sensor. there is. Through this, a gear structure is added to the moving motor to detect full ice, which moves or rotates perpendicular to the downward direction of ice in the ice maker, or existing full ice detection, which uses an optical sensor to detect a line in the longitudinal direction of the area where ice falls. It is possible to prevent the phenomenon of ice overflowing from the ice storage box 110 as the entire upper part of the ice storage box 110 cannot be detected and ice accumulates in the space that cannot be detected.

The scope sought to be protected through this specification is indicated by the patent claims described later rather than the detailed description above, and should be interpreted to include the meaning and scope of the claims and all changes or modified forms derived from the equivalent concept. .

200: Refrigerator 210: Door
211: main door 214: sub door
214a: Open port 212: Storage space
212a: first cold air portion 212b: second cold air portion
212c: blowing fan 213: dispenser
215: insulation layer 220: storage room
221: refrigerator room 221a: shelf
222: Freezer
230: Refrigerant device 231: Condenser
232: Compressor 234: Expansion valve
235: Evaporator 236: Refrigerator refrigerant piping
250: Refrigerant pipe 251: First refrigerant pipe
251a: First refrigerant supply pipe 251b: First refrigerant discharge pipe
251c: first connection 252: second refrigerant pipe
252a: Second refrigerant supply pipe 252b: Second refrigerant discharge pipe
252c: second connection 256: flexible tube
280: Heat exchange unit
101: Ice-making room 101a: Cold air supply unit
101b: cold air discharge unit 102: insulation layer
100: ice maker 110: ice storage box
10: tray 11: body part
11a: connection part
11c: Fitting groove 12: Ice making unit
13: moving part 15: tray wall
17: curved surface 18: rotation space
19: Rotating shaft 20: Motor unit
30: frame part 31: frame
32: Attachment plate 32a: Attachment hole
33: Support portion 33a, 33b: Fitting groove
34: rib 35: guide portion
35a: injection part 36: extension part
40: Tray cap 41: Guard part
42: tray connection 42a: protrusion
50: electrode 60: temperature sensor

Claims (12)

A main door that opens and closes while sealing the storage compartment of the refrigerator and forms a storage space and dispenser;
a sub door that opens and closes while sealing the storage space and is connected to the main door; and
A refrigerator connected to the main door, providing water or ice to the dispenser, and including an ice-making chamber to which a refrigerant pipe of the refrigerator is connected. According to claim 1,
The refrigerant pipe is,
a first refrigerant pipe located at the ceiling of the refrigerator;
A refrigerator comprising a flexible tube connected to the first refrigerant pipe, located between the main door and the refrigerator, and connected to the ice maker. According to claim 2,
The ice making room,
An ice maker filled with water to form ice and connected to the flexible tube;
a cooling fan installed inside and spaced apart from the ice maker; and
A refrigerator including an ice storage box located below the ice maker. According to claim 3,
The ice maker,
A refrigerator made of a thermally conductive composite material that generates heat when an electric current is supplied, and including a tray on which a second refrigerant pipe connected to the flexible tube is located inside the thermally conductive composite material. According to claim 3,
The tray is,
A refrigerator that, when the ice is manufactured, rotates toward the ice storage box to move the ice formed inside. According to claim 5,
The flexible tube,
A refrigerator including a connector at both ends inserted into and communicating with the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, and rotating the flexible tube according to rotation of the tray. According to claim 5,
The refrigerator further includes a drain plate located between the ice maker and the ice storage box to guide defrost water generated when the ice melts in the ice maker to a water pan of the dispenser. According to claim 1,
The refrigerant pipe is,
a first refrigerant pipe located at the ceiling of the refrigerator;
a second refrigerant pipe connected to the ice maker located inside the ice making room and filled with refrigerant;
A refrigerator including a heat exchange unit located between the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, to exchange heat between the first refrigerant pipe and the second refrigerant pipe, and to condense the refrigerant into a fluid. According to claim 8,
The ice maker,
A refrigerator including a tray installed lower than the heat exchange unit and contacting the second refrigerant pipe connected to the heat exchange unit to exchange heat and form ice. According to clause 9,
The second refrigerant pipe is,
A refrigerator including a circulation fan installed between the tray and the heat exchange unit to supply the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the tray and becomes a gas to the heat exchange unit. According to claim 1,
The storage space is,
A refrigerator located above the dispenser and positioned at the user's eye level when the sub-door is opened. According to claim 1,
The storage room is,
a refrigerating room to which the main door is connected; and
A refrigerator located below the refrigerator compartment and including a freezer compartment that supplies cold air to the main door.