WO2011159116A2

WO2011159116A2 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2011159116A2
Application number: PCT/KR2011/004426
Authority: WO
Inventors: Seunggeun Lee
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2010-06-16
Filing date: 2011-06-16
Publication date: 2011-12-22
Also published as: WO2011159116A3

Abstract

A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerating includes a storage member disposed inside the refrigerator to store water, a cover member opening/closing the storage member, a water supply part opened in the cover member to supply water into the storage member, a water supply tube passing through the cover member to extend inside the storage member, the water supply tube supplying water into the ice maker, and a switching member slidably disposed on the cover member, the switching member selectively shielding the water supply part. Thus, productivity may be improved.

Description

REFRIGERATOR

Embodiments relate to a refrigerator.

In general, a refrigerator is a home appliance that can store foods at a low temperature in an internal storage space shield by a door. For this, the refrigerator cools the inside of the storage space using cool air generated by heat-exchanging with a refrigerant that circulates a cooling cycle to store the foods in an optimum state.

The size of the refrigerator tends to increase more and more and multi-functions are provided to the refrigerator as dietary life changes and pursues high quality, and accordingly, refrigerators of various structures with consideration of user convenience are brought to the market.

For example, an ice maker is disposed at a side of the refrigerator. The ice maker is configured to automatically supply water for making an ice and store the made ice, thereby immediately using the ice whenever a user needs it. Also, a water tank in which the water to be supplied into the ice maker is stored has a generally detachable structure. Thus, the inside of the water tank may be directly filled with water by a user.

In recent, various refrigerators including a water tank in which water supply and installation thereof are easy is being developed.

Embodiments provide a refrigerator in which a switching member is slidably moved to seal a water supply hole of a cover, thereby easily manipulating a water supply operation of a water tank and preventing water from overflowing.

Embodiments also provide a refrigerator in which a water tank is easily detached a mounting case mounted inside the refrigerator and a pump is easily assembled.

In one embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet defining a storage space that is opened/closed by a door; an ice maker disposed at a side of the cabinet or the door; and a water tank detachably disposed at a side of the inside of the refrigerator, the water tank storing water supplied into the ice maker, wherein the water tank includes: a storage member disposed inside the refrigerator to store water; a cover member opening/closing the storage member; a water supply part opened in the cover member to supply water into the storage member; a water supply tube passing through the cover member to extend inside the storage member, the water supply tube supplying water into the ice maker; and a switching member slidably disposed on the cover member, the switching member selectively shielding the water supply part.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

According to the proposed embodiments, the switching member may be slidably moved to shield the water supply hole.

Since the sealing part of the opening member is shapely coupled to the water supply hole, the water supply hole is sealed when the switching member is closed to prevent water within the water tank from overflowing or leaking.

Also, the water is collected into the water collection part even though the water supply process is performed or the water tank overflows due to shaking of the water. Then, the collected water may be introduced again into the water tank through the drain hole to prevent the water from leaking to the outside.

Also, in a state where the water tank is mounted on the mounting case, a side of the inside of the refrigerator may contact the switching member. Thus, it may prevent the switching member from being randomly opened. Thereafter, possibility of the water leaking may be further reduced.

According to the proposed embodiments, since the mounting case on which the water tank and the pump are mounted has a simplified structure, the mounting case may be further easily manufactured.

Also, the front surface of the water tank and at least one portion of the lateral surface of the water tank may be exposed to easily confirm a water level. In addition, the water tank may be easily detached.

Also, a separate pump fixing member may be coupled to the mounting space part on which the pump is mounted to simplify the mounting case in shape itself, thereby providing a structure which is easily injection-molded. Furthermore, the pump may be easily assembled and fixed.

Also, the fixing guide for fixing the mounting case in position may be further provided to prevent the pump from being mis-assembled.

Fig. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator with a door opened.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a water tank according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank when viewed from an upper side.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank when viewed from a lower side.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the water tank.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the water tank.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the water tank in a state where a switching member of the water tank is opened.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a state in which the water tank is mounted on a mounting case.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a state in which the water tank is separated from the mounting case.

Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting case according to an embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a side sectional view illustrating an internal constitution of a mounting space part of the mounting case.

Fig. 14 is a front view of a refrigerator with a door opened according to another embodiment.

In an embodiment, a refrigerator includes: a cabinet defining a storage space that is opened/closed by a door, an ice maker disposed at a side of the cabinet or the door, and a water tank detachably disposed at a side of the inside of the refrigerator, the water tank storing water supplied into the ice maker, wherein the water tank includes, a storage member disposed inside the refrigerator to store water; a cover member opening/closing the storage member, a water supply part opened in the cover member to supply water into the storage member, a water supply tube passing through the cover member to extend inside the storage member, the water supply tube supplying water into the ice maker, and a switching member slidably disposed on the cover member, the switching member selectively shielding the water supply part.

Also, the refrigerator may further includes a sealing part shapely coupled to the water supply part to seal the water supply part on the switching member.

Also, the sealing part and the water supply part may further include inclined parts selectively contacting each other along movement of the switching member, the inclined parts having inclinations facing each other in a movement direction of the switching member; and horizontal parts being parallel to the movement direction of the switching member.

Also, the horizontal part may be disposed inside the inclined part.

Also, the sealing part may protrude downward to restrict withdrawal of the cover member by being hooked on a side of the cover member when the switching member is completely opened.

Also, the water supply part may include an injection hole opened in the cover member, a water overflow prevention part having a surface recessed inward from the injection hole, and an inflow hole through which water is introduced into the storage part, wherein the at least one or more inflow holes are opened in the water overflow prevention part.

Also, the cover member disposed outside the water supply part may include a water collection part recessed downward to collect remaining water.

Also, a drain hole may be punched in the water collection part to reintroduce the water within the water collection part into the storage member.

Also, both side surfaces of the cover member, both side surfaces of the shield member, and both side surfaces of the storage member are flush with each o ther.

Also, a hook part inserted into a side of the storage member may be disposed on an end of the cover member, and a restriction member selectively coupled to the storage member is disposed on the other end of the cover member.

Also, the switching member may contact a side of the inside of the refrigerator to maintain a closed state in a state where the water tank is mounted.

Also, the switching member is slid in the same direction as a detachment direction of the water tank.

Also, slide guides for guiding movement of the switching member may be disposed on the cover member and the switching member, respectively.

Also, the refrigerator may further include a mounting case in which the water tank is inserted.

In another embodiment, a refrigerator includes a mounting case mounted on a side of the inside of the refrigerator, a water tank detachably disposed on the mounting case, the water tank storing water, a water supply passage extending from the water tank to an ice maker or a dispenser, and a pump disposed inside the mounting case, the pump pumping the water stored in the water tank, wherein the mounting case includes a water tank in which the water tank is inserted, the water tank receiving part opened in a front side and a mounting space part opened in a lateral direction, the mounting space part being shield by an inner wall of the refrigerator to mount the pump therein.

Also, the water tank receiving part may be opened to expose at least portion of a front surface and a side surface of the water tank when the water tank is mounted.

Also, the mounting case is injection-molded as a single member.

Also, a water tank fixing member hooked with a side of the water tank may be disposed inside the water tank receiving part.

Also, a partition wall for partitioning an inner space of the mounding case into the water case receiving part and the mounting space part may be disposed in the mounting case.

Also, a water tank mounting detection member for detecting the mounting of the water tank may be further disposed on the partition wall.

Also, a connection tube connected to a suction passage dispose din the water tank may pass through the partition wall when the water tank is mounted.

Also, a fixing member shapely coupled to an inner wall of the storage space to fix the mounting case may be further disposed on a side of the mounting case.

Also, a coupling member passing through the mounting case and coupled to an inner wall of the storage space may be further disposed on a side of the mounting case.

Also, a fixing guide for fixing the pump in position may be further disposed in the mounting space part.

Also, an inwardly recessed water supply passage seating part on which a side of the water supply passage is seated may be further disposed inside the fixing guide.

Also, a pump fixing member for fixing the pump may be mounted in the mounting space part.

Also, the pump fixing member may have a shape corresponding to that of the mounting space part on which the pump is seated to push and fix a side of the pump.

Also, the pump fixing member may fix the water supply passage connected to the outlet side of the pump.

Also, a heater for preventing water from being frozen may be disposed on an inlet and outlet of the pump.

Also, the opened surfaces of the mounting space part may be shielded by side and rear walls of the storage space.

Also, the mounting case may be mounted inside the refrigerating compartment.

Also, the mounting case may be disposed on a refrigerating compartment door for opening/closing the refrigerating compartment.

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, that alternate embodiments included in other retrogressive inventions or falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will fully convey the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Fig. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator in a state where a door of the refrigerator is opened.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment includes a cabinet 10 defining a storage space and a door 20 for opening/closing the storage space. Here, an outer appearance of the refrigerator is defined by the cabinet 10 and the door 20.

The storage space within the cabinet 10 is divided into an upper refrigerating compartment 14 and a lower freezing compartment 16 by a partition well 12. A plurality of shelves and drawers for receiving various foods are disposed inside the refrigerating compartment 14 and the freezing compartment 16.

The door 20 may include a refrigerating compartment door 22 and a freezing compartment door 4 to selectively shield the refrigerating compartment 14 and the freezing compartment 16. The refrigerating compartment door 22 and the freezing compartment door 24 are hinge-coupled to the cabinet 10 to open or close the refrigerating compartment 14 and the freezing compartment 16, respectively. A basket for receiving foods may be disposed on back surfaces of the refrigerating compartment door 22 and the freezing compartment door 24.

A dispenser 30 may be disposed in a front surface of the refrigerating compartment door 22. The dispenser 30 is configured to dispense drinking water from the refrigerator to the outside. The dispenser 30 may be disposed at a lower portion of the refrigerator door 22. Also, the dispenser may be disposed adjacent to a shaft around which the refrigerating compartment door 22 is rotated.

A manipulation part 42 and a display part 40 may be disposed on the front surface of the refrigerating compartment door 22. The manipulation part 42 may control an operation of the refrigerator. Specifically, the manipulation part 42 may control an operation of an ice maker 60 that will be described below and water supply into the ice maker 60.

A dispenser water tank 50 for storing water to be supplied into the dispenser 30 may be disposed on a back surface of the refrigerating compartment door 22. A water tank mounting part 52 is disposed on the back surface of the refrigerating compartment door 22 on which the dispenser water tank 50 is mounted. Thus, the dispenser water tank 50 may be detachably disposed.

An ice maker 60 is disposed inside the freezing compartment 16. The ice maker 60 is configured to freeze water supplied from the water tank 200 that will be described below, thereby making an ice. The ice maker 60 may automatically or manually carry the ice to store the made ice into an ice bank 62 disposed under the ice maker 60.

The ice maker 60 is disposed adjacent to an upper wall of the freezing compartment 16. Water within the water tank 200 may be supplied into the ice maker 60 through a water supply passage 630 passing through the upper wall of the freezing compartment 16 to extend.

The water tank 200 for supplying water into the ice maker 60 that will be described below is disposed on a side of the inside of the refrigerating compartment 14. The water tank 200 is detachably disposed on the inside of the refrigerating compartment 14. For this, a mounting case 100 may be disposed inside the refrigerating compartment 14.

The mounting case 100 is coupled to a sidewall of the inside of the refrigerator. A pump and/or valve may be disposed within the mounding case 100. The mounting case 100 is opened in a front direction. Also, the mounting case 100 is configured to insert and mount the water tank 200 therein. Here, the mounting case 100 may have a shape for exposing a portion of a storage member 300 that will be described below to the outside in a state where the water tank 200 is mounted.

The water tank 200 is configured so that a portion thereof is inserted into the mounting case 100 and thus fixedly mounted on the mounting case 100. The water tank 200 may include the storage member 300, a cover member 400, and a switching member 500 as the whole.

Hereinafter, the water tank 200 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a water tank according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank when viewed from an upper side. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the water tank when viewed from a lower side. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the water tank.

Referring to Figs. 3 to 6, the water tank 200 includes the storage member 300 for storing water, the cover member 400 for opening/closing an opened surface of the storage member 300, and a switching member 500 for opening/closing a water supply part 460.

The storage member 300 defines the whole shape of the water tank 200. Also, the storage member 300 may be formed of a transparent or opaque material to confirm water stored therein. The storage member 300 may have a rectangular parallelepiped having an empty space therein. Also, the storage member 300 has an opened top surface.

A handle 310 protrudes upward and forward at a front side of the storage member 300. Also, a cover restriction part 320 for fixing the cover member 400 protrudes from a back surface of the handle 310. A cover fixing end 330 selectively coupled to a restriction member 430 that will be described below protrudes from a rear end of an opened top surface of the storage member 300.

The cover member 400 may have a shape corresponding to that of the opened surface of the storage member to completely shield the opened surface. A lower end of the cover member 400 is configured to contact an opened circumference of the storage member 300. A leakage prevention seal 410 is disposed on the cover member 400 to seal a space between the cover member 400 and the storage member 300, thereby preventing water within the storage member 300 from leaking.

A hook part 420 shapely coupled to the cover restriction part 320 is disposed on a front end of the cover member 400. The hook part 420 has a shape corresponding to that of the cover restriction part 320. When the cover member 400 is mounted, the hook part 420 may be shapely coupled to the cover restriction part 320 to maintain a restricted state of the cover member 400.

Also, the rotatable restriction member 430 is disposed on a rear end of the cover member 400. The restriction member 430 is rotatably disposed on an end of the cover member 400. When the cover member 400 is mounted, the restriction member 430 is rotated and coupled to the cover fixing end 330. Thus, when the storage member 300 is mounted, the cover member 400 may be maintained in a state where front and rear ends thereof are fixedly restricted and mounted on the storage member 300.

First slide guides 440 are disposed on both side surfaces of the cover member 400. The first slide guides 440 may guide sliding movement of the switching member 500 and prevent the switching member 500 from being separated. The first slide guides 440 are spaced from each other in front and rear directions. Here, the spaced distance may corresponding to a length of a second slide guide 510 that will be described below or may be greater than the length of the second slide guide 510. Thus, the switching member 500 may be separated.

The first slide guide 440 protrudes outward and has a predetermined width. Also, the first slide guide 440 prevents the switching member 500 mounted on the cover member 400 from being vertically and horizontally moved.

A water collection part 450 recessed downward is disposed in a top surface of the cover member 400. The water collection part 450 is longitudinally disposed in a length direction of the cover member 400. When water is supplied or overflows, the water collection part provides a predetermined space for preventing the water from flowing into the outside of the cover member 400.

Here, when the switching member 500 is completely opened, a rear end of the cover member 400 contacts one end of the switching member 500 to prevent the cover member 400 from being further opened.

A drain hole 452 is punched in a bottom surface of the inside of the water collection part 450. The drain hole 452 is configured to introduce the water existing within the water collection part 450 into the inside of the storage member 300. The drain hole 452 may have a predetermined size and be provided in plurality.

Also, a water supply part 460 is disposed on a front portion of the water collection part 450. The water supply part 460 has an inlet for injecting water into the storage member 300. The water supply part 460 may have an injection hole 470 opened to facing a top surface and a water overflow prevention part 480 recessed downward from the injection hole 470.

The injection hole 470 has a circular shape in section. The injection hole 470 protrudes upward from a bottom surface. An upper end of the injection hole 470 has an inclined part 472 having a height gradually decreasing in a rear direction. A horizontal part 474 parallel to a bottom surface of the water collection part 450 is disposed inside the inclined part. A horizontal part 474 is disposed from the bottom of the water collection part 450 up to a height of an approximately central portion of the inclined part 472.

The injection hole 470 has a shape corresponding to that of a sealing part 520 that will be described below. When the switching part 500 is closed, the injection hole 470 may be shapely coupled to the sealing part 520 to completely seal the water supply part 460.

The water overflow prevention part 480 has a shape gradually narrow downward. Also, a bottom surface of the water overflow prevention part 480 is flat. A vertically cut inflow hole 482 is defined in the water overflow prevention part 480. The inflow hole 482 may be radially provided in plurality. Thus, water introduced through the injection hole 470 primarily stays at the water overflow prevention part 480, and then, the water may be introduced into the storage member 300 through the inflow hole 482.

A water supply tube 600 connected to a water supply passage 630 for supplying water into the water tank 200 is disposed in the cover member 400. The water supply tube 600 may include a suction side 610 and a connection side 620. The suction side 610 extends from a side of the cover member 400 to the inside of the storage member 300 to suck water into the storage member 300. A filter 612 for filtering foreign substances contained in the sucked water may be disposed at a lower end of the suction side 610.

The connection side 620 extends from an end of the suction side 610 to the outside of the storage member 300 and is connected to the water supply passage 630. The connection side 620 extends backward from a side of the cover member 400. When the water tank 200 is mounted on the mounting case 100, the connection side 620 may be connected to an end of the water supply passage 630.

The switching member 500 is slidably disposed on an upper portion of the cover member 400. The switching member 500 may selectively expose and shield the water supply part 460 by user’s manipulation.

The switching member 500 has a width corresponding to a horizontal width of the cover member 400. Also, the switching member 500 may have a size enough to completely cover the water supply part 450 in a state where the switching member 500 is closed. Both left and right sides of the switching member 500 are bent downward. Also, a second slide guide 510 is disposed on a bent inner surface of the switching member 500.

The second slide guide 510 is disposed at a lower side of the first slide guide 440 of the cover member 400 when the switching member 500 is mounted. Also, the second slide guide may be moved and guided while contacting the first slide guide 440.

The second slide guide 510 protrudes inward from both left and right sides of the switching member 500. Also, a front portion and a rear portion of the second slide guide 510 are separated from each other. The front portion may have a length less than the distance spaced between the first slide guides 440.

Thus, when the switching member 500 is mounted, the second slide guide 510 is moved from an upper side to a lower side so that it passes through a space spaced between the first slide guides 440. The switching member may be moved forward and mounted on the cover member 400.

The sealing part 520 is disposed on the switching member 500. The sealing part 520 has a shape corresponding to that of the injection hole 470 of the water supply part 460. When the switching member 500 is closed, the sealing part 520 is shapely coupled to the injection hole 470 of the water supply part 460 to seal the water supply part 460.

In detail, the sealing part 520 protrudes downward from a bottom surface of the switching member 500. Also, when the switching member 500 is closed, the sealing part 520 may be disposed at a position corresponding to that of the injection hole 470.

The sealing part 520 has a circular shape in section. Also, the sealing part 520 has an inclined part 522 having a shape further protruding and lowered in a rear direction. A horizontal part 524 parallel to a bottom surface of the sealing part 520 along the inside of the inclined part 522 protrudes inside the inclined part 522. Here, the horizontal part 524 protrudes up to an approximately middle height of the inclined part 522.

Thus, when the switching member 500 is closed, the sealing part 520 is disposed so that the inclined part 522 of the sealing part 520 overlaps the inclined part 472 of the water supply part 460. Also, the horizontal part 524 of the sealing part 520 and the inclined part 472 of the water supply part 460 contact each other to doubly seal the water supply part 460.

In a state where the cover member 400 and the switching member 500 are mounted, an outer surface of the storage member 300 may be flush with both side surfaces of the cover member 400 and the switching member 500. That is, the water tank 200 has flat side surfaces as the whole to prevent the water tank 200 from interfering with the mounting case 100 when the water tank 200 is mounted on the mounting case 100.

Hereinafter, a water supply process of the water tank of the refrigerator according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the water tank. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the water tank in a state where a switching member of the water tank is opened.

Referring to Figs. 7 to 9, a user opens the refrigerating compartment door 22 to open the refrigerating compartment 14. When the refrigerating compartment 14 is opened, the water tank mounted on the mounting case 100 is exposed. The user may confirm a level of water stored in the storage member 300.

When water is sufficiently filled into the storage member 300, a separate process is not required. However, when water is not sufficiently filled into the storage member 300, water should be filled into the water tank 200.

For this, the user separates the water tank within the refrigerating compartment 14 from the mounting case 100. In a state where the water tank 200 is separated from the mounting case 100, as shown in Fig, 3, the switching member 500 shields the water supply part 460. In this state, the water within the water tank 200 does not leak to the outside.

To more fill water into the water tank 200, the switching member 500 is moved in a rear direction to maintain a state shown in Figs. 8 and 9. When the switching member 500 is completely moved, the water supply part 460 is exposed to the outside to realize an allowable water supply state.

Here, when the switching member 500 is moved in the rear direction, the sealing part 520 may be moved in a rear direction until the sealing member 520 is hooked on a rear end of the water collection part 450. When the sealing part 520 contacts a rear end of the water collection part 450, the water supply part 460 is completely exposed. Thus, the switching member 50 is not further moved in the rear direction.

If the switching member 50 is separated in this state, the switching member 500 is lift upward. Thus, the second slide guide 510 gets out of the first slide guides 400, and thus, the switching member 500 becomes a separable state.

In a state where the water supply part is opened, the user fills water through the injection hole 470. Here, the water introduced through the injection hole 470 may be introduced into the storage member 300 through the inflow hole 482 of the water overflow prevention part 480. The user may confirm an amount of water introduced into the storage member 300 to determine a water supply amount.

After the water is sufficiently supplied, the user may close the switching member 500. For this, the switching member is slid in the front direction. Here, the inclined part 472 of the water supply part 460 and the inclined part 522 of the sealing part 520 are gradually close to each other as the closing of the switching member 500.Thus, when the switching member 500 is closed, the shield part 520 is disposed so that the inclined part 522 of the shield part 520 overlaps the inclined part 472 of the water supply part 460.

Also, when the switching member 500 is completely closed, the inclined part 472 of the water supply part 460 and the inclined part 522 of the sealing part 520 contact each other. Thus, the horizontal part 474 of the water supply part 460 and the horizontal part 524 of the sealing part 520 contact each other to doubly seal the water supply part 460.

When the switching member 500 is completely closed, a state shown in Figs. 3 and 7 becomes to prevent the water within the storage member 300 from leaking to outside. That is, even though the water tank 200 is moved for mounting after the water is sufficiently supplied into the water tank 200, since the water supply part 460 is sealed by the sealing part 520, the water does not leak to the outside. Also, event though water is introduced toward the water supply part 460, the overflowing of the water may be prevented by the water overflow prevention part 480. Although a portion of the water overflows, the overflowing water is collected into the water collection part 450. Then, the collected water is introduced again into the storage member 300 through the drain hole 452.

After the water is sufficiently supplied into the water tank 200, the water tank 200 is mounted on the mounting case 100. When the mounting case 100 is mounted, the connection side 620 of the water supply tube 600 is connected to the water supply passage 630. Thus, water may be supplied into the ice maker 60.

In this state, when a signal for making an ice is inputted, the pump is operated to supply water within the storage member 300 into the ice maker 60 through the water supply tube 600 and the water supply passage 630. The supplied water is frozen in the ice maker 60 to make the ice, and then, the made ice may be carried and stored in the ice bank 62.

When a large amount of water is introduced into the storage member 300 at once or the storage member 30 is cleaned, the cover member 400 should be separated from the storage member 300. To separate the cover member 400, the restriction member 430 is rotated to release the restriction of the rear end of the cover member 400. Then, the cover member 400 is pulled in a rear direction to release the restriction of the front end of the cover member 400. Then, the cover member 400 is lift upward to open the entire top surface of the storage member 300. In this state, water may be filled into the storage member 300 or the storage member 300 may be cleaned. After the above-described processes are finished, the cover member 400 may be mounted by reversely performing the above-described processes.

Although the water tank is disposed inside the cabinet in the foregoing embodiment, the water tank may be disposed on the door. Also, the ice maker may be disposed on the cabinet or the door. Also, although water within the water tank is supplied into the ice maker in the foregoing embodiment, the water within the water tank may be supplied into the dispenser. As necessary, the water may be supplied into the ice maker as well as the dispenser by the branched water supply passage.

The water tank 200 may be detachably mounted on the mounting case 100.

Hereinafter, the mounting case will be described in detail.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting case according to an embodiment. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a state in which the water tank is mounted on a mounting case. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a state in which the water tank is separated from the mounting case. Fig. 13 is a side sectional view illustrating an internal constitution of a mounting space part of the mounting case.

Referring to Figs. 10 to 13, the mounting case 100 is longitudinally disposed in front and rear directions. Also, the mounting case 100 may be formed of a plastic material through an injection molding process. The mounting case 100 includes a water tank receiving part 120 disposed in a front side and a mounting space part 130 disposed in a rear side by the partition wall 110 disposed therein.

The water tank receiving part 120 provides a space for receiving the water tank 200. Thus, the water tank receiving part 120 is opened in a front direction. The water tank receiving part 120 may expose a front portion of the water tank 200 in a state where the water tank 20 is completely inserted.

An inlet of the water tank receiving part 120 may be inclined in a side direction. That is, when the mounting case 100 is mounted, a portion (a right front end of Fig. 12) facing each other has a front and rear length less than that of a portion (a left front end of Fig. 12) contacting an inner sidewall of the storage space. Thus, when the water tank 200 is mounted, front and side surfaces of the water tank 200 may be exposed to the inside of the storage space. Thus, the user may confirm a level of water. Here, the inlet of the water tank receiving part 120 may have a stopped portion or be rounded with a predetermined curvature except the inclined shape.

A screw hole 112 to which a coupling member 140 such as a screw is coupled is defined in an inner side surface of the water tank receiving part 120.An inlet of the water tank receiving part 120 may be inclined in a side direction. Thus, the mounting case 100 may be fixedly mounted on the sidewall of the storage space by the coupling of the coupling member 140.

A water tank fixing member 114 is disposed on an under surface of the water tank receiving part 120. When the water tank 200 is received into the water tank receiving part 120, the water tank fixing member 114 may fix the water tank 200. The water tank fixing member 114 may be formed of a material different from that of the mounting case 100. For example, the water tank fixing member 114 may be formed of an elastically deformable material or may have a structure having elasticity.

The water tank fixing member 114 is coupled from a lower side to an upper side of the water tank receiving part 120. Also, an elastic part 152 of the fixing member 150 may protrude upward from the water tank receiving part 120.

The elastic part 152 may be shapely coupled to a hook groove defined in a bottom surface of the water tank 200 when the water tank 200 is completely inserted into the water tank receiving part 120. The elastic part 152 has a hook shape. Thus, the elastic part may be maintained in a restricted state when the water tank 200 is mounted.

A water tank mounting detection member 160 is disposed on the partition wall 110. The water tank mounting detection member 160 may include a contact switch or sensor. The water tank mounting detection member 160 is mounted through the mounting space part 130. The water tank mounting detection member 160 may be partially exposed to the water tank receiving part 120 to detect whether the water tank 200 is mounted.

For example, the water tank mounting detection member 160 may be provided in a switching type and mounted through the mounting space part 130. The contact part 162 may be mounted to protrude to the inside of the water tank receiving part 120. Thus, when the water tank 200 is completely inserted, the contact part 162 may be pushed to recognize the mounting of the water tank 200. The water tank mounting detection member 160 may be connected to the pump 170, other valves, or the ice maker 60 to control the pump 170, other valves, or the ice maker 60.

The connection tube 620 connected to the suction tube 610 may pass through an upper side of the partition wall 110. When the connection tube 620 is connected to an inlet of the pump 170, the connection tube 620 is fixedly mounted inside the mounting space part 130. An end of the connection tube 620 may pass through the partition wall 110 to protrude inside the water tank receiving part 120.

The mounting space part 130 is defined in a rear side of the water tank 200 with respect to the partition wall 110. The mounting space part 130 provides a space in which a plurality of parts including the pump 170 are mounted. The mounting space part 130 may be opened in rear and lateral directions. Here, in the mounting space part 130, a surface contacting the inner sidewall of the storage space may be opened.

Thus, in a state where the mounting case 100 is mounted inside the storage space, when viewed from the outside, the opened portion of the mounting space part 130 is not exposed. The opened portion of the mounting space part 130 may be shielded by the inner sidewall and a rear sidewall of the storage space.

As described above, since the water tank receiving part 120 is opened in a front direction and the mounting space part 130 is opened in rear and lateral directions, the mounting case 100 may have a structure which is easily manufactured through an injection molding process.

The fixing member 150 is further disposed on a rear end of a bottom surface of the mounting space part 130. The fixing member 150 protrudes in a rear direction. Also, the fixing member 150 may be inserted or shapely coupled to the inner sidewall of the storage space to fix the mounting case 100. That is, the mounting case 100 has one side fixed by the fixing member 150 and the other side fixed by the coupling member 140 such as the screw to fixedly mount the mounting case 100.

The pump 170 for pumping the water within the water tank 200 is disposed inside the mounting space part 130. A discharge tube 630 is disposed on an outlet of the pump 170. The discharge tube 630 may be connected to the water supply passage 600 connected to the ice maker 60 or the dispenser to supply water discharged by the pump 170.

A fixing guide 132 for fixing the pump 170 in position is disposed in the mounting space part 130. The fixing guide 132 may be integrally formed with the mounting case 100 when the mounting case 100 is manufactured. Also, the fixing guide 132 may fix a side of the pump 170.

In detail, the fixing guide 132 protrudes from the mounting space part 130. Also, a central portion of the fixing guide 132 is recessed to form a water supply passage seating part 134 for receiving the discharge tube 5630 connected to the pump 170. The water supply passage seating part 134 may have a shape enough to receive the discharge tube 630. Thus, since the discharge tube 630 is fixed, the pump 170 may be smoothly fixed. Here, the discharge tube 630 has a bent shape. Also, the discharge tube 630 passes through the water supply passage seating part 134 and then is bent. The fixing guide 132 may fix a point at which the discharge tube 630 is connected to the pump 170. As necessary, the fixing guide 132 may fix the pump 170.

A connection tube seating part 136 is disposed in the mounting space part 130 corresponding to the connection tube 620 of an inlet side of the pump 170. The connection tube seating part 136 may guide the pump connection tube 620 so that the pump connection tube 620 passes through the partition wall 110. Also, the connection tube seating part 136 may surround a portion of the connection tube 620 so that the connection tube 620 is seated. Thus, the connection tube seating part 136 may have a shape corresponding to that of an outer surface of the connection tube 620.

A pump fixing member 180 is mounted at a position facing the connection tube seating part 136. The pump fixing member 180 may be provided as a separate member to be inserted into the mounting space part 130. Also, the pump fixing member 180 may be fitted between the partition wall 110 and the mounting space part 130. The pump fixing member 180 has a shape corresponding to a remaining portion after it is seated on the connection tube seating part 136. Thus, the pump fixing member 180 may push the connection tube 620 fix the connection tube 620. Here, the connection tube seating part 136 and the pump fixing member 180 may push a portion at which the connection tube 620 and the pump 170 are connected to each other to fix the portion. As necessary, the connection tube seating part 136 and the pump fixing member 180 may push a side of the pump 170 to fix the pump 170.

A heater 190 may be disposed on the inlet and outlet of the pump 170 mounted on the mounting space part 130. The heater 190 may be wound around the connection tube 620 and the discharge tube 630. Also, the heater 190 may prevent the water injected or discharged into/from the pump 170 from being frozen.

Hereinafter, a process for mounting the mounting case and the water tank in the refrigerator including the above-described parts according to an embodiment will be described in detail.

First, the user may couple the water tank fixing member 114 to the injection-molded mounting case 100. Since the water tank fixing member 114 is coupled, the elastic part 152 of the water tank fixing member 114 protrudes inside the water tank receiving part 120.

The water tank mounting detection member 160 is mounted on the partition wall 110. The water tank mounting detection member 160 is mounted on the partition wall 110 in the mounting space part 130. The contact part 162 passes through the partition wall 110 to protrude inward from the water tank receiving part 120.

Next, the connection tube 620 is coupled to the inlet side of the pump 170 and the discharge tube 630 is coupled to the outlet side of the pump 170. The discharge tube 630 is connected to an extension tube 640 extending from the discharge tube 630 to the ice maker 60 or the dispenser.

In this state, the pump 170 is fixedly mounted on the mounting space part 130. In detail, a portion connected to the discharge tube 630 of the pump 170 or the discharge tube 630 connected to the pump 170 are fixed by the fixing guide 132. The discharge tube 630 may be inserted into the water supply passage seating part 134 to maintain the fixed state thereof. Also, the heater 190 may be disposed on the inlet and outlet sides of the pump 170 to prevent the water from being frozen.

A portion connected to the connection tube 620 of the pump 170 or the connection tube 620 connected to the pump 170 are seated on the connection tube seating part 136. In a state where the connection tube 620 is seated on the connection tube seating part 136, the remaining portion of the connection tube 62 is exposed. In this state, when the pump fixing member 180 is mounted, the pump fixing member 180 fixes the remaining portion of the connection tube 620. Thus, a circumference of a portion at which the connection tube 620 or the connection tube 620 is connected to the pump 170 may be surrounded by the connection tube seating part 136 and the pump fixing member 180 to fix the pump.

The inlet side connection tube 620 of the pump extends in a connection direction, and the outlet side discharge tube 630 of the pump is bent. To fix the pump 170, the fixing guide 132, the pump fixing member 180, and the connection tube seating part 136 may have shapes corresponding to each other. Also, it may prevent the pump from being mis-assembled such as a change of assembled direction of the pump 170.

After the pump 170 is completely fixed, the mounting case 100 is fixed to the inner sidewall of the storage space. Here, the fixing member 150 protruding from the mounting case 100 is inserted into the rear wall of the storage space, and the coupling member 140 such as the screw passes through the sidewall of the water tank receiving part 120 and is coupled to fixedly mount the mounting case 100.

When the mounting case 100 is completely fixed and mounted, the water tank 200 may be mounted. When the water tank 200 is completely mounted, since portions of the front and side surfaces of the water tank 200 are exposed through the inside of the refrigerating compartment 14, the water level may be easily confirmed.

When the water tank 200 is completely inserted into the water tank receiving part 120, the water tank fixing member 114 is coupled to the water tank 200 to prevent the water tank 200 from being unnecessarily withdrawn. Also, the water tank 200 may push the contact part 162 of the water tank mounting detection member 160 to generate a signal for informing that the water tank 200 is completely inserted. Thus, the electric components including the pump 170 and the ice maker 60 may be normally operated.

Also, when the water tank 200 is completely inserted, the suction tube 610 of the water tank 200 is coupled to the connection tube 620 fixed to the mounting case 100. Thus, the water within the water tank 200 may be discharged by the operation of the pump 170.

In this state, when the pump 170 is operated, the water for making ices may be supplied into the ice maker 60. As necessary, when the water supply passage 600 of the water tank 200 is connected to the dispenser, the pump 170 may be operated to supply water into the dispenser when the dispenser is operated.

To fill water into the water tank 200, the water tank 200 is withdrawn to separate the water tank 200 from the water tank receiving part 120. Here, the coupling between the water tank fixing member 114 and the water tank 200 is released, and also, the contact with the water tank mounting detection member 160 is released. Then, the connection between the connection tube 620 and the suction tube 610 is broken down.

After the water tank 200 is completely separated, a required amount of water may be filled into the water tank 200. After the water tank 200 is mounted in a reverse order of the above-described order, the water tank 200 may be utilized again.

The refrigerator according to an embodiment may be applied to various embodiments except the foregoing embodiment. Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to another embodiment will be described.

The refrigerator according to another embodiment includes a refrigerating compartment door in which a mounting case and a water tank are disposed.

Referring to Fig. 14, a refrigerator 2 according to another embodiment includes a cabinet 70 defining a storage space and a door 80 for opening/closing the storage space. Here, an outer appearance of the refrigerator 2 is defined by the cabinet 70 and the door 80. The inside of the cabinet 70 is vertically partitioned to define a refrigerating compartment 72 at an upper side and a freezing compartment 74 at a lower side. The door 80 may include a pair of refrigerating compartment door 72 rotated to open/close the refrigerating compartment 72 and a freezing compartment door 84 taken in or out in a drawer type to open/close the freezing compartment.

An ice making chamber 30 defined as a space independent from the refrigerating compartment 72 is defined in at a side of the refrigerating compartment door 82. The ice making chamber 30 is opened or closed by the ice making chamber door 32. Also, the ice making chamber 30 may be insulated from the refrigerating compartment 72 and the outside of the refrigerator.

An ice maker 34 for making an ice using water supplied from the water tank 800 is disposed inside the ice making chamber 30. An ice bank 36 for storing the made ice is disposed under the ice maker 34.

A dispenser (not shown) may be disposed on a front surface of the ice making chamber door 80. The dispenser communicates with the ice bank 36 to dispense the ice to the outside. Also, the dispenser may be configured to dispense water within the water tank 800.

A mounting case 700 may be disposed on a back surface of the ice making chamber door 80. A mounting case 700 may be disposed on a back surface of the ice making chamber door 80.

The mounting case 700 may be disposed on the refrigerating compartment door 82 disposed at a side in which the ice maker is disposed in a pair of refrigerating compartment doors 82. The mounting case 700 is disposed so that an opened portion of the mounting case 700 faces a side away from a rotation shaft of the refrigerating compartment door 82 when the refrigerating compartment door 82 is opened.

The water tank 800 stores water supplied into the ice maker 34. The water tank 800 may be withdrawably disposed on the mounting case 700. The water tank 800 is disposed to confirm an internal water level through a side of the door 80 when the refrigerating compartment door 82 is opened.

When the water tank 800 is mounted, a passage connecting the water tank 800 to the ice maker 34 is disposed inside the refrigerating compartment door 82. Also, the passage may be buried by an insulation material within the refrigerating compartment door 82.

When compared to the mounting case and the water tank according to the above-described embodiment, the mounting case and the water tank according to the current embodiment are equal to those of the mounting case and the water tank according to the above-described embodiment except their mounting positions. Thus, since the mounting case and the water tank itself have the same structure, their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Although the water tank is disposed inside the cabinet in the foregoing embodiments, the water tank may be disposed on the door. Also, the ice maker may be disposed on the cabinet or the door.

Also, although water within the water tank is supplied into the ice maker in the foregoing embodiments, the water within the water tank may be supplied into the dispenser. As necessary, the water may be supplied into the ice maker as well as the dispenser by the branched water supply passage.

According to the embodiments, it may prevent water from overflowing or leaking. Also, since the water tank is easily detached and the pimp is easily assembled and fixed, Industrial applicability may be high.

Claims

A refrigerator comprising:

a cabinet defining a storage space that is opened/closed by a door;

an ice maker disposed at a side of the cabinet or the door; and

a water tank detachably disposed at a side of the inside of the refrigerator, the water tank storing water supplied into the ice maker,

wherein the water tank comprises:

a storage member disposed inside the refrigerator to store water;

a cover member opening/closing the storage member;

a water supply part opened in the cover member to supply water into the storage member;

a water supply tube passing through the cover member to extend inside the storage member, the water supply tube supplying water into the ice maker; and

a switching member slidably disposed on the cover member, the switching member selectively shielding the water supply part.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing part shapely coupled to the water supply part to seal the water supply part on the switching member.
The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the sealing part and the water supply part further comprise:

inclined parts selectively contacting each other along movement of the switching member, the inclined parts having inclinations facing each other in a movement direction of the switching member; and

horizontal parts disposed inside the inclined parts, the horizontal parts being parallel to the movement direction of the switching member.
The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the sealing part protrudes downward to restrict withdrawal of the cover member by being hooked on a side of the cover member when the switching member is completely opened.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the water supply part comprises:

an injection hole opened in the cover member;

a water overflow prevention part having a surface recessed inward from the injection hole; and

an inflow hole through which water is introduced into the storage part,

wherein the at least one or more inflow holes are opened in the water overflow prevention part.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the cover member disposed outside the water supply part comprises:

a water collection part recessed downward to collect remaining water; and

a drain hole punched in the water collection part to reintroduce the water within the water collection part into the storage member.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a hook part inserted into a side of the storage member is disposed on an end of the cover member, and

a restriction member selectively coupled to the storage member is disposed on the other end of the cover member.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the switching member contacts a side of the inside of the refrigerator to maintain a closed state in a state where the water tank is mounted.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the switching member is slid in the same direction as a detachment direction of the water tank.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein slide guides for guiding movement of the switching member are disposed on the cover member and the switching member, respectively.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting case in which the water tank is inserted,

wherein the mounting case comprises:

a water tank receiving part in which the water tank is inserted, the water tank receiving part opened in a front side; and

a mounting space part opened in a lateral direction, the mounting space part being shield by an inner wall of the refrigerator to mount the pump therein.
The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein a water tank fixing member hooked to a side of the water tank is disposed inside the water tank receiving part.
The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein a partition wall for partitioning an inner space of the mounting case into the water case receiving part and the mounting space part is disposed in the mounting case,

wherein a connection tube connected to a suction passage disposed in the water tank passes through the partition wall when the water tank is mounted.
The refrigerator according to claim 11, wherein the mounting case is mounted inside the refrigerating compartment.
The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the mounting case is disposed on a refrigerating compartment door for opening/closing the refrigerating compartment.