Refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a main body having a storage compartment, an inner door rotatably coupled with the main body and having a door opening, an outer door rotatably provided in front of the inner door to open and close the door opening, a water dispenser including a water taking space and a lever and supplying water to the water taking space by manual operation of the lever, and an automatic water supply device including a water tank installation space, a water tank sensor sensing whether a water tank is installed in the water tank installation space, a water level sensor sensing a water level of the water tank, and an automatic filling device automatically supplying water to the water tank to fill the water tank with a predetermined amount of water when the water tank is installed in the water tank installation space. The water taking space and the water tank installation space are disposed at the door opening of the inner door to be accessible in a state in which the inner door is closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a refrigerator, specifically a refrigerator with a water dispenser and an automatic water supply device, wherein the water dispenser supplies water by means of a joystick, and the automatic water supply device automatically supplies water to a water tank when a water tank is installed. Background Technology

[0002] A refrigerator is a household appliance that stores food fresh by having a main body with a storage compartment and a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage compartment.

[0003] The refrigerator is also equipped with a water dispenser, which is configured so that users can receive water from the outside of the refrigerator by operating a lever without opening the door.

[0004] The water dispenser requires the user to press a lever to dispense water. Therefore, the user cannot receive a large amount of water at once; when a large amount of water is needed, the user needs to continue pressing the lever until water accumulates in the container. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] Various embodiments of this disclosure disclose a refrigerator with an automatic water supply device that supplies water to a water tank when the tank is installed until the tank is filled with a predetermined amount of water.

[0007] Various embodiments of this disclosure disclose a refrigerator that minimizes the outflow of cold air when approaching an automatic water supply device.

[0008] Various embodiments of this disclosure disclose a refrigerator with an improved automatic water supply device.

[0009] Various embodiments of this disclosure disclose a refrigerator equipped with a water dispenser and an automatic water supply device. The water dispenser is capable of receiving water via the operation of a joystick, and the automatic water supply device supplies water to a water tank when a water tank is installed until a predetermined amount of water is filled into the water tank.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a main body having a storage compartment; an inner door rotatably coupled to the main body; an outer door rotatably disposed in front of the inner door; a water dispenser supplying water based on the operation of a joystick; and an automatic water supply device including a water tank mounting space formed for mounting a water tank and a water level sensor for sensing the water level of the water tank mounted in the water tank mounting space, and supplying water to the water tank to fill the water tank with a predetermined amount of water; wherein the water dispenser and the automatic water supply device are disposed in the inner door so that the water dispenser and the automatic water supply device can be accessed when the outer door is open and the inner door is closed.

[0012] The refrigerator may also include a control valve that directs water received from an external water source to the water dispenser or the automatic water supply device.

[0013] The control valve may include: an inlet connected to an external water source to receive water; a first outlet for supplying water to the water dispenser; and a second outlet for supplying water to the automatic water supply device.

[0014] The control valve can open or close the first flow outlet according to the operation of the lever.

[0015] The control valve can open or close the second outlet according to the water level in the bucket.

[0016] The refrigerator may further include: a tray equipped to receive water overflowing from the bucket; and an overflow sensor to sense the water level in the tray, wherein the control valve opens and closes the second outlet according to the water level in the tray.

[0017] The refrigerator may further include: a water tank, which is equipped with the control lever and the water level sensor, and forms the installation space for the water tank.

[0018] The interior door includes an interior space communicating with the storage room and an interior side of the door forming the interior space, and the water supply box can be installed on the interior side of the door.

[0019] The water supply tank may include a cutout formed behind the water tank mounting space, so that at least one side of the water tank mounted in the water tank mounting space is exposed to the cold air of the storage chamber.

[0020] The water supply tank may include: a valve installation space for installing the control valve.

[0021] The water supply tank includes: a main tank body forming a space for installing the water bucket; and a pair of reinforcing plates that can be attached to the two sides of the main tank body to prevent the main tank body from bending due to shrinkage and deformation.

[0022] The water supply tank includes a tank flange, configured to mount a door basket with a door storage space onto the tank flange.

[0023] The water supply tank may include: a cold air vent formed in the water supply tank to supply cold air from the storage chamber to the water tank installation space.

[0024] The refrigerator may further include: a first light, provided in the water tank to illuminate the control lever; and a second light, provided in the water tank to illuminate the water bucket.

[0025] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a main body having a storage compartment; an inner door rotatably coupled to the main body; an outer door rotatably disposed in front of the inner door; an automatic water supply device including a water tank mounting space formed for mounting a water tank and a water level sensor for sensing the water level of the water tank mounted in the water tank mounting space, and automatically supplying water to the water tank to fill the water tank with a predetermined amount of water; and a control valve for directing water received from an external water source to the automatic water supply device or cutting off the water supply, wherein the automatic water supply device is disposed in the inner door so that it can be accessed when the outer door is open and the inner door is closed.

[0026] The control valve can control the water supply to the bucket according to the water level in the bucket.

[0027] The automatic filling device includes: a bucket sensor to sense whether the bucket is installed in the bucket installation space, and a control valve to control the water supply to the bucket based on whether the bucket is installed or not.

[0028] The refrigerator may further include: a water supply tank, which is equipped with the water level sensor and forms a space for installing the water tank.

[0029] The water supply tank may include a valve mounting space for installing the control valve.

[0030] The water supply tank may include a cutout formed behind the water tank mounting space, so that at least one side of the water tank mounted in the water tank mounting space is exposed to the cold air of the storage chamber.

[0031] Technical effect

[0032] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, it is not necessary to open the interior doors when approaching the water dispenser and automatic water supply device, thereby reducing energy loss.

[0033] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, when a water bucket is installed in or removed from an automatic water supply device, it can be removed towards the front of the inner door, thereby improving usability.

[0034] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the water dispenser and the automatic water supply device can be formed as a single component, thereby improving assemblability, durability, and appearance. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator with its outer door opened according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the interior door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the water supply path of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the outer and inner doors of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the interior door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the flow path structure of the water supply tank of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the water supply unit of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the combined structure of the water supply unit and the inner door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the combined structure of a refrigerator door basket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the water tank of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a side cross-sectional view of an automatic water supply device for a refrigerator with a water tank, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a side cross-sectional view of an automatic water supply device for a refrigerator, which is separate from the water tank, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 14This is a side cross-sectional view of a water dispenser for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the back of the interior door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing the water supply tank of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, indicating the flow of cold air.

[0051] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the front of the interior door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 18 This is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the supply of water to a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator with its outer door open according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator with its outer door open, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator with its outer door open, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator with its outer door open according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The embodiments described in this specification are merely the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all the technical ideas of this disclosure. Therefore, from the perspective of this application, it should be understood that various equivalents or modifications that can replace these are also included within the scope of the claims of this invention.

[0059] Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, singular expressions include plural expressions. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are used to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, without precluding the presence or additional possibilities of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0060] In this specification, ordinal terms such as “first” and “second” are used to distinguish multiple constituent elements from one another, and the ordinal numbers used do not indicate the order of arrangement, manufacturing order or importance of the constituent elements.

[0061] In addition, the terms “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “upper end,” and “lower end” used in the following description are defined based on the accompanying drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited to these terms.

[0062] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator with its outer door opened according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the interior door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the water supply path of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator 1 may include a main body 10, storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 formed inside the main body 10, doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 for opening and closing the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23, and a cold air supply device (not shown) for supplying cold air to the storage compartments 21, 22, and 23.

[0065] The main body 10 may include an inner box 11 forming storage chambers 21, 22, and 23, an outer box 12 formed by combining with the outside of the inner box 11 to form the appearance, and a heat insulation member (not shown) disposed between the inner box 11 and the outer box 12 to insulate the storage chambers 21, 22, and 23.

[0066] Storage rooms 21, 22, and 23 can be divided into multiple units by horizontal partition walls 15 and vertical partition walls 16. Storage rooms 21, 22, and 23 can be divided into upper storage room 21 and lower storage rooms 22 and 23 by horizontal partition walls 15. The lower storage rooms 22 and 23 can be divided into lower left storage room 22 and lower right storage room 23 by vertical partition walls 16.

[0067] The upper storage compartment 21 can be used as a refrigerator compartment, and the lower storage compartments 22 and 23 can be used as freezer compartments. However, the division and use of storage compartments 21, 22, and 23 as described above is only an example and is not limited thereto.

[0068] In addition, unlike this embodiment, the refrigerator can be a side-by-side (SBS) type where the storage compartment is divided into a left and right side by a vertical partition wall, a French door refrigerator (FDR) type where the storage compartment is divided into an upper refrigerator compartment and a lower refrigerator compartment by a horizontal partition wall, or a single-door type with one storage compartment and one door.

[0069] The interior of storage rooms 21, 22, and 23 may be equipped with shelves 26 for placing food and storage containers 27 for storing food.

[0070] The air supply unit can generate cold air by using a cooling cycle of compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation of refrigerant, and supply the generated cold air to storage chambers 21, 22 and 23.

[0071] The upper storage compartment 21 can be opened and closed via a pair of doors 31 and 32. The doors 31 and 32 can be rotatably connected to the main body 10. Either door 31 can be equipped with a pillar 43, which prevents cold air from the storage compartment 21 from flowing out between the doors 31 and 32 when the doors 31 and 32 are closed.

[0072] The lower left storage compartment 22 can be opened and closed via door 33, and door 33 can be rotatably connected to the main body 10. The lower right storage compartment 23 can be opened and closed via door 34, and door 34 can be rotatably connected to the main body 10.

[0073] Doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 may include door baskets 39 and 40 with door storage spaces for storing food. Sealing gaskets may be provided on the back of doors 31, 32, 33, and 34, which are in close contact with the front of the main body 10 to seal storage compartments 21, 22, and 23.

[0074] At least one of doors 31, 32, 33, and 34 can be configured as a double door having an inner door 35 and an outer door 36. As an example, the upper left door 31 may include an inner door 35 and an outer door 36.

[0075] The interior door 35 can be rotatably connected to the main body 10 via hinges. The interior door 35 may have an interior space 56. The interior space 56 may be formed in the central portion of the interior door 35, excluding the edge portions. The interior space 56 may be formed to extend between the front surface and the back surface of the interior door 35. Therefore, when the interior door 35 is closed, the interior space 56 can communicate with the storage room 21.

[0076] Door baskets 39 and 40 can be installed in the interior space 56 of the door.

[0077] A water dispenser 61 may be installed in the interior space 56 of the door. The water dispenser 61 may include a lever 64 for receiving water by operating the water dispenser 61. The user may press the lever 64 using a container such as a cup (not shown). The lever 64 may be movably mounted in the lever mounting portion 110 formed in the water supply tank 100.

[0078] The water dispenser 61 may also include a switch 65. Figure 8 If the lever 64 is pressed, the switch 65 is turned on by means of the lever 64. The water dispenser 61 may include a water dispenser nozzle 66 for dispensing water. Figure 7 The water dispenser nozzle 66 can be installed in the water supply tank 100.

[0079] The water dispenser 61 may include a water dispensing space 62 for arranging a container to receive water dispensed from the water dispenser nozzle 66. The water dispensing space 62 may be recessed in front of the water supply tank 100. However, unlike this embodiment, when the water dispenser nozzle 66 is formed to protrude towards the front of the water supply tank 100, the water dispensing space 62 may not be provided.

[0080] The interior space 56 of the door can be equipped with a bucket installation space 73. Figure 7 The system includes an automatic water supply device 71, wherein the water tank mounting space 73 is capable of mounting a water tank 72, and the automatic water supply device 71 includes a water level sensor 75 for sensing the water level of the water tank 72 when it is mounted in the water tank mounting space 73. The automatic water supply device 71 may include a drain outlet for supplying water to the water tank 72 mounted in the water tank mounting space 73.

[0081] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the discharge port can be implemented as the second flow outlet 83 of the control valve 80. However, unlike this embodiment, the discharge port can be implemented as a separate component different from the second flow outlet 83 of the control valve 80. In this case, the discharge port can be connected to the second flow outlet 83 through a separate flow path.

[0082] When the water bucket 72 is installed in the water bucket installation space 73, the automatic water supply device 71 can automatically supply water to the water bucket 72, so that the water bucket 72 is filled with a predetermined amount of water. That is, the automatic water supply device 71 can perform an automatic filling function. The predetermined amount can be approximately the full water volume of the water bucket 72.

[0083] The bucket mounting space 73 can be recessed in front of the water supply tank 100. The water intake space 62 and the bucket mounting space 73 can communicate with each other. The water supply tank 100 can be installed inside the door space 56.

[0084] The water level sensor 75 can be installed in the water supply tank 100. The outlet can be installed in the water supply tank 100.

[0085] As described above, the joystick 64, switch 65, and water dispenser nozzle 66 of the water dispenser 61 can be installed in or supported by the water supply tank 100, and the water level sensor 75 and outlet of the automatic water supply device 71 can be installed in or supported by the water supply tank 100. Furthermore, the water tank mounting space 73 of the automatic water supply device 71 can be formed by the water supply tank 100.

[0086] Therefore, the water dispenser 61, the automatic water supply device 71, and the water tank 100 can be configured as a single component. In this disclosure, such a component may be referred to as the water supply unit 60.

[0087] The water supply unit 60 can be arranged inside the door space 56 of the interior door 35. Specifically, the water supply tank 100 of the water supply unit 60 can be installed on the inner side 55 of the door forming the interior space 56.

[0088] As described above, when the inner door 35 is closed, the interior space 56 is connected to the storage room 21, so the water supply unit 60 can be cooled by the cold air from the storage room 21. Furthermore, the water intake space 62 and the water tank mounting space 73 can be formed on the front surface of the water supply tank 100. Therefore, with the inner door 35 closed, the water intake space 62 and the water tank mounting space 73 can be accessed.

[0089] The outer door 36 can be configured to open and close the interior space 56 of the inner door 35. A sealing gasket 38 can be provided on the back of the outer door 36 to seal the interior space 56. The sealing gasket 38 can be in close contact with the front surface of the inner door 35 surrounding the interior space 56.

[0090] When the outer door 36 is opened, access to the interior space 56 of the inner door 35 is possible. The outer door 36 can be accessed via hinge 44. Figure 5 The outer door 36 is rotatably coupled to the inner door 35. The outer door 36 can rotate in the same direction as the inner door 35. The outer door 36 can have dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the inner door 35. The outer door 36 can cover the entire area of ​​the inner door 35.

[0091] The outer door 36 may be equipped with a latch 37 for securing to the inner door 35, and the inner door 35 may be equipped with a latch 59 for engaging with the latch 37.

[0092] When the outer door 36 is opened with the latch 37 engaged and the latch 59 engaged, both the outer door 36 and the inner door 35 can be opened together. When the outer door 36 is opened with the latch 37 disengaged and the latch 59 disengaged, only the outer door 36 can be opened and the inner door 35 cannot be opened.

[0093] A decorative panel (not shown) may be detachably attached to the front surface of the outer section 36.

[0094] A top cover 24 may be attached to the upper surface of the main body 10. The top cover 24 may be equipped with hinges 44 and various electrical components arranged on the upper surface of the main body 10. A control panel 25 may be provided on the front surface of the top cover 24 to display various statuses and operating information of the refrigerator 1, or to input various commands for operating the refrigerator 1.

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerator 1 may include a water filter 91 and a water tank 93. The water filter 91 can purify water supplied from an external water source 90. The water tank 93 can store the water purified by the water filter 91. The water tank 93 can be cooled by the cold air of the storage compartment 21.

[0096] An ice maker 28 for producing ice can be installed in the storage compartment 22 of the refrigerator 1. The ice maker 28 can use the cold air in the storage compartment 22 to produce ice.

[0097] The refrigerator 1 may include a water supply path 97 and an ice maker path 96. The water supply path 97 forms a path connecting an external water supply source 90 and a control valve 80 to supply water to a water dispenser 61 and an automatic water supply device 71. The ice maker path 96 connects the external water supply source 90 and an ice maker 28 to supply water to the ice maker 28.

[0098] The ice maker flow path 96 and the water supply flow path 97 are branched at one point. A flow path switching valve 92 can be installed at the branch point to selectively supply water from the external water supply source 90 to the control valve 80 or the ice maker 28. Water from the external water supply source 90 can be supplied to the control valve 80 or the ice maker 28 by means of the water pressure of the external water supply source 90 and the control of the flow path switching valve 92.

[0099] Water supply path 97 can be configured to pass through a water filter 91. Therefore, water from an external water source 90 can be purified by the water filter 91 and supplied to the control valve 80. Water supply path 97 can also be configured to pass through a water tank 93. Therefore, water from an external water source 90 can be cooled in the water tank 93 before being supplied to the control valve 80.

[0100] A water valve 94 may be installed in the water supply path 97. The water valve 94 can regulate the amount of water supplied from the water tank 93 to the control valve 80. A flow sensor 95 may be installed in the water supply path 97 to measure the amount of water supplied to the control valve 80.

[0101] The ice maker flow path 96 can be configured to pass through a water filter 91. Therefore, water from an external water supply source 90 can be purified by passing through the water filter 91 and supplied to the ice maker 28. Even if the water supplied to the ice maker 28 is not cooled in the water tank 93, it will be cooled in the ice maker 28, so the ice maker flow path 96 can bypass the water tank 93.

[0102] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the outer and inner doors of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the interior door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the flow path structure of the water supply tank of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the water supply unit of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the combined structure of the water supply unit and the inner door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the combined structure of a refrigerator door basket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the water tank of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a side cross-sectional view of a refrigerator equipped with an automatic water filling device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a side cross-sectional view of an automatic filling device for a refrigerator that is separate from the water tank, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 This is a side cross-sectional view of a water dispenser for a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 18 This is a control block diagram of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the supply of water to a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Reference Figures 5 to 10 The interior door 35 may include a front panel 51, a rear panel 53, an upper cover 41, and a lower cover 42. A foamed space is formed between the front panel 51, the rear panel 53, the upper cover 41, and the lower cover 42, and a heat-insulating material (not shown) may be arranged in the foamed space. As the heat-insulating material, a polyurethane foamed heat-insulating material can be used. Furthermore, both foamed heat-insulating material and vacuum heat-insulating material can be used together as heat-insulating materials.

[0104] The front panel 51 may form the front and two sides of the interior door 35. The front panel 51 may include a front panel opening 51a other than the edge portion of the front panel 51.

[0105] A latch 59 may be formed on the front panel 51 in such a way that it can engage with the latch 37 of the outer door 36.

[0106] The rear panel 53 may include an interior door space 56 formed in the center of the rear panel 53, excluding the edge portions. The rear panel 53 may include an inner door side 55 forming the interior door space 56. The inner door side 55 may be formed in the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the interior door space 56 in a manner that forms the interior door space 56. However, unlike this embodiment, the inner door side 55 may be formed by the front panel 51, or the front panel 51 and the rear panel 53 may be formed together to form the inner door side 55.

[0107] A first door flange 57 protruding from the inner side 55 toward the interior space 56 of the door can be formed on the inner side 55 of the door in a manner that allows the door basket 39 to be installed. The door basket 39 can be installed on the inner side 55 of the door via the first door flange 57.

[0108] A second door flange 58 can be formed on the inner side 55 of the door, protruding toward the inner space 56 of the door so as to allow the installation of a water tank 100. The water tank 100 can be installed on the inner side 55 of the door via the second door flange 58. A fastening hole 55b can be formed on the inner side 55 of the door so as to allow the fastening member S1 ( Figure 9 It is combined with the water supply unit 60.

[0109] An opening 55a is formed on the inner side 55 of the door for the passage of electrical wires and hoses connected to the water supply unit 60. The water supply path 97, inserted into the inner door 35 via the hinge pin on the upper side of the inner door 35, can pass through the path guide 97a. Figure 6 ) and guided to the water supply tank 100 through port 55a.

[0110] Reference Figure 8 The water supply tank 100 may include a main tank 101, a rear tank 115 connected to the rear of the main tank 101, a tank cover 120 connected to the upper part of the main tank 101, and a tray 125 connected to the lower part of the main tank 101.

[0111] A water intake space 62 and a water bucket mounting space 73 can be formed on the front surface of the main housing 101. The water intake space 62 and the water bucket mounting space 73 can be formed in the left-right direction of each other. The water intake space 62 and the water bucket mounting space 73 can be connected to each other.

[0112] A container support 107 and a bucket support 108 may be formed in the lower part of the main body 101. The container support 107 supports a container that receives water discharged into the water intake space 62, and the bucket support 108 supports a bucket 72 that receives water discharged through the automatic water supply device 71.

[0113] The main housing 101 includes a lever setting part 110 on which the control lever 64 of the water dispenser 61 is mounted. The lever setting part 110 may be equipped with a switch 65 that is turned on or off according to the position of the control lever 64.

[0114] Reinforcing members 111 can be attached to both sides of the main housing 101 to prevent the main housing 101 from shrinking and deforming due to cooling. The reinforcing members 111 can be made of iron plate. The reinforcing members 111 can be arranged vertically on both sides of the main housing 101.

[0115] A valve mounting space 102 can be formed on the upper surface of the main housing 101. Figure 8 A control valve 80 can be installed in the valve mounting space 102, and the control valve 80 is not exposed to the outside by means of a housing cover 120 that is coupled to the upper part of the main housing 101. That is, the valve mounting space 102 can be formed between the main housing 101 and the housing cover 120. The housing cover 120 can be coupled to the upper part of the main housing 101 by fastening components such as screws. For this purpose, a mating hole 123 for fastening components to be coupled can be formed in the housing cover 120.

[0116] The control valve 80 directs water received from an external water source 90 via the water supply path 97 to the water intake space 62 or the water tank 72. The control valve 80 may have a form such as a three-way valve. Specifically, the control valve 80 may include an inlet 81 connected to the water supply path 97 to receive water from the external water source 90, a first outlet 82 supplying water to the water intake space 62, and a second outlet 83 supplying water to the water tank 72. The first outlet 82 and the second outlet 83 may be configured to selectively open and close.

[0117] refer to Figure 7 The water supply path 97, which guides water to the water supply tank 100 via port 55a, can be connected to one end of the first assembly component 84. The other end of the first assembly component 84 and the inlet 81 of the control valve 80 can be connected via a connecting path 98. However, unlike this embodiment, the first assembly component 84 can be omitted, and the water supply path 97 can be directly connected to the inlet 81 of the control valve 80.

[0118] The first outlet 82 of the control valve 80 can be connected via the second connecting flow path 99 to one end of the second assembly component 85 arranged on the upper part of the main housing 101. A water dispenser nozzle 66 can be attached to the other end of the second assembly component 85. Figure 7 The water dispenser nozzle 66 can be detachably coupled to the other end of the second assembly component 85.

[0119] The second outlet 83 can be configured to protrude downwards from the control valve 80. The second outlet 83 can be located within a valve through-hole 103 formed on the upper surface of the main housing 101. Water discharged from the second outlet 83 falls downwards due to gravity and can flow directly into the inlet 147 of the water tank 72 without a separate connecting component. Figure 12 Therefore, as described above, the second outlet 83 can be referred to as the discharge outlet of the automatic water supply device 71.

[0120] The refrigerator 1 may include a bucket sensor 74 that senses whether the bucket 72 is installed in the bucket mounting space 73. When the bucket sensor 74 senses that the bucket 72 is not installed in the bucket mounting space 73, the control valve 80 may be configured to cut off the water supply to the bucket 72. That is, the control valve 80 may be configured to supply water to the bucket 72 only when the bucket 72 is installed in the bucket mounting space 73.

[0121] When the water level sensor 75 senses that a predetermined amount of water has been stored in the water tank 72, the control valve 80 can be configured to cut off the water supply to the water tank 72. Conversely, when the water level sensor 75 senses that the water tank 72 has not stored a predetermined amount of water, the control valve 80 can be configured to supply water to the water tank 72. That is, the control valve 80 can be configured to open or close the second outlet 83 based on the water level inside the water tank 72 sensed by the water level sensor 75.

[0122] When the overflow sensor 76 senses that a predetermined amount of water has been collected in the tray 125, the control valve 80 can be configured to cut off the water supply to the water tank 72.

[0123] When a predetermined signal is input to the lever 64, the control valve 80 can open the first outlet 82 to supply water to the water intake space 62.

[0124] The tray 125 can be mounted on the lower part of the main body 101. The tray 125 can store water overflowing from the bucket 72 installed in the bucket mounting space 73. That is, in the event that too much water is supplied to the bucket 72 and water overflows from the bucket 72, the tray 125 can collect the water overflowing from the bucket 72.

[0125] In the event of water overflowing from bucket 72, the overflowing water can be guided to tray 125 through overflow hole 108a of main body 101.

[0126] The tray 125 may be equipped with an overflow sensor 76 for sensing the water collected in the tray 125. When a predetermined amount of water is sensed to be collected in the tray 125, the overflow sensor 76 can transmit a signal to the control unit 20 to control the control valve 80 to cut off the water supply to the water tank 72.

[0127] A drain outlet 126 may be formed in the tray 125 to drain water collected in the tray 125 to the outside. A plug 127 may be installed in the drain outlet 126 to open and close the drain outlet 126. The plug 127 is configured to close the drain outlet 126 under normal conditions, and if the plug 127 is separated from the drain outlet 126, the water collected in the tray 125 can be drained to the outside.

[0128] A bucket sensor 74 for sensing whether a bucket 72 is installed can be installed on the upper part of the main housing 101. The bucket sensor 74 can be constructed using a Hall sensor. The bucket sensor 74 can sense the magnet 148 installed on the bucket 72. Figure 12 The water tank sensor 74 can be covered by the housing cover 120 and not exposed to the outside.

[0129] The water tank sensor 74 can sense whether the water tank 72 is installed in the water tank mounting space 73 of the water supply tank 100. When the water tank 72 is not installed, the water tank sensor 74 can transmit a signal to the control unit 20 to cut off the water supply to the water tank 72. Accordingly, water supply to the water tank 72 can be prevented when the water tank 72 is not installed correctly.

[0130] As described above, the main housing 101 can be arranged inside the door space 56 of the inner door 35. Specifically, the main housing 101 can be combined with the inner side 55 of the door forming the door space 56. For this purpose, flange grooves 106 can be formed on both sides of the main housing 101. The main housing 101 can be arranged inside the door space 56 of the inner door 35 such that the second door flange 58 of the inner door 35 is inserted into the flange groove 106.

[0131] The main housing 101 can be connected to the inner door 35 by fastening components S1 such as screws, so that the main housing 101 is securely connected to the interior space 56 of the inner door 35. For this purpose, the main housing 101 may be equipped with a connection hole 105 for the fastening component S1 to engage, and a fastening hole 55b may be formed on the inner side 55 of the inner door 35 for fastening the fastening component S1. The main housing 101 may include a connecting bracket 104 protruding upwards, and the connecting bracket 104 may have a connection hole 105 formed therein.

[0132] With the configuration described above, that is, by inserting the second door flange 58 of the inner door 35 into the flange groove 106 of the main housing 101 and then fastening the fastening member S1 to the engagement hole 105 of the main housing 101 and the fastening hole 55b of the inner door 35, the main housing 101 can be engaged with the inner door 35. Conversely, the main housing 101 can be separated from the inner door 35 by separating the fastening member S1 and separating the second door flange 58 from the flange groove 106.

[0133] The water supply tank 100 may include a rear housing 115 that is coupled to the rear of the main housing 101. The rear housing 115 may form the rear appearance of the water supply unit 60. The rear housing 115 may include a cutout 116 formed by cutting into a portion of the rear of the water tank mounting space 73. At least one side of the water tank 72 installed in the water tank mounting space 73 may be exposed through the cutout 116. Therefore, the water tank 72 can be smoothly cooled by the cold air of the storage chamber 21.

[0134] The water level sensor 75 can be arranged between the main body 101 and the rear body 115.

[0135] The water level sensor 75 can be attached to the rear surface of the main housing 101. However, the location of the water level sensor 75 is not limited to this; it can be placed anywhere that can sense the water level in the water tank 72.

[0136] The water level sensor 75 can be configured as a capacitive sensor capable of sensing the water level inside the water tank 72 by sensing the capacitance that changes according to the water level inside the liquid inside the water tank 72. Such a water level sensor 75 can sense the water level inside the water tank 72 even without direct contact with the liquid inside the water tank 72, and therefore can be configured with a relatively simple structure and obtain relatively accurate sensing results.

[0137] The water level sensor 75 needs to be in contact with the water tank 72 to sense the water level inside the water tank 72. For this purpose, the water level sensor 75 may include a sensor bracket 75a fixed to the main housing 101, a sensor part 75b for sensing the water level in the water tank 72, and an elastic member 75c for applying pressure to the sensor part 75b toward the water tank 72.

[0138] With the water tank 72 installed in the water tank mounting space 73, the sensor unit 75b can be arranged to contact the water tank 72. The sensor unit 75b can be configured to move in the front-to-back direction relative to the sensor bracket 75a.

[0139] When the water tank 72 contains a predetermined amount of water, the water level sensor 75 can transmit a signal to the control unit 20 to control the control valve 80 to cut off the water supply to the water tank 72. Conversely, when the water tank 72 contains less than the predetermined amount of water, the water level sensor 75 can transmit a signal to the control unit 20 to control the control valve 80 to supply water to the water tank 72.

[0140] Reference Figure 10 The door baskets 39 and 40 may include the door basket 39 installed on the first door flange 57 of the inner door 35 and the door basket 40 installed on the tank flange 109 of the water supply tank 100.

[0141] Flange grooves 39a are formed on both sides of the door basket 39, and the door basket 39 can be installed in the inner door 35 by inserting the first door flange 57 into the flange groove 39a.

[0142] Flange grooves 40a are formed on both sides of the door basket 40, and the door basket 40 can be installed in the water supply tank 100 by inserting the tank flange 109 of the water supply tank 100 into the flange grooves 40a.

[0143] Reference Figure 11 The water bucket 72 may include a water bucket body 141 for storing water, a water bucket middle cover 142 that is coupled to the upper part of the water bucket body 141, a water bucket upper cover 146 that is coupled to the upper part of the water bucket middle cover 142, a water filter 160 that can hold tea bags, etc., and a water filter ring 150 for easily attaching and detaching the water filter 160 from the water bucket middle cover 142.

[0144] The bucket body 141 can store a predetermined amount of water. The maximum water capacity that can be stored in the bucket body 141 can be referred to as the full water capacity. The bucket body 141 can be made of a transparent material so that the water stored inside can be seen. The bucket body 141 may include a bucket handle 141a, which is formed to allow a user to easily grip the bucket body 141 and to install it in and detach it from the bucket mounting space 73.

[0145] The intermediate cover 142 of the water tank can be coupled to the main body 141 of the water tank by an interference fit. The intermediate cover 142 may include a cover opening 143 for inserting a water filter 160. A ring support portion 144 for accommodating a ring portion 151 of a water filter ring 150 may be formed around the cover opening 143. The intermediate cover 142 may have an open upper surface for easy installation of the water filter 160.

[0146] A sealing component 145 for preventing water stored in the water tank body 141 from leaking out can be provided between the water tank body 141 and the water tank intermediate cover 142. The sealing component 145 can be formed of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0147] The upper cover 146 of the water bucket can be formed to cover the open top of the middle cover 142 of the water bucket. The upper cover 146 of the water bucket may include an inlet 147 for allowing water to flow into the interior of the water bucket body 141. When the water bucket 72 is installed in the water bucket mounting space 73, the inlet 147 may be located at a position corresponding to the valve through-hole 103 formed on the upper surface of the main housing 101 and the second outlet 83 of the control valve 80. Figure 11 ).

[0148] A magnet 148 can be arranged on the upper cover 146 of the water bucket. When the water bucket 72 is installed in the water bucket installation space 73, the magnet 148 can be arranged at the position corresponding to the water bucket sensor 74.

[0149] The water filter 160 may include a filter screen portion 161 formed in a manner capable of holding a tea bag or the like. The filter screen portion 161 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Through holes 162 may be formed in the filter screen portion 161 to allow water to pass through it. At the upper end of the filter screen portion 161, an edge 163 may be formed that protrudes radially outward.

[0150] The filter ring 150 may include a ring portion 151 having a ring opening 152 for inserting a filter 160 and a ring handle 153 protruding from the ring portion 151. If the filter 160 is inserted into the ring opening 152 of the filter ring 150 in a top-down direction, the lower surface of the edge 163 of the filter 160 may be positioned on the upper surface of the ring portion 151.

[0151] The water filter 160 can be installed in the water tank 72 by grasping the ring handle 153 of the water filter ring 150 with the water filter ring 160 in place, and placing the lower part of the ring 151 of the water filter ring 150 under the ring support part 144 of the middle cover 142 of the water tank. When separating the water filter 160 from the water tank 72, it can also be easily separated by grasping the ring handle 153 of the water filter ring 150.

[0152] In addition, the automatic water supply device 71 can be controlled to supply water to the water tank 72 based on the opening and closing of the outer door 36. That is, the automatic water supply device 71 can be controlled to supply water to the water tank 72 only when the outer door 36 is closed, and not to supply water to the water tank 72 when the outer door 36 is open.

[0153] During water supply with the external door 36 closed, water supply may stop when the external door 36 is opened. If the external door 36 is closed again after the water supply has stopped, water supply can resume until the water tank 72 is filled with the predetermined amount of water.

[0154] Furthermore, after the water tank 72 has been filled with a predetermined amount of water, and before the water tank 72 is separated from the water tank mounting space 73, the automatic water supply device 71 may stop supplying water to the water tank 72. This is because the likelihood of the water in the water tank 72 decreasing is small when the water tank 72 remains installed in the water tank mounting space 73.

[0155] Furthermore, the automatic water supply device 71 can be controlled to operate or not operate via the aforementioned control panel 25. That is, the control panel 25 may be equipped with an on button (not shown) for turning on the automatic water supply device 71 upon receiving a user's command, and an off button (not shown) for turning off the automatic water supply device 71 upon receiving a user's command.

[0156] If the user touches the on button to turn on the automatic water supply device 71, the operation of the automatic water supply device 71 as described above can be performed.

[0157] If the user touches the off button to turn off the automatic water supply device 71, then even if the water tank 72 is installed in the automatic water supply device 71, the automatic water supply device 71 will not supply water to the water tank 72.

[0158] Furthermore, the automatic water supply device 71 is not controlled to supply water to the water tank 72 (automatic filling) until the water tank 72 is filled with a predetermined amount of water, but can also be controlled to supply a predetermined amount of water to the water tank 72 regardless of the water level in the water tank 72 (quantitative supply). In this case, in addition to the aforementioned on and off buttons, the control panel 25 may also be equipped with a separate quantitative supply button (not shown).

[0159] If the user touches the metered supply button (not shown) to activate the metered supply function, the automatic water supply device 71 can supply a predetermined amount of water to the water tank 72 regardless of the water level in the water tank 72.

[0160] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of the back of the interior door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 This is a cross-sectional view showing the water supply tank of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, indicating the flow of cold air. Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the front of the interior door of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] Reference Figures 15 to 17 The water supply tank 100 may include cold air vents formed in the water supply tank 100 to allow the cold air from the storage chamber 21 to be smoothly supplied to the water intake space 62 and the water bucket installation space 73 formed in front of the water supply tank 100.

[0162] The air vents may include a first air vent 121 formed on the housing cover 120 and a second air vent 112 formed on the main housing 101.

[0163] The cold air flowing into the internal space 122 between the cover 120 and the main body 101 through the first cold air vent 121 can be guided to the water intake space 62 and the water bucket installation space 73 through the second cold air vent 112.

[0164] The air vent may include a third air vent 117 formed between the housing cover 120 and the rear housing 115. The air flowing into the internal space 122 between the housing cover 120 and the main housing 101 through the third air vent 117 may be guided to the water intake space 62 and the water tank installation space 73 through the second air vent 112.

[0165] The cold air from the storage compartment 21 is supplied smoothly to the water intake space 62 and the water tank installation space 73 through such cold air vents, thereby effectively cooling the water tank 72 installed in the water tank installation space 73.

[0166] Lights 131 and 132 may be installed in the water supply tank 100. The first light 131 may be installed on the upper side of the water intake space 62 to illuminate the control lever 64. The second light 132 may be installed on the side of the water tank installation space 73 to illuminate the water tank 72. The first light 131 and the second light 132 may be configured to be turned on and off in conjunction with the opening and closing of the external door 36.

[0167] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure with its outer door open. Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure with its outer door open. Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure with its outer door open. Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating a refrigerator 500 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure with its outer door open.

[0168] Hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be used for the same configuration as in the embodiments described above, and descriptions may be omitted.

[0169] like Figure 20 As shown, in the refrigerator of the aforementioned embodiment, the water dispenser can also be omitted. In this case, the control valve can be configured as a two-way valve instead of a three-way valve, and the flow path that guides water from the water supply path to the water dispenser can be omitted.

[0170] like Figure 21 As shown, in one of the aforementioned embodiments, the positions of the water dispenser and the automatic water supply device in the refrigerator can be interchanged.

[0171] like Figure 22 and Figure 23As shown, in the aforementioned embodiment of the refrigerator, the water dispenser and automatic water supply device can be arranged vertically, rather than horizontally. The automatic water supply device can be arranged above the water dispenser, or conversely, the water dispenser can be arranged above the automatic water supply device. In this case, the automatic water supply device and the door protection device arranged above the water dispenser in the aforementioned embodiment of the refrigerator can be omitted.

[0172] exist Figures 20 to 23 In the embodiments, the internal structure of water supply tanks 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d can be appropriately omitted or changed depending on whether the water dispenser is omitted or not, and the location of the water dispenser and the automatic water supply device.

[0173] The technical concept of this disclosure as described above has been illustrated through specific embodiments, but the scope of the invention is not limited to such embodiments. Various embodiments that can be modified or varied by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the technical concept expressed in the claims also fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: The main body includes a storage room; The inner door is rotatably coupled to the main body; The outer door is rotatably mounted in front of the inner door; A water dispenser, located in the interior, supplies water via nozzles based on the operation of a joystick; An automatic water supply device is provided in the inner part, including a water tank installation space formed for installing a water tank, a water level sensor for sensing the water level of the water tank installed in the water tank installation space, and a drain outlet for supplying water to the water tank installed in the water tank installation space, and supplying water to the water tank through the drain outlet to fill the water tank with a predetermined amount of water. as well as The water supply tank is equipped with the control lever and the water level sensor, and forms the installation space for the water bucket. With the outer door open and the inner door closed, the control lever and the water bucket mounting space are exposed to the front of the inner door, allowing both the process of supplying water by operating the control lever and the process of approaching the water bucket in the water bucket mounting space to achieve this state. The interior door includes an interior space communicating with the storage room and an interior side of the door forming the interior space. The water tank can be installed on the inner side of the door, and the water tank includes a cutout formed behind the water tank installation space to expose at least one side of the water tank installed in the water tank installation space to the cold air of the storage room.

2. The refrigerator as described in claim 1, further comprising: The control valve directs water received from an external water source to the water dispenser or the automatic water supply device.

3. The refrigerator as described in claim 2, wherein, The control valve includes: The inlet is connected to an external water supply source to receive water. The first outlet supplies water to the water dispenser; and The second outlet supplies water to the automatic water supply device.

4. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, wherein, The control valve opens and closes the first flow outlet according to the operation of the lever.

5. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, wherein, The control valve opens and closes the second outlet according to the water level in the bucket.

6. The refrigerator as described in claim 3, further comprising: A tray, equipped to receive water overflowing from the bucket; as well as An overflow sensor detects the water level in the tray. The control valve opens and closes the second outlet according to the water level in the tray.

7. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The water supply tank includes a valve mounting space for installing the control valve.

8. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The water supply tank includes: The main housing forms the space for installing the water bucket; and A pair of reinforcing plates can be attached to both sides of the main housing to prevent the main housing from bending due to shrinkage deformation.

9. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The water supply tank includes a tank flange, configured to mount a door basket with a door storage space onto the tank flange.

10. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The water supply tank includes a cold air vent formed in the water supply tank to supply cold air from the storage chamber to the water tank installation space.

11. The refrigerator as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A first light is provided in the water supply tank to illuminate the control lever; A second light is provided on the water supply tank to illuminate the water bucket.

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