Refrigerator

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to a refrigerator, characterized by including: a cabinet forming a storage space; a door opening and closing the storage space; a grill forming a back of the storage space and formed with a discharge outlet discharging cold air; an ice maker disposed in front of the discharge outlet to make ice; and a top cover disposed between the ice maker and a top surface of the storage space; a cover flow path is formed in the top cover, the cover flow path is open in a front-rear direction above the ice maker, and guides a portion of the cold air discharged from the discharge outlet to the front of the ice maker.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to refrigerators. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a refrigerator is a household appliance that can store food at low temperatures in the storage space inside the refrigerator door. It is configured to use cold air generated by heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle to cool the interior of the storage space, thereby preserving the stored food in optimal condition.

[0003] With changes in dietary habits and the trend towards higher-end products, refrigerators, as mentioned above, are gradually becoming larger and more multifunctional. Currently, refrigerators with various structures and convenient features designed with user convenience in mind are constantly emerging.

[0004] In particular, in recent years, there has been a type of refrigerator with an automatic ice maker that can automatically make and store ice.

[0005] As a representative example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2010-013724 discloses a structure in which an ice maker is installed in a freezer, ice is made using automatically supplied water, and then the ice falls downwards and is stored.

[0006] However, refrigerators with the structure described above may obstruct the outlet for emitting cold air depending on the configuration of the ice maker, thus creating a problem where cold air cannot be supplied to the front of the ice maker.

[0007] Therefore, there is a problem with the overall cold air circulation and supply in the storage space. In particular, when there are storage components in the space in front of the ice maker, there is a problem with the cold air supply being uneven, resulting in reduced storage performance. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a refrigerator that improves the circulation of cold air inside the freezer compartment while satisfying the cooling performance of an ice maker.

[0010] The purpose of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can bypass the ice maker to supply cold air to a storage component in front of the ice maker.

[0011] The purpose of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can effectively cool the interior of the refrigerator while simultaneously cooling the ice maker using a single cold air outlet.

[0012] The purpose of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that prevents cold air from penetrating to the bottom of the refrigerator compartment.

[0013] Technical solutions to the problem

[0014] The refrigerator of an embodiment of the present invention may include: a cabinet forming a storage space; a door for opening and closing the storage space; a grille forming the back of the storage space and having an outlet for discharging cold air; an ice maker disposed in front of the outlet for making ice; and a top cover disposed between the ice maker and the top surface of the storage space; a cover flow path is formed on the top cover, the cover flow path opening in a front-back direction above the ice maker to guide a portion of the cold air discharged from the outlet towards the front of the ice maker.

[0015] The ice maker may include: an ice tray having a plurality of units for holding water and making ice; and a housing having the exterior of the ice maker and housing the ice tray; and an ice maker inlet having an ice maker inlet formed on the side of the housing facing the outlet for allowing cold air to flow into the interior of the housing.

[0016] The top cover can cover at least a portion of the top surface of the opening of the housing, and a cover flow path inlet can be formed on the side of the top cover facing the outlet for cold air to flow into the inner side of the cover flow path.

[0017] A guide pipe can be provided between the ice maker and the outlet to guide the cold air discharged from the outlet to the ice maker and the top cover. The guide pipe is internally branched vertically, and the branched outlets of the guide pipe open toward the cover flow path and the ice maker inlet, respectively.

[0018] The outlet can be partially blocked by a guide pipe, while the remaining portion can extend to the side of the ice maker and be exposed into the storage space.

[0019] The guide pipe may include: a pipe body with openings on the front and back; and a pipe divider that divides the internal space of the pipe body vertically to form an upper flow path and a lower flow path; the outlet of the upper flow path is formed facing the inlet of the upper flow path; and the outlet of the lower flow path is formed facing the inlet of the ice maker.

[0020] The upper flow path may have a plurality of upper grilles that guide the cold air discharged from the outlet toward the cover flow path, and the lower flow path may have a plurality of lower grilles that guide the cold air discharged from the outlet toward the interior of the ice maker, wherein the upper grilles and lower grilles are inclined in different directions from each other.

[0021] The guide conduit may further include: a conduit edge extending outward from the rear end of the conduit body and supported on the front of the grid disc; and an insertion portion formed by cutting off one end of the conduit edge for insertion into a portion of the outlet having a protruding shape.

[0022] The top surface of the storage space can form an upwardly recessed space, and at least a portion of the top cover is accommodated within the recessed space.

[0023] The top cover may include: side ribs extending in a front-rear direction on the top surface of the top cover, a pair of side ribs spaced apart from each other; and a pipe cover connecting the upper ends of the pair of side ribs; the top surface of the top cover, the side ribs, and the pipe cover define the cover flow path.

[0024] The pipe cover can be formed of a plate-shaped insulating material.

[0025] It can be configured such that the distance between the side ribs increases as they approach the outlet side of the cover flow path.

[0026] A plurality of ejection grilles protruding from the top surface of the top cover may be formed in front of the outlet of the cover flow path, the ejection grilles being formed obliquely in a manner that intersects the extending direction of the cover flow path.

[0027] The top cover may have a discharge guide that extends from the front end of the side rib to the discharge grille and is formed at an angle downward.

[0028] A door frame can be provided on the back of the door, and the outlet of the cover flow path opens toward the door frame.

[0029] Invention Effects

[0030] The refrigerator according to the proposed embodiment can be expected to have the following effects.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerator has a top cover attached to the ice maker, so that cold air discharged from the rear outlet can bypass the ice maker from above and be discharged to the front of the ice maker.

[0032] Therefore, even in a structure where the outlet of the ice maker is blocked from the front, cold air can still be supplied smoothly to the front of the ice maker.

[0033] In particular, when a door frame is provided on the freezer door, the air passing through the ice maker can be directed toward the door frame, thereby improving the cooling performance of the door frame.

[0034] By allowing cold air to be expelled towards the front of the ice maker, cold air can be supplied to the entire freezer compartment, maintaining a uniform temperature throughout the freezer compartment and achieving overall circulation of cold air, thereby ensuring cooling performance.

[0035] In addition, a guide pipe is provided between the outlet of the grille and the ice maker, and the cold air discharged from the outlet can be supplied to the cover flow path and the ice maker respectively through the upper flow path and the lower flow path branch of the guide pipe.

[0036] The cold air that passes through the upper flow path and the cover flow path and bypasses the ice maker cools the back of the freezer door and the door frame. The cold air that passes through the lower flow path and the ice maker flow path is supplied to the ice maker, thereby enabling efficient ice making in the ice maker.

[0037] That is, by configuring the ice maker, ice making and cooling in front of the ice maker can be achieved simultaneously, thereby ensuring both ice making performance and cooling performance.

[0038] In addition, a discharge grille is provided at the outlet of the cover flow path, which enables the concentrated supply of cold air to a specific location in the space in front of the ice maker, such as a door frame, thereby achieving cooling performance with a smaller flow rate of cold air.

[0039] Furthermore, an inlet guide and an outlet guide can be formed adjacent to the inlet and outlet of the cover flow path. Therefore, by making the inflow of cold air from the guide pipe smooth and the outflow of cold air from the cover flow path smooth, the flow of cold air can be made smooth.

[0040] Furthermore, by having the cover flow path have a structure in which a heat insulation plate is attached to the upper end of a pair of side ribs integrally formed with the top cover, the top cover can be easily formed, and the cover flow path can be easily formed.

[0041] On the other hand, the cover flow path is positioned above the ice maker, and the partition of the ice maker is recessed upwards, which may locally reduce the thickness of the partition. However, the top surface of the cover flow path is formed by a heat insulation plate, thereby preventing the top surface of the partition, i.e. the bottom of the refrigerator compartment, from cooling down due to the cold air passing through the cover flow path.

[0042] Therefore, even with the ice maker configured and the lid flow path formed, the temperature of the bottom surface of the refrigerator compartment can be prevented from decreasing, maintaining insulation performance. Furthermore, with a storage section formed on the partition, sufficient insulation performance can also be ensured. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the refrigerator with the door open.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a front view of the lower part of the refrigerator.

[0046] Figure 4This is a front view showing the interior of the lower storage space of the refrigerator.

[0047] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the grille and guide pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 6 This is a rear view of the guide pipe.

[0049] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of an ice-making apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 8 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the ice-making device.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a side view of the ice maker and top cover combined according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the mounting cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the ice maker and its top cover combined.

[0054] Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of the top cover.

[0055] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the top cover.

[0056] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of cold air inside the freezer compartment.

[0057] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 An enlarged view of part A.

[0058] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 An enlarged view of part B. Detailed Implementation

[0059] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and other backward inventions or other embodiments within the scope of the present invention can be easily obtained by adding, changing, or deleting other constituent elements.

[0060] Before proceeding with the explanation, let's define the direction. In embodiments of the present invention, the direction can be... Figure 1 The direction of the door is defined as the front, the direction towards the refrigerator body is defined as the rear, the direction towards the ground where the refrigerator is located is defined as the bottom, and the direction away from the ground is defined as the top.

[0061] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the refrigerator with the door open. Furthermore, Figure 3 This is a front view of the lower part of the refrigerator.

[0062] As shown in the figure, the refrigerator 1 of an embodiment of the present invention may include: a cabinet 10 forming a storage space; and a door 20 installed on the front of the opening of the cabinet 10 to open and close the storage space.

[0063] The housing 10 may include: an outer shell 101 forming the exterior; an inner shell 102 forming the storage space; and heat insulation material ( Figure 14 103), which is filled between the outer shell 101 and the inner shell 102.

[0064] The housing 10 may include a partition 11, which can divide the storage space vertically. Therefore, the storage space can be divided into an upper storage space 12 and a lower storage space 13. For example, since the upper storage space 12 is easily accessible to the user, it can be used as a frequently used refrigerator compartment, and the lower storage space 13 can be used as a freezer compartment. Therefore, the upper storage space 12 can be referred to as the refrigerator compartment 12, and the lower storage space 13 as the freezer compartment 13.

[0065] The door 20 may include: an upper door 21 that covers the upper storage space 12; and a lower door 22 that covers the lower storage space 13. The upper door 21 may be referred to as the refrigerator door 21, and the lower door 22 may be referred to as the freezer door 22.

[0066] The upper section 21 can be configured as a pair, and the upper storage space 12 can be opened and closed by rotation. The upper section 21 can be configured as French type, and the upper storage space 12 can be partially opened and closed respectively.

[0067] Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the upper part 21 can also be configured as a double door as needed, the double door consisting of a main door with an opening and a secondary door rotatably disposed in front of the main door and opening and closing the opening.

[0068] A basket or a door storage component 211 with a separate storage space may also be provided on the back side of the upper part 21, that is, on the side facing the refrigerator compartment 12.

[0069] The lower section 22, like the upper section 21, may have a pair of doors on the left and right sides for opening and closing the lower storage space 13. Alternatively, the lower section 22 may be referred to as the freezer door 22.

[0070] Furthermore, a door basket 221 may be provided on the back side of the lower section 22, i.e., the side facing the freezer compartment 13. A plurality of door baskets 221 may also be arranged vertically spaced apart. Furthermore, the door baskets 221 may be provided in a detachable manner. Alternatively, the door baskets 221 may have a structure that allows them to be stored using the shape of the back side of the lower section 22, rather than a detachable form.

[0071] The refrigerator compartment 12 may be equipped with refrigerator compartment storage components 121, such as drawers and shelves. Multiple refrigerator compartment storage components 121 may be arranged vertically or side by side on the left and right sides.

[0072] A recessed storage portion 111 may also be formed on the bottom surface of the refrigerator compartment 12. The storage portion 111 may be formed to be recessed downward from the top surface of the partition 11, and a storage space may be formed in the space recessed by the storage portion 111, i.e., the recessed area of ​​the partition 11. The storage portion 111 may be recessed, and the depth of the recess may be such that the bottom surface of the partition 11 corresponding to the position of the storage portion 11 does not protrude downward.

[0073] Furthermore, the storage section 111 can be located at the front end of the bottom surface of the refrigerator compartment 12, positioned further forward than the refrigerator compartment storage member 121 located at the rear, thereby forming a position that is not obstructed by the refrigerator compartment storage member 121 and is easily accessible to the user. Additionally, the storage section 111 may also be provided with a storage section cover 112 on its top surface, capable of opening and closing the opening of the storage section 111.

[0074] A freezer compartment storage member 131 may be provided inside the freezer compartment 13. As an example, the freezer compartment storage member 131 may be configured as a drawer that can be pulled out and in, and multiple such drawers may be arranged vertically. Through the pull-out and inlet structure of the freezer compartment storage member 131, food can be easily stored inside the freezer compartment 13 located below.

[0075] The freezer compartment 13 may be provided with a freezer compartment partition 14 that divides the freezer compartment 13 from left to right. The freezer compartment partition 14 may be disposed in the center of the freezer compartment 13 in the lateral direction and may extend from the bottom surface of the partition 11 to the bottom of the freezer compartment 13. In addition, each space divided by the partition 11 can be opened and closed by a pair of freezer compartment doors 22.

[0076] An ice maker 30 is installed inside the freezer compartment 13. The ice maker 30 can be disposed on the top surface of the freezer compartment 13 and can be exposed to the front when the freezer compartment door 22 is open. The ice maker 30 can be disposed only in space 13a of one of the divided left and right spaces 13a and 13b in the freezer compartment 13.

[0077] The ice maker 30 can be configured to automatically supply water, make ice, and transfer ice, and can be referred to as an automatic ice maker. Furthermore, an ice box 60 can be provided below the ice maker 30. The ice box 60 can be shaped like a basket where ice made in the ice maker 30 falls and is stored. Additionally, the ice box 60 can be placed in the freezer compartment storage member 131 and can be brought out and brought in together with the freezer compartment storage member 131.

[0078] The ice maker 30 can make ice using cold air supplied to the interior of the freezer compartment 13. Therefore, the ice maker 30 can have a configuration structure that facilitates the supply of cold air. Furthermore, the interior of the freezer compartment 13 can have a structure that facilitates the supply of cold air to the ice maker 30 while simultaneously ensuring a smooth supply of cold air to the interior of the freezer compartment 13.

[0079] As an example, the ice maker 30 can be configured with the shorter side facing the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the front with the freezer door 22 open and the ice maker 30 installed, a portion of the discharge port 153 protrudes to the side. Therefore, cold air discharged from the discharge port 153 can be supplied to the ice maker 30 and simultaneously to the interior of the freezer compartment 13.

[0080] Furthermore, the discharge grille 423, which serves as the outlet of the cover flow path 420 (described later), can be exposed above the front of the ice maker 30 and can supply cold air to the freezer door 22 and door frame 221.

[0081] The internal structure of the freezer compartment 13 will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] Figure 4 This is a front view showing the interior of the lower storage space of the refrigerator. Furthermore, Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the grille and guide pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 6 This is a rear view of the guide pipe.

[0083] As shown in the figure, the freezer compartment 13 can be formed by the inner shell 102. Furthermore, at least a portion of the back side of the freezer compartment 13 can be formed by a grid plate 15.

[0084] The grille 15 can be formed in the shape of a plate, which can shield the evaporator 16 disposed at the rear. That is, the grille 15 can divide the space of the freezer compartment 13 formed by the inner shell 102 in the front-to-back direction, and can form a space that can accommodate the evaporator 16.

[0085] The freezer compartment 13 space in front of the grille plate 15 can be divided into a left space 13a and a right space 13b by the freezer compartment partition 14. At this time, the left space 13a and the right space 13b can also be connected through the space behind the grille plate 15 to allow for airflow. Of course, the left space 13a and the right space 13b can also have a structure that allows for independent temperature adjustment, as needed.

[0086] A blower fan 17 can be provided above the evaporator 16. That is, driven by the blower fan 17, the cold air generated in the evaporator 16 can be supplied to the freezer compartment 13. The blower fan 17 can be housed inside the fan guide 171, which can effectively guide the intake and exhaust of the cold air from the evaporator 16 when the blower fan 17 rotates. The blower fan 17 and the fan guide 171 can be arranged in the center of the grille 15 and can be configured to supply cold air to the left space 13a and the right space 13b respectively.

[0087] The grille plate 15 may have an intake port 151 and an exhaust port 153. Cold air is discharged into the freezer chamber 13 through the exhaust port 153, and air inside the freezer chamber 13 is drawn into the evaporator 16 through the intake port 151.

[0088] In detail, the dispensing outlet 153 may be located at the upper end or near the upper part of the grid disk 15. A plurality of dispensing outlets 153 may be provided, and they may be formed elongated in the transverse direction. In particular, at least a portion of the dispensing outlets 153 may also be located facing the ice maker 30.

[0089] As an example, the outlet 153 may be located behind the ice maker 30. Furthermore, when viewed from the front, a portion of the outlet 153 may be obscured by the ice maker 30, while the remaining portion may protrude laterally and be exposed beyond the ice maker 30.

[0090] A central outlet 152 may be formed approximately at the midpoint of the vertical height of the grid plate 15. The central outlet 152 may be located higher than the upper end of the evaporator 16 and lower than the ice maker 30. Therefore, it can primarily cool the area where the freezer compartment housing member 131 is disposed. The central outlet 152 may also be disposed in the left side space 13a and the right side space 13b respectively, and may also be disposed approximately at the midpoint with respect to the left and right sides.

[0091] An intake port 151 may be formed at the lower end of the grille 15. The intake port 151 may be located at or below the evaporator 16, and may be configured as a channel for drawing in air from the interior of the freezer compartment 13. The intake port 151 may also be respectively disposed in the left space 13a and the right space 13b, or may be disposed approximately in the middle with reference to the left and right sides.

[0092] Furthermore, although not illustrated in detail, a flow guiding structure for the flow of cold air generated in the evaporator 16 and the distribution of cold air to the left and right spaces can also be formed behind the grille disk 15.

[0093] On the other hand, a guide pipe 18 may be provided between the outlet 153 and the ice maker 30. The guide pipe 18 is used to supply a portion of the cold air discharged from the outlet 153 to the ice maker 30, forming a cold air flow channel from the outlet 153 to the ice maker 30.

[0094] The guide pipe 18 can be fixedly installed on the outlet 153. For this purpose, the outlet 153 can be formed by protruding forward from the grid plate 15 and is formed on the protruding front side.

[0095] The rear end of the guide pipe 18 can be fixed to the grid plate 15, and the front end of the guide pipe 18 can be adjacent to the ice maker 30 and the top cover 40. Of course, the front end of the guide pipe 18 can also be combined with or connected to the ice maker 30 and the top cover 40 to achieve airtightness.

[0096] The guiding conduit 18 may include a conduit body 181 that is generally open to both the front and back. The conduit body 181 may form a flow path 185 for guiding the cold air discharged from the outlet 153. Specifically, the internal space of the conduit body 181 may be divided vertically by a conduit divider 182. The upper space divided by the conduit divider 182 may form an upper flow path 183, and the lower space divided by the conduit divider 182 may form a lower flow path 184. That is, the open front of the conduit body 181 may form vertically branched flow paths.

[0097] The upper flow path 183 can guide cold air to the cover flow path 420, and the open front of the upper flow path 183 can be configured to face the inlet 420a of the cover flow path. Therefore, a portion of the cold air discharged from the outlet 153 can be supplied to the cover flow path 420 via the upper flow path 183.

[0098] The downflow path 184 can guide cold air to the ice maker 30, and the open front of the downflow path 184 can be configured to face the ice maker inlet 315. Therefore, a portion of the cold air discharged from the outlet 153 can be supplied to the ice maker 30 via the downflow path 184.

[0099] On the other hand, the main body of the pipe 181 can be configured to gradually widen in width as it extends from rear to front. That is, the cold air discharged from the outlet 153 can be evenly supplied to the cover flow path 420 and the entire inner side of the ice maker 30.

[0100] Furthermore, an upper grille 183a may be formed on the open front side of the upper flow path 183, dividing the open front side of the upper flow path 183 into a plurality of spaces. The upper grille 183a may extend vertically, and the plurality of upper grilles 183a may be arranged at predetermined intervals. In addition, at least a portion of the upper grille 183a may be arranged obliquely, thereby guiding the cold air expelled from the upper flow path 183 toward the cover flow path 420. At least a portion of the upper grille 183a may extend elongated along the inner side of the upper flow path 183 in the front-rear direction, and may be formed obliquely toward the cover flow path inlet 420a as it approaches the front.

[0101] On the other hand, a lower grille 184a may be formed on the open front side of the downflow passage 184, dividing the open front side of the downflow passage 184 into a plurality of spaces. The lower grille 184a may extend vertically, and the plurality of lower grilles 184a may be arranged at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, at least a portion of the lower grilles 184a may be arranged obliquely, thereby guiding the cold air expelled from the downflow passage 184 toward the ice maker inlet 315. At least a portion of the lower grilles 184a may extend elongated along the inner side of the downflow passage 184 in the front-rear direction, and may be formed obliquely toward the ice maker inlet 315 as it approaches the front.

[0102] At this time, the upper grille 183a and the lower grille 184a can extend obliquely in different directions and can also be formed with different slopes. That is, the upper grille 183a and the lower grille 184a can be used to effectively guide cold air to the cover flow path inlet 420a and the ice maker inlet 315, which have openings of different sizes at different locations.

[0103] On the other hand, the guide pipe 18 may include a pipe edge 187. The pipe edge 187 is used to fix the guide pipe 18 to the grid plate 15 and can extend outward from the rear end of the pipe body 181. Therefore, when the guide pipe 18 is installed on the grid plate 15, the pipe edge 187 is in close contact with the front side of the grid plate 15, so that the guide pipe 18 is stably installed.

[0104] Furthermore, an insertion portion 186 may be formed at one end of the pipe edge 187 and the pipe body 181. The insertion portion 186 may be open to allow a portion of the discharge port 153 to be inserted into the inside of the guide pipe 18. Specifically, the vertical width of the open rear end of the pipe body 181 is formed to correspond to the vertical width of the discharge port 153, so that the discharge port 153 can be inserted through the open back end of the pipe body 181. In addition, one of the left and right sides of the pipe body 181 and the pipe edge 187 is open, so that a portion of the discharge port 153, whose lateral length is longer than that of the guide pipe 18, can be exposed to the outside. At this time, the opposite side of the insertion portion 186 on the left and right sides of the pipe body 181 supports one side of the discharge port 153.

[0105] As described above, the discharge port 153 can be inserted into the open back of the guide pipe 18. In this case, the insertion part 186 accommodates a portion of the discharge port 153, and the pipe edge 187 is in close contact with the front of the grid plate 15, so that the guide pipe 18 can maintain a stable installation state. In addition, only a portion of the cold air discharged from the discharge port 153 into the freezer compartment 13 can be supplied to the ice maker 30 side via the guide pipe 18.

[0106] The ice-making device 2 installed in the freezer compartment 13 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0107] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of an ice-making apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 8 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the ice-making apparatus. Furthermore, Figure 9 This is a side view of the ice maker and top cover combined according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] As shown in the figure, the ice-making device 2 includes the ice maker 30, and may also include components for the operation and installation of the ice maker 30.

[0109] As an example, the ice-making device 2 may include: the ice maker 30 for making ice; and a top cover 40 for covering the top surface of the ice maker 30. Furthermore, the ice-making device 2 may also include a mounting cover 50, which engages with the top cover 40 to mount the ice maker 30 onto the partition 11.

[0110] The ice maker 30 is used to receive the supplied water, make ice, and then move the ice downwards. It can be an automatic ice maker that automatically completes the process of water supply, ice making, and ice moving.

[0111] The ice maker 30 may include: a housing 31 forming the exterior; an ice tray 35 disposed inside the housing 31, forming a plurality of units C for containing water and making ice; and a drive device 32 for rotating the ice tray 35. Furthermore, the ice maker 30 may also include a pusher 36 for separating the made ice from the ice tray 35.

[0112] When viewed in more detail, the various components of the ice maker 30 are revealed that the housing 31 is made of plastic material, which, while forming the exterior of the ice maker 30, also creates an interior space capable of accommodating the ice tray 35.

[0113] The housing 31 may include: a top surface 311 forming a top surface; and a peripheral surface 312 extending downward along the periphery of the top surface 311. The pusher 36 can move up and down on the top surface 311 and push the ice inside the unit C to achieve ice transfer. In addition, the ice tray 35 and the drive device 32 can be disposed inside the peripheral surface 312 of the housing.

[0114] The top surface 311 of the housing can form a surface intersecting the peripheral surface 312 of the housing, and can extend further outward than the peripheral surface 312. Furthermore, the periphery of the top surface 311 can engage with the plate edge 411 of the top cover 40. That is, the top surface 311 of the housing can be shielded by the top cover 40.

[0115] Furthermore, an upper tray 34 forming the upper part of the ice tray 35 can be fixedly installed on the top surface 311 of the housing. The upper tray 34 can form the upper part of the unit C. As an example, the unit C can be formed into a spherical shape to produce spherical ice, and a plurality of hemispherical grooves opening downwards can be formed on the bottom surface of the upper tray 34.

[0116] Furthermore, a tray hole 342a may be provided at the upper end of the upper tray 34. The tray hole 342a may extend upward and protrude through the top surface 311 of the housing. The ejector 36 may enter and exit through the tray hole 342a to push and discharge the ice produced in the unit C.

[0117] At least one of the tray holes 342a can be connected to a water supply component 39 to form a channel for supplying water for ice making to the plurality of units C. The water supply component 39 can be formed in the shape of a cup with an open top surface, and a water supply pipe 54 inserted into the inside of the partition 11 can be arranged above the water supply component 39. The water supply component 39 can supply water to the unit located in the middle of the plurality of units C, and can be positioned in the middle based on the lateral length of the ice tray 35, i.e., the length in the left-right direction.

[0118] Furthermore, the ice tray 35 may include a lower tray 33 disposed below the upper tray 34 and forming the lower part of the ice tray 35. The lower tray 33 may be combined with the upper tray 34 to form the unit C. Therefore, a plurality of hemispherical grooves opening upwards may be formed on the top surface of the lower tray 33.

[0119] When the upper tray 34 and the lower tray 33 are combined, the grooves formed on the upper tray 34 and the grooves formed on the lower tray 33 connect with each other to form a spherical unit C. A plurality of units C can be formed, and the plurality of units C can be arranged continuously in a row. That is, when viewed from the front, the arrangement direction of the units C can be continuously arranged in the front-to-back direction, the arrangement direction of the units C can be parallel to the flow direction of the cold air discharged from the outlet 153, and can be continuously arranged in the same direction as the extension direction of the cover flow path 420, which will be described later.

[0120] The lower tray 33 can be rotatably mounted on the drive device 32. The rotation axis 331 of the lower tray 33 can be connected to the drive device 32, and the lower tray 33 can be rotated to open the unit C so that the produced ice can fall.

[0121] On the other hand, at least a portion of the upper tray 34 and the lower tray 33 can be formed of a material capable of elastic deformation, such as rubber or silicone, and can include an upper body 342 and a lower body 332. As an example, the upper body 342 and lower body 332, which at least form the unit C in the upper tray 34 and lower tray 33, can be formed of rubber or silicone. Therefore, when the lower tray 33 is rotated to engage with the upper tray 34, the upper body 342 and lower body 332 are tightly pressed against each other, preventing water leakage and facilitating smoother ice removal. The remaining portions of the upper tray 34 and the lower tray 33 are formed of plastic or metal, providing a structure capable of integration and operation with other components.

[0122] Although not illustrated in detail, the drive unit 32 can be formed by a combination of a rotating motor and a plurality of gears connecting the motor and the rotating shaft 331. Furthermore, the pusher 36 and the full ice detection device 37 (described later) can be connected to the drive unit 32, and the pusher 36 and the full ice detection device 37 can be activated by the operation of the drive unit 32.

[0123] The ejector 36 can be actuated to move the ice made inside the unit C. The ejector 36 can be disposed on the top surface of the housing 31 and can be configured to reciprocate up and down in conjunction with the drive device 32 and the movement of the lower tray 33. Therefore, if the lower tray 33 rotates after ice making is completed, the unit C opens, and the ejector rod 361 can be pushed through the tray hole 342a to discharge the ice.

[0124] Furthermore, a lower ejector 38 may be provided on the inner side of the circumferential surface 312 of the housing. The lower ejector 38 may protrude inward from the front of the housing 31. In addition, a protruding end is provided within the radius of rotation of the lower housing 31, and the end may extend to press one side of the lower housing 31 when the lower housing 31 rotates, more specifically, the portion corresponding to one side of the unit C.

[0125] In detail, if the lower tray 33 rotates to open the unit C, the ice is discharged by the ejector 36. However, if the ice is located on the lower tray 33, the fixed lower ejector 38 can press down on one side of the lower tray 33 corresponding to the lower part of the unit C by rotating the lower tray 33 to discharge the ice. At this time, a portion of the lower tray 33 connected to the lower ejector 38 can be formed to be elastically deformable.

[0126] Of course, heaters can also be provided on the upper tray 34 and the lower tray 33. The heaters can heat the upper tray 34 and the lower tray 33 when the ice making is completed, so that the ice can be separated from the unit C more easily.

[0127] On the other hand, the full ice detection device 37 can be configured to rotate below the lower tray 33, and its two ends can be connected to the housing 31 respectively. It can detect the ice below the ice tray 35 by rotating according to the action of the drive device 32.

[0128] That is, if the ice produced accumulates to a height above a specified level inside the ice box 60 located below the ice tray 35, it can be detected by the full ice detection device 37, and the additional ice-making operation of the ice maker 30 can be interrupted.

[0129] The back of the housing peripheral surface 312 can be open, and the other side, except for one side, and the front and rear sides can extend downward from the housing top surface 311 to cover the ice tray 35 from being exposed. That is, in the housing 31, the side opposite to the side wall of the storage space is open, while the remaining peripheral surfaces can be covered. In addition, the housing top surface 311 and the housing peripheral surface 312 can define a space that opens downward and can accommodate the ice tray 35 and the drive device 32 inside.

[0130] On the other hand, an ice maker inlet 315 for cold air to flow into the ice maker 30 can be formed at the upper back of the housing 31. The ice maker inlet 315 can open at the upper end of the peripheral surface 312 of the housing and can extend long to the left and right sides.

[0131] The ice maker inlet 315 can be configured opposite to the guide pipe 18. Specifically, the ice maker inlet 315 can be formed at a position corresponding to the outlet of the downflow path 184, and can have a size corresponding to the outlet of the downflow path 184. Furthermore, the ice maker inlet 315 can have a structure adjacent to or connected to the outlet of the downflow path 184, thereby enabling the cold air discharged through the downflow path 184 to be supplied to the interior of the ice maker 30 via the ice maker inlet 315.

[0132] The ice maker inlet 315 can be located at a height corresponding to the upper part or top surface of the upper tray 34, so that the cold air flowing into the ice maker inlet 315 can cool the upper tray 34. In addition, the cold air flowing into the interior of the ice maker 30 can flow downwards on the inner side of the housing circumference 312 while simultaneously cooling the area of ​​the lower tray 33.

[0133] Furthermore, a shielding plate 314 may be formed on the peripheral surface 312 of the housing. The shielding plate 314 may be installed on the back side of the peripheral surface 312 of the housing and may extend to a position lower than the lower end of the peripheral surface 312 of the housing. The peripheral surface 312 of the housing may shield at least a portion of the space between the rear end of the ice maker 30 and the rear end of the ice box 60, thereby preventing ice from falling to the rear of the ice box 60 when it is being led out or introduced.

[0134] Furthermore, a vent 314a may be formed in the shielding plate 314 to allow cold air to flow through it. The cold air passing through the vent 314a can cool the lower part of the ice maker 30 and can also be supplied to the inside of the ice box 60 to cool the stored ice.

[0135] On the other hand, a top cover 40 can be installed on the top surface of the ice maker 30. The top cover 40 can be combined with the top surface 311 of the housing of the ice maker 30. As an example, a housing joint portion 313 can be formed at the corner of the top surface 311 of the housing, and the housing joint portion 313 can be combined with the top cover joint portion 413 formed at the corner of the top cover 40.

[0136] The top cover 40 can shield the space above the ice maker 30. Furthermore, with the top cover 40 installed on the ice maker 30, an ice maker flow path can be formed between the top cover and the ice maker. This ice maker flow path 310 allows cold air flowing in from the ice maker inlet 315 to pass through. Therefore, the cold air flowing in from the ice maker inlet 315 can cool the water inside the ice tray 35 and make ice while passing through the ice maker flow path 310.

[0137] Furthermore, a cover flow path 420 may be formed on the top surface of the top cover 40 to allow a portion of the cold air expelled from the outlet 153 to flow forward around the ice maker 30. Additionally, an ejector receiving portion 412 may be formed on the top cover 40 to create space for the vertical movement of the ejector 36. The specific structure of the top cover 40 will be described in more detail later.

[0138] Furthermore, a mounting cover 50 may be provided on the top surface of the top cover 40. The mounting cover 50 can cover the partition opening 102a on the bottom surface of the partition 11 and can accommodate the upper part of the top cover 40. In addition, the mounting cover 50 can be combined with the top cover 40 and the ice maker 30 so that the ice maker 30 is mounted on the bottom surface of the partition 11. Therefore, the mounting cover 50 can be referred to as a mounting bracket.

[0139] The structure of the mounting cover 50 will be further described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0140] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the mounting cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] As shown in the figure, the mounting cover 50 may be formed of plastic material and may include: a mounting plate 51, which is formed in a plate shape and forms a recessed space 510; and a mounting edge 52, which is formed along the periphery of the mounting plate 51.

[0142] The mounting plate 51 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the top cover 40, and a recessed space 510 is formed to accommodate the upper part of the top cover 40. In particular, a further recessed mounting accommodating portion 511 can be formed at a position corresponding to the ejector accommodating portion 412 to accommodate the ejector accommodating portion 412.

[0143] Furthermore, a connector mounting portion 512 may protrude from one side of the mounting plate 51, and a connector for connecting wires used to operate the ice maker 30 is mounted on the connector mounting portion 512. A connector hole 512a may be formed in the connector mounting portion 512, penetrating the connector mounting portion 512.

[0144] A water supply pipe insertion port 514 may be formed on the mounting plate 51. A water supply pipe 54 for supplying water to unit C of the ice tray 35 can pass through the water supply pipe insertion port 514. The water supply pipe 54, inserted through the water supply pipe insertion port 514, can extend to the water supply component 39 and supply water to the water supply component 39.

[0145] Furthermore, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 515 may be formed on the top surface of the mounting plate 51. The reinforcing ribs 515 may be formed over the entire area of ​​the mounting plate 51, and the plurality of reinforcing ribs 515 may be arranged in a crisscross pattern. The top surface of the mounting plate 51 is the portion inserted into the partition opening 102a, and the pressure of the foamed thermal insulation material 103 injected into the partition 11 can be used to prevent deformation of the mounting plate 51.

[0146] The mounting edge 52 can extend outward along the lower periphery of the mounting plate 51.

[0147] Furthermore, the mounting edge 52 can be connected to the periphery of the partition opening 102a, which opens on the bottom surface of the partition 11. That is, the mounting cover 50 can be installed such that the mounting plate 51 is inserted into the inside of the partition opening 102a, and the mounting edge 52 is in close contact with the bottom surface of the partition 11. Therefore, when the ice-making device 2 is installed on the partition 11, a portion of the mounting cover 50 and the top cover 40 can be located in the inner region of the partition 11. Furthermore, the water supply pipe 54, which guides into the partition 11, can be installed as a water supply pipe insertion port 514 passing through the mounting cover 50.

[0148] On the other hand, the mounting edge 52 can be connected to the periphery of the top cover 40. Furthermore, a mounting joint 513 can be formed at the corner of the mounting edge 52 to engage with the top cover joint 413. Therefore, the housing joint 313, the top cover joint 413, and the mounting joint 513 can be sequentially joined and secured with screws for a firm connection.

[0149] That is, the mounting cover 50 can be combined with the top cover 40, and as a result, the ice maker 30, the top cover 40 and the mounting cover 50 can be fixedly installed on the bottom surface of the partition 11 in a combined state.

[0150] On the other hand, the mounting cover 50 can be omitted as needed, or the bottom surface of the partition 11 can be recessed to form the same shape as the mounting cover 50, and the top cover 40 can be directly mounted on the partition 11.

[0151] The structure of the top cover 40 will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0152] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the ice maker and its top cover combined. Furthermore, Figure 12 This is an exploded perspective view of the top cover. Furthermore, Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of the top cover.

[0153] As shown in the figure, the top cover 40 can be configured to be combined with the top surface 311 of the housing, and can be configured to cover the top surface of the ice maker 30 from above.

[0154] The top cover 40 can be formed to a size corresponding to the top surface 311 of the housing, and can be injection molded from plastic material. The top cover 40 can be attached to the top surface 311 of the housing, and while covering the top surface of the ice maker 30, it forms a cold air flow channel inside the ice maker 30, that is, the ice maker flow path 310.

[0155] The top cover 40 can be injection molded from plastic material, which can cover the top surface of the ice maker 30 while forming the ice maker flow path 310 and the cover flow path 420.

[0156] The top cover 40 may have a cover plate 41 formed in the shape of a plate and covering the top surface of the ice maker 30, and a plate edge 411 extending upward along the periphery of the cover plate 41.

[0157] The cover plate 41 can be sized to correspond to the size of the top surface of the ice maker 30. Therefore, the bottom surface of the cover plate 41 can be joined to the top surface of the housing 31, and can cover the top surface of the ice maker 30 when joined. In addition, the cover joint portion 413 can be formed at the corner of the cover plate 41, which can be joined to the housing joint portion 313 and the mounting joint portion 513.

[0158] Furthermore, an ejector receiving portion 412 may be formed on the cover plate 41 at a position corresponding to the ejector 36. The ejector receiving portion 412 may form a space 412b with an open bottom and an upward recess. Therefore, when the top cover 40 is installed on the ice maker 30, space can be provided for the ejector 36 to move up and down.

[0159] Furthermore, a cover opening 412a may be formed in the cover plate 41. The cover opening 412a may be formed to penetrate the cover plate 41 at a position corresponding to the water supply member 39, and may be formed to house the water supply member 39 therein. The cover opening 412a may be formed by cutting open the ejector receiving portion 412 and a portion of the cover plate 41.

[0160] On the other hand, a fastening member 414 extending upward may be formed protruding from the cover plate 41. The fastening member 414 may be formed in the shape of a hook, which can be engaged with the fastening part 515 formed on the inner side of the mounting cover 50.

[0161] The fastening member 414 may be formed in a plurality of those on the cover plate 41, and its shape may also be formed differently as needed to provide a structure in which the mounting cover 50 and the top cover 40 are more securely joined and easier to install and remove.

[0162] Furthermore, the cover plate 41 may be formed with side ribs 421 for forming the cover flow path 420. The cover flow path 420 may include a pair of the side ribs 421 and a heat insulation plate 43 connecting the upper end of the side ribs 421.

[0163] In detail, the side ribs 421 can be integrally formed during the injection molding of the top cover 40. Furthermore, the side ribs 421 can extend forward from the rear end of the cover plate 41. A pair of side ribs 421 can be provided on the left and right sides, forming the cover flow path 420 in the space between them.

[0164] Furthermore, the side rib 421 can extend vertically upward from the top surface of the cover plate 41. Additionally, the protrusion height of the side rib 421 can be such that it does not interfere with the mounting cover 50.

[0165] Furthermore, a plurality of reinforcing ribs 424 may be formed on the side rib 421. The plurality of reinforcing ribs 424 are formed on the entire outer surface of the side rib 421, and may be arranged at predetermined intervals.

[0166] The side rib 421 may extend to a position spaced apart from the front end of the cover plate 41. Furthermore, the side rib 421 may extend further forward than the front end of the ejector receiving portion 412. As an example, the side rib 421 may extend to the outlet guide portion 416 formed at the front end of the cover plate 41.

[0167] The side ribs 421 arranged on the left and right sides can extend forward while maintaining a predetermined interval. Furthermore, the distance between a pair of side ribs 421, i.e., the width of the front of the opening of the cover flow path 420, can be formed to be greater than the width of the back. That is, the front half of the side rib 421 can be formed such that its width gradually increases as it approaches the front. Therefore, the cold air expelled from the cover flow path 420 can be expelled in a more widely diffused manner, thereby cooling a wider area in front of the ice maker 30.

[0168] On the other hand, a downwardly recessed inlet guide 422 can be formed on the bottom surface of the rear end of the side rib 421, i.e., the rear end of the cover flow path 420. The inlet guide 422 can be formed at an angle or in an arc shape, becoming higher as it approaches the front. Furthermore, the inlet guide 422 can have a structure in which the lower ends of the side rib 421 are connected to its two ends. Therefore, the cover flow path inlet 420a can ensure a sufficient inlet size, thereby allowing the cold air flowing in from the guide pipe 18 to flow effectively into the inside of the cover flow path 420.

[0169] The back side of the opening of the cover flow path 420, i.e., the cover flow path inlet 420a, can be located above the ice maker inlet 315. In this case, the left-right width of the cover flow path inlet 420a can be made smaller than the left-right width of the ice maker inlet 315.

[0170] The cover flow path inlet 420a and the ice maker inlet 315 can be arranged vertically, and the lower end of the cover flow path inlet 420a and the upper end of the ice maker inlet 315 can be connected to each other. Therefore, when facing the outlet of the upper and lower branched guide pipes 18, the cold air supplied through the branched guide pipes 18 can flow into the cover flow path 420a and the ice maker 30 respectively.

[0171] Furthermore, a plate mounting portion 425 for mounting the heat insulation plate 43 can be formed at the upper end of the side rib 421. The plate mounting portion 425 can be formed protruding upwards and can be formed at corresponding positions in a manner that can restrict the four corners of the plate-shaped heat insulation plate 43. As an example, the plate mounting portion 425 can be formed on the left and right side ribs 421 respectively, and can be formed at positions corresponding to the front and rear ends of the heat insulation plate 43.

[0172] On the other hand, the heat insulation plate 43 can be attached to the upper end of the side rib 421 to form the top surface of the cover flow path 420. The heat insulation plate 43 can be formed in a plate shape and can be formed of heat insulation material. As an example, the heat insulation plate 43 can be formed of vacuum heat insulation material or expanded polystyrene (EPS) material.

[0173] The heat insulation plate 43 can block the upward transmission of cold air inside the cover flow path 420. Therefore, even if cold air is supplied via the cover flow path 420, it can prevent cold air from being transmitted to the bottom surface of the refrigerator compartment 12 through the partition 11. In particular, even if the thickness of the partition 11 is locally reduced due to the configuration of the mounting cover 50 and the recessed structure of the storage part 111, it can prevent the temperature at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 12 from decreasing due to the cover flow path 420.

[0174] The width of the left and right sides of the heat insulation plate 43 can correspond to the width between the pair of side ribs 421. In addition, the front-to-back length of the heat insulation plate 43 can be made shorter than the length of the side ribs 421, and can be made to correspond to the length of the interval with the same width between the pair of side ribs 421.

[0175] The outlet guide 416 can be formed from the front end of the side rib 421 to the front end of the cover plate 41. The outlet guide 416 can be formed in an inclined or arc shape as it extends forward from the front end of the side rib 421 and becomes lower, so that the cold air expelled from between the side ribs 421 can be diffused and expelled in an upward and downward direction.

[0176] Furthermore, a discharge grille 423 may be formed at the front end of the cover plate 41, i.e., at the front end of the outlet guide portion 416. A plurality of discharge grilles 423 may be formed along the outlet guide portion 416, and the plurality of discharge grilles 423 may be formed continuously at predetermined intervals.

[0177] Furthermore, the discharge grille 423 can be arranged obliquely along a direction intersecting an extension line that extends in a front-rear direction through the center of the cover flow path 420. Therefore, the cold air discharged through the cover flow path 420 can be directional, directed towards a specific direction in front of the ice maker 30, such as the direction in which the door frame 221 is positioned. Additionally, a plurality of discharge grilles 423 can be formed with different slopes to guide the cold air discharged through the cover flow path 420 towards a plurality of areas.

[0178] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the operation of the refrigerator 1 having the structure described above will be explained in more detail.

[0179] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of cold air inside the freezer compartment. Furthermore, Figure 15 yes Figure 14 An enlarged view of part A. Furthermore, Figure 16 yes Figure 14 An enlarged view of part B.

[0180] As shown in the figure, a refrigeration cycle is driven to cool the freezer compartment 13. The evaporator 16 generates cold air by exchanging heat with the surrounding air. In this state, if the fan 17 is activated, the cold air generated in the evaporator 16 is discharged into the freezer compartment 13 through the discharge port 153, and air inside the freezer compartment 13 is drawn in through the suction port 151 and flows towards the evaporator 16. Through this circulation of cold air, the freezer compartment 13 can be cooled to a set temperature.

[0181] On the other hand, an ice maker 30 may be provided in front of the outlet 153. The ice maker 30 may be located between the back of the door 20 and the front of the grille 15. Furthermore, when viewed from the front, a portion of the outlet 153 may be exposed to the side through the ice-making device 2.

[0182] A portion of the cold air expelled from the outlet 153 can be directly exposed to the interior of the freezer compartment 13, while the remainder can be supplied to the ice-making device 2 via the guide pipe 18.

[0183] At this time, a portion of the cold air supplied to the ice-making device 2 via the guide pipe 18 is supplied to the ice maker 30, thereby enabling ice making in the ice maker 30.

[0184] Furthermore, a portion of the cold air supplied to the ice-making device 2 through the guide pipe 18 can be supplied indirectly via the top cover 40 through the cover flow path 420 of the top cover 40 to the back of the freezer door 22 and the door frame 221.

[0185] Therefore, even when the outlet 153 is blocked due to the configuration of the ice maker 30, the cold air that detours through the cover flow path 420 can be smoothly supplied from the front of the ice maker 30 to the back of the freezer door 22 and the door frame 221.

[0186] When this is observed in more detail, such as Figure 15 As shown, driven by the fan 17, the cold air discharged from the outlet 153 will be directed forward. Furthermore, the cold air can flow into the interior of the guide duct 18 connected to the outlet 153. The cold air flowing into the guide duct 18 can flow forward along the branching upper flow path 183 and lower flow path 184.

[0187] Furthermore, the cold air expelled forward through the downflow path 184 can flow into the interior of the ice maker 30 via the ice maker inlet 315. The cold air flowing into the interior of the ice maker 30 will cool the area in the ice maker flow path 310 corresponding to the upper part of the unit C. Additionally, the cold air inside the ice maker flow path 310 flows downward through the top surface 311 of the housing, thereby cooling the ice tray 35 as a whole.

[0188] As described above, the ice maker 30 uses cold air supplied via the downflow path 184 to cool the interior of the unit C, producing spherical ice. Once spherical ice is formed, the lower tray 33 is rotated by the drive device 32, and the ejector 36 and the lower ejector 38 are activated. Using the ejector 36 and the lower ejector 38, the ice inside the unit C can be moved downwards and stored in the ice box 60.

[0189] On the other hand, the cold air discharged from the upper flow path 183 of the guide pipe 18 can flow into the cover flow path inlet 420a. In addition, the cold air passing through the cover flow path inlet 420a can flow forward through the top surface of the top cover 40 without passing through the area of ​​the ice maker 30, especially the location where the unit C is formed.

[0190] In detail, the cold air discharged from the upper flow path 183 flows into the cover flow path 420 through the inlet, and the cold air flowing along the cover flow path 420 can be discharged forward through the outlet of the cover flow path 420 without passing through the ice maker 30. At this time, the cover flow path 420 is formed on the top surface of the top cover 40, so that cold air can be supplied forward without passing through the ice maker flow path 310.

[0191] The cold air passing through the cover flow path outlet 420b is directional and discharged forward as it passes through a plurality of discharge grilles 423. The cold air discharged through the cover flow path 420 is discharged towards the front of the ice maker 30 and toward the rear wall of the freezer compartment 13 or the door frame 221.

[0192] On the other hand, the bottom surface of the partition 11 on which the ice-making device 2 is installed can be recessed, and the bottom surface of the partition 11 in front of the discharge grille 423 can be formed at an angle, so as to guide the cold air discharged through the discharge grille 423 downward.

[0193] Therefore, the supply of cold air to the space in front of the ice maker 30 can be achieved more effectively, and the cooling performance inside the freezer compartment 13 can be ensured. In particular, sufficient cold air can be supplied to the door frame 221 located opposite the ice maker 30.

[0194] Furthermore, the cold air passing through the cover flow path 420 can be prevented from being transmitted upwards by the heat insulation plate 43. Therefore, even in the area of ​​the partition 11 where the thickness is reduced due to the recess for the installation of the ice-making device 2, the upward transmission of cold air can be prevented, and the temperature of the bottom surface of the refrigerator compartment 12 can be prevented from dropping.

[0195] Industrial availability

[0196] The refrigerator of the present invention can improve the circulation of cold air inside the refrigerator and improve cooling performance, thus having high industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, wherein, include: The box-like structure forms storage space; The door opens and closes the storage space; A grid plate forms the back of the storage space and has an outlet for discharging cold air. An ice maker, positioned in front of the outlet, is used for making ice; as well as A top cover is disposed between the top surfaces of the ice maker and the storage space; The ice maker includes: An ice tray, comprising multiple units for holding water and making ice; and The housing forms the exterior of the ice maker and accommodates the ice tray; The housing includes a housing top surface forming a top surface and a housing peripheral surface extending downward along the periphery of the housing top surface; A cover flow path is formed on the top cover, which opens in the front-to-back direction above the ice maker to guide a portion of the cold air discharged from the outlet to the front of the ice maker. The top cover is attached to the top surface of the housing, and while shielding the top surface of the ice maker, it forms an ice maker flow path that serves as a cold air flow channel inside the ice maker. An ice maker inlet is formed at the upper end of the periphery of the housing, facing the outlet, for cold air to flow into the interior of the housing; The cold air flowing in from the ice maker inlet cools the water inside the ice tray as it passes through the ice maker's flow path, thus making ice.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The top cover covers at least a portion of the top surface of the housing, where the opening is located. A cover flow path inlet is formed on the side of the top cover facing the outlet, allowing cold air to flow into the inner side of the cover flow path.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, A guide pipe is provided between the ice maker and the outlet to guide the cold air discharged from the outlet to the ice maker and the top cover. The guide pipe is internally branched vertically, and the outlets of the branched guide pipes open toward the cover flow path and the ice maker inlet, respectively.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The outlet is partially blocked by the guide pipe, while the remaining portion extends to the side of the ice maker and is exposed into the storage space.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein, The guiding conduit includes: The main body of the pipe has openings on the front and back; and Pipe separators divide the internal space of the pipe body vertically to form an upper flow path and a lower flow path; The outlet of the upper flow path is formed at a position facing the inlet of the cover flow path; The outlet of the downstream path is formed at a position facing the inlet of the ice maker.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, A plurality of upper grilles are formed in the upper flow path to guide the cold air discharged from the outlet toward the cover flow path. A plurality of lower grilles are formed in the lower flow path to guide the cold air discharged from the outlet toward the interior of the ice maker. The plurality of upper grilles and the plurality of lower grilles are formed to be inclined in different directions from each other.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein, The guiding conduit also includes: The pipe edge extends outward from the rear end of the pipe body and is supported on the front of the grid plate; and The insertion section is formed by cutting off one end of the edge of the pipe, allowing a portion of the discharge port with a protruding shape to be inserted.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The top surface of the storage space forms an upward-recessed space. At least a portion of the top cover is accommodated within the recessed space.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, The top cover includes: Side ribs, extending in a front-rear direction on the top surface of the top cover, a pair of side ribs spaced apart from each other; and Pipe cover, connecting the upper end of the side rib; The cover flow path is defined by the top surface of the top cover, the side ribs, and the pipe cover.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, The pipe cover is formed of a plate-shaped insulating material.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, The distance between the side ribs increases as they approach the outlet side of the cover flow path.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 9, wherein, A plurality of discharge grilles protruding from the top surface of the top cover are formed in front of the outlet of the cover flow path. The discharge grille is formed at an angle, intersecting the extension direction of the cover flow path.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, wherein, A discharge guide is formed in the top cover. The ejection guide extends from the front end of the side rib to the ejection grille and is formed at an angle downwards.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, A door frame is provided on the back of the door. The outlet of the cover flow path opens toward the door frame.

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