Refrigerator and control method of refrigerator

Abstract

A refrigerator includes: a main body; a water supply device including a water supply pipe at least partially inserted into the main body, and a water supply valve for opening or closing the water supply pipe; the ice-making apparatus includes: an ice-making tray; and a driving device for moving the ice-making tray, the ice-making tray defining an ice-making space and being movable such that water discharged from the water supply pipe can be accommodated in the ice-making space at a position where the ice-making tray makes ice; a user interface device for receiving a user input; and a control unit that controls, on the basis of receiving, through the user interface device, a user input for performing a function of removing foreign matter included in water discharged from the water supply device, such that the driving device moves the ice-making tray to a position at which the water discharged from the water supply pipe is prevented from being accommodated in the ice-making space, and control the water supply valve to open the water supply pipe such that water is discharged from the water supply pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator and a method of controlling the refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator including an ice-making device and a method of controlling the refrigerator. Background Art

[0002] A refrigerator is a household appliance including a main body having a storage chamber and a cold air supply system configured to supply cold air to the storage chamber and stores food in a fresh state. The storage chamber includes a refrigerating chamber maintained at a temperature of about 0 to 5°C to store refrigerated food and a freezing chamber maintained at a temperature of about -30 to 0°C to store frozen food. Generally, the storage chamber has an open front surface to allow food to be put in and taken out, and the open front surface of the storage chamber is opened and closed by a door.

[0003] The refrigerator repeats a cooling cycle in which a refrigerant is compressed, condensed, expanded, and evaporated using a compressor, a condenser, an expander, and an evaporator. Here, both the freezer and the refrigerator can be cooled by a single evaporator disposed on the freezer side, or an evaporator can be disposed in each of the freezer and the refrigerator to cool the freezer and the refrigerator independently.

[0004] The refrigerator may be equipped with an ice-making device for making ice. The ice-making device may include an ice-making tray for making ice and an ice bucket for storing ice discharged from the ice-making tray.

[0005] The refrigerator may include a water supply device for supplying water to the ice making tray to make ice. The water supply device may supply water to the ice making tray so that ice can be made in the ice making device.

[0006] However, there may be situations where the water supply device needs to supply water for more than just ice making in the ice making tray. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of preventing water from being contained in an ice making tray when water supplied from a water supply device contains foreign matter, and a method of controlling the same.

[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator and a method of controlling the same, in which, when a filter connected to a water supply device is replaced, foreign matter initially formed in the filter is quickly discharged to the outside of an ice making device without being made into ice.

[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of changing a position of an ice making tray so that water discharged from a water supply device is smoothly discharged, and a method of controlling the same.

[0011] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of preventing water discharged from a water supply device from flowing into a storage compartment except an ice bucket, and a method of controlling the same.

[0012] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of checking a water distribution amount to check whether water containing foreign matter has been discharged from a water supply device, and a method of controlling the same.

[0013] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a main body; a water supply device, including: a water supply pipe, at least partially inserted into the main body; and a water supply valve, configured to open and close the water supply pipe; an ice-making device, including: an ice-making tray, defining an ice-making space, the ice-making tray being movable so that when the ice-making tray is positioned to make ice, water discharged from the water supply pipe can be accommodated in the ice-making space; and a driving device, configured to move the ice-making tray; a user interface device, configured to receive user input; and a control unit, configured to perform a function of removing foreign matter contained in water discharged from the water supply pipe based on the received user input, control the driving device to move the ice-making tray to a position that prevents water discharged from the water supply pipe from being accommodated in the ice-making space, and control the water supply valve to open the water supply pipe so that water is discharged from the water supply pipe.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may further include an ice bucket below the ice making tray. The control unit may be configured to control the driving device to move the ice making tray so that the water discharged from the water supply pipe moves directly toward the ice bucket.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ice making tray is movable between a first state in which water discharged from the water supply pipe is contained in the ice making space and a second state in which water discharged from the water supply pipe is prevented from being contained in the ice making space. The control unit may be configured to control the driving device based on a received user input so that the ice making tray is positioned in the second state.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ice making tray may include: a fixed tray; and a movable tray configured to move toward and away from the fixed tray by a driving device. The control unit may be configured to: control the driving device to move the movable tray so that water discharged from the water supply pipe is discharged between the fixed tray and the movable tray.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ice making tray may be rotatable around a rotation axis by a driving device, and the control unit may be configured to control the driving device to rotate the ice making tray to prevent water discharged from the water supply pipe from being contained in the ice making space of the ice making tray.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit can be configured to: in order to prevent water discharged from the water supply pipe from being accommodated in the ice making space of the ice making tray, control the driving device so that the ice making tray rotates to a position that prevents water discharged from the water supply pipe from being accommodated in the ice making space, and control the water supply valve to open the water supply pipe so that water is discharged from the water supply pipe.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to control the water supply valve so that water is discharged from the water supply pipe while preventing the ice tray from rotating in order to allow water to overflow from the ice tray based on receiving a user input.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ice bucket may be detachably mounted on the body. The control unit may be configured to control the water supply valve to close the water supply pipe after opening the water supply pipe for a predetermined time to perform a preliminary water distribution process to check whether the ice bucket is mounted on the body.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may further include: a mounting sensor configured to output a signal in response to the ice bucket being mounted on the main body. The control unit may be configured to: based on the signal output from the mounting sensor in response to the ice bucket being mounted on the main body, control the water supply valve to skip the preliminary water distribution process and continue the main water distribution process.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may further include a flow sensor configured to output a signal related to the amount of water flowing inside the water supply pipe. The control unit may be configured to control the user interface device to display the water distribution amount based on the signal output from the flow sensor.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to control the user interface device to display the water distribution amount on the user interface device based on the time for which water flows in the water supply pipe.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may be configured to control the water supply valve to close the water supply pipe when the water distribution amount based on the signal output from the flow sensor is greater than a predetermined water distribution amount for discharging foreign matter.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the user interface device may be configured to: receive a user input for stopping water supply. The control unit may be configured to: control the water supply valve to close the water supply pipe based on the user interface device receiving the user input for stopping water supply.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator may further include: a weight sensor configured to output a signal related to the amount of water contained in the ice bucket. The control unit may be configured to: in order to prevent water from overflowing from the ice bucket, identify whether the amount of water supplied to the ice bucket exceeds a preset amount based on the signal output from the weight sensor, and control the water supply valve to close the water supply pipe based on the amount of water supplied to the ice bucket exceeding the preset amount.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit can be configured to: based on the amount of water discharged from the water supply pipe exceeding a preset value, control the driving device to move the ice making tray so that the ice making tray is positioned in a first state in which water discharged from the water supply pipe is contained in the ice making space to make ice.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a refrigerator is provided, the refrigerator comprising: a main body; a water supply device comprising: a water supply pipe at least partially inserted into the main body; and a water supply valve configured to open and close the water supply pipe; an ice-making device comprising an ice-making tray defining an ice-making space, the ice-making tray being movable so that when the ice-making tray is positioned to make ice, water discharged from the water supply pipe can be accommodated in the ice-making space; and a driving device configured to move the ice-making tray; and a user interface device configured to receive user input, the method comprising: receiving user input to perform a function of removing foreign matter contained in water discharged from the water supply pipe, and based on the received user input, controlling the driving device to move the ice-making tray to a position that prevents water discharged from the water supply pipe from being accommodated in the ice-making space, and controlling the water supply valve to open the water supply pipe so that water is discharged from the water supply pipe.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include: before controlling the driving device to move the ice making tray and controlling the water supply valve to open the water supply pipe, displaying a notification window on the user interface device, the notification window asking whether to perform a function of removing foreign matter contained in water discharged from the water supply pipe.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include controlling the water supply valve to close the water supply pipe after opening the water supply pipe for a predetermined time to perform a preliminary water distribution process to check whether the detachable ice bucket is installed on the body.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include: controlling the user interface device to display the water distribution amount based on a signal output from the flow sensor.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes: a main body; a water supply device including: a water supply pipe at least partially inserted into the main body; and a water supply valve configured to open and close the water supply pipe; an ice-making device including: an ice-making tray defining an ice-making space, the ice-making tray being configured to be movable between a first state in which water discharged from the water supply pipe can be accommodated in the ice-making space and a second state in which water discharged from the water supply pipe is prevented from being accommodated in the ice-making space; and a driving device configured to move the ice-making tray; a user interface device configured to receive user input; and a control unit configured to perform a function of removing foreign matter contained in water discharged from the water supply pipe based on the received user input, control the driving device to position the ice-making tray in the first state, and control the water supply valve to open the water supply pipe so that water is discharged from the water supply pipe, thereby flowing into the ice-making space and overflowing from the ice-making space.

[0035] Beneficial Effects

[0036] According to an aspect concept of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a control unit configured to control a water supply device and an ice making device so that water containing foreign matter can flow outward from an ice making tray, thereby preventing water from being contained in the ice making tray when water supplied from the water supply device contains foreign matter.

[0037] According to an aspect concept of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is implemented to discharge water containing foreign matter in a filter to the outside of an ice-making device, so that when a filter connected to a water supply device is replaced, foreign matter initially formed in the filter can be quickly discharged to the outside of the ice-making device without being made into ice.

[0038] According to an aspect concept of the present disclosure, a refrigerator is implemented that allows a water supply device to discharge water containing foreign matter when an ice making tray is positioned in a state capable of discharging ice, and thus water discharged from the water supply device may be smoothly discharged.

[0039] According to the concept of the present disclosure, a refrigerator includes a control unit capable of sending a notification when an ice bucket is not installed in a main body, so that water discharged from a water supply device can be prevented from flowing into a storage chamber other than the ice bucket.

[0040] According to the concept of the present disclosure, the refrigerator is implemented to: measure the flow rate of water flowing through the water supply device through a flow sensor, or calculate the flow rate of water based on the duration of the water flow, so that the water distribution amount can be checked, and therefore it can be checked whether water containing foreign matter is discharged from the water supply device.

[0041] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and other effects that are not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the above detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1is a perspective view showing a refrigerator and a filtering device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown;

[0044] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 A perspective view of the filter and associated components of the illustrated filtration apparatus;

[0045] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of the flow path of the filtration device shown;

[0046] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown;

[0047] Figure 6 The ice making device and its related components according to the embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 5 An exploded view of the refrigerator shown with the main body separated;

[0048] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 6 An exploded view of the ice-making apparatus of the refrigerator shown;

[0049] Figure 8 When viewed from different angles Figure 7 An exploded view of the ice-making apparatus of the refrigerator shown;

[0050] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 7 A perspective view of an ice-making apparatus and associated components of a refrigerator is shown;

[0051] Fig.10 It shows Fig. 9 An exploded view of a first ice-making unit of a refrigerator is shown;

[0052] Fig.11 It shows Fig.10 A perspective view of a state in which a first ice-making tray of a first ice-making unit moves;

[0053] Fig.12 It shows Fig. 9 An exploded view of a second ice-making unit of the refrigerator is shown;

[0054] Fig.13 It shows Fig.12 A perspective view of a state in which the second ice-making unit is shown making ice;

[0055] Fig.14FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the ice making apparatus and its associated components shown;

[0056] Fig.15 It shows that from Fig.14 A perspective view showing a state in which the water supply device is supplying water toward the ice-making device;

[0057] Fig.16 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 A control block diagram of a control unit of an ice making device and a water supply device shown;

[0058] Fig.17 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Fig.16 A flowchart of a process in which the control unit controls the ice making device and the water supply device;

[0059] Fig.18 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Fig.16 A flowchart of a process in which the control unit controls the ice-making device and the water supply device;

[0060] Fig.19 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Fig.16 A conceptual illustration of a screen displayed on a user interface device is shown;

[0061] Fig. 20 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment according to the present disclosure. Fig.16 A flowchart of a process in which the control unit controls the ice making device and the water supply device;

[0062] Fig.21 is a flowchart showing a process in which a control unit of a refrigerator controls an ice making device and a water supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing a process in which a control unit of a refrigerator controls an ice making device and a water supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] Fig.23 is a flowchart showing a process in which a control unit of a refrigerator controls an ice making device and a water supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] Fig.24 is a flowchart showing a process in which a control unit of a refrigerator controls an ice making device and a water supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] Fig.25 is a flowchart showing a process in which a control unit of a refrigerator controls an ice making device and a water supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] Fig.26 is a cross-sectional view showing an ice-making device of a refrigerator and its related components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0068] Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features of the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but should be understood to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the concept and scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] In the description of the figures, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0071] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms beginning with “a,” “an” and “the” corresponding to the items are intended to include the plural forms as well.

[0072] In the present disclosure, phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrases of these phrases, or any possible combination thereof.

[0073] The term "and / or" includes a combination of one or all of the associated listed items.

[0074] As used herein, terms such as “1st” and “2nd” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the components in other aspects (eg, importance or order).

[0075] When one (eg, a first) element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another (eg, a second) element, whether or not accompanied by the term “functionally” or “communicatively”, it means that one element is connected to the other element directly, wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0076] It should be understood that the terms “includes,” “comprising,” and / or “having,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0077] It should be understood that if a component is referred to as being “coupled to”, “coupled to”, “supported by”, or “in contact with” another component, it means that the component may be coupled to another component directly or indirectly via a third component.

[0078] In the description of the embodiments, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being 'on / under' another element, the element may be directly on / under the other element, or one or more elements may also be present.

[0079] Terms such as “up and down direction”, “lower”, and “front and rear direction” used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each element are not limited by the terms.

[0080] Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the direction in which the storage chamber 20 opens is defined as the front, and the rear side, the left side and the right side, and the top side and the bottom side are defined based on this.

[0081] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a refrigerator capable of preventing water from being contained in an ice making tray when water supplied from a water supply device contains foreign matter, and a method of controlling the same.

[0082] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a refrigerator and a method of controlling the refrigerator, in which, when replacing a filter connected to a water supply device, foreign matter initially formed in the filter is quickly discharged to the outside of an ice-making device without being made into ice.

[0083] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a refrigerator capable of changing a position of an ice making tray so that water discharged from a water supply device is smoothly discharged, and a method of controlling the same.

[0084] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a refrigerator capable of preventing water discharged from a water supply device from flowing into a storage compartment other than an ice bucket, and a method of controlling the same.

[0085] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a refrigerator capable of checking a water distribution amount to check whether water containing foreign matter is discharged from a water supply device, and a method of controlling the same.

[0086] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0087] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator 1 and a filtering device 2 - 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 is shown.

[0088] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , shows a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] The refrigerator 1 may include a main body 10 , a storage chamber 20 disposed inside the main body 10 , a door 30 for opening and closing the storage chamber 20 , and a cold air supply device for supplying cold air to the storage chamber 20 .

[0090] The front surface of the main body 10 may be formed to be open so that the user can put food into the storage chamber 20 or take food out of the storage chamber 20. That is, the main body 10 may include an opening 10a formed in the front surface of the main body 10. The opening 10a of the main body 10 may be opened and closed by the door 30. The opening 10a of the main body 10 may be referred to as an opening 10a of the outer shell 12, an opening 10a of the inner shell 11, etc., which will be described below.

[0091] The body 10 may include an inner case 11 configured to form the storage chamber 20 , an outer case 12 configured to form the exterior of the refrigerator 1 , and a body insulator 13 disposed between the inner case 11 and the outer case 12 .

[0092] The housing 12 may be formed in a substantially box-like shape with an open front surface. The housing 12 may form upper and lower surfaces, left and right side surfaces, and a rear surface of the refrigerator 1.

[0093] The housing 12 may be configured to include a metal material. For example, the housing 12 may be manufactured by processing a steel plate material.

[0094] The inner case 11 may have an open front surface. The inner case 11 may be provided with a storage chamber 20 and may be disposed inside the outer case 12. An inner wall of the inner case 11 may form an inner wall of the storage chamber 20.

[0095] The inner wall of the inner shell 11 may include a first inner wall 11a, a second inner wall 11b opposite to the first inner wall 11a, a rear wall 11c disposed between the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b, an upper wall, and a lower wall. For example, the first inner wall 11a may refer to an inner wall of the inner shell 11 disposed on the right side when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. The second inner wall 11b may refer to an inner wall of the inner shell 11 opposite to the first inner wall 11a and disposed on the left side when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front.

[0096] However, the positions of the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b are not limited thereto. Instead, the inner wall of the inner shell 11 disposed on the left side when the refrigerator 1 is observed from the front may be referred to as the first inner wall, and the inner wall of the inner shell 11 disposed on the right side when the refrigerator 1 is observed from the front may be referred to as the second inner wall.

[0097] The inner shell 11 can be configured to include a plastic material. For example, the inner shell 11 can be manufactured by a vacuum forming process. For example, the inner shell 11 can be manufactured by an injection molding process.

[0098] The body insulator 13 may be provided so that the outer shell 12 and the inner shell 11 are insulated from each other. The body insulator 13 may connect the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12 to each other by being foamed between the inner shell 11 and the outer shell 12. The body insulator 13 may prevent heat exchange between the inside of the storage chamber 20 and the outside of the body 10 to improve cooling efficiency inside the storage chamber 20.

[0099] Polyurethane foam insulation, expanded polystyrene insulation (EPS), vacuum insulation panels, etc. may be used as the body insulator 13. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the body insulator 13 may be configured to include various other materials.

[0100] The storage chamber 20 may be formed inside the body 10. For example, the storage chamber 20 may include a freezing chamber maintained at a temperature of about -30 to 0°C to freeze and store food.

[0101] The storage chamber 20 may be provided with a shelf 16 on which food may be placed, a movable shelf 17 which may be inserted into or withdrawn from the inner shell 11 and on which food may be placed, and a drawer 18 which may be inserted into or withdrawn from the inner shell 11 and on which food may be stored.

[0102] The inner shell 11 may include an inclined wall 11f. The inclined wall 11f may be disposed in front of the main body 10, near the door 30. The inclined wall 11f may be inclined toward the inside of the storage chamber 20 in the left-right direction from one side near the door 30 toward the other side facing the rear wall 11c. The other side of the inclined wall 11f may be a portion where the inclined wall 11f is connected to the first inner wall 11a or the second inner wall 11b. The inclined wall 11f may be disposed along at least a portion of the opening 10a.

[0103] The inclined protruding wall 11g may be disposed below the inclined wall 11f. The inclined protruding wall 11g may be formed to protrude further toward the inside of the storage chamber 20 in the left-right direction than the inclined wall 11f. In addition, the inclined protruding wall 11g may be formed to protrude further toward the front than the inclined wall 11f. The inclined protruding wall 11g may include a protruding upper surface 11ga. The protruding upper surface 11ga may be disposed adjacent to the front inclined portion 1130. The inclined protruding wall 11g may be disposed along at least a portion of the opening 10a.

[0104] When a user observes the inside of the storage chamber 20 through the opening 10 a of the main body 10 , the inclined wall 11 f and the inclined protruding wall 11 g may provide a better aesthetic feeling so that the volume of the storage chamber 20 appears wider to the user.

[0105] The ice making cover 1100 of the ice making device 1000 may have a front inclined portion 1130 (see Figure 5), the front inclined portion 1130 is formed to correspond to the inclined shape of the inclined protruding wall 11g. Since the front inclined portion 1130 is inclined toward the rear, the inclined shape of the front inclined portion 1130 can form a harmonious aesthetic feeling with the inclined protruding wall 11g. The ice making cover 1100 will be described below.

[0106] The refrigerator 1 may include a cold air supply device configured to generate cold air using a cooling cycle and supply the generated cold air to the storage chamber 20 .

[0107] The cold air supply device may generate cold air using the evaporation latent heat of the refrigerant in a cooling cycle. The cold air supply device may be configured to include a compressor 73, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator 71, a blower 72, and the like.

[0108] A cooling chamber 50 and a machine chamber 60 allowing a cold air supply device to be provided may be provided in the main body 1. For example, a configuration such as an evaporator 71 configured to generate cold air and a blower 72 provided to allow the cold air generated by the evaporator 71 to flow may be provided in the cooling chamber 50. A configuration such as a compressor 73, a condenser, and the like may be provided in the machine chamber 60.

[0109] The cooling chamber 50 may be disposed at the rear of the storage chamber 20. The machine chamber 60 may be disposed at the rear of the storage chamber 20.

[0110] The components constituting the cold air supply device of the refrigerator 1 may have a relatively large weight. Accordingly, the cooling chamber 50 and the machine chamber 60 may be disposed at the lower portion of the main body 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the cooling chamber 50 and the machine chamber 60 may be disposed in various other ways, and the components constituting the cold air supply device may be disposed in various ways to correspond to the positions of the cooling chamber 50 and the machine chamber 60.

[0111] Since the evaporator 71 in the cooling chamber 50 generates cold air, the cooling chamber 50 can maintain a relatively low temperature state. On the other hand, since the compressor 73, the condenser, etc. in the machine room 60 generate heat, the machine room 60 may maintain a relatively high temperature state. Accordingly, the cooling chamber 50 and the machine room 60 may be formed in separate spaces and insulated from each other. For example, the main body insulator 13 may be formed by foaming between the cooling chamber 50 and the machine room 60.

[0112] The evaporator 71 provided in the cooling chamber 50 may evaporate the refrigerant to generate cold air, and the cold air generated by the evaporator 71 may flow due to the blower 72. The cold air flowing due to the blower 72 may flow from the cooling chamber 50 to the storage chamber 20. The cooling chamber 50 may be provided to communicate with the storage chamber 20.

[0113] For example, the cold air generated by the evaporator 71 may flow toward the top of the cooling chamber 50 due to the blower 72. The cold air flowing due to the blower 72 may flow toward the top of the main body 10 along the cold air supply duct 14. The cold air may be discharged forward from the cold air supply duct 14 and finally introduced into the storage chamber 20. On the other hand, for example, the cold air generated by the evaporator 71 may flow to the lower part of the main body 10 due to the blower 72 and be introduced into the storage chamber 20.

[0114] The refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be an indirect cooling refrigerator. Hereinafter, for ease of description, it will be described as an example assuming that the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an indirect cooling refrigerator, but the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may also be applicable to a direct cooling refrigerator.

[0115] The evaporator 71 , the blower 72 , and the like provided in the cooling chamber 50 may be referred to as a cold air supply device in which the evaporator 71 generates cold air and the blower 72 supplies the cold air to the storage chamber 20 .

[0116] The body 10 may include a cold air supply duct 14. The cold air supply duct 14 may form a cold air flow path along which cold air generated by the cold air supply device flows from the cooling chamber 50 to the storage chamber 20. The storage chamber 20 may be provided to communicate with the cold air supply duct 14.

[0117] The cool air supply duct 14 may be formed inside the inner case 11. The cool air supply duct 14 may be formed at the rear of the inner case 11. More specifically, the cool air supply duct 14 may be provided at the rear of the storage chamber 20.

[0118] The door 30 may be provided to open and close the storage chamber 20. The door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the body 10. More specifically, the door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the body 10 by a hinge 40 connected to each of the door 30 and the body 10. The door 30 may be rotatably coupled to the housing 12.

[0119] The outer surface of the door 30 may form a portion of the exterior of the refrigerator 1. The outer surface of the door 30 may form a front surface of the door 30 when the door 30 is in a closed position.

[0120] The inner surface of the door 30 may be formed on a side opposite to the outer surface of the door 30. When the door 30 is in the closed position, the inner surface of the door 30 may form a rear surface of the door 30. When the door 30 is in the closed position, the inner surface of the door 30 may be disposed to face the inside of the body 10. When the door 30 is in the closed position, the inner surface of the door 30 may be disposed to cover the front of the storage chamber 20.

[0121] A foaming space may be formed between the outer surface of the door 30 and the inner surface of the door 30, and a door insulator 31 may be foamed in the foaming space. The door insulator 31 may prevent heat exchange between the outer surface and the inner surface of the door 30. The door insulator 31 may improve insulation performance between the inside of the storage chamber 20 and the outside of the door 30.

[0122] Polyurethane foam insulator, expanded polystyrene insulator (EPS), vacuum insulation panel, etc. may be used as the door insulator 31. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the door insulator 31 may be configured to include various other materials.

[0123] For example, the gate insulator 31 may be configured with an insulator formed of the same material as the body insulator 13. On the other hand, for example, the gate insulator 31 may be configured with an insulator formed of a material different from that of the body insulator 13.

[0124] A door gasket 33 may be provided on the inner surface of the door 30, the door gasket 33 being provided to seal the gap between the door 30 and the body 10 and prevent leakage of cold air of the storage chamber 20. The door gasket 33 may be provided along the periphery of the inner surface of the door 30. The door gasket 33 may be provided to be parallel to the opening 10a of the body 10 while the door 30 is closed. The door gasket 33 may be configured to include an elastic material such as rubber.

[0125] A door rack 32 on which food is stored may be provided on an inner surface of the door 30 .

[0126] The refrigerator 1 may include an ice making device 1000 configured to form ice using cold air of the storage chamber 20. The ice making device 1000 may include ice making units 1300 and 1400 (refer to FIG. 1 ) configured to form ice. Figure 5 etc.) and an ice making box 1200 configured to support the ice making units 1300 and 1400 (refer to Figure 2 wait).

[0127] The ice making device 1000 may be disposed in the storage chamber 20. The ice making device 1000 may be installed in the inner case 11. Specifically, the inner case 11 may include a support member disposed on the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11, and the ice making device 1000 may be supported by the support member (refer to Figure 5 For example, the support member may be formed to have a shape protruding from the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11. For example, the support member may be formed to have a shape recessed in the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11.

[0128] The refrigerator 1 may further include a water supply device 200. The water supply device 200 may be a device configured to supply water to the refrigerator 1.

[0129] The water supply device 200 may further include a water supply pipe 210 configured to receive water from an external water supply source (not shown). The water supply pipe 210 may be configured to supply the water received from the external water supply source to the ice making device 1000. The ice making device 1000 may form ice using the water received through the water supply pipe 210.

[0130] The water supply pipe 210 may be formed to have a pipe shape in which a water supply flow path through which water flows is formed.

[0131] The number of the water supply pipes 210 may correspond to the number of the ice making units 1300 and 1400. For example, the ice making units 1300 and 1400 may include a first ice making unit 1300 and a second ice making unit 1400 (refer to Figure 5 The water supply pipe 210 may be provided as a plurality of water supply pipes 210 to supply water to each of the first ice-making unit 1300 and the second ice-making unit 1400.

[0132] The water supply pipe 210 may be provided to pass through the main body 10. The water supply pipe 210 may be provided to pass through the outer shell 12 and the inner shell 11. More specifically, the water supply pipe 210 may pass through the rear surfaces of the outer shell 12 and the inner shell 11. The water supply pipe 210 may pass through the rear surfaces of the outer shell 12 and the inner shell 11 in the front-to-rear direction. Here, the rear surface of the inner shell 11 may refer to the rear wall 11c of the above-mentioned inner shell 11.

[0133] As described below, when the ice-making units 1300 and 1400 include a first ice-making unit 1300 and a second ice-making unit 1400, the water supply pipe 210 may further include a water supply pipe 210a and a water supply pipe 210b. The first water supply pipe 210a may be configured to supply water to the first ice-making unit 1300, and the second water supply pipe 210b may be configured to supply water to the second ice-making unit 1400.

[0134] The water supply apparatus 200 may include a water supply valve 220. The water supply valve 220 may be configured to open or close the water supply pipe 210.

[0135] The water supply valve 220 may be located in the water supply pipe 210. The water supply valve 220 may block a water supply flow path of the water supply pipe 210, thereby preventing water from further flowing into the water supply pipe 210.

[0136] The water supply valve 220 may include, for example, an AC valve. The water supply valve 220 may be operated manually or by an electric signal.

[0137] The refrigerator 1 may include an ice bucket 100 disposed to receive ice formed by the ice making device 1000. The ice bucket 100 may be disposed in the storage chamber 20.

[0138] The ice bucket 100 may be installed in the inner case 11. The ice bucket 100 may be supported by the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b of the inner case 11.

[0139] The ice bucket 100 may be disposed under the ice making apparatus 1000. The ice bucket 100 may be disposed to receive ice that is discharged from the ice making units 1300 and 1400 and moves downward.

[0140] A bucket rack 15 configured to support the ice bucket 100 may be provided in the storage chamber 20. The ice bucket 100 may be seated on the bucket rack 15. The bucket rack 15 may be supported by the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b.

[0141] Specific features of the ice making apparatus 1000 and the ice bucket 100 will be described below.

[0142] Reference above Figure 1 and Figure 2 The configuration of the refrigerator 1 described is merely an example for describing the refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure, and the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure may be configured to include various configurations for performing a function of supplying cold air to a storage chamber for storing food.

[0143] For convenience of explanation, the refrigerator 1 is taken as an example above, and it is described that the refrigerator 1 includes a body 10 configured to form a single storage chamber 20 therein and a single door 30 configured to open and close the storage chamber 20, but the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the configuration of the present disclosure can be applied to various other types of refrigerators. The refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a side-by-side (SBS) refrigerator in which a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber are arranged side by side (refer to Fig.21 ). Alternatively, the refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a bottom mounted freezer (BMF) refrigerator in which a refrigerating chamber is formed on the upper side and a freezing chamber is formed on the lower side. The refrigerator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a top mounted freezer (TMF) refrigerator in which a freezing chamber is formed on the upper side and a refrigerating chamber is formed on the lower side.

[0144] like Figure 1 As shown, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be connected to a filter device 2-1. The filter device 2-1 may be connected to a water supply source. Water supplied from the water supply source may be filtered in the filter device 2-1, and foreign matter may be removed. The water from which foreign matter has been removed may be supplied to the refrigerator 1. The supplied water may be made into ice or cold water in the refrigerator 1 and supplied to a user.

[0145] However, it is not limited thereto, and the filtering device may be one component of the refrigerator 1. In this case, the filtering device may be located inside the housing 12.

[0146] Alternatively, the filtering device may be located inside the refrigerator 1 .

[0147] However, for ease of description, the present disclosure is described assuming that the filtering device 2 - 1 is a component separate from the refrigerator 1 and is located outside the refrigerator.

[0148] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a filter 2-100 and associated components of a filter apparatus 2-1 is shown. Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A conceptual diagram of the flow path of the filtration device 2-1 is shown.

[0149] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , a filter 2 - 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0150] The filtering device 2-1 may include a plurality of filters 2-100. The plurality of filters 2-100 may include a first filter 2-110, a second filter 2-120, a third filter 2-130, and a fourth filter 2-140. Some components may be omitted.

[0151] The filter device 2-1 may include a clean water flow path 2-20 connected to the raw water flow path 2-10 so that the raw water can be purified. The filter device may include a plurality of pre-treatment filters disposed on the clean water flow path 2-20 to filter the raw water. The plurality of pre-treatment filters may include a first filter 2-110 and a second filter 2-120.

[0152] The pretreatment filter may include a pre-carbon filter, a sediment filter, a high turbidity filter, and a composite filter in which the sediment filter and the pre-carbon filter are combined. By using the composite filter, the pretreatment filter can remove larger foreign matter while removing chlorine, organic compounds, odors, and colors by adsorption. When a plurality of filters of the same type are used, the replacement cycle of the filters can be the same, and thus the filters can be conveniently replaced. In addition, the pretreatment filter may include a 2-grain activated carbon (GAC) filter, a block carbon filter, and a coconut high temperature treatment filter. Some of the above components may be omitted.

[0153] In the drawing, the pre-processing filters are shown as two pre-processing filters, but are not limited thereto, and the pre-processing filters may include three or more pre-processing filters.

[0154] In various embodiments, the filter may be one or a combination of the various filters described above. In addition, the filter according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the above filters, and may include new filters according to technical developments.

[0155] The first filter 2-110 and the second filter 2-120 may be arranged in parallel. Purified water discharged from the first filter 2-110 and the second filter 2-120 may flow to the third filter 2-130 and the fourth filter 2-140 connected in series.

[0156] By using multiple pre-treatment filters in parallel, the effect of increasing drainage pressure can be obtained. When using homogeneous filters, the water treatment capacity is reduced by half, thereby extending the service life of the filter. Accordingly, the inconvenience caused by replacing the filter can be minimized, and user convenience can be achieved.

[0157] The third filter 2-130 is a water purification filter and may include a water permeable membrane filter. The fourth filter 2-140 is a post-processing filter and may include a post-carbon filter. Some of the above components may be omitted.

[0158] Specifically, the third filter 2 - 130 may include one of an ultrafiltration membrane, a nanofiltration membrane, and a reverse osmosis membrane.

[0159] More specifically, the ultrafiltration membrane may include micropores having a pore size greater than or equal to 0.005 microns and less than or equal to 0.5 microns, the nanofiltration membrane may include micropores having a pore size greater than or equal to 0.001 microns and less than or equal to 0.005 microns, and the reverse osmosis membrane may include micropores having a pore size greater than or equal to 0.0001 microns and less than or equal to 0.001 microns.

[0160] The fourth filter 2-140 can improve the taste of water by adsorbing fine matter and removing gas components and odors. The fourth filter 2-140 may include a GAC ​​filter, a block carbon filter, a silver carbon filter, a 2-deionization (DI) resin filter, and a 2-taste chlorine reduction (TCR) filter. Some of the above components may be omitted.

[0161] The third filter 2-130 and the fourth filter 2-140 may include a composite filter in which a membrane filter and a post-processing filter are combined.

[0162] In various embodiments, the filter may be one or a combination of the various filters described above. In addition, the filter according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the above filters, and may include new filters according to technical developments.

[0163] The clean water flow path 2-20 may branch out from the raw water flow path 2-10 in multiple ways. That is, the clean water flow path may be a plurality of branch flow paths. The clean water flow path 2-20 may include a first clean water flow path 2-21, a second clean water flow path 2-22, a third clean water flow path 2-23, and a fourth clean water flow path 2-24. Some of the above components may be omitted.

[0164] The first clean water flow path 2-21 may be connected to the raw water flow path 2-10 and formed on the upstream side of the first filter 2-110. The second clean water flow path 2-22 may be connected to the raw water flow path 2-10 and formed on the upstream side of the second filter 2-120. The third clean water flow path 2-23 may be formed from a connection point of the downstream side of the first filter 2-110 and the downstream side of the second filter 2-120 to the upstream of the third filter 2-130. The fourth clean water flow path 2-24 may be connected to the third filter 2-130 and may be formed up to the connection point of the clean water flow path 2-20.

[0165] The clean water flow path 2-20 may include a plurality of water inlet valves 2-30 for opening and closing the flow path so as to allow raw water to flow into the clean water flow path 2-20 or to prevent raw water from flowing into the water flow path 2-20. A plurality of water inlet valves 2-30 may be installed upstream of a plurality of pre-treatment filters in the direction of water flow to control the opening and closing of the clean water flow path. Some of the above components may be omitted.

[0166] The plurality of water inlet valves 2-31, 2-32 may include a first water inlet valve 2-31 and a second water inlet valve 2-32. The first water inlet valve 2-31 may be installed upstream of the first filter 2-110 to control the opening and closing of the first clean water flow path 2-21. The second water inlet valve 2-32 may be installed upstream of the second filter 2-120 to control the opening and closing of the second clean water flow path 2-22. Some of the above components may be omitted.

[0167] The water distribution flow path 2-50 may be configured to allow purified water flowing through the post-treatment filter to be supplied to a user. Some of the above components may be omitted.

[0168] A pressure reducing valve 2 - 60 for reducing the water pressure of raw water may be provided in the raw water flow path 2 - 10 .

[0169] The water distribution flow path 2-50 may also include a flow meter 2-51 for measuring the clean water volume. The clean water volume of the filter device may be measured by the flow rate measured by the flow meter 2-51. With such a configuration, the appropriate replacement time of each filter may be identified.

[0170] The filter device 2-1 may include a housing accommodating a plurality of filters 2-100. In addition, the filter device 2-1 may include a door bracket rotatably coupled to the housing.

[0171] The filter device 2-1 may include a pipe section 2-70. The pipe section 2-70 may include an inlet flow path 2-77 and an outlet flow path 2-78.

[0172] Figure 5It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 is shown. Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an ice making device 1000 and its related components. Figure 5 The main body 10 of the refrigerator 1 is shown in an exploded view. Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 An exploded view of an ice-making device 1000 of a refrigerator 1 is shown. Figure 8 When viewed from different angles Figure 7 An exploded view of an ice-making device 1000 of a refrigerator 1 is shown.

[0173] Reference Figures 5 to 8 , an ice-making device 1000 and related components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are described.

[0174] The ice making device 1000 of the refrigerator 1 may be provided in the storage chamber 20. The ice making device 1000 may be installed in the inner case 11.

[0175] The ice-making device 1000 may be supported by the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b of the inner case 11. The ice-making device 1000 may be disposed between the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b.

[0176] The first inner wall 11a may be an inner wall of the inner case 11 disposed on the right side when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, and the second inner wall 11b may be an inner wall of the inner case 11 disposed on the left side when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front opposite to the first inner wall 11a. That is, the ice-making device 1000 may be installed in the inner case 11, supported by each of the left inner wall and the right inner wall of the inner case 11. The first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b supporting the ice-making device 1000 may be formed to face each other in the left-right direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0177] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, in the case where the refrigerator of one embodiment of the present disclosure is an SBS refrigerator in which a refrigerating chamber and a freezing chamber are arranged side by side, a vertical partition configured to isolate the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber from each other may be provided between the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber. In this case, the first inner wall may be any one of the left inner wall and the right inner wall of the inner shell, and the second inner wall may be a side wall of the vertical partition opposite to the first inner wall.

[0178] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, the first inner wall 11 a and the second inner wall 11 b will be described.

[0179] The ice making apparatus 1000 may include ice making units 1300 and 1400 configured to form ice and an ice making box 1200 configured to support the ice making units 1300 and 1400 .

[0180] The ice making box 1200 may be installed in the inner case 11. The ice making box 1200 may be supported by the inner case 11. The ice making box 1200 may be supported by inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11.

[0181] Specifically, the ice box 1200 may include ice box walls 1210a and 1210b supported by the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11. The ice box walls 1210a and 1210b may be outer walls of the ice box 1200 facing the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11.

[0182] The ice box walls 1210a and 1210b may include a first ice box wall 1210a supported by the first inner wall 11a and a second ice box wall 1210b supported by the second inner wall 11b. The first ice box wall 1210a may be an outer wall of the ice box 1200 facing the first inner wall 11a. The first ice box wall 1210a may be a right outer wall of the ice box 1200 disposed on the right side when viewed from the front. The second ice box wall 1210b may be an outer wall of the ice box 1200 facing the second inner wall 11b. The second ice box wall 1210b may be a left outer wall of the ice box 1200 opposite to the first ice box wall 1210a and disposed on the left side when viewed from the front.

[0183] The first ice making box wall 1210a may be disposed substantially parallel to the first inner wall 11a. The second ice making box wall 1210b may be disposed substantially parallel to the second inner wall 11b.

[0184] The first ice making box wall 1210a and the second ice making box wall 1210b may be formed to be parallel to each other. The first ice making box wall 1210a and the second ice making box wall 1210b may be formed to have shapes substantially corresponding to each other.

[0185] The inner case 11 may include support members formed on inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11. The ice making tray 1200 may be supported by the support members.

[0186] The support member may be formed to have various shapes to support the ice making box walls 1210a and 1210b.

[0187] For example, the support member may be formed to have a shape protruding from the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11. The support member may be formed to protrude to support the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b. The support member may be formed to protrude toward the inside of the storage chamber 20. The support member may be inserted into a recess formed in the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b and support the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b. Alternatively, the support member may support the lower side of the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b.

[0188] For example, the support member may be formed to have a shape recessed in the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11. Figures 5 to 8 Differently, portions (not shown) protruding toward the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11 may be provided on the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b, and when the protruding portions of the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b are inserted into the support, the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b may be supported by the support.

[0189] Hereinafter, description will be made based on an embodiment in which the support member is formed to protrude to support the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b. However, the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, as described above, the support member supporting the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b may be formed to have a shape recessed in the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner shell 11.

[0190] The support may extend in a direction parallel to the front-rear direction of the inner case 11. The support may extend in a direction parallel to the front-rear direction of the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11. Accordingly, the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b may be stably supported in the up-down direction of the inner case 11 by the support.

[0191] For example, the ice box 1200 may be installed by sliding from the front to the rear of the inner case 11 along a support member extending in a direction parallel to the front-rear direction of the inner case 11. In other words, the ice box 1200 may be installed in the inner case 11 by sliding from the front to the rear of the inner case 11. When installed in the inner case 11, the ice box 1200 may be inserted from the front to the rear of the inner case 11.

[0192] When the ice making box 1200 is installed in the inner case 11, the installation position in the inner case 11, the installation direction in the inner case 11, etc. may be guided by the support.

[0193] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the ice making box 1200 may be installed in the inner shell 11 in various other ways. For example, the ice making box 1200 may be installed by sliding in the up-down direction relative to the inner shell 11. Even in this case, the support member may extend in a direction parallel to the front-rear direction of the inner shell 11.

[0194] The support may be provided to support the upper portion of the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b. For example, when the upper portions of the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b are placed on the upper surface of the support, the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b may be supported by the support. Accordingly, the ice box 1200 may be stably supported by the support. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the ice box walls 1210a and 1210b may be supported by the support in various other ways.

[0195] The support member may be disposed at a position adjacent to the front of the inner case 11. That is, the support member may be disposed closer to the opening 10a of the inner case 11 than to the rear wall 11c of the inner case 11. Accordingly, the support member may support at least the front portion of the ice making box 1200. In addition, since the support member is disposed at a position adjacent to the front of the inner case 11, when the ice making box 1200 is installed in the inner case 11 by being inserted from the front to the rear of the inner case 11, the ice making box 1200 may be more easily guided by the support member.

[0196] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the support member may be disposed at various other positions. For example, the support member may be disposed at a position adjacent to the rear wall 11c of the inner shell 11. For example, the support member may be disposed at a position almost equidistant from the opening 10a of the inner shell 11 and the rear wall 11c.

[0197] A rear support 11e provided to support the rear of the ice box 1200 may also be provided in the inner shell 11. The ice box walls 1210a and 1210b may be supported by the rear support 11e and the support. For example, the rear support 11e may be provided on the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner shell 11. For example, the rear support 11e may be provided on the rear wall 11c of the inner shell 11. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the rear support 11e may not be provided in the inner shell 11.

[0198] The support may include a first support disposed on the first inner wall 11a and configured to support the first ice making box wall 1210a, and a second support disposed on the second inner wall 11b and configured to support the second ice making box wall 1210b.

[0199] The first support and the second support may be disposed opposite to each other. The first support and the second support may be disposed at positions corresponding to each other. The first support and the second support may be formed to have shapes corresponding to each other.

[0200] The first support may have a shape protruding toward the storage chamber 20. The first support may have a shape protruding from the first inner wall 11a toward the first ice making box wall 1210a.

[0201] The second support may have a shape protruding toward the storage chamber 20. The second support may have a shape protruding from the second inner wall 11b toward the second ice making box wall 1210b.

[0202] When the first support is disposed closer to the opening 10a of the inner case 11 than to the rear wall 11c of the inner case 11, the rear support 11e may be disposed behind the first support 11aa. The first support and the rear support 11e may support the first ice making box wall 1210a.

[0203] When the second support is disposed closer to the opening 10a of the inner case 11 than to the rear wall 11c of the inner case 11, the rear support 11e may be disposed behind the second support 11bb. The second support and the rear support 11e may support the second ice making box wall 1210b.

[0204] The rear supporter 11e may be provided in plurality to support each of the first ice making box wall 1210a and the second ice making box wall 1210b.

[0205] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the first support member may extend from the front of the inner shell 11 toward the rear so as to be integrally formed with the rear support member 11e. The first support member may be formed to provide an integral support between the front and rear of the first ice making box wall 1210a. For example, the second support member may extend from the front of the inner shell 11 toward the rear so as to be integrally formed with the rear support member 11e. The second support member may be formed to provide an integral support between the front and rear of the second ice making box wall 1210b.

[0206] The ice making box 1200 may be fixed to the rear of the inner case 11. The ice making box 1200 may include a rear fixing portion 1260 formed to be fixed to the rear of the inner case 11.

[0207] For example, the rear fixing portion 1260 may be formed to face the cold air supply duct 14 provided at the rear of the storage chamber 20. The rear fixing portion 1260 may be fixed to the rear of the inner case 11 by being fixed to the cold air supply duct 14.

[0208] For example, the rear fixing portion 1260 may be formed to face the rear wall 11c of the inner case 11. The rear fixing portion 1260 may be fixed to the rear of the inner case 11 by being fixed to the rear wall 11c of the inner case 11.

[0209] For example, the rear fixing portion 1260 may include a screw hole 1261, and a screw (not shown) may pass through the screw hole 1261 in the front-rear direction. The rear fixing portion 1260 may be fixed to the cold air supply duct 14 or the rear wall 11c of the inner case 11 by screw coupling.

[0210] The ice tray 1200 may be more securely mounted in the inner case 11 by the rear fixing portion 1260. The configuration of the rear fixing portion 1260 described above is only one example of a configuration that allows the ice tray 1200 to be fixed to the inner case 11, and the ice tray 1200 may include various other configurations to be fixed to the inner case 11.

[0211] The ice box 1200 may form the exterior of the ice making device 1000. The ice box 1200 may include a front portion 1230 configured to form a front surface of the ice box 1200, and the front portion 1230 may form the exterior of the front of the ice making device 1000. The front portion 1230 may be formed between the first ice box wall 1210a and the second ice box wall 1210b. The front portion 1230 may connect the first ice box wall 1210a with the second ice box wall 1210b.

[0212] The ice box 1200 may be formed to have a basic box shape. The ice box 1200 may be formed to have a box shape having at least one open surface. For example, the ice box 1200 may have a shape that is open toward the ice bucket 100 direction (i.e., downward). For example, the ice box 1200 may have a shape that is open backward. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the ice box 1200 may be formed to have various other shapes.

[0213] The ice making tray 1200 may include a water supply passing portion 1250 through which the water supply pipe 210 passes. The water supply pipe 210 may supply water to the ice making units 1300 and 1400.

[0214] The water supply passing portion 1250 may be formed at an upper portion of the ice making tray 1200, but the position of the water supply passing portion 1250 is not limited thereto.

[0215] The number of the water supply passages 1250 may be set to correspond to the number of the water supply pipes 210 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of water supply pipes 210 may pass through a single water supply passage 1250 .

[0216] The ice making device 1000 may include an ice making cover 1100. The ice making cover 1100 may be provided to cover the top of the ice making box 1200. The ice making cover 1100 may be coupled to the upper portion of the ice making box 1200.

[0217] For example, the ice making cover 1100 may be detachably mounted on the ice making box 1200. For example, the ice making cover 1100 may be integrally formed with the ice making box 1200.

[0218] The ice making cover 1100 may form the exterior of the ice making apparatus 1000. The ice making cover 1100 may form the upper surface of the ice making apparatus 1000.

[0219] The ice making cover 1100 may cover at least a portion of the water supply pipe 210. More specifically, the ice making cover 1100 may cover at least a portion of the water supply pipe 210 disposed inside the storage chamber 20. The ice making cover 1100 may cover the water supply passing portion 1250.

[0220] The ice making cover 1100 may be disposed above the ice making units 1300 and 1400. The ice making cover 1100 may cover the tops of the ice making units 1300 and 1400.

[0221] The ice making cover 1100 may include a shelf portion 1110 configured to support items disposed thereon and to cover the ice making box 1200 .

[0222] The ice making cover 1100 may include a front inclined portion 1130 configured to extend forward from the shelf portion 1110 and a rear inclined portion 1120 configured to extend rearward from the shelf portion 1110 .

[0223] The rear inclined portion 1120 may be a portion in contact with the cold air supply duct 14 (see Figure 2 ). The rear inclined portion 1120 may have a shape that is inclined upward toward the rear. In this way, the rear inclined portion 1120, while being supported by the cold air supply duct 14, may be arranged to cover the water supply device 200 that passes through the cold air supply duct 14 and has a shape that is inclined downward toward the front.

[0224] The front inclined portion 1130 may extend forward from the shelf portion 1110. The front inclined portion 1130 may have a shape that is inclined downward toward the front. The front inclined portion 1130 may be disposed adjacent to the inclined wall 11f (refer to Figure 1 ). The ice making units 1300 and 1400 provided in the ice making apparatus 1000 may be provided to form ice in various shapes.

[0225] For example, the ice making apparatus 1000 may include a first ice making unit 1300 for forming a first type of ice. The first ice making unit 1300 may be supported by a first ice making unit support 1241 of the ice making tray 1200.

[0226] For example, the ice making apparatus 1000 may include a second ice making unit 1400 configured to form a second type of ice. The second ice making unit 1400 may be supported by the second ice making unit support 1242 of the ice making tray 1200.

[0227] The first ice-making unit support part 1241 may be provided to support at least an upper portion of the first ice-making unit 1300. The second ice-making unit support part 1242 may be provided to support at least an upper portion of the second ice-making unit 1400.

[0228] The first ice-making unit support 1241 may be disposed under the ice-making cover 1100. The top of the first ice-making unit support 1241 may be covered by the ice-making cover 1100. The second ice-making unit support 1242 may be disposed under the ice-making cover 1100. The top of the second ice-making unit support 1242 may be covered by the ice-making cover 1100.

[0229] The first and second ice making unit supports 1241 and 1242 may be disposed between the first and second ice making box walls 1210a and 1210b. The first and second ice making unit supports 1241 and 1242 may be covered by the first and second ice making box walls 1210a and 1210b in the left-right direction.

[0230] The first ice-making unit support portion 1241 and the second ice-making unit support portion 1242 may be disposed behind the front portion 1230. The front of the first ice-making unit support portion 1241 and the second ice-making unit support portion 1242 may be covered by the front portion 1230.

[0231] The first ice-making unit 1300 and the second ice-making unit 1400 may be disposed in parallel with each other. Likewise, the first ice-making unit support portion 1241 and the second ice-making unit support portion 1242 may be disposed in parallel with each other.

[0232] For example, the first and second ice-making units 1300 and 1400 may be disposed parallel to each other in the left-right direction of the refrigerator 1 , and the first and second ice-making unit supports 1241 and 1242 may be disposed parallel to each other in the left-right direction of the refrigerator 1 .

[0233] For example, the first ice-making unit support 1241 may include a hook structure, and the first ice-making unit 1300 may be supported by the first ice-making unit support 1241 through hook coupling. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first ice-making unit support 1241 may include various other structures to fix the first ice-making unit 1300.

[0234] For example, the second ice-making unit support 1242 may include a hook structure, and the second ice-making unit 1400 may be supported by the second ice-making unit support 1242 through hook coupling. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second ice-making unit support 1242 may include various other structures to fix the second ice-making unit 1400.

[0235] The configuration in which the ice-making units 1300 and 1400 are supported by the ice-making box 1200 is not limited to the above configuration, and the ice-making units 1300 and 1400 may be supported using various other methods.

[0236] The first type of ice formed by the first ice-making unit 1300 and the second type of ice formed by the second ice-making unit 1400 may be ice types distinguished from each other in terms of shape, size, etc. of ice.

[0237] For example, the first type of ice may be ice having a substantially cubic shape. For example, the second type of ice may be ice having a substantially spherical shape. Alternatively, for example, the first type of ice and the second type of ice may be formed to have similar shapes but different sizes.

[0238] However, unlike the above description, the ice making apparatus 1000 may be configured to form only one type of ice.

[0239] The configuration and operation of the first ice-making unit 1300 and the second ice-making unit 1400 will be described in detail below.

[0240] The ice bucket 100 may be disposed in the storage chamber 20. The ice bucket 100 may be installed in the inner case 11. Specifically, the ice bucket 100 may be supported by the first inner wall 11a and the second inner wall 11b of the inner case 11.

[0241] The ice bucket 100 may be disposed under the ice making apparatus 1000. The ice bucket 100 may be disposed to receive ice that is discharged from the ice making units 1300 and 1400 and moves downward.

[0242] For example, the ice bucket 100 may include a first receiving portion 110 configured to receive a first type of ice formed by the first ice-making unit 1300 and a second receiving portion 120 configured to receive a second type of ice formed by the second ice-making unit 1400. The first receiving portion 110 may be disposed below the first ice-making unit 1300. The second receiving portion 120 may be disposed below the second ice-making unit 1400.

[0243] The ice bucket 100 may be seated on the tub holder 15. The tub holder 15 may be supported by tub mounting parts 11d provided on the inner walls 11a and 11b of the inner case 11. The tub mounting parts 11d may be formed to extend in the front-rear direction of the inner case 11.

[0244] For example, the ice bucket 100 may be provided to be inserted into or withdrawn from the storage chamber 20. That is, the ice bucket 100 may be installed to be slidable relative to the inner shell 11. For example, the bucket rack 15 may be provided to be slidable along the bucket mounting portion 11d. The bucket rack 15 may be inserted into or withdrawn from the storage chamber 20 along the bucket mounting portion 11d, and the ice bucket 100 mounted on the bucket rack 15 may be inserted into or withdrawn from the storage chamber 20 together with the bucket rack 15.

[0245] Fig. 9 It shows Figure 7 A perspective view of an ice-making device 1000 of a refrigerator 1 and its associated components is shown.

[0246] Will refer to Fig. 9A configuration of filling water in the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0247] The refrigerator 1 may include a water supply device 200. The water supply device 200 may be a device that supplies water to the ice making device 1000.

[0248] The water supply device 200 may discharge water from an upper side of the ice making device 1000. The water discharged from the water supply device 200 may move toward the ice making device 1000 due to gravity.

[0249] The water supply apparatus 200 may include a water supply pipe 210. The water supply pipe 210 may be configured to define a flow path of the water supply pipe 210 in which water may flow.

[0250] The water supply pipe 210 can be connected to the rear wall ( Figure 2 ) extends forward. When the water supply pipe 210 extends forward, the water supply pipe 20 can be tilted downward. Through such a configuration, the water located inside the water supply pipe 210 can move due to gravity while moving forward.

[0251] The water supply pipe 210 may be coupled to the rear wall of the refrigerator 1. The end of the water supply pipe 210 located on the rear wall side of the refrigerator 1 may be communicated with the water distribution flow path ( Figure 4 ). Accordingly, the flow through the filter 2-100 ( Figure 4 ) may move to the water supply pipe 210 and then move toward the ice making device 1000.

[0252] The water flowing through the filter 2 - 100 may be moved toward the ice-making apparatus 1000 by water pressure of a water supply source, or may be moved toward the ice-making apparatus 1000 by a separate pump (not shown).

[0253] The water supply apparatus 200 may include a water supply valve 220. The water supply valve 220 may be configured to open and close a flow path of the water supply pipe 210.

[0254] At least a portion of the water supply valve 220 may be located on a flow path of the water supply pipe 210 .

[0255] The water supply valve 220 may open or close a flow path of the water supply pipe 210 so that water flowing through the water supply pipe 210 is allowed to be discharged to the outside of the water supply pipe 210 or is blocked from being discharged to the outside of the water supply pipe 210 .

[0256] The water supply valve 220 may be opened or closed electronically. The water supply valve 220 may include a solenoid (not shown). The water supply valve 220 may include a closing member (not shown) movable by the solenoid (not shown). However, it is not limited thereto, and the water supply valve 220 may be opened or closed manually.

[0257] The solenoid may be electrically connected to a control unit 2000 ( Fig.16 ). The control unit 2000 may allow current to flow through the solenoid or control the direction of the current, thereby controlling whether the closing member closes the flow path of the water supply pipe 210. In other words, the control unit 2000 may control the water supply valve 220.

[0258] The water supply pipe 210 may include a first water supply pipe 210a and a second water supply pipe 210b. The first water supply pipe 210a may drain water toward the first ice making tray 1310. The second water supply pipe 210b may drain water toward the second ice making tray 1410.

[0259] The first water supply pipe 210a may extend toward the first ice making tray 1310. The second water supply pipe 210b may extend toward the second ice making tray 1410. By such a configuration, water discharged from the water supply pipe 210 may be prevented from splashing outside the ice making trays 1310 and 1410.

[0260] In other words, water discharged from the water supply pipe 210 may move toward the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 .

[0261] Fig.10 It shows Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the first ice-making unit 1300 of the refrigerator 1 . Fig.11 It shows Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a state in which the first ice making tray 1310 of the first ice making unit 1300 is moved.

[0262] Will refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 The first ice-making unit 1300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0263] The first ice-making unit 1300 may be configured to produce a first type of ice. For example, the first type of ice may be ice having a substantially cubic shape.

[0264] The first ice making unit 1300 may include a first ice making tray 1310 in which ice is formed. The first ice making tray 1310 may be disposed to receive water from the water supply pipe 210. The first ice making tray 1310 may be disposed to be supported by the first ice making unit support 1241.

[0265] The first ice making tray 1310 may include at least one first ice making unit 1311 configured to store water received from the water supply pipe 210. The water stored in the first ice making unit 1311 may be converted into ice by the cold air of the storage chamber 20. Figure 7 In the case where a plurality of first ice-making units 1311 are provided as shown, the plurality of first ice-making units 1311 may be separated from each other by partitions.

[0266] The first ice tray 1310 and the first ice making unit 1311 may have a shape with one side open. When water is supplied to the first ice tray 1310 or frozen therein, one open side of the first ice tray 1310 and the first ice making unit 1311 may substantially face the top of the refrigerator 1. When ice formed in the first ice tray 1310 moves to the ice bucket 100, one open side of the first ice tray 1310 and the first ice making unit 1311 may substantially face the bottom of the refrigerator 1.

[0267] The first ice-making unit 1311 may define a first ice-making space 1300S. A second ice-making unit to be described below may define a second ice-making space 1400S.

[0268] In other words, the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may define ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S. The ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S may be spaces for accommodating water. When water is accommodated in the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S and the cold air supply device operates, ice corresponding to the shape of the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S may be formed.

[0269] The ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S may include a first ice making space 1300S and a second ice making space 1400S.

[0270] The first ice making unit 1300 may include a first driving device 1320 configured to move ice formed in the first ice making tray 1310 to the first receiving portion 110 of the ice bucket 100. For example, the first driving device 1320 may be configured to rotate the first ice making tray 1310 around a rotation axis of the refrigerator 1 in a horizontal direction and move ice in the first ice making tray 1310 to the first receiving portion 110.

[0271] The first driving device 1320 may be coupled to the first ice making tray 1310. The first driving device 1320 may be coupled to one side of the first ice making tray 1310 along the rotation axis direction of the first ice making tray 1310. The first driving coupling portion 1312 may be provided at one side of the first ice making tray 1310 facing the first driving device 1320. The first driving coupling portion 1312 may be provided on the rotation axis of the first ice making tray 1310. The first driving device 1320 may be coupled to the first driving coupling portion 1312.

[0272] The first driving device 1320 may include a motor (not shown), a power transmission member (not shown), etc. The motor of the first driving device 1320 may generate power, and the power transmission member may receive power from the motor and transmit the power to the first ice making tray 1310. The power transmission member of the first driving device 1320 may be connected to the first driving coupling portion 1312. The power transmission member of the first driving device 1320 may include, for example, at least one gear (not shown).

[0273] The first ice making tray 1310 may be connected to a rotation shaft support 1241a provided at the first ice making unit support 1241. The rotation shaft support 1241a may be provided on a rotation shaft of the first ice making tray 1310. The rotation shaft support 1241a may be provided at a position opposite to the first driving coupling portion 1312 with respect to the first ice making tray 1310. The rotation shaft support 1241a may rotatably support the first ice making tray 1310.

[0274] Through the above configuration, the first ice tray 1310 may receive power from the first driving part 1320 and may rotate around the rotation axis in the horizontal direction of the refrigerator 1. According to the rotation of the first ice tray 1310, ice formed in the first ice tray 1310 may be discharged from the first ice making unit 1311 and moved to the first receiving part 110 of the ice bucket 100.

[0275] The first ice making unit 1300 may include an ice full detection rod 1330. The ice full detection rod 1330 may be provided to detect whether ice in the first receiving part 110 of the ice bucket 100 disposed under the ice making apparatus 1000 is full.

[0276] The ice full detection lever 1330 may be coupled to the first driving portion 1320. Specifically, the ice full detection lever 1330 may be coupled to a side portion of the first driving portion 1320. The ice full detection lever 1330 may be rotatably coupled with respect to the first driving portion 1320.

[0277] When the ice full detection lever 1330 determines that the first receiving part 110 is full of ice, the control unit (not shown) controls to prevent further water supply to the ice making device 1000. In this way, it is possible to prevent more ice than necessary from being collected in the ice bucket 100.

[0278] The first ice-making unit 1300 may further include a sensor module 1340. The sensor module 1340 may include a sensor, a housing configured to accommodate the sensor, an insulator, etc. The sensor module 1340 may be installed below the first ice-making tray 1310. The sensor of the sensor module 1340 may be a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the first ice-making tray 1310.

[0279] When the sensor module 1340 detects that the temperature of the first ice making tray 1310 is a predetermined temperature or lower, the control unit (not shown) may determine that ice formation in the first ice making tray 1310 has been completed. Based on the determination that ice formation in the first ice making tray 1310 has been completed, the control unit (not shown) may control the driving of the first driving part 1320 so that the first ice making tray 1310 rotates. In this way, ice formed in the first ice making tray 1310 may be collected in the first receiving portion 110 of the ice bucket 100, which is disposed below the first ice making tray 1310.

[0280] The first ice making unit 1311 of the first ice making tray 1310 may define a first ice making space 1300S configured to accommodate water or ice therein.

[0281] The first ice tray 1310 may rotate around an axis passing through the first driving coupling portion 1312. The first ice tray 1310 may have a first state in which water discharged from the water supply device 200 may be received. The first ice tray 1310 may have a second state in which ice frozen from water discharged from the water supply device 200 may be discharged.

[0282] The first ice tray 1310 in the first state may be in a position rotated 90 degrees relative to the first ice tray 1310 in the second state. However, it is not limited thereto, and the first ice tray 1310 in the second state may form a predetermined angle with the first ice tray 1310 in the first state. In addition, the first ice tray 1310 in the second state may be in a position twisted relative to the first ice tray 1310 in the first state. In response to the first ice tray 1310 switching from the first state to the second state, the end of the first ice tray 1310 close to the first drive coupling portion 1312 may rotate at an angle different from the angle at which the end of the first ice tray 1310 away from the first drive coupling portion 1312 rotates.

[0283] As described in the following related figures, the first ice making tray 1310 in the second state is positioned so that ice can be easily moved to the ice bucket 100, and thus even when water is supplied from the water supply device 200 ( Fig. 9 ) is discharged, the water will not flow into the first ice making tray 1310 or easily flow out of the first ice making tray 1310.

[0284] Fig.12 It shows Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the second ice-making unit 1400 of the refrigerator 1 . Fig.13 It shows Fig.12 A perspective view showing a state in which the second ice-making unit 1400 forms ice is shown.

[0285] Reference Fig.12 and Fig.13 , the second ice-making unit 1400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0286] The second ice-making unit 1400 may be configured to generate a second type of ice having an approximately spherical shape.

[0287] The second ice-making unit 1400 may include a second ice-making tray 1410 in which ice is formed.

[0288] The second ice making tray 1410 may include at least one second ice making unit configured to store water received from the water supply pipe 210 (refer to Figure 2 ). Water stored in the second ice-making unit may be converted into ice by the cold air of the storage chamber 20. The second ice-making unit may be disposed inside the second ice-making tray 1410. The second ice-making unit may be configured to include an elastic material. The second ice-making unit may be configured to be elastically deformable.

[0289] The second ice-making unit may define a second ice-making space 1400S. In the second ice-making space 1400S, water may be contained and ice may be formed.

[0290] The second ice-making unit 1400 may include a cover frame 1450 configured to cover the outer side of the second ice-making tray 1410. The cover frame 1450 may be supported by the second ice-making unit support part 1242. The second ice-making tray 1410 may be supported by the cover frame 1450.

[0291] The cover frame 1450 may include a water collector 1452 configured to receive water from the water supply pipe 210. The water collector 1452 may be provided to collect water supplied from the water supply pipe 210 and supply the water to the second ice making tray 1410.

[0292] The second ice making tray 1410 may be configured to simultaneously form a plurality of pieces of the second type of ice. A plurality of second ice making units may be disposed inside the second ice making tray 1410. For example, the water collector 1452 may be configured to be a plurality of water collectors 1452 corresponding to the number of the plurality of second ice making units, and the collected water may be supplied to each of the plurality of second ice making units. For example, the water collector 1452 may supply the collected water only to some of the plurality of second ice making units, and the plurality of second ice making units may be formed to be connected to each other so that the collected water may be supplied to all the second ice making units.

[0293] The second ice making tray 1410 may include a fixed tray 1411 and a movable tray 1412. The fixed tray 1411 and the movable tray 1412 may be supported by the cover frame 1450.

[0294] The fixed tray 1411 may maintain a fixed position relative to the cover frame 1450. The movable tray 1412 may be provided to be movable relative to the cover frame 1450. More specifically, the movable tray 1412 may be provided to be movable between the fixed tray 1411 and the second ejector 1440.

[0295] A portion of the second ice-making unit substantially corresponding to one half of the second ice-making unit may be disposed inside the fixed tray 1411. Another portion of the second ice-making unit substantially corresponding to the other half of the second ice-making unit may be disposed inside the movable tray 1412. A portion of the second ice-making unit inside the fixed tray 1411 and another portion of the second ice-making unit inside the movable tray 1412 may each be formed to include a substantially hemispherical shape.

[0296] The second ice-making unit 1400 may include a second driving device 1420 configured to provide power to make the movable tray 1412 movable relative to the cover frame 1450, and ejectors 1430 and 1440 configured to discharge ice formed in the second ice-making tray 1410 from the second ice-making tray 1410.

[0297] The second driving device 1420 may include a motor (not shown) configured to generate power, a motor housing 1421 configured to accommodate the motor, and a power transmission member 1422 configured to transmit the power generated by the motor. For example, the motor of the second driving device 1420 may generate power to rotate around the rotation axis of the refrigerator 1 in the horizontal direction.

[0298] The motor housing 1421 may be coupled to the cover frame 1450. The motor housing 1421 may be coupled to a second driving coupling portion 1451 provided at the cover frame 1450. A hole passing through the cover frame 1450 may be formed on the second driving coupling portion 1451, and the hole of the second driving coupling portion 1451 may be provided on a rotating shaft connected to the motor of the second driving device 1420.

[0299] The power transmission member 1422 may be connected to the motor of the second driving device 1420 and receive power generated by the motor. The power transmission member 1422 may transmit the power received from the motor to the movable disk 1412. For example, the power transmission member 1422 may include at least one gear.

[0300] The power transmission member 1422 may be configured to convert the rotational motion of the motor of the second drive device 1420 into a linear motion and transmit the linear motion to the movable disk 1412. For example, the power transmission member 1422 may include a pinion and a rack. The pinion of the power transmission member 1422 may be connected to the rotating shaft of the motor of the second drive device 1420. The pinion of the power transmission member 1422 may mesh with the rack and convert the rotational motion of the pinion into the linear motion of the rack.

[0301] The rack gear of the power transmission member 1422 may be coupled to the movable disk 1412. The movable disk 1412 may be disposed to linearly move relative to the cover frame 1450 due to the linear movement of the rack gear.

[0302] The power transmission member 1422 may further include an elastic member 1423. The elastic member 1423 may couple the rack of the power transmission member 1422 with the movable disk 1412. For example, the elastic member 1423 may be an elastic spring.

[0303] The ejectors 1430 and 1440 of the second ice making unit 1400 may include a first ejector 1430 and a second ejector 1440. The first ejector 1430 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the fixed tray 1411. The second ejector 1440 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the movable tray 1412. The second ice making tray 1410 may be disposed between the first ejector 1430 and the second ejector 1440.

[0304] The first ejector 1430 may be provided to be movable with respect to the cover frame 1450. The first ejector 1430 may be provided to be movable based on the movement of the movable tray 1412.

[0305] The first ejector 1430 may include a first body 1431 , a first pressing portion 1432 , and a leg portion 1433 .

[0306] The first body 1431 may be formed to extend in a direction parallel to the movable tray 1412. That is, the first body 1431 may extend in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first ejector 1430 moves.

[0307] The first pressing portion 1432 may be provided to extend from the first body 1431. The first body 1431 may be provided to support the first pressing portion 1432. The first pressing portion 1432 may be provided to pass through the fixing tray 1411 and press the second ice-making unit inside the fixing tray 1411.

[0308] The legs 1433 may extend from both ends of the first body 1431 and be inserted into the side of the cover frame 1450. The legs 1433 may extend in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the first ejector 1430. The legs 1433 may be provided as a pair of legs 1433 symmetrical to each other.

[0309] When the movable disk 1412 moves in a direction away from the fixed disk 1411, the first ejector 1430 may move in the direction in which the movable disk 1412 moves. That is, since the fixed disk 1411 is disposed between the first ejector 1430 and the movable disk 1412, the first ejector 1430 may move in a direction close to the fixed disk 1411.

[0310] In addition, when the movable disk 1412 moves in a direction approaching the fixed disk 1411, the first ejector 1430 may also move in the direction in which the movable disk 1412 moves. That is, since the fixed disk 1411 is disposed between the first ejector 1430 and the movable disk 1412, the first ejector 1430 may move in a direction away from the fixed disk 1411.

[0311] For example, the movable tray 1412 may include an interference portion (not shown) configured to interfere with the leg 1433 of the first ejector 1430, and according to the movement of the movable tray 1412, the interference portion of the movable tray 1412 and the leg 1433 may interfere with each other, and the first ejector 1430 may also move together.

[0312] The first pressing portion 1432 of the first ejector 1430 may be disposed to pass through the fixing tray 1411 and press the second ice-making unit inside the fixing tray 1411 while the first ejector 1430 moves toward the fixing tray 1411 .

[0313] The second ejector 1440 may be fixed to one side of the cover frame 1450 .

[0314] The second ejector 1440 may include a second body 1441, a second pressing portion 1442, and a frame coupling portion 1443. The second body 1441 may extend in a direction parallel to the movable disk 1412. The second pressing portion 1442 may extend from the second body 1441 toward the movable disk 1412. The frame coupling portion 1443 may be formed at both ends of the second body 1441 and coupled to the cover frame 1450.

[0315] The second ejector 1440 may maintain a fixed position relative to the cover frame 1450 and be configured to press the movable tray 1412 while the movable tray 1412 moves toward the second ejector 1440. More specifically, the second ejector 1440 may be configured to press the second ice-making unit inside the movable tray 1412 while the movable tray 1412 moves toward the second ejector 1440.

[0316] The fixed tray 1411 and the movable tray 1412 may be positioned to be coupled to each other while the second ice making tray 1410 forms ice using water received from the water supply pipe 210. At the position where the fixed tray 1411 and the movable tray 1412 are coupled, a portion of the second ice making unit inside the fixed tray 1411 and another portion of the second ice making unit inside the movable tray 1412 may be coupled and constitute a single second ice making unit, and a second type of ice may be formed inside the second ice making unit.

[0317] After the formation of the second type of ice is completed, the control unit 2000 (see Fig.16 ) can control the driving of the second driving device 1420 so that the movable disk 1412 moves toward the second ejector 1440. When power is generated by the motor of the second driving device 1420, the generated power can be transmitted to the movable disk 1412 through the power transmission member 1422. The movable disk 1412 can be separated from the fixed disk 1411 and linearly moved toward the second ejector 1440.

[0318] The second pressing portion 1442 of the second ejector 1440 may be provided to pass through the movable tray 1412 when the movable tray 1412 approaches and press the portion of the second ice-making unit inside the movable tray 1412. The portion of the second ice-making unit inside the movable tray 1412 may be elastically deformed when pressed by the second pressing portion 1442, and the second type of ice placed therein may be discharged from the movable tray 1412. The second type of ice discharged from the movable tray 1412 may move to the second receiving portion 120 of the ice bucket 100.

[0319] When the movable tray 1412 further moves in the same direction in a state where the portion of the second ice-making unit inside the movable tray 1412 is pressed by the second pressing portion 1442, since the interference portion (not shown) of the movable tray 1412 and the leg portion 1433 interfere with each other, the first ejector 1430 may move toward the fixed tray 1411. Accordingly, the first pressing portion 1432 of the first ejector 1430 may be disposed to pass through the fixed tray 1411 and press the other portion of the second ice-making unit inside the fixed tray 1411. The other portion of the second ice-making unit inside the fixed tray 1411 may be elastically deformed when pressed by the second pressing portion 1442, and the second type of ice placed therein may be discharged from the fixed tray 1411. The second type of ice discharged from the fixed tray 1411 may move to the second receiving portion 120 of the ice bucket 100.

[0320] Through the above configuration, ice formed in the second ice making tray 1410 may be discharged from the second ice making tray 1410 and moved to the second receiving part 120 of the ice bucket 100 .

[0321] As an example of the ice making device of the refrigerator according to the concept of the present disclosure, the structure of the indirect cooling type ice making device has been described, which guides the cold air generated from the storage chamber 20 to one side of the ice making device 1000 to cool the water supplied to the first ice tray 1310 and the second ice tray 1410, but the concept of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the concept of the present disclosure may also be applied to a direct cooling type ice making device, which directly supplies cold air to cool the water supplied to the first ice tray 1310 and the second ice tray 1410 by providing separate refrigerant pipes (not shown) in the first ice tray 1310 and the second ice tray 1410.

[0322] Fig.14 It shows Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of ice making apparatus 1000 and its associated components is shown.

[0323] Reference Fig.14 , the positional relationship of the ice making apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0324] The ice making units 1300 and 1400 may be located inside the ice making box 1200. An upper portion of the ice making box 1200 may be covered by an ice making cover 1100 located at an upper side of the ice making box 1200.

[0325] The water supply pipe 210 may be located between the ice making cover 1100 and the ice making box 1200. The water supply pipe 210 may guide water into the ice making units 1300 and 1400 through the water supply passage 1250 defined in the ice making cover 1100. More specifically, the water supply pipe 210 may guide water into the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S located inside the ice making trays 1310 and 1410.

[0326] When refrigerator 1 (refer to Figure 2 ) of the air conditioning supply equipment (refer to Figure 2 ) is driven, cold air may be supplied to the storage chamber 20. Water stored inside the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may be converted into ice due to the cold air.

[0327] When the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 are switched to the second state, ice may fall toward the inside of the ice bucket 100 located below the ice making units 1300 and 1400. The ice bucket 100 may accommodate at least one piece of ice therein.

[0328] The user may retrieve ice by separating the ice bucket 100 from the body 10 .

[0329] However, as mentioned above, when replacing filter 2-100 (refer to Figure 3 ), ice containing foreign matter generated in the filter 2-100 may be generated. The foreign matter may be, for example, carbon powder.

[0330] Since the filter 2-100 may use a carbon filter 2-100, when the filter 2-100 is replaced, carbon powder may fall into the inside of the filter 2-100. When water flows through the filter 2-100, the carbon powder in the filter 2-100 may be mixed with water and discharged toward the ice making units 1300 and 1400. In this case, the water located inside the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may be water mixed with carbon powder. The user may want ice to be formed only by water. Accordingly, in order to make ice without carbon powder, the carbon powder needs to be discharged to the outside.

[0331] By discharging a predetermined amount of water, the carbon powder in the filter 2-100 may be discharged to the outside of the filter 2-100. Since the carbon powder of the filter 2-100 exists only in the initial stage after the filter 2-100 is replaced, water may be allowed to flow only until the carbon powder is discharged.

[0332] However, as shown in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the refrigerator 1 without a dispenser (not shown) may not include a separate exhaust flow path for exhausting water mixed with carbon powder to the outside.

[0333] Accordingly, in this case, water mixed with carbon powder discharged through the water supply pipe 210 may be contained in the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 and converted into ice, and the ice may be stored in the ice bucket 100. However, since the ice making time is long, such a process may take a long time.

[0334] In order to solve this problem, as will be described with reference to the following drawings, a method of discharging foreign matter by directly draining water without making ice may be used.

[0335] Fig.15 It shows that from Fig.14 The illustrated perspective view is of a state in which the water supply device 200 supplies water toward the ice making device 1000.

[0336] Reference Fig.15 , a process of discharging foreign matter included in water discharged through the water supply apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0337] As mentioned above, refrigerator 1 ( Figure 1 ) can be connected to filter device 2-1 ( Figure 1 ). Therefore, foreign matter generated in the filtering device 2 - 1 may flow into the refrigerator 1 .

[0338] Since the filter device 2-1 may be communicated with the water supply device 200, foreign matter generated in the filter device 2-1 may move into the water supply device 200. Foreign matter generated in the filter device 2-1 may move through the water supply pipe 210. When the water supply pipe 210 is opened by the water supply valve 220, foreign matter generated in the filter device 2-1 may be discharged to the outside of the water supply pipe 210. When water is discharged from the water supply pipe 210 together with the foreign matter discharged from the filter device 2-1, the foreign matter may be contained in the ice making trays 1310 and 1410.

[0339] In this case, the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may be in the second state. As described above, the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may be switched between a first state of accommodating water and a second state of discharging ice.

[0340] When the first ice making tray 1310 is in the second state, the first ice making tray 1310 may rotate around the rotation axis. The ice making space 1300S of the first ice making tray 1310 may face left or right instead of facing upward. Alternatively, the ice making space 1300S of the first ice making tray 1310 may face downward.

[0341] When the first ice making tray 1310 is in the first state, the first water supply pipe 210a may be located at an upper side of the first ice making tray 1310. The first water supply pipe 210a may be located at an upper side of the ice making space 1300S of the first ice making tray 1310.

[0342] When the first ice making tray 1310 is in the second state, the first water supply pipe 210a may be located at a side of the first ice making tray 1310. Accordingly, water discharged from the first water supply pipe 210a may move toward the ice bucket 100 along the side of the first ice making tray 1310. Water discharged from the first water supply pipe 210a may move toward the ice bucket 100 while being prevented from being contained in the ice making space 1300S of the first ice making tray 1310. Accordingly, foreign matter included in the water discharged from the first water supply pipe 210a may be prevented from entering the ice making space 1300S of the first ice making tray 1310.

[0343] When the first ice making tray 1310 is in the second state, the first ice making tray 1310 may rotate around the rotation axis. The ice making space 1300S of the first ice making tray 1310 may face left or right instead of facing upward. Alternatively, the ice making space 1300S of the first ice making tray 1310 may face downward.

[0344] When the first ice making tray 1310 is in the first state, the first water supply pipe 210a may be located at an upper side of the first ice making tray 1310. The first water supply pipe 210a may be located at an upper side of the ice making space 1300S of the first ice making tray 1310.

[0345] When the first ice making tray 1310 is in the second state, the first water supply pipe 210a may be located at a side of the first ice making tray 1310. Accordingly, water discharged from the first water supply pipe 210a may move toward the ice bucket 100 along the side of the first ice making tray 1310. Water discharged from the first water supply pipe 210a may move toward the ice bucket 100 while being prevented from being contained in the ice making space 1300S of the first ice making tray 1310. Accordingly, foreign matter included in the water discharged from the first water supply pipe 210a may be prevented from entering the ice making space 1300S of the first ice making tray 1310.

[0346] When the second ice making tray 1410 is in the second state, the second ice making tray 1410 may be positioned such that the fixed tray 1411 and the movable tray 1412 are separated from each other. The ice making space 1400S of the second ice making tray 1410 may not be allowed to accommodate water.

[0347] When the second ice making tray 1410 is in the first state, the second water supply pipe 210b may be located at an upper side of the second ice making tray 1410. The second water supply pipe 210b may be located at an upper side of the ice making space 1400S of the second ice making tray 1410.

[0348] When the second ice making tray 1410 is in the second state, the second water supply pipe 210b may be located between the fixed tray 1411 and the movable tray 1412. The second water supply pipe 210b may be located above a space between the fixed tray 1411 and the movable tray 1412.

[0349] Accordingly, water discharged from the second water supply pipe 210b may flow directly toward the ice bucket 100. Water discharged from the second water supply pipe 210b may pass through the space between the fixed tray 1411 and the movable tray 1412 and flow toward the ice bucket 100. Water discharged from the second water supply pipe 210b may move toward the ice bucket 100 while being prevented from being contained in the ice making space 1400S of the second ice making tray 1410. Accordingly, foreign matter included in the water discharged from the second water supply pipe 210b does not enter the ice making space 1400S of the second ice making tray 1410.

[0350] Fig.16 Yes Control Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of the ice making device 1000 and the control unit 2000 of the water supply device 200.

[0351] Reference Fig.16 , a control unit 2000 and its related components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0352] The refrigerator 1 may include a control unit 2000 .

[0353] The ice making apparatus 1000 may include a control unit 2000 .

[0354] The control unit 2000 may include a processor 2100 that generates a control signal related to the operation of the refrigerator 1 .

[0355] The processor 2100 may generate a control signal related to the operation of the ice making device 1000. The processor 2100 may generate a control signal related to the operation of the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 of the ice making device 1000. The ice making device 1000 may generate a control signal to move the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 to a first state or a second state. The control unit 2000 may generate a control signal to move the first ice making tray 1310 to a first state or a second state. The control unit 2000 may generate a control signal to move the second ice making tray 1410 to a first state or a second state. The control unit 2000 may generate a control signal related to the operation of the first driving device 1320 connected to the first ice making tray 1310. The control unit 2000 may generate a control signal related to the operation of the second driving device 1420 connected to the second ice making tray 1410.

[0356] The processor 2100 may generate a control signal related to the operation of the water supply valve 220. The water supply valve 220 may open or close the water supply pipe 210 by an electrical signal. In this case, the water supply valve 220 may open or close the water supply pipe 210 according to the control signal generated by the processor 2100.

[0357] The processor 2100 and the memory 2200 may be implemented as separate semiconductor devices or a single semiconductor device. In addition, the control unit 2000 may include a plurality of processors 2100 or a plurality of memories 2200. The control unit 2000 may be disposed at various locations inside the refrigerator 1. For example, the control unit 2000 may be included in a printed circuit board disposed inside the control panel. Alternatively, the control unit 2000 may be included in a printed circuit board disposed inside the ice making device 1000.

[0358] The processor 2100 may include an operation circuit, a memory circuit, and a control circuit. The processor 2100 may include one chip or multiple chips. In addition, the processor 2100 may include one core or multiple cores.

[0359] The memory 2200 may store a program for controlling the ice-making apparatus 1000 and the water supply apparatus 200 and data required to control the ice-making apparatus 1000 and the water supply apparatus 200 .

[0360] The memory 2200 includes a volatile memory 2200 such as a static random access memory (S-RAM) and a dynamic random access memory (D-RAM) and a nonvolatile memory 2200 such as a read-only memory (ROM) and an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM). The memory 2200 may include one storage element, or may include a plurality of storage elements.

[0361] The processor 2100 may process data and / or signals using a program provided from the memory 2200 , and transmit a control signal to each component of the refrigerator 1 based on the processing result.

[0362] Alternatively, the processor 2100 may process data and / or signals using a program provided from the memory 2200, and transmit control signals to the ice making apparatus 1000 and the water supply apparatus 200 based on the processing result.

[0363] The processor 2100 may send a control signal to each component of the refrigerator 1 .

[0364] For example, the processor 2100 can process information obtained from the user interface device 300 (e.g., whether a water supply operation or preliminary water distribution is performed) and / or operation information of components included in the ice making device 1000 and the water supply device 200 (e.g., operation information of the driving devices 1320 and 1420, information about whether the water supply pipe 210 is opened or closed by the water supply valve 220).

[0365] The ice making device 1000 and the water supply device 200 may be controlled by a control unit 2000 .

[0366] The refrigerator 1 may include a user interface device 300 .

[0367] The processor 2100 may receive a user's input signal from the user interface device 300. The user interface device 300 may include an input unit 320 (not shown) to which a user input is input. The user may input an input related to a desired function on the user interface device 300 through the input unit 320.

[0368] The user interface device 300 may output an input signal corresponding to the user's input based on the user's input. The signal output by the user interface device 300 may be transmitted to the processor 2100.

[0369] The refrigerator 1 may include a flow sensor 410 .

[0370] The processor 2100 may receive a signal corresponding to information about water flowing through the water supply pipe 210 from the flow sensor 410. The flow sensor 410 may be located inside the water supply pipe 210 ( Fig.15 ). Accordingly, the flow sensor 410 may output a signal corresponding to information about the hourly water flow rate or water flow rate in the water supply pipe 210.

[0371] The refrigerator 1 may include a mounting sensor 420 .

[0372] The processor 2100 may receive a signal corresponding to information on whether the ice bucket 100 is installed on the body 10 from the installation sensor 420. The installation sensor 420 may be located inside the body 10 ( Figure 2 ). For example, the installation sensor 420 may include a pressure sensor or an illumination sensor.

[0373] The refrigerator 1 may include a weight sensor 430 .

[0374] The processor 2100 may receive a signal corresponding to information about the weight of the ice bucket 100 and the object contained in the ice bucket 100 from the weight sensor 430. The weight sensor 430 may be installed inside the body 10.

[0375] The refrigerator 1 may include a communication module 500 .

[0376] The communication module 500 may transmit data to an external device or receive data from an external device. For example, the communication module may transmit / receive various types of data by communicating with a server and / or a user terminal device and / or a home appliance.

[0377] To this end, the communication module 500 can establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel with an external electronic device (e.g., a server, a user terminal device, and / or a household appliance), and support communication through the established communication channel. According to one embodiment, the communication module 500 may include a wireless communication module 500 (e.g., a cellular communication module 500, a short-range wireless communication module 500, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module 500) or a wired communication module 500 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module 500 or a power line communication module 500). Among the communication modules 500, the corresponding communication module 500 can communicate with the external electronic device through a first network (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct connection, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN)). Such various types of communication modules 500 may be integrated into one component (eg, a single chip) or implemented as a plurality of separate components (eg, a plurality of chips).

[0378] The communication module 500 may include a Wi-Fi module, and communicate with an external server and / or a user terminal device and / or a home appliance based on communication established with an access point (AP) in the home.

[0379] The communication module 500 may communicate with home appliances in the home to receive external temperature information and external air humidity information from the home appliances.

[0380] For example, the communication module 500 may establish communication with a terminal device and receive information related to a user input.

[0381] The first driving device 1320 may be controlled by a control signal generated by the processor 2100 .

[0382] The second driving device 1420 may be controlled by a control signal generated by the processor 2100 .

[0383] The driving devices 1320 and 1420 may include motors (not shown). The first driving device 1320 may include a first motor (not shown).

[0384] The first motor may include a stator (not shown) and a rotor (not shown) coupled to the first ice making tray 1310 .

[0385] The motor may include a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor or a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) motor, the speed of which may be easily controlled.

[0386] The driving devices 1320 and 1420 may include a driver (not shown). The driver may receive a control signal for operating the motor from the processor 2100. The driver may supply a driving current for rotating a rotating shaft of the motor to the motor based on the control signal of the processor 2100. The motor may include a first motor and a second motor. For example, the driver may receive a control signal including a speed command of the motor, and supply a driving current to the motor so that the rotation speed of the motor follows the speed command.

[0387] The driver may provide the processor 2100 with a driving current value supplied to the motor and a rotation speed of the motor.

[0388] For example, when the motor is a BLDC motor, the driver can supply pulse width modulated DC current to the motor. In addition, when the motor is a PMSM motor, the driver can supply AC current to the motor using vector control.

[0389] The refrigerator 1 may include a user interface device 300 .

[0390] The user interface device 300 may include a display unit 310 (not shown). The display unit 310 may include a display (not shown).

[0391] The display unit 310 may display information related to water supply according to a control signal generated by the processor 2100. The display unit 310 may display information related to the amount of water supply. The display unit 310 may display information related to the water supply time. The display unit 310 may display information related to user input to the user.

[0392] The user interface device 300 may include an input unit 320. The input unit 320 may refer to a portion where a user input is entered. When a user performs an input through the input unit 320, the user interface device 300 may generate a corresponding signal.

[0393] Fig.17 It shows Fig.16 The flowchart of the process in which the control unit 2000 controls the ice making device 1000 and the water supply device 200 is shown. Fig.18 It shows Fig.16 The flowchart of the process in which the control unit 2000 controls the ice making device 1000 and the water supply device 200 is shown. Fig.19 It shows Fig.16 A conceptual diagram of a screen displayed on user interface device 300 is shown. Fig. 20 It shows Fig.16 The flowchart of the process in which the control unit 2000 controls the ice making device 1000 and the water supply device 200 is shown.

[0394] Reference Figures 17 to 20, operations in which the control unit 2000 controls the ice making apparatus 1000 and the water supply apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0395] A description will be given by taking a case where the filter 2 - 100 of the filter device 2 - 1 is replaced as an example ( S1 ).

[0396] When the filter 2 - 100 is replaced, foreign matter in the form of fine particles including carbon may be generated from the filter 2 - 100. A method of removing the foreign matter by discharging the foreign matter through water will be described.

[0397] In addition, reference will be made to Fig.19 An example of a screen displayed on the user interface device 300 in each operation described below is described. Fig.19 Each screen shown may be displayed on a display corresponding to portion D1 of user interface device 300. A portion corresponding to portion D2 of user interface device 300 is a portion configured to allow a user to enter user input. Portion D2 of user interface device 300 may be operated by touching or pressing a button.

[0398] Information related to a guide message and a selection window displayed on a user interface described below may be displayed based on information stored in the memory 2200 .

[0399] After replacing the filter 2 - 100 , the user may press a filter initialization key ( S2 ).

[0400] A filter initialization key may be included in the user interface device 300 .

[0401] In response to the filter initialization key being pressed, the user interface device 300 may generate an input signal to be transmitted to the processor 2100. Based on the input signal generated by the user interface device 300, the processor 2100 may store information related to the usage of the filter 2-100 in the memory 2200 to measure the usage of the filter 2-100 from the beginning. In response to the filter initialization key being pressed, the information related to the usage of the filter 2-100 stored in the memory 2200 may be initialized.

[0402] The processor 2100 may control the user interface device 300 to display a notification related to the filter cleaning function execution request on the user interface device 300 based on a signal generated by the user interface device 300 in response to the filter initialization key being pressed ( S3 ).

[0403] The user may check the notification displayed on the user interface device 300 and select whether to perform the filter cleaning function.

[0404] like Fig.19As shown, portion D1 of user interface device 300 may display selection windows of “Execute Now” and “Skip” and a guide message “Execute Filter Cleaning Function.” A key located in portion D2 of user interface device 300 may be manipulated to select one of the two selection windows ( S4 ).

[0405] Depending on the user, the user may not want to dispense water containing foreign matter. In order to remove the foreign matter by dispensing water containing foreign matter, it may take a considerable time before using the ice making function. When ice is needed immediately regardless of whether the ice is clean, the user may want to drive the ice making device 1000 immediately. In this case, the user can not perform the foreign matter removal function by selecting "skip" in the selection window of the user interface device 300.

[0406] When the command related to executing the filter cleaning function displayed on the user interface device 300 is not selected within a preset time period, the user interface device 300 can remove the display of the filter cleaning function. This is the same result as the case of selecting the selection window "Skip" of the user interface device 300 described above.

[0407] The user may select the filter cleaning function. That is, the user may select the selection window "Execute Now" of the user interface device 300 to select the filter cleaning function. When the user selects the filter cleaning function, the user interface device 300 may generate an input signal corresponding to the selection. Based on the input signal generated by the user interface device 300, the processor 2100 may control the ice making device 1000 (S5).

[0408] The processor 2100 may switch the ice trays 1310 and 1410 from the first state to the second state to perform the filter cleaning function. The processor 2100 may control the driving devices 1320 and 1420 based on the input signal generated by the user interface device 300. The driving devices 1320 and 1420 may move the ice trays 1310 and 1410 from the first state to the second state.

[0409] When the first ice making tray 1310 moves from the first state to the second state, the ice making space 1300S of the first ice making tray 1310 may move to face left, right, or downward instead of facing upward. The first ice making tray 1310 may rotate and move with respect to the rotation axis.

[0410] When the first ice tray 1310 is in the second state, the water discharged from the water supply device 200 may move toward the ice bucket 100 after rubbing against the outer surface of the first ice tray 1310, or may move toward the ice bucket 100 without contacting the ice tray 1310. The first ice tray 1310 may be operated in a direct water distribution mode. Here, direct water distribution may refer to water distribution in which the water discharged by the water supply device 200 moves toward the ice bucket 100 without interfering with the ice tray 1310.

[0411] When the second ice making tray 1410 moves from the first state to the second state, the ice making space 1400S may be changed to be opened only toward the water supply device 200, and then only toward the ice bucket 100. The movable tray 1412 of the second ice making tray 1410 may be moved in a direction away from the fixed tray 1411. Accordingly, the ice making space 1400S surrounded by the movable tray 1412 and the fixed tray 1411 may be changed to be opened in a vertical direction.

[0412] When the second ice tray 1410 is in the second state, water discharged from the water supply device 200 may move between the movable tray 1412 and the fixed tray 1411 and drip toward the ice bucket 100. The second ice tray 1410 may be operated in a direct water distribution mode. Here, direct water distribution may refer to water distribution in which the water discharged by the water supply device 200 does not interfere with the ice tray 1410 while moving toward the ice bucket 100.

[0413] However, while the first ice making tray 1310 is in the first state, the following operations may be performed: When water supply continues while the first ice making tray 1310 is in the first state, the supplied water may be stored in the ice making space 1300S and then overflow from the first ice making tray 1310 to move toward the ice bucket 100 .

[0414] Alternatively, while the first ice making tray 1310 and the second ice making tray 1410 are alternately in the first state and the second state, the following operation may be performed: Water discharged from the water supply device 200 may be received in the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S, and then moved toward the ice bucket 100 when the first ice making tray 1310 and the second ice making tray 1410 are switched to the second state.

[0415] Water discharged from the water supply device 200 may be accommodated in a space formed inside the ice bucket 100 .

[0416] The processor 2100 may perform preliminary water distribution after moving the ice making trays 1310 and 1410. The preliminary water distribution may refer to water distribution that checks whether water distribution is allowed before performing main water distribution.

[0417] The processor 2100 may control the user interface device 300 to display whether to continue the preliminary water distribution before continuing the preliminary water distribution on the user interface device 300. The user may choose whether to continue the preliminary water distribution.

[0418] like Fig.19 As shown, the user interface device 300 may display selection windows of “Continue” and “Skip” together with a guide message “Start preliminary water distribution.” The user may manipulate the portion D2 of the user interface to select one of the functions guided in the selection window ( S6 ).

[0419] When "Continue" is selected in the selection window, the user interface device 300 may output an input signal related thereto. In this case, an operation for continuing the preliminary water distribution may be performed. When "Skip" is selected in the selection window, the user interface device 300 may output an input signal related thereto. In this case, an operation for continuing the main water distribution may be performed.

[0420] When the user selects "Continue" in the selection window, the processor 2100 may control the water supply valve 220 to open the water supply pipe 210 to continue the preliminary water distribution. The processor 2100 may control the water supply valve 220 so that a preset amount of water is distributed (S7).

[0421] The preset water volume may refer to the amount of water that, when the ice bucket 100 is not installed on the body 10 , falls on a portion of the body 10 where the ice bucket 100 is to be installed so that the user recognizes that the ice bucket 100 is not installed on the body 10 .

[0422] Preliminary water distribution can be performed for two purposes. One is to check whether the water supply pipe 210 distributes water without blockage. When the water supply pipe 210 is blocked, water supply may not be possible, and therefore, it is possible to identify whether the refrigerator 1 is malfunctioning by checking whether water is not distributed. The other is to check whether the ice bucket 100 is installed on the main body 10. When the ice bucket 100 is not installed on the main body 10, water may be directly distributed to the inside of the main body 10. In this case, it is troublesome to wipe off the water on the main body 10, which is a situation that should be avoided. When water is collected in the ice bucket 100, the water can be discarded by separating the ice bucket 10 from the main body 10.

[0423] The refrigerator 1 may include a mounting sensor 420 . The mounting sensor 420 may output a signal related to whether the ice bucket 100 is mounted on the body 10 .

[0424] The processor 2100 may control the user interface device 300 to omit preliminary water dispensing based on a signal output from the mounting sensor 420 in response to the ice bucket 100 being mounted on the body 10 .

[0425] Since the preliminary water distribution is a process of checking whether the ice bucket 100 is installed on the main body 10 , after confirming whether the ice bucket 100 is installed on the main body 10 , the preliminary water distribution may not be continued.

[0426] In response to the ice bucket 100 not being installed on the body 10, the installation sensor 420 may output a signal related thereto. In this case, the processor 2100 may display a notification on the user interface device 300 that the ice bucket 100 should be installed on the body 10 (this is a subsequent process).

[0427] However, water dispensing may continue even if the ice bucket 100 is not mounted on the main body 10. This is because the device for receiving dispensed water may be used even if the ice bucket 100 is not mounted.

[0428] The processor 2100 may control the user interface device 300 to display a user-selectable indication related to the main water distribution on the user interface device 300 to continue the water distribution ( S8 ).

[0429] like Fig.19 As shown, the user interface device 300 may display selection windows such as “Continue” and “Back” together with a guiding phrase “If the ice bucket is ready, please continue to dispense water”.

[0430] The processor 2100 may allow the user interface device 300 to display a selection window for selecting “Continue” or “Previous” together with a guide message “If the ice bucket is ready, please continue to dispense water”.

[0431] The user may select an operation for selecting preliminary water distribution by pressing "Back" displayed on the user interface device 300. In this case, based on a signal generated by the user interface device 300 in response to the user selecting "Back", the processor 2100 may control the user interface device 300 to output a screen for selecting preliminary water distribution displayed on the interface device 300.

[0432] The user may select an operation for main water distribution by pressing "Continue" displayed on the user interface device 300. In this case, based on a signal generated by the user interface device 300 in response to the user selecting "Continue", the processor 2100 may control the water supply valve 220 so that the water supply valve 220 opens the water supply pipe 210. When the water supply valve 220 opens the water supply pipe 210, water may be discharged through the water supply pipe 210 (S9).

[0433] For reference, water may be supplied from another water supply source and discharged through the water supply pipe 210. In this case, the water pressure of the water supply source may be increased by a separate device that increases the water pressure. In this case, when the water supply valve 220 is opened, since the water supply pipe 210 is connected to the outside, water having a pressure higher than the external atmospheric pressure may be discharged to the outside of the water supply pipe 210. Alternatively, even if the water pressure of the water supply source is not high, the water supply device 200 may include a pump so that the water has a high pressure.

[0434] When the processor 2100 controls the water supply valve 220 to open the water supply valve 220, water may be discharged to the outside of the water supply pipe 210. The water discharged to the outside of the water supply pipe 210 may be discharged toward the ice bucket 100. That is, water distribution may continue.

[0435] When water is discharged to the outside of the water supply pipe 210 through the water supply pipe 210, the flow sensor 410 installed in the water supply pipe 210 may generate a signal corresponding to the amount of supplied water.

[0436] The flow sensor 410 may include a flow sensor body (not shown) having a cylindrical shape and a rotating body (not shown) inserted into the flow sensor body.

[0437] The rotating body can be rotated by the water flow supplied from the water supply source, and includes a support member (not shown) fixing the rotating body inside the flow sensor body, an impeller (not shown) rotating around the rotation axis according to the water flow, and a permanent magnet (not shown) rotating together with the impeller.

[0438] Furthermore, the flow sensor body may have a Hall sensor (not shown) which is formed outside the flow sensor body and is configured to detect a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet of the rotating body.

[0439] According to the rotation of the permanent magnet, the Hall sensor can detect the magnetic field in the same cycle as the rotation cycle of the rotating body, and can output an electric pulse whenever the magnetic field is detected.

[0440] Processor 2100 can calculate the amount of water supplied from the external water supply source to the pure water supply module based on the total number of electrical pulses output by flow sensor 410, and calculate the flow rate of water supplied to the pure water supply module based on the number of electrical pulses per unit time (e.g., 1 second).

[0441] The processor 2100 may control the user interface device 300 to display water supply amount information based on the signal generated by the flow sensor 410. In this case, the user interface device 300 may display information on the amount of water supplied so far or information on the amount of water to be supplied for purified water (S10).

[0442] In this case, the amount of water discharged to remove foreign matter generated in the filter 2-100 may be determined by experience or experiment. For example, the amount of water discharged to remove foreign matter generated in the filter 2-100 may be 20L.

[0443] Alternatively, the processor 2100 may control the user interface device 300 to display information related to the water supply time based on the signal generated by the flow sensor 410 .

[0444] The processor 2100 may control the water supply valve 220 when a condition of stopping water distribution occurs, so that the water supply valve 220 closes the water supply pipe 210 ( S11 ).

[0445] There are three situations in which water distribution may be stopped.

[0446] First, the condition for stopping water distribution is the time when the user inputs a button related to stopping water distribution through the user interface device 300 .

[0447] As described above, the processor 2100 may control the user interface device 300 to display information related to the water distribution amount on the user interface device 300 while dispensing water. While displaying the information related to the water distribution amount, the user interface device 300 may display an input unit 320 for stopping water distribution on the user interface device 300, so that when the user does not want to continue water distribution, the user can stop water distribution.

[0448] For example, Fig.19 As shown, the user interface device 300 can display the information "dispense 0.1L water" on the user interface device 300, which is information related to the current water dispensing amount. While displaying this information, the user interface device 300 can display a selection window "stop" to receive a user input to stop dispensing water.

[0449] When the user provides a stop input to the user interface device 300 by selecting the window "Stop", the user interface device 300 may output a signal corresponding thereto. The processor 2100 may control the water supply valve 220 to close the water supply pipe 210 based on the signal generated by the user interface device 300.

[0450] For a case where the user may mistakenly input a signal related to stopping water supply, even if the user inputs the signal “stop”, the user interface device 300 may display a notification to confirm the input again.

[0451] For example, Fig.19 As shown, the user interface device 300 may display the selection windows “Continue” and “Cancel” together with a guide message “Do you want to stop the filter cleaning function?”.

[0452] When the user inputs a user input corresponding to the selection window “Continue”, the processor 2100 may control the water supply valve 220 to close the water supply pipe 210 .

[0453] When the user inputs a user input corresponding to the selection window 'Cancel', the processor 2100 may maintain the water supply progress and control the user interface device 300 to display information related to the water distribution amount.

[0454] When the user inputs the user input related to stopping the water supply, the water distribution may be stopped.

[0455] The processor 2100 may control the driving devices 1320 and 1420 so that the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 are positioned in the first state based on an input signal related to stopping water dispensing generated by the user interface device 300. Accordingly, when water is supplied to the ice making trays 1310 and 1410, the water may be contained in the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S (S12).

[0456] The processor 2100 may control the user interface device 300 to display a notification to empty the ice bucket 100 on the user interface device 300 based on an input signal related to stopping water dispensing generated by the user interface device 300. Accordingly, the user may recognize that water contained in the ice bucket 100 needs to be emptied (S13).

[0457] Second, the condition for stopping water distribution is the condition in which the water distribution amount exceeds the predetermined amount.

[0458] The predetermined water distribution amount may be an amount sufficient to discharge foreign matter generated in the filter 2 - 100 .

[0459] When the water distribution volume exceeds the predetermined volume, no further water distribution is required.

[0460] The processor 2100 may control the water supply valve 220 to close the water supply pipe 210 based on a signal indicating that the water distribution amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount.

[0461] To check the amount of water being dispensed, the processor 2100 may use a signal from the flow sensor 410 .

[0462] In order to check the water distribution amount, the processor 2100 can multiply the flow rate of the water discharged per hour by the water distribution time to identify the water distribution amount. In this case, the flow rate of water discharged per hour can be calculated using the water pressure and the cross-sectional area of ​​the water supply pipe 210.

[0463] As described above, the flow sensor 410 can generate a signal related to the water distribution amount by allowing the impeller to rotate. However, when the water pressure is insufficient to rotate the impeller, it may be difficult for the flow sensor 410 to generate an accurate signal related to the water distribution amount. In this case, accurate information related to the water distribution amount can be obtained using information related to the predetermined water pressure and the cross-sectional area of ​​the water distribution pipe that are predetermined in design together with the water distribution time (S12a).

[0464] When the water distribution amount is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the water distribution may be stopped in the same process as the first case of the condition of stopping the water distribution ( S12 b ).

[0465] Third, the condition for stopping water dispensing may be a condition in which the ice bucket 100 is filled with water.

[0466] When the ice bucket 100 is full of water, continued water supply may cause water to overflow from the ice bucket 100. In this case, the user may experience inconvenience when wiping the overflowing water. In order to avoid such inconvenience, when the ice bucket 100 is full of water, water distribution may be stopped.

[0467] In order to identify whether the ice bucket 100 is filled with water, the weight sensor 430 may be used. Alternatively, the weight sensor 430 may be used to identify whether the ice bucket 100 is filled with a preset amount of water.

[0468] The weight sensor 430 may include a piezoelectric element, and may output different signals related to each weight according to the intensity of the current generated by the pressure applied to the piezoelectric element.

[0469] However, the sensor for identifying whether the ice bucket 100 is full of water is not limited to the weight sensor 430. For example, an electrode with both ends open may be located above the ice bucket 100. In this case, when water contacts the electrodes, current may flow through the two electrodes because conductive water may be located between the open electrodes. Accordingly, it is possible to identify whether the ice bucket 100 is full of water. However, for ease of description, it is assumed that the weight sensor 430 is used as a sensor for identifying whether the ice bucket 100 is full of water.

[0470] The processor 2100 may control the water supply valve 220 to close the water supply pipe 210 when the weight of the ice bucket 100 and the water contained therein exceeds a preset value based on a signal generated by the weight sensor 430 in response to the weight of the ice bucket 100 and the water contained therein.

[0471] In addition, the processor 2100 may control the user interface device 300 to display a notification to empty the water contained in the ice bucket 100 on the user interface device 300 when the ice bucket 100 is filled with a sufficient amount of water ( S14 ).

[0472] In the aforementioned embodiment, the concept of the present disclosure is described under the assumption that no water is contained in the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S of the ice making trays 1310 and 1410. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may repeatedly move from the first state to the second state and repeatedly drain the water contained in the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S. In this case, the processor 2100 may control the driving devices 1320 and 1420 to move the ice making trays 1310 and 1410.

[0473] In the above description, the refrigerator 1 and the method for controlling the refrigerator 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure have been described. Hereinafter, the refrigerator 1 and the method for controlling the refrigerator 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. When describing other embodiments, Figures 1 to 20 The same components as those shown are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted.

[0474] Fig.21 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the control unit 2000 of the refrigerator 1 controls the ice making device 1000 and the water supply device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0475] Reference Fig.21 , a method of controlling the refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0476] The description of the above embodiment deals with the generation of foreign matter from the filter 2 - 100 during replacement of the filter 2 - 100 and thus the need to supply water to remove the foreign matter.

[0477] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the description is made on the assumption that foreign matter is contained in the ice making trays 1310 and 1410, and thus water distribution is required to remove the foreign matter.

[0478] The user may press the 'ice tray cleaning key' on the user interface device 300 to input a signal related to an input for cleaning the ice trays 1310 and 1410 to the user interface device 300. In this case, the user interface device 300 may transmit a corresponding signal to the processor 2100 (S1-2).

[0479] The processor 2100 may control the driving devices 1320 and 1420 to empty the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 of the ice making device based on the signal generated by the user interface device 300. This is because the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may be in a state of containing ice. Even if the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 do not contain ice, only the movement of the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may enable foreign objects located in the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S to be discharged (S2-2).

[0480] The ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may be moved from the first state to the second state by the driving devices 1320 and 1420 to be emptied.

[0481] Thereafter, the processor 2100 may control the driving devices 1320 and 1420 to return to the first state so that water may be contained in the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 .

[0482] The processor 2100 may control the water supply valve 220 to open the water supply pipe 210 to continue water distribution when the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 are empty (S3-2).

[0483] The processor 2100 may open or close the water supply valve 220 to discharge a predetermined amount of water. In other words, when a predetermined water distribution amount is met, the processor 2100 may control the water supply valve 220 to close the water supply pipe 210.

[0484] Here, the predetermined amount may refer to an amount of water sufficient to fill the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S. For example, the predetermined water distribution amount may refer to the water distribution amount when the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S are filled with water. The predetermined water distribution amount may be regarded as a one-time water distribution amount (S4-2).

[0485] Since the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 are in the first state, the supplied water may overflow from the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 after water distribution is performed to the extent that the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S are filled with water. To prevent overflow, the water distribution amount may be set to an amount corresponding to the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S.

[0486] When a predetermined amount of water is filled in the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S, the processor 2100 may control the driving devices 1320 and 1420 to move the water located in the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 toward the ice bucket 100 .

[0487] The ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may be moved from the first state to the second state by the processor 2100. That is, the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may be emptied (S5-2).

[0488] That is, when the one-time water distribution amount is satisfied, the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may be emptied.

[0489] However, it is not limited thereto, and the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may maintain the first state after water distribution. In this case, the distributed water filling the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 may overflow the ice making trays 1310 and 1410. The overflowing water may move toward the ice bucket 100 located at one side relative to the gravity direction of the ice making trays 1310 and 1410. As the water overflows, the water may move toward the ice bucket 100 together with foreign matter located inside the ice making trays 1310 and 1410.

[0490] After the water moves from the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 toward the ice bucket 100 , the processor 2100 may end the cleaning process of the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 ( S6 - 2 ).

[0491] However, when it is identified that the foreign matter in the ice making trays 1310 and 1410 is not sufficiently emptied through one water dispensing, the above process (S7-2) may be repeated.

[0492] Fig. 22 2 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the control unit 2000 of the refrigerator 1 controls the ice making device 1000 and the water supply device 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0493] Reference Fig. 22 , a process of identifying whether the ice bucket 100 is mounted on the body 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0494] In the process of selecting whether to continue the preliminary water dispensing, in response to the selection of continuing the preliminary water dispensing, it can be checked whether the ice bucket is installed on the body 10. More specifically, when selecting the preliminary water dispensing, it can be checked whether the ice bucket is installed on the body 10 before performing the preliminary water dispensing (S6a-3).

[0495] The processor 2100 may control the user interface device 300 to display an indication of possible water leakage during the preliminary water distribution on the interface device 300 based on a signal generated by the mounting sensor 420 in response to the mounting state of the ice bucket on the body 10 (S6b-3).

[0496] Then, as described above, the processor 2100 may control the water supply valve 220 to continue the preliminary water distribution.

[0497] Fig.23 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the control unit of the refrigerator 1 controls the ice making device 1000 and the water supply device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0498] Reference Fig.23 , a process of stopping water dispensing based on the filling degree of water in the ice bucket 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure ( S12 - 4 ) will be described.

[0499] As described above, the condition for stopping the water dispensing includes a case where the ice bucket 100 is filled with more water than a predetermined amount.

[0500] The weight of the ice bucket 100 and the water contained inside the ice bucket 100 may be measured by the weight sensor 430 ( S12 a - 4 ).

[0501] The processor 2100 may identify whether the weight measured by the weight sensor 430 corresponds to a water amount greater than or equal to the water overflowing from the ice bucket 100. The processor 2100 may control the water supply valve 220 to stop dispensing water based on the identified information (S12b-4).

[0502] Fig.24 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the control unit 2000 of the refrigerator 1 controls the ice making device 1000 and the water supply device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0503] Reference Fig.24 , the water supply operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0504] Before continuing with water distribution, an operation to identify the presence of foreign matter may additionally be performed.

[0505] The refrigerator 1 may further include a foreign object detection sensor (not shown).

[0506] The foreign matter detection sensor may output a signal in response to whether foreign matter is contained in the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S of the ice making apparatus 1000 or whether foreign matter is contained in water supplied to the water supply apparatus 200 through the filter 2 - 100 ( S2 a - 5 ).

[0507] The processor 2100 may determine whether to select the filter cleaning function based on a signal output by the foreign matter detection sensor. In other words, the processor 2100 may not perform the filter cleaning function based on a signal generated by the foreign matter detection sensor in response to the presence of foreign matter in the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S or in the water supplied from the water supply device 200. In this case, there is no foreign matter to be removed, and thus the ice making device 1000 may be used in the same manner as the conventional technology. However, the processor 2100 may perform the filter cleaning function (S6-5) based on a signal generated by the foreign matter detection sensor in response to the presence of foreign matter in the ice making spaces 1300S and 1400S or in the water supplied from the water supply device 200.

[0508] Here, the filter cleaning function may include processes related to the above-mentioned filter cleaning function.

[0509] Fig.25 is a flowchart illustrating a process in which the control unit 2000 of the refrigerator 1 controls the ice making device 1000 and the water supply device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0510] Reference Fig.25 , a method of preventing water in the ice bucket 100 from freezing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0511] Since the ice bucket 100 is located in the storage chamber 20 while the water dispensing continues, the water contained in the ice bucket 100 may freeze. When the water in the ice bucket 100 freezes, the user may need to remove the ice in the ice bucket 100 to use the ice bucket 100, which is not preferred. Accordingly, it is necessary to prevent the water in the ice bucket 100 from freezing.

[0512] To prevent the water in the ice bucket 100 from freezing, the processor 2100 may control the cold air supply device to prevent cold air from being supplied to the ice bucket 100 for a predetermined period of time based on a signal related to the water dispensing process generated by the user interface device 300 ( S10 a - 6 ).

[0513] The processor 2100 may control the cold air supply device to stop the operation of the cold air supply device during the entire water distribution period.

[0514] Alternatively, the processor 2100 may control the cold air supply device to intermittently stop the operation of the cold air supply device during water distribution.

[0515] Fig.26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an ice-making apparatus 1000 of a refrigerator 1 and related components thereof according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0516] Reference Fig.26 , describe for implementation and reference Fig.14 Configurations for the same purpose of the embodiments of the present disclosure are described.

[0517] The ice making apparatus 1000 may include a heater 600 - 7 .

[0518] The heater 600 - 7 may be in contact with the ice bucket 100 .

[0519] The processor 2100 may control the heater 600-7 to operate the heater 600-7 based on the signal related to water distribution generated by the user interface device 300. Accordingly, the water in the ice bucket 100 may be prevented from freezing.

[0520] Fig. 27 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator 1 - 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0521] Reference Fig. 27 , a refrigerator 1 - 8 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0522] The ice making apparatus 1000 according to the present disclosure may be applied to the refrigerator 1 - 8 equipped with not only the freezing chamber 20 a - 8 but also the refrigerating chamber 20 b - 8 .

[0523] The refrigerator 1-8 may include a dispenser (not shown) for supplying water. Even in this case, the concept of the ice making device 1000-8 and the control of the ice making device 1000-8 and the water supply device (not shown) according to the present disclosure may be applied in the same manner as described above.

[0524] Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated illustrative embodiments may be combined with other embodiments. Alternatively, when one embodiment is combined with another embodiment, it should be understood that the embodiments may be combined unless explicitly limited. The combination of one embodiment with another embodiment is considered to be disclosed in this document.

[0525] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the concept and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: main body; Water supply equipment, including: a water supply pipe at least partially inserted into the body, and a water supply valve configured to open and close the water supply pipe; Ice making equipment, including: an ice making tray defining an ice making space, the ice making tray being movable so that when the ice making tray is positioned to make ice, water discharged from the water supply pipe can be contained in the ice making space, and a driving device configured to move the ice making tray; a user interface device configured to receive user input; and A control unit configured to perform a function of removing foreign matter contained in water discharged from the water supply pipe based on a received user input: controlling the driving device to move the ice making tray to a position that prevents water discharged from the water supply pipe from being accommodated in the ice making space, and The water supply valve is controlled to open the water supply pipe so that water is discharged from the water supply pipe.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: An ice bucket, below the ice tray, Wherein, the control unit is configured to: control the driving device to move the ice making tray so that the water discharged from the water supply pipe moves directly toward the ice bucket.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The ice making tray is movable between a first state in which water discharged from the water supply pipe is accommodated in the ice making space and a second state in which water discharged from the water supply pipe is prevented from being accommodated in the ice making space, and The control unit is configured to control the driving device based on the received user input so that the ice making tray is positioned in the second state.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The ice tray comprises: Fixed plate, and a movable disk configured to be moved toward and away from the fixed disk by the drive device, and The control unit is configured to control the driving device to move the movable tray so that water discharged from the water supply pipe is discharged between the fixed tray and the movable tray.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The ice tray is rotatable around a rotation axis by the driving device, and The control unit is configured to control the driving device to rotate the ice making tray to prevent water discharged from the water supply pipe from being accommodated in the ice making space of the ice making tray.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein: The control unit is configured to: in order to prevent the water discharged from the water supply pipe from being contained in the ice making space of the ice making tray, controlling the driving device so that the ice making tray rotates to a position that prevents water discharged from the water supply pipe from being contained in the ice making space, and The water supply valve is controlled to open the water supply pipe so that water is discharged from the water supply pipe.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein: The control unit is configured to control the water supply valve so that water is discharged from the water supply pipe while preventing the ice making tray from rotating in order to allow water to overflow from the ice making tray based on receiving the user input.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein: The ice bucket is detachably mounted on the main body, and The control unit is configured to control the water supply valve to close the water supply pipe after opening the water supply pipe for a predetermined time to perform a preliminary water distribution process to check whether the ice bucket is mounted on the main body.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising: A mounting sensor is configured to output a signal in response to the ice bucket being mounted on the body, The control unit is configured to control the water supply valve to skip a preliminary water distribution process and continue a main water distribution process based on a signal output from the installation sensor in response to the ice bucket being installed on the main body.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 3, further comprising: a flow sensor configured to output a signal related to the amount of water flowing inside the water supply pipe, Wherein, the control unit is configured to: control the user interface device to display the water distribution amount based on the signal output from the flow sensor.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit is configured to control the user interface device to display the water distribution amount on the user interface device based on the time for which the water flows in the water supply pipe.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein: The control unit is configured to control the water supply valve to close the water supply pipe when the water distribution amount based on the signal output from the flow sensor is greater than a predetermined water distribution amount for discharging the foreign matter.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The user interface device is configured to: receive a user input to stop water supply, and The control unit is configured to control the water supply valve to close the water supply pipe based on the user interface device receiving the user input of stopping the water supply.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 2, further comprising: a weight sensor configured to output a signal related to the amount of water contained in the ice bucket, Wherein, the control unit is configured to: in order to prevent water from overflowing from the ice bucket, identifying whether the amount of water supplied to the ice bucket exceeds a preset amount based on the signal output from the weight sensor, and Based on the amount of water supplied to the ice bucket exceeding the preset amount, the water supply valve is controlled to close the water supply pipe.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein: The control unit is configured to control the driving device to move the ice making tray so that the ice making tray is positioned in the first state where water discharged from the water supply pipe is contained in the ice making space to make ice based on the amount of water discharged from the water supply pipe exceeding a preset value.

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